Tsuki Tsuki Vol 7 Chapter 2

Chapter 02: Tsundere and, Summer Cold?

…Lately, I wondered at times if I was having a bad dream. Actually, I felt fed up with it if it wasn’t dream.
At night after dinner, I lazed around in my own room, waiting for the bathwater to heat up. There I happened to nod off, but
“P- Please wake up, you rubbish! Why is the person who said ‘I want to take a bath first’ carefree sleeping now! Please take a bath already, you piece of rubbish!”
Suddenly I was showered with harsh words and felt a pressure on my cheek.
When I opened my eyes, to my disbelief, Luna was grinding the back of her foot against my cheek.
With her posture, I could see her white panties and bright thighs, but I had no time at all to enjoy that. Luna frowned distressed and continued.
“Are you finally awake? Shin.o.bu-san, you really are rubbish beyond help. Just to tell you, I am not thinking anything on the likes of how happy I am to get to see your cute sleeping face! Please do not get the wrong idea!”
“Ah, yes, somehow, I deeply, apology. Sorry. I’m sorry that I was born.”
The shock of being told that by Luna was just too great. Inadvertently I became submissive and apologized, then I keenly left my room.
There, for some reason, Luna came after me hastily. She pa.s.sed by me with swift steps and walked ahead of me for a while, then she suddenly stopped and turned around. She fiercely glared at me.
“Uh- Uhm, what is it? Did I do something rude?”
“…You do not know? Your right hand is free, right?”
Facing sideways, Luna held out her hand pouting.
Ehm, did she want to hold hands? I wasn’t too sure, but for now I grabbed Luna’s hand, whereupon she smiled happily.
Her mood might have been fixed.
I made a sigh of relief and getting a bit excited on the sensation of Luna’s small hand, I arrived in front of the anteroom, whereupon I made a usual joke.
“Luna, since you’re already here, want to take a bath together today?”
“Th- That is disgusting, so please stop it.”
…I was done for. Inadvertently I fell on my knees on the spot.
“Ahh! Sorry, Shin.o.bu-sa—”
Luna was about to lower her head with a sorry expression, but she hastily pressed her hand on her own mouth.
“A- Actually I would like to take a bath together with you, but I only turned it down because it is embarra.s.sing! Please do not get the wrong idea…wait, huh? Somehow that sounds wrong, ehm…”
Placing her index finger on her cheek and pondering for a bit, Luna then pointed her index finger sharply towards me.
“A- Anyway! I do not like you or anything, Shin.o.bu-san! Also, I was not thinking anything of the likes of how happy I was to hold your hand! Please do not get the wrong idea about that either!”
For some reason Luna declared so with sad teary eyes, made a hunch and while saying “…Was that okay? It is too hard…”, she walked away.
On the other hand, I, left behind, couldn’t even stand up for a while, but then I slowly entered the bath and buried my face in my arms while I soaked in the bathwater.
…Lately, Luna was behaving strange. She was strangely grumpy.
Until just recently, she had happily told me “Shin.o.bu-san, please wake up. I will kiss you if you do not get up?”.
Yet, yesterday it was “Please get up already, you blockhead! I- It is not like I come to wake you up every morning because I want to see your sleeping face or anything! Please do not get the wrong idea!”. Such a cold treatment.
Moreover, it wasn’t just Luna behaving strange.
After my bath, I spotted Nazuna at the hallway and I tried to call out to her.
“Nazukitty, come here. The water here is good.”
“Meow!”
When I beckoned her with my hand, Nazuna came closer like a cat.
Oh, right now it was the usual Nazuna.
Inadvertently I smiled and petted Nazuna’s head.
“Hey, Nazucat, want to go play together tomorrow?”
“Yes! Absolutely! I‘m looking forward…”
On my words, Nazuna made a sparkling smile, but midway in her sentence she faced sideways and forced herself to frown while saying.
“…On second thought, tomorrow I’m going sh.e.l.l gathering, so I can’t play with you.”
“Eh? Why do you lie? You said just now that you want to.”
“I, I changed my mind! I won’t play with you! Just to tell you, I’m not the slightest bit happy about your invitation! Don’t get the wrong idea!”
Turning her back to me angrily, Nazuna mumbled “….This is really hard” with a small voice and went away with her shoulders dropped dejected.
…Why did Luna and Nazuna act so cold?
I made a deep sigh and moved to the living room. Leaning my body into the sofa, I crossed my arms and pondered. If I remembered correctly, ever since the night when Miichan came over to play, Luna and Nazuna had been strange. Was it somehow related to Miichan? Or I simply might have done something that angered them.
When I wrecked my brains like that,
“Head empty~ Depressed and parched~ What about my chest! I’m G.o.ddemon~♪“
Done with her shower after me, Elni showed up in the living room while singing a weird song in a happy mood.
Elni’s cheeks were lightly flushed, which made her look kind of erotic. Her hair wasn’t tied up in the usual twin tails, but had let it down straight with the hair ends a bit wet.
But, she wasn’t really bothered about it and sat down on the sofa with a fermented milk drink in one hand. She started a video game with a smile.
After borrowing the game console from Miichan, Elni had been engrossed in the game since morning. Was the game that much fun? While I faced the television, I softly called out to Elni.
“Elni, you can play the game all you want, but at least dry your hair properly. The hair is a girl’s life, isn’t it? Let’s ‘value life’, okay?”
“No, the tactic is ‘Full throttle’. I’m going to defeat the Demon Lord now!”
After all, Elni was engrossed in the game. Left with no other choice, I grabbed the towel and wiped her hair, whereupon Elni suddenly raised a scream.
“Uwaaah! Shinomun diiiied!”
“…Don’t give your game character my nickname.”
I retorted with that and since the game came to an end, I shook Elni’s shoulders while talking to her.
“Hey, G.o.ddemon. Luna and Nazuna are strangely cold lately. Do something about it.”
“…Shin.o.buta-kun, G.o.ddemon is busy. Drink this and cheer up.”
Along with her words, Elni handed me the fermented milk drink. What was up with this half-hearted reaction? Inadvertently I made a sigh.
“…I shouldn’t have asked Stupidemon for help.”
“Mhm, it’s a bit early to say that, Shin.o.bu. I certainly might be stupid, but…”
“But, what?”
When I demanded a continuation, Elni crossed her arms and started to ponder for the right words, but after a while she averted her gaze from me and lowered her head a bit.
“….Sorry. I can’t think of anything good to say.”

“Then how about ‘But it’s fine’?”
“That’s it! I certainly might be stupid! But it’s fine! Yeah! I feel kind of miserable now!”
“…Me too.”
Replying slovenly, I dropped my shoulders a bit.
