When I Thought I Was Reborn, My Family Turned Out to Be a Huge Landmine - Chapter 32: Encounter

Chapter 32: Encounter

“Sorry, sis. So please cheer up already.”

“Hmph. If that’s what you think, then leave the room.”

“I want to talk to Ren-san too.”

“Tch.”

“Stop with that obvious tongue clicking, will you!?”

What unfolded before my eyes was a sibling quarrel… or perhaps it wasn’t. To explain the situation, Takuma had walked in on a moment where Arika and I were embracing. He quickly came to his senses and apologized. Arika forgave him, noting that she hadn’t locked the door, and I thought that was the end of it. However, Takuma seemed to have something he wanted to discuss with me.

“It’s been a while, Ren-san… or maybe it hasn’t been that long?”

“Yeah, it has. I’m grateful to you, Takuma, for what you did back then. It helped me realize something important.”

“Ahaha, is that so? I’m glad to hear it.”

If I hadn’t met Takuma back then, I might not be facing Arika like this now… I can’t say it would never have happened, but it probably would have taken much longer. And that time might have planted feelings of resignation in Nee-san. In that sense, the relationship between Arika and me now owes something to Takuma.

“There, there, come here, Arika.”

“Coming.”

Coming? Arika says something nonsensical and jumps back into my arms. She sheds her disgruntled look and melts into a happy expression.

“…Wow, to think that sis would become like this.”

“But I don’t think she’ll complain now.”

“Huh?”

“I wasn’t complaining from the start. I was just expressing dissatisfaction.”

“That’s the same thing—”

“Hmph!”

“Ouch!?”

While still clinging to me, Arika had, at some point, picked up a stuffed toy and, without looking at Takuma, threw it. The toy impressively landed right between Takuma’s eyebrows. I couldn’t help but think they really were close siblings. In my family, my sister and brother are similar, but we never throw things at each other, even in jest. It’s somewhat refreshing.

“Still… I see. Sis’s long-held feelings have finally been rewarded.”

I have to say again, it’s partly thanks to Takuma that I realized this.

Afterward, we chatted for a while, with Takuma joining in. Arika, still clinging to me, seemed content and didn’t contribute much to the conversation, but she would occasionally interject, teasing Takuma. It was amusing to watch Takuma’s retorts and Arika’s playful, physical responses.

As we discussed the fact that Arika and I were dating, naturally, the conversation shifted to Takuma.

“Speaking of which, Takuma, don’t you have someone you like?”

“Me?”

I was curious to hear more about this aspect of his life. Arika seemed interested too, turning her gaze toward him. Feeling our eyes on him, Takuma must have realized he couldn’t escape the topic. He sighed and began to speak.

“Hmm, even so, there’s no one in particular I’m interested in. Sure, there are girls in my class who are called cute or beautiful, but having an incredibly beautiful sister at home… it’s like I’ve become used to it.”

“Oh…”

Indeed, having a highly attractive person in the family might make someone think that way. It’s not about comparing, it’s more like… developing a sort of resistance. Just like Takuma, I’ve always had Nee-san around, so maybe in that aspect, we’re similar.

“Well, to be honest, after school, I mostly just want to play games.”

“I get that.”

I could relate to that feeling. If I hadn’t gotten into this relationship with Arika and my Nee-san, I’d probably be hanging out with Kenichi and playing games all the time. It made me realize again how a slight change can alter someone’s way of living.

“It’s gotten a bit dark, hasn’t it?”

Hearing Takuma say that, I looked outside and indeed, it had gotten darker. Glancing at the clock, it was past 5:30… Maybe it’s about time to leave.

“So, I guess it’s time for me to…”

I was about to say I should leave and stand up, but… Arika was looking at me with a wistful expression. She didn’t say it out loud, but her eyes conveyed that she didn’t want me to go, that she wanted me to stay longer.

“Sis…”

I wasn’t the only one who wore a troubled smile; Takuma did too. Arika clung to me tightly, as if reluctant to part, then finally, looking satisfied, she let go.

“Well, we’ll see each other tomorrow, and I’m staying over this weekend, so I have to be patient.”

“You can call me as much as you want.”

“Okay♪”

“Eh? Sis, you’re staying over?”

“Yes… Oh right, I only told mom about it.”

