Volume 5 Chapter 4

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A grown-up date and a big brother’s confession

Part 1:

“Hmmm…”

It was the evening of December 25th.

After we safely returned from thewinter training camp, I continued to think about what happened on thenight of the Christmas party. More precisely, I thought about theconclusion I had reached.

“Suzuka… is my ideal type ofgirl…?”

There’s no way — I once moretried to rid my mind of that thought. But it always came back up fromthe depths of my mind. Thanks to that, I didn’t get any sleep atall last night, and I was lost in thought during the entire triphome. Because of that, everyone was concerned about me, especiallySuzuka. Every time she asked me what the problem was, I panicked andsaid “Uwa?!” or “It’s nothing?!”, which caused her to makea puzzled expression at me.

…I mean, there’s no way I couldtell her, right?

‘My little sister is my ideal type ofgirl’ — what kind of outlandish statement is that?!

So I tried to forget about it for quitesome time, but…

“…Uuuuuumu…”

It doesn’t seem like I’m going tobe able to forget anytime soon… It feels like it only gets worsethe more I try not to dwell on it… So I decided to finally acceptit. The thought wouldn’t leave my mind anyway, no matter how much Itried to deny it.

“Well, at least it’s not like I’min love with Suzuka or anything…”

I grumbled out loud to myself. Itmight’ve looked weird since I’m all alone here, but that’s justhow confused I feel right now. When I thought about what it wouldmean if I really accepted it, another thought came to my mind.

——Huh? If I ignore the fact thatshe’s my little sister, isn’t Suzuka really my ideal type ofgirl…?

No, wait! I know what you’rethinking, but hear me out! There’s absolutely no way that I likeSuzuka as a member of the opposite sex! She’s my little sister,after all!

…But, but still…

What if I saw her as just anothernormal girl?

She’s a beauty above beauties, hergrades and her athletic abilities are top-notch, and she has thecharisma needed to be the student council president of a richOjou-sama school. She’s a perfect superhuman. And her personalityis just as great. She might be a bit harsh with me at times, butthat’s because she hates me. Even so, she still looks after me, andshe’s always very kind to others. Though she might be a bit tooserious at times, I also think that that’s one of her many charmingpoints. And the honest smile that she shows from time to time isreally cute. So much so that it makes me want to protect her at allcosts.

So, basically…

“Isn’t Suzuka my perfect heroinealready…?”

The moment I spoke those words aloud,the doubts in my mind ceased to linger, and my soul was completelywas in agreement.

But… Hmmm, this really is a problem,isn’t it…? I said this already, but this doesn’t have anythingto do with little sister moe. Her being a little sister doesn’thave any relation to that, and the fact that Suzuka is a cute,lovable girl is an objective point of view—

Ahhh, for crying out loud! It’s mylittle sister’s fault for being so cute! Of course a cute girl likeher would become a boy’s ideal type of girl, right?! And I’msaying that without taking my position as her big brother intoconsideration! This is 100% my objective opinion!

“Haah… haah…!” I took deepbreaths.

Well, now that I’ve accepted it,there’s no use in dwelling on it. It seems that my ideal type ofgirl is… someone like Suzuka. Meaning that if I were to write myheroine like Suzuka, the heroine would surely be as cute as can be. Ihad finally found the answer I was stressing out so much over.

With that in mind, I decided to startworking on my manuscript, but…

“……”

When I decided that it was time to bootup my notebook PC, I couldn’t move. It felt like my heart hadpressed the brakes on my body. And I immediately knew why. There wasstill some resistance to using Suzuka as my heroine.

“Suzuka hates me… and if I were touse her as a model… even if it wasn’t for a little sistercharacter… wouldn’t that be pretty bad…?”

It’s not like she’d find outanyway, and even if she were to, it’s not like she’d suffer fromit at all. She had already told me that she would support me untilthe end, so worrying about it now is completely unnecessary… Thatmay be a good point. Even I think so. But this isn’t about logic.

How do I say it… something inside mejust won’t accept it. Even after all that had happened, and heragreement to help me, something unknown inside my heart was stillstopping me. I didn’t know what exactly that was, but there wassomething else that I was very aware of.

That was, even if I view Suzuka as justa normal girl, I really do think that she is my ideal type of girl,but that doesn’t change the fact that she’s still my littlesister. As her big brother, I can’t just objectively look at herlike that. That’s why I still have trouble believing that writingmy heroine like Suzuka would actually work.

“Umu…”

Not knowing what I should do, I oncemore crossed my arms, sinking into my thoughts. Even though Ishould’ve gotten closer to my solution, it feels like I’m frozenin place.

“O-Onii-chan, is it okay for me tocome in…?”

“……?!?!?!”

Suzuka peeked in from the door, and itfelt like my heart stopped for a second.

“I-I’m sorry. I called out but youdidn’t respond…”

“Ah, no, uhm! I-It’s fine. I wasjust lost in thought for a bit…!”

What kind of timing is this…? I wasthinking about the possibility of her being my ideal type of girljust now, and it’s making it very hard for me to look her in theeyes.

…Damn it, don’t just tilt your headin a cute way like that! Really, my little sister is so muchtrouble…!

“So… W-W-W-What is it? Did, uhm,did something happen?”

“U-Uhm, well, i-it’s not like likethat, but…!”

For some reason, Suzuka’s cheeksstarted turning a little red and she started fidgeting. Maybe it wasbecause I was strangely aware of her right now, but she looked socute that I wanted to smash my head against the wall.

“…What happened, Onii-chan? Youdon’t look so good…”

“It’s nothing! W-What do you need?”

“I-It’s not like I came over justto see Onii-chan or anything. Uhm, I do think that you might be a bittired since we just returned from the training camp, but, uhm…”

She was putting her index fingerstogether, so it was probably something that was hard for her to say.

“I-It’s about tomorrow!”

“Tomorrow?”

“Y-Yes! I wanted to know Onii-chan’splans for tomorrow, something like that! There’s no deeper meaning,though! I mean, it’s still winter break, right?! I wanted to checkon your plans for lunch, dinner and so on…!”

“I-I see. Plans for tomorrow, huh…I don’t have any work, and I didn’t make plans for anythingspecial, so I’ll probably just write on my light novel—”

But suddenly, I thought of something.

…That’s right! Tomorrow it’s the26th of December — Suzuka’s birthday! I had completely forgottenbecause of our research and the training camp.

“T-The thing is… tomorrow is mybirthday, right? I just remembered! I completely forgot until now!”Suzuka let out an awkward laugh after that.