There Elni rested her hand on my shoulder and showed a gentle smile.
“Shin.o.bu, you don’t really need to worry that much about Luna and Nazucat. I believe they’re just mimicking Machina. I’m sure they are in a Tsundere boom right now.”
“Tsundere?”
“Yeah, because Tsundere have a certain popularity at any world. The two of them might have just joined in on that. I also heard that there are Tsundere Cafés now.”
What kind of café was that? First time I heard of it. Was it something like a maid café?
“Just what kind of café is that?”
“First, when you come in, the waitress will shower you with cold words like ‘Huh? What are you doing here?’. Then, when you order, she’ll act cold with ‘You’re ordering that? Well, whatever’.”
…Was that even feasible as a shop? I was doubtful, but listened to Elni.
“Bu you know, when you try to leave, the waitress makes a sad face with ‘…Eh? You’re leaving already?’ and then turns all lovestruck with ‘Sorry for bullying you today. Please come again’. Personally, I don’t get it.”
“I agree.”
“Right! The last lovestruck part was unneeded!”
“Eh? That’s the issue?”
Personally, I thought the treatment of the customers was the problem, but apparently not for Elni. Clenching her fists, she stressed out.
“At best, I want her to say ‘Begone, Idiot!’! She should just stay grumpy! Being lovestruck just lowers your guard! I always want to be alarmed! And I also want to go to a Tsundere café at least once!”
“…I don’t want to go. Doesn’t sound fun at all.”
“What are you saying, Shin.o.bu! An expert like me doesn’t need any lovey-dovey, but an amateur like you, Shin.o.bu, surely will be engrossed in the Tsundere café. Just wait, I’ll teach you the merits of a Tsundere!”
Along with her words, Elni cleared her throat with a cough. Facing sideways, she said with a played bashful tone.
“I- It’s not like I love you or anything. I hate you!”
“Yeah, I hate you as well.”
To be honest, I just meant it as a joke.
“…….Hate me?”
After a moment of puzzlement, Elni’s tears filled with tears and before I could fix the situation, tears started to fall. She started to cry without a voice.
“….Huh? Ehh? E- Elni? It, It was a joke, you know? Why are you crying?”
I rarely saw Elni crying. When I was thus in a panic, Elni looked down, as she didn’t want her crying face to be seen, and said with a small voice.
“….I get that it’s a joke. But, sorry. The tears just came out.”
“No, I should apologize. I’m sorry. To make up for it, I’ll listen to anything. Just say whatever you want.”
“Well then, hug me.”
“Y- Yeah, okay.”
It was embarra.s.sing, so I hesitated for a bit, then I softly embraced Elni.
“Next, pet my head.”
“O- Okay.”
Like I was told, I gently petted her head, whereupon Elni continued even further.
“Now kiss me on the cheek.”
“…Don’t get cheeky now.”
Quickly getting away from Elni, I then considered pulling on her ear, but… I refrained from doing so after all. Because Elni still had teary eyes, as it was quite the shock for her. I scratched my cheek lightly and properly lowered my head.
“I’m really sorry. On this occasion, you can complain about me. Say whatever mean thing you want to. Then we’ll be even.”
“I can’t do that. It’s impossible. I have no right, to speak bad about you, Shin.o.bu.”
“What makes you think that?”
“I mean, I already forgot what you said earlier….”
“That’s a wonderful birdbrain you have. By the way, do you remember the day when we first met?”
“10th May.”
So she properly remembered that. That meant, she was merely playing stupid just now. Elni must have been considerate to me.
While petting her head once more, I sat down on the sofa, whereupon Elni sat down in my lap spoiled.
….I couldn’t say anything anymore today.
Leaning the back of her head against my chest, Elni started her game again.
For now I tied up Elni’s hair into the usual twin tails, since I had nothing else to do. Then my mother came into the living room.
Seeing us, she smiled roguish and opened her mouth.
“Shin.o.bu, are you that lonely after getting treated coldly by Luna-chan and Nazuna? It’s a rare occasion that Elni has to comfort you. You’re surprisingly pampered, Shin.o.bu.”
“…If you understand the situation, stop messing around and give me some advice please, dear mother. Should you fail to help me out, I’ll load a virus onto your computer, d.a.m.nit.”
“That’s not really an att.i.tude for asking a favour, but fine.”
My mother sat down on the sofa, crossed her long legs and put her index finger against her cheek.
“Nazuna aside for now, properly apologize to Luna-chan. You just have to apologize in all sincerity and add ‘I’ll die when you hate me, Luna!’.”
“…And what if she replies with ‘Then die?’?”
“Then you die right in front of her.”
“Are you stupid! I don’t need your nonsense now! Stop messing around when I’m serious worried here!”
There I retorted with all my might, when Elni interjected as a follow up.
“But Tomoe-san has a point. Don’t they often say ‘Strike and be smashed up’?”
“They don’t and there’s no point if I get smashed up! What are you trying to break my delicate heart for! I won’t rely on you again! Just to tell you, I have a far more reliable confidant than you guys!”
Shouting resentful, I sprinted out of the living room. Then I ran into Machina at the hallway to my room.
For now I grabbed Machina’s shoulders and asked her.
“Hey Machina, could you pipe down your tsundere a bit? Luna and Nazuna are mimicking it, which troubles me.”
“Wh- What’s that, out of the blue! I’m not really a tsundere or anything! Don’t get the wrong idea!”
As I made her angry, Machina turned her back to me and went away in a huff. But, midway she stopped and said isolated with her back still to me.
“…Ehm, if you insist, well, I’ll try a bit.”
Ah, I just noticed. It was so bitter, because Luna and Nazuna had no “lovestruck” side.
In other words, they weren’t being tsundere, but might be simply angry. Then there was no need for Machina to tune her tsundere.
I scratched my head and called out to Machina’s back.
“Sorry, Machina. Forget what I just said. You’re cuter the way you are.”
“Th- Thanks… wait, first you say I should pipe down, then you say I should stay as I am, which one is it now! Stupid Shin.o.bu!”
Machina turned around with her face bright red, then left this time for sure.
…She sure was cute.
Such thoughts crossed my mind as I went back to my room and took out my cell phone…

“…So you see, that Luna called me ‘rubbish’ and a ‘blockhead’. Don’t you think that’s a bit cold?”
After returning to my room, I had called the Gogyou Household’s maid Kaorun for advice. Just, because Kaorun gave vague agreeable statements of “Yes”, “Right” and “You are not at fault, Shin.o.bu-sama.” and properly listened to me, midway I ended up grumbling without noticing it.
“Hey, what should I do? What do you think, Kaorun?”
“….More importantly, I am hungry.”
