The Protagonist's Sister Loves Me, But She's Definitely a Yandere. - Chapter 50: Unknown Intentions

Chapter 50: Unknown Intentions

The distance between Hinata and me grew wider by the day.

It was partly because our values had changed as we grew up, and partly because everything around us was changing so fast. It was just one of those things.

But that didn’t mean the past disappeared.

Hinata and I were childhood friends, and there was a time when we were so close we’d call each other best friends.

Even now, part of me still wished we could go back to how we used to be.

Then there was Mimi leaving Hinata’s harem.

Kusunoki’s sister filling that spot.

Hinata showing no signs of dating anyone.

With all these tangled situations, things between us had gotten heavy, like there was an unspoken rule not to address the tension.

And now, Hinata had broken that balance.

I stood there, frowning at the confusing message he sent.

That’s when Mimi and Runa peeked over at my phone from beside me.

I wasn’t trying to hide anything, so I let out a sigh.

“…What’s he trying to do with this?”

When I asked, both of them made clear grimaces.

“I might not be the best person to say this, but it’s probably something stupid.”

“Knowing him, he’s probably going to say something super pathetic.”

I gave a vague, “…Who knows,” and put my phone away.

Realizing I wasn’t going to talk about it, the two of them didn’t press me further. They were probably curious, though. …Now, what should I do?

Was Hinata reaching out because Mimi never really liked him?

Was he trying to figure out if Mimi actually liked me?

I didn’t know what he wanted to ask, and I didn’t have all the answers anyway. I left the message on “read” without replying. I couldn’t think of the right words.

After that, I got roped into picking out Mimi’s swimsuit, got dragged around by Runa, and even had to endure them debating my own swimsuit choice.

Fueled by a heat that even the summer sun couldn’t beat, we finally wrapped up our shopping and parted ways at the station.

Mimi headed in a different direction, while Runa and I walked the same way home. The fact that Mimi didn’t live too far was… unsettling.

“—Sorry for making you carry the bags.”

“It’s no big deal. They’re not that heavy.”

“Give me half. I’ll carry some too.”

Runa reached for the bags, but I casually sidestepped her hand.

Honestly, this stuff wasn’t heavy at all —it was just swimsuits.

“…Thanks.”

“Sure thing.”

It was full-on summer, and even though the days were long, the sky had started to turn a soft purple. Before long, the sun would completely set, and the town would look different under the night lights.

Runa and I walked side by side, our footsteps in sync.

We weren’t talking, just letting the quiet, peaceful air surround us.

Then I brought up the conversation I had left hanging earlier.

“So, about that thing I was trying to say before…”

“I was wondering about that. What is it?”

Runa tilted her head slightly.

“Well, it’s kind of a weird question…”

“You’re making me nervous talking like that.”

She gave a small, joking smile.

“…Do you, uh, have my handkerchief? Maybe you picked it up or something?”

“A handkerchief? Wait, that’s what you wanted to ask?”

“Yeah, that’s all. If you don’t have it, forget it.”

The serious look on her face faded.

She looked a bit surprised and started thinking it over.

A while back, I thought I saw my missing handkerchief in Runa’s bag.

Maybe I was mistaken, but the idea that she might have “taken” it wasn’t impossible.

I wanted to clear things up, one way or another.

“I think I lost it, so I thought maybe you had it.”

“…If I had it, don’t you think I would’ve given it back right away?”

“Yeah, you’re right. …Sorry, forget I asked.”

My question had come out wrong. Her answer left no room for doubt.

“Was that handkerchief really that important?”

“Not really, but buying a new one is just a waste of money.”

I didn’t say when I lost it. I just gave a reasonable excuse.

“—Ah.”

A voice cut through the air. A guy’s voice. 

Runa and I turned our heads at the same time. It was someone I didn’t want to see. But it was someone I needed to face.

Runa made no effort to hide her annoyance and let out an audible “Ugh.” I gave a bitter smile.

“Hey, Shinji. …And Runa.”

“What a surprise. You’re out alone at this time, Hinata?”

“I was just hanging out with some friends. We split up, and I was heading home.”

Runa ignored him completely and tugged on my sleeve. “Let’s go.”

Usually, that would have been the end of it. But this time, Hinata didn’t let it go.

“Wait up, Shinji. Don’t just ignore me.”

“…I’m still figuring out how to respond. You kinda caught me off guard.”

“Yeah, well, I’ll let it slide. …Anyway, let’s go, Shinji.”

Hinata jerked his chin, signaling me to follow him.

But Runa wasn’t about to let that happen.

“Seriously? You’re just going to drag him off to do something pointless again.”

“…Whether it’s pointless or not has nothing to do with you. Shinji’s not your property, is he?”

“Hah, that’s rich coming from you. You treat Shin-nii like some kind of tool.”

Sparks flew. A sudden argument between the siblings.

“Runa, calm down. …It’s fine, Hinata. Let’s talk, just the two of us.”

I had been debating how to reply to his message, but lucky or unlucky, he showed up himself.

Either way, this was a conversation we needed to have sooner or later.

It just happened to come sooner than I expected. I never thought it would be today.

“That’s what I’m talking about, Shinji. So, there you go, Runa.”

“Well, we both have things we want to ask. Let’s clear it up once and for all.”

“…Yeah. Just us guys, no more secrets.”

Runa looked down at the ground for a moment and then said softly, “Come back soon.”

I wondered what words she held back. 

I nodded to let her know I understood.

―――――

Author’s Note:

Even with a snail’s pace update schedule, I’ve made it to 50 chapters.

This is all thanks to everyone who’s been following along. I’m truly grateful!

TLN:

We’re up to the raws; the last update was on October 10, 2024.

Thank you all for reading!