I don’t think it’s weird that evena girl like her would forget about her own birthday. She seems to bethe kind of person who would be rather disinterested in that sort ofthing, after all. And since our relationship wasn’t that greatuntil last year, we didn’t throw her any kind of party at all, eventhough we were living under the same roof. I don’t even know howshe usually spent her birthdays until now.

“F-For me, my birthday doesn’t haveany special meaning or anything, you know?!”

I thought so. She probably really justremembered it. Since our relationship has gotten better now,shouldn’t I be the one to think of something, even if the sheherself isn’t that interested?

As I was thinking that…

“B-But, I thought that it might benice to do something special for once, or something!? I-I-I-It’snot like I’m hoping for Onii-chan do prepare something special forme or anything though! Uhm…!”

“Eh…?”

All of a sudden, the topic changed toSuzuka wanting to do something for her birthday.

…Isn’t this my chance? Since shesays that she wouldn’t mind, I just have to say that I’ll dosomething for her! I did plan some things for that after all, so herchances of declining are pretty slim right now!

As I was thinking that, I was about toask her if we wanted to celebrate her birthday… But…

“W-What happened, Onii-chan? You seema bit weird…”

For some reason, my mind went blank andI couldn’t say anything. The only thing that came to mind were thewords which Suzuka told me a long time ago.

— I really hate Onii-chan!

“Ah—”

That moment, I realized it. Why Icouldn’t say anything. Why I hesitated to make Suzuka my heroine.Thinking about it, it was pretty simple. But even if it was simple, Ididn’t have the courage to do anything about it. These words feltlike a heavy weight pressing down on me.

“O-Onii-chan?”

But, in my mind, only one thing wasimportant right now.

— I can’t keep going on likethis.

When these words crossed my mind, itfelt like I saw a small glimmer of hope. The only thing to do in asituation like this—

…There’s no other choice but to dothat!

I made up my mind.

No matter what happens, I have to moveforward!

“……Suzuka?”

“Y-Yes?”

I took a deep breath, and slowly openedmy mouth. Seeing me like this, Suzuka had a bewildered expression.But, I didn’t pay any attention to that, and…

“Tomorrow is your birthday, so…!Please go to a hotel with me!!”

Despite my tension and despair, Isomehow formed these words.

“……………………………………………………………Eh?”

Suzuka completely froze after hearingmy words. Her eyes were wide open, and it took her about a minute toreact.

“E-Ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh?!”

I don’t think I’ve ever seen herthis shocked before.

“H-Hote—?! Hotel?! W-W-W-W-W-W-Whatdo you mean by that?!”

It took me even longer than her toactually grasp what I had just blurted out.

…W-What am I saying? O-Of courseshe’ll misunderstand that…!

“N-No! I-It’s not what you think!Basically…! Not a hotel in a weird way, but I want you to go on adate with me there…!” I tried to clear up what I wanted to say,but Suzuka panicked even more when she heard that.

“Da—?! D-D-D-D-D-D-Date?! M-M-Meand Onii-chan…! A date… on my birthday?! A-And, at a hotel?!Something like that…! Nyahahaha?!?!?!?”

Her face looked like it was about toexplode, her eyes were spinning around and around, and it seemed likeeven her tongue gave out as she tried to articulate herself.

“D-Date…! With Onii-chan on mybirthday… not to mention at an hotel…! I-I didn’t expectanything, so why—?! C-C-C-C-Calm down, me! T-This must be adream…!”

“Uhm, Suzuka…”

“Hya?! W-What is it!? I-I’m sorrybut I don’t really understand what you meant…! A bit slower thistime, so I can completely grasp everything, please?!”

“Like I said, tomorrow on yourbirthday, I want you to go on a date with me…! I was thinking thata hotel would be our destination…!”

“W-W-W-What?!?!?!?!?!?!”

She showed the exact same reaction asbefore, with a bright red face and her shoulders shaking.

“A-A hotel date…! S-Something likethat coming from Onii-chan should be impossible…! Something asblissful as that…! N-No, I can’t let my guard down just yet.S-Since this is Onii-chan we’re talking about, there must besomething else to this! That’s right! T-This must be for anotherround of research! Right, Onii-chan?!” She pointed her finger at mewith her eyes spinning.

Hearing that question, I nodded, andhonestly replied.

“Yeah, there’s also the researchpart of it, too.”

“I-I thought so! B-But still a dateis a date, so I won’t decline—”

“But, there’s no need to pretend tobe another character. I want you to be the usual Suzuka.”

“T-The usual me?! S-So that means…!Ehehe, ehehehehehehe…!”

Yes, this date wouldn’t have anymeaning it if weren’t with my little sister Suzuka. This a date toascertain Suzuka’s cuteness. Finding out if Suzuka really is myideal type of girl is one important goal. But…

“However, it’s not just that.There’s something even more important.”

“…Ehe, ehe?! S-S-S-Something evenmore important…?!” Hearing my words, Suzuka froze in place.

“That’s… sorry. I can’t say itnow… Anyway, tomorrow I want to spend your birthday together withyou! Is that alright?!” I earnestly begged her.

To Suzuka, it might be a total pain theass, but that’s just how serious I am.

“That’s…! Onii-chan is begging somuch just for my birthday…?! And not to mention a date…! Hotel…!That’s…! Of course I’ll gladly accept!” And, as if she wereangry about something, she screamed that reply.

The moment I heard it, my shouldersrelaxed and I let out a sigh.

“…Thank you, Suzuka. Even thoughit’s your precious birthday…”

“T-There’s no need to thank me…!I had planned for it anyway…! But for Onii-chan to ask me first is…I never imagined it…! Ehe, ehehe, ehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehe!”She let out a weird laugh again. “D-Don’t misunderstand, though?!I-It’s not like I’m happy or anything! I can’t help it, it’sfor your research after all…!”

“I know. Thank you.”

“…I-I just thought that I wouldspend some time with Onii-chan…! And now we’re going on a date toa hotel…! Is it really okay for me to be this happy…?!”

Suzuka muttered something in a quietvoice, and just when I noticed that her legs were shaking like crazy,she almost collapsed on the spot.

“H-Hey, are you okay?!”

“I-I-I’m okay! I was just a bit toohappy—no, not that! It was just so unexpected that I sort of lostmy balance…!”

“But you really don’t sound allthat okay to me, do you?!”

“T-There’s no need to worry! Ah, Ihave to prepare for tomorrow…! I have to make this the greatestmemory — no, the best research ever!”

“P-Prepare… At this hour…?”

“Yes, so I’ll excuse myself and goback to my own room now! And I expect the same from Onii-chan! ThoughI’m really not looking forward to it… uhm, I will not tolerateany failure, okay?!” With these words, Suzuka dashed out of theroom without giving me any chance to answer.

