When We Found Out We're Not Blood-Related, My Little Sister Became Seriously Love-Brained ~When a Little Sister Stops Being a Little Sister, the Ultimate Heroine Emerges!~

Chapter 71: The Record Button and “I Don’t Want to Let Go.”

“And why is that?”

“I don’t want to cause trouble for Suzune.”

Trouble? What could she mean by that?

“I haven’t heard the details, but you’re hesitating about going to university because of family circumstances, right?”

A few seconds of silence followed. Hotaru seemed to be struggling to find the right words to answer my question.

“That’s part of it. But there’s something I haven’t even been able to tell Suzune. It’s something very embarrassing for me, so… I was wondering if you could give me some advice.”

“Is someone like me really okay for that?”

“I want you to hear it, Yuu-kun. It’s not just about money; I have other worries, too.”

“Is it a complicated story?”

“Yeah. Quite…”

“Like we decided before, Hotaru, I won’t keep secrets from Suzune. Is that still alright?”

“Yeah. I know. I’ll leave what to do up to you.”

If it was something that important, we should talk in person.

“Alright. If that’s okay with you, I’ll meet you and listen to what you have to say. School ends at noon tomorrow, right? How about after school?”

I made plans to meet Hotaru after school.

Checking the clock, it was past 11:00 PM. A little while ago, I could hear Suzune and Akane talking in the next room, but now it was completely silent.

“I guess those two are already asleep. Ah, I still have the homework Sarasa-san gave me. I should at least check my form.”

It seemed Dad and the others were asleep, too. It would be a nuisance to wander around the hallway now.

I looked around Suzune’s room.

Right there, on a shelf at about my eye level, sat a stuffed animal—a pink pig plushie, about the size of a human head.

That would work fine as a target.

“Shi!”

After two or three practice kicks stopping just short, I accidentally grazed the pig. It spun around once.

(Crap. The pig’s nose got squashed.)

Then, beneath the pig, I saw a booklet about B5 size. It seemed she had been hiding it under the plushie. The booklet had a handmade cover made from a notebook.

The booklet looked well-worn from being opened many times, and I could see something like a photograph peeking through the gap.

—This is blatantly suspicious. I want to see it.

But out of a sense of chivalry, should I act like I never saw this booklet?

And yet.

Suzune rummages through my room whenever she feels like it. It should be fine for me to look, too.

I crossed my arms, conflicted.

She’s a girl, after all… Peeking is probably bad.

As I lifted the pig to put it back in its original place—flutter.

The booklet fell open naturally to a creased page. Before I could close it, a certain image entered my field of vision.

—It was Suzune in a wedding dress, smiling.

It was a one-shoulder tiered lace design, with skirts layered in multiple tiers that seemed to spiral down like a seashell. It suited the fair-skinned Suzune perfectly.

“This is the photo taken at Sarasa-san’s shop.”

It had only been a few months, yet it felt nostalgic.

I flipped through the pages. I caught a glimpse of myself in a suit, but I didn’t focus on that.

Following the images of Suzune in her bridal finery, I reached the last page—a close-up of her face visible through a veil. Her cheeks were glowing, and her lips looked lustrous.

I traced her lips in the photo with my finger. The coldness of the paper lingered on my fingertip.

“I don’t want to let a girl this beautiful go to anyone else.”

Before I knew it, the words had escaped my lips.

“…Yuuma?”

I had been so engrossed that I hadn’t noticed the door opening. Suzune was standing there holding a tray.

I had been caught in a very embarrassing moment. As I reached to scratch the back of my neck, Suzune set the tray down on the table.

“Yuuma. I love you!”

Suzune lunged into a hug. Her hair swayed, and a scent like freshly picked fruit brushed against my nose.

She rubbed her face against my chest.

“I feel really awkward that you heard me talking to myself.”

When I said that, Suzune shook her head.

“Not at all. It makes me so happy.”

