[LN] Mamatomo ke Sodateru Rabukome - Volume 1 - Chapter 15

 

Chapter 15 - My Little Sister Can't not Read the Scene

Somehow, Akiyama went straight home right after she finished his dinner at our house.

Thanks to Iku and Soyoka, I thought Akiyama had changed her mindset a little. However, nothing changed at school.

Homework gets done on its own when her mother is home. And the peak time to study is now, during the exam period.

However, his relationship with friends classmates was still deteriorating. The silence with the girls had not been resolved.

"Well, I guess I'll have to interfere again."

If Akiyama's situation worsened, Soyoka would definitely worry about him. Well, let's just say I took this action to prevent her worries.

Akiyama will probably tell me not to do anything unnecessary. But I'm not doing this for her. I'm doing it for Soyoka.

"What's wrong with Kuremo-chan? I was surprised when she asked me to follow him all of a sudden. Do you know something, Mizuki?"

"I don't know either. It looks like Kyota is planning something."

"Ah, could it be that she's taking me to see Soyoka-chan? Haa, I should have made some snacks earlier."

After school. Right when it was time to leave school, I took Mizuki and Hiragi out without telling them why. They both went to school by train, so I rode the train with them as well. I had done some research yesterday that there was no tennis club today.

Hiragi stood next to me and gently brought him face close to my ear.

"It feels good that you helped me out so quickly."

Him whispered voice tickled me.

This distance is too close for a man and a woman......a touch of the body with a hand on the shoulder might not mean anything to him, but as a man, I'm a little conscious of it.

Three stations have been missed. We got off at the station closest to the kindergarten and my house.

"Do you want to pick her up from kindergarten? I can't wait!"

"No, I'm not going there today."

"I see. So today is the day your parents are home."

Without denying the misunderstanding, I silently led the way. "Hm? So, where are we going?" I ignored him question.

I was relieved to have Mizuki with me. Thanks to the fact that he thought I was acting as a bridge, everything went smoothly. The question marks soon disappeared, and Hiragi started making contact with Mizuki. Both of them were aces in the second year of the tennis club. Their topics of conversation were endless. I think they got along quite well even without my help.

Mizuki, who probably sensed something was up, just grinned at me and didn't want to interfere.

This is the first time I'm going home from school with friends in high school. Last year, I had to pick up Soyoka from the preschool. My school is within walking distance from my house, so this might also be the first time I'm going home on the train like this.

But it wouldn't have been as exciting without Soyoka!

"Kyota's house is around here, right?"

"Why is that?"

"The neighborhood feels like a residential area."

The next station is quite prosperous ....... there are only a few kiosks around the station nearby here, while the rest of the area is residential. It's a quiet and cozy area to live in.

"There are so many people here that it's hard to get a reservation at the daycare center ....... yup, here we are."

Of course my mom didn't come home today.

My father was also still overseas for the time being, and I had no other relatives to rely on.

So my house would normally remain empty until I came home. But today was different.

"Oh, so this is Kuremo-chan's house. It's quite big isn't it? But why did you suddenly invite us to your house?"

Hiragi was completely confused, and him idol's distinctive smile remained the same as always.

"Well, if you don't mind. Please come in."

"I'm a little scared, but since Mizuki is also here, so I guess it's okay."

I didn't press the intercom since this was my own house. The door opened easily, without having to insert a key.

Now the problem. I had successfully brought Mizuki and Hiragi to my home as planned. All I had to do next was to leave it to heaven.

"I'm home!"

"Welcome home, Onii-chan!"

I was so happy that she responded to me so well! I heard footsteps and the sound of a door sliding, and Soyoka appeared. Soyoka, still wearing her kindergarten uniform, ran down the hallway.

"I'm sorry for making you miss me!"

I can't believe she missed me so much just because I couldn't pick her up. .......I knelt down on the floor and stretched out my arms to catch Soyoka. Come on, jump into your older brother heart.

"Mijuki!"

"Hello, Soyoka-chan!

"Oh!"

Soyoka changed her direction and fell into Mizuki's arms. This is ridiculous. I mean, would you rather be with Mizuki than your own older brother, Soyoka?!