For a second, I could only stare at thedirection she had left in. After that, I took a deep breath.

“Thank God… It somehow turned outokay…”

…That’s one step accomplished.

Though it ended up with me inviting myblood-related little sister to a date on her birthday, which youcould count as a crime, I didn’t have the time to feel down aboutit. I had to use this chance that Suzuka had given me. And I must dowhat I must.

“I can’t keep going on like this,anyway…”

Inside my heart, I made my decision.

—Tomorrow, I will confess to Suzuka.

Part 2:

Facing my mirror in my underwear, I wasfaced with the biggest problem of the century.

…This might be the biggest problem Ihave ever had to solve…!

“W-What should I wear…!”

Yes, for about two hours now, I’vebeen trying on clothes for the date, only to take them off again andtry other clothes. Inside my room, countless pieces of clothing werestrewn about, so much so that you could barely walk around. And Istill couldn’t find a good outfit.

…This really is a huge problem…!

“W-Wait, I have to think about thiscalmly. I have to remember our goal for this date, and choose theoutfit that best suits the occasion.” I took a deep breath to calmmyself down.

Today is my birthday. And Onii-chaninvited me on a date, on this day. I have to keep in mind what timewe’ll be out for our date. Until now, we’ve always went on datesfor research from noon until early evening, but this time, Onii-chansaid that we will go out later! A night date… this is the firsttime…!

Though I’ve fantasized aboutsituations like this countless times, now that it’s come to this, Ihave no idea what I should do. Not to mention that the location willbe a h-h-h-h-hotel?! A date at night… at a hotel, you know!

“S-So, will it really turn out likethat?! No, but…! Well of course I would be totally OK with it!There isn’t a single reason for me to refuse! B-But isn’t that abit too fast…?! I-I haven’t prepared myself enough…!” I putmy hands on my grinning cheeks and shook my head back and forth.

Seeing myself in the mirror like that,I wasn’t surprised anymore.

…Really, just how happy will you getbecause of something like that…?! Ehehehehe…!

“No good, no good. This isn’t thetime to dwell on my fantasies. To make this night date with Onii-chana success, I have to thoroughly prepare everything…!” I coughedonce to regain my composure.

In that moment, I realized something asI looked at my underwear in the mirror.

…Eh? Before I choose my clothes,shouldn’t I be thinking about my u-u-u-u-u-underwear too?! That’sright! This isn’t just any other date, but it will be a hotel dateat night, right?! I do think that it’s still a bit too early forus, and that we should do this when we’re a bit older! B-But, sincethis is a hotel, the possibility is there… right? So…! I reallyshould think about my underwear too!

“Huh?! …Wait a moment? If we lookat it that way, shouldn’t I prioritize my own body?! M-Maybe Ishould take another shower?! B-But, I already did that three timesthis morning, so at this rate I would catch another cold…! But,but! Just to make sure, one more time wouldn’t hurt…!”

And with that, I almost fainted again.While I was in that half-conscious state, the time of the date drewcloser, so I forced myself to calm down again.

…F-For now, I guess another showerwould be unnecessary… And as for undergarments… a normal type ofwear should be enough — No, maybe I should pick out some moreadult-looking ones…!

I found myself back where I started,with the same problem as before: Not knowing what to wear. Looking atthe time, it was almost 6pm. I don’t have much time left until it’stime for our date.

…However, I still don’t know what Ishould wear…! What should I do?

“……Ah?”

At that moment, I happened to see apiece of western clothing in my closet. When Onii-chan and I wentshopping during the heroine research, he said that it suited me. Ithad made me so happy that I bought it without thinking. It was ablack jumper skirt.

“M-Maybe that…”

Thinking of the possibilities, Ihurriedly took it out from my closet.

Since Onii-chan picked out theseclothes for me, wouldn’t they be the best choice for our date? —I thought. After I had put on my stockings and everything else, Ionce more checked how I looked in the mirror.

…Back then, he had said that itsuited me, but what about now?

As I posed in front of the mirror, Ichecked to make sure that everything looked good.

“I wonder if I look cute…?”

It’s not uncommon for people tell mehow good I look, but I’ve never paid them much attention. OnlyOnii-chan’s opinion is important. Even if the whole world were totell me that I look cute, it wouldn’t matter if Onii-chan didn’t.That’s why…

“I wonder if Onii-chan will think Ilook cute…?”

No matter how much I check the mirror,I can’t shake off that worry. I do think that I made the rightchoice, but I’m still having second thoughts. However, I don’thave the time for that anymore. I have no other choice now than totrust my decision.

It’s almost time for us to meet up.Is there anything left that I have to do…?

“Ah, just to make sure… some lipsalve…”

That’s right. I hurriedly take outthe lip salve, and gently put it on my lips.

…T-There’s no deeper meaning to it.It’s just that the cold wind outside might damage my lips. Justthat, nothing else. It’s definitely not like I’m hoping foranything. I just hate it when my lips get all dry and rough. So I’mcertainly not hoping that we would k-k-k-k-k-k-k-k-k…! I really amnot thinking about that, okay?!

“I guess that should do it? …Isthere nothing else I can do? Oh, it’s already this late! I have tohurry down to the entrance…!”

When I looked at the clock, I realizedthat I had to hurry. Quickly grabbing my coat, I jogged down thestairs.

…F-Finally… A date on the night ofmy birthday… with Onii-chan…!!!

“Oh, you’re here. Are you ready?”Onii-chan was already waiting at the entrance.

He was wearing a jacket, which gave hima rather handsome aura. Since he looked even more gallant than usual,I couldn’t help but be entranced by him.

…Ah, just how cool can you be,Onii-chan…?!

This isn’t good! I can’t allow anyother women to see my Onii-chan like this! To make sure that no onefalls for him at first sight, I have to make them understandimmediately that the two of us are lovers!

“Hmm…? What’s wrong, Suzuka?”

“…Huh?! N-No, it’s nothing!”

…That was close. Just the merethought of going on this date with Onii-chan, not to mention on mybirthday, almost made me ascend to heaven…!

“W-Well, I was just slightly takenaback after seeing Onii-chan’s clothes.”

“Ahh, well, since we’re going to arather formal place, I thought that I had to wear some fittingclothes… But your clothes… aren’t those the ones we bought thatone time?”

“T-That’s right. T-There’s nodeeper meaning to it… I just wanted to wear it at least once sincewe’d bought it!”

…Ahh, again, I can’t honestly saywhat I feel…! But there’s no way that I could answer with anhonest “Since we’re going on date together, I wanted Onii-chan tothink I’m cute, which is why I decided on these clothes!”,right?! Just thinking of saying that makes blood rush to my head inembarrassment!

