My stepmother's burden is my ex-girlfriend.

Page 52

After lunch break and afternoon classes, it was time to go home. I didn't join any clubs and instead walked home with Xiaoyue.

Maki is in the basketball club, while Nasuka has joined the competitive karuta club, so they usually don't go home together.

The club that Maki plays in is quite in line with my impression of her, but I was quite surprised that Nasu Hana, who has always advocated conserving energy, joined the club. According to her, "Finding ways to grab karuta cards with minimal movement suits my personality."

On the contrary, I was quite surprised that Xiaoyue didn't join any clubs. Many sports clubs were eager to recruit her, but she turned them all down.

According to her, "It's more important to go home with Jie Nu!" Although she used exaggerated and untrue polite words to evade the question, I think she is just good at sports, but doesn't particularly like them.

"I think Yui has become more composed lately."

Xiaoyue took a light step forward and then turned around.

"You used to be quite serious, but now you seem more relaxed."

"Really? Maybe you're getting used to your new life. As you know, it was really tough before."

"Ah—indeed—"

Xiaoyue looked up at the sky, which was covered with a thin layer of clouds and neither too bright nor too dark, and walked briskly forward.

"I prefer the current Yui."

"what?"

"Because you now feel a bit like an older sister. I'm an only child, so I've always wanted an older sister!"

...Sister? Me?

I couldn't help but smile... Really? Do I look like an older sister?

I'm so happy. It feels like I've actually experienced a little bit of my own growth.

"Thank you, Xiaoyue. Um... please don't hesitate to tell me anything, okay?"

I couldn't resist acting like an older sister because of the compliments, and Xiaoyue immediately smiled.

"That's amazing! I love Yui-neechan the most!"

"ah!"

She suddenly lunged at me, and I quickly caught her.

Xiaoyue's feet were dangling in the air, and she kept rubbing her cheek against mine.

"Hehe—Yui-neechan smells so good…♥"

"You...please be polite! You really should be polite!"

I pulled Xiaoyue away, who was flooring the accelerator in a way I never expected. Xiaoyue couldn't help but burst out laughing, and I laughed too.

Ah... I feel so good.

No need to worry about that guy for half a day, get angry or embarrassed. I feel so good!

I feel like I've finally escaped the trap God set for me two years ago. I'm free. From now on, whatever that guy does, I'll be able to remain calm. He deserves it!

After saying goodbye to Xiaoyue, I walked lightly towards my home.

Until yesterday, I needed to muster up the courage to step into my own home. But now I don't need to anymore. Because even if I live under the same roof as that man, we're just ordinary step-siblings.

Home is a place to relax, not a place to be stressed.

It took me two whole months to finally understand this. First of all, as a family member, let me tease him about Dongtou's situation. If they are really dating, even though I'm just his stepsister, I'm still very interested to know—

"I'm back."

A man who seemed to have brought my dream lover to life was waiting for me in the entryway.

“…Huh?”

Styleded hair and meticulously chosen outfit. A tall, slender figure paired with sophisticated glasses.

"...Huh, huh?"

It was Irito Mizuto, whom I had seen on a date, dressed up meticulously.

"Eh eh ...

Just as my mind was struggling to keep up with the sudden burst of happiness I was experiencing, Mizuto (the handsome guy) shoved his feet into his shoes and strode toward me.

No, no, no, I can't do it, I can't do it, I can't do it! Don't come any closer to me like that, I'll really explode!

A hand with slender, beautiful fingers reached out, making my whole body stiffen.

My right wrist was grabbed and pulled away. I stumbled forward a couple of steps, losing my balance, and Mizuto's face came close. Huh, what's going on? What's happening? What's going to happen to me? What does he want? This is the entryway...!

One post.

Shuidou's fingers gently rested on my wrist.

This action—yes, it's like taking a pulse.

...No, not just like...

"A person's pulse beats about once per second... Right now, your pulse is noticeably twice as fast."

A cold smile appeared on Mizuto's lips as he spoke, his face almost touching Mizuto's:

"So, would a stepsister, or even a typical step-sibling, experience such a frantic reaction simply because a family member is dressed differently than usual?"

