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alicescaling · 9 days ago

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Brothers Conflict Season 2 Volume 2 #028

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#028 — Waking up to an unfair play.

After I make it out of Kichijōji station, I head straight to the mansion.

Although it’s night-time, the streets are still covered in people whirling around. Despite the hustle and bustle, though, all the noise feels so far away.

My mind is blurred, as if there’s a thick layer of haze covering it. I’m still in a daze over what happened.

….. At what that giant monitor back in Shibuya, in front of that crossing, had displayed.

It was the commercial from the brand that Fuuto-kun had said he’d been recruited to model for.

But instead of seeing Fuuto-kun in it, I’d seen Iori-san.

The same Iori-san that I haven’t seen or heard anything from since the day of my high school graduation, when he’d left the mansion.

(I never expected him to get into modeling… and why that commercial…?)

I think back to the conversation I had with Fuuto-kun in the kitchen a few months ago.

Fuuto: “I’m going to be an image model for this brand.”

I remember him mentioning that the contract was still tentative, but I’d thought that they were close to making it official.

And yet this happened.

Furthermore, Fuuto-kun’s angry reaction to Iori-san replacing him showed that had no idea he would be replaced as a model.

Fuuto: “There’s no way I’m just accepting this!”

Fuuto-kun’s face had been scary when he’d seen the commercial.

Fuuto: “.... I’m going into the office. You okay heading home on your own?”

After he’d said this, he’d called a taxi and gotten in, but he really didn’t look like he was in the state to be talking to anyone.

I’ve never seen Fuuto-kun so upset before.

(Fuuto-kun…..)

I’m really worried, but I have no idea what I could or should do.

Feeling helpless, I reluctantly return home.

“.... I’m home.”

When I get to the mansion, I mutter this quietly to myself instead of calling out like usual, and walk into the living room.

I smell a sweet fragrance waft through the air.

Louis: “Ah, Chii-chan, it’s you. So I was right after all.”

I see Louis-san standing in the kitchen.

Louis: “For some reason, I got the feeling that you’d be coming home soon. What perfect timing.”

“Louis-san. What do you mean by perfect?”

As soon as the words come out of my mouth, I hear the microwave oven chime, signaling that whatever's in it is done.

Louis: “..... this.”

Louis-san takes a large mug out of the microwave oven. He then pours the contents into two cups on top of the kitchen counter.

Louis: “It’s hot chocolate… here you go.”

He hands one of the cups to me. The same sweet fragrance I smelled from earlier wafts up from the cup, wrapping me up in it.

Louis: “A client gave it to me. It should be really yummy. They’re very particular about sweet things.”

“Ah… thank you.”

I lightly bring it to my lips. It tastes sweet, almost refreshing.

“Uwahhh, it’s really good.”

Louis: “Mmhmm. When you’re worried, it’s important to treat yourself to sweets.”

Louis-san lifts his own cup up as well.

Louis: “I don’t want you to make you worry, Chii-chan. That’s why I thought it would be good to make some for you.”

“Huh?”

For a moment, I find myself confused, not sure what he’s talking about.

Louis: “Would you like to sit down a little?”

Louis-san guides me to the living room sofa, and we sit down.

Louis: “Well, the thing is.”

Louis-san sets his cup down on top of the table.

Louis: “Today, I saw something. I was very surprised.”

Louis-san pauses to make sure that I heard his words.

I nod, waiting for what he’ll say next.

Louis: “I saw Iori-kun.”

I stare intently at Louis-san after he says this.

“Iori-san?”

Louis: “Someone I know asked me to help out with a model’s hair and makeup. When I went into the studio, Iori-kun was there.”

“........ I see.”

Louis: “I thought that I should call you and tell you. But when I tried to, the call got cut off before I could.”

“Eh?”

I think back to the call I’d gotten earlier while leaving campus.

(I see. So that’s what Louis-san had been about to tell me. Fuuto-kun had cut off the call before he could….)

— At any rate.

I’m certain that Iori-san’s become a model now.

The fact that Louis-san was called in to do his hair and makeup today means that he’s probably doing a lot more work than just that one commercial.

“I’m sorry. Someone I know hung up on you suddenly.”

Louis: “That’s alright.”

Louis-san tilts his head curiously.

Louis: “But Chii-chan, you don’t seem surprised. Could it be that you already knew? About Iori-kun.”

“………. ah.”

I find myself at a loss for words.

Louis: “You already knew, didn’t you.”

“Uhhhhhhmmmm……..”

Louis: “How’d you find out?”

Louis-san watches me intently. I’m left with no choice but to explain.

“Uhm, the truth is…”

I tell him about the commercial I saw back in Shibuya. But I omit the parts about Fuuto-kun being there, too. I feel as if it isn’t important to mention everything that’s happened with him right now.

Louis: “Huuuh. So Iori-kun’s risen to that level already.”

Louis-san picks his mug back up, and sips at his hot chocolate.

Louis: “Hey, Chii-chan.”

The light brown of the liquid in his cup swishes as he speaks.

Louis: “Could I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

Louis: “Are you alright with Iori-kun coming back home?”

“Ehhh?!”

The beat of my heart thrums loudly in my chest.

Louis: “I don’t know all the details, but…”

Louis-san brings his cup down from his face. His facial expression has changed.

Louis: “You’re related to why Iori-kun left the mansion. Aren’t you, Chii-chan?”

“.....!”

I’m at a loss for an answer.

I can’t say “yes”.

If I say “yes”, I’ll naturally have to explain why that is. And that means revealing what happened last Christmas, back at the cemetery.

And I really don’t want to do that.

But I can’t say “no”, either.

Something about Louis-san right now gives me the impression that he’d see through any lies or bluffs. He knows something’s wrong, and saying “no” might lead to an even bigger discussion.

So, we fall into silence. The atmosphere goes uneasily awkward.

— At that moment.

“Huh?”

Suddenly, the front door opens, and Azusa-san enters the living room.

Louis: “Azusa-niisan.”

Azusa: “Louis. …. ah, you speaking with her?”

Azusa-san approaches us.

There’s confusion written on his face.

Azusa: “The two of you seem gloomy. Is something wrong?”

“It’s nothing–”

Louis: “We’re talking.”

Louis-san cuts in.

Louis: “About Iori-kun, that is.”

Azusa: “Eh, Iori?”

Louis: “Iori-kun’s returned.”

Azusa-san’s face grows even more perplexed. From the side, I utter,

Iori-san’s become a model.

Louis-san and I explain that we’d unexpectedly found this out.

Azusa: “Iori’s a model now…. then.”

Azusa-san settles down on the sofa.

Azusa: “This is the first time I’ve heard about this.”

Louis: “It was news to me, too.”

Azusa: “It’s likely that other than you two, no one else knows, either. If he’d tried to contact home before, I’m sure Masa-nii and Kyo-nii would have told us.”

Azusa-san says this, then briefly sinks into silence.

Azusa: “But that’s besides the point.”

After a moment, he gently opens his mouth and speaks again.

Azusa: “Why has the atmosphere gotten so heavy after learning about Iori’s whereabouts?”

(Uuuu….)

His question causes my earlier worries to resurface.

(I’d thought that Azusa-san’s appearance might help change the atmosphere and give me an out, but…)

While I’m busy trying to think of how to best gloss over the question, Louis-san suddenly speaks up.

Louis: “There’s no need to worry about that, Azusa-niisan.”

Azusa: “Eh?”

Louis: “There are some special circumstances. You’ll trouble Chii-san.”

Azusa-san’s expression changes.

Azusa: “What do you mean by that, Louis?”

Louis: “..... I can’t say.”

Azusa: “Why not?”

“W-wait a minute, please.”

I hurriedly interrupt.

“Uhm, I’ll take it from here.”

I desperately try to think.

(.... it’s no good. If I try and cover everything up, it’ll only seem strange and lead to bigger problems. Now’s the time to be honest.)

“To put it briefly, I…”

Reluctant to tell them everything, I choose my words carefully.

“I’m related to…. I’m related to why Iori-san left the mansion.”

Azusa: “You are?”

“I can’t…. I can’t tell you everything. It’s complicated. But I have to do with why he left. That I can say for sure.”

My words cut off there, before I continue again.

“It doesn’t look like Louis-san knows the full situation, but… he realized something was wrong and was worried about me. He was concerned that I might be troubled by Iori-san returning home.”

I stop there, gauging Azusa-san’s reaction.

Azusa: “... continue.”

After he says this, I continue, slightly relieved.

“What happened between me and Iori-san was… very serious. There was a misunderstanding, and…. it was really horrible for Iori-san.”

Azusa-san nods.

“But we’ve moved past that. Iori-san and I have talked, and we’ve resolved things.”

I turn to look at Louis-san.

“So please don’t worry.”

Louis: “Chii-chan…”

“I’m really grateful that you’re concerned about me. But I’m okay.”

Louis: “But–”

Right when Louis-san is about to say something else.

Azusa: “.... Louis.”