“Okay, then let’s go fetch some food. I know a shop that has opened all day. It’s my treat, so get ready.”
“Not only is your usual retort absent, but you are also strangely kind!?”
After releasing a surprised voice, Kaorun then said with a somewhat weary voice.
“Shin.o.bu-sama, just now was a joke on my part. I will properly listen to your worries, so please continue.”
“No, enough about me. It’s only become grumbling now. If possible, I would like to hear your opinion, Kaorun. Why do you think is it that Luna and Nazuna act cold towards me?”
While hoping for an advice, I waited for her reply, but for some reason It wouldn’t come, no matter how long I waited.
“Mh? Kaorun? Kaoru-san?”
“…Ah, I am sorry. I dozed off a bit just now.”
“Listen seriously! You’re the only one I can rely on now, Kaorun!”
“I- Involuntarily I was deeply moved by your remark just now, but for how long do you think we have been talking now? I am tired. I want to go to bed now. I cannot even think straight anymore.”
“….Tired? From what? Did you stalk Hijiri or what?”
“That is my daily routine, so I am not particular tired from it. On the contrary, it supplies me with energy. Still, lately Hijiri-chan, who is a refreshment for my heart, is behaving strange. She was sick in bed the last few days, so I can only sleep at night from all my worries.”
“No, it’s plenty enough to sleep at night. Actually, stop stalking so casually.”
After retorting just in case, I corrected my tone, as I was a bit worried, and asked.
“So, what’s up with Hijiri? Did she got a summer cold or something?”
“To be honest, I am not sure. I would like to believe that it is a cold, but recently she is in a state, where she ‘meaningless’ sheds tears on whatever she looks at, be it a blooming or withering flower, which I can not really comprehend.”
“S- Somehow, I’m getting even more worried after hearing that. Can I come pay her a visit tomorrow?”
“Yes, of course I do not mind. Actually, you are more than welcome… But are you sure? In a way, you have troubles as well, Shin.o.bu-sama?”
“Well, yeah, but I don’t really want to be at home right now.”
“Is that so. Well then, please come over tomorrow during noon. Let us a.s.sault Hijiri-chan in her bed together.”
“Roger. I’ll take the front. You secure the rear, Kaorun.”
“Unexpected motivated!?”
Kaorun leaked a surprised voice, but I paid it no mind and said my farewell.
“Okay then, Kaorun, see you tomorrow. Sweet maid dreams.”
“You even took my catchphrase from me! For some reason, I am a bit angry! Please prepare yourself later on!”
Once again paying no mind to why Kaorun was angry, I hung up the phone. Then I took a look at the clock on the wall of my room, which showed that it was already past ten in the evening.
…Already this late? Impressive that Kaorun kept my company all the time. She was a really nice fellow. I was happy that she listened to me.
My affections points for Kaorun jumped up greatly, when suddenly my cell phone rang. It was a mail from Kaorun.
What was it? When I opened the mail, it said “This is Shin.o.bu-sama’s real appearance. Please sent this mail to at least three more people. Otherwise you will become unhappy.” along with an attached picture of me cross-dressing.
…That rascal. Making such a simple hara.s.sment. Not just Miichan, but also Kaorun, just where did they get my cross-dress photo from?
I was quite interested about that, but that wasn’t something for right now.
For starters, I should dispatch the Mad Dog to take a picture of Kaorun’s sleeping face next time and then sent her a chain-letter type of mail with it.
With that decided upon, I left my room to get some tea and walked down the hallway, whereupon
“Mh? Nazuna is still awake?”
Nazuna’s door was opened a bit and through that gap showed a faint light.
…She must have been staying up late again. Not like I was one to say, but Nazuna was still in middle school. I had heard it was not good to stay up late during your growth period.
Intending to give her a light warning, I approached her room and was about to knock.
“Leave me alone already! For your information, I hate you!”
“Ah, yes, sorry.”
Even though I didn’t say anything yet, I was rejected and I apologized on a conditioned reflex from my recent experiences.
But, now that I thought about it, that wasn’t Nazuna’s voice just now.
Then whose was it? When I opened the door with my head tilted, inside were not just Nazuna, but also Luna. Huddled together, they were sleeping on the floor. As for the source of the voice, when I shifted my gaze towards the television, there was an anime showing on the screen.
Apparently a cute girl had flushed her cheeks bright red and was angry about a guy that stayed cool.
“Stupid, idiot, stupid! Who are you calling a tsundere! Die once! I totally hate you!”
“…Are tsundere popular even in anime now?”
While c.o.c.king my head in puzzlement, I turned of the television and faced the bed.
There, instead of Nazuna, a cat plush-toy lay with it’s cheek on the pillow. A bit wearily, I rested my hand on the shoulder of Nazuna, who was still sleeping on the floor.
“Hey, Nazuna. You’ll catch a cold if you sleep here. Properly sleep in your bed.”
While saying so, I lightly shook her shoulder, whereupon Nazuna mumbling moved her mouth in sleep talk.
“… I don’t… like you or anything, Brother.”
“Enough already!”
Why was she saying such cold stuff even in her sleep? When I inadvertently screamed, Luna also leaked a sleep talk, as in response to it.
“Uhh… I do not want continue… It is too sad… but, I have to … properly please…. -san….”
“…I’m… not annoying…. I’ll work hard…”
Frowning anxious, Luna and Nazuna were having a bad dream.
I didn’t know about their circ.u.mstances, but they might be worried about some stuff in their own way. I carried them in my arms in turns.
Nazuna’s body temperature was high, which calmed my heart on contact.
As for Luna, her body was soft and gave off a sweet fragrance, so I got a bit excited on the way to the bed. But, sleeping soundly on the bed together, they looked like sisters, which made me smile unmeant.
…I wished they would return to their usual selves quickly.
With a rather eager wish, I turned off the lights and left the room.
Then I showed up in the living room, where Elni was still playing the game and Machina was sleeping on the sofa, as she got sleeping while watching.
The hem of Machina’s skirt was rolled up and exposed her soft thighs, but I quickly averted my eyes and faced Elni aka Mad Dog again.
“Mad Dog, I have a job for you.”
“…What’s the job about and fee?”
I responded to Mad Dog, who slightly sharpened her look, with a low voice.
“Anytime will be fine. Take a picture of Kaorun’s sleeping face. As for the fee, how about I take you to the tsundere café next time?”
“Will do…”
Giving a small nod, Mad Dog resumed the game.
She seemed just like a professional. It was kind of cool.
Well, that aside, negotiations were successful. After that, I carried Machina to her room and lay her to sleep on her bed. Then I went back to my room and slept.

…By the way, Mad Dog worked even faster than I had antic.i.p.ated and the next morning, I had a mail with a picture of Kaourn’s sleeping face attached on my cell phone.

