Don’t Tease Boys!

Before we knew it, it was already after school.

“Shall we go?”

“Yeah.”

As promised, I head to the library with Imari to study.

Although we could have studied in the classroom, for some reason, we chose the library.

“Well, I never expected the classroom to be unavailable.”

“Yeah. I knew the brass band used it occasionally, but it was quite the timing today.”

So, we ended up in the library where we could study.

Walking side by side with Imari through the bustling hallway.

“Oh, by the way, mind if I send a quick text?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

I quickly retrieved my phone from my pocket and sent a message stating that I’ll be studying and coming home late today.

The recipient, of course, was my stepsister, Yukine.

“Well, you know, I think Imari is aware, but Yukine always comes to pick me up, right? So if I don’t let her know, she’ll end up waiting for me.”

“Oh yeah, that’s right. You’re always grinning like an idiot about it, Miyoshi-kun.”

“Huh? I grin about it?”

“You are. You’re always proudly telling Narahashi-kun, ‘My little sister’s waiting for me at the school gate!'”

“Seriously… I had no idea.”

“Yep, Miyoshi-kun is definitely a siscon.”

Imari chuckled teasingly. 

It dawned on me that because of the unusual dynamic between Yukine and me, I had completely forgotten, but I really was quite the sister-con.

“I mean, who wouldn’t be happy when their adorable little sister eagerly waits for them?” 

“Hmm? So, when you often complain to me about your sister’s strange behavior, is that just you bragging?” 

“No, those are genuine concerns!” 

“Well, either way, it doesn’t matter to me.” 

“Y-You’re being mean, Imari-san…” 

Lately, I felt like Imari was teasing me more and more, or maybe even being a bit malicious. Perhaps I looked at her chest too much.

“If I’m being mean, it’s because of you, Miyoshi-kun.” 

“Huh? What do you mean?” 

Turning around with a small smile, Imarri fluttered her skirt and placed a hand over her mouth before replying.

“Hehe, it’s a secret.” 

Let’s keep that little heart-fluttering moment just between us.

“It’s closed, huh?”

“Yeah, it’s unusual considering it’s usually open.”

“Indeed.”

Perhaps there was an announcement somewhere, but I certainly don’t remember. Even if I didn’t know, it’s possible there was some urgent matter.

“What should we do?”

“Well… there aren’t any available classrooms, and the study room doesn’t really feel like a place for just the two of us to study.”

“I didn’t expect there to be so few places to study.”

“A calm place to study, huh… How about a café? Well, even though it might be noisy and hard to concentrate…” 

As I pondered, I considered that maybe a café would be suitable.

“Then, how about studying at my place?”

“Wha… What? Your place, Imari?”

“Yeah. Well, since it’s come to this, and my house is close to school, so it’s convenient, right?”

“W-well, that’s true, but…”

Suddenly, I found myself awkwardly conscious of Imari’s room, and my words stumbled.

“(Imari’s room… That’s where she sleeps, wakes up, changes clothes, right? Can I really step into such a sacred space? I mean, I’ve never even been inside a girl’s room…)”

As I was fretting over these thoughts, Imari narrowed her eyes and looked at me intently.

“You’re thinking about something naughty right now, aren’t you?”

“No, no, I’m not! Seriously!”

“Really? We’re just going to study, you know? You understand that, right?”

“Of course, I understand perfectly! Besides, we have to focus on the upcoming tests, so there’s no room for anything else!”

“…Room for anything else?” 

My suspicious tone prompted her question.

“Ah, no, it’s nothing! Really!”

“Well, I’ll trust you since it’s you, Miyoshi-kun. So, my place is okay?”

“Yes, please!”

“Okay, got it.”

Imari responded with a gentle smile.

Relieved that the location was settled and that I’m free from suspicion, I followed Imari as she started walking.

“Oh, by the way—”

“Today, nobody’s home.”

“…………eh?”

Imari said it casually.

Then, she looked at me with a mischievous expression.

“N-No, it’s not like that! And besides, that’s your fault, Imari!”

“Hehe, you’re just too fun to tease, Miyoshi-kun.”

“Please refrain from teasing boys! Speaking on behalf of all males, please only say that when you’re serious!”

“Ahaha!”

I glanced sideways at Imari, who was laughing heartily, and I fanned my face with my hand to cool down the heat.

And so, it was decided that we would have a study session at Imari’s place.

◇　◇　◇

Ping! My smartphone chimed.

Just as I was about to leave the house, I paused putting on my shoes and checked my phone.

“It’s from Onii-chan!”

Excitedly, I checked the message, which said he would be late coming home today.

I pondered for a moment and muttered to myself.

“…Suspicious.”

Lately, I have been sensing the presence of women on Onii-chan more often.

Could this be…? Suddenly, a sense of urgency welled up within me.

“I need to take action… to protect our future, mine and my Onii-chan’s.”

I decided to take action to safeguard our future.