"Soyoka-chan is so cute. Here's a candy for you. Gummy bear."

"Aitou!"

Why does he always bring candy! It's not like it's homemade. He took the candy out of him blazer pocket and stuffed it into Soyoka's mouth.

I was so impressed with this handsome man and loving brother that he was able to make her ignore me.

"Welcome back, Kyota-nii-chan!"

"Huhu, you're the only one who understands me...."

Iku, who came later, comforted me.

"Hmm? That kid.... Kuremo-chan, do you have a little brother too?"

Hiragi put a finger on her chin and tilted her head. Iku hid behind my body, frightened at the appearance of a woman with a different body type than her younger brother.

Iku is indeed a kind and considerate child, but I have no intention of having her as my sister. Iku is the younger brother of Akiyama Sumi. She's at my house right now.

"Kyota, you're finally home too. Here's a change of clothes for Soyoka."

The same goes for her little brother.

I asked her to pick up Soyoka and gave her the key to my house.

She showed up in a blazer and socks as Soyoka's hoodie fell out of his hands.

"Eh?! Akiyama-san?!"

Akiyama's eyes widened, and she was completely embarrassed. Her half-open lips trembled with a grimace. Standing in the hallway in front of the entrance, her twin eyes were fixed on her two classmates, who were not supposed to be there.

The other two also looked confused about what to do in this situation.

The frozen Akiyama slowly looked at me, furrowed her brows, and said, "I wonder what this is about?"

It had been a long time since I was treated so rudely by someone. Though I had been talking to her quite intimately through our two younger siblings lately.

But sorry, Akiyama. I can't think of any other way to improve your situation.

I cannot keep my promise not to reveal anything about Iku.

"Kyota, why are those two here?"

Akiyama raised his voice.

It was natural because I had created this situation by lying to her by asking her to stay at my house and wait for me because I had some business to attend to.

"Mizuki is a member of the class committee, while she is the center of the girls. It would be good to have you guys be able to help each other."

"That's not an answer. What do you want by trying to trick me like this?"

"You've changed your mind, haven't you?"

"But not about school."

Iku's hand was pulled out and hidden behind her slender body. Her face was cold, just like when she was in class. The current her was a beautiful girl who was perfect in everyone's eyes.

Iku looked uneasy as she saw us in this awkward situation.

I thought she was really angry.

Akiyama, after all, had to change her own grades, even if it had to be a little forced. If she remained silent in her shell, even if she managed to pass this exam, similar problems would arise again and again. If that happened, Akiyama, with her strong sense of responsibility, would be left alone again.

I cannot be the only party who knows the true situation.

If Mizuki finds out, she'll pay more attention to her, and if Hiragi shows a friendly attitude towards Akiyama, the bullying from the girls will also stop.

"Y-Yeah... this is starting to look like a fight ...... could the reason Kuremo-chan invited us here be to tell us that you and Akiyama-san are already dating and living together or something...?"

"Of course not!"

"I-Is that so..."

I heard a dry laugh from Hiragi. She looked at me and Mizuki in turn, as if asking for help.

It felt awkward....no, this was what I wanted. I, somehow, had to take care of it.

"You know, Akiyama is---"

"Sumi-chan is Iku's older sister!"

Soyoka, who was clinging to Mizuki, interrupted my explanation.

"Soyoka, who's Iku?"

"That one!"

She pointed at Iku, who was shrinking behind him Younger Brother.

Iku, who was called by her name, suddenly appeared and shook her head. He was nervous about being the center of attention from two high school kids she didn't know.

"Iku is good friends with Soka!"

"So you guys are friends, huh?"

"Yes! Onii-chan and Sumi-chan are friends too!"

"Heh~"

Mizuki raised one of her eyebrows and twisted her mouth.

"I think I'll let you off for now. I want to hear more about the details. Is that the reason why Kyota called us both here?"

"Well, it is."

"It's getting interesting, isn't it?"

Mizuki smiled meaningfully while taking off her shoes.

Well, from Mizuki's point of view, I guess that's how it looks.

