When did things change like this?
I never realized Kaori would become as obsessed with me as her sister Miyuki.
'No....'
Actually, I did notice, but I pretended not to.
I hadn't expected Kaori to be as radical as she is now.
"I'm the cause.
Her sister's breakup.
That's the cause of the outburst.
I said to Kaori, feeling a little dizzy.
"Turning rumors into facts... That's not something you should say."
"Keigo-brother is really peculiar."
Kaori crossed her arms and touched her shoulder.
"As an idol trainee, I'm used to feeling stares... the stares of tons of guys who want to covet a middle school girl's body, but with you... I don't feel that."
"...I'm normal. I didn't ask you for anything."
"I know that."
Kaori stood up and sat down next to me.
She whispered in my ear and I could smell her shampoo.
-That's why I fell in love with you.
"...."
I took a moment to collect my thoughts.
I grabbed both of Kaori's shoulders and pushed her slightly away.
"Kaori."
"Is it a rejection after all?"
"Yeah."
"I thought so, but what about the rumors? I'm the one who got them all started."
Kaori made a strange expression that looked like she was about to laugh.
"...That's okay, I'll just have to call you in a few times."
"I've done something I'm very sorry for, Mr. Keigo."
"Kaoria, it's hard, isn't it?"
"What?"
I gently stroked Kaori's head.
This is the way I chose to do it.
"Growing up without a supportive father and supporting yourself with your mother's hard-earned money is hard, isn't it? I know, because I'm in a similar situation to you."
"...."
The absence of a father, the reality of living a hard life.
That's what makes Kaori so obsessed with me.
"I apologize for making you take such extreme measures. Yes, let's do it."
"...How?"
I've succumbed to Miyuki, but I don't plan to stay that way.
My conscience is pricked, but I can't help it.
To save Kaori.
"Let's meet secretly in the future. Kaori. How about that?"
"Secretly?"
"Yes. Let's meet secretly without being seen."
"...You sound like you're being watched, but that's okay. I don't feel strangely bad because it makes me feel like an adulteress, fufu."
"...."
Is this a good choice?
Let's make it so.
Miyuki and Kaori. Let's save them both.
Because that's the path I chose.
*****
"I'm back~"
"Welcome home."
Miyuki opens the front door and walks in.
Her black stockinged feet kicked off her shoes haphazardly, and she flew over to me sitting on the couch in the living room and hugged me.
"Mmm~! I thought I was going crazy missing you so much. You smell so good. Hmph."
"Miyuki, you need to wash up once you get home."
"Are you saying my body smells!"
"No. I don't smell anything, but your mother has been telling you to wash your hands since forever."
"Right. Well. Okay, big brother."
I said.
Miyuki kissed me on the cheek and walked to the restroom.
Tsk.
As the restroom door closed behind her, I thought seriously about what was to come.
"I don't know what Miyuki will ask for in return, but I must refuse.
I can't continue to be dragged along by Miyuki's pace.
If I do, I'll cross the line forever.
"What if Miyuki threatens to kill herself...
By the time I finish my thought, Miyuki has left the bathroom and laid down on the couch, her face resting on my leg.
It's a cute, loving little sister's face, but I can't let go of the tension.
"Big brother."
"Huh?"
"What's on your mind?" She looks serious.
"Nothing."
"Hmph."
Miyuki stood up and leaned on my shoulder this time.
"I'm happy♥"
"...."
"But I'm a really ugly girl. Do you know why?"
"...Yes."
I'm just worried that you'll get tired of me♥"
"...."
Miyuki's sobs were incredibly obsessive.
I couldn't stop stroking Miyuki's hair.
Now she's not just a dear little sister to me.
She has become an object of vigilance.
Miyuki said.
"Big brother... don't you hate me?"
"...I wish you'd cut yourself some slack."
"Heehee. No. This is me, too. I'll make this me look adorable someday."
"...."
Miyuki took off her school uniform top.
Underneath, she's wearing only a white nativity scene.
She wraps her hands around my neck, climbs up my legs, and hugs me.
"...."
After that day, the darkness of the obsession came out even more.
Maybe it's even harder to hope for reason and common sense from Miyuki now.
Miyuki whispered in my ear.
-Come to my room tonight. I'll tell you what the terms are.
I said.
"...Okay."
"Fufu. Why do you have such an adorable expression even when you're so upset?"
"...."
I feel like Miyuki's plaything.
But it will never be that way.
If I don't take control of this situation, my home will fall apart and my family will shatter like sand.
I will not give up on it.
Never, no matter what.