Saying that, she squeezed my hand. Her warmth spread into my chilled fingertips.

Wait. A delicious smell was wafting through the air.

Grumble.

My stomach growled in response to the scent.

“I guess I’m really hungry.”

We looked at each other and laughed.

“You only ate a cucumber roll earlier, after all. Here…”

The tray Suzune brought held an egg sandwich and a thermos. She opened the lid and poured a brownish liquid that gurgled into a cup.

The pleasant aroma of black tea filled the room.

“Did you make this for me?”

“Yeah. Akane-chan fell asleep, and I thought you might be hungry.”

I had felt like an outsider earlier, but it seemed Suzune had been looking out for me.

“You really are the best sister.”

Suzune broke into a smile.

“Hey. I want you to say what you said before again. The part about not wanting to let me go.”

“No way, that’s incredibly embarrassing.”

“Please? ♡” Suzune said, pulling out her smartphone.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m going to record it so I can listen to it over and over.”

“What? That’s just an infinite loop of public humiliation. I’m definitely not saying it.”

“You’re so mean, Yuuma!”

Suzune puffed out her cheeks.

But my sister really is the best.

Chapter 72: A Secret She Wants to Show.

The next day after school.

I was meeting Hotaru in front of the station.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Yuu-kun.”

Me, being called “-kun” by a cute, slightly gyaru girl in front of the station. From the outside, we definitely looked like a couple.

“Not at all. I just got here myself.”

(Man, I’ve always wanted to say that.)

“Hm? What’s up?” Hotaru made a puzzled face.

“Ah, nothing. This isn’t the best place to talk. Should we grab some lunch first?”

Then, for some reason, Hotaru’s cheeks flushed. Her sun-kissed skin turning pink was actually pretty cute.

“Um, you see… it’s a bit hard to talk here.”

“Eh? Then where would be good?”

“Somewhere we can be alone. Um, if it doesn’t bother you, Yuu-kun… we could go to a hotel or something.”

Did I mishear her?

“Whoa, no—that’s obviously a bad idea.”

“…Is it because you don’t want to be with me?”

“It’s more like, if I went to a place like that with a girl as cute as you, I wouldn’t have any confidence in my ability to stay composed.”

“I see.”

“Wait, you’re teasing me, aren’t you?”

Hotaru broke into a smile.

“I was just so happy to meet you alone, Yuu-kun. I couldn’t help it. Sorry, okay?”

“Hotaru, you really need to be more aware of your own charm.”

I flicked her forehead.

“So, where should we actually go?”

Hotaru looked down.

“My house. I want you to come over.”

“This isn’t another strange joke, is it?”

“No! I already told Suzune about it. It’ll be faster for you to see it than for me to explain it.”

“I see. Alright, then.”

We got on the train together. Apparently, it was two stops to her place.

“Hm? Yuu-kun, you look worried.”

Well, you are the source of my worry, you know?

“I just realized I don’t really know anything about you, Hotaru.”

“You want to know about me?” Hotaru looked up at me from under her eyelashes.

Come to think of it, even though they both use “uchi” to refer to themselves, Akane and Hotaru have different intonations.

I wonder why.

Hotaru’s house was about a fifteen-minute walk from the station. Along the way, she introduced me to various places full of memories.

Parks, shopping districts, libraries, children’s centers—each with a fun little anecdote attached.

Even just a few stations away, the atmosphere of the town felt different, like I was on a trip somewhere.

Eventually, we passed next to an elementary school.

“Is this your school, Hotaru?”

“Yeah. I don’t really have good memories here.”

Hotaru didn’t say anything more than that.

“This is my place.”

It was a three-story building. Less of an apartment complex, more of a small tenement.

There was no elevator. I followed Hotaru up the outdoor stairs.

On the landing halfway up, a rain gutter ran alongside, connected to the handrail by a metal bracket.

Wait. Something was wedged into the bracket. I stopped to peer at it.

Cigarettes. Countless butts had been shoved into the gaps.

