Dong Yeyue goes to visit

Welcome to my place, Xiaoyue. This is my younger sister, Amano Yuko.

Amano Sora had a bright smile on his face, the kind that seemed to glow with sunlight, dazzling and radiant.

Following his gaze beside him, there stood a three-year-old girl. On her childish face, one could vaguely see traces of immaturity, and her appearance was about sixty to seventy percent similar to Amano Sora.

Hello, my name is Amano Yuko.

She seemed rather plain, but still gave a polite bow.

Hello, I’m Dong Yeyue. You can call me Sister Xiaoyue.

I’m the kind of person who is enthusiastic—no matter how cold the other person is, I can greet them with a bright smile.

Can I call you Yuko?

—Of course, Sister Xiaoyue.

She hesitated for a moment but eventually agreed.

It didn’t seem like she was as eager to meet me as Amano Sora had said.

Of course, it could also be that she was simply too shy, which made her seem distant.

Either way, if I wanted to learn more about Amano Sora’s story, I would have to put in more effort.

Huff—

I lightly pressed my earpiece. There were faint rustling sounds coming from it.

Ichijou Rikou was currently hiding somewhere in a patch of grass, as if secretly observing us.

Seriously, this is a bit over the top, Ichijou.

Thinking about how he looked right now made me feel slightly amused.

Let’s go inside, Xiaoyue.

Mm, excuse me then.

Amano Sora’s house was much larger than that of ordinary people. It also seemed prepared to host guests, as there were quite a few guest rooms along the way.

Please have a seat, Xiaoyue. I’ll go prepare some tea.

He led me all the way to the living room and then left, leaving only Amano Yuko staring at me.

What’s wrong, Yuko?

I smiled gently and crouched down.

With children, there’s no need to try too hard to get closer.

Are you the one my monster brother likes?

Those blunt words came straight from Amano Yuko.

Compared to that, what caught my attention more was how she referred to Amano Sora.

It seemed she knew something about him.

I narrowed my eyes slightly.

Dong Yeyue, you can start from Yuko.

Ichijou Rikou’s reminder came at just the right time.

But don’t underestimate me, Ichijou.

What do you mean, Yuko?

If you really like my brother, I suggest you give up.

You definitely won’t be able to handle him.

Amano Yuko spoke with a warning, occasionally glancing toward Amano Sora, as if afraid he might overhear.

Hmm, could you explain in more detail?

It’s his possessiveness.

Perhaps thinking I didn’t believe her, Amano Yuko puffed her cheeks in dissatisfaction, but still spoke seriously.

I didn’t understand before, but after my friend Huihui explained it to me, I realized what kind of person my monster brother is.

He has a kind of possessiveness that people absolutely cannot tolerate.

And also that kind of…

The tea is ready. Sorry to keep you waiting, Xiaoyue.

Mm-hmm, brother.

Amano Yuko instantly showed a bright smile and looked at Amano Sora. Even I was slightly stunned by how quickly her expression changed.

She’s quite talented at acting.

I followed along and let out a light laugh.

It’s alright, Sora-senpai. I’m the one troubling you.

It’s no trouble at all for Xiaoyue to come to our home.

Amano Sora was all smiles, his eyes almost entirely focused on me, barely paying attention to Amano Yuko who was sweetly calling him beside him.

Were you chatting with Yuko just now, Xiaoyue?

After taking a sip of tea, he brought up another topic.

Yes, we hit it off, so we chatted a bit.

What did you talk about?

He asked curiously.

Well—

Amano Yuko held her tea and looked at me.

I smiled slightly.

Just about some magazines. I was interested in them before and looked into them a bit. I didn’t expect Yuko to know about them too—it was quite surprising.

Mm, brother, Sister Xiaoyue and I were talking about magazine covers. There was a very handsome man posing on one called Murokami Ryosuke.

Amano Yuko added casually, continuing the conversation.

Right, Murokami Ryosuke. He’s done several cover model features. I didn’t expect Yuko and Sister Xiaoyue to have seen them too.

It was actually just a coincidence—we happened to read the same issue.

So I continued naturally without any flaws.

I see.

Amano Sora, who didn’t seem very interested in the topic, suddenly showed a thoughtful expression and went into another room.

What is he—

Be careful. My brother can be a bit suspicious.

Amano Yuko whispered to me, though her expression didn’t change at all.

Ah, Xiaoyue, is this what you were talking about?

Amano Sora brought out a magazine.

I noticed Yuko secretly reading these before, and I was worried it would affect her studies, so I confiscated them.

As he explained, he looked at the magazine cover.

So this is the Murokami Ryosuke you mentioned. He really is quite handsome. So, Xiaoyue, do you like this type of guy?