My stomach has been churning since a while ago. Especially because I'm afraid of Akiyama and Hiragi. What makes you feel that way is because they look normal on the surface, but their eyes are not.

Although she was about to say that she was going home, but she finally gave up and just sighed heavily.

We moved to the living room with a gloomy atmosphere.

Akiyama and I sat down first, facing Mizuki and Hiragi across the table.

"Do you guys want to get married?"

"Soyoka, don't just say the first thing that pops into your head!"

"Hmm?"

Do we look like that?

Yes, the air was very heavy. The living room, which is usually too spacious, was now a bit cramped due to the presence of six people.

I broke out in a cold sweat as I began to summarize my relationship with Akiyama

After confirming that everyone had taken a sip of tea in their cups, I began to tell them that Soyoka and Iku went to the same kindergarten. I also told them that we were responsible for dropping them off and picking them up as well as doing our homework due to family reasons.

That's how Akiyama and I got to know each other.

"Is that all?"

After I finished speaking, Hiragi, who had remained silent until then, opened her mouth.

"I'm surprised that Akiyama-san has a younger brother, but that's not something you have to tell me, is it? I'm not interested in other people's family structures."

"That's true, but ...... I'm just trying to tell you why Akiyama is so busy......."

"Yes, yes. I know she's doing a great job taking care of her sister. So what?"

Hiragi's big eyes shot straight at me.

Akiyama hid Iku's existence and played the cold girl at school. She was afraid that people would find out about the fact that she had a older sister, so she made up her own ideal.

Beads of sweat appeared on my palms. My thighs were clenched so tightly that my pants were creased.

Was it wrong to take the easy way out? Was I naive to think that she would instantly understand if I told her the truth?

From Hiragi's perspective, the Akiyama family's problems were none of her business. How she spent her time at home had nothing to do with her school self.

"Well, I know what you're trying to say, Kyota. Akiyama-chan doesn't have much free time, so you want us to help her, right? You're a kind-hearted man, aren't you?"

"Uh, but didn't she refuse to be helped? I've been trying to help her since the beginning."

"That's right. I also want to hear her opinion."

I'm not a kind-hearted man. I just want to do something for Soyoka, that's all.

Akiyama was silent as he met both gazes. He looked like he was trying to keep a straight face, but his fists were tightly closed under the table. She could not hide her agitation. His eyes were filled with a strong light.

"I've got a little brother, but that won't change anything. I'm fine."

"Nee-chan!"

Iku interrupted her as if it was a conditional reflex.

I don't know if he had forgotten that he fainted yesterday? The pretentious attitude he's been displaying for a year or so is ingrained in her.

"I said Nee-chan doesn't have to be perfect, right?!"

Iku's words epitomized a child's pain.

Iku's words, though vile, were nevertheless very meaningful, and they shook her brother to his core. Iku's angry face quickly turned into tears.

"Iku, but ......... no, you're right. I thought I had learned that I couldn't be the perfect older sister, but instead I've become stubborn again."

I thought the sight of Akiyama being reprimanded by Iku had become a habit. She wasn't just a cool older sister, but she was someone you couldn't take your eyes off of.

Akiyama hugged Iku with a gentle smile on his face.

"Hikaru-san, Amayo-kun, I'm actually not smart at all."

It was a confession that the previous Akiyama would never say.

That meant, he had to abandon the image he had created.

"Actually, I can't do anything. I'm clumsy, and far from ...... perfect."

"Especially cooking. Nee-chan is a terrible cook."

"I'm not bad. I'm just not very good at it, that's all. After all, Iku always eats it, doesn't she?"

Iku is a good person. I don't think she would be able to say that she doesn't like what her older sister serves.

"I prefer Kyota-nii-chan."

See, that's the proof.

Iku's words made Akiyama lose his confidence.

"Iku... does that mean you prefer Kyota's cooking? Do you think this lolicon's tastes are better than your own older sister?"

"Hey, just because I like my older sister doesn't mean I like all little girls, okay?! Unlike her older sister, Iku knows exactly what he's talking about! The point is, my cooking is much better than yours!"

"Hey, stay away from Iku! You Younger Brother are always trying to tease Iku just because he's cute and handsome like a prince! Ah..."