Looking down, discarded gum was stuck to the grout of the tiled floor.

I looked up at Hotaru’s back.

Hotaru doesn’t smoke. And she wouldn’t just throw gum on the floor.

It must be the other residents.

Suddenly, Hotaru pressed down the hem of her skirt with both hands.

“You were looking at my underwear, weren’t you?”

“No, I wasn’t. But, uh, sorry anyway.”

“It’s fine. I wouldn’t mind if it was you, Yuu-kun, but the pair I’m wearing today aren’t cute, so no looking.”

That is a mysterious standard.

Hotaru stopped at a corner room on the third floor. The nameplate said “Houjou.”

“Is it okay with your family? Ah, I should have bought something as a gift.”

Hotaru smiled.

“Mama is at work, so she’s not here. I’m going to clean up a bit and change, so wait here for a second.”

She didn’t mention “Papa.” And wait—change?

She isn’t going to come out completely naked, is she?

After waiting about five minutes, the door opened.

“Eh?”

I lost my words the moment I saw Hotaru.

Chapter 73: The Butterfly That Won’t Fade and the Past She Wants to Erase.

Hotaru was wearing a black dress with a bat-themed choker and a waist-length cape.

The waist was cinched like a corset, and the skirt was a fishtail design—short in the front and long in the back—with swaying lace. She wore fishnet tights. Her appearance was exactly like a vampire.

“How… is it? I look weird, don’t I?” Hotaru looked down, fidgeting restlessly.

“No, it looks incredibly good on you. Seriously. My heart rate is definitely going up.”

—It was a departure from Hotaru’s usual cool image.

Hotaru broke into a radiant smile.

“I see. You don’t hate it… I’m glad. For now, please come in.”

“Excuse me.”

Entering the hallway, I saw shoes that couldn’t fit into the cabinet piled up in mountains, still in their boxes. Some were stacked messily on top of others. They were all high heels.

The shoes of Hotaru’s that I recognized were tucked neatly to the side. Underneath the shoe cabinet, I could see a pair of men’s sandals.

My eyes went to Hotaru’s toes. They were beautiful, with no signs of being damaged by her shoes.

Beneath the sweetness of the air freshener, there was a lingering scent of cigarette smoke that hadn’t quite faded.

Beyond the entryway were the kitchen and two rooms. It wasn’t spacious, but it was a standard layout.

“My room is this way.”

When she opened the sliding door, it was colorful. There were games, character body pillows, and a rug on the wall depicting a girl who looked like Dracula.

Looking closely, the character’s outfit was the same design as the dress Hotaru was wearing.

Hotaru turned back toward me and spread her arms.

“This is it. These are all the things I love.”

“So this was your secret.”

“Yeah. This is it. Am I gross?”

“No, not at all. I like games and light novels too.”

Then, Hotaru began to talk rapidly.

“Eh? I’m definitely an anime person! The voice actress for Lilith-tan, [Name]-chan, is amazing. She’s a great singer and she’s beautiful…”

I had never seen Hotaru so talkative.

In my mind, Hotaru was the person furthest removed from being an otaku or a maniac. I had imagined her as a gyaru living in reality, cool and indifferent to everything.

“…Are you put off?” Hotaru looked like she was about to cry.

“No, it’s just that I had this image of you being popular and socially active, so I guess I was a bit surprised.”

“‘Popular’ is a term from 2010s anime. That’s totally dead slang now, you know?”

“Well, this is ‘totally lit’ then.”

“That’s even older!” Hotaru laughed.

After that, she showed me her favorite anime. It seemed to be an anime about a vampire girl named Lilith who helps children in trouble.

In the anime, Lilith said to a girl who seemed to be her friend:

“Because uchi is the Vampire Queen.”

“Uchi”? I see. So Hotaru’s use of “uchi” came from here.

As I watched, I remembered something.

“This is the one that was on when we were in elementary school, right? The one that caused a controversy and got canceled because the outfits and behavior were too extreme.”