Well, normally, even siblings wouldn’t talk about staying over at a boyfriend’s house. Takuma looked surprised at first, but he quickly smiled wryly, as if to say he can’t help but accept his sister’s decision.

“I never thought my sister would be so proactive… Ren-san, it must be tough, but please take care of her.”

“Haha, understood.”

He sounded almost like a father.

“What? Why are you talking like dad?”

It seems Arika had the same thought, saying almost exactly what I was thinking. Though younger than Arika and me, Takuma really seemed like a responsible, good kid. We continued talking, somewhat reluctantly parting, as we walked the short distance to the entrance.

“Then, both of you, I had a great time today.”

“Thank you, Ren-kun, for going along with this sudden plan.”

“Please come again, Ren-san.”

The time spent with Arika and Takuma was genuinely enjoyable, even though I had planned to spend time just with Arika. Often, I hear that siblings tend to drift apart when friends are involved, but considering that, Arika and I might be quite unusual. But, having a good relationship with a sibling is always a plus.

Arika insisted on seeing me out to just outside the house. As we stepped outside, a chill, almost winter-like breeze swept through.

“It’s gotten quite cold, hasn’t it?”

“Yeah. We both need to be careful not to catch a cold.”

“That’s true. But, if Ren-kun were to catch a cold, I could take care of you, which wouldn’t be too bad.”

While that idea is appealing to me, I’d prefer not to get sick in the first place. It’s not that I dislike the idea of Arika taking care of me, but simply I don’t want to be a burden by catching a cold. And at this time of year, the flu is also going around… that’s seriously not a joke, so I really need to be careful.

“Hehe, it’s hard to say goodbye, but this is it for now… Ren-kun.”

I feel the same reluctance to part. When Arika called my name, there was a sense of longing and… a kind of yearning in her voice. That’s why I pulled Arika close and gave her a light kiss.

“…Ehehe, Ren-kun is amazing. You always know exactly what I want.”

“I wanted to as well. But doing this makes it even harder to leave.”

“Ahaha, right. So, just a little longer like this—”

Just as I was about to embrace Arika even tighter, in response to her wish, an unexpected interruption came.

“Ahem.”

“!?”

Startled by the sudden third voice, both Arika and I jumped apart, shocked. We were both equally surprised, and despite our quick separation, the fact remained that we had been caught in that intimate moment. Turning to see who it was, I saw a woman standing there. Dressed sharply in a suit, exuding an aura of competence, she had light pink hair styled in a side tail, much like Arika’s… Ah, could it be that this woman is…

“Welcome back… Mom.”

…Ah, so she’s her mother.

The woman, smiling at Arika’s words, then turned her gaze to me.

“Nice to meet you. You must be Kamisato-kun, right?”

“Yes.”

Meeting Arika’s mother so unexpectedly was rare… well, actually, it was the first time. Indeed, being Arika’s mother, she was strikingly beautiful. Her sharp, intense eyes gave off a somewhat intimidating aura, unlike Arika’s.

“I’m Arisu, her mother. Nice to meet you.”

Seeing that gentle smile, I realized indeed, she was Arika’s mother.

“I’m Ren Kamisato. Pleased to meet you… um…”

“Please, just Arisu is fine. You’re my daughter’s boyfriend, after all. We’re likely to have a long relationship, so let’s be friendly… okay?”

“In that case… Arisu-san?”

“Yes, that’s fine, Ren-kun.”

I wondered if this first contact could be considered a success. I had been worried she might say something about having witnessed Arika and me embracing, but she seemed not to mind. She truly had the grace of a mature woman.

“You really are a kind mother.”

“Everyone tends to put their best face forward in public, Ren-kun.”

“Huh?”

What did she mean by that…

“Then, Ren-kun, next time let me welcome you properly.  And please, continue to take good care of my daughter.”

“Oh, yes! I will, thank you!”

As Arisu-san went into the house, Arika muttered something under her breath.

“She clung to my dad from high school to university and chased him until they got married. Dad always says it with a laugh, ‘Your mother was almost like a stalker back then, hahaha,’”

“…”

Crossing her arms and letting out a tired sigh, Arika looked at me and gave a wry smile.

“I’m glad I didn’t inherit that trait from mom.”

I wonder if she’s waiting for a retort.