C89 Big Sister, Do You Know What You Did Wrong?
In the living room of the shrine’s private quarters, Shion was performing a dogeza (TL Note: A Japanese act of prostration, kneeling directly on the ground and bowing deeply to express extreme deference or apology.).
Ayane, meanwhile, paced around Shion, circling her with the calculated intensity of an inquisitor interrogating a suspect.
“So, Big Sister.” Ayane’s tone was unnervingly calm, as placid as a lake’s surface without a single ripple.
Shion knew, however, that her younger sister was at her most terrifying in such moments.
“You were out all day today, your clothes are changed, your body carries a scent completely unlike our shampoo or body wash, and there’s a faint smell of alcohol on your breath.”
Every word Ayane spoke was irrefutable; Shion couldn’t counter a single point.
Her clothes were changed because she had spilled milk while studying at Iori Shigure’s house, necessitating a change.
As for what transpired during that change of clothes, it was best not to ask…
The mismatched scent of shampoo and body wash was also due to having used Iori Shigure’s products when she showered there.
And the alcohol on her breath? That stemmed from having just shared drinks with Nanami by the beach.
Though it was merely a low-alcohol fruit wine, Shion’s notoriously poor tolerance meant even such a mild beverage could lead to intoxication.
While Ayane’s tone remained as still as an ancient well, Shion, knowing her sister intimately, understood her well.
Usually, when not truly furious, Ayane would resort to stomping her feet or playfully tapping Shion’s head to convey her displeasure.
Yet, when she was genuinely angry, it manifested exactly like this.
Even without any overt action, the simmering rage beneath her calm demeanor was undeniably potent.
Thus, the moment Shion returned home and saw Ayane watching television on the sofa, she sensed impending doom.
The instant Ayane turned her head, Shion immediately dropped into a dogeza, hoping to convey the depth of her apology.
“I-I’m so sorry!” Shion knelt on the tatami, utterly at a loss for words beyond that single apology.
“There’s no need to apologize,” Ayane waved a hand dismissively.
“What does Big Sister have to be sorry for? You had such a delightful time with other girls, didn’t you? It’s nearly eight o’clock, and it never even crossed your mind that you have a little sister waiting at home for you to cook dinner, did it?”
“I’m sorry! I was planning to rest a little after studying, then I accidentally had some drinks, got tipsy, and lay down for a while.
By the time I woke up, it had been dark for ages…” Shion mumbled, poking her fingers together, utterly devoid of confidence.
Ayane cast a glance at her sister.
“Alright, the drinking can be explained. And what about the shampoo and body wash? Is there a reason for that?”
“Today, while studying at Iori Shigure’s house, she poured me a glass of milk, but it spilled and stained my clothes.
So, I had no choice but to shower at her place and change into her clothes…” Shion answered truthfully.
Ayane’s expression twisted into one of deep vexation as she rubbed her temples.
“Ugh, honestly! Big Sister is such an airhead, not even bringing a change of clothes out with you in the middle of summer!”
“Um… my backpack is already heavy with homework and workbooks; I really couldn’t carry a change of clothes too,” Shion whispered, offering a timid reminder.
Ayane shot Shion a glare, prompting Shion to quickly clam up, not daring to utter another word.
Logically, as the one managing the household finances, cooking meals, and feeding her sister, Shion’s domestic standing should undoubtedly be higher than Ayane’s.
However, it seemed that because Shion had been the sole cause of Ayane’s recent displeasure, their positions within the family had abruptly reversed.
“Big Sister, do you know that you’re in the wrong?” Ayane settled back onto the sofa, her gaze fixed on Shion as she asked.
“Y-yes, I know…” Shion quickly nodded her reply.
“Then, Big Sister, do you know *what* you did wrong?” Ayane pressed on.
‘Hmph…’ Shion drew a sharp intake of breath.
‘Is this really a question a younger sister asks her older sister? Isn’t this more like an angry girlfriend interrogating her boyfriend?’
“Not coming back in time to cook for Ayane!” Shion’s mind raced, and she quickly blurted out the answer.
It was the most correct one she could think of; she had returned far too late today, and Ayane must surely be ravenous by now.
Ayane actually wanted to shake her head, but at that precise moment, her stomach, quite inconveniently, rumbled in protest.
“It’s rare for Big Sister to get something right for once,” Ayane continued.
“What else?”
“And… and…” Shion’s little brain seized up once more.
All she could see before her was Ayane’s angry face; she couldn’t conjure any other reasons.
“I knew Big Sister wouldn’t be able to figure it out!” Ayane still stomped her foot in exasperation.
“You went out today and had a wonderful time with other girls, didn’t you? And then you just left your little sister to languish at home!”
“Eh?!” Shion looked up in surprise.
“Is… is that the reason?”
Ayane moved closer, also kneeling on the tatami opposite Shion.
“Big Sister left me waiting at home for an entire day.
I stayed home and made notes for you, prepared practice problems, and even bought desserts, only for you to spend the whole day playing with other girls! Did you even think of me while you were having fun?”
‘So, *this* was the real reason Ayane was angry? Because I went out without her?’
“But wasn’t I at their house for tutoring today? My workbooks and test papers are still in my bag… I wasn’t just out playing with them,” Shion said softly.
As she spoke, she made to reach for her backpack, intending to use its contents as proof that her outing hadn’t been for leisure.
Hearing this, Ayane finally lost her composure.
“You idiot Big Sister! You really don’t understand what I mean at all!” Ayane’s voice involuntarily rose as she clutched her head in frustration.
“Then?…” Shion stared blankly at her angry sister.
“I just wanted Big Sister to spend more time with me!” Ayane finally blurted out.
Or rather, she screamed it out, her voice hoarse with emotion.
Shion froze instantly.
Ayane, her face flushed, looked at her sister.
She reached out, cupping Shion’s face in both hands.
“I know it sounds a bit much when I say it like this.
But what really made me angry today was how late Big Sister came home, as if I didn’t matter to you at all!”
“That’s impossible! Ayane, you’re incredibly important to me!” Hearing Ayane’s words, Shion couldn’t help but exclaim.
“Ayane, you’re incredibly important to me! You’re my sister! How could you not be important?” As she spoke, Shion pulled out her backpack, revealing a freshly bought package of hamburger patties inside.
“Eh?…” This time, it was Ayane’s turn to be stunned.
“I-I know I came home too late today, so I’m truly sorry, Ayane.
That’s why, on my way back, I specifically went to the supermarket to buy this pack of hamburger patties, thinking I could make them for you tonight.”
Shion’s words carried a deep apology.
As she finished speaking, she embraced her sister, pulling the girl who had been sitting before her into a warm hug.
Shion’s embrace was wonderfully warm, like a small stove on a winter’s day.
The shrine nights were never particularly warm, and Shion’s hug made Ayane feel several degrees cozier.
“Honestly!” Ayane finally deflated like a punctured balloon, then produced the desserts she had bought.
“I prepared some sweets for Big Sister too. They should… still be edible.”