Mmm, though the cover has the image of Ginbee giving out flying kisses with all her

might, there actually exist other secret pinups as well.

Take for example this picture. It is when Ginbee has just woken up. She is yawning in
a defenseless state. Ugh, I hate to say it, but she is cute......!
This is when Ginbee was changing. Though the style of her underwear is rather plain,
it seems like those simple styles can give a feeling of "favorability rating: UP" as well.
Uhhhhh...... I will have to work harder too!

2
And that's not all. This is Gin-Gin in her cooking attire. The contrast between the old-
fashioned attire and her childish looks - to be honest, it is really moe.
This picture is a scene at school. Not only does she look cute, she is really smart as
well. That serious expression of hers is a scene to behold too. That's right, it has
reached a stage where I can't help but want to carry her back home.

3
Here- finally, the bathing scene that you have been waiting for. My my, this girl's skin is
exceptionally beautiful. It's nearly like a plastic umbrella, where the water droplets will
actually bounce off her skin.
Not to mention how cute that sleeping face of hers looks. If so, I can't help it if my
sexual urge keeps accumulating to a point beyond my control. Can't I just turn this girl
into my lover as quickly as possible—

4
Chapter 1: 12th April, PM5:30 (Students'
hostel · The day of moving in)

Let us start with a greeting.

"We were forced to separate from each other due to some incident. However, we
have somehow come to live together as siblings once again, under the same roof.
This is a boring monotonous story that records us living our lives smoothly from day to
day, without any major incidents happening - just like the calm, flowing water."
That was how it should have been. In the end, the world was just not as simple as we
would have wished for it to been.
Things are going out of control, and are heading in a very chaotic but happy direction.
The student's hostel should have originally allowed us siblings to live together by
ourselves in a simple fashion. But what sort of a stable ordinary life was I to expect,
when a bunch of attention-grabbing student council members came moving into the
hostel as well.
Ultimately, it was precisely because I was looking forward to that ordinary life that
ended up with me going through great pains so that I can live with my sister again -
though it's already too late for any regrets.
Perhaps something huge will occur. Even if it develops in an unexpected manner,
please do not be too shocked by it. Depending on the situation, we may even have
some blockbuster scenes up for show.
I did feel that service scenes were quite unlikely to happen, because originally, the two
people involved are siblings - but every one of those people who have just moved in
are indeed beautiful. It has resulted in a situation where a guy is living together with
four girls under the same roof - if so, I should say that it will be unnatural for none of
that to happen.
But whatever.
Even though things have turned out to be the total opposite of what I expected, it does
not mean that it is a bad thing.
Seito-kaichou Nikaido-senpai, Fuku-kaichou Nasuhara, and needless to say, my good
friend Ginbe - all of them are the real deal in terms of their capabilities. Ignoring the
point of them being difficult to handle, they are indeed my precious colleagues who will
usually bring about a good influence with them. It is not what I had wished for, but at
the same time it is a situation where I could not have asked for anything more either.
Not just for me, but for my younger sister Akiko too. This is probably the best situation
for us to thoroughly hone and improve ourselves.
If so, then there is nothing much to grumble about.

5
I shouldn't be complaining about how it is going against my plans.
Instead, shouldn't I face this once-in-a-lifetime encounter optimistically, and live
through my thoroughly wonderful school life with enthusiasm—
"Impossible."
....... Just like that. It's a pity, but my stand was rejected in an instant.
"Impossible. It makes no sense. There is no need for consideration. This hostel is for
the personal use of Onii-chan and me only, the love-nest that belongs to the two of us.
It is fine if it is just those people selling newspapers or preaching about religion -
people that will come and leave in a snap. But they are actually moving in, and I have
to live with that group of students' council members as well? Nope, impossible, that
can't do. I totally cannot accept such a situation."
At the caretaker's room of the hostel ran by St. Ririana Academy, which is also the
living room of us two siblings.
With her eyebrows arched upwards and a seething expression, my sister Akiko was
voicing her dissent against our current situation.
"Onii-chan, hear me out. It has not even been a month, you know?"
"Mmm. That's right."
"Us siblings have reunited after so long, and we are finally able to live together again.
It has not even been a month. We have barely enjoyed our sweet lovey-dovey life and
yet such a life is about to get destroyed - how can I let such a barbaric thing happen?
Because it has been six years, you know? We have endured through six years to
finally obtain the life of us siblings living together inseparably, you know?"
"Mmm. Indeed."
"I had clenched my teeth and endured through these six years. Despite the two of us
being the only ones left in our family, we were separated by force. However, I still
listened to Onii-chan, and have always been a good girl. In order not to embarrass
myself should the day that I can live with Onii-chan came again, I set harsh standards
on myself - as a reward, I can finally live a life like this. Isn't that right, Onii-chan?"
"Mhmm. You're right."
"I have enrolled into a well-known school, St. Ririana Academy, with my excellent
grades. Even after enrolling into the school, my grades have been maintained among
the top three in the rankings. Right now, in the students' council that has a lot of
responsibilities, I have also gloriously taken on the important role as the secretary.
"Mhmm. You're really impressive."
"And that's not all. Flower arrangement, the arts of tea ceremony - I have learned a
whole set of skills as well; I am also proficient in cooking and the rest of the household
chores; Most importantly, I've worked tirelessly in order to grow up to be the cute girl
that Onii-chan will love. Onii-chan should recognize these fruits of my labour."

6
"Ah- mmm. You have really grown up to be a good girl. You are someone who will not
embarrass me wherever you go, and is my younger sister whom I am proud of."
"However, based on the current situation, I think the rewards are way too meager
compared to the results that I have achieved. Despite me working hard as your
younger sister, Onii-chan has never once petted my head, hugged me, or even given
me a kiss. We will not be punished by heavens even if our cohabitation is much more
sweeter and lovey-dovey. But what's with Onii-chan? You are just like a monk that is
living a life of abstinence in his temple, unwilling to even touch me. There is a saying,
'it is a man's humiliation to not eat the things that are served right to his mouth', and
that describes you perfectly. If Onii-chan wants to prove himself as a normal man,
then you will have to make a move on me as quickly as you can."
"...... Don't you think the conversation is going off topic?"
"In any case!"
After a yell, Akiko iterated her point.
"The hostel which we are living in is strictly against outsiders from entering. Though it
is rather apologetic towards those who have just moved in, we should be chasing
them out as quickly as we can."
"No, even if you say that......"
Nikaido Arashi.
Nasuhara Anastasia.
Sawatari Ginbe Haruomi.
The three of them were practically done with their moving in. It will not be realistic for
me to chase them out.
Or rather, I didn't have the power to do so anyway. Due to the decision for the hostel
to be destroyed, I was just barely able to protect my stand as a caretaker and
resident.
"The three of them negotiated with the school, and they have thus obtained the right to
live in this hostel. I don't think there is anything that I can say. Moreover, those three
people have their own reasons for moving in. If I am to ask them to 'get out' at a time
like this, don't you think it is just a little too......?"
"Even so, I still cannot accept it."
"Still, there is no need for you to hate it so much, without rhyme or reason, right?
Those three people are the members of the students' council as well, which means to
say they are our companions too. We should treasure our companions more."
"I'll treasure them in any way you wish, except this time. Just this once, no."
"Why not look at it from another point of view? The fact that the three of them have
moved over means that the members of the students' council have now gathered
under the same roof. If so, it will result in us being together twenty-four hours. That

7
will naturally improve the camaraderie among us, and we can discuss the council's
business whenever we like. See, don't you think it's something great?"
"I do admit, those are advantages. However, they are not worth me sacrificing my
private time with Onii-chan."
"Well, don't say that-"
"Onii-chan. Doesn't it somehow feels rather suspicious?"
My sister kept staring at me.
"Somehow, there is the strange feeling that you are standing on the side of the three
people."
"Is that so? No, nothing of that sort."
"No, don't even think of trying to hide it from Akiko's eyes. Onii-chan's the one who
had originally made preparations in order for us siblings to live together again, and you
were the one who went through great pains to do so. Compared to me, Onii-chan
should be the one who is voicing his dissent against the current situation. No?"
"No no no, I am not that sort of narrow-minded guy, you know? Indeed, it is important
for us to live together by ourselves. However, it is similarly important to live with the
members of the students council, right?"
"No, I can't accept that. The Onii-chan of today is indeed a little weird. There is no
way the usual Onii-chan will say such things."
"Even if you say that...... What should I do to make you accept it?"
"Mmm. If it is the usual Onii-chan, he should be saying this to me. 'Don't worry, Akiko.
You are the most precious darling to me in the whole world. I'll resort to any means to
chase those three people out of the hostel. Just wait and see, I will definitely get back
our lovey-dovey lives. I love you, Akiko. Please marry me right now.' Like that."
"The usual me wouldn't say things like that?"
"After that, Onii-chan will gently hug me into your chest, and your lips will...... uwaa~,
Onii-chan, you can't do that! I am still not mentally prepared!"
"............"
I had decided to ignore my sister, who was twisting her body about. Somehow, it feels
like that girl is slowly turning like that, day by day...... Will it be better if I find a time to
clearly talk to her about it?
But forget it, putting those words aside, my sister was not wrong in her accusations.
Indeed, to a certain extent, I am siding towards the three people who had just moved
in.
The reason is clear.
One of the reasons for the actions of those three people, is to respond against my
sister's brother-complex.

8
Akiko does listen to me, and has grown up to be an exceptional young lady. However,
due to us being separated for a long time, her brother-complex has worsened as well.
Her position, reputation and etc, which she has painfully built up by being an adopted
child of the Arisugawa family and a member of the students council - there is a
possibility of it all being destroyed in an instant due to her brother-complex that is way
off the charts.
At a time like this, those three people have moved into the hostel to act as a sort of
buffer. That's how it is.
Of course, from my point of view, it is not like I am welcoming it with open arms as
well.
That is because it is quite normal for me to want to continue on with my peaceful life
together with my younger sister, after getting it back the hard way.
Then again, those three people have a just cause, which is to cure my sister's brother-
complex. As such, as her elder brother... no, as her guardian, I have the obligations to
raise my sister to be an outstanding-
"Oi- both of you. Can I interrupt for a second?"
Just then, came a voice from the corridors.
"We are basically done with moving our items. I wish to hold a sort of meeting in
regards to our hostel lives. Can you two come here for a while?"

-♡-
"Now now. There is no need for you to puff up your face like a balloon, do you?"
At the meeting room and canteen, located on the first floor of the hostel.
Seito-kaichou - Nikaido Arashi shrugged her shoulders, while sitting on the chair with
her back hunched.
"With this, the companions living under the same roof have increased. Even if it is just
for show, show a smile? Hmm?"
"Nope."
Upon being told, Akiko puffed up her face even more.
"Why should I put on a nice expression for you, when you guys are the ones who have
invaded Onii-chan's and my love nest, without even giving that much of a warning?"
"That's how adults should act."
"If so, I'd rather be a child for life."
"Kakaka, it seems like I am really being hated by you. However, I still love that
innocent smiling face of yours best. Come on, just once, give me a smile?"

9
"The only method of getting back my smile is for everyone here except Onii-chan and I
to pack up and leave immediately."
"Mmm- really? That's regrettable. Sadly, we have obtained official permission from the
school council to live here at this hostel. That is a fact that will never change,
regardless of how much of a tantrum you throw."
"Uhhh...... guh......"
"There is only one thing you can do to make us leave this hostel: you are to become
my lover, and the two of us will then enjoy our heavenly nights each and every day."
"Absolutely not!"
"If you can't be my lover, it is fine if you marry into my family?"
"Please restrict your jokes to your eye-patch and your Japanese sword!"
"Please do not be that infuriated."
Just then, Fuku-kaichou Nasuhara interrupted.
"If you don't, for someone who does not have much to your looks to begin with, it will
only get worse? You should behave like a dog who is getting tempted by its owner's
bait, and start to act cute. If so, that face of yours, which looks like a bulldog
sneezing, will become something that is more pleasant to see."
"Bu-Bulldog!? I don't have such a weird face!"
"Ara, is that so? I am sorry, the Akiko-who-had-lost-to-me-in-the-most-recent-beauty-
contest-hosted-by-St-Ririana-Academy."
"Kuuu...... you are looking down on me again! There was actually only a one to two
votes difference in the amount of votes that we get!"
"However, it's those one or two votes that decided the match - that is the truth as
well."
"Even so, there is no need for you to ridicule me with that harsh tongue of yours!"
"Ah, perhaps. I am sorry for hurting you unintentionally, Akiko. I just have a bad habit
of not being able to differentiate between the existence of those that are inferior to
me. Honestly speaking, I am not really sure of how different your face is when
compared to a bulldog. I am really sorry. Look, since I am already lowering my head
in apology, please forgive me."
"Uuuuuhhh...... You are continuing with your use of abusive words, despite putting on
an apologetic attitude!"
"Alright alright. both of you, stop arguing."
This time, it was Ginbe who spoke.
"Himenokouji Akiko. Indeed, it is rather rude of us to move into the hostel without
seeking your approval. I am sorry."

10
"That's right! To barge into our love nest by yourselves...... please reflect deeply on it!
I will be really happy if you leave this place after you are done reflecting on your
actions! Immediately! Just now!"[1]

"I really wish to do that too. However, putting aside Kaichou or Fuku-kaichou, I have
been living a penniless life. Due to the house moving this time, my wallet is literally
empty right now. Honestly speaking, I don't even have any cash to move out of here."
"Uuhhh...... If so......"
"Even though there is not much people living in this hostel, the school will still fork out
the money for our food and stuff. For someone who is penniless like me, this hostel is
my only option left...... If I am chased out of here, I'll be relegated to wandering on the
streets during the freezing month of April. Also, I do not have much friends who I can
rely on, since I just moved here from Kyoto."
"...... Uuhhhhhh~"
"The only friend of mine happens to be your elder brother. To be truthful, Akito and I
are close friends back when we were living in Kyoto. We would help each other with
all sorts of things, and if possible, I'd like to continue that sort of relationship with him
at this school. Since Akito is the caretaker of the hostel, and I am in an exhausted
state - for this time round, I do wish to rely on his kindness, no matter what."
"...... Uuuuhhhhhhhhhh~"
"Akiko. I've heard from Akito that you have grown up to be a really exceptional
younger sister, and I do think so as well upon seeing you. If possible, you are to be
more tolerant towards your brother's choice of friends, it will do much good for Akito's
impression on you as well - that's what I think."
"...... Uuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhhh~"
"I do understand, that as his blood-related sister, you are always worried about Akito.
To be honest, I am the same as well. I think you are well aware of it as well, about the
fact that Himenokouji Akito is a man who has a rather secretive side, and he does
occasionally stir up something big by himself. Isn't that so?"
"....... Yes, indeed."
"I'm not wrong, am I? In actual fact, Akito faced quite a few difficulties back in Kyoto
due to his personality. For me, I wish to act as a role similar to being Akito's brakes. I
wish to stay in this hostel to assist Akito, yeah."
"...... You are saying that you will need my cooperation?"
"It's great that you can understand things that quickly. You, the person who knows
Akito best; and me, the person who knows the Kyoto-Akito best. If we are to join
forces, then I think we will be invincible. What do you think?"
"...... Uuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhhhhhh~"
Akiko's status: no room for refutes.

11
Stating facts, stirring emotions, and convincing with reason - Ginbe's debating skills
are flawless. Upon being persuaded with such an excellent train of thought, the only
means of retaliation left for anyone will probably be to let loose their emotions and
rage due to their embarrassment.
"Uhhh...... O-Onii-chan......?"
"Well, that's how it is, generally."
My sister looked towards me, as though she was seeking the final straw that could
save her. I simply went for the final blow.
"Looking at how things are now, it seems like we can only go along with the flow. It is
not a totally bad thing for you or me, so let's look at it in a more positive light?"
"Hawwww......"
With a crestfallen look, Akiko slumped her shoulders,
"Ahhh...... I am finally living alone with Onii-chan, and it is to become a dream that
quickly? 娑羅双樹の花の色、祇園精舎の鐘の声— It's like the internal structure was built
with collapsing wooden blocks; it's like making a sand-castle while facing an incoming
wave. Happy times like this never last......"[2]
"That's a little too exaggerating."
"Ah. Could it be, that this is all a dream?"
"Sadly for you, this is reality. Without doubt."
"I see—. This is reality—"
Once again, Akiko slumped her shoulders.
"— However!"
She immediately straightened her back. It was as though a coin was flipped to its
other side - she was revived.
"I will not be me if I am to admit defeat right here! For someone like me, who had
constantly endured and endured for the past six years, such a trial is of nothing to be
afraid of!"
"Oh. That sounds quite reliable."
"That's right, it is really dependable! As such, I, Himenokouji Akiko, shall once again
declare! My relationship with Onii-chan will never be broken!"
"Mhmm. You are right."
"Or rather, I feel that should I successfully complete this trial, we as a married couple
will then be really able to declare ourselves to be as one body and soul for the very
first time! If we are to welcome our very first night together with an unwavering
stance, the bonds between siblings that we are to form will be stronger than ever.
Isn't that right, Onii-chan!?"

12
"No. I can't just simply nod my head at that."
As usual, it seemed like there is not just a small difference between mine and my
sister's understanding. Whatever, I won't go deep into that. It was rare for things to be
settled that amicably.
"Alright. Well then, I'll start by saying: everyone, please take care of me."
Nikaido-senpai seized the opportunity to end the subject.
"No matter what, it's fate for us five to gather here like this. Everyone has their own
views and opinions but since we are already here let us work together and strive for a
more comfortable life. Don't you think so?"
She says a lot of inappropriate stuff but she is still the president of the students'
council of St. Ririana Academy. Even though it was something that is being said all the
time, it still somehow carried a lot of weight in it.
"Alright, I have something to say to caretaker Akito, in regards to the operation of this
hostel in the future."
"Mmm? Something to inform me?"
"Yes. Actually, I have located some data of this hostel back when it was still in use."
As she said that, Nikaido-senpai took out a document,
"Inside this, are all the rules that we must abide when we are living here."
"Ohho-"
"The fact is, up until yesterday, the only ones living here were you siblings. However,
that will not be the case starting today. Since we are living together, there will be a
need for rules and regulations, agreed?"
"Well, you are right. Indeed."
"There is no need to follow the old rules down to the details, but still, it is something
that is made out of the essence of the intelligence of our previous seniors that have
lived here. It should be fine for us to make references to it. Also, to be honest, the
council has stated a condition for the revival of this hostel."
"Oh. Something like 'we must follow the rules written on that document', right?"
"Yes. Well, that's how it is."
I guess that is more appropriate.
And not just appropriate, I should say that is something that I could not have wished
for more. It will be really troublesome if we are to start thinking up rules for living
together from scratch. Not only that, but considering the fact that all the inhabitants
that have gathered here are people with a little too much personality, it will be even
harder to do the rules.
"Speaking of which, we are members of the students' council anyway. It is part of the

13
school's policy to give freedom to its students, but we shouldn't abuse it and
embarrass the school board either."
"I see. There is no reason why we should not follow the rules, considering the various
conditions imposed on us."
"Well, that's how it is. Anyone who is against it?"
Nikaido senpai gave a brief glance at everyone. It seemed like there was no objection.
"Good, I'll hand a copy of this to everyone after its photocopies are made, so do look
through it properly. Anyone else have anything to say? ......OK, that's all for today,
everyone's dismissed. We are still not done with our luggage, so we'll leave the trivial
stuff for later."

-♡-
That's how it was.
The first day of the harmonious gathering of the students' council members had ended
without much of a stir.
Of course, I wasn't aware of anything back then.
About the fact that the 'rules' dug out by Nikaido-senpai which everyone of us is to
abide to, will hit me painfully in the stomach and come to affect me slowly but surely.

Notes

1. Just now! is actually in English in the novels. It sounds weird, but just so you know.

2. Oh joy. Firstly, check out Tales of the Heike from the wiki. The original is: 祇園精舎の鐘の声、諸行無常
の響きあり。娑羅双樹の花の色、盛者必衰の理をあらわす。However, due to the huge emotional blow that
Akiko is suffering from, she has mixed up the sequence. You can find out what they mean from the
link provided.

14
Chapter 2: 13th April, AM5:00 (Students'
hostel · Caretaker's room)

"Onii-chan—. It's morning already—. Please wake up—"

The members of the Himenokouji family wake up very early in the morning.
Our day begins at five in the morning, before the sun has even risen.
"Onii-chan—? Can you hear me—?"
"Mmm~? Mmmmmmm~......"
Despite hearing my sister's voice coming from outside my room, I still remained in my
room covered by my blankets, without moving an inch.
"Onii-chan—. Onii-chan, Onii-chan, Onii-chan. It's morning, it's morning, it's morning. It
looks like the weather will be fine today too—?"
"Mmm...... Mmmmmm......"
"Onii-chan—? Are you still asleep—? Please answer me if you are awake—. Oi—.
Yahoo—. Oi—"
"............"
It's a shame, but I, Himenokouji Akito, is someone who loves to stay in bed. Take
today for example, which is a rest day. Adding on the fact that it is right after the
deadline for me to submit my draft, it will be very difficult for me to get out of bed
willingly.
"Are you still sleeping? Are you still sleeping?"
"......"
"If so, then please pardon me."
*Kra kra kra*
*Pisyari*[1]
"Fufu. You are really sound asleep."
Her voice sounded much closer than before. However, despite me knowing that, my
mind was still in a state of standby, since that is of no relation to my consciousness. I
still remained in sleep.
"Fufu. Onii-chan."
"............"
"Kuku. Onii-chan ♪"

15
"............"
It seemed like that girl was whispering next to my ears.
Isn't she a little too close? Despite me having that question somewhere deep within
my consciousness, I was still (omitted).
"Fufu. Onii-chan has always treated this cute younger sister of his with a cold attitude
through and through, perhaps even to a state where it is a crime. Typically, I cannot
get this close to him...... This is indeed a gift sent to me by the heavens. Only I, his
younger sister, have this right to admire Onii-chan's sleeping face at such a close
distance. It will not do if I do not exercise this right to its full potential, right?"
"............"
"Thus, I'll be having Onii-chan's sleeping face all to myself for now. On behalf of the
rest of the students' council members who are sadly missing out on this scene, I shall
stare at Onii-chan with all my might, until I am satisfied."
"............"
"Ji—"
"............"
"Ji ji—"
"............"
"Ji ji ji—"
"............"
"............"
"............"
"............"
"............................................................ Mmm—"
"Halt."
Upon sensing danger, I immediately opened my eyes, and saw my sister's lips closing
in on me, with her eyes closed.

16
"Akiko. What are you doing here?"
"............ Ah!"
"I'll ask again. What are you trying to do?"

