"Oni-chan, you're killing it today! That stamina of yours is insane!"
Komachi stood behind Hachiman, blinking in surprise at her brother, who was drenched in sweat after finishing his workout.
As usual, Hachiman pulled up his shirt to wipe his face, unintentionally showing off his abs and chest. His muscles, once unimpressive, were now clearly defined.
Eight-pack abs and a clean, solid build.
Komachi, being a girl after all, couldn't help but be impressed. Even she gasped and said, "Wow... I never thought my hopeless brother could actually get this ripped."
"What's with that look? Don't tell me you're starting to fall for your awesome big bro?" Hachiman said smugly.
"..."
Komachi shot him a disgusted glare. "Eww! Gross! What kind of little sister would fall for her brother like that?"
He chuckled inwardly. That reaction? Classic Komachi. Adorable.
"But still..." Komachi's expression flipped in an instant as she smiled. "Even if I don't feel anything, other girls are gonna be drooling over this. I guarantee it."
"How many times do I have to tell you not to play matchmaker? I already have someone I'm-never mind. Just drop it."
"Hehe, come on, Yukino-nee can't possibly satisfy my brother~"
"…"
Hachiman had to hold back from telling her just how terrifying Yukino could be when she got serious... but that kind of thing? Not something you share with your kid sister. Too embarrassing.
Forget it. She'll understand when she's older.
Tired of the conversation, he waved her off and walked toward the bathroom.
"I'm taking a shower. Don't stay up too late."
"Need Komachi to help scrub your back~?"
"Sure thing. Come right in."
"Eww!! Gross!! You're supposed to say no to that!"
"Having the world's cutest little sister offer to help is the dream of many men, you know!"
He waved dramatically as he disappeared into the bathroom.
"Eh hey hey?"
Hearing this, a strange look flashed across Komachi's face for a moment.
Ugh, this shameless old man of a brother... But... if I had said yes, would he actually let me in?"
Komachi mumbled to herself, staring at the bathroom door. The sound of running water echoed, syncing oddly with her heartbeat.
Just then, a ringtone broke her train of thought.
"Huh?"
She glanced at the couch. Hachiman's phone was ringing.
"Hey, your phone's going off!" she called toward the bathroom while picking it up. "It's from... Horikita Suzune?"
A girl's name!.
"What?! Her?!" Hachiman nearly slipped in the shower. "Bring the phone here-no, wait, just hang up!"
Hikigaya was shocked and quickly said to Komachi.
Komachi raised the corners of her mouth and asked with a smile: "Oni-chan, who is Horikita Suzune? Is she Komachi's new sister-in-law?"
"no." Hikigaya immediately explained.
"She is the student council president of Ikusei High School. I guess she wants to discuss the senior year training with me. Anyway, give me your phone or hang up first."
"But you're in the shower. That'd be rude, hanging up now~" Komachi said sweetly. "Let Komachi handle this."
"Wait, don't you dare-"
Too late. Komachi answered the call.
"Finally! You're so slow at picking up-don't forget about our date tomorrow!" Suzune's voice came through the speaker, fast and unfiltered.
"H-hello?" Komachi answered carefully, trying not to laugh.
"... Huh? Who is this? Why isn't Hachiman answering? Are you his girlfriend?"
"Nope!" Komachi said cheerfully. "I'm his little sister. Like, his actual little sister."
"...Oh. Real sister?"
"Yep! Name's Komachi Hikigaya. Oni-chan's in the bath right now, so I picked up."
"Ah... I see. Sorry, I thought-"
"It's okay! But I heard you mention a date? With my brother?" Komachi asked with a teasing smile.
"Wha-n-no! It's about the joint training retreat between our schools!" Suzune stammered.
"Ohh, just the retreat?"
"Y-yes! We're not like that, okay? Don't get the wrong idea!"
Komachi smirked. Oh, she heard it loud and clear-Suzune definitely had a thing for her brother.
Feigning disappointment, Komachi sighed, "Aw, really? That's too bad. You say that, but every night this week, my dumb oni-chan's been talking about 'Suzune this' and 'Suzune that' in his sleep. He even said, 'Suzune, you're the best woman ever!' once~"
"Wh-what?! In his sleep?!"
"Yep! At first I thought he was quoting an anime or something. But no, it was all about you."
"...I-is he seriously dreaming about me every night...?"
Horikita was in a state of panic. "Wow, could this guy be having some weird dreams about me at night?"
"My brother even said, 'Horikita, you are the best woman ever!'"
"Eh?!"