The Fortune Teller Character mori-san is (Shinka Nibutani from Chuunibyou demo koi ga shitai!) she went by the name Mori Summer in the past.
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By the sea
The gentle sea breeze tousled the girl's hair.
Shiroi lightly tucked a few strands behind her ear, gazing at the ocean in front of her. She felt an unprecedented sense of freedom—as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
And in a way, it had. She wasn't wearing a kimono today, but a set of short-sleeved shirt and shorts borrowed from Kamishiro Shiro.
After all, you can't really go diving in a kimono~
As for why there were Kamishiro Shiro's clothes in the club room?
Well, isn't it common sense that you can store your own clothes there?
"Whooo~ what a refreshing breeze. How're you feeling?"
Kamishiro Shiro walked up to the girl. The sea breeze lifted his bangs and softly kissed his forehead.
"…A little uncomfortable."
Shiroi shifted awkwardly. Kamishiro's clothes were a bit too big for her, and more than that, she hadn't worn short sleeves and shorts in a long time.
"Haha, you'll get used to it. A kimono beauty like you should try a new style every now and then~"
Kamishiro chuckled and ruffled her hair again. There's nothing more delightful than seeing a tsundere girl all shy and flustered~
"Hmph. Yeah, yeah, I get it. So… you're only wearing swim trunks because you're also trying a new style?"
"Of course not! This is for the diving later!"
As he spoke, Kamishiro pointed behind him. While they'd been talking, the upperclassmen had finished preparing all the diving gear—it was ready to go anytime.
Shiroi turned around and saw that everyone was already in their swimsuits, waving at her.
"There's actual diving?"
"We're a proper diving club, you know. Iori should've written that in the letter."
"Emmm, yeah, he did write that, but I just assumed it was a drinking club in disguise."
(;￣Д￣）
"Well… that's not entirely wrong…"
Kamishiro Shiro realized he had no comeback. After all, what kind of diving club hosts drinking parties every other day?
"So what's this all really about—"
" Shiroi ~"
Just as Shiroi was about to ask, a pair of groping hands suddenly wrapped around her slim waist.
"Kyaa~!"
Shiroi let out a shy squeal as Azusa suddenly hugged her from behind. In that instant, Kamishiro Shiro could see the hungry gleam in Azusa's eyes as she pulled Shiroi into her ample bosom.
"So cute~"
"Uuuuuu…"
"If you don't stop, Azusa-senpai, we might lose Shiroi entirely," Kamishirosaid with a hint of jealousy. That used to be his spot, after all.
"Hahaha, sorry, sorry. By the way, can you swim, Shiroi ?"
Hearing Kamishiro's words, Azusa finally let go of Shiroi, though somewhat reluctantly.
゛(◎_◎;)
Having escaped the clutches of Azusa's chest, Shiroi looked gratefully at Kamishiro. "I-I'm okay, I can swim… more or less."
"Eh?" The others, who hadn't been expecting much, were surprised by her answer. Then they turned to look at Iori...
The more they saw these two, the less they looked like siblings.
"So, Iori… are you really siblings?"
"Bastards! You can't determine if we're siblings based on swimming ability! Our hair color's exactly the same!"
Iori exploded. Was the difference between him and Shiroi really that huge?
These people would rather believe that Kamishiro and Shiroi were siblings than him and Shiroi!
(;￣Д￣）
"Well, hair color can be a coincidence…"
"So you're saying the whole world is divided into 'people who can swim' and 'people who can't'?!!"
Just as everyone was still skeptical, Kouhei stepped forward!
"That's enough, Kitahara! If you really are Shiroi's brother, then answer these questions!"
"Fine, ask away…"
Iori didn't want to prove anything to this pervert, but… what choice did he have?
If he didn't play along, given Kouhei's level of perversion, life would be hell for the next few days…
"So in the end, it's just Kouhei being curious himself…" Chisa muttered, seeing through it all. She was already thinking about next year's recruitment—this year's batch was a complete write-off!
"First question! What's Shiroi's favorite food?"
"Probably something like traditional Japanese sweets."
"Second question—what's she worst at?"
"Anything involving electronics."
"Third question—what kind of clothes does she like the most?"
"Kimono!"
!!!
Having heard the answers he wanted, Kouhei got visibly excited and started jotting things down in his notebook.
Meanwhile, Kamishiro Shiro was giving Iori a look like he was some kind of freak. If his memory was right, none of Iori's answers were correct.
Traditional Japanese sweets, really?