Azusa-san says.

Azusa: “She’s said she’s alright. If we keep asking and prying, we’d be bothering her.”

Louis: “That may be true, but…”

Louis-san goes silent.

Azusa: “I think that we should–”

Azusa-san continues,

Azusa: “– trust in her. If she’s asked us to accept her answer, then I think that we should. Listening to her and complying with her wishes is the best thing we can do for her.”

Azusa-san turns to me.

Azusa: “I won’t ask for any more details about what happened between you and Iori in the past. But the future’s another thing. If any new problems arise, I want you to be able to speak up without feeling as if you need to worry on your own.”

Azusa-san gives me a smile.

“.... I understand.”

Azusa: “Alright. Then, we’ll end this discussion here. Does that sound alright, Louis?”

Louis-san turns in Azusa-san’s direction.

Louis: “Azusa-niisan.”

Azusa: “Yes?”

Louis: “Thank you.”

He says this with a smile. Azusa-san smiles back in return. The room’s atmosphere has completely changed.

Azusa: “I’ll be going now, then. The truth is, I only came up here because I was a bit thirsty and wanted something to drink.”

Louis: “I still have some more hot chocolate.”

Azusa: “...... eh? Ah, that sounds good. I’ll have some, thank you.”

Louis-san hands Azusa-san a mug, and Azusa-san takes it before leaving the living room.

Louis: “...... fuuu.”

Louis-san lets out a large sigh.

Louis: “That was splendid.”

“Right.”

I nod.

“Azusa-san really is a reliable person, isn’t he.”

Louis: “.... that isn’t it.”

Louis-san shakes his head.

Louis: “I was talking about you, Chii-chan.”

“T-talking about… me?”

Louis: “Chii-chan, you’re amazing. You’re incredibly strong.”

Louis-san lifts up his cup, drinking the last sip of his hot chocolate before standing up.

Louis: “The “Chii-chan Defense Squad” is no longer needed.”

“Ehh?”

Louis-san crouches down in front of me.

Louis: “Which is fine, I think.”

Louis-san’s arms wrap around me, his hands resting at my shoulders.

Louis: “From now on, we’ll be the “Looking After Chii-chan Association”.”

Louis-san pulls my body closer.

“Ahh…..”

He keeps holding me for a moment longer, hugging me tightly, before he pulls away again.

Louis: “I’ll be looking forward to it… Chii-chan.”

As he says this, Louis-san gives me a happy smile.

★☆��

(Ah, here, too.)

With December rolling in, the entire town’s become dyed in the Christmas spirit.

On my way back to the mansion from Kichijōji station, I spot a slightly large cafe across from the department store.

The cafe has an open terrace usually used for things like events. Right now, there’s a large, very magnificently decorated tree placed there, covered in lights and ornaments.

It’s already nearing dusk, so the terrace is dyed in dim red, green, and yellow lights, giving the place a sort of magical atmosphere.

I stop in place, my eyes fixated on the view.

At that moment.

(Oh, that person’s…)

There’s a man sitting alone at a table in the corner of the terrace, underneath the shadow of the Christmas tree.

He’s holding a drink in front of him, gazing down at the table he’s sitting at.

Because of this, I can’t make out the entirety of his face. But maybe it’s….

“Masaomi-san?”

When I call out and begin to approach him, the man looks up.

Masaomi: “Ahh. Are you on your way home right now?”

“Yes, I am. Do you have today off work?”

Masaomi: “Mmhmm. I went out to do a little shopping. Ah, would you like something to drink?”

“It’s alright, I can buy my own.”

I go buy a caffè latte and begin to return to our table.

When I do, see that once I’d left him alone, Masaomi-san had returned to staring down at the table.

I wonder what he must be thinking about.

(Could I be bothering him?)

I’ve already called out to him, though, so it isn’t as if I can just up and leave at this point.

I sit back down at my seat and ask.

“Um, Masaomi-san?”

Masaomi: “Mmhmm?”

“Is something bothering you?”

Masaomi: “Nope!”

Masaomi-san immediately shouts out.

Masaomi: “What a sudden thing to say. Nothing’s wrong, nothing’s bothering me, it’s nothing. Ahahaha……………”

He cuts himself off.

Masaomi: “Sorry. I’m a horrible liar.”

“..... I’m sorry, too.”

Masaomi: “Yes, you’re right. There’s no point in trying to hide it.”

Masaomi-san nods. Then, he lifts his cup up, and takes a small sip.

Masaomi: “...... uwahh, it’s completely cold now. I must have been here for a long time, huh.”

Masaomi-san looks at me with a shy smile.

Masaomi: “The truth is, I was thinking about Iori.”

“Iori-san?”

Masaomi: “Mhm. I was thinking about how nice it would be if he came home.”

He rests his elbows on the table, and places his chin on his hand.

Masaomi: “Ukyo did some investigating. And he found out that Iori’s working at the same production company as Fuuto.”

“Really?!”

After that commercial, I’ve started to see Iori-san in more and more magazines and advertisements.

Neither Louis-san or I had made any big fuss about it, but it’d be impossible to miss.

Iori-san being a model has become common knowledge.

But him working under the same producers as Fuuto-kun is news to me.

(Huh? W-wait a minute.)

That means that Fuuto-kun’s role in that commercial had been taken away by one of his colleagues.

(That’s….)

It must already be frustrating enough to have a job taken away from you, but to have a job taken away from you by your own production company must be an even bigger blow.

(Is Fuuto-kun alright….?)

Masaomi: “What’s wrong?”

Masaomi-san asks me worriedly.

“Ah, I’m sorry. I was just a little surprised, that’s all.”

I’m sure I’m the only one that knows that Fuuto-kun had originally been appointed to model for that commercial. That being the case, I decide it’s best to keep quiet about it.

Masaomi: “And so Ukyo talked to the producers.”

Masaomi-san continues.

Masaomi: “And it seems like Iori doesn’t want to come home.”

“Eh….”

Masaomi: “The person that Ukyo spoke to said that he didn’t want anyone to tell his family about him being a model. He knew that we’d find out eventually, but he didn’t want anyone to tell us directly.”

“Iori-san said that?”

Masaomi: “..... it seems like it. It’s heart-breaking, isn’t it. That he’d say something like that.”

Masaomi-san smiles miserably.

Masaomi: “I don’t understand. Why on Earth is Iori trying to distance himself from the family?”

Masaomi-san hangs his head.

Masaomi: “.... I’m the eldest son.”

“Masaomi-san.”

Masaomi: “That’s what I thought. But I really don’t know anything about Iori at all.”

“That’s–”

Masaomi: “Iori…”

Masaomi-san interrupts me.

Masaomi: “... when he was younger, he was always a quiet, understanding child. I can’t remember him ever causing any trouble, no matter how far back into his childhood I try to recall.”

Masaomi-san sighs.

Masaomi: “I have a lot of little brothers. Which means it isn’t easy to give them all the same level of care or attention. In the end, I’d always keep a closer eye on the brothers that were more naughty, or more likely to get into trouble. Because of this, I think that I didn’t talk to Iori nearly as much as I thought I did.”

There’s regret in his eyes.

Masaomi: “Especially after what happened with Fuyuka-chan.”

“.....”

Masaomi: “Even so, I want Iori to come home. I think that family should be together as much as possible.”

There’s pain and bitter regret on Masaomi-san’s face.

Masaomi-san, who’s always calm, and kind, and smiling.

Masaomi-san, who tenderly, gently, watches over the whole family. That same person is making this face, right now.

I feel as if I’m only now understanding the weight that Masaomi-san must be carrying on his shoulders as the eldest son, older brother to all of us.

“Ah, what an unusual expression.”

“Eh?”

Masaomi: “Huh?”

I instinctively survey our surroundings.

As I do, my eyes are met with the figure of a flashy looking woman.

They point the phone that they’re holding in their hand towards me, and grin in amusement.

Masaomi: “..... Hikaru?”

“Hikaru-san!?”

Hikaru: “Oh, am I interrupting? Masa-nii had such a novel expression on his face that I couldn’t possibly pass up the chance to document it.”

I hear the sound of his boots as Hikaru-san makes his way over to us, sitting down at our table as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.

His silky hair is fluttering beautifully, and I catch a glimpse of his slender, beautiful legs as his skirt flutters and he crosses his legs elegantly to sit.

There’s a gasp from the customers sitting nearby.

….. Right, I’m sure that for people who don’t already know, it’d be unthinkable to assume he’s a man.

Hikaru: “Evening, Imouto-san~ ♡”

Hikaru-san blows a kiss at me.

“Good evening. …. It looks like work’s going well. Good job.”

Hikaru: “Ah, perfect!”

Hikaru claps his hands.

Hikaru: “You get full marks for that reply. As one would expect from someone whose managed to tame our house full of wolves~”

“....... thank you very much.”

Hikaru: “But your nose gets zero points.”

“Huh?”

Hikaru-san turns in my direction, thrusting his wrist out in front of me.