17
"Urm, this, which is that......"
"You closed your eyes and pouted your lips, right?"
"Yes...... yes I did, probably?"
"Are you planning to assault me while I'm sleeping?"
"No, you are mistaken. That...... yeah, I was just planning to whistle. Really, please
believe me."
"You are lying to me, right?"
"...... Yes. I am sorry."
I propped up half of my body off the bed, and shook my head exasperatedly.
"I'm wrong to be lazing in bed, but if I'm to be woken up in a manner like this, then I
have no choice but to consider something."
"C-Consider something, what?"
"Well, if I were to get a dozen alarm clocks, even if it is me, I'd probably jump out of
bed in an instant. If I do that from now on is what I'm considering."
"Please wait, Onii-chan! I violently object! Waking up Onii-chan is a right that belongs
only to me!"
"Hmm-. Even if you say that."
"I am not good with waking up too, but I have tried my best to wake up for this event!
That is all so that I can have a taste of the sweet moments in the early morning...... If
that reward is taken away from me, I'll lose the drive to wake up early!"
Well indeed.
Originally, my sister's a match with me when it comes to lazing in bed. The reason for
her to forcefully overcome that weakness to do the household chores early in the
morning is probably due to her so called 'reward'.
"Or rather, Onii-chan, please change your train of thought."
"Oh. Meaning?"
"Mmm. If you cannot wake up at the designated time, then as punishment, you will
have to receive a kiss from me - Onii-chan will be able to wake up more successfully if
you are to think of it that way, right?"
"Why must I happily worry about my sister's assaults while welcoming a brand new
day? I don't want that sort of life."
"Ultimately, it is all Onii-chan's fault, you know?"
"Why?"
"The reason for this sort of thing to happen is because Onii-chan isn't loving me

18
enough. I have been saying it for a while now, right? The morning kiss when we wake
up; the farewell kiss when we leave the house; the welcoming kiss upon returning
home; and the goodnight kiss before going to sleep - only by doing all of these, can
you consider yourself to be a man who can hold his own. That's how it is."
"A man who fulfills those requirements by utilizing his younger sister, in order to hold
his own - I don't think there is a single one out there in this whole world."
"In any case."
My younger sister banged on the floor.
"I yearn for Onii-chan's love! We are actually living together again after being
separated for six years and despite that you have never once petted my head nor
hugged me - it can't be helped that my desires will accumulate! I seek for Onii-chan's
assistance to remove this sort of restless feeling!"
"Assistance. How should I go about doing that?"
"Firstly, please whisper gently to your cute younger sister, words that are so sweet
they will cause me to be dazed upon hearing them!"
"Mmm. I love you, Akiko. More than anyone in this world - no, you are the only one
whom I love in this world."
"Eek!?"
As she let out a weird cry, my sister snatched my blanket away from me and hid
herself within it.
"How's that? Are you satisfied?"
".................. Awuuhh......."
"Oi-? Akiko-?"
"Why, why does Onii-chan..."
She popped her face out of the blanket. It was dyed deep red,
"...not know how to restrain himself or show mercy!?"
"Urm, isn't this what you requested? Whispering sweet nothings to you."
"I indeed requested it but it is a foul for you to say it with a pure smile that came from
the bottom of your heart! It has exceeded what I can handle calmly!"
"You are a girl who is hard to please...... How about this, I'll just say it directly with a
slightly gentle feeling. Is that okay?"
"No, that will not do either! If so, it will feel like there is not enough love injected into
it!"
She is really a girl who is hard to please.
"Well, I understand. I'll try my best....... Well then? You can be satisfied with this,

19
princess-sama?"
"...... Uh—"
My sister squirmed out of the blankets, and took about three deep breathes.
Her red face had returned to its original state. She cleared her voice,
"Aside from the fact that the stimulation is still a little too strong, it is a result that I am
rather pleased with. To be honest, my mood has turned really good."
"I see. That's great."
"Fufufu. Indeed, I am still the person whom Onii-chan treasures the most. The reason
Onii-chan ignores my advances until now, it is probably the 'tsundere' thing that is
being brought up frequently. If things are to continue developing like this, the day that I
spend a passionate night with Onii-chan will not be too far off."
"No, that day will never come within your lifetime."
"Onii-chan there you go again. You always love to joke-"
"No, I am speaking in a very serious manner."
"I had been lying down and thinking about it the whole night."
Ignoring my feeble protest, sparkles of light were given off from deep within my
sister's eyes.
"No matter how much I think, no matter how deeply I think, the bond between Onii-
chan and I will always be strong, secure and deep. No one will be able squeeze into
the bond between us. That's right, not even god."
"Well, is that so?"
"That's why, even if the students' council members are to move into this hostel it will
be a waste of their efforts to try to destroy our love. Since it is a wasted effort, then
there will be no need for me to be concerned about this, right?"
"Mmm, that's right."
"As such, from my point of view, I have came up with the conclusion, which is to
welcome the new residents of this hostel."
"Oh? Is that really so? You have changed the way you look at it, huh."
"Yes. Just as Onii-chan said, I've thought about it positively."
"Mhmm. You are a really good girl, Akiko."
"Ehehe. Please praise me more."
"Mhmm. I think Akiko is really great."
"Fufufu. Can you praise me even more?"
"Ahh- I am shocked that Akiko is such a great younger sister. I am really proud of

20
you."
"Nyuhu. If you can just praise me more I will be really happy."
"Akiko is indeed the number one younger sister in the world. If there are events like
'Miss Imouto' or something, you will definitely become the champion of it. That's how
impressive you are as a younger sister."
"More, more. Please praise me more."
"...... Urm, I am running out of ways to praise you."
"No, you still have a long way to go. Please look for more ways to praise me from the
huge dictionary of words available. The possibilities of the japanese language are
endless. As long as you are willing, there will be an unlimited amount of praises."
Well, theoretically, she may not be wrong but my brain was at its limits since it's in a
state of just waking up. Then again, I didn't think my sister had done anything that
deserves my endless praise.
"Alright. Let us stop wasting time and start to make preparations for the morning."
"Geez. It seems like Onii-chan is taking the important job of praising his cute younger
sister much too lightly. I am a girl that thrives on praise you know."
"No no no, there needs to be a limit to everything. You see, even vegetables will die if
they are given too much fertilizer, right? The same thing applies to praising as well."
"Well, that makes sense too but......"
"Let's stop talking about that. I'm hungry already. It is about time for us to have our
breakfast."
"I see...... I really do wish to start preparing breakfast but due to the rare welfare-
time ending so soon, Akiko can't deny that her mood has dropped quite a bit. Because
of that there is a possibility that the standards of my food will drop as well...... from
the looks of it we may have to settle with some hastily cooked instant food......"
"Is that so. What a pity. Akiko's dishes are delicious no matter when and where I eat
it, I always enjoy them a lot."
"Understood! It will be done in thirty minutes, so please wait for a moment!"
Akiko gave a bright smile and dashed towards the kitchen.
Well, I do think she is a little too innocent. However, if that can allow her to work
happily then I guess it does not matter if I go just slightly overboard with things.
To see my sister's pure and innocent smile at the closest distance every single day -
for that, I gave my all.
"Alright, I'll be doing my best to come up with great dishes. Onii-chan, what do you
want to eat today?"
"Hmm- Let's see......"

21
Yesterday's was a combination of unfermented bread with buttered egg-rolls, plus
homemade yogurt. Everything was delicious, but it should be Japanese for today, if
we are to follow the schedule-
"Oi—. Are you awake?"
Just then.
Along with the knocks of the door, came a familiar voice.
"Ginbe huh? What's up?"
"Yo, morning Akito. You are early, as usual."
Opening the door, I saw my good friend waiting there with a smile on her face.
"...... Isn't that cooking attire?"
I was slightly shocked when I saw the clothes that Ginbe was wearing.
"This is the first time I've seen you wear that."
"Yeah, I think this is the first time I've shown myself to you in such a manner. How is it,
Akito? Does it suit me?"
"Yeah, it does."
Ginbe is a European with silver hair and emerald eyes, but at the same time, she is a
true Japanese on the inside. For someone like her to be wearing the traditional
cooking attire of this country, it is something that is totally acceptable.
"Urm, then? What are you planning to do in that attire, this early in the morning?"
"Since ancient times, for the women of this country, this attire has always been worn
while cooking. Not to mention, I have no interest in cosplay."
"Haa. I guess you're not wrong."
"I've made breakfast and I planned on sharing it with you siblings. You haven't eaten
anything right? Or are you busy with preparing breakfast?"
"Ah no, my stomach's still empty, and Akiko hasn't done anything either."
"That's great. I've made your portions as well, without asking. Even if it is just so that
the food will not be wasted, it will be great if you are to just entertain me for a while.
Incidentally, Kaichou and Fuku-kaichou are already there waiting at the canteen as
well."

-♡-
Since she had already put it like that, there was no reason not to go.
While consoling my sister who was putting on a face of discontent and muttering
dissents like 'I actually want to have breakfast with Onii-chan by myself", I walked into

22
the canteen. It seemed like the preparations for breakfast were nearly done.
Nikaido Arashi and Nasuhara Anastasia were indeed sitting at their respective seats,
waiting.
"Good morning. The two of you are really early."
"I have to practice every morning."
As she placed her trusty blade next to her side, Kaichou laughed.
"My skills will deteriorate quickly if I don't swing it for at least an hour or two daily. As
someone bearing the name of the Nikaido family, that is something which I have to
avoid at all cost."
"Indeed. Then does Nasuhara have some sort of practice as well?"
"I do not really have that sort of thing."
The gold-haired Fuku-kaichou continued on with her wooden-like expression,
"Learning and reading, together with the work of the students' council. There are many
things which I need to do and no amount of time is enough. It is no longer a matter of
'the early bird gets the worm' but rather the fact that I will not be able to survive if I do
not wake up this early."
Well- yeah.
I don't really know if it is to be expected of us but it seemed like the bad habit of
sleeping late is mutually exclusive with these capable people. The Ginbe whom I've
known since long ago is the same as well and Akiko does wake up early too. Though I
am slightly away from their level but what I am about to say is not a lie either - I am a
student who is holding a part-time job and, if possible, will have to limit my sleeping
hours in order to complete my drafts.
Is that so, is that how it is?
There is no need for us to accommodate to anyone - the living hours of all the
inhabitants here are the same. Since we are to live together, that is something really
important. If a person active in the day is to stay with someone active only at night, I
cannot think of a single good thing that will come out of that.
"Everyone, is there any special preferences or dislikes that you may have?"
Ginbe asked as she peeked out from the kitchen.
"Generally, I've made these according to my preferences, so if there are any dishes
that you may dislike, you can just inform me without hesitation. I will try my best to
solve it within my means."
With that said, my good friend was already done placing the dishes onto the table.
Rice with miso-soup, cold tofu and grilled seaweed.
Cooked fish with egg, with little pickled vegetables.

23
It was a very traditional and colorful menu.
"Here. Please enjoy it while it is hot."
"Then I won't hold back. Itadakimasu."
Let's start from the pickled vegetables. It is rolled cabbage pickled with the chaff of
ginseng. From its colors, it seemed to be perfectly made.
Using my chopsticks, I put a small piece into my mouth.
...... Delicious.
The saltiness and the amount of fermentation is just to my liking. The condensed taste
had a hint of sourness in them, which totally brings out the taste of the ingredient. It's
of a totally different style as compared to Akiko's pickles...... that was probably the so
called Kyoto style. Due to me living in Kyoto up until recently, there was a rather
nostalgic taste to it.
Next, I lifted up the bowl of miso-soup.
I gave a whiff at the light fragrance and took a sip.
...... That's delicious too.
The tofu in the white miso had been diced into fine cubes, resulting in them sliding
down my throat without any resistance. The soup consists mainly of seaweed
together with a little fish. The ingredients had maintained a fine balance without
coming off as overpowering. That's just like Ginbe's style.
But what's with the vegetables in the soup? From a brief look, they looked like rape
blossoms and mizuna chopped finely together. However, there was an elegant taste
when I put them into my mouth. It should not be your typical ingredient......[2]
"It's wasabi flower."
My good friend was smiling lightly while she said that. Could it be that she had seen
through my thoughts?
"Just like the name suggest, it's the flower of the wasabi plant. It's a seasonal
ingredient."
"Eh...... Is there such an ingredient?"
"I got hold of it by chance and since I had it, I decided to use it in today's breakfast.
Well, these vegetables used here are kind of a replacement for the soba noodles that
one gives when they move into a new place. I can't spend a lot but I still wish to give
something decent."
"Is that so. However, these things are not something that you can obtain so easily in
Tokyo, right? To think that you actually managed to get hold of it."
"It will not do if you are to underestimate my contacts, you know? I requested it from
an intermediary whom I know, to source it from various shops that I frequent."

24
"Hoho-. So thoroughly prepared - as expected from you."
"Well, it is true that I got lucky as well. I was lucky that the shop that sells such
ingredients just so happens to be located nearby. It was also a coincidence for them
to be stocking these when I had contacted them earlier this morning. They are
ingredients that can't be stored for long and as a result they've appeared in your
dishes as I wanted to eat them immediately after purchasing them."
My friend was speaking tirelessly, with an expression that fully shows her innocence
and happiness.
Nikaido-senpai exclaimed along the lines like, "Eh, that's really a treat". And while
Nasuhara remained expressionless, the chopsticks in her hands had slipped slightly in
response. It seemed like Ginbe had totally achieved her motive in 'replacing the soba
noodles with that'.
"Ah, but I was really surprised. This dish is really delicious."
"Mmm. I am really glad that you like it."
"Then again, I didn't know that Ginbe was this good at cooking."
"Well, I have been living alone for quite a while and my personality is rather stubborn
as well. I am quite confident in regards to cooking, you know."
"I see."
"Then again, due to you rarely coming over to my house to play, I never had many
chances to show you my abilities either. If you were a loyal friend you should have
already tasted my cooking quite a while ago, you know?"
"Well, stop trying to ridicule me. You aside, it seemed like your family doesn't really
welcome me. Honestly speaking, it's hard enough for me to maintain this friendship
with you."
"Fufu, oh well. From today onward, we are companions who are living under the same
roof. There are plenty of chances for you to taste my cooking."
"Yeah, please take care of me...... I say, Akiko."
I spoke to my sister, who seemed like she had not touched her meal much.
"How's Ginbe's cooking? You're good at cooking as well, so I wish to hear your
opinions."
"Uhhhhh......"
As she gripped her chopsticks, Akiko stared at the dishes,
"They are very delicious. Simple and heartwarming, with no flashy things - it's just pure
and unpretentious...... and it is also rather similar to my cooking style, regarding the
fact that the ingredients are cheap."
"Indeed. It is something that is quite similar to Akiko's cooking."

25
"I have a question, Ginbe."
"Mmm? Yes?"
"The rice is Ginbe's personal mix, right?"
"Correct. Do you know what they consist of?"
"Just a little. It probably consists of hatsushimo and hitomebore but I don't really know
the rest...... How much did the rice cost roughly?"[3]
"Let's see...... around five hundred yen per kilogram?"
"Ugh. To achieve such a taste with that cost...... truthfully speaking, that's way better
than me...... No, in fact, she's even better than the shopkeeper of the rice store that I
frequent?"

26
"Well, I've been living a poor life for quite a while, yeah? I am very adept at obtaining
high outputs with low cost."
"Uhhhhh......"
After which, my sister asked a lot more questions about Ginbe's cooking. However,

27
she would give a moan each time she heard Ginbe's answers. It seemed like Ginbe is
a step ahead or two in regards to the path of cooking that they are both walking on.
"Fuu-. Thanks for your hospitality."
Nikaido-senpai had already cleared her breakfast in a flash and was eyeing sideways
at the depressed Akiko.
"Wow, that's really delicious, Ginbe. How should I put it? You can just make a living
with those skills of yours."
"It's really embarrassing for me to have served you with such plain dishes. It's my
honor to receive your praise."
"Speaking of which, I just thought of a good idea. How about we leave the meals of
this hostel to you? From today onward, you shall cook for everyone here."
"Eh!?"
The person who made such a reaction was Akiko.
"What do you mean!?"
"What's with 'what do you mean', it's exactly as you heard, Akiko. Sawatari Ginbe
Haruomi shall be in charge of the meals of this hostel, and everyone is to eat the
dishes that she makes. Of course, that includes you and your brother as well."
"That- I object!"
"Why?"
"Because, if so, I will not be able to cook for Onii-chan anymore - not just that, my
personal time with Onii-chan during meals will be-"
"That's what living together in a hostel is all about. Even if you're not accustomed to it,
since we are living under the same roof, we have to eat the same dishes as well.
Normally, doing that will allow one to understand the difference in the values that
others hold and they can then gradually overcome such differences. Right?"
"I-It is indeed like that."
"Incidentally, there's only two kitchens in this hostel. One is in the caretaker's room
that you siblings are living in and the other is at this canteen. Do you know what that
means?"
"Uhh."
Well, after thinking about it, she was right.
Akiko and I can cook whatever and whenever we wish, but that does not apply to the
rest of the people. As such, instead of having everyone manage their own meals with
the limited kitchens that we have, it will be much more efficient if someone is to be in
charge of the meals for everyone.
However, my sister had no intention of giving up just yet.

28
"Of course, I do understand that there are a lot of advantages in doing so. B-but, Onii-
chan eating the food that I make is something that is very important for both us! I
cannot simply let it go! I violently object!"
"No no no, it's not like we are going to do this for all the three meals of the day. It can
just be for breakfast, or something that happens occasionally."
"But, even so, it is the truth that my precious time with Onii-chan will be reduced! The
intimate time between siblings that we have worked so hard to obtain after being
separated for six years! Isn't it overboard for you to be doing that!?"
"Well, it's not like I don't understand what you are trying to say......"
"Regardless of what you say to this person, it will be useless, Kaichou."
Despite her just moving her chopsticks silently up until then, Nasuhara spoke.
"Because she is an uncooperative person who does not care if she is causing troubles
for others. Or rather, she is someone who will laugh behind our backs and despise us
in secret for not having a kitchen in our own rooms."
"Wha- nothing of that sort! Please do not slander me without proof!"
"It is true that you never had the intention to let go of your own stand. You will never
offer your helping hand, no matter how much we plead and regardless of how much
we are struggling in pain and hardship - am I right? For a cold-hearted someone who
models herself after the tyrant Nero, you must have viewed this as a good chance to
banish us all to the deepest levels of hell. I really cannot foresee what sort of cruel
and inhumane plans you have in store for us."
"Hold on! Aren't you exaggerating a bit with that!? I don't think I have done anything
that deserves to be spoken that horribly by you!"
"Then please prove it with action. That you are someone who is cooperative, different
from those who act alone and think only for themselves - prove it with your actions.
Out of everyone here, you are the most supportive of us living together and
cooperating with each other - can you prove it right now, for all of us to see?"
"Uuhhhhhhhh......!"
"Akiko, can you please coordinate with us?"
This time, it was Ginbe who interrupted,
"From the looks of things, there is only you who is on par with my cooking abilities. It
will be tough for me to handle the meals of five people by myself, so if possible I wish
you can offer me your help. It will be a great help if you can take over half of the
burden."
"...... Unyuu......"
"Also, I think this will be very beneficial for you as well."
"Huh? Beneficial?"

29
"Just as you had admitted, I am quite confident of my cooking abilities as well.
Especially techniques on how to make the most out of a very limited budget, to cook
dishes that are really delicious. I have reached a state where it will not be strange if I
am to write a book about it. If you are to cook with me, it will mean that you can learn
some of my techniques as well, yeah?"
"Uhh......"
"Of course, I stand to gain from this too. I have always heard about your cooking skills
from Akito, and I can learn something from you as well. In order words, if we can
compete and learn from each other, our skills will improve and the dishes will become
more delicious with each passing day. From your brother's point of view I doubt it is
something bad."
"Uh...... Uuuhhhhhhhh......"
Akiko bit on her lips and let out a moan. Her expression was saying that she agrees
with Ginbe but it will be maddening for her if she is to simply accept it.
Speaking of which, it seemed like my sister is always on the losing end whenever she
is up against Ginbe. That is because Ginbe is someone who can say things that are
hard to refute and she does so by tossing it out gradually with a clear train of thought.
Even I have been rendered speechless by her for quite a few occasions as well.
"Uuhhh...... O-Onii-chan?"
Even though my sister was looking at me with the expression of her trying to claw at
the last straw that could save her.
"Well, why not? Looking at the current situation, I don't think you can find a strong
reason to oppose."
"Ugh. Even so...... But my personal time with Onii-chan......"
"The time which we are spending together has not decreased, right? We are just
eating with everyone, so it is still you and me together. Or rather, our meals have
became more lively. Isn't that a good thing?"
"Uuuuuuhhhhhhh......"
"There is also a rule that says, 'All residents are to work together, and respect each
other'. That is written on the very first page of the document that Kaichou gave us."
"Guh."
"You decided to abide to it yesterday and for you to be regretting it after a single
night. That's not too good."
"Hauu......"
My crestfallen sister slumped her shoulders.
"Not only was my lovey-dovey world with Onii-chan taken away from me but even my
right of having my meals with Onii-chan alone...... Ahhhhh, it's so saddening, it's like I
am having a nightmare about the world coming to an end. In a world of despair where

30
I am left with nowhere to go, when will my savior descend from heavens and offer me
his helping hand?"
"You're exaggerating too much, Akiko."
"That's right. For me, my savior is no one else but the Onii-chan who loves me deeply.
If Onii-chan would have a passionate night with me then it would be possible for me to
endure through this painful adversity-"
"I think you know it as well. I won't do that, you know?"
"At the very least, give me a passionate kiss."
"Nope."
"I am sorry, I am wrong for asking for a deep kiss. A normal kiss will be just fine. The
heartwarming type that is most commonly seen where the lips touch each other
gently."
"I will not do it, no matter what sort of kiss it is."
"Then the cheeks! Just the cheeks will do?"
"Not at all."
"I understand. I will take a hundred steps back and beg Onii-chan."
"Don't beg me."
"Forget it. At a time like this, it does not matter which body part of mine you kiss!"
"To me, it does not matter which body part it is, they are all out."
"Disappoint....."
Amid the dumbfounded looks from the students' council members, my sister yet again
slumped her shoulders in dejection.
"...... But how—ever!"
Just as I was thinking that, my sister raised her head all of a sudden.
"I will not be me if I am to be depressed by such things! That's because up until now
since I have been living with Onii-chan again, Onii-chan has dodged all of my fierce
attacks and I have always held back my sadness until now! It's just a small setback.
I'll conquer it for all of you to see!"
"Well, I do wish to commend your perseverance - if only the subject in question is not
me."
"Even if I am to obtain Onii-chan's kiss right now, it is just ultimately the first step
towards our final destination! Until my dream of becoming Onii-chan's bride becomes
a reality, my battle will never end - once again, I shall declare this right here, right
now!"
"...... If possible, I will be much happier if you are to have a more realistic dream that

31
conforms to common sense."
"Let's go, Ginbe!"
My sister ignored my complaint.
"Hurry up and teach me your cooking techniques! I want to steal as much techniques
from Ginbe as possible in order to win over Onii-chan's heart!"
"...... I do wish to learn a thing or two about your optimism as well. Let's work on
lunch together later. The two of us."
"Right! Please take care of me!"

-♡-
That's the sort of things that happened.
It was decided that Ginbe and Akiko will be in charge of our meals.
We will save more if we pool our expenses together so it is definitely not a bad thing
in regards to the living expenses of the Himenokouji family. Since this will improve
Akiko's cooking skills as well, there is really nothing much for me to oppose.
Though my time with Akiko will probably decrease...... but since the advantages of the
student council members moving in has surfaced in such a short time, I'll just let it be.

Notes

1. Jap onomatopoeia for the door closing (softly). I can't come up with an equivalent.

2. mizuna is Japanese for water greens... wiki it up if interested

3. ハツシモ and ひとめぼれ, two different rice breeds of Japan

32
Chapter 3: 13th April, AM6:15 (Students'
hostel · Canteen)

After the breakfast, Kaichou came up with a suggestion.

"The people in charge of our meals has been decided. It is about time for us to think
about the allocation of the other jobs - isn't that right, Himenokouji Akito?"
"Ha?"
"You are the head of the hostel. You shall be in charge of coming up with the list of
chores that will be shared among us all. Even if we should work together in all sorts of
things, it will still be better to assign someone to be in charge of each individual jobs."
"Indeed. We should decide as quickly as possible, especially on things like the roster
for cleaning duty."
As there used to be only my sister and me living in the hostel, we only needed to clean
the places that we had used. However, that will not work from now on.
Things like the bathroom and the washing machine will basically be shared by
everyone from now on, and it does not make sense to restrain the usage such that
there is a specific period for each individual use. Stuff like the second floor, and the
weed-inhibited garden and etc that we had ignored will have to be cleared up
gradually as well.
"Everyone here is not used to living together with others, and there are no seniors
here who is familiar with things like these. There are limitations to what is written on
the data which I have brought here. In any case, we will have to feel our way through
blindly - however, it still makes the most sense for you to be making the final
decisions. Make sure you do it properly, Himenokouji Akito."
"Ah, haha."
If we are to talk, it just feels like Kaichou should have greater experience in terms of
organization techniques, operations and etc. Did she hand over the task to me in
respect of our current stand? Compared to her as the Seito-Kaichou, my position in
the students' council is really nothing to brag about.
"If you can't come up with anything within such a short time, how about trying to
organize a spring-cleaning first?
"Haa. Spring cleaning huh."
"Yeah."
Kaichou shot me a look while pursing her lips into a smile.
On a side note, that person's typical attire is your so called kinagashi. Her chest was
revealed in a rather daring manner, and the way she stuffs her two hands into her

33
clothes, she sort of resembles a handsome vagabond who frequents Yoshiwara.[1]
"Ignoring how things used to be back when you siblings are living together by
yourselves, we are to be officially living together in this hostel from today onward.
Meaning to say, this place will become a recognized facility of St. Ririana Academy, so
it will not do if we do not make it more presentable. At the current state, with things
like the garden full of weeds and many others, we will not leave a good impression on
our neighbors, and we can't exactly lift our heads up high in front of the school council
as well."
"Haa, well, you are right."
"It is written on the rules as well. 'All residents are to put in effort in daily cleaning, to
ensure the cleanliness of the hostel', as well as 'All residents are to do their best to
establish friendly relationships with their neighbors'. Like that."
Just like she had said.
In actual fact, this place was previously like a rented apartment for both Akiko and
me, and we had neglected a lot of areas which we were supposed to put attention to,
due to us busy with stuff like house moving and work. However, we can't continue like
that from now on.
"Also, from a brief look around yesterday and today, I've realized that there's quite a
few faults with this hostel. There's lots of places that leaks, and rusty doors that can't
be opened, and things like that."
"Ah- that's because this place is old. We did want to repair the broken places, but we
lack the financial resources to do so."
"No worries, I had talked to the council about it. The school will be forking out some
cash for the maintenance of this hostel."
"Ohhh? Really?"
"Yeah. They have already set aside some funds for hiring a repairman, but it will be
better for us if we can list all the faulty areas, right? We do have a budget, but it is not
limitless as well. It will not do if we do not prioritize what areas to repair first."
"Mhmm."
"Thus, we can get the list done while we are cleaning each and every corner of this
building - that's my plan. To add on, we can also know which part of the building
requires our attention in cleaning, as well as how long it takes to clean each area.
They will be useful in coming up with the roster later on."
"Indeed."
As expected from the Seito-Kaichou, her plan to that was indeed flawless. However, it
will still be much better if she is without her unnecessary strong sexual drive and her
crazy sense of fashion.

34
 -♡-
And so.
The whole of today will be spent on spring cleaning the hostel.
Also, as it is very inefficient for everyone to be cleaning the same area together, the
situation had thus became such that the five members of the students' council will
each have their own area to handle.
The task of cleaning the bathroom and the changing room is assigned to Akiko.
Kaichou will be in charge of the area from the entrance to the corridors.
Ginbe is in charge of the empty rooms that are not in used.
The job of clearing the weeds in the garden is left to Nasuhara.
Ignoring the second floor, which can be postponed for later, the areas to be cleaned
have generally been assigned to everyone already.
Incidentally, while monitoring the overall progress of the spring cleaning, I will have to
help out in areas that are falling behind schedule, or places that are difficult to clean.
The word 'supervise' does sounds rather nice to the ears, but to put it bluntly, I am the
all-purpose errand-boy, which is the most troublesome job. Since I am the head of the
hostel, as well as the Deputy Assistant of Secretary of the students' council, it
seemed like this job is fated to be mine.
To add on, Akiko was throwing a huge tantrum about the job assignment.
"I want to be together with Onii-chan!" - like that. Well, that was her normal stance as
usual, but Kaichou and Nasuhara and Ginbe had all disagreed. They said something
like 'we don't compromise just because you two are siblings'.
"It felt like our blood-thicker-than-water relationship has been looked down on."
Akiko was pouting while scrubbing the tiles of the public bathroom in a *goshigoshi*
sound.
"We are siblings who are left by ourselves, and we know each other better than
anyone else. It is natural for us to be together. We are as difficult to separate as the
two faces of a coin. You can say that our existence is unique, since we are like two
souls sharing a single body."
"Mhmm. Yeah."
"But what's with that? Nikaido-senpai, Nasuhara, and Ginbe. They had made it sound
as if it is a crime for me to be with Onii-chan. It's just spring cleaning, so what's wrong
with the two of us doing it together?"
"Forget it, what's wrong with this? Despite all that, I am still here helping Akiko.
Helping you before anyone else."

