When I Thought I Was Reborn, My Family Turned Out to Be a Huge Landmine - Chapter 16: Asami's Feelings

Chapter 16: Asami’s Feelings

As soon as I was called into the room by Nee-san, I found myself suddenly pushed down.

It seemed like the usual teasing or perhaps a bit too much of sibling skinship, but her determined eyes left me at a loss for a response.

The change in Nee-san’s demeanor since something struck her during dinner continued even now. It might be odd to say, but it felt like I was more attuned to Nee-san’s emotions than ever before.

“Ren, I love you. I truly do.”

Saying that, Nee-san pressed her cheek against mine. Rubbing her cheek against me as if to mark her presence, I wondered what I should say in response. However, it’s undeniable that this level of skinship with Nee-san is dangerous in many ways, yet it’s in these close moments that I realize something. Nee-san seems to be seeking some reassurance, that’s the feeling I got.

“Nee-san.”

“Ren.”

We were so close that our faces almost touched. Nee-san, with flushed cheeks, closed her eyes, but unfortunately, I wasn’t going to respond to her expectations. Instead, I placed my hand behind Nee-san’s head, guiding her toward my chest.

“Eh? …Ren?”

It seemed like she might protest, but I wanted to do this. It looked like Nee-san was pushing herself too hard.

“Let’s calm down a bit. Nee-san, aren’t you forcing yourself?”

“What are you talking about…?”

…It’s too obvious, isn’t it?

Seeing my expression, Nee-san seemed flustered at first but soon let out a small sigh as if she realized she was seen through. Then, she quietly laid her face against my chest.

“…Ren, is it okay if I sleep next to you?”

“I’d appreciate it if we could change this position.”

“Fufu, that’s true. Maybe I rushed things a bit.”

Nee-san got off me and lay down beside me. This is Nee-san’s room and her bed, so she doesn’t really need my permission… But since she moved away, I guess it’s fine. Nee-san, now next to me, kept peering into my face.

“Do you really want to see my face that much?”

“Yes. If I could, I’d want to keep looking at you forever. I even want to lock you in my room and watch you eternally.”

“That’s a joke, right?”

“A joke… I wish I could say that, but it feels like if I look away for a moment, Ren, you might go far away.”

…Again. When Nee-san says things like that, she seems to be holding back something. Remembering how she was crying earlier makes me feel her mood even more. I took hold of Nee-san’s hand next to me.

“Ren?”

“…Somehow, I felt that Nee-san was in pain.”

I don’t know what Nee-san is struggling with. So, all I can do is stay by her side like this and listen to her if she’s willing to talk.

“Ren, say…”

“Yes? What is it?”

I listened attentively to Nee-san’s words. Despite a bit of hesitation, she continued speaking.

“What would you do if someone dear to you died?”

…Well, what does that mean exactly? I’m probably looking bewildered right now. But Nee-san’s expression was utterly serious, and despite the abruptness of her question, I decided to answer sincerely.

“I would definitely be sad. I think everyone would feel the same, not just me.”

These weren’t just carefully chosen words or a safe answer. They were my honest thoughts. Nee-san nodded as if agreeing with my words, then leaned closer to me, as if to embrace my arm, and continued speaking.

“I’m going to talk to myself for a bit… if you feel uncomfortable, tell me to stop, okay?”

“Okay.”

Then, I listened to Nee-san’s story.

It was a tale of a distant world, almost like a dream. In this world similar to ours, Nee-san, Nii-san, and I were apparently spending time together. The everyday life of the three of us, which seemed to last forever, came to an end when I disappeared.

“After Ren was gone, I was alive but it was as if I was dead… Ryo told me that.”

“…”

“Fufu, thank you for listening to the end. Honestly, I thought you might laugh or interrupt me halfway through.”

I had no intention of laughing or stopping her midway. The story of another world told by Nee-san felt too real to be just a story. And more importantly, the concept of “two worlds” wasn’t meaningless to me now.

“Until just now, I wasn’t aware of it, but deep down, I must have been longing for Ren. Holding on to the happiness of having you, who I had lost, by my side, unconsciously, so I wouldn’t let it slip away.”

…So, Nee-san treasures my existence, Ren Kamisato, that much. As I watched Nee-san with her eyes closed, deep in thought, I quietly questioned myself.

(Am I the same? My memories from childhood are vague about my parents, but I clearly remember the affection of Nee-san and Nii-san. Ah, yes. Even if Nee-san and the others are characters as I know them, I can’t think of them as strangers anymore.)

I did have mixed feelings about Nee-san until a little while ago. But now, being with Nee-san, and of course, Nii-san too, feels comforting. The days I spent with them weren’t a lie; the connection of a real family is what makes me love them so much.

