When I Picked Up A Stunningly Gorgeous Downer-Type Beauty In Front Of The Entrance.

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If asked whether the maid outfit suits me.

The moving process, which began without any explanation, surprisingly came to an end quite quickly, in about two hours or so.

The reason? The minimal amount of belongings owned by Sajou-san. There were hardly any items to transport, just a few cardboard boxes. My sister only brought an empty student bag, which seemed to indicate she didn’t have much to move. Well, whether there were a lot or a little, I had a feeling my sister slacked off.

While I was surprised by the scarcity of her belongings, it also made sense. Ah, that’s just like her.

Naturally, I couldn’t see what was inside the girl’s luggage, but judging by the weight and feel, it was mostly clothing. Perhaps a few miscellaneous items. It did bother me that there weren’t even school textbooks or things for classes. She probably left everything at school. I remember seeing her struggling with the weight of her bag, leaning over from the heaviness, a few days before we moved. Apparently, she had no intention of studying at home.

If anything, the time-consuming part was when my sister decided to pack up the stuff she wanted to send to Hokkaido. She gave instructions here and there but mostly sat comfortably on her bed, seemingly unconcerned.

“Phew… We’re done.”

“…It’s strange that you’re filled with a sense of accomplishment.”

“I’m thirsty.”

Ignoring my complaints, my sister hopped off the bed and went straight out of the room, which was now Sajou-san’s.

She’s such a carefree sister.

Her belongings were piled up in front of the entrance, and the room itself looked remarkably tidy. There was a study desk, a bed. It had a fancy vibe, typical of my sister’s taste, with hearts and lace embellishments on the bed and curtains. With most of the belongings gone, there was a sense of emptiness, somewhat lonely.

In one corner, there were some cardboard boxes brought from Sajou-san’s room, making it look like a moving day had just begun. Still, the lack of belongings was noticeable.

Lost in thought about the changed scenery of the room, I felt a bit awkward about my sister’s exit.

“…Ah.”

“…What?”

Sajou-san sat down, hugging her knees, using the side of the bed as a backrest.

We hadn’t seen each other for a month, so there was a slight awkwardness.

I inwardly blamed my sister for creating this situation. At least she could have stayed a bit longer. It’s pathetic to think like this, but still.

However, if my sister created this awkward situation, she also provided the opportunity to start a conversation.

Despite feeling a bit like she’s fishing for compliments, I expressed some gratitude while using the topic my sister left behind as a conversation starter.

“…What’s with that maid outfit?”

“Huh!?”

“…This… um…”

Her reaction was dramatic; her eyes widened, and her cheeks flushed red. She remained in a seated position, with her back turned towards me, moving her butt uncomfortably.

“…Your sister… kind of forced me. ‘If I’m going to take care of my brother, I have to dress the part,’ she said…”

“Ah.”

I tilt my chin up slightly and raise my eyes.

Don’t say it, if it’s my sister. And she does.

Thinking about a maid outfit as a result of caretaking is a bit cliché, but well, she probably didn’t put any thought into it as usual. Just a random idea.

Basically, my sister lives by spontaneity and enthusiasm.

I don’t quite understand why she has a maid outfit… Well, because it’s my sister, I can accept it.

I return my gaze downwards and look at Sajou-san in the maid version again.

Yeah, it suits her well. She looks like a maid chief. Or maybe, a maid who tends to slack off but is still excellent. Two extremes, but both fitting.

Pairing her with an air-headed clumsy maid would make a great combo. A classic odd couple.

But seriously, I wonder why Sajou-san agreed to wear it.

She wouldn’t hesitate or consider who the other person is. For instance, if I were to ask, “Can you wear a maid outfit?” I’d surely receive a disdainful gaze accompanied by a low voice saying, “Huh?” as if I were the trash of society. Just imagining it makes my heart flutter. Of course, not out of excitement.

It’s kind of surprising, and as I find myself staring, Sajou-san looks over her shoulder and purses her lips cutely.

“…You’re probably thinking it doesn’t suit me, right? I know without you saying it. Outfits like this should be worn by cute girls like your sister.”

“Huh? No, no, it suits you really well. I’m serious, not joking.”

“…Liar.”

“I’m not lying.”

Certainly, my sister is still quite childish for a second-year middle schooler, but her appearance is adorable enough to pull off a maid outfit. In that case, she’d probably become a troublesome maid full of mischievousness, teasing her master.

She’s always a handful, no matter what.

However, just because my sister looks good in it doesn’t mean Sajou-san wouldn’t.

“Yeah, it suits you well.

I’d even want to be taken care of in that outfit every day.

Why not try calling yourself ‘master’ for once?”

“What’s that? Creepy.”

Her sharp retort is typical of Sajou-san, and it’s so comforting to feel that familiar sensation again, almost to the point of tears.

Yeah, really… I could cry. Sniffle.

I hug my knees and roll over like a daruma doll. It’s strange how joy and sadness coexist, I think absentmindedly.

“Ruu-ruu.”

“…”

Rolling around to comfort my broken heart.

Sajou-san grimaces while messing around like a child.

She seems displeased. But maybe she’s regretting what she said?

Well, it’s not like I’m particularly hurt by it.

Still, I was left alone without permission. To make her reflect, I’ll continue this pose of being hurt by heartless words.

I’m definitely not pouting like a child to get attention. Seriously.

“Rihito…”

“Ruu-ruu.”

Ignoring her call deliberately, I continue rolling while hugging my knees.

I start feeling more like a rolling cleaning tool than a daruma doll. There’s dust stuck to my bangs.

And then, as I use my body to clean, I realize the room has fallen silent.

There’s no response from Sajou-san.

Huh? Did she leave me alone?

Wondering if I overdid the attention-seeking, I release my knees and sit up. I cross my legs.

I noticed Sajou-san gripping the neckline of her ample clothing tightly with one hand, biting her lip as if enduring something. I couldn’t see her eyes because her face was down, but her cheeks were flushed with anger, and I could hear the sound of her blood draining from her face.

Uh oh. I went too far.

I panicked and tried to apologize, but I swallowed the words as Sajou-san glared at me sharply, her eyes twitching.

Ah… it’s over. I resigned myself to that fact.

However, the words that came trembling from her lips were the opposite of what I expected.

“Mas… Master…”

As she trembled with humiliation, clutching her shoulders, my mind went blank.

At the same time, my heart trembled like a tuning fork, and indescribable excitement coursed through my spine. It was a strange sensation.

Wait, what’s this— I reached out to Sajou-san, blushing with embarrassment, to confirm that feeling. But at that moment…

“I’m hungry! I want to eat my Nee-san’s homemade cooking!”

My sister entered, cheerfully demanding food, and the awkward atmosphere dissipated like mist in the wind.

Sajou-san and I quickly turned our backs to each other.

Watching us, my sister tilted her head.