After lunch, I took out my cell phone, since all preparation were done, and said a mail to Kaorun, which first told her ‘I’m coming over now’, then had the addition “If you fail to sent this mail to at least three more people, you will go to h.e.l.l” with the picture attached of Kaorun’s cute sleeping face.
…Good. I made a big nod in satisfaction.
Then, before leaving the house, Luna came to sent me off like always, but she was still grumpy as ever.
“Have a safe trip, Shin.o.bu-san. I will not ask you where you are going, but I am not thinking anything of the likes how sad I am that you are going out even on summer vacation! Please do not get the wrong idea! You do not even need to come back!”
…I thought about saying something back, but it was too painful, so I could only say “I’m off”. Running off with my face covered by both my hands, I jumped on my bicycle with att.i.tude. Then I headed for Hijiri’s house as if I was running away…

There pedalled my bicycle for a while and then a j.a.panese-style big mansion came into sight. At the same time, I spotted a female standing in front of the house.
Almond eyes and skin white as clouds. A semi-short haircut, which was a bit s.h.a.ggy on the side. The female was an eye-opening beauty.
But she was just the Gogyou Household’s perverted maid Karoun aka Kaoru… wasn’t she?
Strangely enough, Kaorun wasn’t wearing her usual maid clothes.
For some reason, she wore the uniform of my high school and her long legs that peeked out from the skirt were rather erotic, which accelerated my heartbeat a bit.
On the other hand, Kaorun in question didn’t seem to notice my approach and made a slightly tired face while looking down, as she was likely in thought.
“Yo, worrying about something?”
When I tried to call out to Kaorun for now, Kaorun raised her head a bit surprised and smiled softly upon recognizing me.
“Welcome, Shin.o.bu-sama. Will it be a temporarily stay today? Or will you be staying the night?”
“…Is your house an indecent hotel or what? I’ll leave by today. Actually, what’s up with that get-up? What about your maid clothes?”
“Well, truth be told, this morning when I told Hijiri-chan that you would be coming over, she stole my maid clothes for some reason and with the words ’Kaoru-san, please wear this’, she forcefully made me wear this. It certainly is a bit embarra.s.sing.”
While saying so, Kaorun held down her skirt with both her hands. Her appearance had a fresh feeling to it and I didn’t grow tired of looking at it.
“Kind of cute.”
“I know.”
“…I see, you knew. But your face is red, you know?”
“I know that as well.”
“You sure know everything.”
“Yes, I also know that you love me very much.”
“…I see. So you don’t know everything after all.”
For some reason her usual joking was boring. After all Kaorun did appear a bit tired. Also concerned about Hijiri, I changed the topic.
“Hey, from what you said, Hijiri seems to be doing well, but… Is it really a cold?”
“…I have no idea anymore. Hijiri-chan is truly strange. You will understand once you see her, Shin.o.bu-sama. For now, let us proceed inside.”
Inviting, I set forward, when Kaorun suddenly stopped in front of the front door and opened her mouth with “Reminds me”.
“Shin.o.bu-sama, what was that mail from earlier about? How did you manage to capture my sleeping face? Actually, I am quite sensitive to people’s presences or gazes. I was quite surprised that I was photographed without my knowledge. Do not tell me that you have installed hidden cameras in my room, Shin.o.bu-sama?”
“That’s a trade secret. Though, we have an excellent hunter called Mad Dog at our house— That’s all I’ll say.”
“…At times I am not sure if Elni-sama is amazing or simply stupid. Also, Please do not use the picture of my sleeping face to do anything perverted. It would arouse me.”
“Right back at you. Don’t use my cross-dressing picture to do anything perverted. It would embarra.s.s me.”
“I understand— Is what I would like to say, but… it is already too late for that.”
“…Hey, wait a moment, pervert maid. What did you whisper just now?”
“You want me to say that embarra.s.sing sentence with my mouth once more? You sure enjoy verbal abuse. Shin.o.bu-sama, you pervert.”
…No, that reaction of turning bright red up to the ears just troubled me.
Even I got embarra.s.sed and intruded on Hijiri’s house with my mouth shut from then on. Following, I took off my shoes in the entrance hall that was thrice as big as ours and Hijiri secretly peeked out her head from a corner.
“Ah, it really was you, Shin.o.bu-kun. Welcome.”
“Yo, Hijiri. Thanks for having me over. You look more energetic than I…”
Inadvertently I stopped midway in my sentence and for now tried to pinch my own cheeks, but apparently this wasn’t a dream and certainly reality. The pain in my cheek told me that.
However, I couldn’t believe it. To describe the current situation with a single phrase— Naked ap.r.o.n. I took a second look, but without doubt she was clad in nothing but an ap.r.o.n. In a way, a man’s romance. Certainly surprised, I was dumbfounded, whereupon Hijiri flushed her cheeks and showed an adorable smile. Moreover she came running over to me with her voluminous b.r.e.a.s.t.s bouncing greatly.
….It seemed like a dream, but I suddenly realized. That this might just be a trap, plotted by Kaorun.
Hijiri actually was an exorcist. Her occupation was to seal and exorcise devils. And by acc.u.mulating results, she wanted to change the exorcist organisation that treated hybrid devils like Kaorun as tools.
So to increase her own strength, she had wanted to use a yin-yang technique, but that technique was cunning, as it was necessary to do perverted things.
Therefore, Hijiri used every opportunity to seduce me. This naked ap.r.o.n must have been Kaorun’s idea as well.
With that in mind, I wearily faced Kaorun, but
“H- Hi- Hi- Hijiki-chan!?”
“Who are you calling Hijiki! That’s a delicious sounding name, really!”
While retorting, I felt surprise. Kaorun, who I had thought to be the mastermind, was widening her eyes and got close to Hijiri in a fl.u.s.tered state.
“Wh- What are you doing, Hijiri-chan! Did you not wear my maid clothes earlier? Why naked in an ap.r.o.n!? That is a bit immodest! Depending on the other party, it might cause the person to freak out!”
“Don’t worry, Kaoru-san. When Shin.o.bu-kun saw you and Luna-san naked in an ap.r.o.n previously, he was pleased. The maid clothes didn’t have enough impact. You also prefer this, right Shin.o.bu-kun?”
While saying so, Hijiri shyly took a pose by bending over.
Upon that, the distinctly surfaced fine collarbone and cleavage of her big b.r.e.a.s.t.s were exposed in front of my eyes. Her voluminous b.r.e.a.s.t.s perfectly gleamed like silk and at their tip, I got a sneak-peek on a pink colour, where I averted my eyes right away.