“Yes. But it continued in a late-night slot! I loved this Lilith-tan so much; I really looked up to her. Lilith-tan helps children who are being bullied or treated poorly by adults.”

Still, in my head, the love for anime and the photo book story didn’t quite connect yet.

“So, why do you want me to get Suzune to give up on the photo book?”

Hotaru brewed some coffee. We sipped it together while continuing to watch the anime.

Once the steam from the coffee died down, Hotaru continued her story.

“Uchi… has a dream. I actually want to become a voice actress.”

“Whoa. That’s amazing.”

“You aren’t going to make fun of me, Yuu-kun?” Hotaru’s eyes were misty.

“Of course not. I think that’s way more incredible than someone like me who’s just going to college out of habit.”

“I see. Yeah. You really are you, Yuu-kun.”

She was placing a lot of expectation on me; it was humbling.

“Do voice actresses go to vocational schools or something?”

“Yeah. Or you take auditions. But, you see, Mama says, ‘Don’t talk about dreams like that, just go to work.’”

So she couldn’t hope for help with tuition.

“But even if you say work, you won’t find something right away, will you?”

“Mama said she’d introduce me to a shop. She said, ‘You’re good-looking, so you can earn money.’”

What the hell is that?

“If that’s the case, wouldn’t the photo contest be a good thing for you?”

Hotaru looked down.

“Uchi… haven’t told Suzune about this hobby. But if I talk about why I want to be a voice actress, I’d have to talk about the hobby, too, right?”

“You should just tell her. Suzune isn’t that narrow-minded.”

“But, you see… once when I passed someone who looked like an otaku in Shibuya, I accidentally said, ‘That’s so lame, isn’t it?’”

“Does Suzune say things like that, too?”

“Suzune doesn’t speak ill of people. But, she used to say, ‘My brother is a total loser.’”

Hey. I’m categorized as a “person,” you know?

Hotaru continued.

“And you see… Suzune thinks I want to go to university, so I can’t tell her I want to spend money on vocational school… And also, there’s something I have to show you.”

Hotaru turned around and put her hands on her skirt.

Chapter 74: You Aren’t a Bad Girl.

“H-hey! What are you doing?! If you’re going to strip, I’m leaving!”

But a moment later, the mystery was solved.

Hotaru lifted her skirt slightly. There, on her thigh above her fishnet tights, was a small butterfly. It was a tattoo.

I wondered under what circumstances she had gotten it. I felt a genuine sense of self-loathing that I hadn’t been able to do anything for her when she was suffering. It felt like my heart was being gouged out.

“This… it’s a total turn-off, right?” Hotaru asked anxiously.

“I was a bit surprised, but it’s not a turn-off.”

Inwardly, though, my heart had been pounding because I thought she was actually going to undress.

“But with something like this, getting photos taken is impossible, isn’t it? And even though Suzune is trying to help me by sacrificing herself, I’m just… like this. I’m a bad girl. I hate my past. I want to undo everything… U-uuh. Waaaah.”

Hotaru broke into genuine sobs.

“Can I hold you?”

Hotaru gave a small nod. I embraced her and patted her back gently, continuing to speak.

“You aren’t bad at all. You’ve been doing your best within the range of what you could do, haven’t you?”

Hotaru’s shoulders were cold. She felt fragile and was trembling.

And yet, her hair smelled lovely—a sweet, elegant scent like white musk.

In this house that smelled of cigarettes, it felt like the only “salvation.”

I continued. “Hotaru, you’re working hard. You’re wonderful.”

If none of the adults around her would praise her, then I would spoil her as much as I could.

“But…”

“I know. Besides, Suzune and Akane were calling me a ‘total loser’ and a ‘meatball,’ you know? If anything, you’re the kindest one, Hotaru.”

“Yeah… hic.” Hotaru’s tears wouldn’t stop.