Akiyama, who was arguing with me in his usual tone, noticed their gazes and froze.

Mizuki and Hiragi were watching our conversation open-mouthed.

Akiyama wasn't cool, smart, or perfect. She wasn't a loner. Whether she was a pretty girl or not was debatable, but the current her was just an ordinary girl who had nothing in common with the illusion she exuded at school.

But that was okay. No one, including Iku, demanded such a thing.

"I am different. I'm the one who......"

Hiragi stared at Akiyama for a few seconds, and then ...... could not help but burst out laughing.

"Fu-fuhaha, interesting! Akiyama-san, are you actually that kind of kid? Surprising~ you're really different from the ones at school!"

Even after she commented in one breath, she clapped her hands and laughed, saying, "Ah, so cute!"

The atmosphere turned relaxed because of her unpretentious appearance.

I didn't have a bad impression of her. Her reaction was positive, and the way she laughed was not sarcastic. She seemed genuinely amused.

"I see, Akiyama-san likes her older sister as much as Kuremo-chan, huh?"

"Yes, she is my cute little sister."

She hugged me tightly and said it proudly. But I quickly cut her off, "Soyoka is much cuter than her."

"What do you mean? There can't be anyone cuter than Iku."

"Fuhahaha! You turned out to be a brocon!"

"I'm not denying it."

Because she emphasized it with a flat face, Hiragi's laughter grew even higher.

Mizuki, next to her, hid her mouth with her right hand with her shoulders shaking.

"I think you're laughing ...... too much."

"Sorry, sorry. But I think you're amazing."

Hiragi clasped her hands together and her voice broke.

Akiyama's eyes swam awkwardly as she slowly twisted his words.

"Well, so ...... I'm not the person you think I am, I'm just a helpless older brother who can't do anything on his own. It's hard for me to say because I rejected you once, but you know...."

"Akiyama-san. Please be my friend."

Hiiragi interrupted Akiyama's muttering and offered it straightforwardly.

"You know what? I think you are the perfect superhuman. You are a beautiful woman, and always graceful. No matter how hard I try, I can't compete with you."

"I think ...... you are more beautiful, have more friends, and are a wonderful person."

"Thank you. I wish I could be as honest as you. I'm ugly, jealous, defiant and like to turn a blind eye. I'm that kind of person, aren't I?"

Previously, Hiragi had called Akiyama a "cunning" person.

Now, in front of her, she honestly expressed his feelings. Her actions showed her sincerity.

Akiyama and Hiragi looked at each other with serious faces.

"So, I apologize."

Hiragi stood up and bowed.

"It's probably too late now, but I wanted to apologize. And I'd like to be friends with you ..... is that okay?"

"Hikaru-san ....... I'm the one who has been cold to you before. I'm sorry. I was afraid to make friends, but ..... I would be happy if you could help me from now on."

"Yes, just leave it to me."

Akiyama also stood up and shook hands with Hiragi.

At first, I was worried that they would fight, but now I was relieved and patted my own chest. I wondered what had happened in the middle of all this, but I guess it was all thanks to Iku. Iku has been active in all aspects since yesterday. Wouldn't it be better if Iku was the big brother?

I thought it would take a long time for Akiyama to completely change his mindset. But we've made a good start. If Hiragi is on our side, then it's the equivalent of the strength of a hundred people, especially since we also have Mizuki.

"Does this fit your plan, Kyota?"

"No, to be honest, I was just thinking of bringing her here."

"Hmmm. Well, I'll help her as much as I can. After all, I am her representative."

Mizuki's smile deepened as if she was trying to make amends. Then, just as the two of them were exchanging contact information and having fun, she whispered, "I'll wait for your love story." so that they wouldn't hear her.

Love life? I'm not too interested in love right now.......

In contrast to the sun starting to set, the atmosphere in the living room suddenly became bright and breezy. The two of them chatted and laughed with Soyoka, who looked relieved.

However, Akiyama's face was the most radiant.

Disclaimer :

"If you like this light novel, please help me with a donate to buy raw materials for future projects or encourage me to continue this light novel."

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