“What?”

Hikaru: “You still don’t get it?”

He wags his finger at me as he says this. Then, I smell an aroma drifting from his fingertip.

“Is it…. your perfume?”

Hikaru: “Yup. It’s one meant for men, though.”

Hikaru-san smiles as if he’s enjoying himself.

Hikaru: “I wonder what kind of face Fuuto would make if he smelled it?”

“...... eh?”

As Hikaru-san’s words sink in, I gradually find myself understanding the meaning behind them.

“Hikaru-san, could that perfume be–...?”

Hikaru: “Correct. Don’t you want to see what type of face our impertinent little brother would make, too?”

“Please stop!”

I raise my voice without meaning to.

“Why– why would you even think about something as horrible as that!”

Hikaru: “Why? …. Alright, I’ll tell you.”

Hikaru-san suddenly gets up from the table. Then, he wraps his hand around my shoulder, leaning his face close to mine.

Hikaru: “To kick down one of my rivals. It’s like I told you– this time, I’ll be joining in the conflict as well.”

He’s using his “masculine” voice, his words ringing through my ears.

Hikaru: “All the brothers at the mansion are about “fair play”. But I,”

Hikaru-san’s arm around me tightens. I feel an unexpectedly strong pressure against my back.

Hikaru: “I am a Joker. I’m not bound by things like “gentlemen's agreements”. But, you know— the Joker is the strongest card.”

The anger in my heart dissipates, replaced with confusion.

It’s frustrating, but I’m unable to muster any words to retort against him. It’s like I can’t resist– as if my mind is being manipulated by him.

Hikaru-san straightens up. He returns to his “feminine” voice.

Hikaru: “As for my odds chart– I’m currently in the middle of making revisions.”

He says this with a laugh. The sound rings out through the terrace, like the ringing of a small glass bell.

Masaomi: “Ummmmm, er.”

I hear Masaomi-san’s hesitant voice as he falters.

Masaomi: “I’m sorry, Hikaru. I didn’t really understand anything you were just saying?”

Hikaru: “Hey, Masa-nii.”

Hikaru-san turns to look in Masaomi-san’s direction.

Hikaru: “Don’t you think it would be nice if Kaname were here?”

(Kaname-san!?)

Masaomi: “Why are you suddenly bringing Kaname up at a place like this?”

Hikaru: “Well, becaaaaause, Iori had a “special relationship” with Kaname, didn’t he?”

(!)

Something hot runs down by back.

….. There’s a limit. We might be siblings, but there’s a limit to the horrible things that he can say.

“Hikaru-san…..”

I speak up without meaning to, anger seeping into my voice. But Hikaru-san doesn’t pay any mind to the interruption.

Hikaru: “...... don’t misunderstand. I’m talking about back when we were kids.”

“Huh?”

Masaomi: “Ah…. ahhhh, that’s right!”

Masaomi-san speaks, seeming to recall something.

Masaomi: “Now that you mention it, I’m sure that Iori would always consult Kaname when he needed advice.”

I stand up from my seat despite myself.

“Really!”

Masaomi: “H–Hold on, what’s wrong?!”

Masaomi-san’s face is frightened. Embarrassed, I sink back into my seat.

“Ah, I’m sorry….. But is that really true? About Iori-san and Kaname-san?”

Masaomi: “Yes…. up until around middle school. It wasn’t frequently, but Kaname was the brother that Iori spent the most time with.”

(So that’s how things used to be…..)

Despite myself, memories of what happened during Christmas last year resurface in my mind.

(So back then, Kaname-san also…..)

I’d only thought of his actions being that of a brother’s, his sense of mission that of a monk’s, but… it was more than that.

(Ah! This… it resembles Natsume-san and Subaru-san!)

They were close as children, holding a more familiar relationship with each other than with the rest of their siblings.

So it must have made a big impact, come as a big shock, when that special bond fell apart.

Hikaru: “If Kaname were here, don’t you think Iori’d be able to work things out, some way or another?”

I disregard the sound of Hikaru-san’s light voice as I brood, deep in thought.

Masaomi: “But Hikaru. Kaname’s in the middle of his training right now.”

Masaomi-san speaks, a bewildered look on his face.

Masaomi: “Even if we asked him to come back, I feel like it’d be a while before he’d be able to return.”

Hikaru: “Ahh, that’s alright.”

Hikaru-san suddenly pats my shoulder.

Hikaru: “We’ve got his favourite little pupil right here.”

Masaomi: “Ehhhh?!”

“Huh?”

★☆★

— Four days later.

I’m waiting for him on the roadside, underneath trees decorated with lights.

I don’t know if he’ll come. But there’s no way I can afford not to wait for him.

I don’t know if meeting up with him will go smoothly. But there’s no way I can afford not to meet with him.

I watch as the clock moves, the second-hand needle ticking second by second, marking the passage of time. Before long, the time that we agreed upon finally arrives.

He’s a punctual person. So I’m sure that if he’s coming, it should be….

(Ah!)

At that moment.

In the sea of people walking down the road ahead of me, I see the face of the person I’m waiting for.

He’s getting closer and closer.

Before long, he must finally see me. A soft smile rises to his face.

Iori: “Good evening.”

“.... Good evening, Iori-san.”

– I’m so relieved.

That’s what I’m thinking. Somehow, Iori-san actually came.

Hikaru: “How about we use her as a substitute for Kaname? I mean, she might not be able to get through to him as well as the original, but she may be our best bet out of everyone else.”

When Hikaru-san had suddenly said that back at the cafe, I’d been astonished.

But after thinking about it more, no one else but me knows about what happened on Christmas last year.

Plus, I want Iori-san to return home as well. If there’s anything I can do to help, I’ll do it.

Iori: “I’m sorry if I made you wait long.”

Iori-san’s breath is illuminated by the streetlights around us, making it appear orange in color.

It’s as if I can see his aura surrounding him.

“No, you’re right on time. I’m the one who’s sorry for suddenly calling on you out of nowhere.”

Iori: “.... yes,”

Iori lets out a small chuckle.

Iori: “I was a little surprised when Louis-niisan suddenly slipped me a note while doing my makeup. There was only a time and place written on it, so I wasn’t sure what to think at first.”

“I thought it would be strange of me to suddenly up and contact you. So I asked Louis-san for help, since he sees you often due to work.”

Iori: “I see. You were trying to take care to be thoughtful. There was no need for that, but thank you.”

Iori-san gently reaches his hand out, and places it on the small of my back as if to urge me.

Iori: “How about we go for a short walk?”

Slowly, he begins walking forward, and I follow him.

It seems like Iori-san’s lost a little weight. He looks thinner.

But his face looks bright. His voice also feels calm and composed.

There’s a piercing he didn’t have before on his left ear. He’s wearing a purple jewel, one that glints in the light with each step that Iori-san takes.

Iori: “I actually don’t have much time. I have another shoot lined up soon, but this place is on the way to it.”

“Yes, Louis-san told me.”

Iori: “Ahh, I see.”

Iori-san smiles.

Iori: “So that’s why you chose here for our meeting place. That makes me happy. You’re very thoughtful.”

He moves his hand away from the small of my back, and instead takes my hand in his.

Iori: “It’s rather cold. But I suppose that’s to be expected, given it’s December.”

He gives my hand a slight squeeze.

Iori: “But I’m glad we’re here together.”

He turns to look at me, and gives me a smile.

Iori: “Above all, I’m happy that you reached out to me. I couldn’t say anything to you myself.”

Suddenly, Iori-san stops in his tracks. He lets go of my hand, straightening himself up as he turns fully towards me.

Iori: “...... I’m sorry.”

He bows deeply towards me.

“Eh…….”

I’m completely surprised.

“U-Um….”

Iori: “I wish for your forgiveness.”

Iori-san already has a very eye-catching appearance to begin with.

And he’s bowing deeply in the middle of a crowd of people. I can feel the curious gazes of the people around us.

“Er, please lift your head up.”

Iori: “Do you forgive me?”

“T-That…. I mean, forgive you for what exactly?”

Iori: “What I did last year.”

Iori-san slowly lifts his head up.

Iori: “At the time, I’d lost my mind. My senses.”

His voice intensifies.

Iori: “A year has passed, and it’s the same season as it was back then, which makes the memories surface again to my mind. What had I done to you? What had I tried to do? No matter how much I think back on it, my actions were unforgivable.”

“Iori-san…..”

Iori: “Nevertheless—”

Iori-san takes my left hand in his right one.

He then lifts it upwards.

“I-Iori-san–?!”

He brings it up to around my chest-level, then pulls it towards him, covering it with his other hand.

He’s holding my left hand in between his own two clasped ones.

Iori: “I’m starting to move forward.”

Iori-san shuts his eyes. A serene, gentle expression rises to his face.

Iori: “I’m no longer stuck at a halt. That day, I was revived. ….. Because of you.”

He then brings his forehead to our clasped hands, as if in prayer.

Iori: “...... thank you.”