“And besides, the photos are while you’re clothed, you know? I think we can make it so the tattoo doesn’t show.”

“Eh? Really? I totally thought it was swimsuits.”

Because of Suzune’s lack of clear communication, Hotaru had ended up in tears.

Only Lilith’s shouts from the anime echoed in the room.

“Anime voice actresses these days aren’t just about voices. They have cute faces and can sing well, too. Some even release photo books. I think it’s a world of incredibly fierce competition.”

Hotaru nodded. I continued while stroking her head.

“Winning with just your voice might be how it originally was, but I think you should use everything you’ve got. Isn’t that what it means to be serious?”

“Yeah.”

“I want to show you one of my karate matches. I’m seriously crafty. I don’t think for a second that I can win in some cool way. I won’t look for loopholes or do anything cowardly, but within the rules, I’m willing to crawl through the mud to win.”

I believe that’s the kind of strength needed to protect Suzune.

“Yuu-kun, what do you think I should do?”

“You have a cute face, Hotaru. Your voice is cute, too. You have a great figure. If you can get used to being photographed and raise your profile through this, I think you should use it. If you say you want to be a voice-acting talent, you might even get scouted if you’re lucky.”

“But… I feel bad for Suzune.”

“My sister is the strongest, so she’ll be fine. We’ll pay the utmost attention to personal information. I’ll personally confirm with the organizers, not just Yamaguchi, that there will be no swimsuits and no showing the tattoo. And above all, Suzune herself wants to be of help to you.”

—That’s right. I had already heard Suzune’s feelings afterward.

Suzune had said, “I want to help Hotaru.”

So, I want to tell her about today when I get home and discuss it with her.

Hotaru nodded. “…Okay. I’ll think about it.”

After that, we watched more anime and I listened to her talk.

“My parents divorced when I was in elementary school. After that, bad rumors spread because of Mama, and I was bullied at school.”

So that was why she got hooked on anime.

“I see. I was ignored by everyone in my class in middle school, too. And I was even getting the silent treatment from Suzune at home. It’s not a funny story, though.”

When I gave a wry smile and a peace sign, Hotaru laughed too.

“We’re both pretty pathetic, aren’t we?”

“You’re ‘cool-cute,’ though. I’m just pathetic.”

“You didn’t end up despising me?”

I shook my head.

“If anything, I feel closer to you now. Sorry for hugging you.”

“You should be. It’s just going to make me like you even more.”

“Sorry.”

“In times like this, saying sorry is actually what’s ‘sorry.’ I’ll just like you on my own, and eventually, I’ll forget on my own. This is fine.”

Hotaru made a peace sign with a teary smile.

A butterfly, huh. A butterfly is reborn from a chrysalis.

I have a feeling that in the not-too-distant future, Hotaru will become an extraordinary girl who is far out of my reach.

Chapter 75: Hotaru’s Wish.

“Hotaru, do you have Yamaguchi’s contact info?”

I wanted to confirm things with him as soon as possible.

Hotaru tilted her head.

“I do. We all traded them at the beginning of our second year. You have it too, don’t you, Yuu-kun?”

“I don’t. I only have yours, Saitou’s, and Suzune’s.”

Apparently, a mass contact-exchange event had happened in our class without my knowledge.

Hotaru looked awkward but gave me his info anyway.

“Sorry. I’m just… really sorry.”

“If you apologize any more, I might actually cry.”

“Sorry.”

“Anyway, I need to head over to Yamaguchi’s.”

Hotaru grabbed my wrist.

“Wait a second. There’s one thing uchi wants to do with you, Yuu-kun.”

Something she wants to do? I couldn’t imagine what.

“Eh? You know I can’t keep secrets from Suzune, right?”

Hotaru looked down, biting her lip hard.

…Is it something she wants me to keep secret?

“Just tell me.”

I said it, but I fully intended to turn down anything unreasonable.

Hotaru turned bright red.

