When Kotonoha reached the front door, her younger sister Kokoro had already seen them from the window.
The moment she saw how handsome Hayashi Maki was, Kokoro's eyes lit up. In her mind, this had to be her sister's boyfriend—after all, her very shy sister would never bring a man home unless she trusted him.
Eager to make a good impression, Kokoro took her chance as Kotonoha opened the door to say hello: she darted forward and dove into the handsome guest's arms, even nuzzling his firm abs.
Huh—he actually has abs!
Not only handsome, but in great shape too. Big sis sure knows how to pick a boyfriend.
"Kokoro, look before you leap, okay? That's rude."
Kotonoha flushed and quickly pulled her off. Kokoro reluctantly left the "handsome big brother's" embrace, but instead of sharing her big sister's embarrassment, she stared at Hayashi Maki with bright, admiring eyes.
"Hey, big brother, you're super handsome. Are you my sister's boyfriend?"
Smiling, Hayashi Maki patted her head and produced a small gift box. "That depends on when Kotonoha agrees to be my girlfriend. You're Kokoro, right? You're adorable. I'm Hayashi Maki—different school, but Kotonoha and I were grade-school classmates. This is for you—a little first-meeting present."
"Ah! A present too? You're so polite, onii-chan. Then I won't be shy. Can I open it?"
Her eyes sparkled with expectation.
"Of course," Hayashi Maki nodded.
Kotonoha wondered where he'd pulled a gift from—but remembering how mysterious he was, she let it go.
Kokoro happily unwrapped the box. When she saw the sapphire necklace inside, she gasped. "Wow! It's beautiful—and a real gem! Onii-chan, are you sure I can have this?"
Kotonoha was startled as well. One look told her this necklace wasn't ordinary.
"Maki-kun, that's too valuable!"
"It's fine—I made it myself. Please accept it. And this one is for you, Kotonoha—wear it for protection."
He took out a ruby necklace and clasped it around her pale, graceful neck.
"F-for me too? I… thank you." Meeting his warm gaze, she couldn't bring herself to refuse.
"That's better," he said, satisfied.
Kokoro, meanwhile, gave Hayashi Maki a slightly sulky look, feeling an odd pang. Why did it feel like she'd become the go-between while he really wanted to give the special gift to her sister?
"Maki-kun, please have a seat. I'll bring drinks," Kotonoha said, fingers brushing the necklace at her throat; even her voice had softened.
Hayashi Maki smiled and sat on the sofa. Kokoro scooted up and hugged his arm. "Onii-chan, how are your grades?"
"I'm first in my year. But is it safe to ask that? If I were terrible at school, this would be awkward."
"Heehee—if you weren't, I'd study with you to catch up," she teased.
"You little imp," he chuckled, ruffling her hair as her big eyes spun with mischief.
Kokoro leaned to his ear. "Actually, I'm stuck on a math problem. If onii-chan teaches me, I'll show you something nice."
"Uh… a word in private—what 'nice' thing?"
Kokoro's lips curved; she whispered, voice soft as velvet: "Sister's morning photos… and all kinds of charming looks. Big sis is… very well-endowed…"
Hayashi Maki swallowed. Using that to test my self-control, huh? Clever. He mustered a straight face and ruffled her hair again. "Can't do the problem? Don't worry—your big brother will make sure you get it."
"Heehee, then come to my room!"
Led by Kokoro, Hayashi Maki let himself be tugged along—feeling she'd maneuvered him neatly. If not for her being Kotonoha's younger sister, he would have reminded her not to be so unguarded with men.
In her room, Kokoro plopped him in a chair—then promptly settled in his lap, even giving a little wiggle. Hayashi Maki was speechless. A real test of willpower…
Breathing in his warm, masculine scent, Kokoro's cheeks flushed. "Hayashi Maki-nii, teach me the problem—don't tell me you're thinking naughty thoughts. Not allowed—at least not yet."
He gently pinched her cheek. "What are you saying? Don't be this physically close with men. There are plenty of bad ones out there."
Kokoro laughed, resting the back of her head on his chest. "I know some boys can get bold around a cute girl. But you're someone big sis brought home—she doesn't invite just anyone. So I think you're a good, gentle man. You won't take advantage of me, right?"
He paused, then smoothed her hair. "Not now. A few years more maturity… and we'll see whether I 'bully' you."
She didn't get mad—just grinned sunnily. "So I do have charm—not less than big sis, right?"
"You do. Which is why… time to study?"
"Mm, onii-chan, you're no fun—holding me and still thinking about homework."
"…"
Who asked me to tutor you? he thought, resisting the tease. As an adult, she was being very forward—but out of respect for Kotonoha (and good boundaries), he shelved the flirting, put on his "study mode," and seriously walked her through the problem.
Carrying in a fruit tray and drinks, Kotonoha saw them getting along and felt deeply relieved. She'd worried her sister wouldn't adapt to having a guest and might reject Maki-kun—but clearly, she liked him.
…Maybe a bit too much? Sitting in his lap…
A brief pang tightened Kotonoha's chest. Realizing she was actually jealous of her own sister, her face went scarlet.
~~~
200 Powerstone Bonus Chapter! Please Vote for More Chapters!
Thank you! Please Visit my Patreon Page to read Advance Chapters!
Patreon(.)com/Bleam
— Currently You can Read 220+ Chapters Ahead of Others!