When I Was Presumed Dead, They Became Unhinged Unknowingly - Chapter 24

And so, we’re back to the hospital room.

“It’s been quite some time since then. During that time, Onii-chan was my Onii-chan, and he comforted me and listened to my complaints and patted my head.”

“Yeah. Sakura is a hard worker.”

“I realized once again that I can only be myself in front of you, Onii-chan. Onii-chan persuaded my mother, but Onii-chan was special to me, and he is more important to me than my family. After Onii-chan disappeared, I realized it all over again.”

She gripped my hand tightly with her frail hand.

“You know… I don’t think I’ll be able to endure it again the next time Onii-chan’s gone. Actually, if Onii-chan hadn’t come here today, I probably would’ve died someday.”

“…Sorry.”

“It’s okay. Onii-chan came back again. Hey, Onii-chan?”

“What?”

Sakura makes eye contact and looks at me with clouded eyes.

“Onii-chan, I’ve been in love with you ever since you said you see me like a little sister.”

“…”

“Right now… I love you so much that I don’t need anyone but you. I love you so much that if you die, I’ll die too. Just having you alive is enough. I love you.”

She hugged me tightly and gently pecked at me. Her cheeks were bright red, but she desperately tried to convey her feelings. I had no choice but to answer without saying anything. All I could do was accept it.

After doing that for a few minutes, she finally let go of my mouth and stared at me.

“Do you like me, Onii-chan? Onii-chan and I are like siblings, but we’re not blood-related, so we can get married and kiss like this.”

“……”

“You know, I didn’t think I’d ever fall in love. There were scenes of characters falling in love in manga and novels, and I made fun of them by saying there was no way they’d fall in love over something like that. But… after thinking over it so much, I realized that there was no way I wouldn’t fall in love with someone who worked so hard to solve my problems. I’m surprisingly easy.”

Sakura smiled self-deprecatingly.

“Hey, Onii-chan. Do you like me?”

“…Yeah, I love you.”

“As a little sister? Or as a member of the opposite sex?”

“That’s…”

As a member of the opposite sex, of course. I was about to say that out loud, so I quit. If I said that now, I wouldn’t be able to back down. It was the act of trampling on her feelings and turning her down.

“I know. You’re kind, Onii-chan. I know what you were trying to say. I’m sure I knew that and drowned with you. But that’s no good. That’s just my selfishness. I can’t cause you any more trouble. Besides… Onii-chan has other women besides me.”

“…Sorry.”

“It’s fine. As long as you’re Onii-chan, I don’t care. But if anyone monopolizes Onii-chan too much, I’ll kill them. So… Onii-chan. I hope you keep this in your mind.”

She stagnated her eyes even more, and spat out words with a muddy feeling that was far colder than before.

“Onii-chan, if you disappear or die again, I’ll chase you to the depths of hell. Prepare yourself, Onii-chan.”

What should I say to her when she says that with a smile like a blooming flower?