“I see. They really look good onyou.” While I was lost in thought, Onii-chan said this with areally kind smile.

…W-W-What are you saying sononchalantly…! O-Onii-chan really is such a troublesome person. Hedoesn’t know at all just how happy that one phrase made me. A-Andhe said it with that smile I treasure so much…!

“R-Really, Onii-chan, don’t justsay that so lightly…!”

“Ehhhh?! Even though I honestlycomplimented you?!”

Since my face was burning up inembarrassment, I could only ignore his response and avert my face.

“…Well, I guess you wouldn’t bethat happy if I was the one who complimented you…”

Onii-chan muttered something under hisbreath, but I didn’t pay any attention. Even though the date hadjust started, I already felt like fainting from happiness. I have topull myself together…!

Deep breaths… deep breaths…!

Fuu, I somehow managed to calm myselfdown. I’m glad that Double Peace-san taught me that method.

“A-Anyway, we should depart now.Let’s start our date — research,” I said while suppressing myhappiness.

As I did, Onii-chan responded with”Yeah,” and opened the door after he put on his shoes. I followedsuit, and as I stepped outside, the cold wind made me shiver.

“We’re going to be walking aroundoutside for a bit, so keep yourself warm. How about you put on yourcoat?”

“I-I know.”

Normally, I would be the one to warnOnii-chan, but I was a bit out of it while going through a rollercoaster of emotions.

But… I actually like it whenOnii-chan does this…! It lets me know that he’s worried about me,and he looks really cool when he’s acting so dependable! Though itwould be nice if he was always like this. No, if that were the case,everyone else would also realize how cool Onii-chan can be. I can’tallow any other rivals to show up. Yes, how troublesome.

“It really cools down at night…”

As I put on my coat, Onii-chan mutteredthat while he was looking up at the sky. And, as if he had made uphis mind on something, he softly nodded. He turned around to me,stretched out his right hand, and said the following:

“…Alright, although it’s yourprecious birthday, will you come on a date with me?” He lookedstraight at me and said that with a serious face.

He looked somewhat nervous, but thatwas the same for me, which is why I softly took his hand, and…

“Y-Yes… I can’t help it sinceit’s research…!”

I once more couldn’t tell him how Ihonestly felt. Even at times like these, I cannot say things thatwill make me look cute. But, even though I felt horrible deep inside,Onii-chan just kindly smiled at me,

“Thanks,” he said.

I hurriedly lowered my face as I feltblood rushing to it. I really wanted to tell him just how much I waslooking forward to this date, but I couldn’t. The only thing Icould do was tighten my grip on Onii-chan’s hand.

“Then let’s go.”

Onii-chan did the same. Just like that,on my 15th birthday, the night date started.

“S-So where exactly are we going?”I nervously asked.

I was tensely walking down the streetnext to Onii-chan. This would be the first time I was out so latewith Onii-chan, so I couldn’t help but be conscious of it. Thoughthere are times when he picks me up from school after sunset, this issomething completely different.

…After all, he was only ‘picking meup’… Right now we were going out, not to mention on a date, so ofcourse I would get nervous…!

“Ahh, I was thinking of going to aRinkai city,” Unlike me, Onii-chan responded in his usual tone ofvoice.

“…So at the sea?”

As the name suggested, it was a cityfacing the sea. Though it’s technically a city, it’s onlyslightly bigger than the town where we live.

“There’s a lot of different storesaround there. They’re pretty famous as a seaside city with anamusement park.”

“Is that so? …S-So we’re goingthere on our date, then?”

“No, not an amusement park, but thehotel close to it—”

“W-We’re going to the hotelimmediately?!” I unconsciously let out a scream.

…I-I really thought that a hotelwould be the last stop for a date, but to think that we’d go therefirst…! What should I do… I haven’t prepared myself…!

But, if we’re really going directlyto the hotel, then that means that it really was the main goal of thedate…? So it really was like that…?! T-To think that it actuallywould turn out like this! Ahh, I really should’ve taken anotherbath! Or at least a shower! N-No, they should have a shower at thehotel as well! Calm down, me!

Haaah… This is way too sudden,Onii-chan… Well, strictly speaking, I was kind of expecting it, butwhat are the chances…? W-What should I do? What should I do at atime like this? I-It’s not like I really hate it or anything, but,well, I do feel like this is a bit too fast, and I’m completelyuncertain how I should react in this situation.

“W-What are you planning by bringingme to a hotel, Onii-chan?”

That’s why I had a confusedexpression on my face.

…Again, I don’t hate it oranything, okay?!

“I wanted to go to a restaurantinside the hotel. Since it’s your birthday, I wanted to take youout to a nice dinner, so I researched a bit. I just happened to blurtout the word ‘hotel’ earlier, okay…?” He said. “It was justa bad choice of words, you could say,” He looked a bit embarrassed.”W-Well, it’s like that. I was a bit worried that it would becrowded, but I happened to get a reservation in yesterday. I’mreally glad I did; I would’ve looked like a complete loserotherwise.”

“I-I see…” I answered, stillfeeling a bit shaken.

A restaurant, huh…Well, it makessense that it would be before that … Eating dinner is animportant part of a date, after all. T-Though the thing afterthat is also pretty important…!

“…What’s wrong? Your face is abit red, you know?”

“I-I-I-I-I-It’s nothing at all?!”

As Onii-chan suddenly asked me, Ipanicked.

O-Onii-chan is such a troublesomeperson. He should know why my face is red, but he still asks me aboutit. No, maybe he plans to leave that as a surprise for later.That’s why he’s acting like nothing is wrong. I-I can’t helpit. I guess I can play along with his surprise. R-Really, a date at ahotel..! Hotel…!

“Ehe, ehehe, ehehehehehehehehe…!”

“I-I don’t really know how I shouldinterpret that response, but let’s go,” With these words,Onii-chan kept walking while holding my hand. As soon as I had heardthe word ‘hotel,’ my fantasies came back in full force.

…At least try to understand me, okay?A date at night already builds up a nice atmosphere, but we’regoing to eat at a restaurant inside a hotel! A-And after that is…!T-This is clearly a date for adults! An ‘adult date’!

The moment that thought entered mymind, countless fantasies followed. Sitting at a bar under themoonlit sky, drinking a cocktail together with Onii-chan — No,we’re still minors so we can’t drink alcohol. And during thatnice atmosphere, Onii-chan would say “I already got us a room, so Iwon’t let you go home tonight,” as he whispers into my ears—!!!

Ahh, not good! With just that thoughtalone, I could write a hundred pages in my Onii-chan notes…!

“…Suzuka? You seem to be a littleunsteady on your feet tonight. Are you okay?”

