Chapter 24: Complication

Translator: Soafp

“Is it possible that you like Hiroto-kun, Chinami-san?”

Mami’s direct question made my sister’s face slightly crumple.

　I was also puzzled, not expecting such a question to come out of Mami’s mouth.

“Why are you asking me that?”

“Because it doesn’t sound like Chinami. I have an image of the Chinami I know as a sissy-conscientist who is in love with Asuka.”

“I’ll affirm where I can, but I think it’s normal to side with Hiro-kun on this one. Mami-chan, you are the one who is too much on Asuka’s side, aren’t you?”

“Please don’t change the subject. If Chinami-san likes Hiroto-kun, I’d say it makes sense.”

　While listening to my sister and Mami’s conversation, I was thinking a little.

　I wondered what my sister thought about Hiroto.

　At least, I don’t think she hates him.

　She often made fun of him and treated him like a younger brother.

　But what about as a member of the opposite sex—-

　She smiled softly and scratched her neck in annoyance.

“Mami, I think you’re the one who needs to cool down. I’m going to make this clear. Hiro and Asuka broke up because of her. If you heard what she said earlier, you know that, don’t you?　Hiro-kun and Asuka had a clear hierarchical relationship. No, Asuka created that kind of relationship. In such a situation, there is no way Hiro-kun can defy her, right? Just like no soldier would defy the king. Therefore, Hiro-kun had no choice but to accumulate until he exploded. Hiro-kun and Asuka’s relationship was built entirely on his patience. People don’t really understand that. For Hiro-kun, Asuka is nothing but a burden. ……Will you stop tormenting Hiro-kun now? Okay?　So don’t try to steal him.”

　My heart tightened strongly at my sister’s words.

　Being told by one of my own relatives made me even more aware of how low I had fallen.

　There was no way that Hiroto and I could ever get back together. Such an evil woman.

“…..I think you’re right. I was a little too much on Asuka’s side.”

Mami also showed her willingness to agree with my sister’s words.

My sister breathed a sigh of relief and said.

“Yes. I’ll see you later. I have something to do later.”

　Mami’s hands flapped in the air.

　But Mami didn’t let my sister leave.

“Ya, may I have a word?”

“Hmm?”

“I want to check it after all, but Chinami-san likes Hiroto-kun, right? “

“……Why are we talking about that?”

“Because, you know, it’s just a normal question. I understand Hiroto-kun’s feelings so well, but he just let them accumulate until he exploded.”

“I didn’t know about it until he told me. I didn’t realize he was using such a terrible threat as ‘I’m breaking up with you.”

“Well, that’s okay.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“In short, I want to make Hiroto-kun my own, so I’ve been waiting for the right moment. I want Asuka to give up Hiroto-kun as soon as possible. Otherwise, I can’t attack Hiroto-kun myself.”

“…………”

My sister who is pushing me to shut up.

　I felt upset, though only slightly.

　I think I may have never seen my sister like this before.

“I-It can’t believe it, sis”

“You got it wrong. How could I possibly like my sister’s boyfriend?”

“But you almost kissed Hiroto.”

“That was just to make fun of Hiro-kun. I’m sorry I went a little overboard.”

She smiled softly and turned on her heel this time.

“Oh, I’m going to go now. Bye-bye.”

　She left my room.

　Once again, it was just me and Mami.

　Mami looked somewhat unconvinced and had a puddle of air on her cheek.

“Something is wrong with Chinami-san.”

“I don’t know. I think my sister was right.”

　I was a really terrible girlfriend.

　
　And yet, it is beyond absurd to try to get back together with Hiroto again.

　I’ve got to get rid of the old feelings—-

“I’m sorry for everything. But I have to stop thinking about Hiroto.”

　I declared clearly as I made up my mind.

　Mami scratched her temples.

“If that’s okay with Asuka, I’m fine with it.”

“Yes …… ah, I kinda feel a little better now that I’ve decided to go with that.”

　I reach my hands toward the ceiling.

　I don’t think I can cut off my feelings for Hiroto right now. But I have to move forward little by little.

　That’s the only way I have left.

“So, do you want to go out for karaoke?”

“Sure, let’s go.”

　Mami suggested that we go to karaoke.

[Hiroto Suginami PoV].

　The evening sun was shining and the sky was tinged with orange.

“Uhm, may I ask you to say it one more time?”

“I think I like Asuka after all.”

　At a coffee shop run by a master with a white beard.

　I was revealing my feelings to Chinami.