He doesn’t move. Some time passes like this.

(........)

Iori-san is putting barely any strength into his grip.

I’m sure it would be easy to shake him off if I wanted to.

…. But I don’t.

Iori-san’s hands are cold to the touch, and trembling slightly.

No matter what, I don’t think I have it in me to shake off hands like that.

Iori: “..... thank you.”

Once again, Iori-san says this.

At the same time, I hear the faint sound of something metallic clink.

(Hmm…. ahh!)

There’s a bracelet wrapped around my left wrist.

“Th-this….”

Iori: “I want to give it to you.”

Iori-san removes his hands from mine, instead now taking my left hand with his own left hand.

Iori: “As an apology for everything I’ve done until now.”

I hold the wrist that Iori-san had put the bracelet on up to the light, watching as it glints.

It has a silver chain, and the bracelet is also decorated with an array of various different charms.

When it catches the light, it glimmers beautifully.

“But I…. I can’t accept this.”

Iori: “Is it not good as an apology?”

Iori-san smiles.

Iori: “In that case, how about you think of it as a thank you?”

“I haven’t done anything to deserve your thanks.”

Iori: “..... you’re distressed.”

Iori-san brings his hand away.

He then sinks into silence.

Iori: “Okay.”

After a moment, his smile returns.

Iori: “Then let’s do this. It’ll be a gift commemorating our reunion today.”

“Eh?”

Iori: “It’s almost Christmas, isn’t it? So think of it as me giving you a present. That should be alright, shouldn’t it?”

“Ah….”

To refuse after he’s said that would be impolite.

“I understand. I’ll accept it. Thank you very much.”

Iori: “...... that goes for you, too. Thank you.”

Iori-san looks down at his wristwatch.

Iori: “I’m sorry. I need to get going now. I’m sorry I can’t see you off. Being here with you made me really happy.”

“W-Wait a second please.”

As Iori-san begins to walk away, I hurriedly call after him.

If we part ways now, like this, then I won’t have achieved what I came here for.

“Um, Iori-san, will you be returning home?”

Iori-san slowly turns his head towards me.

Iori: “...... to the Asahinas?”

“Yes. Everyone’s waiting for you.”

Iori-san stares intently at me. Then, he speaks.

Iori: “Does that mean that you came here today as a representative for the rest of the family?”

“You can think of it that way.”

Iori: “....... I see. I understand.”

Iori-san slowly nods.

As he does, a kind smile rises to his face.

Iori: “Alright, convey this to the others, then. Merry Christmas. And Happy New Years.”

After he says this, Iori-san bows, and turns back around.

And just like that, Iori-san’s figure disappears into the hustle and bustle of the night.

★☆★

The elevator stops at the third floor.

Subaru: “Hn… oh, is this going up?”

Subaru-san, holding a cardboard box in his arms, goes to enter the elevator, but then steps back in realization.

As he does, the box he’s holding gets stuck in between the elevator doors as they close. I hurriedly press the button to open up the door again.

Subaru: “...... thanks.”

The doors open again, and I see even more cardboard boxes stacked up in the elevator hall.

“Are you tidying up?”

Subaru: “Ahh, I’m getting ready to move.”

“Eh, but it’s still December, though?”

When Subaru-san graduates, he’ll be joining a pro team based in Miyazaki, in Kyushu.

When he does, he’ll be moving there. But that’s still a long ways off.

Subaru: “Next year will be really busy. And hectic. I thought I’d get some packing done while doing my New Years cleaning.”

“That’s an awful lot.”

I step out of the elevator.

Subaru: “It’s mostly stuff like training equipment that I don’t use anymore. They’ve just been piling up. It’s a good opportunity to sort through ‘em.”

“Is there anything I can help with?”

Subaru: “No, I’ve got it myself. I’ll probably end up throwing most of it out.”

Subaru-san speaks up again, sounding like he just remembered something.

Subaru: “Speaking of, I’ve got my textbooks and stuff like my old test and lecture notes. Did you want them?”

“Eh?! Ah, please, please.”

Subaru-san’s an upperclassman in the same major as me.

Because of this, a lot of classes I’ll be taking will overlap with the ones he took, so having his old notes would be a huge help.

Subaru: “Alright, I’ll be sure to give it all to you later, then.”

“Thanks a lot!”

Subaru: “By the way, you were just out, weren’t you? Where’d you go?”

“Oh, I was in Omotesandō for a bit.”

Subaru: “Omotesandō?”

Subaru-san furrows his brows.

Subaru: “I don’t really go there. Were you out shopping?”

“Ah… y-yeah.”

I know that lying is wrong, but I feel like talking about Iori-san with Subaru-san right here and right now isn’t a good idea.

Subaru: “Ohhhh.”

Subaru-san smiles.

Subaru: “That’s why you’re wearing that.”

“That?”

Subaru: “There, what you’re wearing on your left wrist.”

“Ah….. you noticed it?”

Subaru: “Oi, oi.”

Subaru-san gives a strained smile.

Subaru: “I was a little…. No, the truth is that I noticed it back when you pressed the elevator button. When you stretched your arm out in front of me.”

As he says this, he laughs.

Subaru: “But I’m glad.”

“Eh?”

Subaru: “That you really did just buy it. What would you’ve thought of me if you’d worn it before?”

“Don’t say that.”

He then sets down the box he’s been holding.

Subaru: “Hey, do you have a sec?”

“What is it?”

Subaru: “Do you like stuff like it? That accessory?”

“Hm?”

Subaru: “... ugh, no,”

Subaru lets out an embarrassed laugh.

Subaru: “What I mean is. It’s like this. Someone gives you a present. But, y’know, sometimes you don’t like it, or you don’t wanna wear it.”

“Ahh…. I see.”

I think about my answer for a moment.

“It’s true that if it isn’t something you’d usually wear, or something that’s more your taste, you wouldn’t really wear it. But I think that you’d also just be happy to have been given something.”

Subaru: “I-I see.”

Subaru-san’s voice grows a bit livelier.

Subaru: “Alright, let me ask something else. In that case, what’s the most foolproof gift?”

“Ehh?”

Subaru: “I mean, there’s a ton of different types of accessories. Bracelets, and necklaces, and stuff.”

“Ahh, that’s right.”

Subaru: “And so with that in mind, I was wondering what the safest option would be. Hypothetically.”

“Hmmmmmm.”

I try to think of an answer.

“What in particular…..”

Subaru: “There isn’t one?”

“I mean, it really depends on the person. ….. Um, I’m sorry, but I don’t know much about these things. You’d probably find a more accurate answer on the internet.”

Subaru: “No, that’s all I wanted to know.”

Subaru-san gives me a smile, flustered.

Subaru: “I just wanted to ask you real quick, which was plenty. Thank you.”

“Oh, no problem.”

Subaru: “Well, I’m gonna head back to my room now. Sorry for keeping you.”

Subaru-san returns to the elevator hall. I head back into the elevator.

(What was that about just now?)

It’s unusual for Subaru-san to ask about accessories.

(..... but he noticed my bracelet.)

Subaru-san can be rather shy and reserved, but he showed how much he cares by noticing it.

Subaru-san doesn’t really talk much about himself. So there are still a lot of things about him that I don’t know.

But today, I saw a little beyond that.

Which makes me really happy.

(It’s nice to talk about all sorts of different things with him. It’d be nice if we could do this more often before he heads off to Kyushu.)

★☆★

After finishing dinner, I return to my room. It’s around 9pm.

Today I plan on watching a movie in my room.

I rented it about a week ago, and it’s due tomorrow. If I leave it sitting around for much longer, it’ll be overdue.

Mahoko: “You definitely need to watch it!”

Mahoko had told me this, which is why I rented it out. She’d apparently cried her eyes out while watching it in the theatre.

Mahoko: “It was amazing!! Ahh, it embodies what true love is!!”

(To be honest, it seems more like a comedy than a romance.)

It’d be a waste to return it without watching it, though.

I pop the disc into my game console.

It’s convenient being able to play both games and movie discs on it.

I start the movie. It begins with two sets of couples talking, each with their own respective date scene.

About 30 minutes into the movie, my room’s doorbell rings.

(I wonder who it is?)

I head to the front door. I peer through the peephole, and see Fuuto-kun standing out in the hallway.

For some reason, he looks dull and tired. I can see the exhaustion clear on his face, even through the scope of the door.

“Fuuto-kun.”

When I open the door, Fuuto-kun replies in a murmur.

Fuuto: “........ you’re so slow. How long does it take to open one door?”

I hear him sigh.

“Is something wrong?”

Fuuto: “This and that. …. hey, how long’re you gonna make me stand out here? Can I or can’t I come in?”

“Ah, sorry. Please, come in.”

I move to the side so Fuuto-kun can pass through.

Fuuto-kun stops right at the entryway.

Fuuto: “You can go in first.”

“Eh?”

Fuuto: “What, do you think I’m the type of guy who just barges in or something?”

“........”

Something feels off.