“Eh? W-What is it? To me, it lookslike Onii-chan is a bit shaky.”

“No, that’s my line. Anyway, we’rehere.”

When Onii-chan said that, I noticed asalty smell entering my nose. It seems that we arrived while I wasfantasising.

“This is the hotel.”

When I looked up, there was a toweringbuilding in front of me. It looked like a newly-built hotel withabout 30 floors. When I realized that, my cheeks turned red as it hadfinally started to feel like an adult date.

We walked through the lobby to theelevators, and rode them up to the 27th floor. When the doors opened,we stepped out into an area with lots of different stores andcustomers, but it still had a rather calm atmosphere about it. Justwhat you would expect from a adult date at night…!

“I-I have a reservation underNagami.”

Onii-chan took us to a frenchrestaurant, and told the receptionist his name for the reservation.While I was still entranced by Onii-chan’s handsomeness, we wereguided to our seats.

“Wow, the view at night isbeautiful…” I couldn’t hold back my amazement.

On the other side of the glass windows,you could clearly see the city and moonlit sky.

“Look, over there’s the amusementpark I was talking about.” He pointed at something in the distance.

When I followed his finger, I saw aFerris wheel lit up by countless lights, slowly turning.

…Eating at such a wonderful placetogether with Onii-chan…! And not to mention that Onii-chan was theone who chose this place…!

“…Suzuka…? Hey, Suzuka.”

“Y-Yesh? W-What’s wrong,Onii-chan?”

“I was asking you if I could orderthe same meal for both of us.”

“Eh? Ah, yes! Please do!”

Before I even realized it, a waitresscame to take our orders.

…Uuu, it seems like I was a bit tooabsorbed in my thoughts. I’m finally on an adult date withOnii-chan, so I have to pull myself together…!

“Then, we’ll take two of this item…And since we’re still minors, we would like somethingnon-alcoholic—” Onii-chan continued to calmly order.

…I-I wonder what it is… Today,Onii-chan seems even more cool than usual… Is this the influence ofsuch an adult place, I wonder…?

“U-Uhm, is it okay if I asksomething, Onii-chan?” I asked Onii-chan after the waitress left.

“Mhm? What is it?”

“U-Uhm… W-Why did you think ofgoing on a date like this? W-Well, I know it’s for your research ofcourse, but…!”

“O-Oh…” Onii-chan was slightlytaken aback because of my question. He paused for a moment and thencontinued. “Well, I thought about a lot of things.”

“A-A lot of things?”

“……Yeah. But I’ll tell youabout all that later,” He had a troubled smile as he said that.

That expression was one of the manythat I dearly loved, and just seeing it make my heart jump, but whathe said also made me interested.

…I-I wonder what it is? It soundsrather complicated. A-A-A-And by ‘later’… does he mean what Ithink he does?!

“W-Well, for now it’s time fordinner. The food here is supposed to be extremely delicious. It saidso where I looked online.”

“But this place looks reallyexpensive, so is it really okay…?”

“Well yeah, it does cost quite a bit,but you don’t have to worry. The pay from my part-time job is morethan enough.”

“Eh? N-No, I can also—”

“No no, today’s your birthdayright? I can’t have you pay for anything on your special day. I’lltake care of it.”

I noticed that Onii-chan lookedslightly embarrassed, and my heart skipped a beat.

O-Onii-chan is just too cool…!

Though I felt bad about the money, Icouldn’t help but want to enjoy Onii-chan spoiling me. I should bethe one paying, really, since I’ve made so much money from mynovel. I will have to make sure to properly repay you on yourbirthday, Onii-chan…!

“T-Thank you very much…” Whilesaying this to Onii-chan, I decided to enjoy this day from the bottomof my heart.

With that, an appetizer was brought tous, and we started our dinner.

I’ll just say this upfront: It reallyfelt like a dream…!

At first, the two of us were prettynervous to be together like this in such a formal place. But eventhough I was aware of the cool-looking Onii-chan in front of me, Ifelt so incredibly happy about the situation in general that Isomehow managed to pull through. After the tension finallydisappeared, the delicious main course arrived, and I spent awonderful time with Onii-chan.

…I-I will never forget this day…!Though I have already engraved this experience into my memories, Ihave to immediately write this in my Onii-chan notes.

While I was thinking that, thisdream-like time passed in the blink of an eye, and the dessert wasbrought to us.

…Muu, if only this time could go onforever like this…! Or rather, isn’t time going by way tooquickly? To me it feels like not even one minute has passed.

“…Ah, how is it, Suzuka? How’sthe cooking?” Onii-chan asked after he took a sip of his coffee.

“I-It really is magnificent. Sodelicious…”

Hearing my response, Onii-chan lookedrelieved and said “I see,” with a bright grin. Because that wasanother of his expressions I treasured so much, I felt so incrediblyhappy that I wanted to thank him honestly.

“U-Uhm…! I-I’m really happy thatI can spend my birthday like this…! Thanks to Onii-chan, this isthe best birthday ever!” I tried to push myself to my limits, andsaid so with a forced smile.

“………!”

As I did, Onii-chan seemed to besurprised, and suddenly averted his eyes with slightly flushedcheeks.

…W-What’s wrong? D-Did I make aweird face?

“…I-It’s just as I thought…”

“Eh?”

“I-It’s nothing!”

Onii-chan muttered something in a quietvoice, so I asked him about it, but Onii-chan just shook his handswith a bright red face.

…I wonder?

“A-Anyway. I’m glad that you’reenjoying yourself.”

“Y-Yes. I-I will never forget thisday. Thank you very much.”

…I really wanted to say more, but asalways, I can’t.

But, no more of that today. I shouldnot waste this precious time on something like that. A-Also, thisdate is still not done…!

“B-By the way, Suzuka.”

Onii-chan spoke again nervously.

“I’m sorry, but there’s stillanother place I’d like to go with you… is that okay?”

“…!!!”

When he finished saying that, I felt myentire body become tense.

H-Here it is! It finally came…!

“Uhm, there was still something elseI wanted to do on this date… There’s actually one more thing.”

“O-One more thing…?” I responded,feeling like my heart would jump out of my chest.

…I-I know that I can’t get tooexcited…! E-Even if he tells me that he’s booked a room for us, Ihave to calmly respond… B-But even if he were to ask me, I’m notsure if I could hold myself back…!

While fidgeting, I waited for Onii-chanto continue.

And—

“Will you ride that together withme?”

“O-Of course!! …………Eh?”

I immediately realized that somethingwas off.

T-That is… what? Ehh?”

Because the question was so differentthan what I had expected, I was taken aback.

“Here, you can see it, right?”