“Ehm, well, Hijiri? Didn’t you have a cold? If you run around like that, your cold will get worse. I think it’s better if you hurry up and change.”
“…I see. This wasn’t good enough for you. Okay. I’ll go change into something different.”
“Eh? Different? Actually, what about your cold?”
I asked that, but Hijiri didn’t hear me, as she turned her back to me with att.i.tude and walked away with swift steps. But, was she fully comprehending her current outfit?
Her peach-like bottom was in full view for me. Her sensual bottom shook lightly on every step, which nearly induced me to get a nosebleed.
I quickly pressed my hand on my nose and while cladding myself in composure, I called out to Kaorun.
“…What’s up with Hijiri? Is it really a cold?”
“I told you, did I not? That Hijiri-chan is behaving strange. I do not know what to do anymore.”
Along with her words, Kaorun made a small sigh.
Judging by this, Hijiri most likely wasn’t instigated by Kaorun, but were voluntarily actions from her.
….Seriously, what was up with Hijiri?
“Just to make sure, this isn’t a dream, right?”
“That is actually what I would like to ask. Shin.o.bu-sama, I would like to confirm if this is reality, so would you please spank my bottom?”
“Sure.”
I must have been quite shaken myself. Before I noticed it, I had spanked Kaorun’s elastic bottom, like she had told me to.
Instantly, Kaorun raised a strangely erotic “Yahn” voice and turned around. While colouring her cheeks bright red, she looked at me with protesting eyes.
“Wh- Why are you actually hitting me? It is not like you to reply to my foolery with foolery, Shin.o.bu-sama! It made me leak a weird voice in surprise! My bottom is off-limit!”
“S- Sorry. Something must be wrong with me. To make up for it, you can hit me as well, Kaorun. I also want to confirm if this is a dream or not.”

“…Well then, Shin.o.bu-sama, please close your eyes.”
“Ah, you can hit me, but not in the face, okay? And don’t strike my stomach. Also, making it all too strong is forbidden too. Be gentle, okay?”
“You are so selfish. It seems like you would ask ‘Make it a nipple slap’ at this rate… so please make do with this.”
Kaorun came closer with her cheeks still red and rested her hand on my shoulder, then softly pressed her lips onto my cheek.
“…I knew it, a dream?”
Kaorun got away from me right away and turned her back towards me, but her aroma still tingled my nasal cavities even now and I could also still feel the sensation of her lips on my cheek.
While I stood there absent-minded, Kaorun said with her back still to me and red ears.
“A payback for hitting my bottom. Also, this is reality. Therefore, Shin.o.bu-sama, please stop making a stupid face and go ahead to Hijiri-chan’s room. I will go prepare some tea. You know the way, right?”
“…With my current condition, I might go into your room by mistake, Kaorun, but don’t worry about it too much then.”

“I understand. I also might go into your room, crawl into your bed and sniff your smell by mistake, Shin.o.bu-sama, but please do no worry about it either.”
“No, what kind of mistake is that. I’ll worry.”
Having my foolery replied with a foolery, I perfectly understood Kaorun’s feelings from earlier. I shrugged my shoulders, split up with Kaorun and headed for Hijiri’s room up the stairs.
The house was as huge as ever, but I had been in Hijiri’s room once before. I shouldn’t get lost. I arrived in front of the room and knocked lightly….but there was no reply.
“Hijiri? I’m coming in.”
While precautionally giving notice, I opened the door, but no one was inside. Hijiri might still changing her clothes. Then I would feel bad about entering her room all on my own.
I wanted to close the door right away, but I suddenly noticed a couple of magazines scattered on the floor in the room and stopped my hand.
…What? She had kept everything in neat order when I came here previously. Well, it wasn’t so much as to call it dirty now, but I was a bit concerned about the t.i.tles of the magazines.
All of them were how-to books with t.i.tles like “How to capture a guy for sure”, “How to make a guy yours” and “How to make a guy spellbound”.
…Was Hijiri really the type to read such magazines?
I tilted my head, as I felt it out of place, then I could hear footsteps. When I looked behind me, there stood Hijiri. She stood there, but
“Wh- What’s with that outfit?”
I became speechless once more.
This time she was naked in a white shirt.
The shape of Hijiri’s big b.r.e.a.s.t.s rose up through the white shirt while from the hem, her thighs gave off bewitching brilliance and her long, white legs extended smoothly.
While I was petrified perfectly, Hijiri crossed her arms behind her back and took an erotic pose.
“How’s it, Shin.o.bu-kun? This outfit should satisfy you?”
“….I had my fill already.”
To be honest, my heart been in a turmoil for a while. I wished she would go change right away, but it would be troubling if she changed into something even more stimulating.
For the time being I affirmed and turned my gaze back to the door.
“H- Here, Hijiri, why don’t we go in?”
“Yeah, today for sure I’m going to please you, Shin.o.bu-kun.”
…Uhm, I just came here to pay her a sick visit? Had she really been sick in bed? She certainly behaved strange, but just what was up?
While I wondered in my heart, I went into the room and sat down on a seat cushion near the table. There Hijiri fidgeting rubbed her knees against each other and opened her mouth with red cheeks.
“Uhm, Shin.o.bu-kun, can I sit down too?”
“Mh? This is your room, so you can sit down wherever you want, you know?”
“Okay, thanks.”
Saying her thanks with a smile, Hijiri sat down like that in my lap while still smiling.
….Mhh? Wait a moment.
The sensation of her elastic bottom pressed onto my body and a sweet fragrance hung in the air from her glamorous, black hair. All of a sudden I was in a pinch.
“Ehm, Hijiri-san? What are you doing?”
“Y- You said I can sit down wherever I want, so I sit down here. If, If you were to embrace me from behind now, I would be very happy.”
“….Sorry, but I can’t bend my arms today. Give up on it.”
“No, I won’t give up. I’ll test if you really can’t bend your arms.”
H- Huh? My usual disregarding didn’t work at all? Today Hijiri was quite different. Just like a whole different person. Bashfully taking my arms, she smiled happily.
…Please, stop it.
My palms were on Hijiri’s stomach and both my arms touched her soft b.r.e.a.s.t.s. I was already in a bind from her bottom and sweet fragrance. With that on top, my reasoning was unlikely to last.
But, I bit onto my lip and decided to endure it by all costs.
Despite that, with no regards to my feelings, Hijiri held both my arms tightly and said.
“Shin.o.bu-kun, does it feel good? The book said that boys like the sensation of a girl’s body. Do you also like it?”
“Rather than like or hate, I’m only feeling warmth.”
“Mh, sometimes you stay so cool that it’s saddening.”
“But you like me better as cool, right?”
“Not really. I also want to see you not cool at times.”