He’s always been rude, but his every word seems to be sharp, harsh.

Usually, there’s a sort of lightness to the things he says– although they can be annoying and offensive sometimes– and his tone’s still more joking than anything.

— But today’s different. He feels almost hostile.

Still, I can’t just keep standing here forever.

“Please, come in.”

I go further into my room, and say this.

Once I’ve made a little distance, Fuuto-kun enters my room as well.

Fuuto: “What, you’re watching something boring?”

Fuuto-kun suddenly spits out.

Fuuto: “I can’t believe that a university student’s watching some sugary, childish movie like this.”

Fuuto-kun snatches up the remote control and turns the TV display off.

“Ah!”

Fuuto-kun hurls the remote away, and aggressively takes off his coat.

Fuuto: “Ahhhh, this is so stupid.”

He drops onto the bed, his face-up towards the ceiling, leaning back.

Fuuto: “Hey.”

“Yeah?”

Fuuto: “It’s my fault.”

Fuuto-kun’s gaze stays intently stuck to the ceiling.

“Wh-what are you talking about?”

Fuuto: “The guys at the office say he got in contact with them. There were calls and emails. But no one said anything, so how would I know? And then he said that there was something important they needed to discuss, so we needed to meet in person. What’s up with that? Plus, in the first place, the client already pretty much decided on who they’d appoint, right? So it’d be okay if the agency declined, right? So why’d they okay it? The hell do they think of their talent?”

His words overflow, coming out disjointed.

Fuuto: “Besides, what kind of older brother just up and takes a job like this from his younger brother? It’s unthinkable, right?

His story’s fragmented, so I don’t have a complete understanding of what Fuuto-kun’s trying to say.

But my best guess is that he’s talking about that commercial.

Fuuto: “To make things worse, Seike had to go and say “don’t you think you’re prioritizing your solo work over your role in Forttê? I don’t think this is a bad thing for the other members”.”

(Seike-san?!)

I think back to when I met him at the university library.

(He didn’t seem like the type of person who’d say something so terrible, though…..)

Fuuto: “Why the hell’s he attacking me like that? I make sure to perform all my duties for Forttê, and I’ve got the agency’s permission to do my solo work. So why the hell’s he gotta complain?”

“F-Fuuto-kun…..”

I somehow manage to interject.

“If you’d like, I have some tea that I can–”

Fuuto: “I’m quitting.”

Abruptly, Fuuto-kun speaks.

“....... eh?”

Fuuto: “That’s why I’m quitting.”

Fuuto-kun stands up from the bed.

Fuuto: “I’m not working with those guys anymore.”

“D-don’t say that. Fuuto-kun, please, calm down–”

Fuuto: “What’re you saying?”

Fuuto-kun interjects.

Fuuto: “I am calm.”

There’s a cruel chill to his tone.

Fuuto: “I’m calm, and things have gone exactly according to plan. The two of us are alone, in your room, and the door is locked.”

“Eh……?”

Fuuto: “What, do you think I’m the type of guy to wait for permission to politely enter your room?”

Fuuto-kun laughs.

Fuuto: “Waiting for permission to enter someone’s room sounds like something a vampire would do, doesn’t it? Ahh, speaking of, I did cosplay as one before, didn’t I? At the school culture festival. Remember? …. Ahaha, it’s perfect!”

Fuuto-kun takes a single step forward.

Fuuto: “You don’t understand me at all.”

His face warps with anger.

Fuuto: “.......... you’re the same as them.”

He gazes intently at me, his eyes dark.

That instant, I’m filled with fear.

— I need to run away.

The thought rushes into my mind. But my legs won’t move.

No matter how much I will them to, it’s as if the feeling of oppression that Fuuto-kun is emitting won’t let me.

Fuuto: “I’ll teach you.”

Fuuto-kun draws even closer.

Fuuto: “Just what type of man am I? I’ll teach you, teach your body, until you completely understand.”

The light of the room casts a dark shadow across Fuuto-kun’s face.

I watch as his arm slowly rises.

At that moment, a strong, dreadful horror wells up in me.

“Help–!”

But my shouts are interrupted before I can finish.

Fuuto-kun’s hand muffles them, moving to cover my mouth.

Fuuto: “..... quit it.”

I feel Fuuto-kun press his body close to mine.

Fuuto: “Please, don’t do that.”

I feel the heat of his voice in my bones.

Fuuto: “I like you.”

His voice is strong, unwavering.

Fuuto: “I don’t care how. I’m going to make you mine, and mine alone.”

He removes his hand from my lips. But there’s no time for me to say anything.

Before I can, his hand wraps around my back, pulling our bodies tightly together, his grip harsh and domineering.

Then, replacing where his hand once was, Fuuto-kun covers my lips with his own.

(— Fu-Fuuto-kun!)

16 notes · View notes

alicescaling · 2 days ago

Text

BRCN DOUBT 2

DOUBT ≠ Ukyo; SISTERS CONFLICT

Masterlist.

This story takes place within the Sisters Conflict universe, in which the brothers are the Asahina sisters, and Ema is a boy named Chiibou. (AKA, everyone is the opposite gender.) The names for the sisters are generally the same as their male counterparts, with a few exceptions, being: Masaomi —> Masami, Louis —> Louie, Yuusuke —> Yuuki, Fuuto —> Fuuko, Wataru —> Wataho.

DOUBT ≠ Ukyo; SISTERS CONFLICT

13 women all in love with the same man.

Do you think that something like that could ever happen?

Especially if all 13 women were sisters.

….. It sounds ludicrous.

Undoubtedly, that’s what all of you must be thinking. Really, even a low-quality weekly publisher could come up with a better story, I’m sure.

But in reality, that really has happened. Happened between my sisters and I, and our brother we call “Chiibou”.

And it is the story that I, Asahina Ukyo, would like to tell you.

A story of true love–.

★☆★

I’ll never forget the day that Chiibou first came to the mansion to start living with us sisters– May 22nd.

Our father remarried Chiibou’s mother (who we later found out is actually his adoptive mother, a fact I’ll avoid covering in avid detail for now in order to not introduce any disorder into the story), leading him to start living with us.

On a clear, sunny day, appropriate for the fresh verdure of the season, I’d seen him through the window. I still remember how he’d seemed to almost glisten in the sunlight.

We’d done our best to all be there for our first meeting, save for the few who couldn’t make it.

Therein, before we can introduce ourselves, Chiibou says this:

“Wow, everyone’s so beautiful.”

At that instant, some of us– no, maybe all of us– present are wholly captivated by him.

Wataho: “You’re handsome too, Onii-tama~”

The first to move is our youngest sister, a 13 year old elementary schooler named Wataho. She springs up from the sofa she’d been sitting on until now, rushing towards Chiibou and clinging onto him.

Wataho: “Wataho wanted you to be a boy soooo bad, Onii-tama. ‘Cause everyone else in the house’s a girl!”

As she says this, she rubs her face against Chiibou’s body.

Ukyo: “Wataho!”

She’s still an elementary student, so it’s understandable that she’s not aware of such things, but due to the height difference between the two, Wataho’s face is just under Chiibou’s belt.

I cannot overlook such blatant rudeness. As the second daughter of the family, I have taken up the role of our father in his constant absence, and am thus the one who shoulders most of our household duties.

Ukyo: “Please stop it, Wataho. You’re troubling your Onii-sama!”

I seize Wataho by the scruff of her neck, pulling her away.

Wataho: “Waaaaah–!!”

Masami: “Ukyo, there was no need to be so harsh.”

Ukyo: “Masami-neesama!”

My older sister, and the eldest daughter of the family, Masami-neesama, takes my hand. Onee-sama is extremely soft and lenient with Wataho.

Masami: “I’m sorry for the sudden noisiness, but that’s how our home always is. Welcome to the Asahina family.”

Masami-neesama says this with a smile. In return, Chiibou responds with the following:

“Uwah~ Amazing, you’ve got such large breasts.”

W-why would he say t-that out of nowhere?!

Masami: “Ufufufu…. It’s a bit embarrassing, but they can be rather helpful for my job as a pediatrician. When holding babies, they think I’m their mama, and stop crying.”

“Really….”

Kaname: “Hold on a second. When it comes to breasts, I can’t be beat, either. …. What do you think?”

The third eldest sister, and the biggest problem child of the family, Kaname, says this as she leans forward. She ostentatiously pushes her chest out.

“Wahh, what a beautiful shape. They look just like Mount Fuji.”

Kaname: “My, what a unique compliment. Fufu, I like it. ….. Hey, Otouto-chan, why don’t you come by the nunnery I work at sometime? Let’s go to Nirvana together.”

After she says this, the sex obsessed nun steals Chiibou’s lips.

This stirs up a commotion, a high-pitched shriek ringing out mere moments after.

Tsubaki: “Ahhhh—, it’s no fair if Kana-nee gets him all to herself! Tsubaki wants in, too–!”

The fifth sister, Tsubaki, hugs Chiibou from behind and kisses at the nape of his neck.

