Hayashi Megumi and her sibling
A soft knock came at Yamamoto’s door.
“Big brother, you okay?”
“Huh? Yeah.”
Yamamoto responded with a hint of confusion to Shiho-chan’s timid voice.
Hesitantly, Shiho-chan stepped into the room.
She glanced down at us sitting side by side on the bed.
“Sorry. Am I interrupting?”
“Not at all. Don’t worry about it.”
“Really? I’m not bothering you two?”
“Bothering us?”
I couldn’t help but ask.
We’d already finished the conversation we wanted to have, and Shiho-chan wasn’t intruding at all. There was no need for her to wear such a hesitant expression, tinged with something like guilt. Yet, she didn’t let that look falter.
“What’s wrong, Shiho?”
“Mom’s coming home soon.”
“Oh, got it.”
“Yeah… When I told her you came back, she just said, ‘Oh, really?’”
“…I see.”
Wait, that’s it?
That’s all she had to say about her beloved son coming home?
Come to think of it, Yamamoto always said his parents were pretty hands-off with him. Could it be they didn’t care much about their son leaving home?
Yamamoto’s face looked a bit strained.
“But when I mentioned you brought your girlfriend, she got really excited.”
“That’s unnecessary information.”
“She’s not even my girlfriend.”
Shiho-chan probably meant well, but her words left us at a loss for how to respond.
Lately, I’d started imagining a future with Yamamoto, but right now, I wasn’t in my usual lovesick maiden mode—I was the embodiment of pragmatism.
I mean, meeting your guy friend’s parents? That’s awkward, and I’d rather avoid it if I could. It’s only natural, right?
Thinking about it, I was kind of impressed that Yamamoto had so willingly come to my house.
“Stay a bit longer. You know, just the two of you in this room.”
“Shiho…”
“What, big brother?”
“…Uh.”
That came out of nowhere.
Is this…?
My earlier advice must’ve stuck with him. He’s probably trying to clear things up with her right away.
But the timing? Not great.
He started talking, but now he seemed at a loss for words.
Acting without thinking things through? That’s rare for Yamamoto.
“…I love you, you know.”
“Huh?”
Yamamoto was flustered, stumbling over himself.
Shiho-chan looked utterly repulsed.
“No, wait. I mean, as siblings, you know.”
“Huh?”
Yamamoto clutched his head.
Shiho-chan looked even more disgusted.
“I just… never properly told you before. I thought I should say it clearly.”
“Huh?”
Yamamoto confessed, resigned.
Shiho-chan still looked thoroughly unimpressed.
…Wait a second. She was all gloomy earlier, worried about her bond with her brother.
So why this attitude now, Shiho-chan?
Was it… a lie?
Were her earlier words just flattery to make me feel good about being close with her brother?
…Or maybe.
“Enough of that.”
“Oh, uh, yeah.”
“…For now.”
Shiho-chan left the room.
For now.
In other words, she didn’t need this while I was around.
…What’s that about?
They were talking about blood ties earlier, but Yamamoto and Shiho-chan—they’re kind of similar, aren’t they?
They’re so alike.
“Not very honest, and terrible with words, huh?”
When I said that with a wry smile,
“Sorry about that.”
Yamamoto pouted, assuming I was talking about him.
…Well, he’s half right.
That comment was aimed at both of them—those siblings.
Honestly, you two… so dishonest, so bad at expressing yourselves, but always putting others first.
“You guys really are two peas in a pod.”
Yamamoto tilted his head, looking puzzled.
My days and nights are being wrecked by Zelda.
Link’s trying to save the world, but he’s destroying my life.
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