Sure, Shiroi looked like a classical beauty always dressed in kimono—but that didn't mean she actually liked kimono or wagashi!
That was just the influence of their household. Her actual favorite food was doughnuts!
He remembered the first time she tried one—it was with him.
And electronics?
Should he go crack open that rabbit-shaped device in Chisa's room before talking about being "bad with electronics"?
Poor Shiroi . Even now, she kept up the image of being a devoted little sister.
Facing Nanaka-senpai's suspicious gaze, she could only reply with a smile, "As expected of Onii-sama~"
(Inner voice: You bastard, just die already! Is your understanding of your sister entirely made up from your imagination?!)
Unaware of everything, Iori was still basking in everyone's praise. He was even starting to believe that he really was a good big brother.
Shiro Kamishiro gently patted little Shiori on the head. This kid really was too pitiful. It was time to bring this farce of a false information exchange to an end.
"Well, let's get to diving. Uncle already got all the equipment ready."
"On it~"
Urged by Shiro, everyone finally remembered their original purpose. They were supposed to go diving, and Shiori's arrival was a great excuse to do so.
"Huh? Shiori, are you really okay like that?"
While putting on his wetsuit, Iori finally realized that Shiori was wearing Shiro's T-shirt and shorts.
"It's fine. Lots of male customers at the store dress like this~"
"..."
(?_? )
Shiori stared blankly at Nanaka. She knew her big sister didn't mean it, but… that still really hurt!
How do you expect a middle school girl to have any kind of figure?!
…
All preparations complete.
Iori and Kohei were the first to dive down. After all, they hadn't been diving since Miyako Island, so this was a rare opportunity.
Floating on the surface of the sea were only Shiro and Shiori.
Shiori kept glancing nervously at her diving suit. It was obvious she was anxious.
After all, it was her first time diving, and it's natural to feel a bit uneasy.
Suddenly, she felt a large hand gently cover hers. Turning her head, she saw Shiro's big, smiling face.
"Scared?"
"No… just feels a bit unfamiliar."
Shiro chuckled. Now this was the real Shiori—not the one with the fake smile, always thinking from others' perspectives.
"Just take your time. For a smart kid like you, this is a rare chance to empty your mind in nature."
His eyes sparkled. The ocean always had a way of making people relax.
"Hmm… will I turn into an idiot like my brother?"
"Cough… could you not ruin such a poetic, philosophical moment in just one sentence?"
"Well, isn't it because you're usually such a goofball?"
Shiori laughed, a hint of nostalgia in her eyes.
"I have taken you on all sorts of new adventures, haven't I?" Shiro muttered, a little sulky. Then he gently took her hand and began to descend. "Come on. Let me show you the most beautiful love letter I've ever seen~"
Shiori didn't resist. She shut her eyes tightly as Shiro led her down into the water.
She could distinctly feel the changing pressure as the seawater engulfed her body.
It felt like entering a warm embrace.
She slowly opened her eyes.
What unfolded before her was a vast, blue world. Maybe it was because of the recent rain, but the sea wasn't as stunning as she imagined—or like in the movies.
But still—
The sound of bubbles rising, of stones colliding under the waves…
Even though she was with others, she couldn't hear their voices…
Even though she was surrounded by people, she didn't have to watch her words…
She turned to look beside her, and saw that gentle squinty-eyed smile, as if bragging silently: "See? Told you this was the most beautiful love letter~"
Shiori smiled.
She closed her eyes again. She didn't know if this truly was the most beautiful love letter to her.
But one thing was certain—this magical moment was incredibly precious to her.
It felt like returning to childhood—lying on the grass, carefree, relaxed, and free…
…
GB
"And now—Shiori's welcome party begins! Cheers!!!"
After diving, it was time for PaB's traditional event: the booze party! And this time, it doubled as Shiori's welcome party!
The two senpais felt that if they didn't throw this party now, next time might have to be a farewell one.
After all, Shiori was still a student. It was okay for her to hang out once in a while, but she couldn't stay here long-term.
"How was it, Shiori?"
Chisa asked nervously. She truly loved diving and wanted everyone who came here to experience its joy.
"Hmm… it felt like swimming in miso soup."
"Hahaha, well, the sea's full of seaweed after all."
Azusa burst out laughing. It was the first time she'd heard that analogy, but it made sense—after rain, the sea gets quite murky.
"But it really was an eye-opening experience. I also got to see my brother's agile form underwater~"
(′｀;)?
Everyone stared at each other in disbelief.
Iori?
Agile form?
Didn't he nearly drown just now?
"Agile form?"