“Alright then.”

“Ren?”

I spoke softly as I sat up. Nee-san also sat up, looking at me. Taking a deep breath, I looked back at Nee-san, who was watching me, and spoke.

“Thank you for sharing that with me. And now, I have something I want to tell Nee-san.”

“?”

“I’m okay. I won’t leave Nee-san and go somewhere else.”

Hearing my words, Nee-san sharply inhaled. It might sound blunt, but we can’t know the future. We might get sick, or, as Nee-san shared, an accident might happen. So, making such a promise could be seen as irresponsible, but still, I wanted to convey this to Nee-san.

“Nee-san, you were worried, weren’t you? Worried that, like in that world, I might disappear.”

“…”

Her silence seemed like an affirmation. With a wry smile, I grabbed Nee-san’s shoulder and pulled her towards me.

“Kyah!?”

Nee-san let out a cute sound I had never heard before as she settled into my arms. It’s strange… Nee-san has always been such a significant presence to me, but now in my arms, she feels incredibly small. Nee-san, frightened by the emotion of anxiety that everyone harbors… Yes, Nee-san is also a human being, an irreplaceable and precious part of my family.

“I don’t know if this will ease your worries, but whenever you feel anxious, I want you to tell me. Nee-san is the closest person to me, a cherished family member I always want to see smiling.”

“!?”

Maybe that sounded a bit cheesy, but these words are my genuine feelings. Nee-san hesitantly wrapped her arms around my back and then cried in my embrace. Her tears seemed more about being relieved than sad, conveying something profound to me.

“Of course, it’s expected, but Ren, you really have grown up. I always thought I needed to protect you, but you’ve become so admirable that now you’re the one protecting me.”

“I haven’t really done anything to be called protecting though…”

“You saved my heart, Ren.”

…Is that how it is?

After that, Nee-san clung to me for a while and finally, when she had calmed down, she stepped back. But when I pointed out her reddened eyes, Nee-san shyly looked down, embarrassed.

“Don’t look too much. Crying in my younger brother’s arms, despite being the older sister… Sure, it’s a great reward, but it’s also an embarrassing sight I don’t want you to see too much of.”

“That’s a bit late to say now.”

“I want to keep up appearances since I’m the older sister!”

I couldn’t help but smile wryly as Nee-san playfully hit my chest. It felt less like a brother and sister and more like equals.

“…But”

“Yes?”

“It’s true that you saved my heart, Ren. So—thank you.”

I found myself captivated by her smile, forgetting for a moment that she’s my real sister. Nee-san is beautiful, and I’ve seen her smile many times. But this smile was more beautiful than any before, making my heart race… Indeed, she really is a bewitching woman.

“Oh, Ren, are you blushing? Have you fallen for your sister’s charm?”

“Shut up.”

“Fufu♪ Time for a counterattack!”

“Whoa!?”

Yanked forcefully, I lost my balance. Once again, I found myself drawn into Nee-san’s ample bosom, a position she seems to really favor.

“It would be perfect if you got carried away and attacked me right now.”

“Sure, Nee-san is a beautiful woman, but that’s a bit much, isn’t it?”

“Ah, right. Of course, you don’t know, Ren. After all, Ryo and I only found out ‘after that.’ It can’t be helped.”

“?”

What is she trying to say?

“It’s nothing. But, I think I’ll talk to Ren about it someday. There’s still some investigating to do.”

“Hmm?”

“Hey, Ren.”

“What?”

“What do you think about our father and mother?”

“Well..”

Our parents, huh? It might sound like an ungrateful thing to say, but I hardly have any memories with them, so I don’t really have any particular thoughts now. After all, the people who filled the void of that loneliness are right here with me.

“I don’t really think much about them now. I have Nee-san and Nii-san with me.”

“I see.”

What’s going on?

For now, this conversation comes to a temporary end. The changes in Arika and Nee-san today will undoubtedly bring something significant to my everyday life. It’s a bit frightening, but… well, what will be, will be.

“Then next, I want to hear about Ren’s school life.”

“There’s not much to talk about…”

“Tell me about his friends and stuff.”

“Friends, huh… Well, there are about three people he usually hangs out with.”

“What kind of kids are they?”

“One is Kenichi Watanabe, who likes manga and games. Then there’s Sogo Saito, a sports fanatic. And Yuka Shinjo, Sogo’s girlfriend. And Arika, of course.”

“Hmm… I get Watanabe-kun, but Saito-kun and Shinjo-san, huh?”

“Is there something about Sogo and Shinjo-san?”

“…No, it’s nothing.”

“Really?”