When I Thought I Was Reborn, My Family Turned Out to Be a Huge Landmine

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Chapter 35: The Greater Includes the Lesser

“It’s been a disaster since morning.”

“…Ah, I’m totally exhausted.”

I replied with those words, reminiscing about the recent events. Mikami had confronted Arika with a photo of Nee-san and me, accusing us of infidelity, but he was completely ignored. Far from it, it was just a misunderstanding, and the way he had stalked me until night made the class’s gaze towards him quite complicated.

“…This might turn into a pain.”

The moment I sat down, for just a split second, I noticed Mikami’s sharp gaze… I don’t think he would do anything rash, but it might be wise to stay a little cautious. It’s not just about me; if he tries anything against Arika, that would be absolutely unforgivable.

“It’s going to be troublesome…” I muttered, and it seemed my friends overheard me.

“Well, there’s probably something going to happen, nine times out of ten.”

“Men’s jealousy is unsightly, but… the actions of those who bear grudges are unpredictable.”

No doubt about it… But Mikami’s words did give me something to think about. Our current relationship – between me, Arika and Nee-san – was known only to us. Even if we desired and accepted this relationship, feeling happy about it, others would never acknowledge it… That’s what I realized from Mikami’s behavior.

I must have had a thoughtful look on my face, as the two of them laughed in front of me.

“Well, don’t worry about it too much. If Mikami, or anyone else for that matter, tries to mess with you, I’ll handle them. Let me repay the favor for connecting me with Yuka, okay?”

“It’s best if it doesn’t come to that, but don’t hesitate to rely on me, alright?”

“…Yeah, thanks.”

Maybe what I really need are close friends. Just like I’m receiving these words from Kenichi and Sogo, Arika seems to be getting all sorts of support from her friends too. It looks like we’re both blessed with really good friends.

“…Anyway, putting that aside.”

“?”

Sogo, who had placed his hand on my shoulder while I was watching Arika talking with her friends from afar, seemed to have something he wanted to ask.

“What’s Ren’s sister like?”

I sighed at his keen interest. But then again, I realized that neither Sogo nor Kenichi had ever come to my house. We usually hang out at either of their places or meet up outside… So, neither of them has met Nee-san, let alone Nii-san.

“Are you that curious?”

“Yeah, I mean, I’d like to see her. You talk about her, but I’ve never seen her… Is that bad?”

“I’d like to see her too.”

“Well, it’s not a big deal, I guess.”

It’s not like it costs me anything. I pulled out my smartphone, opened the photo folder… Alright, I’ll choose this one. The photo I picked was a recent one. It was taken when Nee-san, drunk, clung to me and somehow ended up taking a selfie with my phone.

“Here.”

“Whoa, this is…”

“…”

…Well, it’s unavoidable that it looks awkward because Nee-san is hugging me with all her might. The photo showed Nee-san, her face visibly flushed from alcohol, embracing me, with my troubled face pressed against her chest.

“…Hey Kenichi.”

“What’s up, Sogo?”

What are you guys on about…

“It’s nice to have an older sister, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, especially one who’s beautiful and stylish like this… Makes me want to be her little brother.”

“Agreed.”

“What are you guys saying?”

What are you guys talking about… Important enough to say twice. As someone who actually has Nee-san, I can’t say I don’t understand their feelings. There’s definitely something about older women, a kind of encompassing warmth, that makes you want to be spoiled by them.

Kenichi’s comments aside… Sogo might have wanted to think a bit more before speaking. The two of them were too engrossed in my phone to notice anything else. Specifically, they hadn’t noticed the presence standing right behind Sogo.

“Sogo~? What’s this about liking older sisters?”

“Ababashu!?”

Was that surprised yell a joke? At this timing, only one person would say that. Shinjo-san, smiling, greeted Sogo, who had turned around like a tin soldier. But I could almost see flames burning around her.

After returning my phone, Sogo immediately tried to appease Shinjo-san. Kenichi and I shared a wry smile at their usual close relationship.

“Anyway, your sister is surprisingly beautiful, isn’t she?”

“Right?”

“Wow… I didn’t expect you to agree so readily.”

Well, it’s the truth. She really is beautiful with cute aspects… a person with many charms. Of course, I can’t compare her to Arika, but that’s how I see Nee-san.

“But well, I also feel a bit of a scary side to her, like there’s more to her… Sorry, don’t take it the wrong way.”

“No, it’s fine. You’re not exactly wrong.”

“Hmm?”

Kenichi’s intuition is sharp in many ways. As I was talking with Kenichi, Shinjo-san, having finished lecturing Sogo, joined our conversation. Sogo, visibly exhausted yet unable to hide his happiness at being the subject of jealousy, reluctantly agreed. Shinjo-san also expressed interest in seeing the photo.

“This is Kamisato-kun’s sister… Huh? I think I’ve seen her before…”

“You’ve seen her?”

Shinjo-san nodded, though seemingly confused. Whether it was a random encounter or something more, she explained.

“It was quite a while ago, I was shopping with my mom. I saw this lady being apologized to by a man on his knees… like, he was begging.”

“…Oh?”

What’s that about… But somehow, I think I can guess the situation.

“The man was saying, ‘I can’t live without you. I’ll give you anything, money, whatever, just marry me,’ and he was kneeling… And this lady, she looked down at him like he was trash… My mom and I were just talking about how incredible some people are.”

“So, it’s that kind of story…”

To tell the truth, when I dig up old memories, I realize I’ve witnessed a similar scene before. It was probably back in middle school, around the time before I met Arika. I remember a time when Nee-san and I were out, and a man approached us, creating a tense atmosphere.

“I’m currently enjoying a day out with my beloved brother. Could you disappear from my sight? You’re being a nuisance.”

Nee-san’s expression was filled with a level of anger I had never seen before, and I was cowering in fear… That was a bit embarrassing for me back then. Noticing my state, Nee-san suddenly smiled reassuringly, hugged me, and said something in a voice that seemed to come from the depths of hell to the man. I barely remember that.

“But looking at this photo, it’s clear that your sister really loves you, Kamisato-kun. You’re really blessed with a good family, aren’t you?”

“I truly think so. Thank you, Shinjo-san.”

“Fufu♪ But having a sister… I’m an only child, so I’m a bit envious.”

People who don’t have siblings might see it that way. Being an only child has its perks, like a relaxed atmosphere at home, but now I can’t imagine life without Nee-san and Nii-san. Shinjo-san once again started creating her own little world with Sogo, while Kenichi clicked his tongue, calling them ‘Riajus’ in the usual scene. Normally, this would be the norm, but even in our everyday lives, there are changes, as “she” reminds us.

“Ren-kun♪”

With a cute voice, I was hugged from behind. The sight of light pink hair in the corner of my vision, the soft, substantial sensation on my shoulder… Even without these clues, there’s only one person who would do this.

“Guess who?”

“Do I get something if I guess right?”

“Hmm… I’ll gift you my love.”

“Arika.”

“Correct! Hug~♪”

Oh, Kenichi’s eyes look dead…

“…I wish I could be hugged like that too. To feel the touch of a girl’s chest against my skin.”

“Watanabe-kun, maybe it’s best not to say such things out loud…”

“I personally think it’s better than touching or squeezing.”

You shouldn’t say that either…

“I get it, I really do, Kenichi. It’s something to long for.”

“Sogo? Are you implying that I’m flat?”