35
"That is not wrong, but......"
While putting on an expression that showed her unwillingness in accepting the
situation, my sister continued scrubbing the tiled walls of the bathroom with all her
strength. It was as if she wants to vent her burning anger onto the tiles.
Well, it's not like I couldn't understand her feelings.
It is a fact that the three new residents of the hostel have formed an anti-sister
alliance to pick on her brother-complex. I did not say it explicitly to Akiko, but I guess
she had more or less figured it out already.
"I can't accept it. I really can't accept it."
"...... Compared to the usual times, you are more unwilling to give up today."
"Because, today should have undoubtedly been a happy day, isn't that so? Shopping
with Onii-chan, buying things, eating together, then taking a stroll at a park or
somewhere. Our hands will finally entwine together naturally, our body will get closer
and closer, and we will succumb to the mood and enjoy a sweet night - if those people
did not move in, that would have been what is to come."
"Nope. I do not have those sort of plans?"
There has to be a limit to your wishful thinking.
"Well, in any case, we will have to do spring cleaning sooner or later. This bathroom is
barely passable for use, so you can't exactly say that it is in a good condition."
"It is as you have said."
My sister gave a pout. It still seemed like she could not accept it.
"Alright. It seems like we have cleared quite a bit of the cleaning here. Since Akiko
looks fine by yourself, I will be heading off to look at the situation of others."
"Huuh? Onii-chan is saying that he wants to leave me, to be with some other women?"
"Despite that being right, it sounds wrong somehow."
"You said you love me - is it just a lie?"
"Of course not. But under the premise of loving you as a sister."
"Boo."
My sister gave out a really easy to understand onomatopoeia, and turned her head
away.
"Onii-chan is always like that. Even though in the eyes of the almighty love, blood-
related relatives and stuff like that are all insignificant matters...... Me, the cute little
sister of yours, has suffered tragic experiences due to Onii-chan being bound by some
silly outdated rules. A man should never make a girl cry. I request that you do some
serious soul-searching, and at the same time, improve your treatment towards your
cute little sister."

36
"Fine fine fine. You are really right."
"Uuuuh? That sounds like a perfunctory speech from you...... Akiko has suffered from
a huge blow."
"In actual fact, it feels like you are still sticking way too close to me, even as of now."
The *goshigoshi* sounds of her scrubbing the bathroom rang on as I continued.
"Ever since I have lived together with you again, how much time do you think is spent
on us not being together? Almost none, right? We are in different class in school, but
you will come to me during breaks. We will meet each other again after school due to
the students' council. Even after returning back to the hostel, we will be together
naturally until the morning comes. I think, our time spent together has way exceeded
that of any other siblings in the world."
As for this seventy-years-old hostel, even though it has been decided that it will be
demolished, its cultural values is definitely not low. It is constructed by building a frame
of metal and clay, then finishing off with huge amount of oak - something rarely seen in
the current days. It has a sense of sturdiness that it can pride itself on, way more so
than any of those historical relics that one can see just about everywhere. The
decision to destroy it came after various fights and squabbles, but despite all that, it is
still a perfectly fine hostel that can be put to good use.
This huge bathroom is the product of the constructing techniques popular back in the
olden days, condensed into a single place.
The taps and water pipes are all made of brass.
The tiles that covered the floors and walls, have an elegant design consisting of blue
background and pictures of flowers.
Everything is quite old, but they are all articles of beauty, and the fact that they are still
in good condition makes one feel deeply relieved. Regardless of the past or the
present, one can easily see the depths of the funds of St. Ririana Academy, which it
prides itself on.
"I feel really blessed, and I am very satisfied already."
I said that, while carefully cleaning away the molds that were in between the joints of
the bathtub.
"Despite having a troublesome side to this, ultimately, I am still living together with you.
For me, that is something that is more important than anything else. Whenever I am
facing something that does not go my way, they will all be nothing once I recall the
sort of happiness I am living in. Akiko, don't you feel the same?"
"...... Uuuuuuuh~~~!"
Akiko gave yet another moan of dissatisfaction. She then scrubbed the tiles at a
speed higher than before.
"I understand all that! Of course, it is the most blissful to be living together with Onii-
chan! Thinking back to those days, I will be punished by heavens if I am to make any

37
sort of unreasonable requests. I think so too! But even then!"
*Goshigoshigoshigoshi*
The hands that were scrubbing the tiles moved at a faster and faster speed.
"But that's not it, this has nothing to do with my extravagant wishes, nor me facing the
wrath of heavens! Instead, the thing about me being together with Onii-chan whenever
I can, is something that can be considered as a basic human right, a right that is
bestowed to the billions of younger sisters in the world since the day they were born!
Or should I say, that Onii-chan is a basic necessity for me, to the point where it is like
water and sunlight to the plants...... Ugh, though I can't quite express my feelings well
enough, but you can treat it like this - please marry me Onii-chan, as quickly as you
can!"
"So things have still boiled down to this huh."
I am stunned, but I still managed to understand what she was trying to convey.
"I say Akiko. You have indeed followed my instructions, and have grown up to be a
good girl. Entering into an elite school, getting good grades there, and being in the
students' council - I am really happy about your achievements. You are really
impressive. Really."
"Fufu, of course. I am a cute little sister who really listens to Onii-chan, and I will offer
my body to no one else but Onii-chan as well. You can treat me as a faithful servant of
Onii-chan's - no, perhaps it is more fitting to call me your slave."
"I think there are quite some problems if there is any elder brother who treats his
younger sister like that."
"Rather than being a slave, you can say that I wish to become a sex-slave of Onii-
chan."
"You can leave those words to Kaichou or Nasuhara...... In any case, we are lucky
you have became such an excellent lady. For me, I have the duty to protect your
stands with all my might. You understand that?"
"Yes, I understand."
"However, should you continue to put your brother-complex in full display, and should
you continuously repeat those perverted words and action, your efforts that took you
great pains to accumulate will collapse from all that. It will be very troublesome if you
are to declare your love for your twin elder brother in public - you understand this too,
right?"
"No. I don't."
My sister was that direct and straight-forward.
"I am faithful to Onii-chan and my life revolves around Onii-chan. The feelings of me
being deeply in love with Onii-chan is something irreplaceable and I have always
thought that loving Onii-chan is not something to be ashamed of. Therefore, no matter
how I am preached by anyone, I will not stop loving Onii-chan; no matter what I lose, I

38
will still love Onii-chan deeply."
...... Uh— mmm.
That was indeed her honest confessions that should stir the hearts of people - if the
person in question wasn't me.
"That's really troublesome...... Since you finally became such a fine lady, I was hoping
to assist you in living a life that you deserve."
"A life that I deserve? Generally speaking, what sort of life is that?"
"For example. Finding a guy who is much better than me, have you marrying him and
probably starting a family with him. Something like that."
"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuhh!?"
My sister's arched her eyebrows immediately.
"Impossible. Unbelievable. Onii-chan has said something incredibly violent just now.
Being Onii-chan's younger sister, as well as your lovely wife, I demand Onii-chan
retract what you just said, right now."
"No no no. What do you mean by violent speech? Common sense says that it is
something totally decent, no?"
"Common sense or whatsoever has nothing to do with this. I have been saying, that
the Himenokouji household have our own Laws of Himenokouji."
"And I've been saying as well, I do not remember that such a set of rules existed.
Also, I was almost fooled by you but me being your other half is something that isn't
true, yeah?"
"In any case!"
My sister gave a loud yell, and turned away from me,
"My feelings right now are at pit bottom. I don't care about Onii-chan anymore."
"Even if you're feeling angry due to that...... all I did was say something that is
surprisingly normal."
"In the eyes of almighty love, normal or not does not matter at all."
"Speaking of which, I said it just now. I've spent too much time with you, just like how
we are together now. I am thinking that you can give me more plus points because of
that."
"That too. If you can increase our time together, I won't whine. Yup."
"Uh. Is that you being sarcastic with me?"
"Yes~. Pre~cisely."
My sister was still facing away from me,

39
"Even though I feel really happy just being together, that alone will not satisfy me. I
wish to receive much more doting and love from Onii-chan."
"Am I not doting on you enough already? Like right now."
"No, that is still very very far off. I use my love-Onii-chan-the-most beam constantly
but Onii-chan has always been ignoring it...... If so, my desires and dissatisfaction will
only become worse and worse."
"Eh- so I see~"
"Enough is enough, you have reverted back to your casual and perfunctory replies!? If
you do such a thing to your cute little sister, you will be struck by lightning some day!"
"Ah- so I see~ Eh-"
"Urgh! You have time and time again ignored my warnings - I understand, I have finally
understood! If so, I have my own plans as well! Up until now I was apprehensive
because I was being a respectful younger sister but as of tonight, I will be assaulting
Onii-chan's bed at night—"
Her rattling speech came to a halt. Just like a radio with its batteries removed.
The reason was nothing else, but me.
"How's this? Are you satisfied with this?"
"........................"
"Hmm. So you're in a state where you can't even answer me."
I shrugged and left my sister's back - by loosening my arms that had hugged her
tightly from behind.

40
"Oi~. Akiko~?"
I scooted in front of her to look at her expression. It seemed like time had stopped for
her just when she was saying "I will be assaulting Onii-chan's bed at night—".
Meaning, she was petrified.

41
See — I shrugged just like that. I know everyone here understands without me having
to explain anything, but I do have my own concerns as well. Do you think my love will
lose to that of yours? Pfft.

-♡-
Well then.
It seemed like my petrified sister won't be released from that state any time soon, so
I shall leave the bathroom for now and look at how things are going elsewhere.

Notes

1. kinagashi (着流し), casual cloths typically worn by guys. Yoshiwara (吉原), red-light district in olden
Tokyo. Wiki/google if interested

42
Chapter 4: 13th April, AM8:30 (Students'
hostel · Corridor before the door)

I'll give a rough introduction to the hostel, which will become the stage of our daily
lives.
It is a wooden two story seventy years-old building. It is said that it was designed by
an architect who is affiliated to St. Ririana Academy.
It doesn't seem like the architect is someone famous, but his impressive skills is
nothing but the truth. Despite being used for many years, the building is still in a very
durable state even though it had been decided that the hostel would be demolished.
There are twenty one rooms.
One of the rooms is allocated for the caretaker's use, which is currently occupied by
Akiko and me. The other rooms are for the residents' use. Eight tatami-sized large,
and has no toilet, bathroom or kitchen.
There's a toilet on both first and second floor, but only one bathroom on the first floor.
The kitchen and canteen, which can house over ten people eating together, is located
on the first floor as well.
And then.
I quite like this hostel in general, but there are a few things that I am particularly fond
of. One of them is the floors of the corridor.
The floor which I think is made of oak, gives off a beautiful luster after being walked
on by its residents over the course of so many years. The lined up oak floor boards
have a smoothness as if it was made of obsidian. The sight of the floor reflecting the
sunlight that came through the window somehow makes one feel calm and at ease.
And today, the floors that I like was giving off a much more splendid luster than usual.
"Yo, Himenokouji Akito. You came at just the right time."
If you want to know the reason why, it is because Seito-Kaichou - Nikaido Arashi was
already done with polishing the floors.
"How's this? I am just done with it."
"...... Wow, incredible. It's much more shinier than before."

43
The two meters wide and thirty meters long corridor don't just look like obsidian. It is
giving off a shine comparable to precious stones.
"Impressive work...... Could it be, that Kaichou's family are experts on polishing floors
for generations?"

44
"Being an expert on that is so damn awkward. My clan lives off swordplay and martial
arts. Didn't I tell you that already?"
"So you did. But this just feels like a really impressive job."
"Well, it is indeed true that I am used to doing this, you know?"
While smiling, Kaichou wiped away the faint traces of sweat.
"As you know, my family is a samurai family with a deep history, so we do have a dojo
in our house. Cleaning up those places is part of our training. That's why, I am still
quite adept at polishing the floors and stuff."
That is an acceptable reason.
Even then, it was still a shocking result, considering that she had completed it by
herself within a short time.
"Ah, how about the cleaning near the main door?"
"Cleared it way early."
I took a look there, and indeed, the originally dusty area near the door, which gave an
impression of being blackened by smoke, is now giving off a splendid luster as well.
"That's a job well done...... I wasn't expecting Kaichou to have these special
techniques."
"Well, my skills are still far off from being special techniques."
"Could it be, that Kaichou is not just good at cleaning, but at all sorts of housework as
well?"
"I won't say I am great at them, but basically, I do know the whole variety of skills, like
cooking, washing and sewing. If I want to, I can become Yamato Nadeshiko in a snap
of my fingers."[1]
Uh- mmm.
Indeed, it was shocking when she first showed me her 'ladylike-version'. So it is not
just the looks; she did not neglect what is inside as well? Nikaido Arashi is really not
someone to be underestimated.
"My my, but it just feels a little wasted."
"What's wasted?"
"Because if Kaichou is to be more decent and serious, you will be a typical good
woman, no?"
"Oh? Can it be you are trying to hook up with me?"
"Nah."
"The door to my room is always open. It is fine even if you want to assault me at
night, you know?"

45
"That's why I say, you are wrong...... Urm, in any case, Kaichou is pretty, smart, and
knows how to do housework well. You can be considered as a perfect beauty, yeah?
Despite that, why do you have to dress up like that, and say those things you always
do?"
"Didn't I say so earlier as well? That is to create a gap-moe, so that I can conquer my
love interests. In actual fact, you had fallen for that just a few days back, didn't you?"
"Yeah, I was indeed fooled by you."
"Thus, due to you being smitten by the contrast in me, we had spent a passionate
night in my room. Boy, the you back then was really intense. I was careless, but you
actually were in control instead of me."
"Please do not come up with a history that has never happened. Me and Kaichou did
not touch each other even once on that day, alright?"
"Oh, is that so? Ahhhh, must be due to me getting old. My memories are worsening."
Kaichou laughed loudly with a *ka ka ka*
"Oh right, I remembered. Due to you being smitten by the contrast in me, you had
forcefully pushed me down. Despite me screaming my lungs off, you still had no
intention of going easy on me-"
"Please do not add on things to that fake history. Didn't I say it already, that I had not
even touched you once?"
"Alright alright, stop being that agitated. The only thing that should be agitated is the
thing in between your legs. Gyahahaha!"
"............"
The scene of Kaichou laughing loudly had made me deeply regret my decision to
praise her.
Speaking of which, who were the bastards that had voted for this group of people?
The students' council of St. Ririana Academy is not helm by an elite group of students,
but rather, a bunch of mentally ill patients? That incompetent sister of mine, as well as
Nasuhara - they are all hopeless.
............
No.
That can't be right.
I had almost forgotten, but St. Ririana Academy is a famous school, and it is a fact
that the students' council wields a powerful influence. It is due to Nikaido Arashi's
mediation, that this hostel is gradually changing for the better.
Kaichou's looks is probably a cover to hide her true form. I will be in for some trouble,
should I be confused by her exterior, and not be able to see through her real self.
"Don't be so stiff."

46
Kaichou shrugged whimsically - had she seen through my thoughts?
"It's not like I'll eat you or anything. You are my cute underling in the students' council,
as well as my cute housemate in this hostel. I do wish to have a good relationship with
you as much as possible. That is my true feelings, yeah?"
"That's exactly what I wish for as well."
"Well, I do want to eat you up, in terms of sex."
"That line is unnecessary."
"Ah, I did tell you not to be that stiff, but it will be a headache for me if you can't stiffen
the thing between your legs, yeah? Ka ka ka."
"............"
None of my complains had entered into Kaichou's head.
Well, putting her popularity and capabilities aside, Nikaido Arashi is famous for being
self-centered as well. That sort of 'going my way' attitude is to be expected.
"Really, if only you can improve on that area as well, you will be a really dependable
person......"
"Oh, really? I'll get embarrassed as well, if you are to praise me like that."
"That's not praising you, that's me feeling a sense of pity."
"Forget it, what's wrong with that? Didn't you say so yourself before? Compared to
my prim and proper self, you prefer the current me."
"Yeah. I did indeed say it before."
"My reason for moving into this hostel is not just because I am targeting at your
sister's brother-complex. I had thought about moving out of that solemn samurai family
time and time again. I do have my own stands as well, but I have to act like a fine
woman at there."
"Oh. Is that so."
"Yeah. Thus, I am finally able to relax myself after moving in here. Don't you think it
defeats the purpose, if I am required to act prim and proper here?"
"Well, I can understand that."
I understood.
But still, it felt like the topic had went on to a different direction.
Recently, it has been a case of,
'Nikaido Arashi - she probably is on our side, but I must still be careful of her.'
My initial impression of her has become stronger and stronger.
She is as difficult to read as Nasuhara. Her carefree attitude and her ability to not

47
show her cards, makes her harder to deal with than anyone else.
Even if she has her own difficulties, it will not do if I am to probe too deeply into it -
that's what I thought.
"Ah- that's right. I have something to discuss with you."
"Hmm?"
"In regards to the cleaning of this hostel, can you let me be in charge of it?"
"Cleaning? Kaichou?"
"Yeah."
Kaichou nodded her head strongly,
"According to my research, while this hostel was still in use, the caretaker will be
giving out instructions to all the various in-charges. And so, everyone will be in charge
of their own tasks."
"Hoho-"
After the decision to continue operation this hostel has been approved, we had
decided to take references from the past residents here. Even if we are not to take all
these into account, it is natural for us to divide the tasks equally.
The task of cooking has already been handed to Ginbe, and it will be a great deal of
help if Kaichou is to take care of everything in regards to cleaning of the hostel.
"But will this be fine? You are the president of the students' council, and you have
quite single-handedly managed the whole operations of the students' council, right?
You should be quite busy already, will you have the time to be in charge of the
cleaning?"
"Have you forgotten already? One of the reasons for me moving here, is because the
two-hour trip to school is just way too long. I currently have some time to spare, so
that's no problem."
"Well, perhaps it really is so."
"Most importantly, it is not like I will be doing the cleaning of the hostel by myself.
Since I have requested to be the in-charge, I will be properly assigning the tasks to
everyone too."
"I see. That sounds really practical."
"To add on, I stand to gain from this as well. I did mention that this can be considered
to be part of the job. Things like polishing the floors and stuff, they can be a good
training for me, depending on how I go about doing them. Yeah, it's killing two birds
with one stone."
"Mhmm."
Since she had put it like that, I had no reason to reject her. There is a need to settle

48
things related to cleaning, and it is for the best if Kaichou volunteers herself. Not to
mention, this person is surprisingly good at cleaning.
"Understood. Sorry then, I'll leave the matters on cleaning to Kaichou."
"Alright. I shall accept it."
"Wow, that's a great help, for Kaichou to volunteer to be in charge of that. Despite
what I have always said, Kaichou is still a really dependable person."
"Ka ka ka. Well, this is nothing, since it is for my cute underling."
"There you are being modest yet again. Your method on cleaning up the corridor and
the main door in a flash is really something, and I am thoroughly impressed. I
somehow can understand slightly, why this person named Nikaido Arashi is able to be
the president of the students' council."
"You sure know how to talk. In any case, I, Nikaido Arashi, will ensure the completion
of my tasks once I have accepted them. Just treat it as a safe journey on a big sturdy
boat...... Alright, since I am way earlier than scheduled, do you need help anywhere?
Ahh, that's right. Your sister's cleaning the bathroom, but it seems like she has still
quite some distance to go?"
"You are right. Due to various circumstances."
"If so, I shall impart some secret techniques to Himenokouji Akiko."
While saying so, the happy Kaichou was planning to walk to the bathroom.
"Please wait."
"Hmm? Yessir?"
"Currently, my sister should be cleaning the bathroom by herself."
"Yeah. That should be the case."
"Meaning to say, it will be a situation where Kaichou and my sister will be in a
cramped enclosed area by yourselves."
"Yeah. Well, typically, that should be the case."
"I don't think that is the case, but, could it be that you are up to something no good?"
"Ka ka ka. You worry too much."
Kaichou gave a nonchalant laugh,
"No problems. What you are thinking will not be happening."
"Is that so. That's great then."
"Yeah. Well, I'll only be using the tip, so no worries."[2]
"Oi, hold on a second."
I regained my senses.

49
"It seems like you had said something that I can't just simply ignore. Can you repeat it
once more?"
"Hmm? Because I am using only the tip, so you don't have to worry. That's what I had
said."
"No, there's no way I can be assured by that. On the contrary, my warning sirens are
ringing at their loudest."
"No no no. It is just the tip. Really."
"No no no, what's with the tip, really?"
"Nothing of importance. Just the tip means, that I will not be damaging the hymen?"
"Hymen my ass, I am talking about the things before that."
"You are a real stubborn guy. Alright, how about this. I'll not use my finger techniques
this time. In replacement, I'll use my tongue-"
"Nope."
"Well, will tools be an OK?"
"How can that be okay?"
"Alright, I understand. I am an expert who have pleased many of my lovers before, so
I won't be saying childish things. Even if I am unable to use my fingers, my tongue or
any tools, just the mere breathes of mine should be enough to invoke sexual
excitement-"
"Well, I can't help but to force you to stop breathing then."
"Oi oi, even that will not do? So that is what it means by being forced to
desperation...... Whatever. There will still be a way around it."
She still has a way to go around things despite being restricted like that. Kaichou's
sexual desires just seems to be bottomless.
The amount of drive she possess is something that is beyond the point of shock and
admiration - but it did not matter, since there is only one thing that I should be doing.
Stopping the barbarous acts of the nymphomaniac Kaichou, and to protect my sister's
chastity - the best that I could do was,
"Hold on. Don't interfere."
It seemed like Kaichou had seen through my thoughts, and was wagging her finger
with a *tsk tsk tsk*,
"I am done with my job, so I have the spare time to be helping Himenokouji Akiko.
However, you still have things that are not yet done, right? As the head of the hostel, it
will not do if you don't take a look at the situations of the other housemates."
"Uuh."
"Also, not too long ago, I was tasked by you to be in-charge for the cleaning of this

50
hostel. Since I am tasked with that, then I shall have the final say in anything related to
cleaning. Even if you are the hostel-head, it will not be suitable for you to meddle in
my affairs."
"Uuuuuuuuh."
I was gradually checkmated.
Could it be, that Kaichou had already anticipated all these since the very
beginning......?
"Alright, seems like both of us have understood my reasoning. Leave your sister to
me, and focus on your work. Ka ka ka."
With that, Lady Kaichou walked leisurely towards the bathroom.
Though this is something that I came to know of later, but I shall briefly mention it
here.
In the roster that Kaichou came up with later, Akiko and me has been assigned to
totally different areas for our tasks. That seemed to be yet another reason as to why
Kaichou had volunteered to be the in-charge. She really is a predator who is never
careless, and shows no weakness.

Notes

1. Yamato Nadeshiko (大和撫子) is a Japanese term meaning "personification of an idealized Japanese

woman". Wiki if interested.

2. the tip here refers to 先っぽ...... which can also refers to the tip of a penis.

51
Chapter 5: 13th April, AM9:00 (Students'
hostel · Second floor)

In any case, there was nothing that I could do.

My sister has been with Kaichou for quite a while, and she has managed to keep her
chastity until now. She should be able to handle it, even if they are by themselves. And
if the situation requires her to, she should have the courage to give Kaichou a good
kick in between her legs. Despite me still feeling a tad uneasy, it will be better if I am
to complete my task.
Walking past the corridor, which was still cold from the remnants of winter, I climbed
up the stairs to reach the second floor.
That was the place where my good friend was carrying out her tasks of cleaning and
tidying up the rooms.
"Yo Akito. You came."
Ginbe greeted me with her usual cynical smile, while still wearing her olden cooking
attire and holding on to a duster in one of her hands.
"How's the situation of others?"
"Well, slightly slow. Even though Akiko had spent much more time talking rather than
working, I guess she is still barely on schedule. As for Kaichou, she is already done
with her job."
"Really. That's great."
"How about Ginbe?"
"Things are going smoothly over here as well. It's just that there are too many rooms;
it is slightly tedious."
"Mmm- is that so. Did I not plan things out well enough when I was doing the
allocations?"
"Don't worry about it. I did not bother going through the cleaning in great detail, since
the rooms are not in use anyway. Even so, going at the current pace, I will still not be
able to make it in time. I do hope to finish it all before noon, so it will be great of you
can help out."
"Alright, here I go."
I rolled up my sleeves,
"How should I help?"
"Let's see- there are still lots of broken junk left in the empty rooms, so please help by
clearing those out. After that, throw away all the things that you, the caretaker of our

52
hostel, think is not needed here. If there are things that can be of use, just leave it for
the future."
"Okay."
With that, I started on the chores.
A war that tests my physical strength in carrying all the junk out, and Ginbe's wisdom
in cleaning due to her having lived alone for so long, to their maximum.
We've been friends for over six years already, so we do share mutual understanding in
everything we do. Adding to the fact that I have been in the same class as her in
elementary and middle schools, we had cleaned the classroom together countless
times already. The moment she received my help, the work efficiency was raised to a
higher level.
Just like the hardworking ants, we focused on our individual tasks.
There was hardly any talking between us, and just like that, time silently ticked by.
— After a while.
"Hmm. At the very least, we are starting to see the end of the road."
We had successfully converted the empty rooms from a state of 'wreckage' to a state
of 'slightly dirty rooms'.
"We have made some quick progress. All thanks to Akito."
"No no no, I did nothing much."
"From the looks of things, it seems like I can achieve my target of completing
everything by noon. Please work harder then."
"Alright, watch me do just that."
What happened next was to wipe the rooms once with a piece of cloth, to end
everything for the day.
This time around, it was me and Ginbe wiping the rooms together, one at a time.
"............"
"............"
Both of us didn't say a single word.
In the unique calming atmosphere of a wooden building with history, only the sounds of
us wiping the floors and windows could be heard.
"— Fufu."
After some time, Ginbe suddenly laughed softly.
"Mmm? What? Something happened?"
"No, it's nothing. It's just that somehow, it suddenly feels strange for me to be doing

53
such things with you in this place."
"Oh? Well, I don't quite get it."
"A few months ago, I could not have imagined that things will become like this. I had
thought that at the very least, till before the graduation, you will be in Kyoto living out
your high school life, staying by my side in that familiar place. But now, I am away
from my home, cleaning an unfamiliar hostel together with you."
"Ah- mmm. Yeah."
"Originally, it would have been much better if we can spend our time at a more
suitable place, such as the classrooms of the high schools in Kyoto. Well well, we
really can't predict what will happen in this world."
"Mmm, that's true. Yes. Mmm."
"Oh, it's not like I am blaming you."
The slightly nervous Ginbe flashed me a wry smile,
"In regards to the things that you had done without telling me anything, they are all in
the past already. I am also done with my biggest revenge, which is to move into the
hostel where you and your sister are living together. All my resentments are already
gone."
"Haha. Indeed, that is true."
"...... I did not cause any troubles for you, did I?"
Her eyebrows were slumping downwards from her uneasiness. Ginbe continued.
"Thinking back, I was forced to move into this hostel due to the circumstances. I need
not look at your sister's responses to know that it is not something that you siblings
are terribly happy with. I did give a few valid reasons, but my heart is still filled with
guilt and regrets. Well, as of now, it is not like I have much of a choice as well......"
"Well, I was obviously shocked back then."
I threw the wiping cloth into the bucket to wash it clean, then said with a smile.
"I was indeed shocked - the leisure days spent with my sister, which I had missed out
on for many years, has came to a halt only after a short while. However, not
everything about it is bad. Like for now, living together with others can be considered
to be a sort of learning experience as well. The experience of living together with a
group of highly capable people, will be no doubt a valuable asset in the future."
"Really? I guess what you has just said can be considered to be good news for me."
With that, Ginbe showed a smile.
Even though she can be slightly hard to handle due to her teasing personality, she
does occasionally show her honest self - that is one of the virtues of this good friend
of mine.

