The bicycle came to a stop in front of the Kousaka residence.
Kirino Kousaka opened the door.
The entryway was empty of shoes.
Kyousuke Kousaka and Manami Tamura must have walked home, so they hadn't arrived yet.
Kirino's father was still at work, and her mother was probably at the supermarket at this hour.
Kirino handed Takumi Yuuya a pair of slippers.
He changed into them, then followed her upstairs.
They arrived at Kirino's room.
The decor matched the anime perfectly.
She opened her wardrobe, revealing a hidden compartment.
Kirino showed Takumi her collection.
Takumi examined the figurines and games. While flipping through them, he noticed several games with strange titles.
"These… are?"
"I… I didn't know what they meant back then…" Kirino admitted.
"I'll take these," he said.
"Go ahead, and also take these," Kirino added, handing him a few more.
The titles and covers were the kind of games that would make any normal person frown.
If her parents found out… the consequences would be severe.
Especially her father.
Kirino fetched a shipping box for Takumi and wrapped it tightly with tape, circling it multiple times to ensure it couldn't be opened easily. Only then did she nod in satisfaction.
"Did you forget a few normal games for me? I don't play stuff like this," Takumi reminded her.
"Oh, I almost did. Sorry," Kirino said, blushing, and began picking out the normal games for him.
As she selected, she explained each one.
When she finished, Takumi asked,
"Any with storylines I'd like?"
"What kind of storylines do you like, senpai?"
"You tell me."
"Ah… most of these have that," she replied.
"Then there's a chance we can play together."
"I'm not playing these kinds of games with you," Kirino said, her face turning red.
A few minutes later, by the window in Kirino's room, Takumi spotted Kyousuke Kousaka and Manami Tamura.
Kirino also noticed Manami.
"What's she doing here?"
"I actually sought her out first. She's willing to make some sacrifices to keep your secret," Takumi explained.
"…."
"You two might have had your arguments, but over the years, Manami has always helped you keep this secret."
Takumi looked at Kirino.
She turned her head away.
"I don't need her kindness," she said.
"Fine. I'll step in, and we'll keep a video record."
Takumi pulled out his phone.
Kirino nodded.
The video call connected successfully.
Takumi set up the phone and left her room.
As he went downstairs, he heard the door open and entered the living room.
Manami noticed another pair of male shoes while changing slippers.
Kyousuke also noticed them and froze briefly.
Once in slippers, the two approached the living room doorway.
When they opened the door, Kyousuke saw the boy in front of the fridge.
Takumi turned to him.
Kyousuke froze.
Why was Takumi here?
"Kyousaka, sorry for intruding," Takumi said.
"You… what are you doing here?" Kyousuke asked, confused.
"I'm Kirino's boyfriend."
"You… what did you say?"
"I'm Kirino's boyfriend. She invited me here."
"That's impossible, you…"
Kyousuke was about to protest, then remembered the lunch break incident.
In an instant, it clicked.
He seemed to understand everything.
Kyousuke opened his mouth but didn't finish.
Takumi, holding drinks, walked up to him.
"You're Kirino's brother, so technically I should call you 'brother,' right?"
"No need. We're peers," Kyousuke replied, taking the drink.
Seeing this, Takumi knew Kyousuke understood this was a performance.
Only the scripts for the two "actors" were different.
Kyousuke's script was simpler.
"Kyousaka, do you consent to me being with Kirino?"
Takumi asked.
Kyousuke hesitated before answering,
"That depends on Kirino. I have no objections."
"Good. I was worried you'd be one of those overprotective brothers," Takumi said.
"My relationship with Kirino isn't that close."
"Any reason why?"
Takumi glanced at the other actor present—Manami Tamura.
Manami immediately caught on.
"Kyousuke used to be amazing, but after some events, he decided to live a normal life," she explained.
"Kirino felt he changed, so…"
"In reality, Kyousuke didn't change—he just chose an ordinary life."
Kyousuke nodded in agreement.
"An ordinary life is fine."
"I think so too," Takumi added.
He turned to fetch two more drinks, passing by Kyousuke on his way upstairs.
Kyousuke's thoughts lingered on Takumi's earlier words:
"Honestly, the best way is hands-off. The more you care, the more complicated things get."
He almost argued, then realized: Takumi's friend didn't exist.
It was about him and Kirino.
The advice Takumi gave was correct.
If he stayed detached, Kirino could move forward.
She had been disappointed in him…
…and that was the only way for her to find the right path.
Takumi's words at lunch had been a subtle hint to get Kyousuke to help Kirino.
Takumi returned to Kirino's room.
He set down the drinks and hung up the video call.
Kirino kept her head down, silent.
Kyousuke's reaction had clearly disappointed her.
Takumi sat, sipping his drink.
A few minutes later, Kirino lifted her head.
"Takumi-senpai, I…"
"Kyousuke's reaction shows everything. Even though there are rumors I'm dating multiple girls, this was your choice. He has no objections."
"But…"
"He might talk to me later to treat you better. That's the limit a brother can do."
"…."
"Your feelings have been twisted, Kirino. That's not normal," Takumi said, setting down his cup.
He stood and looked at her.
"Think about it. I'll find a few more otaku friends, probably girls. Once you've made up your mind, I'll introduce you."
"Thank you, Takumi-senpai," Kirino said, standing and bowing slightly.
She knew Takumi was right.
"Affection from Kousaka Kirino +30"
Yet, part of her heart still clung to the past.
Takumi noticed the affection points and knew Kirino hadn't fully processed everything.
Which was completely normal.
If a few words from him were enough to make her move on, that would be unbelievable.
To help her truly move forward… more was needed.