“The thing is… uchi made a lunch box, and I want you to eat it. You and Suzune always eat lunch together every day, and uchi was actually really jealous. So uchi made this…”

Tears pooled in the corners of her eyes, looking ready to spill. On the back of the hand she clutched to her chest, white marks from her nails were visible.

She always acted like she didn’t care when Suzune and I were eating, but she was thinking that the whole time?

Seriously, who was the one who started those bad rumors about her? There isn’t a girl as pure as this anywhere else.

I hesitated for a second. But I couldn’t turn down something she made for me.

“Alright. But just this once, okay?”

“Yeah… yeah! ♡”

Hotaru tucked her blonde hair behind her ear and busily started preparing.

She was this happy just because I was eating her lunch. Watching her, my heart ached with a mix of guilt and happiness.

There were two lunch boxes on the table. Opening the lids, I saw rolled omelets, hamburger steaks, and broccoli salad—all cutely arranged.

“Hotaru, you’re a great cook. This looks amazing.”

“Uchi had a lot of chances to cook since I was a kid, so it just happened naturally.”

Hotaru picked up a piece of omelet from her own box and pointed her chopsticks toward me.

“Say ‘aahn’?” she said in a sweet voice.

I took the omelet from her chopsticks with my own hand and ate it.

(Sorry, Hotaru.)

The scent of dashi wafted through my nose. It was sweet and gentle—a rolled omelet that felt exactly like Hotaru.

“What is this? It’s delicious!”

Hotaru looked sad for a split second, but immediately broke into a smile.

“Yeah! Uchi is good at making rolled omelets!”

It really was good, and I ended up finishing it without another word.

“Thanks for the food.”

“You’re very welcome ♡”

I finished Hotaru’s lunch and stood up.

“Ah, I actually have a favor to ask you too, Hotaru.”

“What is it?”

“The truth is…” I whispered in her ear.

“Eh? I don’t mind, but… Yuu-kun, do you like girls’ clothes or something? No, it’s fine. Yuu-kun is still Yuu-kun, after all.”

I had asked Hotaru for a certain favor. I feel like she’s making a massive misunderstanding, but decided to let it slide since she accepted out of affection.

Hotaru saw me off at the door. Under the shoe cabinet were those thin, worn-out men’s sandals again.

Hotaru said her parents were divorced. If that’s the case, the owner must be her mother’s boyfriend or something.

…Surely not. No matter how bad things were, surely he wouldn’t lay a hand on his girlfriend’s daughter.

“See you, Yuu-kun.”

I said to the waving Hotaru, “If you’re ever in trouble, tell me. Don’t hold back. I’ll figure something out for you.” I clenched my fist behind my back.

Hotaru pouted.

“That’s exactly what I mean, Yuu-kun! Stop hitting on uchi like it’s nothing!”

I was practically chased out of Hotaru’s house. The wind blew through the outdoor stairs, making me shiver to the bone.

“It really is cold.”

With a slight feeling of reluctance, I headed to the station.

I contacted Yamaguchi immediately. He was apparently in the photo club room. I decided to confirm the details right away.

I passed through the high school gates and headed to the club building in the back.

Knock knock.

“Come in,” I heard Yamaguchi’s voice.

“I’m developing photos in the darkroom right now, so wait over there for a bit.”

I sat in a chair and looked around. The room had been cleaned up at some point, and a darkroom had been set up in one corner.

No other members seemed to be around.

Feeling restless, I found an album of photos that seemed to be past contest entries. I flipped through them.

They were mostly city photos, but they were so immersive it felt like I was standing right there. Every shot had a real sense of presence.

(This guy is more serious about this than I thought.)

Then, Yamaguchi appeared.

“So, did you succeed in persuading Shinomiya-san?”

His condescending tone was irritating.

“I have a few things to ask first.”

“What?” He looked equally annoyed.

“You said they’d be clothed, but what kind of outfits are you planning?”

“The entries won’t be sold publicly, but I think private clothes are better.”