54
"In actual fact, I am surprised by you coming over suddenly. However, I do feel more
secure knowing that Ginbe has transferred to St. Ririana Academy."
"Eh? Really?"
"Of course."
Since we met six years ago, we has always been together in whatever things we do.
We were both in the class committee; we were in the same group for our travelling
trip; we were together during the sports meet and the school's festivals; we even
argued with the same group of people.
Well, it's not like there were absolutely no clashes between me and Ginbe (and in
fact, we were both quite hostile at each other when we first met), but despite all that,
we has still maintained a very good friendship for the past six years.
Good friends...... no, you can even call us to be the best of friends.
To be studying together in the same school again, and for both of us to enter into the
students' council. There's nothing more that I can wish for. The best situation. I have
no complaints.
"...... Well, I have never once thought we will be in a situation where we are living
under the same roof."
"What. Doesn't this mean you are finding all these things troublesome?"
Ginbe puffed her cheeks.
"If that is the case, don't beat around the bush, and just say it straight. That it is
inconvenient to live with me, and you feel unhappy that your lovey-dovey moments with
your little sister are interrupted by outsiders. Just like that."
"No, I did not mean it like that, right? Also, what's with you dragging my sister in, at a
juncture like this?"
"It is a fact that Akito has been holding back with me all these while. Though you have
said that we are good friends or whatever, in reality you have never once relied on
me."
"Nothing of that sort. I have always been relying on you. Isn't it all because of you
offering me many good advices, that I can break off from the Takanomiya family to
stand on my own? Also, aren't you the one who introduced the job opportunity to me
as well?"
"You had hid your plans of moving away and transferring school from me, till the very
last moments."
"I had no choice, alright? Also, even if I had hid it from you, I did report to you
immediately after I was done settling down, right?"
"In any case, you have always said we are good friends, but Akito is still distancing
yourself away from me. Even if there are advantages to you acting secretively, it is
still way too much. If you are to discuss with me in everything that you do, then things

55
would have gone much smoother. Take for example, the case of you snatching back
your sister from the Arisugawa - if I was to help, it would have been done in a much
better manner."
"If I went as far as that, then wouldn't it be just purely me acting spoiled towards you?
How can I get you involved when it is my own private matters?"
"That's what it means by holding back."
"Look, didn't you just say that you are no longer bearing any grudges in regards to
that?"
"You are really fussy about trivial stuff like these. It is due to that personality of yours,
that you had walled yourself away from your so called 'good friend'. I request you to
reflect on it immediately, and improve on it as quickly as possible."
"Stop bringing in my personality into the argument."
We both stopped cleaning for an instant, to stare at each other.
However, that lasted for only a few seconds.
Because both of us went *puu* in laughter at the same time.
That's right.
That should be the 'everyday' that me and her share.
The Ginbe who gets stubborn easily and hounds on things, and the me who ignores
her temperament - we may not seem very compatible, and we do argue a lot, but no
matter what happens, we will always get back together like this.
How great it would be, if such a relationship can last on forever - that's how I feel.
I am not just thinking about it. I do plan to give in my all to maintain it.
"Well, to be honest, please continue to be my good friend, Gin. Due to me being
reliant on you, I wish we can maintain our friendship forever."
"...... So as per usual, things have developed into this."
Despite me offering her my heartfelt thanks, Ginbe's expression was immediately
overshadowed by a passing cloud.
"Even though I have many things that I find unsatisfactory in you, there is just this point
of yours which I am totally helpless in. I was confident in not losing to anyone if we are
to talk about the closeness in the relationship between us. However, that single
advantage is totally gone as of just now...... My my, that's exactly what the term
'missing the opportunity' is referring to."
"Hmm? What did you just say?"
"What's even more unexpected, is the fact that Akito is actually a hopeless sis-con. To
add on, I had just transferred over, and yet so many rivals have already emerged......"
"I say, Ginbe, can you speak louder? I can't quite hear you."

56
"It's fine if you didn't. Because I have no intention of letting you hear it."
Ginbe turned around and pouted.
Oh boy.
She had said something like 'as per usual, things have developed into this', but that
should be my line instead. It feels uncomfortable to see her grumbling to herself, and I
have experienced that mode of hers countless times already.
"Ginbe, you are really terrible."
"What?"
"You being so secretive will cause me to be at a loss. I do hope you spare a thought
the victim, who is me."
"Hmph, that's something I do not want to hear coming from you. Or rather, out of
everyone in this world, you are the only one who do not deserve to say that to me.
You are the one who is always saying things unknowingly, that will make me at a
loss...... Even if it is just a hundredth of what you have always done to me, I do wish
you can have a taste of those sorts of feelings."
"What do you mean by saying things unknowingly? When had I said things like that?
Tell me in greater details, so that I can try to take note of it."
"Ah, enough, how irritating. Please just shut up. At this very instance, every single
word of yours, no, your very existence itself will be pissing me off to no end."
"What's with that? Isn't that just going overboard?"
It was as though I was affected by Ginbe's feelings as well. I was beginning to feel
slightly angry.
Of course, I am used to arguing with her, but that doesn't mean our relationship will
not be strained no matter what sort of things we say or do.
"I know I am stepping over the line, but I still have to say it. Ginbe, I think it is better if
you are to fix up that stubborn attitude of yours."
"You are saying what?"
"The fact that you are being all pissed off, despite you not expressing your thoughts
and feelings to the opposite party. If you do not tell me properly, then how will I know
what went wrong, right?"
"...... There is a limit to who and where I will adopt that sort of attitude. In regards to
that, it is about time that you realize it as well. That's how I feel."
"Eh? You were saying?"
"Nothing. I am just mumbling to myself."
"There you go again. That is why I say, how will I know what you are thinking?"
"Who cares. I have no intention of letting you know what I'm thinking at a place like

57
this."
"Isn't that strange? You are the one who is angry at me for not understanding you, and
now you are angry at me for trying to understand you."
"Ah enough! You are really a guy who loves to dwell on the tiny details. Please just
shut up."
With that, Ginbe turned her face away, baring her animosity in full view.
Well well.
Without that fault of hers, she would have been the best friend one can ever have.
"...... You are really fuming mad. Normally, you are someone who has a clear train of
thought, but only at times like these, you will become surprisingly emotional. Isn't that
just wasting away the cute face of yours?"
"What did you just say?"
Ginbe turned her head back towards me menacingly.
Her expressions were very solemn, and she seemed to be in a very serious attitude.
Shit, had I really caused her to be enraged?
"Urm, nothing. Nothing important."
"Say it again once more."
"Ugh, I am really sorry. You had asked me to shut up, and there I was, continuing on
and on. I am sorry."
"That no longer matters. Just repeat what you had just said."
"Ahhh, mmm...... Urm, 'You are really fuming mad. Normally, you are someone who
has a clear train of thought', something like that."
"No, slightly after that."
" 'but only at times like these, you will become surprisingly emotional' - this?"
"No, not that."
"Ugh, what I was trying to say is, if you are angry, I hope you can at least tell me the
reasons for your anger. I said something along that line."
"I am not asking about the implications behind your sentences. You had just said that
my face is very cute, right?"
"Ahh, yeah. I said...... it?"
"You are not trying to tell me that you have already forgotten what you had just said?"
"Ah no. Come to think of it, I did say it. Yup, I said it."
"...... Is that so."

58
Ginbe had tried her best to move her petite body as close to me as possible, and she
was staring straight into my eyes with those green eyes of hers, leading me to think
that I had really pissed her off. However, that does not seemed to be the case.
"Is that so. I am cute?"
As per usual, she was mumbling something in a voice which I could not hear.
"...... Akito."
"Hmm? Yes?"
"Am I cute?"
"Ah, hmm. I think you are quite cute?"
"That's you finding me cute as a boy, or am I cute as a girl?"
" ? What sort of weird question is that. Why will I find you cute as a guy, when you are
a girl through and through? Of course, there was a period of time when I did not know
you are a girl......"
"I-Is that so. Mmm, that's right. But...... eh?"
For some odd reason, Ginbe began talking incoherently.
"What's with that - so he does see me as a woman? Should I say I am pleasantly
surprised, or it is out of my expectations - no, but isn't that infuriating as well? Since
he does see me as a woman, then his treatment towards me up till now is really just -
no, despite that, this is still an excellent gain for me. Ah, really, I never thought things
will develop like this - uwaa, what is happening? Is being praised as cute by that guy
really something to be this happy about? My heart is thumping wildly, and if I am not
careful, my face will go into a relaxed state-"
"...... Oi. Gin?"
"W-What?"
"Are you fine? Your face is flushed red."
"Uh...... No, nothing, I am fine. It's just a slight cold."
"No no no. Even so, it is still too strange for your face to be that red in an instant. It
still looks pretty normal not too long ago."
"You are still as long-winded as ever. It is a cold alright. Look, my skin is so fair, any
slight changes in my body will be shown immediately."
"Indeed, that may be true for people with fair skin...... But still, you should have told
me about it earlier if you are suffering from a cold. If I had known earlier, I would not
have made you take part in the spring cleaning."
"Ahh enough, how very irritating. Let us finish up the cleaning quickly. If we are to
continue to talk, we will not be able to stick to the plan."
"No no no, it can't do. You must take a rest if you are feeling unwell."

59
"I don't need a rest. Come on, let us continue."
"Look, you can't."
Just as I was exasperated by my strangely stubborn good friend, I grabbed onto her
arm.
That was because it looked like she was planning to ignore my advice and continue
working, so I wanted to stop her even if things are to get a little rough. However,
"Kyaa!?"
She violently shook off my arm which was grabbing onto her.
Sigh, she is a really stubborn lass. She is usually a smart person, and is normally an
extremely calm person. However, there are occasions where she would do things that
are unlike her personality.
Hmm? Speaking of which......
"Ginbe."
"W-What?"
"Did you just scream 'Kyaa!?' just now?"
"...... Ah."
And then, her face began to blush. Much redder than before.
"I-It's just your illusion. The auditory hallucinations that we frequently speak of. Or you
can say it as paracusia. If not, it must be something that your brain has made up."
"Why do I have to do things like that...... it's not like I have a problem with it. I was just
surprised that you had let out that sort of scream. I really can't imagine that,
considering Ginbe's usual manner of speech."
"S-Sorry about that. I may not look like it, but I am still a girl. No matter how small or
how frail I am."
"Hey, don't put on such a willful expression...... I have never once said that it is
something bad. I think it is good, like that sound that you had made just now. Isn't that
just cute?"
"Ugu."
I had thought that Ginbe's face could not be anymore redder, but it actually turned into
a deeper shade of red,

60
"This guy...... his natural personality really does kick in only at times like these......"
" ? Huh? What are you saying?"
"N-Nothing at all! Enough of this, I shall just leave this place to Akito! Since more than
half of the work is already done, you should be fine by yourself, right!? I'll take a brief

61
rest in my room!"
"Ah, hold on, Gin-"
Without waiting for my answer, Ginbe dashed out of the room like a rabbit.
"............"
Leaving me alone, feeling all lonely by myself.
"...... I'll continue it then."
There were no other options.
In the end, I silently finished the work which my friend entrusted to me by myself.

62
 Chapter 6: 13th April, AM10:30
(Students' hostel · Courtyard)

The me who had spent a good amount of time clearing the remaining work, will be
heading down to the huge courtyard of the hostel next.
Mainly roses and rhododendrons were grown in the courtyard, that is big enough to
hold a mini sports festival. Still, there were other plants there as well, including huge
sized trees such as oak and beech. It was said that up till ten years ago, there was a
lawn and garden of sorts, which would be used to hold events such as a garden tour
for the nearby residents during the right seasons.
Needless to say, those were all in the past.
Currently, the place is merely a wasteland putting on the name of 'courtyard', filled
with weeds everywhere. I am in full awe of the sheer will of nature, but if possible, I
do hope they will be slightly more considerate when they are growing lushly. The
invasive nature of the weeds are rampant, resulting in quite a bit of problems when we
were trying to secure a place for drying of our clothes, back when we had first moved
into this place.
Alright.
The person in charge of the number one most difficult place, is vice-president
Nasuhara Anastasia.
Quite some time had already passed since the start of spring cleaning, so how is her
progress?
Honestly speaking, this place should be quite difficult to handle. It has reached a state
where I felt it would be more realistic to hire some gardeners to handle it, but there is
the rule of 'all residents should try their best to resolve their own problems by
themselves'.
Well, Nasuhara did say something like, "Just leave the courtyard to me". She should
have quite some self-belief or confidence to be saying that. Let me take a good look
at her abilities then-
While thinking of that, I walked into the courtyard.
Nasuhara was sleeping soundly on the dead grass.
"Wadda heck, you are goofin' off!?"

I yelled that in Kyoto dialect without thinking.

From just a brief scan at the scene, it seemed like nothing was done. What exactly
was she doing during the few hours that had passed?
"Hey Nasuhara! Nasuhara!?"

63
"...... Guu, guu......"
"Whoa, this lass is actually snoring...... I say, oi! Wake up! How can a girl sleep at a
place like this!? You'll catch a cold, you know!?"
"...... Umm...... I can eat no more......"
"Just snoring is not enough, now you are actually sleep-talking!?"
And that was some horrifyingly old-fashioned sleep-talk.
From her current looks, one cannot imagine her as the talented beauty who emerged
victorious from the school's beauty contest - it was so bad, she should kneel down
and apologize to those who had voted for her.
"Oi Nasuhara Anastasia! Wake up!"
"...... Munyu munyu......"
"You are a daughter from a well-to-do family, and you are our vice-president in the
students' council too, right!? Please think about stuff like these!"
"Munyu...... Ha?"
Nasuhara opened her eyes in a flash. There was finally some sort of response from
her.
Her upper body sprang up as though it had springs installed in them. She looked left
and right for a few times,
"...... Ahh. I've entered a dazed state unknowingly."
"No way. It's not something as cute as being dazed. You are practically sleeping with
all your might."
"That can't be right. Ultimately, I was just taking a short rest. Please do not slander
me."
"That's not slandering, alright. Your snores had shook even the skies."
"Fufu, that's a really good joke. An absolute beauty like me would actually snore...... I
can't help but laugh just by imagining that scene - that's a really marvelous
combination. That imagination of yours is better than I had imagined."
"No no. That's not my imagination. That's a fact."
"Alright, I shall award you high praises for that talent of yours. I'll write a letter of
recommendation to the higher-ups of the Kyoto Manzai Association. You should go for
an audition."[1]
"...... Sometimes, you act as though you have some sort of connections within the
circles of the comedy industry."
Her golden hair and blue eyes, together with a permanently expressionless face.
Also, although she has a wicked tongue, she does know when to act silly.

64
Eh?
It seemed like I had stumbled on a rather tantalizing possibility?
"In any case, I am not joking. You were really snoring."
"Fufu, so you are actually trying to force that ridiculously silly stand of yours to me.
However, that sort of forcefulness is perhaps just what is needed from you in the
comedy industry today."
"So you are going to continue on with that gag......?"
"As long as you do not play along with it."
"So my attempt to be polite has backfired...... oh well. In any case, you snoring is the
truth. And not just that, you were dream-talking as well."
"That is a really humiliating insult. If you do not wish to be charged to court, and end
up with the verdict of having to compensate me with huge amounts of cash for the
damages done against me, then you better start by retracting those imprudent words
of yours."
"No no, that's not an insult or anything. You had really said it."
"Do you have proof?"
"Proof?"
"Since you are so insistent on it, you should at least have some sort of proof to
substantiate your claims, right?"
Of course I had nothing like that. Not to mention, there was only Nasuhara and me in
this place then.
"I see. You have no proof."
"Indeed, I have no proof. But the truth is still the truth-"
"Then tell that so called truth of yours to anyone you like, and try to see if they will
believe you. Me, the finest beauty of St. Ririana Academy ever in history, and
someone who has received all sorts of gifted education, has actually done something
like rudely sleeping in the courtyard of the hostel, accompanied with snoring and
sleep-talking. Like that."
"Ugh?"
I shut my mouth after she said that.
I was not too sure of the situation due to me having just transferred over, but it is
without doubt that Nasuhara Anastasia is someone who enjoys the highest appraisals
in St. Ririana Academy. She normally gives the act of a 'mysterious and intellectual
beauty', so I will probably be snuffed in the face by everyone if I am to actually do as
she had suggested.
"Hmph. Looks like you have finally understood your stand. You should be in awe of the

65
difference between the trustworthiness between us in the hierarchy pyramid, and just
run to a corner and cry your guts out while cursing your poor luck."
"What's with that look of detest coming from you...... Speaking of which, you had said
something like 'Ultimately, I was just taking a short rest', right?"
"Yes. So I did."
"When exactly did that start?"
"Let's see. It should be from about eight in the morning."
"It's already ten-thirty now, you know?"
That can be considered to be a deep sleep, no matter how you look at it.
"Ten-thirty? What an interesting joke."
"It's not a joke. You can take a look at my watch."
"Fufu, so you had changed the time on your watch in a desperate attempt to continue
with that joke of yours - that's a pretty impressive resolve from you. I'll write a letter of
recommendation to the higher-ups of the Kyoto Manzai Association. You should go
for-"
"No, enough of that already."
"Ara, is that so. What a shame."
"Continuing on, you have been lying dead here since about eight, and it is currently
past ten-thirty already. Do you admit that?"
"Well, that's quite common. Things like your watch displaying the wrong time."
"Well, my watch just so happens to be a radio-controlled watch. It is said to be
accurate right down to within a second in a period of ten thousand years."
"Ara, is that so. Then there must be something wrong with the radio frequency. Or
perhaps it is the laws of the universe that is wrong."
"That's a really grand way of pushing away your responsibilities."
Looks like Nasuhara will not be admitting her mistakes, no matter what happens.
Then again, there is actually no reason for me to be going through all these. I could
have easily obtained the correct time from a brief check.
"...... Well, let us end the topic here."
"Since you have put it that way, then let us just leave it as that. Even though I am
perfectly fine continuing on that topic for a few more hours, judging from your abilities,
it is indeed too cruel to be expecting that from you."
"What's with that look of grace and superiority coming from you...... Ugh, well, in any
case, can you please brief me on the situation? What is the status of the cleaning of
the courtyard."

66
"Just as you see. Nothing was done at all."
"That isn't something you should be saying proudly...... Urm, still, a few hours have
already passed since I had left this place to your care, right?"
"Yes. Indeed."
"Even if you had spent half your time sleeping, there should still be plenty of time
available for you to work, right?"
"Mmm, yes. So there is."
"What had you done within that period of time?"
"Work. The job of cleaning the courtyard, which you had assigned me to do."
"...... If so, isn't things progressing a little too slowly?"
"I have gathered a lot of dead grass, you know."
"...... That is neither cleaning nor tidying. It is just you staking them up so that you can
use it as a bed to roll around in it, right?"
"How rude. I'll be calling the police."
"Don't disturb the policemen for mundane matters like these."
It is precisely due to people like you, that has resulted in the policemen of Japan being
overworked, thus causing an increase in crime rates.
"All in all, can you please tell me the reason for the lack of progress?"
"Let's see. It must be because it is all physical work, and I was working bare-handed."
"Then use tools. You know, tools."
"I have no idea what tools to use for the job."
"Well, it's just...... For example, putting a pair of protective gloves, and using a sickle
to cut the grass. Isn't there plenty?"
"I have no idea where the tools are."
"There's a small shed at the corner of the courtyard, right? They are all kept there."
"Ara, is that so. Lesson learned."
"............"
What's with this?
Should I say that I was so astonished that I did not know how to reply, or that we
somehow could not connect.
Or rather, there is a serious problem concerning Nasuhara, and the problem can be
easily noticed if I had put in effort to do so, and yet I could not notice it just yet.
"In any case, I have handed over the task of cleaning the courtyard to you, and you

67
yourself had said, 'Please leave the cleaning of the courtyard to me' as well. Please
put more effort into it. Akiko, Kaichou and Ginbe are all doing their best in their
assigned jobs."
"...... Fu. Looks like I have no choice."
Nasuhara gave a sigh, and shook her head gently.
Her long lashes drooped, and she said sullenly.
"Looking at how things are right now, it will be better if I come clean. At the very least,
you have the right to know."
"Eh?"
What?
It was my first time seeing her like that.
Her anguish was as if she was about to announce the world is coming to an end. For
Nasuhara Anastasia to be that gloomy - what exactly was she planning to say?
"Listen carefully. Please do not faint after hearing what I am about to say."
"W-What's with that? What are you going to say? Please don't scare me, I am faint-
hearted."
"You can no longer escape. Since you are the caretaker of the hostel, you should at
least be prepared for things like this?"
"So I say, please don't scare me-"
"Actually, I am a girl who cannot do any sort of housework."

68
"............"
I was helplessly stunned.
"Eh? Huh? What did you say?"

69
"Actually, I am a girl who cannot do any sort of housework."
"Eh? Really?"
"Yes. Really."
Nasuhara nodded without a change in expression.
That was indeed something of quite some impact. Though it was rather different from
what I had imagined.
So Nasuhara Anastasia does not know how to do any housework - no, upon thinking
deeper, that is not something that surprising. She is the daughter of famous Nasuhara
Industries, so that is quite understandable. It's the same back when I was doing a
house visit to her house - her having bodyguards and maids was something that is
quite natural. There's various other things as well. She does indeed feels like a
pampered lady.
No, but even still, the members of the students' council are all extremely capable. My
younger sister, Kaichou and Ginbe are all doing the housework normally, so I had
assumed that Nasuhara is the same as well.
"I don't know any sort of housework - honestly speaking, I am a girl who is absolutely
not suitable to be living together with others in a hostel. Ahem."
"No, that is not something you should be saying proudly...... if so, you should have just
said so earlier. There was no need for you to volunteer doing it with an air of
confidence."
"It's not like it is something that can be done by a person. I had thought it will turn into
a situation where the gardeners will be taking care of it all."
"Well, it is a pretty huge courtyard."
"In short, due to various reasons, I had decided to bluff my way through during the job
assigning - that's how it is. I had a motive for doing that as well. I thought that I'll be
able to keep it hidden, about the fact that I am a girl who can't live by herself, due to
me being too fragile and not flexible from growing up in a pampered environment; that
I am a girl who will be at my wits end if I am to be thrown into the society by myself,
right now. Hmph, go ahead and laugh at me if you want to."
"No, I have no intention of laughing at you."
"I can lick your shoes if you wish."
"No, that is just stooping too low."
She was actually still looking down on me not too long ago. She sure changed quickly.
However, she was still her expressionless and monotonous self, so my impression of
her was not too different, regardless of her looking down on me or looking up to me.
"Then again, don't you need to clean up in school? No matter how pampered you are,
it still can't be that you have zero experience in cleaning at all, right?"

70
St. Ririana Academy is a school that emphasizes on respecting the autonomy of
students.
Despite their large funds, they did not use a single cent of it to hire cleaning
companies to take care of the cleanliness of the school. Due to that, even someone
like Nasuhara should have a chance to learn techniques on cleaning.
"That is because I am treated like a goddess in my class. All the cleaning which I am
supposed to do, is all done by my devotees."
"Ah- indeed. You do give others that sort of impression. As long as you do not open
your mouth to speak."
"Or rather, they had no intention of letting me do chores like cleaning. 'It is a sacrilege
for Nasuhara's hands to be stained from cleaning', that's what they said."
"You are really raised to high heavens...... Do those people ask for any returns from
you?"
"Mmm, they will be happy as long as I show them a brief smile? Probably just once in
a month will do."
That's really little.
Those people do have not much desires, if they are satisfied from something as
simple as that...... Forget it, that's what the devotees and worshipers are all about
anyway.
"Have you understood the situation now?"
"Mmm, well, generally. Being treated specially do have its own problems as well."
"That's how it is. I am your so called victim from the twisted current-day society."
"...... I just can't accept that frankly, seeing the sort of expression you have when you
are saying that."
"As such, I have a request for you."
"Hmm? What request?"
"I hope you can offer me all sorts of assistance, in regards to me not knowing a single
thing about housework."
"Mmm. In exact, what are you looking for in my assistance?"
"Hmm. For example, you are to help me finish all of my tasks by yourself. Things like
that."
"No, I am not your devotee. And also, I am very busy."
"I think it's just too terrible. You've exposed all of my secrets, and now you are leaving
me to die by myself."
"No, it's not like I was the one who exposed them...... instead, you are the one who
had revealed them all, right?"

