"Kotoha, that outfit really suits you."
"Really...? At home, I usually wear this kind of attire, so I'm glad to hear you say that."
Feeling a warmth creep across my cheeks, I glanced down at the outfit my brother had complimented.
It was a plain, patternless indigo-dyed yukata, my favorite casual attire.
"Ah, Onii-sama, the rice is almost done."
"Got it. I'll go serve the rice then."
"Please do."
This exchange, a flustered attempt to hide my embarrassment, took place in the kitchen. Having paused his cooking, Gouji Onii-sama headed toward the rice cooker, a bowl in hand.
How many times has Kotoha been to Onii-sama's house now, showing off her cooking skills? At first, it was simply because she learned that Onee-sama supported not only her brother's sex life but his entire private life, and she thought, "Well, I should do the same." But now, the layout of the house and where everything is stored are etched in her memory, and the collection of cooking tools she brought to the kitchen drawers keeps growing. She feels increasingly at home, as if this weren't her own house. It's the state of being an "intimate outsider," I suppose.
Is this what the world calls a "commuter wife"? We're not even officially married, yet... it's embarrassing to be called a wife. Besides, Onii-sama already has Onee-sama—
"You're so kind, Nii-chan."
—Yes, because he already has Shino Onee-sama.
One person takes a seat, waiting for Onii-sama and me to bring dinner.
At her words, Onii-sama furrows his brow.
"Don't make fun of me."
"Oh, I'm not making fun of you at all. It's just a heartwarming exchange between siblings."
In contrast to Onii-sama's expression, Onee-sama beams with a wide, cheerful smile.
I do my best to avoid visiting on the same day as Onee-sama. Respecting elders is a young person's duty, and more importantly... whenever Onee-sama is around, the attention on Kotoha inevitably diminishes.
Still, if several days pass without a visit, I start worrying—Is Onii-sama eating properly? Is he hungry?—and my anxiety gets the better of me. At those times, I stop caring about Onee-sama and just come over.
So, naturally, we often run into each other unexpectedly. It's one thing if we meet at home, but if we happen to bump into each other on the street, I'm always mortified by my own lack of self-control.
"Shino, why don't you help out a little? You're much better at cooking than I am."
"Three people in the kitchen is too many. Kotoha would be happier if you helped instead of me, right?"
"Yes, Onee-sama. Thank you for your kindness."
Kotoha knows. She knows that her sister's words are true, without falsehood or exaggeration.
She knows that her sister truly cares about her.
But if someone is being so considerate, I wish... no, no. I shouldn't think such selfish things. Thinking like that would make me a bad person.
Considering how often she's been visiting the gentleman's house since he started living alone, it's not hard to suspect that something might be going on between them.
And...
"Watching you like this, it's really like a newlywed couple. I must admit, I'm not opposed to my darling little sister getting close to my Master."
"Stop teasing me!"
Seeing my ever-composed Onee-sama break into such a rare smile, even the fleeting wicked thoughts that had crossed my mind vanished completely.
As far as I know, Shino Onee-sama had never formed a relationship close enough to call someone a friend before... This must be proof that she's finally found someone truly special.
Someone who fits her like a puzzle piece, with all the right curves and angles.
"You can sit and wait here, Onii-sama, if you like."
"Well, I can't exactly leave you alone, can I?"
"Well... thank you. Even just your kindness makes me feel so giddy, I might faint."
Just as Onee-sama said. Onii-sama is such a kind person.
Just being considerate to me makes my cheeks flush... and my heart race.
Gouji Onii-sama. The one who told me I could stay by his side.
Just that alone makes me think that no matter what he does to me, it's fine. That I would do anything for him.
Even if he's already married to Onee-sama. Even if I'm second, or even last in line. As long as he says he needs me, that's enough.
"Ah, that looks like delicious herb-roasted chicken."
"...What's 'herb'?"
As I place the finished meal on the table, Onee-sama peeks at it and remarks.
Meanwhile, Onii-sama was staring intently, scrutinizing the herb-roasted chicken thigh, Onee-sama, and me, comparing them back and forth.
"Well, you could just think of it as herbs, right? If it were just plain meat, it would be one-dimensional in flavor, wouldn't it? Something to add depth to the taste... right, Kotoha?"
"Yes, exactly, Onee-sama."
"I see... herbs... herbs..."
He probably just wasn't getting it.
Herbs, herbs, Onii-sama muttered, his voice trailing off. It was just something we bought at the supermarket, nothing particularly special... I'd heard that when men cook—what they call "manly cooking"—it often ends with grilling or frying. Maybe Onii-sama was just like that.
That's one way to enjoy the flavor of the ingredients, and it's not bad... but if you can bring out the flavor even more by putting in the time and effort, I prefer that.
"Alright, the herbs are done. Since Kotoha went to the trouble of making them, we should eat them while they're still warm."
"Yeah, right. That sounds good. Then let's join hands and say, 'Let's eat.'"
"Let's eat!"
Exchanging meal greetings like this is something I remembered after starting to come here.
It's a small thing, but it really feels warm and comforting.
Doing this makes me feel like we've become a real family.
"Well then, I'd like to try these herbs right away."
"Um, Onii-sama... it's not something you need to be so formal about..."
