Chapter 2: The Omen of a Storm

Watching the three of them interact, I felt like I was watching a family drama on TV. It felt like I was an outsider in the scene, my presence out of place. Though I wasn’t as resentful as before, I still felt a bit down.

“Souhei-kun, please tell me more about university.”

Facing her innocent eyes, I replied, “Sure.” I knew I wasn’t very sociable, but I couldn’t think of any way to expand the conversation.

After finishing the Chinese course meal and eating the dessert almond tofu, I excused myself, saying I needed to go to the restroom. As soon as I was alone, I exhaled deeply. I hadn’t realized just how tense I had been.

It’s embarrassing to admit, but I wanted to return to Kyoto quickly and see Nanase. Taking out my phone, I opened the LINE chat. Her message before I got on the bus, [Have a safe trip. Let’s have dinner together when you get back], gave me a tremendous sense of comfort.

When I stepped out of the men’s restroom, I ran into my stepsister in her sailor uniform.

“Whoa, you startled me.”

My voice came out involuntarily. My stepsister—Ichika—seemed to have been waiting for me and spoke hesitantly.

“Um, Souhei-kun.”

“What?”

“I think you could be a bit more cheerful?”

“Huh?”

“It’s rare for the family to be together, so I thought it’d be nice if we could have more fun conversations.”

Ichika’s words made me sigh and lean against the wall.

She was right; I had been mostly silent, only eating and not participating in the conversation. Her point was valid, but…

“…Well, that’s true, but… just because we’re family doesn’t mean we have to force it.”

“…What does that mean?”

A frown appeared on Ichika’s forehead.

“You don’t really want to be friends with me, do you? If that’s the case, it’s easier to keep our distance…”

Before I could finish, she slammed her hand next to my body with a bang. Startled, I flinched. Small-framed Ichika looked up at me with a fierce glare.

“…Enough already. Can’t you see I’m trying hard to keep things lively?”

I was left speechless by her sudden change in demeanor. Ichika clicked her tongue and spat out bitterly.

“This might be a one-time thing for you, but it’s not for me! Read the room and be more cheerful.”

Overwhelmed by her intensity, I couldn’t respond. Who was this straightforward stepsister who had said she wanted an older brother?

As I remained silent, Ichika raised her voice in frustration.

“You’re not at all like what I’ve heard! I was told you were kind and wonderful…”

She brushed away the hair covering her face, revealing multiple ear piercings. How many holes does she have? Maybe she’s not as serious as I thought…

“Who told you about me? Mom?”

“…Does it matter who? I can’t believe someone as uncool as you has such a beautiful girlfriend.”

“Ugh.”

“Kissing at university? That’s not appropriate.”

She was right. I couldn’t argue with that.

“…Just don’t tell Mom, okay?”

I didn’t want my mom or stepfather to know I was kissing my girlfriend at university. They might disapprove, and I didn’t want Nanase to be misunderstood as someone who would do such things at school.

Ichika smirked mischievously.

“Hmm. What should I do?”

“Hey.”

“Well, I’ll keep quiet for now. Consider it a favor.”

“A favor…?”

“Just remember I have a hold on you. Can you please be a bit more cheerful today?”

I had a lot to say, but I nodded, “Okay.” I knew my attitude had been a problem.

As we walked back to the table where my mom and stepfather were waiting, Ichika linked her arm with mine. Surprised by the unexpected contact, I tried to pull away, but she whispered, “Play along.” It seemed she wanted to show my mom and stepfather that we were getting along.

“Oh, Souhei. Did you and Ichika-chan become friends?”

Seeing us, my mom said happily. My stepfather also smiled warmly, “That’s great.”

“Yeah, we’re getting along. Right, Souhei-kun?”

Ichika said and pinched my arm hard. She’s ruthless. I forced a smile through the pain and responded awkwardly, “Yeah.”

Declining my mom and stepfather’s offer to stay the night, I returned to Kyoto that same day. Back at my shabby apartment, exhaustion hit me hard. With heavy steps, I climbed the stairs to the second floor.

Before returning to my room, I rang the doorbell of the room next door. Before the chime finished, the door swung open.

“Welcome back, Sagara-kun!”

Nanase, in her glasses and jersey, greeted me with a smile. Seeing her face instantly made me feel relieved. I must have been more mentally exhausted than I realized.

Looking intently at my face, Nanase asked with concern.

“…How was it?”

“…Yeah. My stepfather seems like a nice person. My mom is doing well too.”

“That’s good to hear!”

“And… my stepfather’s daughter… she’s a high schooler, three years younger than me.”

“Oh, right. You have a stepsister now. What’s she like?”

Ichika’s face, glaring at me with annoyance, came to mind.

…I should keep quiet about meeting her at the open campus. If Nanase knew my stepsister saw us, she’d be shocked.

“…Well… she seems serious.”

“I see! I hope you get along.”

Nanase said innocently, but I thought it’d be difficult. I didn’t know how to interact with a suddenly acquired stepsister, and I had already made a poor first impression. Well, I probably wouldn’t see her much anyway.

──Just remember, I have a hold on you.

I couldn’t help but worry about her warning. I hope she’s not planning something bad…?

“…What’s wrong?”

Sensing my unease, Nanase peered into my face with concern. I quickly replied, “It’s nothing.”

I decided not to dwell on it. There’s no benefit for Ichika in having a hold over a poor college student like me.

“Let’s have dinner. I’m making gratin! I hope it turns out well.”

Nanase said, smiling through her glasses. Just that simple gesture eased my troubled mind.
I impulsively pulled Nanase into an embrace. She blinked in surprise but soon hugged me back tightly.

“What’s wrong, Sagara-kun?”

“…Nothing.”

“Aren’t we going to eat?”

I was hungry, but I didn’t want to let go of the warmth in my arms. Whispering, “Just a little longer,” Nanase quietly stroked my back.

A few minutes later, the gratin we took out of the oven was slightly burnt from being left in too long.