Onii-chan pointed outside the window.As I looked at where he was pointing, I saw the big Ferris wheelagain.

…No, that’s perfectly fine, but…Eh? What?

“W-What about the hotel room…?”

“Hotel room? What are you talkingabout?” Onii-chan looked at me with a perplexed expression.

……………………………

…………………………………Ahh,hm.

I-I see…? I-It seems like myfantasies have gotten the better of me once again. W-Well, it’s notlike I really expected anything to happen anyway… I-I really meanit! I-It’s still too early for me and Onii-chan, right?! I-It’snot like I’m sad because I was expecting something?! Uuuu…!

“U-Uhm, is it no good?” Onii-chanasked.

While I was internally conflicted, helooked at me with a worried expression, which pulled me back toreality.

…W-What am I doing…? I-It’s truethat I was let down a little, but that was just a fantasy from thevery beginning. I can’t space out here while Onii-chan has invitedme…! A-And I even worried him…! He just invited me to go on theFerris wheel, so I should instead be crying tears of joy.

“O-Of course it’s fine!!!” Ishook my head so violently that you could almost hear a sound.

There is no girl who would decline aninvitation like this after a dinner together!

In the meantime, Onii-chan let out arelieved sigh. Though I was disappointed my dream didn’t come true,I gladly accepted his invitation.

T-To think that Onii-chan would thinkof such a wonderful date plan…! I know that it’s just forresearch, but I still couldn’t be happier about this…!! Thisreally is the best birthday ever!

“Thank you, Suzuka… Then let’sgo.”

With that, we left the restaurant andstepped out of the hotel, heading towards the Ferris wheel at theamusement park. The Ferris wheel was actually a centrepiece ofRinkai, so you could ride it without entering the amusement park.Because of that, a lot of people who were standing in the line were,uhm, couples… Though I guess it makes sense at this time of day.When I imagined myself and Onii-chan being just another couple likethem, I couldn’t help but get embarrassed.

…The two of us also look like acouple, right…? L-Like a couple… riding the Ferris wheel withOnii-chan…! Uuuuuu…!

“…Are you cold? You look likeyou’re shivering.”

“N-No! I’m fine!”

I can’t tell him that I’m shakingin excitement…!

Just like that, it was finally ourturn. After hearing the instructions from the staff, we entered theslowly-rotating gondola. Because of that slow rotation, we might beable to create another lovey-dovey atmosphere. Onii-chan and I werefacing each other. We definitely look like lovers right now…!

“T-The view at night really isbeautiful,” Onii-chan said.

“…T-That’s right,” I stifflyanswered as I gazed outside the window.

Even though I was already satisfiedwith the dinner together with Onii-chan, I never thought that I wouldexperience something like this on my birthday… This adult datetoday will forever remain in my memories.

While I was thinking that, I noticedOnii-chan’s gaze.

“O-Onii-chan…?”

He was staring straight at me. This wasthe first time ever that he had showed me such a straightforward andserious gaze.

W-What’s wrong…? I-If you keeplooking at me like this, my heart won’t calm down..!

“……Hey, Suzuka.”

“Y-Yes!” I unconsciouslystraightened my back.

And Onii-chan continued,

“Uhm… there’s something importantthat I want to talk about,” he said with a hesitant voice.

…S-Something important… that youwant to talk about…? I-I wonder what it is? I can’t imagine whatit is if he’s that serious—

“…!!!”

N-No, it can’t be… but?W-W-W-W-W-W-What if? Right now, it’s just the two of us in here.Outside of the window is a very romantic view, and the atmosphere isjust right. Today is my birthday, and we’re together on an adultdate. S-So basically, what I want to say is… uhm… In thatsituation, and this timing, there’s only one thing he might betalking about… I-It’s that , right?! Where he confesses hisfeelings — his love for me! To put it in one word:

A confession.

The moment that word entered my mind…

“Uuuu…!”

I could feel the blood rush to my head,hindering my ability to think clearly.

C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-Confession?!?!?!O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-Onii-chan willc-c-c-c-c-c-c-c-c-c-c-c-c-c-c-c-confess to me?! N-No way?!O-Onii-chan will?! That Onii-chan that I love so, so much?! To me! Tono one else but me! C-C-C-Confess!

“Uu…! Uuuu…!!!”

As if Onii-chan was holding me captivewith his gaze, I couldn’t move a single muscle.

…I-I have to pull myself together! Ihave to burn what happens next into my memories, so that I will neverforget about it! L-Let’s just wait for Onii-chan’s words! Andgive him an immediate response!

—I have always, always loved you!

I have to respond with these exactwords! I can’t relax just yet! Though I’m about to cry inhappiness, I have to listen to Onii-chan’s confession until thevery end! I can’t rush and confess myself!

“U-Uuu…! W-What is it, Onii-chan…!”I answered, barely holding back my almost overflowing emotions.

As I did, Onii-chan opened his mouthwith an “Actually—”

And the next words that he said were…

“Suzuka, I’m sorry!”

“……………………………………Eh?

…………Eh?

Excuse me…?

W-What did he just say…? I thought Iheard an apology in there but… T-That was just my imagination,right? Ehhh? Did that ‘Sorry’ really mean ‘I love you’?

“I’m really sorry! I’m the one atfault…!”

“Uhm…”

But, before I could even realize whatjust happened, Onii-chan started bowing down to me.

…Might this actually be an apology…instead of a confession…?

Eh…Ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!?

“W-What do you mean by that?!”

Just when I thought that it wouldfinally happen, it’s an apology?! Eh? Eh? Why? What is this? Why isOnii-chan bowing down to me on this very special adult date?!

“W-Why…! A-And for what are youeven apologizing?!”

Being unable to grasp the situation, Ihappened to raise my voice. As I did, Onii-chan finally lifted hishead, and once more looked at me with serious eyes.

“I’m talking about that time…”He muttered with a bitter expression.

About…that time…?

“When we were younger, I made youcry, and you told me ‘I hate you, Onii-chan!’, right?”

“Eh…?”

What Onii-chan brought up was one of myworst memories. I screamed these words at Onii-chan, who went so faras to take my sin as his own.

— I hate you, Onii-chan!

At the time, I was just a kid, so Ididn’t know what to do, and I happened to blurt out those words inconfusion. Because of that, Onii-chan and I drifted apart during thefollowing years, until April of this year when I won the light novelcontest grand prize. But prior to that, it really was difficult forme to approach him.

And when I heard these words comingfrom Onii-chan’s mouth, I was completely shaken.

…W-Why would Onii-chan suddenly bringthat up…?!