Tsubaki: “Hey, c’mon, Azusa, join usssss~”

And so, the younger of the identical twins, Azusa, gets swept up into the unfurling events as well.

Azusa: “I’m alright, you can do as you like, Tsubaki. But it makes me sad to see you doing such lewd things with men, you know. Please remember that.”

Tsubaki: “Stop it, Azusaaaa. People’re totally gonna get suspicious about our relationship if you say spout stuff like that. Don’t say things people’re gonna misunderstand–”

Unsure of what to do in the midst of my sisters acting so unruly, I look around me in an attempt for assistance.

Of us 13 sisters, only the eighth sister, a beautician named Louie; the ninth sister, a college student named Subaru; and the eleventh sister, a high school student named Yuuki remain of those who are present.

However, Louie is sitting smiling on the sofa, Subaru is hanging her head down, her face red, and Yuuki is just standing bolt upright with her mouth hanging open.

I breathe out a sigh.

(Just how in the world are things going to be from now on?)

★☆★

The disorder that Chiibou joining our family brings into the mansion far exceeds my expectations.

Kaname and Tsubaki take absolutely every opportunity available to flirt with him. As for Wataho….

Wataho: “Onii-tama, let’s go night-night together~”

She says this day and night, chasing after him with a blanket in her hands.

And Subaru’s the most miserable of us all.

Every morning, she goes out for a jog and then takes a shower, and after she goes to the kitchen to drink some milk before getting fully dressed.

However one day, as she was doing so, Chiibou walked in and she was horrified. She was so flustered that the towel wrapped around her body had fallen off.

Her face flushed so red that it went white.

At seeing this, Chiibou said,

“Wow… Subaru-san, your body's so toned and beautiful. You look just like a statue you’d see at an art museum. I can’t tear my eyes away…”

The amazing thing about Chiibou is the way that he always says exactly what he thinks, without any trace of ulterior motives or manipulation in his words.

In short, it’s as if his heart and his mouth are directly connected, with no sort of sense or filter separating the two.

— To put in plainly, he’s a natural flirt.

And to someone like Subaru, who’s wholly devoted to basketball and never talks to men, let alone ever been in a relationship with one, I cannot even begin to imagine the sheer, immense destructive power that must have on her.

Subaru: “What should I do……. Him or basketball, which should I choose….”

Ever since then, Subaru hasn’t been able to focus on practice or matches, leading her to be benched from the position she’d been playing since she first started university.

And just like that, our family’s fallen into complete and utter pandemonium. At least there’s one good thing that’s come of it, however.

Yuuki has been properly coming down to the dining table for breakfast in the mornings.

Yuuki: “Yeahh, I made it in time this morning—!”

Tsubaki: “Shuddap, don’t be so loud in the morning. Annnnnnyways, by the look of those dark circles you’ve got, you didn’t get any shut eye last night, didja?”

Azusa: “Well, we’ve got to give her some credit, Tsubaki. Yuuki knows that her only appeal lies in the fact that she can go to school with him.”

Yuuki: “S-Shaddap. That’s none of your business, Tsuba-nee, Azu-nee.”

Chiibou attends the same school as Yuuki. He wakes up at a fixed time, and he leaves the mansion at a fixed time. If he can't leave on time, then Iori bikes him to the station with her.

Iori is the 10th sister, and is in high school.

She wasn’t able to make it when Chiibou first arrived to the mansion, but after, as the days went by, she and Chiibou seemed to get closer and closer.

“Thank you, Iori-san.”

Iori: “No, thank you. I’m the one who normally commutes to school by bicycle. I should be the one pedaling.”

“And I’m the one who asked for a ride from you, Iori-san, there’s no way I would make you pedal. ….. On another note, Iori-san, you’re looking beautiful as always today. Your figure is flawless. What do you do to stay so pretty?”

Iori: “I don't do anything in particular. I merely pray to God on occasion.”

Such conversations are like her worst nightmare come to life for Yuuki. Unfortunately for her, however, it seems as if Yuuki’s feelings for Chiibou are rapidly heading in the direction of “never being realized”.

Especially considering the sister that Yuuki gets along with the least– the twelfth sister, Fuuko.

The idol has taken a liking to Chiibou as well. One day, in front of everyone, she’d made a sudden declaration.

Fuuko: “Chiibou belongs to me. If I catch any of you so much as ogling him, I’ll be seriously pissed.”

For someone like Yuuki, who’d kept her feelings hidden for so long, unable to do anything about them, she must have been beyond frustrated at this.

Of course, if not Yuuki, then no one else would dare accept such a selfish declaration.

Louie: “Chiibou is everyone’s. It isn’t right to try and monopolize him.”

Iori: “You’d best not get in my way.”

Subaru: “W-Whenever you have time. I want you to come to one of my games. I’d like you to see me make a three-point shot…”

Kaname: “Otouto-chan. Hey, let’s talk of love again tonight. We’ll use up our words and bodies until dawn breaks…..”

On the contrary, it agitated everyone instead.

Moreover, Chiibou’s response to such behaviour was,

“Everyone’s so cute and beautiful, I couldn’t possibly choose just one of you.”

How could he so blatantly disavowal the system of modern monogamy! …. That’s what I want to say as a lawyer. However, since these are Chiibou’s true feelings– since this is him speaking from the heart– there’s nothing I can do.

“I’ll give you all your own turns to be doted on. So please don’t fight. Okay?”

Because of that, everyone began to flirt with Chiibou more than ever before. No one bothered trying to hide their affections for him anymore.

Thereupon, once again, Chiibou–

“I want to respond to everyone’s feelings. How about I do so in groups of two or three?”

He went and said something absolutely shameless!

Tsubaki: “Ehh, really, really?!?! Alriiiight!! C’mon, Azusa, let’s go!!”

Azusa: “I suppose it can’t be helped…. However– Tsubaki, no touching his lips. Got it?”

Masaomi: “Ufufu. Hey, Wataho, do you want to play together with your Onii-chan and I?”

Wataho: “Yaaayyyy, let’s play doctor together–!”

Furthermore, Father soon announced that the wedding they’d had to postpone for a variety of circumstances was finally going to be held.

Because of this, the two sisters who live alone finally met Chiibou.

The seventh sister is an office worker named Natsume.

Natsume: “I see, so you like video games. Do you want to play some samples from my company? They don’t have a manual, though… How about you come over to my place on your next day off and we can play them together, then. That way I can help you. Since we get new stock often, here’s the key to my apartment. Feel free to stop by whenever you’d like.”

And then there’s the fourth sister– a writer who ceaselessly insists on talking and dressing like a man, and the biggest pervert of the family, Hikaru.

Hikaru: “My, you’re amusing. I’ll have plenty of fun with a playtoy like you. …. Hm, you’re wondering why I dress like a man? That’s because it makes it easier for me to collect data from married women and sheltered young ladies. See, I write erotic novels. You want to read them? Hmmmmm, you’ve got some guts.”

With those two thrown into the mix, and the entire lineup of us sisters complete, the Sisters Conflict over Chiibou grows more intense than ever.

★☆★

Of course, as the conscience of the family, I cannot simply stay silent and look the other way when presented with such a state of affairs.

Ukyo: “Please do not do such shameful things in the mansion! At the very least, go to your room!”

Everyday, I find myself continually saying the same things.

However, everyone seems to hold a devil-may-care attitude in response. To make matters worse, where Masami-oneesama is concerned….

Masami: “Ukyo, there’s no need for you to worry. It’s alright, we’re just deepening our familial bonds.”

— That is NOT a reasonable explanation for this!

I want to scream that out loud, but I fear I may too become unpleasant if I succumb to hysteria. Left with no choice lest I want to join in everyone’s immoral group, I can do only nothing.

When summer leaves us, autumn follows in its wake, and a problem soon arises.

Chiibou’s grades have dropped significantly.

Which seems only natural, considering what he has spent his days doing.

However, apparently Chiibou has always been one to get good marks, so seeing his grades fall had seemed to be a momentous shock to him.

“What should I do…. If this keeps up, I won’t be able to get into the university I want to attend….”

I’m not what one would call a necessarily doting sister, but seeing him in such a sad state makes me start to feel upset as well.

Ukyo: “If you like, I would be willing to tutor you.”

“Ehh?! Really?”

Ukyo: “Yes. Even if it’s only the subjects you’re struggling with, studying will make a difference, won’t it?”

“Alright, classic literature then. Please help me with classic literature.”

And so, I started tutoring Chiibou in classical literature. However, his textbook’s primary contents were stories and songs from the Heian period, which I’d forgotten were mostly love stories.

“Huh…. so this song has a hidden meaning. It’s kinda lewd.”

“How terribly bold… hearing you read it out loud is making my body flush, Ukyo-san.”

Whenever I tutor him, he murmurs such things while gazing at me with lidded eyes.

Little by little, I’ve started losing my composure, gradually growing more and more unable to handle being alone with him for long periods of time.

