When I Told the Most Beautiful Girl in the School That My Confession Had Failed, She Suddenly Started Coming at Me With Unbearably Heavy Feelings

Chapter 6: Duty and Debt

After a few minutes’ walk from the station, I returned to my apartment in a residential neighborhood and noticed a pair of loafers at the entrance that weren’t mine.

It was easy to guess who they belonged to, neatly arranged as they were.

I straightened my shoes and stepped into the living room, where a blonde girl sitting on the sofa looked at me and flashed a bright smile.

“Welcome home, senpai!”

“…Amane, didn’t I tell you to let me know when you’re coming over?”

“I thought a surprise might be more exciting… or maybe you’ve got some naughty magazines lying around?”

“These days, that stuff’s all digital. You won’t find any magazines like you’re imagining.”

For some reason, Amane’s shoulders slumped in disappointment as I sat down next to her. How many times had we had conversations like this?

“No way… then let me see your phone.”

“No way.”

“0811.”

“How do you know my passcode…?”

“I memorized it last time. …Come on, it’s fine. We’re siblings, aren’t we?”

As Amane clung to my arm, pressing her modestly sized breasts against me, I let out a sigh.

“Step-siblings, you mean.”

Our family situation is a bit complicated.

Having lost my mother early on, I was raised by my father and grandparents for a long time. My father was often consumed by work, so I spent more time with my grandparents.

When my workaholic father announced he was remarrying, it was both a shock and a blow.

Thanks to his income, we never struggled financially, and I knew he cared about me in his own way. I also knew he loved my mother deeply.

And I loved her too. That’s why, as a sensitive middle schooler, the idea of a new family member was hard to accept.

Amane was withdrawn at first but gradually warmed up to me. My father’s new wife, Otoha, has been kind to me as well.

But my heart still longed for my mother. The space where two broken families came together felt unbearable to me.

That’s why I now live alone in the apartment I once shared with my father. Amane’s occasional visits are probably at Otoha’s request.

“Don’t be so uptight, big brother~!”

“Even real siblings wouldn’t act like that. …Are you staying over tonight?”

“Yup! I’m spending the night with you, senpai!”

“Watch how you phrase that… I didn’t know you were coming, so I didn’t prepare anything.”

“It’s fine. I just wanted to see your face, that’s all—”

Grrr~…

A loud stomach growl cut through the silence, and Amane gave an embarrassed smile.

“…Senpai, I’m hungry.”

“Got anything in mind? Fried rice okay?”

“Sounds perfect!”

I quickly whipped up some fried rice with whatever ingredients were left in the fridge.

Amane’s eyes sparkled with delight as she dug into the meal.

“Mmm, so good~!”

“Glad you like it.”

“Senpai, you don’t make bentos, but you cook for yourself, huh?”

“Yeah, it’s cheaper that way.”

“You should come back home sometimes. Mom’s cooking is delicious too, you know?”

“…I’ll think about it.”

I make a point to visit their house once a month, but I never stay long. It’s probably because I still can’t fully accept that place as my home.

After finishing her fried rice, Amane set her spoon down with a clink and looked at me from across the table.

“…By the way, senpai, who was that woman at lunch today?”

I felt the same quiet pressure from her that I’d sensed earlier today. Her wide, clear eyes seemed to peer straight into my soul.

“Rinne Kisaragi. …Remember when I told you about middle school?”

“Oh, the one you helped out…”

Amane muttered as if recalling something. Then, with a dampened gaze, she glared at me as if she’d realized something.

“Hmm… so that’s how it is. I didn’t know you were interested in girls, senpai.”

“What do you take me for? Of course I’d like a girlfriend.”

“You never even told your little sister you got rejected, let alone that you liked someone…”

“Step-sister, you mean.”

Amane pouted and turned away, clearly upset.

Her sulky, sisterly behavior was oddly endearing.

“Big brother, I’m mad.”

“…Because I didn’t tell you about Nonoka?”

“Exactly. How could you have a cute step-sister like me and still have eyes for other girls? Hmph!”

Amane puffed out her cheeks dramatically, glaring at me.

She crossed her arms in a show of displeasure, but her childish charm still shone through. I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“…What’s so funny?”

“You’re cute even when you’re mad.”

“Don’t try to sweet-talk me! I’m really upset!”

“Sorry, my bad. I’ll let you know next time something like that happens.”

“You better, okay?”

Leaning in to emphasize her point, Amane pressed closer, and I nodded. She let out a relieved sigh.

“You’ve got no taste in women, senpai…”

“Ugh… I’ve got no comeback for that…!”

“I’m not saying you can’t have a girlfriend. But before you confess to anyone, take a step back and think it through.”

“…So you’re okay with me getting a girlfriend? I thought you’d have a complaint or two.”

Amane sighed, looking exasperated.

“What do you take me for? I’m your step-sister, you know? Even if we’re not blood-related, that bond isn’t easily broken. No one—not our parents, not even a girlfriend—can shake my place.”

As she spoke, Amane’s expression softened, but not in a gentle way. It turned dark, almost greedy, with a possessive edge.

Her low, heavy voice seemed to bind me in place. I knew the feelings she directed at me went beyond step-sibling affection.

Covering her cheeks with both hands, Amane let out a sloppy grin.

“A relationship just between you and me that no one can interfere with… doesn’t that sound amazing? A sibling bond no other girl could ever touch…”

“Step-sibling, though. …Don’t go picking fights if I get a girlfriend.”

“I won’t~… but if I decide she’s not good enough for you, I’ll make sure to give her a proper thrashing before kicking her out.”

“Hey!”

“It’s only natural. You’re my big brother. I don’t need a reason to protect my family.”

Her logic was sound, so I couldn’t argue. I just hoped she wouldn’t take it too far.

“Well, whatever… what do you want to do next? I’ve got nothing going on.”

“Then let’s watch a movie together! After that, we can take a bath and head straight to bed!”

“Your intentions are way too obvious…”