Having my creation scrutinized so intently makes me nervous.
Before I can even swallow the saliva pooling in my mouth, Onii-sama brings Kotoha's dish to his lips.
What if his expression clouds over?
What if he doesn't like it?
My heart races, threatening to extinguish the warmth in my chest.
Ahh, I still haven't fully prepared myself...
"Delicious! Yes, delicious. Absolutely delicious... Agh, what words can I even use...? The pure taste of meat, elevated to a complex harmony by various herbs... Damn it, I don't have the vocabulary to describe this flavor...! It's frustrating that 'delicious' is the only word that comes to mind!"
Seeing Onii-sama's face break into a smile, I let out a relieved sigh.
"Yes, it truly is exquisite. If I had been born a man, I would have married Kotoha."
"Onee-sama, even if we overcome the gender barrier, Kotoha and I are still blood-related siblings... This... This puts me in a difficult position."
"It's a joke. You're so gullible. If you take everything I say seriously, you'll drive yourself mad."
A joke. A pun. Ah, I see.
Realizing I'd jumped to conclusions too quickly, I felt my cheeks flush.
How many times do I intend to make Onee-sama say the same thing?
"Don't say it yourself. Besides, if you know what's coming, you don't need to say it."
"That's impossible. I'm such a chatterbox that the first part of my body I used after being born was my mouth."
"You just cried 'Waaah'!"
"No, the first words I uttered upon birth were 'Tenten—'"
"Stop it! Even a Buddha's patience has limits. Don't waste your precious moments on nonsense."
The banter flowed effortlessly between Onee-sama and Onii-sama.
Kotoha knows. Her sister only became so talkative after meeting her brother.
She doesn't know much about how her sister behaves outside the house, but at home, she always seemed rather quiet and reserved.
Seeing her sister so animated and enjoying herself fills Kotoha with happiness, making her heart swell.
The conversation flows easily and cheerfully, and the two of them are enjoying her cooking. That alone makes Kotoha—
*****
"Well, I should be going now."
After finishing the meal, while Kotoha is clearing the dishes, her sister stands up, clutching her bag.
Even her brother seems surprised by this, his eyes widening.
"But Onee-sama, you don't need to leave! I'll go back. I couldn't possibly intrude on Shino Onee-sama and Gouji Onii-sama like this!"
"You left home today saying you'd be staying over at my place, didn't you? Your mother just called."
"That..."
I averted my gaze, unable to finish the sentence.
Just as Onee-sama said, I told Mother that when I left home. It wasn't something I'd carefully prepared; the words just slipped out.
So it must be my instincts, not my rational mind, that's driving this desire—to stay overnight at Onii-sama's house tonight... no, there must be other things as well...
"Heh heh heh... What were you planning to do, staying overnight at Onii-sama's house? I don't know, but I have no intention of interfering."
Her words slammed the truth I was trying to avoid right into my consciousness.
I'm not that naive. I understand perfectly well why a man and a woman would spend the night alone under the same roof.
After all, I've already experienced it once.
"B-but Onee-sama—"
"Alright, Kotoha? There's something I've always wanted to tell you."
"Y-yes."
Thump. Onee-sama placed both hands on my shoulders.
"If you love Gouji-kun, show the courage to take him from me!"
Shiver. Her words pierced my skin like icy needles, sending shivers through me.
Onee-sama stared at me with intense seriousness.
I wanted to look away, but her eyes held a gravitational pull that seemed to draw my very being inward. I could only meet her gaze.
"Kotoha, you're too kind. Too reserved. Those can be virtues in their own right, but isn't a life where you never get what you want, or do what you desire, utterly boring?"
She smiled faintly and patted my shoulders twice.
Straightening her bent back, Onee-sama turned her gaze toward Gouji Onii-sama.
"So, Gouji-kun. Please take good care of my dear little sister."
"You don't even ask my opinion, do you?"
"It's not like I'm against it, and you wouldn't refuse, would you?"
"Well, that's true, but..."
"Don't worry. If I really can't tell how you'll react, I'll ask first. Well then, Gouji-kun, Kotoha. I hope you have a good night."
Leaving me stunned and my brother with a wry smile, Onee-sama turned her back and fluttered away, waving her right hand as she went.
Show... Show some spirit.
Her words swirled in my head, leaving me even more bewildered.
"Kotoha."
"Eep?!"
I'd been lost in thought, and the sudden address brought me back to reality with a start.
I'm sure my entire body is rigid right now, my face contorted awkwardly as all my muscles have locked up.
But Onii-sama was smiling gently... That small smile eased my tension just a little.
"That's what it seems like, anyway. If there's something you want to do, I'd like you to tell me."
He must already know.
Even if he doesn't know the details, he should already understand the general idea.
But Onii-sama said nothing, acting as if he hadn't noticed... Does he want me to say it myself?
"In that case... Onii-sama. Kotoha has something she'd like to ask Gouji Onii-sama."
Gulp.
The sound of my own swallow seemed unnaturally loud.
Even my breaths sounded the same. Maybe I'm nervous.
But after Onee-sama forced me to say so much, and even set the stage for me...
I can't just do nothing now.
Believing that Onii-sama will catch me no matter what, I open my mouth.
"Onii-sama... please train me as a masochist."