“Because I was insensitive at thetime, I made you cry… I always wanted to apologize for that, but Icouldn’t do it… After that, you started hating me, and I just hadto apologize for that now.” With these words, he once more boweddown to me.

In that moment, I completely forgot tobreathe.

W-What are you saying Onii-chan?! I-Ishould be the one to apologize! So why are you…?! It’s because Ican’t be honest about my feelings…! That’s why I blurted outthese words…! I was the one who hurt Onii-chan… so why…?!

…Yes, I have to apologize. It’s myfault since I was never able to apologize.

I have to jump over my shadow now. Justthis once, I have to be honest. I have to honestly tell him myfeelings! If I don’t, I wouldn’t deserve Onii-chan as my bigbrother!

“O-Onii-chan!!!”

I was gifted this chance by Onii-chan.He prepared the stage for me. There is no way I can let this go towaste!

“T-There is not a single thing thatOnii-chan should have to apologize for! A-After all, I-I was the oneat fault back then!”

“S-Suzuka?”

Though Onii-chan’s eyes opened wideas I said that, I didn’t react to that, and just continued.

“That’s right! I should be the oneto apologize! What I said back then wasn’t my true feelings at all.Not one bit. Not in a million years. Never!”

“…Eh?”

“Like I said, that was a lie! I justhappened to blurt that out because I didn’t know what to do!”

Onii-chan looked like he couldn’tbelieve me and muttered “R-Really…?”

“Yes! So Onii-chan is not the one atfault! There is nothing you should apologize for! After all, I—don’thate Onii-chan at all!” I took a deep breath after I finished mymonologue.

It was like I was scolding the past mewith those words.

“You don’t… hate me? I alwayslived my life thinking that you hated me…”

“Like I said! That was just a bigmisunderstanding! I’ve never once in my life hated Onii-chan!!!”I once said it as fiercely as I could.

Actually, I also wanted to add “And Ihave always, always loved you, Onii-chan!” but that would’ve beenimpossible. But at least I had managed to clear up Onii-chan’smisunderstanding.

“So… that’s what’s it was…?”

“T-That’s right…!”

B-But I’m still reallyembarrassed…!!! Speaking my honest feelings in front of Onii-chanis too much…! And when I see Onii-chan with that relieved smile, helooks just so cool! This isn’t good…!

“I-Is there something weird,Onii-chan…?”

“Eh? Ah, no, not really?”

“B-But you’re laughing, right?”

“Ahh, that’s… How do I say it,I’m just so happy that you don’t actually hate me.”

“Wha—?!”

W-What kind of embarrassing things areyou saying, Onii-chan!!! And I can’t stop my heart from poundingwhen you show me that smile…!

“R-Rather than that, why did yousuddenly bring that up, Onii-chan?!”

In that moment, Onii-chan’sexpression became serious once more as he opened his mouth.

“That’s… I thought that Icouldn’t keep going like this.”

W-What kind of lead-up is that…?

“I really thought that I had to tellyou…”

Eh? T-Tell me…?

———D-Don’t tell me?! T-Thistime, it will be a confession?! It would make sense, considering thathe first had to ask for my own feelings, right?! W-We had to make upfirst, right?! A-And now that we’ve made up…! T-This can’t beanything other than a confession?! Right?! Of course! T-This time forsure, he will confess…!

I could feel the gates of paradiseopening in front of my eyes. The trumpets of the angels wereresounding inside my head, reassuring me that I was about to achievewhat I had always wanted.

“A-A-A-A-A-A-And what would thatbe?!” I asked Onii-chan, barely managing to hold myself back fromleaping to my feet.

With that, Onii-chan took a deep breathand opened his mouth.

…Ahh, finally we’ll become lovers—

“Please let me use you as a model formy heroine!!!

W……… H……… A……… T?

Eh?

……Um?

M-Model…? Heroine…?

Huh? Huh? Where is the confession? Andus becoming lovers…?

“P-Please listen to me before youmisunderstand! I-I didn’t mean that as a little sister… but, uhm…just as a normal girl… A-And I wanted to try writing that heroinewhile keeping you in mind as a normal girl…!” Onii-chan stutteredwith a red face.

And with that, I finally understood thesituation.

………This is… anotherdisappointment I see. B-But wait a moment, please? W-When he saysthat he wants me to be the model for his heroine, that means…!

“W-Why is that…?”

“Eh?! W-Well, uhm, even if you ask methat… T-This is just an objective view, so there’s no weirdmeaning to it, but uhm…” Onii-chan hesitantly struggled to speak.But it seemed like he finally made up his mind and continued. “I-IfI look at you as a normal girl, you’re really cute, and you’reprobably my ideal type of girl, uhm, so I thought that maybe if Imake you my model, I could manage to write a cute heroine!” It’sbeen a long time since I’ve seen Onii-chan so embarrassed.

…But that was the same for me. Ican’t help but turn red, can I?! I mean…! O-Onii-chan thinks ofme as cute! His ideal type of girl! Uuuuuuuuuuu~! W-What is thishappiness! Like my whole body is wrapped in a sweet feeling…! Idon’t really get it… But it’s the best feeling ever…!Uuuuuu~!

“…Is that no good?” He once moreasked, his voice filled with anxiety.

No good? T-There’s no way!!!

“I-I can’t help it! T-Though Ireally am not a fan of it, I don’t mind if you base your heroine onme!”

But in the end, I couldn’t be honest,just like always.

…I-I can’t help it! I mean, I’mjust so happy! I can barely hold back my happiness!

“I-I see! …I’m glad… Thank you,Suzuka,” Seeming relieved, he smiled at me.

W-What is this?! I-If you smile at melike that, it makes me want to jump at you and snuggle up to you!Really, Onii-chan is just…!

“S-So that’s why?”

“Mhm? What do you mean?”

“Because you wanted to make me yourmodel, you apologized to me?”

This is the moment of truth. Did hereally invite me here just to ask me for my cooperation in hisresearch again?

“Ahhh, well, that’s one part of it,but there’s actually another reason,” He grinned with flushedcheeks.

… Another reason? — I thoughtas Onii-chan pulled something about the size of his palm out of hispocket.

“This right here.”

What he had in his hand was a smallbox… A small box was the reason?

“…Ah.”

In that moment, I thought of a certainpossibility. Don’t tell me, this is—?

“Today’s your birthday, right?Since I could never congratulate you, I really wanted to do it thisyear… But I thought that you didn’t want the brother you hated tocongratulate you, so I thought that I had to make up with you first…”

With these words, Onii-chan slowlyopened the box. And in there was the ring that I had spotted at theaccessory shop—

“I bought this after our research.”

…Eh? So, he’s known for a whilethat my birthday was coming up…?

