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Chapter 20 - Debriefing Session [Manami POV]




<b>Debriefing Session [Manami POV]</b>
“So, how did it go?”
When I came back, my sister captured me for questioning.
“Calm down, Onee-chan.”
Before I had time to relax after the date, I was taken to my room. I know how she felt, and I think I would feel the same way given the situation, so, well, I don’t blame her. Besides, Onee-chan probably has another thing on her mind.
“Sorry… it’s, uh…”
“Don’t worry. I made sure to remind him to ask Onee-chan out.”
“I see…”
“Now all you have to do is work hard, sister!”
“Yeah…”
I made arrangements for Kouki-nii to ask Onee-chan out properly when they went to buy swimsuits.
“Wait, that’s not what I meant! Did you enjoy the date, Manami?”
“Ehehe. Of course I did!”
“Phew… That’s good.”
When she exhaled in relief, it made my heart skip a beat and enchanted me a little, even though I was her little sister.
I think my sister would be shocked if she saw Kouki-nii and I clinging to each other. Even so, she’d probably be more than happy to see me enjoying myself, to the point where she’d congratulate me. That’s why, I hope Onee-chan gets to experience that too.
Though, I think the situation is pretty complicated. We’re both in the same boat…
“But, you know, you want to be a little more careful.”
“Careful…?”
“Yeah. I ran into people from the same class today.”
“From Manami’s… class?”
“Yeah.”
Even thinking back on the time I ran into the boys from my class, I still felt a bit nervous.
“And, you know, I met a bunch of my girl classmates in a row.”
“I kind of get it now…”
As expected of Onee-chan.
I’ll explain a little about that time in retrospect.
◇
“Whaa! Manami, your Onii-chan’s here?”
“Ehh? I totally thought you only had an Onee-chan!”
Apparently, unlike the boys, the girls thought we didn’t look like a couple, but rather like a pair of siblings. Grrr…
“No, he’s not! He’s just my home tutor!”
“Ehh? So, you’re going on a date with your Onii-san? I’m in!”
“Oh, well…”
I think it’s nice that I was able to show off a little.
Kouki-nii had a fine smile on his face.
“Huh? Now that I look closer, aren’t you a senpai at school…?”
“Oh! You’re right! So that’s it. Is your Onee-chan also here?”
“She’s not here! I’m on a date!”
I entwined my arms around him to affirm this.
“Ehh, senpai, you have a beautiful Onee-san childhood friend, but you’re okay with Manami?”
“Excuse me?!”
Grrr…! They’re right; Onee-chan is beautiful, but… I’m not bad either… at least I shouldn’t be… !
“Ahaha. That was a joke. If I make Manami angry, it’s scary and she’ll get back at me later, so let’s just leave it at that…”
“That’s right! Remember that in school as well!”
“Yeah, okay.”
We’re always teasing each other around; after all, we are good friends.
“So, Onii-san. If you’re okay with Manami, then what about me?”
“Eh…?”
She hugged the other side of the arm that I was holding.
“Hey! That’s not fair. What about me too?”
They’re getting carried away. She’s trying to attach herself to his other arm! No, no! Kouki-nii is mine… even if not, then at least Onee-chan’s!
“Ahaha… don’t tease her too much.”
After saying that, Kouki-nii slipped out of my friend’s arms and patted her head to soothe her.
I feel like I’ve just been shown the calmness of someone older. Oh, this isn’t good. My face is quickly turning red! These immature classmates!
Maybe they were just trying to tease me, but now they’re getting unexpectedly counterattacked. In a way that pleases no one.
“T-That’s right! I’m not letting any of you cling to him because he’s on a date with me today!”
I hugged him tightly and protected him with my whole body so the girls couldn’t take his other arm.
“Fufu… Manami is so cute!”
“That’s right. Today is Manami’s day, right? Let me hear you two’s story again!”
“Onii-san and your Onee-chan are good, but since Manami is a pretty girl too, please take care of her!”
“Oh, but we’re waiting for you to ask us out on a date too!”
These are the type of friends who just say whatever they want and then leave like a passing storm.
When I realized I was still tightly hugging Kouki-nii, I pulled away embarrassingly. However, Kouki-nii didn’t seem to mind.
“I’m glad you are getting along with your classmates.”
“Mou.”
“What?”
I was still a little pissed off at the ever so calm and collected Kouki-nii, so I tightly crossed my arms and continued our date.
Kouki-nii just smiled softly and patted me on the head as usual.
◇
“That’s basically what happened…”
Onee-chan always says that Kouki-nii doesn’t stand out in class, but his looks aren’t bad, and plus, he’s good with younger people…! Maybe it’s because he’s used to dealing with me, but…
Somehow, when I talk to Onee-chan, I can’t really feel the composure that I do from Kouki-nii. That composure is what makes Kouki-nii feel like an older brother and also what made him charming.
“If he keeps this up, he’ll become popular among the first-year students as a caring Onii-san… Onee-chan?”
After I said that much, I noticed that Onee-chan was acting strange.
“I’m so jealous, jealous, jealous…”
“Hey! Onee-chan!”
“Huh! Sorry. Um… what is it?”
It may have been too much for Onee-chan, who isn’t even able to properly talk with Kouki-nii, let alone cling to him.
I don’t want to have to go through her mood again, so let’s end the talk here!
“That’s right! When is Onee-chan going on her date!”
“Eh? Um… well…”
I was able to change the topic to Onee-chan’s date and get away with it.
Yeah. I’m going to wait until Onee-chan is a little more willing in this area.
“I wonder what the future holds…”
(TL: editor back on his job!)
(TL note #2: editor not back on his job. Has other work to do)