“Me and not cool? Then I would just be handsome.”
“Th- That might be…”
No, that wasn’t so. She should deny it. It made me embarra.s.sed.
So I retorted in my heart while Hijiri blushed and continued with a “but”.
“For example, I would like to see a Shin.o.bu-kun that says ‘Hijiri-tan, Hijiri-tan, hah, hah, I can’t stand it anymore. I want to hold you tight, kiss you all over and then do perverted stuff’.”
“…You really want to see me like that?”
“I, I might not after all. I want it to be more romantic.”
“Then don’t say it. Besides, what’s up with that phrase? Is it Kaorun’s influen—”
“But! I’ll accept you even like that!”
Cutting into my words, Hijiri turned around and brought her face closer.
For now, I decided to use my last trump card.
“…*snore, snore*”
“Shin.o.bu-kun, I’ll kiss you if you pretend to sleep.”
“I’m awake! I just woke up!”
M- My trump card was defeated so easily.
When I opened my eyes right away, Hijiri puffed her cheeks lightly and leaned the back of her head against my chest once more. Then she fanned her cheeks with her palm and said.
“…Somehow, it’s hot here.”
“Well, the cooler is on, but it’s because you’re clinging to me even though it’s summer. I’m sure you’ll feel refreshed when you get away from me.”
“It’s hot, so I’m going to take off some clothes.”
“WHY!? Listen to me! You’re not a nudist! Stop it!”
I desperately raised a voice to stop her. However, Hijiri didn’t listen to my words at all and unb.u.t.toned three b.u.t.tons around her chest, which exposed her ample bosom.
From my position, I got a fantastic view into her cleavage and as Hijiri didn’t wear a bra.s.siere, the tip region of her b.r.e.a.s.t.s changed shaped through the white shirt. I got aroused— No, I did not. I shouldn’t, by all means. Right away I clenched my fists so hard that it hurt and succeeded in cladding myself in composure.
However, my worldly desires followed me around like a pet dog.
Every time Hijiri moved, her voluminous breast shook and I was on tenterhooks. A lot of things stayed dangerous.
K- Kaorun, hurry up. Do something about this situation. Help me.
I wished for that in my heart, then as my wished had been heard, there was a knock on the door and Kaorun came into the room.
Kaorun held a tray with cups of drinks and cakes on it in her hands.
But, the moment she saw us, she was about to drop the tray in her hand. Following, she looked at us once more and raised a surprised voice.
“W- Wh-Wh-Wh- What are you doing, Hijiri-chan! What is the meaning of that outfit!? I believe that is certainly too daring!”
“It’s okay, Kaoru-san. I’m properly wearing panties this time!”
“That is not the problem here! It looks like Shin.o.bu-sama is enduring something with an incredible expression, so in a way it might be a correct solution, but there is no meaning if you lose your sanity for it, Hijiri-chan!”
“I’m sane! Kaoru-san, be quiet for a moment!”
“For some reason I made her angry!?”
Receiving a shock, Kaorun got teary eyes on a rare occasion and put the tray with the drinks and cakes on the table dejected. Then she called out to Hijiri reserved.
“Excuse me, Hijiri-chan, could you get away from Shin.o.bu-sama for now, so that we can have tea? He is a guest and and we have to properly cater him.”
“….Okay.”
Replying to Kaorun with a nod, Hijiri got away from me reluctantly. There I made a sigh of relief and reached out for the cup in front of me, but
“Sorry, Shin.o.bu-kun!”
Along with her words, Hijiri s.n.a.t.c.hed away my drink, put it on her mouth and drank it in one gulp. Following, she quickly closed in to my face and opened her mouth with bright red cheeks.
“I did something mean to you, Shin.o.bu-kun! So punish me!”
“Huh? Punish you? I’m not even angry. I’ll just take your drink instead. Besides—”
In the middle of my sentence, Hijiri took her own drink and once again drank it in one gulp.
“Ehm, then I’ll take Kaorun’s…”
“Kaoru-san!”
When Hijiri fiercely glared at Kaorun,
“Ah, yes, I understand!”
She guessed Hijiri’s intention with just that and grabbed her cup, then drank it in one gulp like Hijiri.
I watched over that dumbfounded, whereupon Hijiri lowered her head a bit.
“Sorry, Shin.o.bu-kun. Kaoru-san and I carelessly drank all the drinks on purpose. That was rude to you, our guest. So please punish me.”
“You just said ‘on purpose’! It was totally intended! Besides, what kind of punishment should I do?”
“That’s…”
Hijiri fidgeted her index finger against each other, then
“…Please spank my bottom.”
She isolated said something unbelievable.
Yeah, I had not choice but to escape.
“Shin.o.bu-chan is going to the toilet for a bit.”
“Hold on with the toilet, Shin.o.bu-kun. The punishment comes first.”
“Th- Then I guess it’s time for me to go home?”
“That would be troubling! And sad! Kaoru-san! Seal the door!”
“Ah, yes, I understand. I understand, but just why do I have to do that!? I do not like such a Hijiri-chan!”
Once again getting teary eyes, Kaorun headed for the door like told and sealed my escape route.
Now I was completely trapped. I could only fool them with words. I forced myself to show a refreshing smile and declared to Hijiri while smiling.
“Hijiri, you’re cute today.”
“Thanks. Now the punishment please.”
“H- Hijiri-san, we have such fine weather today. How about we go somewhere to play?”
“Yeah, let’s do so later. For now, punishment please.”
“Hijiri-sama! I beg of you, please abstain from that.”
“I definitely won’t stop! I won’t give until you do so! Punish me, please…”
“….Okay.”
Facing me with such wet eyes was a foul play.
But, well, I just needed to keep my reasoning. That seemed to be rather difficult, but I nodded resigned.
Upon that, Hijiri showed a temporarily hesitation, then put her hands on the bed and lightly pushed out her bottom.
As a result, I could see black panties from under the white shirt’s hem, which showed a vivid round curve, and her bottom was exposed in front of my eyes, even if only in black panties.
Th- The black panties were rather lewd. When I pondered if I could really have my way with this bottom, my reasoning was about to crumble at once. I took a deep breath to calm my feelings.
“I- It looks like I am a bother, so I will excuse myself now.”
Kaorun averted her eyes and quickly left the room.
…Without doubt, she ran away.
To be honest, I wanted to run away as well, but it didn’t seem like I could back away from this situation. Setting my resolve, I looked at her, whereupon Hijiri had her eyes tightly shut and her cheeks were flushed from shame while her body was somewhat tense.
It would get dangerous if I looked at this for too long. I should finish this quickly. I slowly raised my hand and a bit hesitant, I swung down my hand, gently hitting Hijiri’s bottom.
