When I Thought I Was Reborn, My Family Turned Out to Be a Huge Landmine - Chapter 10: My Sister's Birthday, and Then…

Chapter 10: My Sister’s Birthday, and Then…

“It seems you slept quite well.”

“Yeah, I feel refreshed now.”

After school that day, when I had dreamed about being hit by a train and dying, I was walking home with Kenichi.

It seems I had fallen into a deep sleep after going to the nurse’s office with Yumeno.

I woke up to the school nurse saying I had slept comfortably.

When I returned to the classroom, I received some strange looks, but Kenichi and Sogo asked if I was okay, which reduced the odd stares.

“I’ve been wondering, are you and Yumeno close?”

“Not particularly.”

Ah, I should probably keep it a secret that we exchanged contact information.

Not that it matters much that I got her contact, but Kenichi is the type to mercilessly crush those who seem too happy.

“What’s up?”

“Nothing.”

“Right. But it makes sense… We usually hang out together, and you do talk to Yumeno sometimes.”

“Right? So we’re not that close.”

As I said that, Kenichi slung his arm around my shoulders. Annoying as it was, I let him do as he pleased.

“Kenichi and I are in the Non-Popular Alliance. If you knew her contact, who knows what he might’ve thought.”

“Hmm.”

Yeah, let’s never say that.

After that, Kenichi and I wandered around the city, killing time, and during our walk, we spotted someone familiar.

“Is she…?”

The woman I had recently seen at home, Asakura-san. The man she was walking arm in arm with wasn’t Nii-san… so, her boyfriend, maybe? But… could he be another affair partner? At this point, it’s all too confusing for me.

“? What’s up, Ren? Is that your type?”

“No, it’s not like that. She’s an acquaintance of my brother.”

“Heh, your brother’s.”

Asakura-san and the man were talking, and then he disappeared into a store. Left idle, Asakura-san took out her smartphone and looked around. By some coincidence, our eyes met. She walked over, smiling.

“Hey, little brother. What a coincidence to meet here.”

“Hello, Asakura-san. It’s the first time we’ve met in town like this.”

“Indeed. Is this your friend?”

“Hi there, Onee-san! Yes, I’m his friend!”

“Wow, a lively kid.”

Ah, Asakura-san seems taken aback… This is a rare sight in some ways.

“Is that your boyfriend?”

I asked directly, and Asakura-san nodded. They attend the same university and are in the same department.

Kenichi muttered something about him being too perfect, then added that he wished he could have a relationship like that. 

Anyone who doesn’t know Asakura-san would probably say the same as Kenichi.

“But in bed, he’s not quite up to your brother’s level, I guess.”

“In bed… Wait, what?”

Kenichi looked stunned, and Asakura-san laughed seductively, whispering something in his ear.

“That’s right. I can’t get satisfaction with my boyfriend. So I always turn to your brother to comfort me. Fufu. He makes me feel really good.”

“…Is that so?”

I couldn’t quite keep up with Asakura-san’s conversation, but I think the main reason was that my impression of her, similar to the one I had earlier, was crumbling.

“The adult world is full of complexities. You’ll understand when you’re older. Maybe I should show you myself?”

“No, thank you…”

I get it, Kenichi. When I first met Asakura-san, she seemed kind, mature. But when she started talking like this, I was stunned. If the woman I dated turned out to be like her, I’d go crazy.

Her boyfriend returned, and Asakura-san walked away with him. Kenichi, who had been staring at her back in shock, finally snapped back to reality.

“Maybe I should stay single for a while.”

“Yeah… But I think people like her are rare.”

If everyone were like her, I think the world would end, seriously. Meeting Asakura-san left us in a strange mood, so to shake it off, Kenichi and I headed to the game centre. It turned out to be more fun than I expected, and before we knew it, it was evening.

“That was fun. Time to head home.”

“Yeah, I’m pretty tired.”

While buying a juice for a break, I noticed a family with a child nearby. It seemed to be the child’s birthday, as the father was giving a large stuffed animal as a gift. The child’s joyful squeals and the smiling parents made for a heartwarming scene.

“…It’s almost Nee-san’s birthday. What should I get her this year?”

October was ending, and November was approaching. Nee-san’s birthday is on November 22, so I should buy and prepare her gift early. I’ll probably discuss it with Nii-san, and regarding the cake, I guess I’ll pick it up on the day… but, am I thinking too far ahead?

“Hey, hurry up?”

“Sorry, coming!”

Just as I was about to run to Kenichi, I thought I saw a different scene for a moment.

“It can’t be… right? Ren, you went out to buy a cake for me… Why… How could this happen…?”

“…?”

I looked around in shock. But the scene around me was as usual, busy with people and noise.

“…What was that really about?”

Shaking my head, I quickly joined Kenichi.

After parting ways with Kenichi, I headed home. When I opened the door, I saw, unusually, both my sister’s and brother’s shoes, so they seemed to be home already. I went to the living room to greet them, but then… huh?

“…What’s going on here?”

“Oh! Welcome back, Ren.”

“…Hey.”

Nii-san was sitting in seiza, a formal sitting position. Normally, any issue between the two would lead to a verbal fight, but today, Nii-san seemed to shrink away. Nee-san’s sharp gaze at Nii-san was intense, as if she could shoot someone… What was going on?

“I’m at fault here. I’m sorry, Asami.”

“…”

Nii-san bowed his head… That’s rare. I couldn’t quite grasp the situation, but then I noticed a broken mug on the table. It was usually used by Nee-san, and it was a gift from me years ago.

“You broke something important to me. Are you prepared to die for it?”

Wait, Nee-san, isn’t that a bit over the top—

“Yes, do it quickly.”

“Wait!?”

I instinctively stepped in between them. Nee-san stopped when I stood in front, but her glare at Nii-san remained unchanged. Well, it seems I’ve decided on one of the birthday gifts.

“It doesn’t seem like Nii-san meant any harm… right? I’m happier when Nee-san is smiling rather than angry. Come on, return to being the kind Onee-chan—”

Mmph. Suddenly, my vision went black. It seemed Nee-san had hugged me tightly.

“Say it again, say it one more time!”

“…Say what?”

“Call me Onee-chan.”

“…Onee-chan.”

“Uwahh… It’s been so long since Ren called me that. Alright, I’ll forgive you for Ren’s sake.”

“…I’m sorry.”

Now that their exchange was over, I wished Nee-san would let go.

“Ufufu~♪ Onee-chan, Onee-chan… such a blissful sound.”

Her ecstatic expression gave me chills, but if it improved Nee-san’s mood, then I guess it’s good…? I tried to get away, but Nee-san’s grip was too strong, and I ended up being pushed down onto the sofa behind us.

“I like the cool Ren who calls me ‘Nee-san’ now, but I also like the cute Ren who used to call me ‘Onee-chan.'”

“Ah, thanks.”

“Thanks…? Does that mean it’s your response to my confession—”

“Calm down, idiot.”

“Ouch!”

She received a neat slap on the head. Nee-san’s eyes teared up, but thankfully, she let go, and I was finally free.

“You always rush into things; that’s a bad habit of yours. At least be a reliable sister in front of your brother.”

“I’m aware I’m an easy sister who gets overjoyed or upset by every little thing Ren does, but you’re one to talk. Have you ever reflected on yourself? Can you really say, ‘I’m a reliable big brother in front of Ren’? Huh? What about that, idiot?”

“…I’m sorry.”

Sorry, but they’re both a hassle when they’re like this.