True, school uniforms would make the school name obvious.

“What about personal information?”

Yamaguchi answered flatly while continuing his work.

“First, I’ll use pseudonyms for the model names. I’ll also delete all metadata, like location info, before submitting. And after the club achievement report is done, I’ll delete all the data entirely.”

“Is the submission digital? You wanted to take photos of Suzune, didn’t you?”

“I’m planning on digital photography. Of course. But Suzune-san is giving her consent for this; I have to show some sincerity.”

It’s a mystery to me, but he seems to have his own sense of pride.

“What if you win first place? Won’t there be an announcement?”

“Since it’s hosted by a company, I probably can’t refuse to have the winning work listed.”

Well, that makes sense. However…

“I can’t give permission if their faces are shown.”

“The photos are the main focus. There are no requirements for the model’s composition. If it works as a piece of art, I only need to show a few shots in the list—even shots from behind are fine.”

So if they win, they’ll use shots from the back. That would make identifying them difficult.

“Hotaru doesn’t want her thighs to be seen. Is that possible?”

“Yes. Actually, I never planned on a composition that shows thighs anyway. The title is ‘The Friendship of Two and Your Town.’”

He’s thought that far ahead? Yamaguchi really is serious.

“That’s a good title. Where are you planning to shoot?”

“Based on the concept, just within their daily living areas. Station fronts, riverbanks. And since Suzune-san requested it, a certain shrine they have memories of.”

A shrine? Ah, probably the one where I ate candy apples with Suzune.

“Understood. Also, the club has issues with a lack of female members and other things, right? How’s that going?”

Yamaguchi hesitated, repeatedly pushing up his glasses.

“I’m currently looking. Also, a new problem came up—the advisor is going on maternity leave next year…”

The problems are piling up besides just the achievements. Well, I can’t help him with all that.

“Got it. Finally, do you mind if I confirm these points with the organizer myself?”

“I don’t mind. I have an email chain with the person in charge, so I’ll forward it to you. You can ask them directly.”

“Thanks.” I left the room.

The things to ask would be the display format in the winners’ gallery (back shots OK), personal identification risks, data security and deletion procedures, and the requirement to strip all metadata (EXIF/IPTC/XMP) upon submission.

Walking down the hall, I reviewed my questions. I should move quickly.

I sat on a bench and immediately sent the email to the organizer.

“Since I’m at school, I might as well borrow some books on karate and photography.”

Our school library has a huge collection compared to others. No other students were there.

Sakurazaka-san was at the counter. Sakurazaka Madoka—the librarian who knows Sarasa-san.

When she noticed me, she spoke.

“Shinomiya-kun. Long time no see. Ah, I actually have something I’d like to ask you—do you have a moment?”

What kind of advice? I have no idea.

Chapter 76: The Story Begins to Move in the Library.

Clink.

As I sat down at the counter, Sakurazaka-san served me black tea in a mug. After I took a sip, she pressed her index finger to her lips.

“Eating and drinking here is a secret. There are no other students around… right?”

“Understood. This conversation is top secret!”

“I appreciate how quickly you catch on. Actually, I might start working here as a part-time instructor starting in the new year.”

“Eh, at our high school? Sakurazaka-san, did you have a teaching license?”

“Yes, at this school. I got my license back in university. Apparently, there’s a sudden shortage due to maternity leave, and they reached out to me. But I’m hesitating a bit.”

“Is there something worrying you? Ah, you mean you love your work as a librarian?”

“Of course, there’s that, too. But I want to become a novelist. I’ve been applying for literary awards while working like this. Seeing how the teachers move here, it looks like a ‘black’ environment. I’m afraid I’ll lose my time to write.”

“My opinion probably won’t be much help.”

Sakurazaka-san shook her head.

“I wonder why. I just wanted you to hear me out, Shinomiya-kun. You’re a bit like an acquaintance I mentioned before. Maybe it’s because you do karate, too?”