Ukyo: “Very well, taking what I just said as reference, translate these sections into modern Japanese. The dictionary is over there.”

“You’re not going to explain them to me, Ukyo-san?”

Ukyo: “I’m sorry, I have a work call I need to take. I’ll review your answers when I return.”

Of course, that’s a lie. I just want to try and avoid Chiibou.

However, this ends up leading to an unforeseen situation occurring.

Ukyo: “What are you looking at!?”

When I return to my room, I find Chiibou at my bookshelf, looking through an old photo album.

“You were gone for a while… I was getting a bit restless.”

Ukyo: “Give it back.”

“Okay….”

But it’s already too late. Chiibou has seen the contents.

“Um, about that album.”

And so, having seen inside it, he naturally asks a question.

“The person in that photograph…. looks a lot like me. Who is he?”

How do I answer…… I find myself growing troubled.

Ukyo: “.............. someone I used to know.”

“How about now?”

Ukyo: “Like I said….. It was a long time ago.”

“What happened?”

Ukyo: “....... that’s none of your business.”

Unable to bear it any longer, I say,

Ukyo: “Our tutoring ends today. Please ask Iori for any further help, and leave.”

“Eh…. w-why? Ukyo-san, your teaching is amazing, please keep tutoring me.”

Ukyo: “I’m sorry. I can’t.”

“Ukyo-san…. Is this my fault?”

Chiibou’s face falls, saddened.

Since he’s come to the mansion, his face has always been laughing, smiling. I’ve never seen an expression like this from him before.

Ukyo: “Please leave.”

I can barely force the words out. And so, from that day forth, I begin distancing myself from Chiibou.

★☆★

Hikaru: “This should be good, don’t you think, Kyo-nee?”

Shining brightly, Hikaru says this to me in the kitchen as she sprays perfume, wearing a men’s suit.

Ukyo: “Hikaru. You can do your makeup in your room. Why must you insist on doing it here?”

Hikaru: “That’s because it’s far more fun to watch my beloved big sister flare up at me.”

Ukyo: “Hikaru!”

I suddenly hear the sound of a cell phone snapping a photo.

Hikaru: “Here, look at this. Even our loving little Otouto-san would retreat if he saw a face this scary.”

Ukyo: “.............. do as you please.”

Hikaru: “Fufu. …. That aside, things can’t keep on like this.”

Ukyo: “What?”

Hikaru: “You know.”

Hikaru’s lips curl up in amusement.

Ukyo: “....... there's nothing I can do about it.”

I reply as I clean the dishes.

Ukyo: “Chiibou said that he wants to love everyone at the same time.”

Hikaru: “You don’t get it, do you. Otouto-san is merely kind.”

Hikaru leans her waist against the table, crossing her legs.

Hikaru: “You might not get it yourself, but he’s a sensitive person. The type of person to feel others’ pain as if it were his own. So he does his best to prevent hurting others’ feelings.”

Ukyo: “Regrettably, it seems as if your deduction skills have fallen off as of late.”

Hikaru: “How so?”

Ukyo: “Someone like that wouldn’t arbitrarily look through my photo albums while in my room, would they?”

Hikaru: “Hmmmm.”

Hikaru’s eyes flash with suspicion as she regards me.

Hikaru: “Could Otouto-san have caught a look at a picture of you and Amamiya, Kyo-nee?”

Ukyo: “I will leave that to your imagination.”

Hikaru: “Alright then. But, Kyo-nee. I don’t think that you should blame Otouto-san for doing so.”

Ukyo: “Why not?”

Hikaru: “Demanding delicacy from Otouto-san is unreasonable. He’s still innocent, like a child. It caught his eye, so he looked at it. But that doesn’t mean that he isn’t sensitive.”

It’s growing painful for me to keep speaking to my annoying little sister.

Ukyo: “Should you not be heading out soon, lest you be late for your appointment?”

Hikaru: “It’s alright. That old lady’s the type to be happier if I make her wait a little.”

Hikaru picks up the plate I was drying from the side.

Ukyo: “What are you trying to get at?”

Hikaru: “I’ll say it just once more.”

Hikaru looks incredibly amused.

Hikaru: “Otouto-san is doing his absolute best to give everyone love and attention. As much as he can physically handle before succumbing to fatigue, that is. However, unfortunately, that doesn’t work for us sisters.”

Ukyo: “What do you mean?”

Hikaru: “Nobody likes having to share Otouto-san. Everybody wants him for themselves.”

Hikaru begins to count on her fingers.

Hikaru: “Tsubaki and Azusa. Natsume and Subaru. Yuuki and Fuuko. And…. Kaname and Iori. Everyone’s relationships are strained, ready to blow at the slightest altercation. And Wataho seems to be trying to compete with everyone.”

Ukyo: “....... this is ridiculous,”

I say. However, my voice is barely audible, quiet and low.

Hikaru: “Masa-nee is doing her best to encourage him, and Louie is doing her best to comfort him, but the issue doesn’t lie with Chiibou– it lies with us sisters, which means it can’t be resolved.”

Ukyo: “........”

Hikaru: “At times like this, it’s up to the eldest of us to act their age, right? But Masa-nee is unreliable. And Kaname’s also part of the problem, so she won’t be much help either.”

Ukyo: “But you’re here?”

Hikaru: “I am the fourth sister, aren’t I…. fufu.”

I find myself growing uncomfortable at the sight of her smile.

Hikaru: “I’ll leave the honor of saving the family to someone older than me.”

Hikaru picks an apple up from the table, and bites into the skin.

Hikaru: “But time is running out….. you know?”

After she says this, she spits a seed out from her mouth. It hits the calendar, before falling to the floor.

December 24th.

The date that the seed hits marks a week from now.

Hikaru: “I’m rooting for you…. Onee-sama.”

Having said her piece, Hikaru leaves the kitchen.

★☆★

Yuuki: “Ehh? What’d ya just say, Kyo-nee?”

Ukyo: “I’ll say it only once more. For one week starting today, we will be entering a “Christmas Truce Agreement”. During this period, everyone shall be prohibited from spending excess time together with Chiibou.”

The next day, I call everyone to the living room and make an announcement.

Fuuko: “I’m not agreeing to that. I’ll do as I please.”

Ukyo: “Fuuko, that won’t work with me. This is compulsory. Anyone who does not abide by it will have no choice but to leave the mansion. If that’s alright by you, then by all means, do as you please.”

Fuuko: “Haah?”

Fuuko glares at me. I don’t falter.

Ukyo: “You’re free to turn this into a trial if you so wish. I'll be your opponent.”

Fuuko: “......... stupid.”

Wataho: “That’s not faaaaaair, I already got a present—”

Masami: “Hold on a moment, Ukyo.”

Masami-neesama cuts into the conversation.

Masami: “Don’t you think this is a bit tyrannical? Especially right before Christmas.”

Ukyo: “That’s exactly why I have already received Father’s approval, Masami-neesama.”

Masami: “Dad’s?”

Ukyo: “And just so you know, Masami-neesama— you’ll be no exception.”

Masami: “Ehh…..”

Finally, as is appropriate, the atmosphere in the room shifts, everyone now paying attention.

Subaru: “Kyo-nee…. what exactly’s being considered forbidden here?”

Ukyo: “Spending time with Chiibou will not be tolerated, save for within this living room. Flirting is completely out of the question, and everyday activities will also be prohibited.”

The room sinks into silence. It’s broken by Natsume clearing her throat.

Natsume: “Even just hanging out won’t be allowed?”

Ukyo: “Correct. If you have a game you’d like to give to him, please deliver it through mail instead, Natsume.”

Natsume: “Oi, oi…. Just what about Chiibou’s feelings? You can’t just be deciding stuff like this for him, Kyo-nee.”

Ukyo: “No, I can’t. Which is why I asked him. Chiibou already gave me the OK.”

Natsume: “..... what’d you just say?”

Ukyo: “This is to protect Chiibou.”

I survey everyone as I speak.

Ukyo: “Do you understand how much time Chiibou spends with you all, exhausting himself? Because of this, he has no time to study or do much else.”

At this, Yuuki speaks up, as if remembering something.

Yuuki: “Now that you mention it, I’ve been seeing him fall asleep in class lately. He never used to do that before.”

Wataho: “He even looks super sleepy when he holds me in his laps sometimes–. His sleepy face is suuuuper cute~”

Kaname: “..... I see. If that’s the case, I’m in favor of the truce. We should definitely give him some freedom.”

After Kaname says this, Iori nods.

Iori: “I understand. In which case, I’ll postpone our graveside ceremony to next year.”

We all internally question what Iori means by that, but no one wishes to add yet another problem to our fast-growing list. And so, no one decides to ask Iori or delve into it.

Tsubaki: “Azusaaaaa. What d’ya think? Kyo-nee looks pretty serious.”

Azusa: “It can’t be helped. Actually, I’ve noticed that Chiibou looks considerably tired lately as well.”

Tsubaki: “Riiiiiight. It really can’t be helped–.”