“For all the past ones — andespecially today — happy birthday, Suzuka,” He said, and showedme an embarrassed, but still cool smile.

The moment I saw that smile, I reallythought that I might lose consciousness.

This… This is just…! I’m sohappy…! What should I do…?!

“E-Engagement ring…!”

Before I realized it, I blurted outthose words. And when Onii-chan heard them, his face turned as red asa tomato.

“Y-You’re wrong?! I-I didn’t meanit like that! I-I just picked it because you looked like you reallywanted it…! And it’s true that I think you’re cute, but thatstill won’t change the fact that you’re my little sister, okay?!I-I’m not looking at you like that, so don’t worry!”

I never in my life had heard him talkthis fast. Though I was about to die from happiness, those words werelike cold water pouring onto me.

Muuu, you didn’t have to deny it soforcefully… I would be very happy if you looked at me that way…

“A-And as for the ring itself, Ithought that it might be taking it a bit too far, so I made them turnit into a necklace.” He pointed countless times at the contents ofthe box.

Now that he mentions it, the ring has ametal necklace attached to it.

“I’d really be happy if you were toaccept this present.”

…Haaaa, it would’ve been fine if itwas an engagement ring, too, so why did you have to go so far…? Butit’s fine. I would’ve been happy with anything as long as it’sfrom Onii-chan. I’m plenty happy already. After all, he thinks thatI’m cute, right? Not as a little sister, but as a girl! But evenso, he still is a little-sister lover! And that misunderstanding hasalso been cleared up! I think that Onii-chan took a great stepforwards! And let’s not forget about the ring…! Though it’s anecklace, he gave me a ring as a present… on my birthday!!! Ahhh,what will I do tomorrow after all this happiness?

“Uhm… Onii-chan!”

“W-What is it?”

“W-W-Will you put it on for me…?”

Before I had even realized it, I askedhim honestly. Though Onii-chan hesitated for a second, he immediatelytook the ring in his hand and put the chain around my neck. Now therewas a small ring hanging in front of my chest.

A birthday present from my belovedOnii-chan. Looking at it, I couldn’t put into words how happy Ifelt. As I took that ring into my hands, I felt the urge to once moreconvey my thanks to Onii-chan.

“Really, thank you so much,Onii-chan!” I said as I lifted up my head.

I said this with a bright smile, and ashonestly as I could.

…Someday, I wish that Onii-chan willbe the one to put this ring on my ring finger—

Part 3:

“Ehehe, ehehehehe…”

On the way home from our date.

“Onii-chan, Onii-chan, say it onemore time, please.”

“…! I’ve said it countless timesnow…!”

“It doesn’t hurt to tell me morethan once. Y-You’re complimenting me, right?”

“~~~~~~! A-As a girl, you’re reallycute…”

“Ehe, ehehehe! Onii-chan really is atroublesome person! Saying something like that to his little sister!”

“You’re the one who told me to sayit again, aren’t you?!”

…It was like this the whole way backfrom the Ferris wheel. Ahh, for crying out loud! It’s not like I’mforcing myself! She really is cute, but…! Being forced to repeat itover and over like this… is this some sort of punishment…?!

“O-Onii-chan loves little sisterstoo, so it won’t take long until he is finally charmed by me…!”

“Like I said! That was just anobjective opinion, and I’m not looking at you like that!”

…And why are you bringing up thelittle sister moe thing again…?! Damn it…! At this rate, I’llbe treated like a perverted big brother who actually loves hisblood-related little sister! I’m just gonna say this up front: It’sreally not like that! It’s true that Suzuka is extremely cute, butshe’s my little sister! Please don’t misunderstand that, I begyou!

“~~~~~~♪~~~~~~♪” Suzuka was humming to herself.

“…Ugh.”

But,as long as she’s happy, I guess it’s fine. Since it’s still herbirthday, I’ll play along for the day. And also… I’m reallyhappy that we’ve finally made up…

Since I always thought that she hatedme, I’m really glad.

— There is no way that I would everhate Onii-chan!

I wonder if she even realizes how muchthese words of hers saved me?

“Ah, while we’re at it…”

“What is it, Onii-chan? Are you goingto say it one more time?”

“As if! …No, it’s not that, thereis something I wanted to know.”

Hearing that, Suzuka responded,”Something you want to know?”

“Yeah… Earlier, you said that whenyou said you hated me, those weren’t your actual feelings, right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Then why did you say those wordsback then?” I asked, a little bit miffed.

If she didn’t do that, ourrelationship wouldn’t have ended up in such a sorry state. Becauseof that, I really would like to know why. But…

“Does Onii-chan…?”

“Mhm?”

“Does Onii-chan remember whathappened before that?” For some reason, Suzuka pouted as she glaredat me.

What happened before that…? What isshe talking about?

“Judging from that reaction, youdon’t,” Suzuka averted her eyes and kept walking.

“What are you talking about…?” Iasked.

“I take back my previous words.”

“Eh?”

“Though it’s true that I reallydon’t hate Onii-chan, I won’t completely forgive you if you don’tremember.”

“…Excuse me?”

She said these mysterious words andstarted walking faster.

…Even if you say that, I really don’tremember…

“H-Hey Suzuka!”

“That conversation is over…Instead, you have to compliment me as much as I want!”

“Please take it easy on me…”

“Even though you were so passionateduring our date…”

That’s because my tension during thattime was at its maximum! As if I could say that in a calm manner! Iwas totally afraid that you would misunderstand me!

“S-Shouldn’t you be a bit morehonest with yourself, Onii-chan?”

“H-Hmpf! I-I just said it so that youwould let me use you as a model for my heroine, so don’tmisunderstand!”

“S-So, I’m not actually cute…?”

“Well then, I guess I’ll just gohome and write on my manuscript~!”

“Ah, Onii-chan!”

…Don’t keep asking that if youalready know the answer…!

“…Fuu, really.”

After we returned home, I took a deepbreath inside my room while booting up my notebook PC and opened thewriting software.

A lot had happened, but I now feel likeI can finally write a cute heroine.

…But still, even if it’s what Idecided for myself, using my real little sister as a model to write acute heroine for my novel is just…

I once more recalled my conversationwith Suzuka. Now matter how hard I think about it, I just sound likea perverted big brother who loves little sisters.

“Damn it… I can’t help it thatSuzuka is such a cute girl…! But she’s still my little sister…!”I muttered as I looked at the blank document in front of me.

Now then, let’s set that aside andfocus on my novel. What’s important is a cute heroine. I startedputting my experiences from these past few days into words. Theconcept is—

“Suzuka, but instead of being mylittle sister—”

—She’s just a normal girl. Yeah,that sounds good.