I didn’t expect him to bring out the magazine to confirm it. If I had answered carelessly earlier, I would have been exposed now.

But Xiaoyue didn’t show embarrassment. Instead, she became slightly serious while remaining calm.

Not really. I just think he looks handsome. As for liking him, not really.

I see. I thought maybe I’d have to become like this to gain your affection.

Without making it obvious, he once again revealed his feelings.

Of course, in situations like this, pretending not to understand is the best response.

Hehe, Xiaoyue doesn’t have anyone she likes right now.

I laughed lightly and took a sip of tea.

So originally, Xiaoyue didn’t want to accept my confession?

Amano Sora looked a bit disappointed.

If that were the case, wouldn’t it have been better if I rejected you from the start, Sora-senpai?

Actually, I do have the intention of getting closer to you.

Saying words even I didn’t believe, without changing my expression.

Actually, I’ve lacked a sense of security since I was young.

I sighed.

So I also want to find someone strong who can give me a sense of security.

Sora-senpai, you’re the first person who made me feel this way. So the first time I saw you, I was already somewhat moved.

The reason I didn’t accept right away is because I want to spend some time with you first. If things go well, that feeling could turn into genuine affection.

For me, saying such things doesn’t trigger any guilt about lying. If anything, being believed like this brings me some pleasure.

Then—

Amano Sora became more serious.

Do you have time later, Xiaoyue? Can I ask you out?

He clearly intended to get closer through repeated dates.

But—

Sorry, Sora-senpai. I’ve been quite busy lately, and I also need to work part-time.

I clasped my hands together, looking apologetic.

At the same time, I observed his expression closely, ready to adjust my words if anything seemed off.

He only showed a hint of regret.

This is our usual practice area.

Amano Sora’s house had a large training ground, with racks of wooden swords and even a ceremonial katana enshrined.

His family had once been samurai, and their techniques had been passed down.

As he explained, he walked reverently into the training room, now dressed in a gray hakama, with Amano Yuko beside him.

If Xiaoyue likes watching me practice, then this time will be no exception.

Actually, it was Ichijou Rikou who liked watching.

But of course, I couldn’t say that.

Ha—

He steadied his breathing, held the wooden sword, and slowly took a stance.

Then he began to move gracefully in front of us.

See? My brother is like this—quite terrifying.

Mm—

Don’t look at me. He’ll notice.

I stopped myself from turning instinctively.

He’s someone who pursues perfection.

Amano Yuko continued.

Not only that, he also demands that the people around him match his idea of perfection.

For example, me—I’m required to be a perfect younger sister.

Long ago, he even fell out with our parents because he thought they weren’t perfect. Only our grandfather meets his standards.

So Amano Sora has this kind of trait?

To be honest, you’re the first person he’s invited. All the women who were once infatuated with him were rejected without mercy.

According to him, they’re all imperfect and unworthy of being by his side. He’s looking for someone perfect.

So, was he attracted to the “perfect” image I had fabricated?

Well, that’s not surprising.

The reason Sora-senpai is fixated on you might be because of the perfection you display.

How did you figure that out, Ichijou?

The one who first suspected something was Ichijou Rikou. I suddenly turned to him curiously.

It’s just a feeling. It didn’t seem like Sora-senpai truly likes you, but rather he’s obsessed with certain traits you have.

At first, I thought it was the ease of being with you…

I didn’t expect it to be this.

He coughed to cover up certain parts—very obvious, Ichijou.

Still, I couldn’t help but press him further.

But how to make Sora-senpai give up on Dong Yeyue—that’s also a problem.

While he was thinking, I looked around the street and stopped at a convenience store.

The summer heat was getting stronger—even in the afternoon, it felt hot.

Ichijou—

What is it?

I pointed ahead, smiling with narrowed eyes.

Let’s go get some ice cream.

Mm—

I’m digging in.

We sat at the tables outside and opened the boxes.

I didn’t expect you to like strawberry flavor, Ichijou.

Choosing matcha is impressive too, Dong.

Hm.

I acted relaxed, but the slight bitterness made me frown a little.

I only picked it because it was half-price.

Now I understand why it was discounted.

Is it good, Dong?

He asked curiously.

Of course—

It’s delicious. Want to try?

I scooped a small bite and held it out to him.

Then—

He took a bite.

And then—

So bitter!

His face twisted in discomfort.

I couldn’t help it—seeing that expression made me want to…

Hehe.

I let out a soft laugh.

Then, Dong, you should try mine too.

Returning the gesture, he scooped some for me.

It wouldn’t be fair to refuse.

I ate it.

Mm—so sweet.

If mine was sharply bitter, his was overwhelmingly sweet.

Perhaps satisfied with his “revenge,” he shook his head and smiled.

Well… this is actually kind of fun.