Louie: “It’s important to protect Chiibou-kun……”

I take out the contract that I’d prepared beforehand.

Ukyo: “Then, if you’ll all please sign this. ….. Ah, and Hikaru.”

Hikaru: “Hm?”

Ukyo: “I would like to ask that you keep a close eye on everyone during the cease fire to make sure that no one tries to sneak anything by. Is this alright?”

Hikaru: “Ah, that does sound rather interesting, doesn’t it….. alright. I’ll cooperate with you this time, Kyo-nee.”

And so, all us sisters sign the contract and bind ourselves to our pledge.

Ukyo: “This should do well. I earnestly hope that you take care not to act imprudently.”

After this, it feels as if the days go by slowly.

However, every morning, during breakfast, as they see Chiibou’s state improving, everyone gradually begins to assent to the situation.

And so, the 24th finally arrives.

Ukyo: “I would like to thank everyone for meeting my demands. Let our family party commence now.”

I had put all of my effort into making a grand feast.

“Merry Christmas!”

I feel as if everyone, from the bottom of their hearts, is having fun partying together.

(All 13 of us haven’t gathered together for Christmas since childhood. …. I’m truly glad.)

Hikaru: “This party turned out better than I expected. If you’re capable of this much, you should make it a habit of doing it all the time. …… ahaha.”

Although I don’t need her here.

★☆★

I tidy up with Chiibou after the party ends. Then, after we’re done cleaning up,

“Let’s go for a walk, Ukyo-san.”

“After this?”

“...... mmhmm.”

Ukyo: “I’m sorry. The agreement is still in motion.”

“But it’s already past midnight, so it should be okay, right? …… look.”

As Chiibou said, it’s already the 25th.

“I’d like to go to Inokashira Park.”

Ukyo: “The park? At this hour?”

“Yup.”

Then, Chiibou says,

“I want to talk with you– just the two of us, Ukyo-san. We haven’t had the opportunity to…. since then.”

Ukyo: “..... I understand. Very well.”

If he says it like that, there’s no way I can refuse. I agree to go with him.

(We’re just going to the park and then coming back, that’s all.)

It’s very cold outside. However, it’s the sort of cold that’s refreshing, perhaps even comfortable.

“Today was really fun.”

Chiibou speaks after we step outside.

“It was lively having everyone together.”

Ukyo: “...... yes, it was.”

“Thank you for your hard work, Ukyo-san.”

Ukyo: “No,”

I follow half a step behind.

Ukyo: “I should be apologizing to you. It must have been frustrating, having your freedom taken away for the week.”

“It wasn’t. Or, maybe I should say it was actually helpful.”

A wry smile rises to Chiibou’s face.

“Despite what I said before, handling 13 people is a lot more difficult than I expected.”

Ukyo: “Twelve people,”

I say.

Ukyo: “I’m not included.”

“Ah… you’re right.”

The conversation cuts off there. Neither of us open our mouths. However, thanks to the bustling crowd in front of the station, the atmosphere doesn’t feel awkward.

Before long, we arrive at the park. Thanks to the cold, there’s barely anyone there. Still in silence, the two of us begin to slowly walk around the large pond there.

“Hey, Ukyo-san. Can I ask you something?”

After a while, Chiibou suddenly speaks up.

Ukyo: “What is it?”

“Do you hate me?”

I instinctively stop in my tracks.

Ukyo: “Why would you ask something like that?”

“Because you never once requested something of me, Ukyo-san.”

Ukyo: “That’s…. that’s because I’m different from the others.”

“How? You’re just as beautiful as they are.”

Ukyo: “...... that’s not what I mean.”

I look back in the direction we’d come from.

Ukyo: “We should start returning home.”

“Ah….. wait. Here, let’s sit and talk for just a while longer.”

Chiibou sits down at a nearby bench without waiting for my answer. Reluctantly, I take a seat as well, keeping a bit of distance between us two.

“.......... Ukyo-san.”

Ukyo: “Is there something else?”

“The man in that photo is your ex-boyfriend, isn’t he, Ukyo-san?”

Surprised, I stare intently at Chiibou.

Ukyo: “How do you know that?”

“Hikaru-san told me.”

Ukyo: “That girl……”

“She told me that you two broke up. Just what happened?”

Ukyo: “It has nothing to do with you.”

“But it does have something to do with me. Because I want to know everything about you, Ukyo-san.”

Chiibou gazes directly at me.

Ukyo: “I don’t want to tell you. Let’s head home.”

“..... I’m not going back yet.”

As I stand up to leave, Chiibou grabs my wrist.

Ukyo: “Hold on–....”

“I want to know. I don’t want to make the same mistakes that he did.”

Ukyo: “Huh?”

“........ please.”

I sigh as I watch Chiibou bow his head.

Ukyo: “....... very well. However, once I’m finished, we’ll return home. Understood?”

“Yes. …… thank you.”

I sit back down on the bench, and heave in a big sigh. I never thought that I’d be telling this story.

Ukyo: “His name is Amamiya Reiji. We dated in university. I truly loved him. …. Until I learned of his true character.”

“True character?”

Ukyo: “His real aims lied in Father’s connections.”

“Eh?”

Ukyo: “Father has a lot of friends in the business world. He wanted to try and get future prospects working as a lawyer for a major company. The reality is, he had the skills to. All he needed were the connections. So, he used me. …. That’s it.”

“That’s horrible….”

Chiibou looks dumbfounded.

“I thought that people like that only existed in stories.”

Ukyo: “Well, I suppose that it’s for the best that he revealed his true intentions to me once he’d accomplished his goal. That way, he isn’t stringing me along forever.”

“Do you hate him?”

Ukyo: “Of course I do!”

“Then why do you keep a photo album of him?”

Ukyo: “Eh……”

I feel my heart squeeze in my chest.

“You still think about him.”

Ukyo: “No……. no, it isn’t like that…..”

I can barely wring the words out.

Ukyo: “It’s a warning to me. So that I don’t ever take such foolish things seriously anymore.”

“....... you’re lying,”

Chiibou abruptly says, his voice firm.

“Ukyo-san, you’re fooling yourself.”

Ukyo: “No, I’m not!”

I shake Chiibou’s hand off and stand up.

Ukyo: “I’ve decided I’ll never love anyone else again.”

“I can’t allow that for someone as amazing as you, Ukyo-san!”

Ukyo: “..... stop it!”

I turn my back to Chiibou as he stands up.

Ukyo: “It’s impossible. I….. I’ve forgotten how to love someone.”

“Ukyo-san…..”

Ukyo: “.... I’m going back home.”

Determined not to stop in my tracks this time, I begin walking away.

– At that moment.

“Don’t go.”

Strong arms capture my shoulders from behind.

“I’ve always liked you, Ukyo-san.”

Ukyo: “Chiibou….”

Chiibou wraps his arms around me.

“Everyone else is wonderful, too, but they didn’t take long to say they liked me. Before I could get to know them, what kind of people they are, they started pursuing me…. and I had no choice but to respond to their feelings.”

I don’t want to hear this, I think. ….. And yet, my feet won’t move.

“You’re different, Ukyo-san. You gave me time, and you’re mindful of my feelings. Like today….”

Ukyo: “Please, just stop…”

That instant, I feel my body being turned around.

I’m met with Chiibou’s face. He stares at me with uncharacteristically serious eyes.

“I love you.”

Chiibou’s lips meet mine.

(.........!)

“I’ll make you forget about Amamiya.”

Ukyo: “......”

“It’s okay if you’ve forgotten how to love someone, Ukyo-san. Because I’ll help teach you how to love again.”

At that moment, something inside me crumbles. I can feel it falling apart.

The walls that once shielded me. I’d built them up, never able to tear them down myself.

Ukyo: “Chiibou…..”

I return Chiibou’s embrace, clutching him tightly.

“Ukyo-san….”

He responds, squeezing me just as tightly back.

(He’s….. so warm….)

“From tonight on, I’ll absolutely never leave you.”

Chiibou whispers this into my ear. At his voice, I give a strong nod.

★☆★

— And so ends the story of Chiibou and the Asahina sisters, and how he and I fell in love.

Since then, the seasons have changed, and it is now summer. Half a year has passed since Chiibou and I officially announced our relationship to everyone during Valentines Day.

Even now, Chiibou still spends time with our other sisters. However, I do not blame him for this.

Because I know that what he does for our sisters is for comfort and consolation, and that I am the only one he loves.

Despite this, there are admittedly still times where I get jealous.

But whenever this happens, Chiibou is always incredibly kind and gentle.

“It’s alright, Ukyo-san. I won’t leave, not unless you tell me to.”

Ukyo: “I’m sorry…. I’m being selfish…… but I’m happy….. hold me tighter…..”

That’s right. I love Chiibou, and Chiibou loves me.

I can say this to someone who looks exactly like him.

Because I found someone far more wonderful than him.

So now, I can now puff my chest out with pride, and tell the me of before,

“You’re fooling yourself” –.

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