After finishing the lunch prepared by Yoko-mama and Saki-nee, we each spent our time in our own rooms until dinner.
It appears Saki-nee and Kaede are studying, quite impressive. As I contemplate returning to my room to review middle school textbooks, I notice a shelf filled with almost brand-new textbooks.
I asked my mother about it, and she explained that boys who start to develop an aversion towards Common people around middle school age are usually exempted from attending school and switch to home study until graduation
"But why?" I wonder. If they attend high school, why skip middle school?
"Boys aversion to Common is most noticeable around the age of middle school. However, the symptoms usually calm down after a year. To gradually get them accustomed to girls again, it's necessary for them to attend high school," Mom explains.
"I see, I understand... By the way, Mom, was I studying properly at home?"
"Uh? Oh, yes, studying. Well, um..."
Seems like I wasn't.
Well, I already had a hunch when I saw those almost new textbooks.
Returning to my room, I casually skim through the middle school textbooks. As expected, Japanese and mathematics are no problem—they're almost identical to my past life. With a college degree in my past life, middle school level shouldn't be a challenge. Yeah, okay, English seems fine too.
The issue is social studies... Ah, as I thought. The broad flow of history remains unchanged, but the specific years and names are different. Moreover, almost all historical figures are women. I need to review and memorize this. I should manage it before proper classes start in high school.
Hmm, it's a bit uneasy to rely solely on textbooks for intensive memorization. I might need reference books. I'll ask Saki-nee about it during dinner.
After a quick review of the textbooks, I pick up my smartphone, which was left in the room when I arrived. It's fully charged.
Yes, there are differences in the details of apps, but the overall functionality is the same. Great, a relief.
I confirm this and quickly open a social media app, sending a message to Madoka's address she gave me yesterday. Surprisingly, she replies immediately, leading to some casual exchanges. It turns out she has a day off today and tomorrow.
So, I suggest meeting tomorrow since she's off. However, I get scolded because it would worry the family. Adults sure know how to handle things. Despite my age, I get treated like that.
But well, it makes sense. Going out alone in a world with a male-to-female ratio of 1:100 would likely lead to trouble. On the other hand, having a family member accompany me to meet a woman is out of the question. Also, Madoka is right; I don't want to cause unnecessary worries. It's a tricky situation...
"Um, a social studies reference book? Sure, sure, I can lend you as many as you want. Sou-kun, you're a boy, and yet, so eager to study. Amazing!"
"Sou-chan, it's great that you're working hard, but don't push yourself too much, okay?"
"Oh, big brother, just social studies? What about English and math...?"
"I mostly understand those, Kaede."
"Gah!"
At dinner, I ask Saki sister to lend me a good reference book for middle school social studies. It seems boys in this world don't study much.
And Kaede, if there's anything you don't understand outside of social studies, feel free to tell me. I'll teach you step by step, big brother promises.
After dinner, everyone relaxes in the living room, taking turns to bathe. I take the first bath. It could have been any other turn, but it was decided that way, and they wouldn't let me change.
Unfortunately, my perverted desire to enjoy someone's lingering fragrance while bathing is already crushed.
By the way, before I was hospitalized, I ate every meal alone in my room. I took a bath about once every three days, and that too during hours when no one was home. I even strongly disliked going to the bathroom after someone else.
I jokingly asked if there were any incidents where I couldn't make it in time and ended up wetting myself, and it became awkward, with everyone avoiding eye contact. Well, yeah, it probably happened. Damn, how embarrassing
"Go in. I finished bathing. Kaede is next, right?"
"Um... big brother... huh?"
"Wai-wai-wait, Sou-kun!?"
"Whoa, Sou-chan, this. Put it on quickly."
After bathing, I enter the living room to find Kaede and Saki in a panic, and Mom hurriedly hands me pajamas.
No, no, Mom, these aren't mine, probably yours, right?
Then, I suddenly realize that, except for the towel drying my hair, I'm in nothing but boxers.
Oops. I guess I've been like this for over twenty years, even in my past life, as an only child. Even though I have family now, this style isn't suitable for a house with girls around.
"Fuaa... So, Sou-kun.. chest is visible. Uwa, the abs are amazing."
"Um, Bi-big brother n-naked... looks cool..."
"Sou-chan, after a while, you've grown so splendidly... Mom, really..."
And all three of them, blushing so much while staring intently! It's incredibly embarrassing!
Well, it's entirely my fault in this matter, but still.
Mom and Saki were saying yesterday that when I'm discharged, we should take a bath together. What happened to that?
Also, Kaede, this is not even half-naked, it's called semi-nude. Well, if Kaede really wants to see me without the boxers, I could do it!
Thinking such foolish thoughts, I quickly apologize and rush back to the changing room, clad only in boxers.
When I returned, I noticed that there were pajamas prepared there, apart from the towel I was using to dry my hair.
I put them on and made a mental note to be more careful in the future.
And also, for all the fuss about my appearance, the post-bath attire of the other three was quite loose as well.
Especially Saki-nee. That shorts and camisole outfit is definitely not appropriate. I mean, her deep cleavage and plump bare legs... Ugh, I can't look directly at them.
"Fu fu. But, it's been so long since we spent time together as a family like this."
"Yeah, just having Sou-kun nearby makes me feel so calm. And he doesn't mind even when we're dressed like this."
"I feel the same. I love being by Onii-chan side."
"Saki, even if Sou-kun doesn't mind, you should dress a bit more properly. It's a bit too sloppy, you know?"
"Aww... Maybe Sou-kun thinks the same?"
"Well, um, regardless of whether it's sloppy or not... well, it's a bit hard to know where to look."
"Eh!? So you didn't like it after all!? I'm sorry, I'll put on long sleeves right away. I'm sorry for showing you something you didn't like."
"No, it's not that, Saki-nee. I don't mind at all. I'm not bothered by it at all!"
...And so, the first night in my new home with my family came to an end, with laughter and warmth