71
"Indeed, I understand. I must be foolish for trying to negotiate without showing my
sincerity - that's what you are trying to imply."
"Actually, I don't mean it like that at all."
"Well then, how about offering you my body as a gift?"
"I humbly decline."
"Why must you decline? Are you saying my body lacks any sort of attractiveness?"
"No, I don't mean it like that."
"I understand. You are saying that just once is not enough. You want me to offer my
body and soul to you from now onward. Though it is very difficult for me to make the
resolve...... alright, I accept your request."
"No, like I have said, that's not it."
She had said that it was difficult for her to make the resolve, but there was not a
slightest waver in Nasuhara's expression.
Uhh- mmm. I still think it is better for girls not to make that sort of statement as and
when they like. Even if it is a joke.
"Whatever, I understand. Let's not dwell on the details for now. I'll just try to make it
as easy for you as possible. That's what I had intended to do initially anyway."
"I see, thank you. I am grateful of your decision. As such, in return, allow me to use
my body-"
"No, I've said there is no need for that already."
"You don't need it? You are actually giving up on the rights to do as you wish on me,
just like that?"
"Mhmm."
"You can actually do as you like? You can just release your desires and do beep—
and beep— to me?"
Nasuhara was so irritatingly persistent.
Also, the "beep—" sound was made by her, but it just somehow feels surprisingly
realistic. Perhaps she is good at mimicking sounds? She's a girl with quite the strange
talents.
"Forget it. In any case, I don't need it. Really."
"No regrets?"
"Mmm. I don't think I will."
"You won't regret in the future?"
"No no."

72
"Hmph. Really?"
Nasuhara stared at me intently as she said that.
Her expressions didn't change, and the same goes for the looks of her eyes. As usual,
I had no idea what she was thinking about, but,
"...... So this won't work. Yet another lesson learned."
"Hmm? You saying?"
"Nothing at all. Well, you are willing to make things easy for me without asking for
anything in return. Can I interpret it that way?"
"Mmm, no problem. You can't expect me to do all of your tasks, but I'll try to assist
you as much as I can."
"Generally speaking, what sort of help will you be offering me?"
"Let's see...... First, I'll definitely help to safeguard your secret, that's for certain.
However, since we are living together, it is not quite possible to keep it hidden
forever."
"So it is."
"Which means we have only one way to get out of this. You will have to know how to
do housework, before the secret is revealed."
"But, there is a possibility that I am not born with the talent to do it."
"That may be the case, but I don't think there is anything that you can't do. Also, this is
purely just a matter of experience."
"I don't think I can do it."
"No no. Nothing of that sort."
Nasuhara was surprisingly uneasy about it.
"You are good in studies and sports, and a beauty who has won the beauty contest,
right? In sort, you are an elite, right? Also, you are more capable than my younger
sister in just about everything, right? So you can do it. Even if you are not good at it,
you will get it someday if you keep trying to remember it."
"Which means, no matter how poor my memory is, you will never give up on me, and
will teach me properly until I am able to do it?"
"Eh? Ahh, well....... Yeah, just like that."
"You will take care of me?"
"Well...... that's the only option. Though I think it will definitely be much better if you
are taught by Kaichou, Ginbe or Akiko. But whatever floats your boat."
"Is that so. I see."

73
With that.
Just for a brief moment, Nasuhara smiled vaguely.
...... Ohhhhh-
It has been a while since I had seen her smile.
Well, that expression of hers. It is indeed great.
"Hey. I have been thinking since then."
"What?"
"Nasuhara, that expression of yours is much better, isn't it?"
" ? What do you mean by my expression?"
"Urm. I am not talking about the indifferent expression that you have currently. That
smile of yours earlier, it is definitely much more charming than usual."
"............"
After a short moment of silence, Nasuhara turned around so that her back is facing
me,
"We have wasted quite a bit of time to talk about unnecessary things. Alright, let us
start on the cleaning. Can you teach me how to do it now?"
"Eh? Ahh, mmm. That's not a problem."
"My incompetence will come to light if we do not have any sort of progress. Hurry."
Due to that, we hastily started to work on the task again. During that period of time,
Nasuhara's face was faintly red for the whole time.
That was due to her working in the cold weather - I'll leave it to everyone to decide if
that is the sole reason for her blushing.

Notes

1. Manzai (漫才) is a traditional style of stand-up comedy in Japanese culture. Wiki if interested

74
Chapter 7: 13th April, PM0:15 (Students'
hostel · Canteen)

"Let's decide on how we address each other."

While all the residents were enjoying lunch together, after the spring cleaning was
finished.
President of students' council, Nikaido Arashi, said that.
"How we address each other?"
"Yup. The names for each of us."
Kaichou nodded strongly at me, who was tilting my head, and said,
"There is a great significance in how people address each other. Even if it is just a
sort of label at others, and sometimes to oneself, there can be a huge change to
one's life just by changing the way you address someone else."
"Haa. So it means we are going to do that? To decide on the nickname of each
other?"
"It doesn't have to be nicknames. Adding or removing the '-san' suffix for example -
that will do too."
"Mhmm."
"Simply speaking, me, Nasuhara and Himenokouji-imouto have known each other for
quite a while already, so let us set that aside. However, Ginbe and you are both new
faces that have just joined the students' council in this year. Truthfully speaking, our
friendship is not that deep yet, so I am still deciding on how we should be treating
each other. That's what I am thinking."
"Indeed."
"Moreover, we are now living together. We should not be treating each other as
outsiders anymore."
"Mmm. In other words, rather than spending the time to blindly feel our way through
on how we be treating each other, we should just be direct about it and settle it now,
right?"
"Well, that's how it is."
I see, I can understand what she is trying to say.
Whether for better or worse, the physical and psychological distance between us have
shrunk greatly within a short time. As such, it feels like we have skipped through a lot
of things that should have happened at a gradual pace.

75
Well, I think it is something that will be resolved naturally given time...... But perhaps it
will be much simpler to just take the opportunity and clear everything together.
Moreover, given Kaichou's personality, that should be even more so.
"Like you have said. This is perhaps a good opportunity for us."
"Yeah. It is really great for a caretaker like you to be so understanding."
"No no, nothing of that sort. I may not even realize it if not for Kaichou suggesting it.
As expected from the president of the students' council of St. Ririana Academy."
"Really? Oh my, it is embarrassing if you praise me like that."
"Please, there is no need to be humble. In regards to you being concerned about our
matters - I am not flattering you, I really do think you are impressive. As expected of
Kaichou."
"Oh my. Actually, for me, when I am hooking up my lovers, I must address them with a
special name that only I will use, yeah. I am not quite comfortable about us being
reserved about the way we call each other."
"Mmm. I think we should just forget about this plan."
There has to be a limit to your self-destruction.
"I was thinking, how rare it is for me to praise you, so that's how it all ends huh.
Please return me my innocence."
"Alright. As such."
Kaichou ignored my protests,
"So let us start now. Just relax, and treat it as a sideshow for lunch. It's not like we
will be using everything that we will come up with. Will that be alright, caretaker?"
"...... I guess."
"Alright, it's decided then. Let us start with deciding on how we should be calling our
caretaker, Himenokouji Akito-"
"Can I interrupt for a moment?"
Ginbe raised her hands as she said that.
"Since things have came to this, we might as well come up with a different name for
everyone here. How's that? It is too lacking if we are just to think of something that
naturally comes to our mind. I think my suggestion will allow us to show our own
personalities. It will be much more interesting this way."
"Hohoo. That is quite the interesting idea you have there."
"Just to add on, allow me to address Akito as per usual, with the name 'Akito'. I have
been with him for quite long already, and that's how I have always been calling him. It
is more natural to me that way too. Didn't Kaichou say that we do not have to force
ourselves for coming up with a nickname?"

76
"Yeah. If you think that is fine, then so be it."
"Well, everything aside from me, please think of a way to address Akito. Let us start
with Kaichou, since you are the person who has suggested this idea."
"Hmm, let's see......"
Kaichou rubbed her chin a little, and laughed silently,
"Alright, it's decided. I'll be addressing Himenokouji Akito by the name 'target'."
"Nope."
I rejected immediately.
"Why not? It's not like you will lose anything."
"I will. The name 'target' is not really something appropriate for us companions who
are living together, right? Please put in some common sense, you know, common
sense."
And Kaichou's 'target' will surely have a 'sexual' connotation to it. It will result in me
trembling each time she calls me like that.
"Then how should I address you?"
"Isn't the typical 'Himenokouji Akito' fine? Kaichou usually calls me by my full name
when you are talking to me, no?"
"Ehhh~? But that is really troublesome. Indeed, I somehow got used to calling you by
your full name without knowing it. But it is too long, and I may bite my tongue
accidentally."
"Well, you reap the what you sow, so just accept it. Isn't it just fine since you are
already used to it? One of the main focus for this activity is to accentuate your own
personality, right?"
"But, won't it be really troublesome during an emergency?"
"Emergency, what sort of emergency?"
"For example, should you be lost in a certain mountain, then I will have no choice but
to call out your name repeatedly. Don't you think it is really inefficient for me to be
shouting 'Hinemokouji Akito~! Hinemokouji Akito~!' at that sort of critical situation?"
"There is no need for you to be thinking that far ahead. Alright, next."
I forcefully shifted the attention to the next person.
Generally, things have always been going by how Kaichou wants it to be, so I'll
consider this to be evening things out. As the caretaker, I accept no objections.
"Urm, well then, Nasuhara."
"Yes?"

77
"The way to address me. You come up with anything?"
"Let me see-"
The golden haired vice-president took a sip of tea,
"Let's go with this. I will call you 'darling'."
"Rejected."
"Why?"
"Urm, no matter what, that's a little too intimidating, don't you think so? The distance
between us."
"You really say all sorts of strange things. One of the aims of this activity, is to shorten
the distance between us fellow residents, no?"
"Though it is like that...... no, that's still a little too extreme. Please try to come up with
something else."
"I will think about it, if you marry with me."
"No no, if we are to get married, then it will really become 'darling', no? That no longer
has anything to do with my nickname."
As always, she do as she please.
Well, as per usual, she had said all that with a blank expression. That is a great help,
since it is much easier for me to handle it. If I have to treat everything she says
seriously, I don't think my body will be able to take it.
"In any case, no. Please come up with something else."
"Then tell me briefly, what sort of names are acceptable for you?"
"Uh- Hmm, let me see...... How should I put it - it will be better if it is something more
normal."
"I understand. Then I will address you with 'anata' from now onward."[1]
"Ugh, hold on a second. Certainly, from a point of view, it is something very typical, but
that is still a little strange."
"How is it strange?"
"Because the 'you' are talking about, is not the 'you' as a pronoun, but rather, it has
the meaning of 'husband', right?"
"Stop with your yakking, it is really irritating. If you still continue on complaining about
my innovations, which took me a hard time to come up with, I will make you hand
wash my lingerie everyday."
"I don't think I can become a man with such dedication and self-sacrifice."
"Of course, you will have to iron them for me as well."

78
"It's not like they are blouses or suits, I don't really see the point in doing so."
"You are really a man with lots of complains. Say anymore, and I shall perform
Swanton Bomb on you as a punishment."
"Are you familiar with pro-wrestling as well......?"
An embodiment of surprises, that's the sort of girl she is.
Incidentally, that is a maneuver that is extremely difficult to pull off. Kids, don't try this
at home.
"In any case, that is shot down as well. Please come up with a really normal name.
Not those with hidden meanings."
"It can't be helped."
As she said that, Nasuhara made an effort to come up with something.
"Well then, I will just call you 'Aki' from now on."
"And just like that, it has changed into an intimate nickname!"
She's a girl who I really cannot predict where she will jump to next.
She is totally like a string of firecrackers. Or a rugby ball.
"What is with that reaction of yours? Are you going to complain at that as well?"
"Ahh no, it is indeed what I had requested, so I should have nothing to say in regards
to that...... However, can't you think of something else?"
"It is as you have requested, and there's nothing wrong with it - so why do I have to
think of something else?"
"Well...... That is quite obvious, right?"
"Fu. After seeing you putting on that expression of dislike, my determination has
strengthened. In the future, I will have to insist on it to the point of being stubborn, and
call you by nothing else but 'Aki'."
"...... Ehh-? You have really decided on using that?"
"I have already yielded twice, and compromised till I have finally come up with a
nickname that fits your requirements. If this still cannot do, then don't you think you are
being a little too unreasonable here?"
"Ugh, it is indeed so, but......"
"Then please take care of me, Aki?"
Whoa, it felt disgusting!
Though I shouldn't be saying this, and I am really sorry towards her, but that was just
really disgusting!
As she is a girl without much expressions or variations to her tone of speech, only she

79
can cause this sort of feelings to me when she is greeting me kindly...... Just like how
one mistaken salt for sugar and licks it, or like how one puts in soy sauce instead of
sauce in their cold dishes. Uwa—. How disgusting—.[2]
Forget it...... This is a one-off incident, so I can only pray that Nasuhara will change
her mind when the time comes.
"...... Urm, well then, that's all for my names?"
"Please wait. I will be very disturbed if you are to forget about the most important me,
the younger sister Akiko, who is deeply in love with her elder brother."
"No, it's not about forgetting you or anything."
Looking at my sister, who was raising her hand, and looking like she had been eagerly
awaiting for her turn, I tilted my head,
"You are my younger sister. There is no need for you to deliberately come up with a
way of addressing me, right?"
"No need to - Why is that so?"
"What do you mean by that, we both are siblings to begin with."
"Why is there no need for consideration in regards to the way I address you, just
because we are siblings?"
" ? Urm, because, isn't the way you should be addressing me been long decided
already?"
Of course, not too long ago, we had similar little game where she came up with
various ways to address me. But that is an exception out of the exceptions.
"How else can you address me other than 'onii-chan'? Is there any other names?"
"That's right. I just call Onii-chan directly as 'onii-chan'."
"...... Stop beating around the bush. Just come straight to the point."
"Fufu. That means."
My sister lifted her nose,
"I call Onii-chan as 'onii-chan'. That is a logic that needs no explanation, and no one
can say anything against it. Just as everyone was busy coming up with a name for
Onii-chan, I am the only person who need not wreck my brain over such a
troublesome problem. I just want to emphasize that."
"...... And, what are you trying to say?"
"Ultimately, I am trying to talk about my absolute bonds with Onii-chan! For the past
sixteen years since we were born, the practice we have between us blood-related
siblings is something that no one can stop, and not even god can infringe on us."
"Haa."

80
"And also, there is the sense of superiority, as I am the only one in this world who can
address Onii-chan with 'onii-chan'! Everyone can be a little more jealous and envious
of me, someone who is a unique and special presence to Onii-chan!"
My sister was trying desperately to advocate her advantages in front of everyone.
That speech was quite exaggerated - ultimately speaking, the conclusion reached was
not that much different from usual.
"To think you have always said things like 'us being blood-related siblings are just a
minor problem!'...... So you will only bring that sort of things out when it is to your
advantage."
"I don't care what you say. It will not do if I do not fully utilize all of my assets, and
defend the throne that is being the legal wife of Onii-chan."
"What's with the legal wife and stuff. I don't even have a designated girlfriend yet."
"We are currently in the era of the warring states."
Ignoring my feeble protests, my sister became even more engrossed with her grand
speech.
"This hostel which exists solely for Onii-chan and I, has currently turned into an evil
place filled with cocky trespassing demons. In the current time, where I can no longer
live a lovey-dovey life with Onii-chan, I will have to emphasize the bonds that Onii-chan
and I share whenever there is a chance to do so, no matter how minor it is."
"You are still as exaggerated as ever."
"Naive, you are too naive! This is a battle that concerns my life and death, but Onii-
chan still cannot understand!"
"Urm, even if you say that to me."
"...... Himenokouji Akito. Let's just stop there."
Just then, Kaichou interrupted.
She shook her head, while putting on a painful expression, as though she had
attended a meeting throughout the night,
"Up till now, I have always loved your sister. As the secretary of the students' council,
she works for me faithfully, and her bright smile will always lightens up the mood of the
students' council. But thinking back, I had been too reliant on her. I am sorry, that is a
mistake I've made, as the president of the students' council. I no longer have the right
to face you, her elder brother."
"W-What's wrong Kaichou? You have suddenly became really respectful."
"Himenokouji Akiko."
Ignoring my fluster, Kaichou stood up from her seat.
She then walked to Akiko's back, and placed her hands on Akiko's shoulders, while

81
putting on a gentle smile.
"I am really sorry, for not noticing the message that you had been giving off all these
while. Don't worry, just focus on being affectionate with your brother from now on."
"W-Why is Kaichou...... saying things like this all of the sudden...... something's
wrong? What's going on?"
"Ahh sorry, I've caused you to be frightened? Ah, there's no other meaning behind this.
That's how I really feel from the bottom of my heart, so it is fine to accept whatever I
had just said like it is? Okay?"
"Seito-kaichou."
Just then, Nasuhara interrupted.
"Why not let me take over the jobs of the secretary for the moment? In the mean time,
you should consider relieving her from her jobs in the students' council."
"Oh, that's a good idea. Can I leave it to you then, Fuku-kaichou?"
"P-Please wait, both of you! That means you two are trying to fire me, right!? Ah......
that means it is a plan to chase me out of the students' council right!? That's it, right!?"
"Ahh, no, that's never my intention. It's just me feeling that things are being too tough
for you, so I just want to be slightly more considerate...... I am really sorry. It seems
like I have instead added on yet another mental burden onto you. But please, I hope
you can agree to my request."
"W-What request?"
"Talk to me if you are facing any difficulties. Open your heart to me if there is anything
troubling you. And also, do not ever force yourself. I can't share your pain, but I can
still provide you some assistance."
"Wha...... What's with this all of the sudden, it's so disgusting. Nasuhara has not just
smiled to me, but she is actually doing such kind things out of the blue...... W-What
exactly is happening next? A change in the world? Or the duel between god and
devil?"
"Though I can't do much, please allow me to help as well."
This time, even Ginbe raised her hand.
"Despite us having met not too long ago, since you are the sister of my good friend,
that means we are eating out of the same pot of rice. I hope I can do something for
you within my limited means."
"E-Even Ginbe too......?"
"It is fine whether to teach you my secret recipes, or the techniques to do housework.
Or, I can tell you in details about the things that had happened during the past six
years, when you and Akito were separated. The Akito whom you do not know - you
must be interested in it, right?"

82
"Of course I am interested...... But why do you bring that up all of the sudden?"
"Nothing, it's simply just me being enthusiastic. There's nothing else to it. Mmm,
definitely not."
"Uhh......"
Kaichou and Nasuhara and Ginbe.
Upon being treated by them that kindly out of the blue, my sister had obviously
became wary.
"...... Urm, Onii-chan?"
"Hmm? What?"
"Everyone has said things like that...... but don't you think it is just a little too strange?
They must be planning something behind all that, right?"
"Hmm-? Ah, well, since everyone has said that, how about trusting them just this
once?"
"Yeah, Himenokouji, you should depend on your seniors at a time like this."
"It is not like I am a demon or anything. It is true that I had always clashed with your
opinions many times up till now, but those are already things of the past. Compared to
things like that, you should be worrying more about your body."
"You can't be more right than that. As for me, there is nothing more important than
'health', but it is something that is easily neglected at the same time. You are still
young, so learn to treasure yourself more."
"...... Uhh, it is still very strange...... why is everyone saying such gentle things all of
the sudden? This is totally like...... Ah!?"
My sister's eyes widened, as if she had realized something.
"Well, I don't that is possible, but Onii-chan."
"Mmm. Yes?"
"Could everyone think that I have some sort of illness......?"
"W-What an idiot you are. What are you talking about?"
Kaichou stammered a little, and gave a troubled smile.
"There is not the slightest chance of us thinking like that, yeah? To think of you like
that, who is not only our colleague in the students' council, but also a fellow resident
living in the same hostel...... Isn't that right, Fuku-kaichou?"
"Y-Yes, I think you are thinking too deeply into it. Himenokouji, you must be tired. You
will be fine if you take a good rest."
"Yup, I totally agree. Lil' sister, we are just slightly worried, because you are an
extremely delicate and fragile girl - that's all there is to it. Don't force yourself too

83
much, calm down, and don't ever get agitated. That's not good for your body,
understand?"
"I-Isn't that treating me as though I am sick! Yes, I do love my blood-related brother
the most, and I do want to step over the line of us being siblings together with Onii-
chan, but that is all! Other than that, I am very normal!"
"Oh, of course, you are not abnormal or anything like that. I guarantee that under my
name, Nikaido Arashi. Don't you agree, Fuku-kaichou?"
"Mhmm, yes, of course. If there is anyone calling you a pervert or humiliating you,
don't hesitate and inform me about it. I will erase his existence from the society, and
make him regret for having lived up till now."
"Everyone's right, lil' sister. There is no need for you to care about the gossips around
you - you just have to live your own life, and continue walking on your path. Even if you
screw up somewhere, we will be there to clear up the mess. Even if that sort of things
happen, we all know, that you did not do it deliberately."
"...... Urm. Even though I don't think it is quite possible."
My sister, who was suddenly being treated really kindly, asked uneasily,
"Though I don't think it is quite possible...... you guys really don't see me as someone
who is sick, right?"
"............"
"............"
"............"
Finally, they turned their sights away at the same time. Kaichou & Nasuhara & Ginbe.
"Eh? T-That's a joke, right? There you go again, everyone's so mean~"
"............"
"............"
"............"
"P-Please don't act like that, look at me properly. Neh? Quick. I am not scary, just
someone who is very normal, right?"
"— Ah, don't worry, Himenokouji."
Kaichou could not take it any longer, and forced a still smile,
"You don't have to take it to heart, there is no need to worry. Even if you are sent to
the hospital, we will still visit you everyday-"
"Kaichou! Please watch your words!"
"S-Sorry, Fuku-kaichou, I accidentally......"

84
"She is currently in a very precarious state, so please be careful. — Sorry,
Himenokouji, do not worry, there is no need to be afraid. It will be fine if you leave
everything to us."
"Exactly. Just leave it all to us. I promise you, that we will settle everything for you.
Therefore, lil' sister, I hope you can just hold on for a while. No matter what happens,
we will still be your companions, and your friends. Neh?"
"Uhhhhhhhhhhhh~~~~~~~~~~~~~!"
My sister moaned, and stood up from her seat with her eyes in tears,
"I am not sick! I am very normal! Uwaaaaaa!"
With that, she dashed out of the canteen.
"...... Alright."
Kaichou drank her tea, as though nothing had happened.
"Well then, let us continue where we had left off. Whose nicknames should we come
up with next?"
"...... Kaichou. And Nasuhara and Ginbe as well."
I could not pretend as though nothing has happened.
"Please restrain yourselves, alright? Though my younger sister is indeed a very fun
person."
"Ka ka ka. Ahh, sorry sorry. That lass has the cutest reactions, and so I went
overboard accidentally. But Himenokouji Akito, you are not in the position to talk,
yeah? Hmm?"
Well, yeah.
The expressions of my ever-changing sister were really too interesting, so it was true
that I had not stepped in right until the end.
Forget it. That girl is unrivaled in terms of her optimism and cheerfulness, so she
should recover from that really soon. Everyone must have known that before they did
that, so I think a precautionary warning should be more than enough here.
"Leaving that aside, let us continue with the nicknames. Personally, I will love to
address Ginbe by 'Gin-Gin', how is that?"
"...... If possible, I hope we can avoid using that. It just sounds too frivolous, or rather,
too cutesy, no?"
"I think it is great. It is a fact that you are very slim, and very cute."
However, it seems like everyone has already more or less figured out how to deal with
my sister.
Not to mention, they had an understanding among each other, as though they had
planned it all out right from the beginning. Everyone here can be an actress, and they

85
are so good at it that I will not be surprised if some troupe is to approach them for
their talents. Akiko would naturally not be able to withstand the focus-fire from this
group of people.
"If so, don't I have to start addressing Nasuhara as 'Ana-ana' too?"[3]
"Ara, that sort of nickname is not befitting of me, who is Miss Ririana Academy."
"Yeah, if it is me, I will want to call Fuku-kaichou 'pussy-cat' instead."
"Kaichou, that obviously has a sexual connotation to it, right? How about try coming up
with something that is absolutely not related to that area, even if it is just once every
ten years?"
In any case.
The sideshow started out partly for laughs, but we became surprisingly enthusiastic
about it, and it continued on for quite some time. As for my sister, who was left out of
it all by herself, I felt sorry for your loss. That's all.

Notes

1. if you don't already know, anata means 'you' in formal usage, but it is also an intimate way for the wife
to address her husband

2. sauce refers to those Japanese worcestershire sauce (the brown sauce they squiggle onto
tonkatsu), but they typically refer to it as 'sauce'

3. translates to hole-hole

86
Chapter 8: 13th April, PM7:15 (Students'
hostel · Canteen)

"Let's all take a bath together."