Instantly,
“Ahn… He… really did it…”
Hijiri leaked a sweet voice and looked at me with drowsy eyes. Moreover, she said somewhat begging.
“Shin.o.bu-kun, it’s punishment, so you have to hit a bit stronger….”
“I, I see. Like this?”
I put a little bit more strength into my hit.
“Yah… Hah… Ahh… Yaah.”
A bewitching voice started to come out from Hijiri’s pink lips.
“Ahh, Ahh, Hah…Ahah….Mmh!”
Every time her bottom was slapped, Hijiri’s voice gradually became louder and her dignified voice mixed together with a sweet voice while her breathing became rough.
Her well-formed bottom softly took in my palm and repelled it, which conveyed it’s indescribable elasticity through my palm.
Because of this, my chest filled with guilt and immorality while Hijiri’s sweet voice melted my brain and nearly made me forget myself for a moment, whereupon I stopped my hand.
There Hijiri looked at me with wet eyes and timidly opened her mouth.
“…Shin.o.bu-kun, you can touch me elsewhere besides my bottom too…”
“Sorry, but any more is impossible. Let’s end it here.”
It really was dangerous. I was at my limit. I declared clearly.
Upon that, Hijiri cast down her eyes and looked down. After a small pause, her voice trembled a bit.
“I knew it, I’m not cute, so Shin.o.bu-kun isn’t pleased with me… Shin.o.bu-kun prefers little girls…”
Huh? Little girls? What was she saying?
“Ehm Hijiri? I’m not a paedophile.”
“….Don’t lie, Shin.o.bu-kun. I mean, you’re going out with a younger girl. I’m sure you’re only interested in younger ones…”
Mhh? I didn’t have a girlfriend though? Just how did she got this misunder— wait, ah, d.a.m.n…
Reminded me, due to the incident with Tamaki I had claimed a lot of things, as well as telling the lie that I was going out with Miichan.
…Not good. I had wanted to clear it up afterwards, but Luna and Nazuna started to be grumpy right after, so I totally forgot about it.
Hijiri most likely still had a misunderstanding. While hanging her head, she bowed down a bit.
“Sorry, Shin.o.bu-kun. You already have a proper girlfriend, yet, while I know it’s pathetic, I can’t congratulate you, I can’t give up on you, I’m sad that you got taken away and I’m always thinking how I can get you back….”
“No, Hijiri, stop for a bit!”
Sopping Hijiri midway, I scratched my cheek and continued.
“Well, it’s a bit too late, but, well, I had my reasons…”
Actually I felt rather guilty and it was hard to say, but I explained it in order.
About how Miichan was troubled. How I played Miichan’s boyfriend when we met at the department hall. How I could only lie in front of Tamaki.
While I explained that, Hijiri’s cheeks gradually become redder and when I finished my explanation, Hijiri was bright red up to her ears.
“Sh- Shin.o.bu-kun! If that as the reason, why didn’t you tell me earlier! Now I ended up doing something unbelievable! So embarra.s.sing! I’m so ashamed of myself! I’m done for! I can’t properly look you into the face anymore!”
Right after covering her face with both hands, Hijiri moved onto the bed and pulled the blanket over her head with att.i.tude. Shutting herself in, she didn’t come out from there.
…Somehow, I felt really sorry.
Apparently the reason why Hijiri had turned so weird was me. After days of worries, Hijiri had ran rampage today.
I sat down on the corner of the bed and called out softly to Hijiri.
“Hey Hijiri, you called yourself ‘not cute’ earlier, but I think you’re a very cute girl.”
“…You’re lying. I mean, you always ignore me.”
On my words, Hijiri’s pouting voice came back from out of the blanket. There I made a wry smile and slowly opened my mouth to use this opportunity to tell her properly.
“I have no other choice but to ignore you. I mean, I’m a guy after all. If I were to respond to you, I’m sure I wouldn’t be able to hold myself back.”
“….Eh? What, do you mean…?”
“Just like I said, every time, even today, I’m holding back myself, you know? I’m worried every time, since I’m always close to forget myself.”
“I, I don’t believe you. You’re always making such a calm expression.”
After showing her face out from the blanket, Hijiri straightened up her upper body and avoided my gaze.
I declared to her firmly.
“I told you, I’m keeping myself in check. If I were to respond to your seduction, I would abandon myself to you.”
Hijiri’s seduction was done for the yin-yang technique that increased her own strength. As long as that was the reason, I had no intention to respond to it.
“…Well, you see, I don’t want to have that kind of relationship with you, just for the yin-yang technique. I don’t want to do it with you for that.”
Temporarily stopping my words, I paid my embarra.s.sment no mind and continued.
“For me, you’re, how should I say, really brilliant. Maybe admiration? Either way you’re popular at school, cute and charming, so I’m not really a match for you. But you’re precious…. Mh? Hijiri? What’s up?”
Even though I was suppressing my embarra.s.sment, Hijiri was looking down and was mumbling something on the line of “…Ad- Admiration… cute… charming…”, not listening to me.
“Hey, Hijiri? Listen to me.”
When I grabbed her shoulders and shook them as a test, Hijiri, with her head raised, was dizzy for some reason and so bright red that I thought she would start to emit steam.
“…I’m… really… done… for….”
Leaving these words behind, Hijiri hung her head and her body lost all strength.
“Eh? Hey, Hijiri? Hijiri-san?”
As she fainted, Hijiri didn’t twitch at all when I called out to her or shook her body. Her sleeping face looked strangely happy, so I hesitated to wake her up.
There I softly laid down Hijiri and pulled the blanket over her.. then quietly left the room.
I came for a sick visit today, but the reason for Hijiri’s strange behaviour wasn’t a cold. Since I kind of resolved the actual reason now, she should be fine.
…Now then, I should play a bit with Kaorun and then head home.
I walked down the long hallway, got down the stairs and looked for Kaorun, whereupon I found her in the needlessly big living room.
Kaorun was in her usual maid clothes, as she had changed.
However, even though I was in such a big pinch, she was nonchalantly watching TV while eating rice cookies and drinking tea.
“Ah, I though of a little poem. In the early afternoon – In my master’s room – there is a beast soon.”
“….Hey, what are you composing lame poems for after you abandoned me? Actually, you already noticed me, right?”
When I called out like that, Kaorun showed no sign of surprise, as she really did notice me already, and turned off the TV. And when I sat down besides her, she asked with a little bit serious expression.
“So, Shin.o.bu-sama, what happened to Hijiri-chan?”
“Seems she was tired. She’s sleeping in her room.”
“…So you did something to make her tired, I see. Then please make sure to take responsibility. And properly feed me as well please.”