"……ah……!"

This... is the same trick I used on him on Mother's Day!

I was so careless...! It's all my fault for saying "there's no rule that says involuntary muscle movements won't be punished"...!

I quickly racked my brains, trying to think of an excuse to absolve myself.

"I...I was just a little scared! When you're scared, your heart rate probably gets all jittery, right?"

"Just scared? Oh..."

After saying that, Mizuto stared intently at me through his glasses.

For some reason, I couldn't look away. Ahhhhh, such long eyelashes, such thin lips, such a perfect nose...!

"…………you……"

"you?"

"………………You're so cunning………………!"

I can't do it.

I could only cover my face and lower my head. Because he was just so handsome! It had nothing to do with being step-siblings; I just like this type!

"...Hey, how about we change the rules starting next time?"

"How should it be changed?"

"Involuntary muscles will not be investigated."

"Okay, but it only counts from next time."

Mizuto, still suspicious, repeated himself, then distanced himself from me.

"That's how it is, sis. I did this for no other reason than that I have something to tell you."

"...What are you saying...?"

I turned my face away to avoid seeing his, but Mizuto said, word by word, forcefully and clearly:

"You're making me really unhappy right now!"

"...Huh?"

I couldn't help but turn back to look at him, and saw that Shuidou was standing with his arms crossed, looking somewhat indignant.

"I don't know what you're trying to be so composed about, acting all sensible and reasonable. I don't get angry at all when I talk to you now. You don't criticize me or be sarcastic anymore, and you don't pick fights with me for no reason. Everything you do makes me very unhappy!"

"Wh...what do you mean...?"

Why does it all sound like a good thing...?

Mizuto pointed his index finger at me, whose head was a complete mess, with a serious expression.

"If there are any changes in your mindset, you should talk to me about it."

My heart skipped a beat.

"Because I recently read in a book that younger sisters should rely on their older brothers when they need help."

Hearing him say that in an unhappy tone, I couldn't help but laugh instead of getting angry.

"Anyway, it's another light novel, right? The kind with a younger sister who has an abnormal brother complex."

"Yeah, you look just like me."

Oh, I see.

Right now, I feel like I'm the younger sister.

Moreover—he has an unusual brotherly affection for his brother.

"Then... don't blame me."

Incredibly, I find it acceptable. For some reason, I feel I can honestly express the feelings I hold in my heart right now.

but……

"...Before that, I have a condition."

"What? The younger sister is so arrogant."

"Go change your clothes."

I turned my face to the side, banishing the current state of the water bucket from my sight.

"...I can't concentrate on talking to you dressed like that..."

"Are you done yet?"

"Alright, come in."

After Shuidou changed his clothes, I stepped into his room.

Books that couldn't fit on the shelves were scattered haphazardly everywhere, making the whole room look like it had been stained with the colors of a waterlogged life. This meant that the man had spent sixteen years of his life surrounded by books.

However—a book with gorgeous illustrations came into my view… I had never heard of that book before. But Dongtou knew what it was.

I feel like I've been stabbed in the chest, but I'll never ignore it again.

Mizuto sat on the edge of the bed. At this point, I really didn't want to sit next to him anymore. So I pulled out a chair from the desk and sat down. I didn't face the bed, but stared at the rarely cleaned desk… I might as well clean it later.

"...Let me tell you."

I started with that sentence, then hesitated for a moment before adding:

"……elder brother."

"What's up, sis?"

I am the younger sister now, and he is the older brother.

Therefore, it is perfectly natural to vent one's troubles or act capriciously like this.

"I'm jealous of Dongtou."

He spoke without hesitation, his voice flowing naturally from his lips.

"........."

Shuidou listened to me silently.

"I called you by your surname until the very end, but that girl was able to call you by your first name so quickly... I can't get over it when I think about that."

"........."

"But I feel I have no right to be jealous of her..."

So, I gave up.

As a result, I felt so relaxed and refreshed.

But I suspect that would only...

"...Um, may I ask a question?"