I received a text and never got around to replying.
In my mind, two events are juxtaposed.
Miyuki's lips on mine and the fact that Kaori sent me a confessional text.
For me, the most important principle is that I don't want to hurt either of them.
That's why I'm cautious and overthink things.
I woke up after a long night and got ready for the morning.
When I left my room, my sister Miyuki hugged me with a refreshed expression.
"Big brother~! I love you♥"
"...It's Miyuki, why don't you restrain yourself for a while?"
"Huh? From what?"
"You can't do this. In our relationship."
"Aww. You're saying that again."
Miyuki put her hands on her waist and smiled cutely.
"You're always the one I hang on to, because I firmly believe you'll protect me as always. Hmm? Big brother?"
Miyuki threw her arms around me, clinging to me.
I couldn't resist the adorable struggle.
No matter what anyone says, Miyuki is my most precious family member....
I can't imagine breaking her heart.
But I also realize that I have no choice but to take decisive action when things get extreme.
I walk to school with Miyuki, and when I arrive at school, I think about the contents of the text and go to class.
"What should I do, how can I say no without hurting her feelings?
After much deliberation, I decide to confront Kaori in person.
After school, I visit my sister's school, go home with her, and have dinner with her.
I used the excuse of going to the supermarket as an excuse to meet Kaori.
I said to Miyuki in the living room as I put on my shoes.
"Hey, Miyuki, I'm going to the supermarket for you."
"Huh? What for?"
"I'm getting something to drink."
Miyuki squealed and ran at me like I was on a leash.
"Come with me!"
"...I'm only going to the supermarket, are you still doubting me?"
"I believe you're not possessed... but I still feel uneasy...."
Miyuki sticks out her lips.
"Maybe if I give you this, you'll believe me?"
"You still...."
I replied with a palm to Miyuki's lips and walked out like it was no big deal.
"I'll be right back. Stay home. Do you want to get something to drink?"
"Big brother."
"Huh?"
"That girl you're trying to meet. You can meet her anytime."
"...what?"
"Instead."
Miyuki sent me a serious look.
"Because I'm the only one who was his first wife. I'm your first wife, and I'm the only one you've ever had."
"... I'll be right back."
"Yay!"
Bam.
The door slams shut and my head hurts.
My sister's obsessions are getting more and more specific and far-reaching.
What should I do?
I want to protect the line between us.
When Miyuki grows up, there will be so many wonderful men in her life.
Why me?
To a family member who is also a blood relative.
With my heart sinking, I texted Kaori.
She replied immediately. On the second floor of our favorite coffee shop, I sat down across from Kaori. We each took a sip of coffee and there was an awkward silence as we waited to see who would speak up. "Me..." "Me..." The words overlapped. "Uhm. You go first." "Uhhh.... Really?" I glanced at Kaori. She looked like she had just finished practicing in the practice room, and her brown hair down to her neck was shiny. Most of all, she was cute, with the energy and ambition of a second-year middle schooler. But. "I'm sorry." "Mmm...." Kaori sighed at my words. "May I ask why?" "...Many reasons." I left out my sister's business. "I'm not in a place where I can focus on any one person." I organize my thoughts and speak carefully. I try to keep my words as unhurtful to Kaori as possible. "I lost my parents when I was young, so I became the head of the family from that age. I had a little sister, so I was always on edge, and I had to take care of her when no one else would take care of me. That's how I lived for ten years." "...." Kaori listened to my story without any change in expression. "Now I'm in high school and I have to go all-in on both my studies and my family. Of course, I'm not saying that you're not attractive, Kaori, I just want you to understand that my situation is special." "I see...." Kaori nodded quietly. "I didn't realize that, and I confessed to my brother without realizing it. I'm so embarrassed... I want to hide somewhere...." Kaori hangs her head, red-faced and helpless. I shook my head. "Honestly, I'm happy for you. But you're young, I'm young, and you should take things slow, so a better man will come along..." "That's not true." Kaori cut me off. "There's no one in this world who's cooler than you." "What, what?" I stuttered at her determination. Her tone was almost as determined. Kaori smiled broadly. "Anyway, okay, I'll give up on the confession." "Huh? Huh." I thought this was going to be pretty serious, but I'm glad it was brief. "But can you accept me before my body grows up?" "Accept what?" Kaori fluffed up the top of her school uniform. "My body." "What?" "I want you to accept my body, regardless of whether you accept my heart or not. Oh yeah, is a heartless relationship called a sexta?" Kaori said, stuttering over the words. I was puzzled. "Huh, Kaori, what are you talking about!" "Why, I know the value of my body, and that creepy guy knows the value of my body too, that's why he pulled that dirty trick on me. I want to give it to you, from the beginning and always." "Your body is yours to keep, you can't use words like that!" I said firmly, and Kaori smirked. "I know enough, and that's why I want to dedicate my precious first experience to you, don't you think?" "Kaori...." This is not a normal way of thinking. I naturally chose reason over instinct. "You can't do that." "Really?" "Don't ever say that again." "Whoo-hoo-hoo." Why does a 15-year-old's laugh sound so much like an adult's? "Okay, I'll wait then." Kaori squeezes my hand. "Until you have my body, and I'll make sure you do. I'll-"