"Yup, he spun in circles and did handstands several times~"
"Pfft—that was clearly just clumsi—mmpf!"
Shiro was just about to expose him when Iori clamped a hand over his mouth and shouted loudly, "Hahaha! Ocean acrobatics really are a joy, huh?!"
Then, whispering into Shiro's ear, he added, "Don't ruin my dignity as an older brother."
"...Do you even have dignity? Also, didn't you go to the bathroom just now without washing your hands?"
"What nonsense!
I showed her my strong form in the water,
I drank oolong tea,
I even wore clothes properly!
I'm definitely a morally upright big brother!"
(???)
"Isn't it possible that these are just basic things every normal person should do… and you totally didn't wash your hands!"
Besides—
He didn't do any of those things properly!
Not just Shiro—Shiori had already seen through her brother's act.
His underwater 'skills' were just him losing control, the oolong tea he drank was flammable, and even his pants had somehow ended up halfway off!
Sigh…
Shiori let out a helpless sigh. If her brother didn't fix these flaws, their dad definitely wouldn't let him inherit the family inn.
Ugh!
Why does her brother have to be such an idiot!
Shiori once again regretted not having trained her brother better.
Sensing Shiori's drop in mood, Azusa—PaB's official mood-maker—sprang into action!
She leaned in with a gossipy glint in her eyes. "Hey hey, Shiori, can I ask you something?"
"What is it?"
"You're really worried about Iori's lifestyle, right? So what if he gets a girlfriend? (??ω??)"
Azusa wore a mischievous grin. Her favorite thing was watching overly attached siblings freak out when they found out their brother or sister might be dating.
It was deliciously chaotic.
"A girlfriend, huh…"
To Azusa's surprise, Shiori actually gave the question serious thought. But in the end, her answer was simply:
"I don't really know~"
There's no way someone as sharp as Shiori would ever give away her true feelings that easily.
By now, she was already secretly sizing up all the girls in the room, assessing their "threat level."
Candidate 1: Azusa. Super curvy big sister. Totally Iori's type!
But seeing how Shiro always naps on her chest, it's obvious her brother stands no chance.
Eliminated!
Candidate 2: The blue-haired girl with poor development. Seems a little slow, could be a possibility… But worst case, she could be forcibly taken back home.
Relatively safe!
Candidate 3: Chisa! If it's her, Iori might end up becoming a live-in husband. Super dangerous!
Candidate 4: Nanaka…
Hmm… Shiori suspects she might not be into guys.
Pass!
So, based on this, there were only two girls to watch out for...
Damn it!
Why does an idiot like her brother have two girls she has to worry about?!
Shiro-niisan, could you try a little harder, please!!!
Frustrated, Shiori was ready to activate her final plan!
…
Iori's room.
Shiori looked at the cabinet full of "junk" and sighed helplessly. "Geez, this big brother… such a handful."
Despite complaining, her gentle nature kicked in, and she crouched down to help tidy up her brother's messy room.
Originally, she had come to execute her third plan—but now it looked like it'd have to wait a little longer.
Her third plan was a surefire strike!
For someone like her brother, it was obvious his grades would be absolute garbage.
As long as she could find her brother's academic transcript and take it home to show their parents, their furious reaction would definitely make them feel that they'd wasted their money putting him through university!
At that point, her big brother, without tuition or living expenses, would surely slink back home to inherit the family inn!
Keh keh keh~
What a perfect plan!
"What are you doing here?"
{{(°△°; "}}!
Iori's sudden voice startled the scheming little Shiori, making her quickly sit upright.
After all, unlike Shirou Kamishiro, she didn't have the kind of composure to turn the tables even when caught red-handed.
"Of... of course I'm helping you tidy your room, big brother."
"I already told you, you don't need to tidy it."
Though he said that, just like Shiori, Iori still came over to help her sort through things.
At that moment, Shirou, who was standing at the door intending to call them out for a drink, suddenly thought: These two really do look like a pair of siblings.
Silently sipping his drink, he decided not to disturb them. Perhaps it was a good time to let the siblings have a proper conversation.
After all, that idiot Kitahara had surprisingly high emotional intelligence. Even if he couldn't remember his sister's hobbies or strengths, he surely understood her heart.
Let the rest of the time be theirs alone~
"You still haven't told them you don't want to inherit the inn."
Iori suddenly said while tidying up. He could tell Shiori hadn't yet let go of her disguise.
"Eh? What nonsense are you saying...?"
Shiori was momentarily stunned, immediately suspecting that Shirou had sold her out.