All of us were having dinner together at the canteen, when Kaichou suddenly said that.
"Since the olden days, the best way to improve relationships is to bare ourselves in
front of others - that is of typical knowledge. So let us follow just that. How's that,
caretaker?"
"Oh my-. How should I put it? In regards to that."
Facing the question thrown at me, I tilted my head as I stretched out my chopsticks
towards the Saikyo-zuke spanish-mackerel in front of me.[1]
"Well, indeed, the bathroom here is designed to accommodate multiple people at
once. It is possible for everyone to take a bath together."
"That's right. So it is."
"Also, should everyone bathe by themselves, then we will have to reheat the water
each time. That's just too inefficient."
"Yup yup, it is very inefficient."
"Even if we are to take a look at the past records, we can see that the opening hours
for the bathroom is rather short. It seems like there were people who bathe together
back then as well."
"Mhmm. Indeed."
"Therefore, well, I am generally in favor towards Kaichou's suggestion."
"Ohh. As expected of the caretaker. You are really understanding."
"However."
I stared at Kaichou,
"That is if everyone agrees to it. I somehow don't think there will be anyone who is
willing to bathe together with a students' council president with the nickname of
'Predator'."
"Uhh. But, you are generally in for it, right?"
"Well yeah. There is no reason to oppose it."
We should try to stick to the operating procedures of the previous residents of the
hostel as much as possible. There are more advantages to having a group of people
bathing together as well.

87
"Well, let us hear from the others. Fuku-kaichou, what do you think?"
"I am not really against it."
Rather surprisingly, Nasuhara seemed to have agreed with that.
"Nikaido Arashi is unquestionably a beast, but she is a surprisingly level-headed
person. Looking at how things are, she should not be doing anything that is reckless."
She was gracefully sucking on a piece of clam while maintaining her expressionless
face - Nasuhara had put in some good words for Seito-kaichou.
Yeah, it's true, I do think Kaichou has that side to her as well. Though she is a
dangerous predator, she should understand the unspoken behaviors or courtesy as
demanded from her. In actual fact, even though she was surrounded by tens of lovers
in the past, I had never once heard of something negative being said about Nikaido
Arashi.
"I don't have anything against it either."
Ginbe said that as she cleared our dinner.
"This is a good chance for us residents to improve our relationship. I can't think of a
strong reason for me to oppose it...... What does lil' sister think?"
"...... To be honest, I am not too enthusiastic about it......"
"Oh. Why is that so?"
"Because, it is quite unthinkable for Nikaido-senpai to be not doing anything in that sort
of situation. Also, it is still better to take your time and enjoy your bath by yourself."
"Even though Nikaido Arashi is like that, she is still the Seito-kaichou of a famous
school. You can trust the words coming out from her mouth. Also, it's not as though
we have to bathe together everyday. Don't you think it is great for us to bathe together
for just today?"
"It is pointless reasoning with her, Gin-Gin. She is trying to come up with all sorts of
excuses, but ultimately, she just lacks confidence in her own body. Isn't that right,
Himenokouji?"
"Huh!? What are you implying, Nasuhara!"
"Exactly as I have said. Since you are inferior to me in terms of three-sizes, height and
even the length of our legs, you have no intention to stand side-by-side with me naked,
right? You can always hide it with the clothes you wear, but you can't do that in the
bathroom...... Well, that is how it is, Gin-Gin."
"That's how it is huh. Not wanting to bathe with us just because you are not confident
of your own body - that's just...... Even for someone like me, who can easily be
mistaken as an elementary school girl, I have never once hesitated to bare myself to
everyone. You really are useless."
"What's with that, I do not have that sort of—"

88
"If so, please prove yourself with your actions. No matter what, you have your stand
as the secretary of the students' council as well, so I do hope lil' sister can
demonstrate to us your team spirit...... then again, has the nickname 'Gin-Gin' really
stuck already?"
"Well, in any case, that's how it is."
As she said that, Kaichou gave a sinister smile.
"You may not be too willing, but just go along with it for today, Himenokouji. You can
join us with your clothes on if you are that unwilling, and should you wish to enjoy
bathing alone, you can do that after we have all left."
"Uhhhhh~...... I understand, I understand. I'll join everyone. That should be fine, right?"
"Good. That's my cute subordinate."
Kaichou gave a satisfied smile proudly.
But then again, the four girls will be enjoying themselves in the bathroom huh.
For all the fellow men in Japan, there should be no other scene that can quite make
you guys as excited as that. Of course, for me, that is the case as well. I am a guy
after all.
Still, that is the only period of time where the girls can enjoy a moment of rest. As a
guy, all I can do is to thank the gods for allowing that sort of utopian activity to occur in
the place I am living in. But whatever, I am satisfied with that.
"Alright. Let us take the bath after dinner. I remember the bath should take about thirty
minutes to fill up."
"Ah, everyone, please prepare yourselves for the bath, and leave everything here to
me. It should take quite some time for girls to prepare themselves for this, right? Ah,
also, I will be clearing up the utensils and stuff while you girls are taking the bath."
Just as how us guys have our bromance, the girls do have their own girly world as
well. I'll be in charge of doing the afterwork, so that the girls can enjoy their time in the
bath comfortably - though I was planning to do that sort of thing to please them,
however.
"Mmm? What are you talking about?"
Kaichou announced with a surprised expression.
I said, 'Let's all take a bath together', right? How can I leave you out by yourself?
Hmm?"

-♡-
And so, I was made to join them in their bath as well.
...... Ugh, though that is how it was written, I have absolutely no idea what I am

89
writing, or perhaps there is something wrong with my narration. But despite how crazy
and unbelievable things were, I could only accept whatever was happening in front of
my eyes as the truth.
And thus, I shall say things just as they were. Also, due to my pride as a professional
novelist (forgive me for my transgression), I am driven by my sense of duty to capture
everything that has happened into words - I don't know if it is really due to that, or if it
is actually something else.
"Fu-hyu. Ahh, the temperature's perfect."
"How incredible. It is no onsen, but somehow it really feels like it is an excellent
bathhouse. Perhaps the old but excellent design of the bathroom has amplified that
sort of feeling."
"...... Speaking of which, Akito has really joined us as well. Things like the atmosphere
of the situation and how things develop from there, it will occasionally end up with us in
a strange situation......"
"Bathing together with Onii-chan...... Bathing together with Onii-chan......"

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*Chapu chapu*
*Pisha pisha*
The sounds of the water in the bathtub reached my ears, together with the words of
the members of the students' council that St. Ririana Academy is proud of.

91
"Ahh, looking at how things are, I can only say that those bunch of people who want to
demolish this hostel are really idiots."
"So Kaichou will actually say something decent once in a while. The atmosphere of
this bathroom, which is comfortable and clean at the same time...... and also its
design is retro, and yet it has those modern touches at some places at the same time.
Everything is just exquisite. I have heard that this hostel was originally a females-only
hostel, and looking at how things are, it is not surprising. The whole building may be
so, but the bathroom is filled with even more hints that emphasizes about how the past
residents have been taking good care of the hostel."
"...... After seeing how you girls can calmly exchange your views about the bathroom,
I can only confirm that you two are both really impressive people. Ugh, but no matter
what, I had still joined in your conversation, so perhaps I am not in a position to be
telling you girls about that......"
"Bathing together with Onii-chan...... Bathing together with Onii-chan......"
"Yo Himenokouji Akito. You have not said anything since just now. Are you enjoying
yourself properly? This bath ain't too bad."
"H-Haa. Mmm, yeah."
Despite me answering with that, in actual fact, there was no room for me to enjoy the
bath properly. If there is any guy who can answer her with 'The water's really good'
without breaking a sweat, while in an unexpected situation of being among a group of
stark naked girls in the same bath, then that guy may be a male but definitely not a
man. At the very least, I will never want to befriend that sort of person in my life, and I
have no wish to understand them either. That is something that I can say definitely and
truthfully.
"Ka ka ka, why are you that stiff? Though we are bathing together, but not only are
you blindfolded, but you are wearing a swimming trunks as well. It's nothing special,
right?"
"No no no no."
She had really said something really crazy.
Of course, to be honest, my interest in the opposite sex is probably slightly lower than
that of your average person, and it is not like I am not aware of it as well. However, I
have not yet achieved the state of enlightenment where I can be in a bath with four
other girls, without having any thoughts in my mind.
Of course, it is not like things will be fine just because my eyes were blindfolded.
Rather, since I was robbed of my sense of sight, my sense of hearing and smell,
together with my imagination, had all sharpened as a result.
"Well, even so, considering that you were suddenly thrown into this sort of away-
ground, I will have to praise you for that. Even if this is an event filled with plenty of
service, most typical guys will still escape with their tail between their legs."
"Which is why, Akito is an intriguing man who is stubborn, and yet easily influenced by

92
the general flow of things...... Then again, I am not in much of a position to talk about
it, in regards to that...... Ahh, I really wish to get out of the bathtub right now."
"Oh why oh why. Why is even Gin-Gin saying that sort of feeble words? Even if you
are totally naked, it is not as if our caretaker can see you anyway. Just treat him like
an ornament or something."
"Kaichou is right. As of how things are now, we should enjoy the bath in a dignified
manner."
"Putting Kaichou aside, even Nasuhara is saying that. That's something that is hard to
comprehend."
"Ara. It is okay for you to really leave the bathroom right now, Gin-Gin. Because that
means I will have one less opponent to deal with. Should any sort of service happens
after you have left, you will be the only one to miss it."
"How can I leave by myself, after hearing that from you? God knows what will happen
should I leave you guys alone with Akito. In for a penny, in for a pound - I do
understand that idiom at the very least...... Then again, even though it is off topic, is
that nickname really stuck?"
"Bathing together with Onii-chan...... Bathing together with Onii-chan......"
"Speaking of which, isn't Himenokouji-imouto acting a little strange since just now?"
"She has always been strange."
"She is muttering to herself while in a trance. It's probably that - just by bathing
together with Akito, her nerves are probably close to their limits due to their state of
bliss."
"Her eyes are blank too...... She is really a bro-con inside out."
"To have reached such a state, she is really disgusting."
"Mmm. We should take this opportunity to let lil' sister take another look at her
relationship with Akito. This is for her own good as well."
Well well.
I was not too sure of the details as my sense of sight was taken away from me. Aside
from Akiko, who was saying something that seems to be from her dreams, it seemed
like everyone else was used to the situation already, surprisingly. Even Ginbe was
gradually settling down after her initial embarrassment phase.
Incidentally, this out-of-the-ordinary situation was lead by Kaichou with haste, with
Nasuhara applying some pressure from the sidelines. Akiko was conned by their
sweet words, while me and Ginbe were dragged along by the flow of things. I don't
think it was a coincidence for us two to be in the same situation, since we had just
transferred to the school. But for such a crazy act to be approved so naturally - that is
probably the ethos of St. Ririana Academy. Oh boy, in every sense, it is a really scary
elite school.

93
"Speaking of which, you guys."
Kaichou changed the subject with that.
"The deliberate act of us bearing our naked selves to each other is to improve the
camaraderie between us. As such, why don't we hold a small activity?"
"Haa. An activity huh."
I could not see Kaichou one bit, and yet I was still struck by the usual uneasy feeling.
"I don't have anything against the suggestion itself, but if possible, please keep it
within something that is on the tamer side. As of our current situation now, it is not
something that is reassuring, from the school's point of view. Since I am the caretaker
of this hostel, I hope that the activity will not be something too ridiculous."
"No worries. It is just scrubbing the back."
"Scrub? Back?"
Indeed, it is one of the long-standing activities done in the bathroom in Japan.
It fits quite well for our initial objective, and generally speaking, it is something that is
healthy - putting aside the problem whether a mixed bath could be something that is
considered as healthy.
"However...... it is something suggested by Kaichou......"
"There is no need to be uneasy. For a whimsical woman like me who cares about her
reputation, one of the things which I hate the most is unclean things and
disappointment. There is no bad intention, and I am not going to pull any tricks. I can
assure you that."
Mhmm.
It is true that Nikaido Arashi's words are definitely not something to be taken lightly.
Since she had already put it like that, I should just believe in her earnestly. Even if she
has some tricks up her sleeves, for a person like her, there should be another chance
and method for her to execute them.
"Us living together under the same roof, are stark naked in the water and scrubbing
each others' back. Should we do that, our camaraderie will definitely improve, whether
we want it or not."
"It is like that. But upon thinking on it deeper, isn't this activity something that will be
dominated by Kaichou, as someone who can be seen as a dual-wielding swordsman
in terms of sex? Everyone here is a candidate for your lover."
"If you are still feeling uneasy about me, I am fine with just you guys doing it, you
know? Just like I had stressed, this is to deepen the bonds between us. It is not
something that I had suggested due to my own personal desires...... However, it will
be really lonely for me to watch you people doing it while I can only suck on my own
thumb. If possible, I still hope you can allow me to participate."
"Oh well, since you have said it like that, then I have no choice but to believe in you. I

94
think it is totally fine for you to participate."
"Great. Thanks."
"I'll just take it as that. How about the others? What about Nasuhara and gang?"
"I do not really mind."
That was the answer from Fuku-kaichou.
"Ignoring her usual actions and words - just this once, what Kaichou had said is
absolutely correct. I cannot find a single reason to oppose it."
"Urm, really?"
"Let's not talk about that. How many times have I repeated this already, that I hope
you can call me by the name 'Anna'; when will that pig brain of yours actually
remember that? Should you continue to ignore my requests, I will change all your
underwear in the changing room to a fundoshi."[2]
"So you are using your favorite gag at a time like this......"
She actually said nothing back when we were thinking of nicknames. I really could not
understand this girl.
"To add on, I'll apply a thick layer of mentholatum to the crotch area of the fundoshi,
so please look forward to it."
"No, really, spare me from that."
What would I do should it cause some sort of weird sexual fetish to awake within me.
"Urm, what about Ginbe? Are you in agreement with that suggestion too?"
"Though not too readily."
There was a hint of sigh in my good friend's voice.
"As of this point, I will only be a joke if I continue being timid. I will try to conform to
you guys as much as I can. As the saying goes: when in Rome, do as the Romans
do."
"Even you are joining in as well aye......"
This friend whom I knew for a long time, is basically someone who is stubborn and
hardworking. Even if she has changed from that recently, she was someone who had
persuaded the lazy me countless times in the past.
Generally speaking, though she is of a European blood lineage, speaks like a boy, and
has overall character that is more striking than normal, she is probably the most
serious person out of everyone in this hostel...... Thus, it is quite chilling for the nerves,
to see someone like her to be gradually corrupted by the ethos of St. Ririana
Academy.
"It can't be helped."

95
Did she read my mind or something? Ginbe continued on while laughing wryly,
"I consider myself to be someone who has common sense. However, since living with
the student council members together, it feels like my 'common sense' is wrecked in
an instant."
I totally agree with that.
Since transferring to this school, the students' council had given me lots of troubles.
St. Ririana Academy is the most famous of all famous schools, and yet the elites of
the school are actually this bunch of nutcases. Moreover, that includes my younger
sister as well - I have no idea if I should be laughing or crying.
Forget it. In any case, things have already become like this.
Both Ginbe and I came from elsewhere, and we are both good friends - I hope we
can continue to help each other out. The reason is simple: if the minority does not
share a close relationship between themselves to fight against the outside threats
together, then they will not be able to survive.
"Urm, Akiko, what about you? Do you want to join in the back scrubbing too?"
"Bathing together with Onii-chan...... Bathing together with Onii-chan......"
I passed the baton to my sister, but she was still muttering something inaudible. No
response.
Judging from my rich experiences, that sound of hers is, you know, an indication of her
being in her own world. Her dazed look was right there in front of me.
Mhmm, forget it, I'll just leave my sister alone for now. If I were to make her snap
back to her normal self, then things may very well become even more complicated.
"Urm, then Akiko will be out. I think the rest of us will participate in the back-
scrubbing."
"Alright. That took quite a while."
"Before that though, there is something that I would like to confirm."
"Hmm? What?"
"Do I need to participate in this activity as well?"
"Of course? Or rather, your participation in the activity is so important that it will not
start without you."
"Ugh, but no matter what, I am still a man. It is barely acceptable for me to enter the
bathroom and bathe together with the girls blindfolded. But if it comes down to coming
into contact with a girl, then......"
"Why are you still worrying about insignificant things at a time like this? Isn't back-
scrubbing about using a towel to scrub one's back with some force? That can't be
considered as a physical contact."

96
"Urm, but, should I do that blindfolded, then I will not know where to scrub, right?"
"What, isn't that even better for you? You should take that opportunity to grope some
boobs - only so you can consider yourself to be an outstanding man, yeah?"
"I don't really care what you are thinking, but please do not force your values onto me,
Kaichou."
"What a stubborn fella...... alright, I get it. How about this. You will not be the one
doing the scrubbing, but the one receiving it. There should be no problem with that."
"Urm, even then, typically speaking, there will still be a problem, you know?"
To allow a totally naked girl to scrub your own back - that should be some services
that one can enjoy only at places that are legally operated, which accept only adults.
However, things will go to nowhere if I was to voice that out. I should have the 'in for a
penny, in for a pound' spirit, just like Ginbe had said. So......
"I think there's a problem with that too."
Just as I was thinking of that, Ginbe voiced out her objection.
"I have reluctantly agreed to that only because I thought it was an all-girls thing. It is
different if Akito is to participate as well. There is already plenty of problems just by
having him around here. If it is going to be like that, then I will pass."
A totally correct opinion.
Or rather, I want to forcefully voice out an opinion that is similar to Ginbe's as well.
However,
"Gin-Gin. That will not do, now that things have became like this."
Kaichou said something with a dumbfounded voice while I was thinking of doing so,
"It is hard for us to come to an agreement, so giving-up halfway is not an option. Think
about coordination, you know, coordination."
"Kaichou is right, but there has to be a limit to things. It is hard for me to agree with it,
and it goes against my conscience and common sense."
"Haha. You are smart, and you know how to talk, so why are you so surprisingly
stubborn at things like these. Should I say you are just being hairsplitting, or what......"
"It's just Gin-Gin being too innocent."
This time, even Nasuhara spoke.
"I originally thought she is quite the carnivore, seeing that she has moved here all the
way from Kyoto by herself. It seems like I was just reading the book by its cover.
However, it is quite understandable, should I think deeper into it, since she is still just
friends with Akito, after a long period of six years."
"...... What are you implying, Nasuhara?"

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"Nothing. I am just voicing out my thoughts in a straightforward manner."
"Really? But to me, it sounds like you are indirectly insulting me."
"Ara, that is a misunderstanding. Or rather, that is just the opposite. If you want to
know why, it is because I am starting to think you are really cute."
"You are saying cute? That's also seeing me not as an equal, right? I cannot accept
your judgement of me."
"Regardless of whether I am willing or not, cute things are just cute, there is no
helping it. Strong, faithful and yet slightly immature; despite your curves being really
lacking, your limbs are slender, and your waist is very thin too. Your eyes are round
and big, your eyelashes are long and thin, and your hair is silver and smooth...... Ahhh,
why did I not realize it earlier? Gin-Gin, you are really a girl who is unrivaled in terms
of cuteness. You are cute to the point where I want to put you into my glamorous
room as part of the decorations."
"...... Nasuhara. Is there something different about your character?"
"To add on, your skin is smooth as a baby's - Gin-Gin, can you allow me to touch it?"
"Wha- don't do that, it feels really uncomfortable."
"Ah, that faint expression of disgust is really cute too. Neh neh, can I hug you?"
"D-Don't say idiotic things like that. Are you actually someone who shares similar
interest with Kaichou as well?"
"Ara, you have misunderstood. I just love cute things, that is all."

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...... Seemed like things are taking on a strange turn. However, since I was blindfolded
and not too aware of what exactly was going on, I could not find the opportunity to
interrupt.
In any case, what I could understand then was: a new relationship had developed

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between Nasuhara and Ginbe.
"Alright, it's about time you stop, Fuku-kaichou."
Just then, Kaichou stopped them.
"Gin-Gin is feeling really uneasy already, and we are straying too far off from the main
topic. Should this continue, there will be no development to our current situation
regardless of the amount of time spent."
"Ara, I am sorry. Just look at the things I have done."
"In any case, Gin-Gin. There is something that I can tell you with full certainty. I
believe, upon hearing this, that uncertainty of yours will disappear in an instant - you
want to hear it?"
"...... Please."
"It's something simple, really. Can you really bring yourself to watch Akito getting his
back scrubbed by another woman, while all you do is to suck your thumb and watch
without saying anything?"
"............"
Silence.
For a brief moment, only the sound of the flowing waters could be heard.
"...... Just this once, alright?"
Ginbe said that with a whisper which sounded like it was forced out of her mouth.
"Alright, that's my cute subordinate. That posture of you coming to a difficult decision
with your shoulders trembling slightly due to your anger - to be honest, you look really
charming. With that, you have shot yourself to the first position in my rankings of
<<People whom I want to be lovers with>>."
"Enough of that crap, let us start immediately. How should we get about doing this,
and what about the sequence?"
"Anyway is fine. This is not a competition, just an activity to increase our camaraderie.
As for the sequence...... right, let's start from Gin-Gin."
"What, me first?"
"Yeah, out of respect of your difficult decision. Also, Himenokouji will get used to this
sort of excitement after a while, so the first to do it will get the best perks."
"I-I am not like you guys, I am not used to things like this. For me to be the first to do
it, that's a little too......"
"Why? You have came to this point already, and yet you are wimping out? Should you
think of yourself as a woman, then show us how broadminded you are. Should you run
away at a juncture like this, you will find yourself dumped not soon after, you know?
You had worked so hard to come from a place as far as Kyoto."

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"Ugh......"
Despite Ginbe sounding really conflicted, I heard a soft sigh from her soon after.
"Akito, sit on the scrubbing place."
"Ah, mmm."
I followed her instruction, and carried myself to the scrubbing place with my memories
as my guide, and sat on the chair.
My legs were slightly unsteady due to me being in the hot water all this time. Does
that mean I was soaking for too long?
"Ahem. Urm, well, I'll start."
"Ahh, mhmm. Please, Ginbe."
"Needless to say, this is my first time doing this. Should there be anything that is
unsatisfactory, please forgive me."
"Mhmm. I understand."
"Well then, do you have any requests when I am scrubbing your back? I wish to
accommodate to you as much as possible."
"Ah-. But this is the first time I am enjoying something like this as well. I can't do it like
I am at the hairdresser or the beauty salon, and just come up with a request right on
the spot."
"I-Is that so. That's fine, I'll just take it that we are both equally unfamiliar about our
current situation. Well then, I shall begin scrubbing now."
With that, Ginbe began her preparations.
The sound of the bucket filled up with water.
Dipping the towel into the hot water. And the sound of either soap or shower cream
lathering - I am not too sure which.
And a sense of nervousness that is shooting out of control.
"Urm, then...... here I go, Akito?"
"M-Mhmm. Ah, but Ginbe, you have been soaking in the bath for quite a while already,
right? Are you fine? Do you feel dizzy?"
"Ahh, I do feel slightly dazed. But no worries, it will not affect something as simple as
scrubbing your back."
"Really. Mmm, that's fine."
With that, my good friend touched my back through the towel.
"...... It's broader than I have imagined. Your back."
"R-Really?"

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"Mhmm. Even though you had always skipped them, Akito is still someone who was
trained by the Takanomiyas. This is probably the result of that."
"Well, I did step up my efforts in the recent years, though initially when I had just
arrive at the Takanomiya, I was not too serious about it...... Oh, Ginbe."
"Yes?"
"Are your hands trembling slightly?"
"Stop playing with me, they are not trembling at all. Stop talking, or else I will not be
able to concentrate. Just stay quiet-"
"Ouch it hurts."
"S-Sorry! I accidentally used too much strength...... I'll be gentler......"
"No, just go with that. For it to be slightly painful...... You can say that feels just
right......"
"R-Really? Then...... how about this?"
"Ah, there. Feels really great."
"Really. Then, how about this?"
"Ahhh...... Mmm, this feels good too."
"Then, this?"
"Ah— right, that's perfect. Then just continue with that-"
"...... Hyu— hyu—"
Just then.
Kaichou interrupted.
"My my, look at this, how should I put it...... right, Fuku-kaichou?"
"Yes, the atmosphere is something difficult to comment on."
"Though it is a little that...... for me to be saying this, but us onlookers are going red in
the face already. And it is not due to the heat of the bathroom."
"That is right. If this is not Gin-Gin but Himenokouji-imouto, then I will bully her till she
goes on her knees and begs for forgiveness. However, as Gin-Gin is very cute, I'll
forgive you this once."
"W-What's with you guys? Stop beating around the bush."
Due to the external disturbances, Ginbe stopped scrubbing,
"I cannot concentrate with you two yakking in the background. Be quiet for a while."
"Oh, we are really sorry. But...... isn't that right, Fuku-kaichou?"
"Yes, I understand what Kaichou is trying to say. Anyone in our shoes will probably

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experience the same feelings as well."
"...... If there is something that you two wish to say, then please say it clearly. If not,
then have some moderation in trying to hinder me."
"Really? Then I'll do as you wish, and say it-"
A brief pause.
Then with an extremely sissy voice,
"Gin-Gin. You sounded like you are doing this unwillingly, but there you are, putting
your vigor into this. The scene of a naked, blushing girl scrubbing the back of a guy is
much more erotic that I had imagined. I am honestly reflecting on it already."
"Yes, I am beginning to cower a little as well. And also, Gin-Gin, you should not have
realized it, but the mood between both of you is just like a pair of newlyweds."
"Ha—!?"
There was a serious tremble from the hands at my back.
I could immediately feel Ginbe standing up,
"Please do not say idiotic things like that! Me and Akito- hyaa!?"
What followed, was an impact that came with a *thud*.
I only came to know of it later...... but Ginbe then was staggering due to her dizziness,
and she had fallen into my back. Needless to say, with my eyes blindfolded, I did not
even dodge it. And due to me not expecting it or preparing myself mentally for it, thus,
"Whoa!?"
With that yell, I collapsed backwards onto the tiled floor.
Needless to say, it was together with Ginbe.
"Owwwowowow....... ah."
I opened my eyes while cringing my face due to the pain.
"....... Ah."
Ginbe was right before me.
I do not know if it was due to her still not coming into terms with our current situation,
but there she was, looking down at me, while in an attire befitting of someone in a
bath - she was stark naked.
And for some unknown reason, the towel covering my eyes had fallen off when we
were collapsing onto the ground.
"............"
"............"