An acquaintance… she must mean Sarasa-san. Sarasa-san was worried about her. Since she isn’t here right now, I have to help even just a little.

—I’m sure that person would say this.

“There’s a mindset in karate: ‘Always reflect and strive for ingenuity.’ It means never being satisfied with the status quo and seeking change. If it were Sakurazaka-san’s admired senior, I think she’d tell you to take the challenge. That’s what I believe.”

Sarasa-san’s life is one challenge after another. If she were here, she’d surely say the same.

“A-admired… she’s not quite that much.” Sakurazaka-san said, twirling a strand of her bangs around her finger.

No, no, I was being modest by saying “admired.” You used to watch her from the library every day in high school, didn’t you? It’s definitely more than that.

“Besides, novels often feature school settings. This could be research. Though, I mostly just read light novels.”

“Oh? You like light novels? Do you have any recommended titles?”

“Uh, well… it’s a bit embarrassing to say out loud. Let me whisper it. Mumble.”

As I whispered the title, Sakurazaka-san stood up abruptly.

“Eh?! Is that something a minor can even read?”

“Technically, yes.”

“But a title like ‘Once We Realized We Were Related by Law, My Little Sister Developed a Serious Romantic Brain’? Isn’t that bad? You have a sister. As an older sister figure, I’m worried about your future…”

She looked genuinely concerned.

“My hobbies don’t matter right now! Anyway, I think even a detour isn’t a waste of time.”

Sakurazaka-san rested her chin on her hand. “True, there’s that side to it. Thanks for listening. I’ll think about it a bit more.”

I left the library with Sakurazaka-san seeing me off. Wait, though. Sarasa-san mentioned something about outside coaches. If Sakurazaka-san becomes a teacher… and Yamaguchi said the photo club advisor is going on maternity leave? Does that mean Sakurazaka-san is the replacement?

“I’m home.”

When I returned, Suzune and Akane greeted me. Suzune was holding the pig plushie with her eyebrows raised. She looked furious.

“Hey, Yuuma. Why is the piggie’s nose bent?”

Crap. I need an excuse.

“…I don’t know any pig like that.”

Then, Suzune kicked me in the shin.

“How could you not know?! It was on top of the book you were looking at!”

“I’m sorry.”

“Anyway, what did Hotaru say?”

“Ah. Can you come to my room after I change?”

Suzune nodded. I went back to my room and hung my jacket on the chair. I was about to change my underwear and reached for my pants when…

“You shouldn’t just throw your socks around like that, you know?”

A sudden voice from behind nearly made my heart stop. I turned around slowly to find a girl with a bob cut—Akane was sitting there, staring at me.

“…Hurry up and take them off! I’m excited!” Her eyes were sparkling.

“Wait, why are you even here?”

Akane tilted her head. “Isn’t this the room for mine and Yuuma’s love?”

“Hey, don’t call it a love nest.”

“But my study tools are in this room. And when I’m not sleeping, I’m always here.”

Looking closely, Akane had brought in her own bead cushion and was sitting elegantly. She picked up my phone.

“Hey, don’t just—”

Ignoring my complaint, Akane peered at the screen.

“Onii-sama. You have an email. ‘Sender: ○○ Photo Contest Secretariat / Subject: Response to your inquiry (Listing conditions / Personal information handling).’ Does this mean, perhaps…”

“Perhaps what?”

For some reason, Akane’s cheeks flushed.

“Does it mean I’m so beautiful that Yuuma signed me up for an idol audition without asking?”

“No, it does not.”

If I did that, the Misaki family might sue me. But Akane’s delusion only grew.

“And you’re even negotiating terms with the person in charge? Does that mean I’m already unofficially selected…? What should I do? Father will scold me if I enter show business. Will the press come to my engagement party with Yuuma? Kyaa.”

Akane pressed her hands to her cheeks and wiggled. To be able to create such a grand misunderstanding from such a tiny spark…

In a way, I think she’s a genius.