“No, you can survive even without me. Also, don’t make weird suspicions. I didn’t do anything.”
“That is too bad— is what I would like to say, but it might have been for the better this time. If you had given in to the seduction in that situation, I am sure you would be unable to bear the guilt and fall down as far as you could.”
“…I won’t deny that.”
“Why are you not denying it! You are unexpected weak, Shin.o.bu-sama! I am surprised!”
While surprised, Kaorun rested her chin on her hand on the table and made a sigh.
“At any rate, I wonder why Hijiri-chan behaved so strange?”
“Ehm, there was some stuff.”
“…Judging by your phrasing, you know something about it? That said, I take you did something to Hijiri-chan?”
“You sure are sharp.”
“No, I merely asked a leading question… But for now, I seek an explanation.”
“…You won’t get angry even if I tell you the truth? You won’t hit me?”
I asked timidly, whereupon Kaorun grinned and responded.
“Of course I will not get angry, no matter the reasons. I promise you that I will not hit you. I am gentle to Hijiri-chan and you, Shin.o.bu-sama. Now please tell me.”
“Okay. Actually…”
Urged by Kaorun with a smile, I told her the true circ.u.mstances.
As a result, Kaorun leaked a big sigh after I finished my story and stared at me.
…She might have been angry after all. Just what was she going to do to me? Her usual inexpressiveness was conversely scary. I got a bit worried, whereas Kaorun got on her knees and came closer to me.
“There.”
Suddenly, she reached out both her hands and embraced me.
…Mh? Huh? What was going on? It was just so unexpected that I was dumbfounded for a moment, then I opened my mouth right away.
“Ehm, Kaoru-san? What’s this, out of the blue?”
“I am tired from a lot of things. Today I want to rest at ease by petting your head, Shin.o.bu-sama. Please keep my company.”
Replying softly, Kaorun started petting my head like she had said.
…Somehow I got the feeling that I was treated like a puppy. I would like to get away from Kaorun right away, but not only was I hesitant, but it also seemed impossible.
Although, her supple fingers touched my hair and her elastic b.r.e.a.s.t.s pressed against my cheek while her body was warm and gave off a sweet fragrance.
In a way, I felt like I was being seduced. While my heart beat rapidly, Kaorun giggled and said whispering near my ear.
“Shin.o.bu-sama, seeing as this is a good opportunity, shall we proceed onto the bed now?”
“Nope. Please keep it here.”
“You are so cold. But, that shy side of yours is cute.”
“I know.”
“Is that so. Well then, I am sure you know as well that your own cheeks are red. Fufu, you indeed are cute.”
Giggling happily, Kaorun tightly embraced me.
…Did she really take me for a puppy? Actually, was someone like me really soothing her?
I was doubtful, but after a while,
“Energy charge complete.”
Saying that, Kaorun made a satisfied face and finally let go off me.
On the other hand, I was strangely tired from the nervousness, so I laid face up down on the spot.
While watching over me with a smile, Kaorun opened her mouth with “Reminds me”.
“Last night, you told me over the phone that Luna-sama and Nazuna-sama were behaving strange and I now understand the reason for it for Nazuna-sama.”
“Eh For real?”
When I straightened up my upper body with att.i.tude and leaned forward, Kaorun nodded small.
“Actually, I talked to the young master for a bit this morning and it appears that the young master is acquainted with Nazuna-sama.”
Yeah, I got the feeling that Nazuna said something similar to Chihaya-san at the department hall the other day.
“Also, the young master was aware of the reason to why Nazuna-sama had turned Tsundere, so I thought about asking him, but he would not tell me so easily…. I had no choice but to harden my heart, as it was for your sake, Shin.o.bu-sama”
…Just what did she do? I was rather curious about that, but I gave up on it, since I was a bit scared. I didn’t interject and listened to Kaorun.
“According to the young master, Nazuna-sama consulted with her best friend and has become a Tsundere to please you, Shin.o.bu-sama.”
“…To please me?”
The best friend was most likely Miichan, but why would Nazuna think about that?
Considering it weird, I tilted my head, whereupon Kaorun opened her mouth to answer my question.
“Apparently, Nazuna-sama does not want to be hated by you, Shin.o.bu-sama.”
“Huh? I don’t really hate her. It’s actually the opposite.”
“Yes, I am well aware that you have a sister complex, Shin.o.bu-sama.”
I was more or less aware of my own sister complex, so I stayed quiet for now. There Kaorun giggled, then changed her tone into a serious one and continued with a “Therefore”.
“I found it to be strange as well, but it seems a cla.s.smate denied her that fact, so she is trying hard.”
…Mh? Denied that fact? Could it be, Nazuna was bothered about the stuff Chihaya-san said at the department hall?
“Yesterday, the young master seemed to have met Nazuna-sama by chance at the club activities, but he said that she was rather depressed.”
“…I see. Thanks for telling me.”
While saying so, I stood up, whereupon Kaorun tilted her head and asked.
“Shin.o.bu-sama, where are you going?”
“Sorry, but I’m going home for today.”
“That is too bad. If you were to stay over tonight, you could have feasted on Sushi from Hijiri-chan’s body. And the desert would have been a naked Hijiri-chan.”
“…Sounds like a dish that really brings out the flavour of the ingredients.”
“By the way, the main dish would have been a rendezvous with a maid.”
“The fact that it’s not even food makes it inadvertently stand out the most.”
Well, it was her usual joking. I would have liked to stay a bit longer, but I had to do something more important now. I headed for the front door, whereupon Kaorun, who came to see me off, said teasingly.
“Please give Nazuna-sama my regards, Mr. Siscon.”
“…You’re more than enough of a Siscon yourself.”
Retorting with that, I made my tone softer while petting Kaorun’s head.
“Thanks for going through all the trouble of finding out about Nazuna. You were a great help.”
“…U- Usually you act all bashful, but you can say these things so readily, which is exactly why people call you a natural gigolo, Shin.o.bu-sama.”
W- Was that so? However, there was no need to worry if it was just that. I said my thanks to Kaorun once more, then head home right away.

As soon as I got home, I headed for Nazuna’s room, knocked and called through the door.
“Nazuna, it’s me. Your brother with the wonderful smile. Can I come inside?”
“…I’m currently not at home.”
“No, no, you’re totally there. I’m coming in.”
When I opened the door after a fair warning, Nazuna was sitting on the bed and her expression was somewhat gloomy.
“Wh- Why are you coming in on your own? I- It’s not like I’m happy that you’re here or anything!”
“Don’t be so cold.”
I would have gotten depressed for sure if I hadn’t known the circ.u.mstances, but I just shrugged my shoulders, sat down besides Nazuna and opened my mouth.
&ldqu