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Ginbe and I were both frozen, and we continued staring at each other.
— We are good friends, and we had been together for a long time.
Even then, that will not change the fact that we are a pair of male and female. We
didn't change in the same room before and after our sports classes, and we were
separated during our body checkups as well. Meaning, I have never done things with
her that are easily done between men - things like 'baring ourselves to each other'.
So obviously, things like this was something of a first.
I see. Indeed, she is not tall, and her curves are not obvious. But her face is small, her
limbs are slender, and both are at a perfectly balanced proportion. Her European
white skin are tight and springy, causing the water droplets that were dripping onto it
to bounce off. Oh boy, isn't that impressive.
...... My brain must be going wrong somewhere, for me to be calmly thinking of things
like that at such a time,
"—Hyu!"
In the next instant.
From Ginbe's throat, came a voice that sounded like it was squashed. Tears appeared
in her huge eyes, and her expression was contorted like that of a crushed ball of
paper. Then-

104
 -♡-
And so.

105
Even for an old friend like me, that was the first time I heard Ginbe's cute shriek, and
with that the activity came to an end. 'In order to prevent the same incident from
happening again' - due to Ginbe advocating that strongly, the rest of us agreed to be
more prudent in the future.
Well, naturally so.
In fact, I had no idea how we could get that sort of activity going. Let's just treat it as
a lesson so that everyone can prevent things like that from happening again in the
future. Yup.
Also, there was another byproduct from this incident, that I will have to inform
everyone about.
It has to do with my sister, who was satisfied just by being in the same bath as me,
resulting in her not interacting with us at all. You can say that the blatant display of her
extreme brother-complex was the final straw which resulted in a proposal.
"Himenokouji Akito and Himenokouji Akiko - shouldn't both of them be sleeping in
different rooms?"
That was the earth-shattering proposal for her, which she found to be hard to swallow.

Notes

1. a Kyoto cuisine. Fish marinated with sweet miso

2. Fundoshi is the traditional Japanese undergarment for adult males, made from a length of cotton.

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Chapter 9: 13th April, PM9:00 (Students'
hostel · Canteen)

"Me and Onii-chan? Living separately?"

During the rest time after the bath, in the hostel's canteen.
After hearing the proposal from Kaichou and Nasuhara and Ginbe, my sister gave a
blink as though she was listening to some foreign language.
"Urm— sorry, I don't understand what you people are talking about."
As the representative of the group, Kaichou began explaining.
"It is the same everywhere no matter which family you go to. Regardless of how good
their relationship is, typically speaking, the elder brother and younger sister will not be
allowed to live in the same room. Of course, there are exceptions, but those will be
due to the difficulties they are facing - an example: the house is already cramped, and
there are no extra rooms."
"Haa."
My sister had an expression which says she still could not understand.
"Urm, but, me and Onii-chan only have us siblings as our only remaining relatives."
"Back when the hostel is still 'Himenokouji's house', it is nothing unnatural. That's
because the room you two are living in, can be considered to be like a 'house'. It's an
apartment with a single room - such situations are rare, but they still exist."
"Haa, I guess."
"Still, that is a thing of the past. Currently, this building is a standard students hostel,
and not an empty apartment whose residents consist of only you siblings. It is
operated by students under the supervision of the school, a place where students live
together under a set of rules."
"That......"
"It is written in the rules. 'All residents will have their own room, and they will be in
charge of their own living quarters'. The room is not that big, but it is still the resident's
own territory, so you can't be depending on others to clean up your ass. That's how it
is."
"............"
"Taking a hundred steps back, should you act like an ordinary younger sister, then it's
not like we can't turn a blind eye to it. However, that does not apply for a younger
sister who nearly went to heaven just by bathing together with her trunks-wearing
blindfolded elder brother. Moreover, you keep openly insisting on loving your elder
brother as a man. To allow you both to live in the same room under that sort of

107
situation, that's really impossible no matter how you look at it. Should anything
happens, we will not be able to explain to the school, and at that time, all of the
residents of the hostel will have to bear some of the responsibility as well."
"......."
"Due to the above mentioned reasons, you should be living separately from
Himenokouji Akito. Ah, don't be like that, it's not like we want you both to be
separated immediately. We just wish it to be as soon as possible, alright?"
"...... That. Ugh."
She finally got a grasp of the current situation.
Akiko was originally planning to listen to what Kaichou has to say with a smiling face.
However, as her expressions gradually became stranger, she was suddenly in tears.
"Eh? Urm, but me and Onii-chan have been together again only after six years and
going through much difficulties, that-"
"If you are a normal younger sister, it will be fine for you to do as you wish to make up
for the six years window period."
As Akiko voiced out her objection, Nasuhara pointed out coldly.
"But since that is not the case, then this is the correct judgement. I don't like you, but
this is nothing personal. Everyone else will probably agree to this arrangement."
"Even then, should you insist on living together no matter what."
This time, Ginbe stood up,
"Then the only option left is for you siblings to leave the hostel. Of course, that will not
solve the root of the problem. Also, since we are already fellow residents living
together, it would be a shame should that happens."
She was totally isolated, without anyone to run to.
She was assaulted by waves after waves of flawless and perfectly correct
arguments. Just as I thought that even Akiko will be helpless in that sort of situation,
"— H-Hmph! Even if you guys have said those sort of grandiose words, it is still far
from defeating me!"
She turned the situation to her favor in an instant.
As per usual, she was smiling with an unknown source of confidence, and puffing her
chest,
"Because no matter what others say, the love between me and Onii-chan is absolute.
The proof is this: Onii-chan had tried all his means -though he would not tell me what
those things are- in any case, he had did his best so that us siblings can living together
by ourselves once again. Also, he has managed to obtain enough money for our
expenses -though he would not tell me what sort of work he is doing- in any case, he
has still done it. Lastly, no matter what sort of irritating attacks I did on him, he will

108
always smile and forgive me in the end."
"...... So you are aware of yourself being irritating, huh."
"In any case, from the various evidences, the fact about me and Onii-chan being in
love with each other is obvious!"
My sister continued her speech emotionally, as she ignored my subconscious
tsukkomi.
"Indeed, Onii-chan has no intention of seeing me as a woman! However, it is also true
that he treasures me a lot! For something as unreasonable as to force us to live
separately - how can I agree to that! Yes, I absolutely can't!"
"...... Well, it's not like we are implementing it with force."
Finally, she ended off with that.
"We will still have to listen to the caretaker of this hostel, which happens to be the
eldest son of the Himenokouji family. The final decision will rest in that fella's hand.
That is something that everyone can agree on. Isn't that right, Himenokouji Akito?"

-♡-
And thus, with that.
In the first day where everyone from the students' council have gathered together to
live in the hostel, the end of the end. It has turned into a situation where I have to
decide on how to deal with the root of the problems between my sister and I.
Well, we had it coming. No, in fact, I was quite surprised that no one has mentioned it
up till now.
My sister's feelings towards me was obviously beyond that of siblings love.
Should the Arisugawa or Takanomiya come to know about this, they will definitely put
an expression of a demon and reprimand us brutally - though I will definitely make
them fail in their attempts to do that. However, there is the fact about Akiko's lack of
ethics, which is a problem that is really difficult to deal with. Things have finally boiled
down to this, and it seems like it will not do if I do not come up with a definite answer.
And then.
I wish to talk about something that I have never mentioned before.
It is about the conversation of the Himenokouji family.
Just like I had mentioned earlier, for the past six years, my sister and I have been
growing up in different families.
I grew up at the Takanomiya family.
While my sister grew up at the Arisugawa family.

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Also, one can probably infer from those exaggerating names, that these two noble
families have quite a bit of history to them. They are still wielding a lot of influence in
the current world of economy.
Of course, those two are not the only noble families around. There are still plenty of
other fleeting families that I am not familiar with. Putting aside the Nasuhara family,
who has only grown in strength recently, Ginbe's Sawatari family can be considered to
be one as well; so does Kaichou's Nikaido family; and pardon me, but us Himenokouji
family can be counted as one too.
However, for us Himenokouji, even though our status is not low, there are not too
many people left who is directly affiliated to the family. Meaning to say, we are close
to the state of extinction.
Then you may ask: why is a noble family like that in the danger of being without a
successor - this is where my parents takes the stage, as the main reason for all of our
troubles.
To conclude, regardless of my father or mother, they were both people who create
lots of trouble for others.
Aside from the word 'troublesome', there is no other better way to describe them.
Of course, it is not like they were bad people. They were full of drive, they put their all
in their work, and their open and innocent personalities were popular with a lot of
people. Even I am one of those who like them a lot. Ignore the bad people part, you
can say that they were your textbook models of good people.
However, in this world, it is not like there are no flaws to the good people, and neither
can you say that what they are doing is good all the time. Both my father and mother
were your perfect examples - as a family member, they can be considered to be sinful
failures.
There are two reason why I describe them as 'troublesome'.
One: they couldn't manage their own finances.
Two: they were too trusting towards others, and they had the bad habit of handling
things for others to do.
As for the former, you can probably understand simply by seeing how me and Akiko
were in a state where we had to depend on some other families - that is because
there is not a single thing that can be considered to be a property of the Himenokouji
family, despite us being a noble family.
My parents were capable and love working - since they were managing all sorts of
enterprises, they should have earned quite a sizable sum of money. However, all the
earnings were either donated, or distributed to fellow colleagues and workers
generously, leaving us without a single penny. That's the sort of people they were.
Well, their favorite food was all sorts of instant food, so they were the type of people
that requires little monetary maintenance in regards to their meals - that's what I think.
Also, those who live that sort of life usually don't live long either - that's what I think as

110
well.
As for the latter, it is easy to imagine it as well, seeing how they had dumped
everything to do with the house to me, who was of a young age. Since they were
earning so much, they could have just simply hired some servants for a young master
like me. However, they simply threw everything to someone who knew nothing of the
world, and was one hundred percent innocent. Not just the housework, but even the
education of my younger sister.
Well, it is thanks to all these, that I had learned quite a lot of things. You can say that
all those things have molded me into who I am today, but that is just purely speaking in
terms of the results. At least pick the right person to do this...... Urm, but, no matter
what, I still maintained our house quite impressively, so perhaps you can say that my
parents had quite the foresight. In actual fact, the enterprises managed by them were
actually operating really smoothly as well.
To conclude.
There is one thing that I can say for certain. That is, my parents were unique people,
and at the same time, you can say that they were eccentric people.
In another words, they were your soldiers of fortune.
Being born in the noble families where everyone places emphasis on tradition, their
existence were viewed as a sort of aberration. In fact, their abnormality was
frequently viewed as the source of cancer for the family.
The pair of cancer cells were very similar, and they were so close, their mutual
understanding were so impressive, they were like puzzle pieces that fit just nicely.
Therefore, the trouble and benefits caused by the two had an unexceptional influence
to their surroundings as well. Even so, there was no unanimous conclusion reached,
as to whether those things can be considered to be lucky or otherwise for the duo in
question.
...... And with that, we have finally reached the main topic.
This was something that happened back when my parents are still alive.
"Neh father. Can I ask something?"
On that day, it was the rare occasion (and it's really rare) where both of my parents
were at home.
And I finally managed to had the chance to ask a question which had been bugging me
for quite a while.
"Mmm? What's up, Akito?"
"It's about Akiko and me. Could it be that we are not real siblings?"
"Oh."
My father shifted his line of sight off the novel which he was reading, and smiled at
me,

111
"Why do you think so?"
"If you ask why, it's just a feeling I have."
"Is that so? But that doesn't seem to be the case to me. In my eyes, it must be on a
certain basis for you to be saying that."
Since I was pointed out, I might as well come clean.
"Mmm- actually, it's when I was chatting with my friends."
"Oh."
"Then we talked about sisters."
"Mhmm."
"Everyone was saying things like, 'elder and younger sisters are really irritating', or 'or
rather, they are really disgusting', or 'I really can't see them as girls'. Due to those
words, I thought the relationships between them and their sisters are poor, but that
does not seem to be the case. Rather, they are still getting along as siblings."
"I see, I see."
"But as for me, I find Akiko really cute. It's not about liking or disliking her, I just see
her as an ordinary girl. At the very least, I have never once seen her as disgusting or
irritating. So it just feels very weird. If that is the case, then there is either something
wrong with my brain, or that me and Akiko are not blood-related siblings."
"Really-. Mhmm."
My father crossed his arms as he said that. After a while, he nodded,
"Oi— Mummy—. Come here for a second."
"Coming coming. What's wrong, Daddy?"
"Mmm. Seems like Akito has found out."
"Ara ara. Oh my."
My mother was making pastry in the kitchen, and she walked out while hugging on to
the egg beater and the bowl,
"It's exposed?"
"Mmm. Exposed."
"Did Daddy leak it by accident?"
"No no. Akito found out by himself."
"Ara ara. I see."
...... Looking at the conversation between my parents, my only thought was 'wow,
they're taking it real easy'. Me and Akiko are brought up as twins, but in reality we are
not real siblings - that should be a huge problem that affects the basic foundations of

112
the Himenokouji family, and it should be kept in absolute secret from the outsiders.
They were being way too relaxed, even though the secret's out already.
"Well, it's because initially, we had never imagined such a thing to happen."
While looking at the dumbfounded me, my father said laughingly,
"Moreover, it is not like I can cover it up, with you looking at me so seriously. And, it is
something that I will have to reveal someday, anyway."
"Ahh...... is that so."
"Then again, the same goes to you, Akito. You have came to know of such a shocking
truth, and yet you are still so calm and collected. You are not in a position to say
anything to Daddy and Mummy."
"Well, yeah."
In actual fact, I am quite certain about this fact. Rather than saying that I was
questioning them, you can think of it as me confirming the fact with them - that's how it
really should be. Also, I was already used to my parents' eccentricity.
"Even then, it's still surprising that you have realized it."
This time, it was mother's turn to sigh, as she continued to whip the egg-whites,
"We have obtained full assistance from our gynecologist, and we have done plenty of
stuff to our family register as well. We have also done lots of things in many other
areas. There is actually no one, not even our close relatives, who has realized
anything."
Though she was speaking to me in a light fluttery manner, things are still getting really
troublesome, no matter how you look at it. Any wrong step will probably end up with a
trip to prison, resulting in huge problems for the people around us. Then again, this is
not something that can be done easily just because you want to. Tweaking the family
register is of a totally different level from changing the stage name or the pen name.
"No no Mummy, we should be saying, it is as expected from Akito. Our small tricks
are nothing more than child's play in Akito's eyes. Ah, I had expected you to find out
someday, but I never thought it will be this soon."
"Yeah. Akito is a really smart and dependable child. He has done things like cooking
and cleaning without any complains, and has also taken good care of Akiko as well.
Without you, we will not be able to concentrate on our work. Really, we can't thank
you enough."
...... Well, that's exactly how those two will say out their inner thoughts.
Even so, it will not makes one feel uncomfortable, or that they are overdoing with the
praises - in regards to that aspect, they were surprisingly well calculated. Or you can
say, that their nickname 'Man-eater Himenokouji' used by some people was really
fitting for them.
As a saying goes: with enough praises, even pigs can climb the trees. But in the case

113
of my parents, forget about trees - they probably can even fly...... In any case, they
were good at spotting the capabilities of a person, and developed them to their fullest.
You can barely say that the reason for me to be quite independent for my age, is in no
small part due to the influence of my parents.
"Ah. Incidentally, the one who is not blood-related is you."
"Eh?"
I was speechless, while facing my father who continued to be blunt without much of a
care.
"...... Don't you think, it's just a little too casual? It should be a really heavy topic for
me, you know."
"Even though you put it like that, but at a time like this, there is no point in hiding
anymore. There's not much meaning in telling you all these while being all emotional
and crying, right?"
Whatever, he's right too.
It was pointless, and there was no other option. Most importantly, that's how my
father was.
"Also, even if you are not blood-related to us, you are still our son. Or perhaps you
are thinking stupid things like, just because you are not blood-related to us, you are
not our child anymore?"
"...... No. Definitely not."
It was because I had already came up with that conclusion, that I chose to bring up
the topic in the first place.
"Speaking of which, you have mentioned that you both have did somethings to the
family register, right?"
"Mmm. So I did."
"Why do you have to do that deliberately? Since you are planning to tell me anyway, it
should be fine even if you did not do that."
"Mmm. There's lots of reasons for that. Himenokouji is a really troublesome family."
With that said, my father scratched his head with a perplexed look.
At then, I did not realize just how troublesome the problems of Himenokouji family are
in reality. I had only came to realize that after I was separated from Akiko, and moved
into a noble family while in an isolated state. But I'll just leave these things for next
time, should there be a chance for me to do so.
"Well then Akito. Though we are not blood-related, you are still the son of me and
your mother. There are a few things that we would like to request of you."
"Request? Me?"

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"Firstly, we hope you can keep this a secret."
"Mmm. Well, that's what I am planning to do anyway."
"That includes Akiko too, you know?"
"Even Akiko? Ugh- urm, this is...... It feels slightly mean, for only the lass from the
family to be kept in the dark."
"Well, she is someone who will become really troublesome should she come to know
about the truth. It is best to keep it a secret from her as well."
With that, my father shrugged.
"There are less than ten people in this world who know about this. Well, the number
has reached the threshold for keeping it as a secret. Should the information spreads
even further, then it will be out of the domains where Daddy and Mummy can control."
"But, no matter what, it will be revealed someday, right? Didn't I realize it myself too?"
"You can put it that way, since you are the person in question. It is not strange for you
to feel like there is something off in the relationship between you and Akiko. But like I
had said, that was accounted for right from the beginning."
"Even then, wouldn't a simple DNA test reveal everything?"
"Mmm, so it will. That's why Daddy and Mummy have actually put in a lot of effort,
and put on a lot of show, in an attempt to cover it up."
Both siblings' name begin with the character <秋 (aki)>, in order for everyone to have
the concept that "Himenokouji Akito and Himenokouji Akiko are twin siblings'. It has
already penetrated deep into their consciousness — my father explained cheerfully.
"To add on, your blood-type is the same as Akiko's, and your faces look alike. It will
be bad should people think, 'this pair of siblings do not look the same at all'. We can
only consider ourselves to be really lucky for the appearance of such favorable
conditions, thus typically speaking, no one will get suspicious of it. The first
impressions are really strong and long-lasting."
"...... Well, I understand all that. But still, don't you think it is better to let Akiko know?"
"You are really harping on that."
"Because it feels really bad. Since I found out about it myself, then won't it be the
same for Akiko in the future? Therefore, I am thinking, wouldn't it be better for her to
just tell her right now?"
"Nah, I don't think she will be hurt. Rather, she will be jumping with joy."
" ? Is that so?"
"Forget it, let's not talk about that for now."
My father brushed it off vaguely,
"It's fine with Akiko. As long as no one tells her, that lass will never realize it herself."

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"Why?"
"Well, the first impression thing we had talked about earlier - it has already entrenched
itself deeply in Akiko's mind. We had instilled that into her since she's a baby, and we
have done it quite thoroughly. So much so that should the time comes when the lass
realized this by herself, everyone in the world would have know of it by then. Well, we
can't put the possibility to zero, but you can say the chances are so small, we can
pretty much ignore it."
"...... Since father has put it like that, then it means that should it be found out, then
there will probably be someway to deal with it. That's what you think, right?"
"Yeah, that's how it is."
With that, my father and mother exchanged looks briefly.
They looked really happy.
"...... What's up? Both of you seemed really happy."
"Do you have to ask. It's obviously because we are happy about how our son is
growing up."
My father's smile became even brighter,
"You are not shaken despite things turning out to be like this. Or rather, despite being
shaken, you have managed to control yourself so that it will not show on your
expressions. That is not something that can be easily done. And you have placed me,
Mummy and Akiko under consideration first before yourself, right? Daddy is really
happy at how gentle you are."
"It is useless saying all that, you know? Whenever father praises someone like that, it
means that you definitely have something bad up your sleeves."
"Hey hey, don't doubt people like that. I am in full praise of you, and I am about to
request the second thing of you too, but these two things have no relation to each
other, alright?"
"Yeah yeah...... And? What's the second thing?"
"Mmm. I hope you can protect Akiko."
"Mmm. Understood."
I agreed immediately.
"I'll protect Akiko. That lass is my precious little sister, so even without the request
from father, I will still protect her. No matter what that lass will become, no matter
who she pissed off, I will always protect her. That has nothing to do with us not being
blood-related. I will definitely protect her."
"...... How very dependable."
My father narrowed his eyes.

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As though he had seen the bright rays of the morning sun rising from behind my back.
"I am proud of you, Akito. Me and your mother have already fulfilled our goals in life,
and are able to puff our chest proudly, just because we have raised you up well. It is
really great that you have became our son."
"Mmm. Mmm."
"And also, this is the only thing that you are not to forget, alright? Since the day you
are born till now, you have always been me and your mother's son, for each and every
passing second. Of course, you are still our son from now on, till forever. This is the
only thing which I hope you can remember, no matter what may happen."

-♡-
— Like that.
That is the small episode between my parents and I, where it was revealed that I am
not blood-related with my younger sister.
What happened to my parents later, and why do Akiko and I have to be sent to live at
different families -I'll explain those things should I get the chance to do so in the future.
The problem right now is, in regards to the action that I should take about our current
situation.
Night was slowly falling onto the canteen of St. Ririana Academy's students hostel.
Someone proposed me and Akiko should stay in different rooms, and the final
decision had fallen into my hands. In a situation like that, what sort of answer should I
give?
"Uuhhh...... Onii-chan?"
My sister stared at me, as though I was the final straw that could save her.
Kaichou, Nasuhara and Ginbe were all looking at me with varying expressions, while
waiting for my answer.
"...... Hmm."
I closed my eyes, and thought for a while.
I remembered the promised which I had made, as mentioned in my recount.
'No matter what happens, I will always protect Akiko', that.
Even though I had said all those things, I still love my parents a lot, and respect them
more than anyone else. I had confidently and uprightly sworn before their very eyes.
Of course, that determination of mine has never once shaken. Even now.
Doing my all to get my sister back to my side is one of the proof of that. If it is not

117
because of me treasuring her a lot, and if I do not carry out my oath with a firm
determination, it will be impossible to accomplish this feat - I can say that proudly.
And what drives the not-too-diligent and not-too-capable me, what wills me to
overcome all odds to obtain this victory, is the wish of 'being together with my younger
sister once again'. That is the obvious truth.
The proposal and my wish are in conflict with each other.
Or you can say, it will cause my six-years worth of effort to be all for naught.
Also, take a look at the person who was directly involved in this.
My younger sister was staring at me with teary eyes, as though she was watching her
savior descending from the sky.
That expressions that says she was uneasy and afraid, yet at the same time, she had
absolute trust in me.
(...... Well, there's nothing to fret about.)
I could not help but gave a snicker.
Because, as a person, and as a man. No, as the son of my parents.
It is natural for me to keep my promise. That is not something I should be agonizing
at, or be at a lost on what to do.
"I understand everyone's opinions."
Opening my eyes, I gave a smile.
Then, without any doubt or regrets, and with an enlightened feeling.
No, you can even say that I said my conclusion with pride.
"I'll live separately from Akiko. I hope to move all the stuff by tonight, so everyone,
please help me out. Alright?"

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 Chapter 10: 14th April, AM2:00
(Students' hostel · Caretaker's room)

Of course, things were not that simple.