"I'm talking about you. Even if in your eyes I'm an utterly hopeless idiot...
I'm still your brother, right? Even that Shirou guy noticed it—how could I not?
Because, in the end, I'm your big brother."
In that moment, Shiori froze. Her memories flashed back to when she was a child.
That night, when she got lost in the mountains from playing too much, it was this very idiot who found her. And at the time, his reason for coming to find her was the same as now:
"Because I'm your big brother."
A smile slowly curled at Shiori's lips. So, her dumb big brother had known all along, huh?
"Then I'll leave the family business to you, Onii-chan~"
"Absolutely not!!"
"Where are Iori and Shiori?"
In the living room, Azu was lying drunkenly on Shirou's lap. She had just challenged a 96% Aqua vitae liquor with Nanaka.
The result? One got drunk, and the other passed out...
Proved once again: that stuff is still far beyond their league!
"They're probably having their first—maybe also last—serious sibling conversation."
"(..???..) Well, isn't that a good thing? Shows they get along."
"That's the logic, yeah. But it still breaks my heart to think my baby sister, whom I raised for more than ten years, is in there chatting with another guy!"
(′?｀)?
Drunken Asuza tilted her head. Why does that sound so wrong?
Did Shirou and Iori accidentally switch roles in this story?
"(ˉ﹃ˉ) Hic~" Unable to figure it out, Asuza let out a hiccup. "Shirou... Shirou already has another little sister now, right?"
"..."
That hit a nerve. Shirou was pissed again. His heart ached.
Just earlier, he had finally called his mom. Even she, all the way in China, was shocked that he didn't know he had a younger sister. She went straight to his dad to demand an explanation!
And then!
That scumbag dad, with his twisted logic, actually managed to spin the situation around: he turned himself from an irresponsible father who never cared about his son… into a lonely, neglected old man!
Long story short: it wasn't the dad's fault Shirou didn't know about his sister—it was Shirou's fault for not coming home often enough to find out!
The old man even argued that he'd sent multiple letters inviting Shirou home for a "surprise." Shirou always refused, so it's his fault!
Shirou was dumbfounded when he heard that excuse.
He still clearly remembered when those letters were sent—exactly one month after school started! Always the same timing!
That's a "surprise invitation"? Really?
And telling him about a sister could've easily been done over the phone. If they'd told him, he would have gone home!
Just when Shirou thought that BS excuse wouldn't hold water, his mom gave him the real surprise—
She believed it.
She actually bought into that ridiculous logic?!
Clearly, she was already upset at him for not going home in so long...
So with the family matriarch siding against him, what could Shirou do?
He called to complain—and ended up getting scolded instead.
Naturally, Shirou made a new entry in his Grudge Notebook under "Kitahara."
What?
You say it has nothing to do with Kitahara?
Impossible!
If Kitahara hadn't gone off to talk with Shiori alone, Shirou wouldn't have made that phone call, and then wouldn't have gotten chewed out!
So, obviously, it's all Kitahara's fault!
(Well... and also the fact that Shirou already had an entire notebook full of dad-related grudges...)
"Ugh, don't get me started. Now I feel like flying straight to China to hug that little one. But too bad I don't have a visa."
"Hehehe~ It's okay, Shirou. Hug me instead~" Aszz said, wrapping her arms around his neck and nuzzling him. "Once they come back, you can hug her. Then... we'll go back together... zzZZZ~"
With that, Asuza demonstrated her instant sleep skill, dozing off on his lap.
Shirou stared blankly.
Does this mean... Azu wants to go back and be a Teashop Caring wife?
A strange, complex look crossed his eyes. He gently brushed her hair aside and began reflecting on his scummy behavior.
Maybe it's time I calmed down...
"Ehehehe~ I wanna snuggle cute girls! I'm going back to your hometown to snuggle girls, motorcycles, and cuties~"
"..."
CALM DOWN MY ASS!!!
Shirou abruptly got up, tossing Asuza off his lap. He actually thought Asuza would go back with him to run the teashop?!
Worse—he almost gave up a whole forest (of girls) for her?!
No way! Time to go play some Black Beast-type games to restore his degenerate instincts! Recently he'd played too many wholesome romances and nearly sealed his true self!
As for Asuza?
Trying to snuggle his mom?!
Keep dreaming!!
Next Day
Everyone gathered at Pab's entrance to see Shiori off. Since she'd only left a letter when she left last time, it was better to head home early this time.
Looking at the pouting girl clinging to her big brother and acting all spoiled, everyone smiled knowingly.
Yup—definitely a brocon.