"What do you mean by this!"
"Onii-chan you traitor! I am wrong about you!"
"We could finally be together again after much difficulties, and yet you are giving this
up by yourself, how unbelievable! I totally cannot understand what Onii-chan is
thinking!"
"Akiko is furious! I have never been this angry ever since I was born! My anger can
cause Mt. Fuji to erupt already!"
"If so, I will never put on a nice expression in front of you for the rest of my life! And I
will never make Onii-chan's favorite dishes, nor will I wash Onii-chan's underwear! In
short, I will not do anything for Onii-chan anymore! Our relationship between us
siblings ends here! Are you fine with that?"
"Ah, ah, sorry, that's all a lie, I've said too much. Those words are just rhetorical, I
don't really mean it that way. I wish to get along well with Onii-chan forever. Yes, of
course, it is definitely like that."
"...... Do we really have to live separately? It is still not too late for you to be
regretting? You will definitely regret about ignoring your cute little sister later, you
know?"
"Uwaaaaaaa! Onii-chan is an idiot! Meanie! That's enough, I don't care about you
anymore! Uwaaaa!"
...... etc.
In general, my sister vehemently opposed to it.
In the end, she was there standing in the caretaker's room with the intention of
resisting all the way, but I used something called the authority of an elder brother, and
made her surrender.
And thus, it was two in the morning at the next day.
The surprise moving operation which all residents participated in, except for my
younger sister, had just ended.
Kaichou, Nasuhara and Ginbe had all returned back to their rooms, while I was there
by my lonesome in the deserted caretaker's room.
"...... Somehow, this apartment looks pretty spacious."
This apartment was designed such that the caretaker of the hostel can stay in here

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together with his whole family. It felt slightly cramped back when I lived here together
with my sister, but right now, it seemed rather huge.
"Mmm. Things are going to get pretty lonely here. Mmm."
Ever since moving in here during the early summer, I am with my sister all the time for
nearly 24/7. Something just feels not right, and the feeling was a hundred times worse
then that of walking around with just a single shoe on. The feeling has been lingering
around me since just now.
"Ahh, I see, this is the so called sense of emptiness."
Along with the term that I would not mention typically, I pushed out all of my feelings
with a sigh.
My current feelings were comparable to that six years ago when I was forced to
separate from my sister - though it had not quite reached that state yet, but the
mental blow which I had received was probably something that is just a step away
from that. Oh well, I can't quite retort if someone is to tell me 'that is just you
exaggerating things'. No matter what, my sister is in a room just ten meters away
from me.
"Alright, it's about time I sleep."
The rest day was already over, and lessons will start in about six hours time. I
originally hoped to work a little on my novel if possible, but I was no longer in the
mood to do so. All I could do now is to sleep.
Perhaps my feelings will change once I wake up.
"Since I have already decided, let's brush my teeth then......"
I walked to the sink with a yawn, and as I stretched out my arms to take my
toothbrush,
"Eh?"
I saw it.
In the cup that was on the shelf, held two toothbrushes.
Obviously, they were not for my use only.
"If I put two toothbrushes into a single cup like this, it will feel like we are a pair of
couples that have just started dating. Ehehe."
My sister said that as she placed the toothbrushes into the cup. Meaning to say, she
had forgotten it there.
"It's because it was really chaotic while we are moving the things...... though I was
expecting some things to be forgotten in the process."
But a toothbrush huh. It will not really matter if the things left behind are things that are
not commonly used, or not too important, but I couldn't allow her to sleep without
brushing her teeth. Can't help it, I'll just deliver it to my sister's room. Not to mention, I

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wish to check on how that lass is feeling right now.
I walked by the corridor in the middle of the night, towards my sister's room.
And gently knocked on the slightly old but still very sturdy door.
"Oi-. Akiko~"
No response.
Another knock.
"You have forgotten something, you know? Toothbrush. You need it."
No response.
...... Ugh, mmm.
Did I really make her furious this time around? Normally, even if she was sleeping
soundly, or if she was a kilometer away from me, she would definitely reply me
energetically with a wide smile when I called her-
As I thought of that, I subconsciously placed my hands on the door, and the door
opened just like that.
Hmm, that Akiko.
I told her since young, to remember to shut the doors and windows tight. I will have to
discipline her properly for this.
"Oi Akiko. The door's not locked, you know? What are you going to do should Kaichou
strikes in the middle of the night-"
I could not continue my words.
It is a space that is much smaller than the caretaker's room.
Though it is well constructed, there are still tiny problems all over the six-tatami sized
room.
My sister was lying on the table, breathing steadily and quietly.
"...... You should sleep in your futon - I have reminded you countless times already,
yeah?"
A sigh accompanied my wry laughter.
If it was during the normal times, I would definitely preach her, and would not forgive
her until I am satisfied with bullying her. Forget it, I'll just pretend I never see it this
time. I no longer had the mood to do so, after seeing the dried up tears at the corners
of her eyes.
"Here. At the very least, put this on."
I put the woolen blanket onto her shoulders, and gently patted her head.
Despite my sister twitching her body to what was probably due to an itch, there was

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no signs of her waking up.
(A leopard will never change its spots - that's how it is said, right? There are no signs
of improvement to this lass' brother-complex.)
I had said it plenty of times already, but the reason for me living separately from my
sister, and the reason for allowing the members of the students' council to move in
here, is because the most important thing right now is to cure my sister of her brother-
complex.
Akiko has grown into a lady who will not embarrass herself in all sorts of situation, but
should she reveals her true nature while living with me, then she will be opening an
opportunity for the Takanomiya or the Arisugawa to strike. All her reputation and
status which she had accumulated, will disappear in a flash as well. The most
problematic thing is, it seems like she does not give a damn to her reputation and
status which she had painstakingly accumulated. She will throw them away without
any hesitation in an instant, should the situation requires her to do so.
Well, that sort of straightforwardness, or you can say foolishness, is indeed one of her
plus points. If possible, I wish to respect her decision as much as possible.
(But it looks like the days where we live together in the same room will end right
here.)
It is for the best for us to live separately for now. I do wish to live together, but we
can't do that right now.
Ahh, that's right.
Ginbe, you are right.
The things you had pointed out and worried about back in the past, they are all
absolutely true. As expected from my good friend whom I have been with for years.
Yes, it's exactly as you had said. But that is to be expected, naturally.
After being separated for six years and reuniting again once more, my sister has
became so pretty she looks like a totally different person.
And she was openly displaying her affection towards me.
And I know that there is no blood-relation between us.
O— K—, I admit.
To be honest, I have zero confidence of maintaining my rationality should we continue
on with our current situation.
Therefore, I have no choice but to keep a distance away from her.
This is a suggestion targeted towards my sister's brother-complex, which is proposed
by the fellow members of the students' council - that is the other reason as well.
But the crux of everything is so as not to turn my promise I've made to my parents into
nothing but empty words. 'No matter what happens, I will always protect Akiko' - I

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have no choice but to go all out and remove all factors that are of danger to her.
Even if that factor is me.
Or even if that is not what my sister has wished for.
(...... Oh boy. I am in a position that is filled with difficulties as well.)
The six years is really far too long.
Regardless for me or my sister, that period of time has allowed the platform where
we see each other as members of the opposite sex to form completely. Indeed, I had
viewed Himenokouji Akiko as a member of the opposite sex in the past, but that is just
me looking at her as my younger sister, and nothing more.
Therefore, I have no intention of revealing the point of us not being blood-related to
my younger sister.
Should she come to know of the truth, my younger sister will probably go ecstatic, and
launch even more aggressive attacks on me. Since she still thinks of me as her blood-
related brother, it will probably work as some sort of restriction on her, even if we are
talking about the world champion bro-con here. Should that barrier be removed, I
guess it will be obvious what the outcome will be.
Then again that lass has the bad habit of just being all talk (like what happened earlier
on today while we were cleaning the bathroom), so perhaps in actual fact things may
not get too chaotic. But if she tries to charm me even more aggressively then she is
doing now, then I really do not have the confidence to...... no, sorry, really.
In any case, my policy will not change.
I'll continue to do the things that is needed from me as an elder brother, and I will do
what I think is for the best. This is something that will never change.
— I once again engraved that determination into my heart, and gently patted her head
yet again.
As she will definitely ask for more once I do that, I have never once did it to her no
matter how much she begged...... But it is an exception when she is asleep.
I have made her cried a lot today, so such levels of service should be fine.
Pat pat.
Pat pat.
In order not to wake her up, I did so gently and diligently. I stroked her hair again and
again, as if to affirm the touch of my sister's hair.

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To put it cornily, her bright and lustrous black hair is just like silk. It's to the point where
I think she can just feed herself for the rest of her life just by being the model for
shampoos or conditioners in advertisements.
The skin on her face is spotlessly white, and smooth like a baby's.

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Her facial features need no further praise from me. Even her eyelashes on her closed
eyelids are long and thin, totally ignoring the need of mascara.
Ahh, damn.
If she is not my younger sister, I will definitely commit something wrong.
Of course, I cannot imagine Akiko as someone who is not my younger sister, and I
think it is precisely because we are brought up as siblings, that such feelings exists in
me today.
Ahh, what a shame.
Really, it's to the point where I am grinding my teeth in frustration.
......
............
........................
Forget it, there's no point in me staring into blank space at here. It would be bad if I
stayed around for too long and she woke up. We have to know when to stop.
"Well then. I'll go back to sleep too."
With that said, I left my sister's side.
As I crept out of the room,
"Impossible—————————!"
My sister who was supposed to be asleep suddenly sprang up.
"Impossible impossible, totally impossible! To have made it this far and yet walk away
doing nothing, it's as impossible as 1+1=0! Onii-chan, aren't you ashamed of yourself
as a man!?"
"...... You, are awake......?"
"You had finally patted my head after six years! Yo— things will definitely proceed on
with the mood this time round; kyaa— what should I do, I am not mentally prepared,
but my body is raring to go anytime - I was waiting while thinking of all these things
with my thumping heartbeats! But I never thought you will actually back out at the
critical moment!"
My sister rattled on like a machine gun, while ignoring me, whose eyes were getting
wide.
"It's food that is served right before you! Eat as you wish, do as you please!? Your
cute little sister is actually sleeping there defenselessly, so why doesn't Onii-chan even
give me a kiss! Is it because of your religion!?"
"Urm, I don't believe in any religion...... Look, Akiko. Are you trying to trick me by
pretending to be asleep?"

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"Yes!"
My sister nodded her head with force, without any sense of guilt.
"Due to the actions of my heartless Onii-chan, I've cried buckets of tears! Believing
that Onii-chan will definitely come to console me, I was on standby all day! Lying on
the table, just like that!"
"...... Can't you just shift those efforts of yours into something else instead?"
"All my efforts are so that I can gain Onii-chan's affection!"
"Typically speaking, that is not something that you can say without any hesitation."
"No, I can say so without any hesitation! Because everything in my life revolves around
Onii-chan! And there is no need to care about what the normal situation is! Humans
are at their happiest when they live the life they want to live!"
"Though what you are saying do make some sense, you have to look at the situation
you are in before you speak......"
"Who cares about those things, anything is fine!"
My sister closed in on me aggressively.
"I was finally patted on the head. I was so happy I nearly got into a dance, but I still
held on, and continued to pretend to be asleep after much difficulty! Me forgetting my
toothbrush that is a deliberate ploy so that I can get Onii-chan into my room! Akiko
violently objects to the way Onii-chan tramples on all my efforts!"
"So that toothbrush was deliberate huh......"
What a petty ploy it is.
Then again, I was in no position to speak, due to me being fooled by it totally.
"Well, just forget it, nothing bad has happened, right? You have your head patted by
me due to your ploy working successfully. Not to mention, I have patted your head
really thoroughly and for a long time, right?"
"No, can't do! That is not enough! Onii-chan has done a lot of horrible things to me
today, so I will have to grab on to this chance and make Onii-chan apologize and pay
for his crimes!"
"Tell me more specifically then. What exactly do you want me to do?"
"Do you even have to ask! Today, right now, you have to go against all odds and
welcome our very first night together with me!"
"Ahaha, what an interesting joke. Do you want me to write a letter of recommendation
to Kyoto Manzai Association?"
"I am absolutely serious! Look here - I am even done with laying out the futons!"
"Ahaha, good good. Saying those ridiculous claims in a very serious expression is a
way to be funny as well."

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"So I say, I am not trying to be funny!"
"Ahh- it's really funny. Since I am having such a good laugh before sleeping, it looks
like I can sleep soundly tonight. Thank you, Akiko, and good night."
"Wait! Please wait! At least a good-night kiss!"
"No way."
"I won't ask for a kiss on the lips. Just the forehead will do!"
"I can't do things that cannot be done."
"W-Well then, just do it one more time! Please pat me on the head once more!"
"Didn't I just do enough of that. You'll go bald if I continue patting."
"Uhhhh~! I understand. Then at the very least, say something to your cute little sister
before you leave the room!"
"Mmm. I love you the most in this world. Akiko, you are the only one I love."
"Uhiii! Why do you just love to give such services at moments like this! Didn't I say it
many times already, I am weakest to sudden attacks like this!"
"Ahaha."
...... And so, with that.
It had nothing to do with blood-relations.
My younger sister and I were very energetic, and very blissful today - like that. We'll
end here for now.

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 Chapter 11: 14th April, AM6:00
(Students' hostel · Caretaker's room)

And so the next morning.

I am already living separately from my sister, but even then the people of Himenokouji
family still wakes up early as usual. We had messed about till late night, and although
I still want to sleep until I am satisfied, my body still woke up by itself.
"Ugh- mmm...... but I still feel like sleeping-"
I rose up from the bed with a yawn, and began preparing for the morning. There will
be lessons on later, so even if I want to go back to sleep, I'll have only an hour left to
do so. Akiko and Ginbe should be awake already in order to prepare breakfast, so it
will not do if I am the only one lazing around.
Right, I'll work on my script while waiting for breakfast. If so, I can say without guilt
that I have not wasted any time.
Thus, I washed up and changed quickly, and made a cup of tea for myself. Just as I
was heading towards the table.
I saw someone in the courtyard via my bedroom windows.
Red ponytail and black eye-patch. That's Nikaido Arashi, the perverted students'
council president whom everyone is familiar with.
"Heh. Her morning practice huh?"
She was holding on to a wooden sword instead of the usual Japanese sword. She
was in a hakama, something that is rarely seen of her, and standing in position.[1]
I could not see her expressions from the place I was at...... but her back looked
surprisingly slender, and her perfectly relaxed and yet serious posture reminds one of
the calm before an incoming storm.
...... Mmm.
Change of plans.
Chances like this don't come every day, so let me take a look at Kaichou's skills.
I looked at her as I tried my hardest to avoid being detected by her, and waited for
quite a while.
Kaichou started off her training slow.
The first strike went for the eyes, followed by the front, forearm, waist, and a thrust.
Then it started from the forearm, followed by the face, the sides of the face, and the
sides of the waist.

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Your standard practice that follows the basics down to the dot.
...... Hmm.
That's rather surprising.
As a whole, Nikaido Arashi is someone very uninhibited and open. She's the sort of
person to ignore details, and deals with everything with a laugh. I originally thought her
swordplay will be something similar to her personality, but it looks like I had guessed
wrong.
Kaichou's swordplay is very exquisite and rational. There are absolutely no tricks, nor
are there any unreasonable moves. Seems like those are your true battle techniques
through and through.
Ah well, I may not sound convincing as a kendo novice, but even from the eyes of a
novice, her steps and body movements were really impressive as well. As expected
from the students' council president of St. Ririana Academy - even if she is sloppy with
her fashion sense and demeanor, she's still solid on the inside.
(Then again...... to be honest, it is slightly boring.)
As her basics are excellent, I could easily catch a glimpse of her real strength just
from her basics training. However, those are not really things worth spending time to
look at. I can easily see practices of people swinging their swords at just about
anywhere, so-
Just as I was thinking of that.
Unknowingly, and suddenly. Kaichou's aura changed.
A hallucination of her back suddenly increasing many times in size. She twisted her
legs nimbly, turned her waist, and spun her body around with her foot acting as a
fulcrum as though she wanted to drill out the soil beneath her.
With that, she slashed her wooden blade horizontally with a murderous intent.
Towards me.
"———!?"
I'm dead meat, I thought to myself.
I thought I was sliced into two.
Obviously that was just my hallucination. There were the walls of the hostel between
us; even though it is a little old, but the thick window glass was there as well; and
most importantly, she was physically more than ten meters away from me. She would
not be able to slash me unless her sword can extend and retract like a drying pole, or
she can use some sort of magic. Not to mention, Kaichou was just holding on to a
wooden sword.
I do know all those things very well, but still. I really thought I was dead. That's how
penetrative that slash was, and more importantly, how sharp that killing intent of hers
was.

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"Yo. Morning, my lover number 4."
While maintaining the pose of her slash, Kaichou looked at me and smiled.
"Your interest in peeking at fine ladies like me is really disturbing. I am fine with you
watching me practice, but do you mind informing me first?"
"...... Sorry. That was not my intention."
"Since you are peeking, you might as well peek at me changing. But should you really
do that, I'll go along with the mood and push you down. Then you will really become
my lover number 4 who is worthy of the name."
"I see, but no thanks. I'll follow your advise, and will never get close to Kaichou's room
from now on."
"Ka ka ka. You sure don't mince your words, as usual."
After a laugh, Kaichou finally relaxed her posture,
"So, how's it? My practice."
"Regarding that, it is very impressive, to be honest. You walking about with that huge
sword is really not just for show."
"Really? But wasn't that boring? I tried to tease you slightly after seeing you coming
close to yawning just now."
"...... Please do not release your murderous intents jokingly."
It's slightly too stimulating as a cup of wake-up coffee.
Incidentally, Kaichou should have her back facing me. No, prior to that, when did she
detect my presence? I was already carefully hiding my own presence back then.
"Ah, but you are really strong. I'll have to reconsider the way I look at Kaichou."
"Eh. That's something to be happy about."
"I am not licking your boots. You were really impressive. I thought I was nearly
chopped apart by that horizontal slash of yours."
"I see, I see. That's great. Since you are redoing the way you look at me, why don't
you do a confession along the way. I can have the extravagant joy of enjoying outdoor
sex early in the morning as well."
"It should be about time you have some self-awareness, about how your ratings will
drop each time you say things like that."
"Kakaka, can't be helped. What will be left of me, without my sexual drive."
As she said such sorrowful things without giving much of a damn, Kaichou walked
towards me,
"Well, you don't really have to worry."

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" ? About what?"
"About your sister."
Kaichou closed one of her eyes while wiping off the sweat on her forehead.
"We barged into what is supposed to be the hostel which should only be occupied by
you both, and forced her to live apart from her elder brother. Well, originally, it would
not be strange should she fall sick due to the shock she had received. That girl's
brother-complex is not something to joke around with."
"Yeah, indeed."
"However, this is actually Himenokouji Akiko's biggest strength. Generally speaking,
that girl is always very optimistic, and she will simply stand up again. Even if that lass
meets a 'it never rains but it pours'-situation, such as her dropping her wallet, then
having her empty house broken into by a thief, she will still emerge with a smile.
Should I say she is surprisingly tenacious or...... in any case, she is very impressive."
"Yeah, I think the same too."
I absolutely agree.
That lass will never forget her smile no matter what she is facing. She is probably the
girl who is most unsuited to put on a crying face in this world.
"You do know that girl is someone popular enough to gun for the first prize in the
school's beauty contest, but that is not due to her being smart or looking gorgeous.
The most important factor is the effects brought about by her personality. In a way,
even an explosive situation will be alleviated just with her mere presence alone."
"Yeah. Akiko's smile is something that will render things like quarrels and wars
pointless."
"Yup. That girl is probably born to be a mediator for United Nations or something. She
will probably be able to accomplish her mission no matter which place she is sent to."
I did not know if it was due to her imagining the scene, but Kaichou gave a throaty
"kukuku" laugh,
"That's the reason for me wanting her in the students' council. The students in our
school are all outstanding, but some of them can have a very strong personality. A
lubricant like Himenokouji Akiko is essential to gel all those people together. No, I
really treat her as my precious."
...... Hmm.
I have never once doubted on how outstanding my sister is. However, I am really
proud as her brother, to hear Kaichou acknowledging her.
Then again, I do not really have the chance to understand the sort of position Akiko is
in at school...... though I should know soon enough. As her elder brother, and as her
guardian, it will not do if I do not know about her situation.
"But Himenokouji Akiko is a really unique talent. That naive innocence of hers has

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reached a state where I do not know how to handle her. I am really envious about
that."
"Eh? Kaichou thinks of it that way?"
"Surprised?"
"Mmm, yeah. A little."
"All humans will always be envious of the things that others have and they don't. I don't
think there are a lot of areas where I lose to others, but my 'man-eater' techniques is
something incomparable to Himenokouji Akiko's. That girl has the ability to get close to
anyone unknowingly, no matter how cautious the person is. And because it is hundred-
percent natural, it becomes something hard to deal with."
What a coincidence. Kaichou had used a familiar term.
Man-eater.
A term that is commonly used when describing my parents.
Perhaps that description of hers is really fitting.
Akiko is very similar to our parents. Since she is their real birth daughter, unlike me,
that is something to be expected...... But even if it is natural for them to be similar in
looks, she has also strangely inherited their personalities like how energetic they
were, how they can get close to others, and how they can be very honest to people
whom they trust.
"Your father and mother had some things in similar, right?"
She couldn't have realized what I was thinking. Kaichou shrugged and gave a faint wry
smile,
"I've heard about it. The unfilial son of the Himenokouji - despite being in a position
akin to the leader in what is named as <The Royal Ten>, a group of noble families, he
had never once put in effort into ensuring the survival of his family line. There's only
you siblings left who are qualified to use the surname 'Himenokouji', right?"
"Yes. Something like that."
Well, it's normal for her to know such levels of information.
The Nikaido family which Kaichou is from would probably has some sort of relations
with The Royal Ten. It's nothing strange for her to hear many things about Himenokouji
family.
Even so, this is a topic that I do not wish to touch on. Should thing go on deeper, I'll
just brush it off with a laugh-
"Ah, it's fine, I have no intention of pursuing deeper."
However, Kaichou shook her head with a hearty laugh.
"It's not something I am interested in, and more importantly, I'll be troubling you should

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I continue delving into the issue. Moreover, I am in approval of what your parents have
done."
"Haa. Is that so?"
"Of course. Isn't it obvious, looking at my personality?"
"Mmm, indeed so. What Kaichou is interested in are only things related to the
reproductive organs of humans."
"Right right. No matter what, my nickname is still 'Predator'. Regardless of night or
day, whether I am sleeping or awake, the only things I think of is male-female related
things — no wait, nothing like that. I have lots of interests other than that."
With that said, Kaichou did the tsukkomi action using her right hand with a *pishi*.[2]
As expected from the students' council president of the famous St. Ririana Academy.
She is surprisingly cooperative at times like these.
"Forget it, the nobles toe the line for just about everything, so screw that. They have a
lot of troublesome rules as well, and to be truthful I do not wish to entertain them any
longer."
"Yeah. I feel the same as well."
"Ultimately speaking, groups like <The Royal Ten> have long turned into something
that is nothing more than just an empty name. The powers and wealth they wield now
are nothing compared to their heydays. It is at a point where they have barely
managed to retain the shell of their former self. Those who hugs on to that empty shell
tightly are just fossils who cannot keep up with things, so they'll probably disintegrate
by themselves in the near future."
...... Hmm.
This Kaichou is indeed someone who fits the impression she gives to others.
According to my previous sources, Nikaido is a family with weak standings when it
comes to Takanomiya or Arisugawa. I was worried that she may turn into an enemy
against me and Akiko, depending on the situation. But now, it somehow feels like I am
just worrying too much.
Ahh, thank god, really.
I have mentioned it many times before already. My current relationship with the
Takanomiya and Arisugawa is in a very delicate state. Putting aside the details, the
fact is I had took Akiko away in a very forceful manner. For the two families who were
deeply embarrassed by it, it is hard to imagine them just letting it go without doing
anything.
Under such circumstances, I don't think I need to explain further what will happen
should I make enemy with that person - someone who has ties with both sides of the
family, is in the students' council, and is also a resident whom I am living together with
under the same roof.

133
Mmm, how really thankful.
In a certain sense, Kaichou is the most elusive person in the students' council. Seems
like I can establish a rather good relationship with her.
"Oh, we've been standing around and talking too much. It's about time they are done
preparing breakfast, so the training shall stop here for now."
"Ah, you're right. Look at the time."
"I've sweated quite a lot, so I'll take a bath before heading to the canteen. I may be
slightly late, so please inform Himenokouji Akiko and Gin-Gin about it."
"Understood. I'll do so."
"Or you can bath together with me?"
"There's no need for that."
"Really? What a pity. I am quite confident in all sorts of play, but my bathroom play is
definitely one of my strongest suit. I can guarantee you: just five minutes, and you will
definitely go to heaven."
"I am still attached to the human world, so I wish to go to neither heaven nor hell."
"Right, I understand. Then three minutes, no wait, just two is enough. As long as you
give me that amount of time, I'll definitely come up with a way to do it. The restricted
amount of time means I cannot carry out the whole deal, but no worries - you will
definitely not be disappointed all the same."
"Forget about two minutes, even if I am to just hand my body over to you for a mere
two seconds, I am confident that I will definitely come to regret my decision."
"Kakaka, as uncooperative as ever aye. Whatever, it can't be helped. Since you will
be sweating out something else should you take a bath with me."
As she said those things nonchalantly, Kaichou turned her body away. She seemed to
be in a good mood.
Oh boy, she's still the same as ever. She is in the heat for twenty-four seven,
regardless of where she is at. How very difficult to deal with.
Forget it, since Kaichou is still being surprisingly respectful of others despite all that.
Or rather, it seems like she has no intention of forcing others to do as she please. And
despite ninety percent of me finding it irritating, the remaining ten percent is actually
enjoying the conversations between us.
Mhmm.
She is sloppy, but I quite like this Kaichou of mine.
At then, I felt it is rather fortunate that the president of the students' council of St.
Ririana Academy is my superior.
Hopefully, I can continue to get along well with Nikaido Arashi smoothly.

134
"Ahh right, right."
Kaichou turned back towards me, who was thinking of all those things.
"I've heard something by chance. Can I ask you something?"
" ? What?"
I am still very naive - though that is something I have only came to realize later. A
disaster is something that will suddenly appear out of nowhere when it is left forgotten
in a corner, or when one gets really careless.
Kaichou lifted the tip of her lips into a smile, and said something that came as a huge
impact to my unsuspecting and vulnerable mind.
"It's the thing about you and your sister. You two are actually not blood related, right?"

Notes

1. Hakama (袴) are a type of traditional Japanese clothing. They were originally worn only by men, but
today they are worn by both sexes. Wiki it if interested.

2. according to the Chinese translator, that means she is slapping onto her sides with the back of her
hand. No idea if it is true.

135
 Credits

Author — (鈴木大輔) Suzuki Daisuke

Illustrator — (閏月戈) Gekka Uruu

Publisher — (メディアファクトリー) Media Factory

Translator — zgmfx09a

Book designer — Armaell

136
137
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: 12th April, PM5:30 (Students' hostel · The day of
5
moving in)
Chapter 2: 13th April, AM5:00 (Students' hostel · Caretaker's
15
room)
Chapter 3: 13th April, AM6:15 (Students' hostel · Canteen) 33
Chapter 4: 13th April, AM8:30 (Students' hostel · Corridor before
43
the door)
Chapter 5: 13th April, AM9:00 (Students' hostel · Second floor) 52
Chapter 6: 13th April, AM10:30 (Students' hostel · Courtyard) 63
Chapter 7: 13th April, PM0:15 (Students' hostel · Canteen) 75
Chapter 8: 13th April, PM7:15 (Students' hostel · Canteen) 87
Chapter 9: 13th April, PM9:00 (Students' hostel · Canteen) 107
Chapter 10: 14th April, AM2:00 (Students' hostel · Caretaker's
119
room)
Chapter 11: 14th April, AM6:00 (Students' hostel · Caretaker's
128
room)
Credits 136

138