Without a doubt, this is the most humiliating day of Aoshi's entire life — the day after he got cheated on and dumped by the most popular girl in the whole university.
Yeah… he's never felt this broken in his entire life — heartbroken, depressed, and even sore all over after spending the night in the bathtub. But more than anything, he's consumed by shame.
When Miori broke up with him, they were alone. But now, the truth is out there for everyone to see.
Miori Yukinaga — twenty-one — is walking across the campus arm in arm with her no-longer-ex, Renji Kurotani. Her long, glossy black hair flutters in the wind, and her daring outfit highlights her slim, well-proportioned figure perfectly.
That bitch never dressed like that when we were dating… Aoshi mutters to himself, standing as far away as he can, hoping no one notices him.
She's clearly putting on a show, making sure everyone knows she and that gorilla beside her are officially back together. She told me she dumped him because he cheated on her a hundred times over… what kind of moron cheats when he's lucky enough to date the most beautiful girl in the world?! And now — just a month later — she's back with him like nothing happened? That's just not fair…
A heavy pat on the shoulder brings him back to reality.
«Instead of sulking, you should be thanking the God of Light!» Takuma Shionogi says — Aoshi's childhood best friend. He's a tall, lanky guy who, despite being the same age as Aoshi, has already lost almost all his hair — except for a thin halo that makes him look like a monk. His glasses are so thick they could double as telescopes.
«You dated Miori for an entire month! That's thirty days longer than any mortal could ever hope for with a goddess like her!» Takuma adds, grinning from ear to ear. «She even kissed you once in the middle of campus, didn't she? You were literally the hero of the month — a symbol of hope for every guy who ever thought girls like Miori were divine, untouchable, and completely out of reach! Thanks to you, now we all know that anything's possible — that even a nobody can dream about doing naughty things with one of them!»
«You're probably right…» Aoshi murmurs, defeated. «Though it was the only kiss we ever shared… and now I finally understand why. It was all just a show to make that pretty boy Renji Kurotani jealous. God, I was such an idiot… I should've seen it coming.»
«Don't lose heart, my dear Aoshi. I've got just the thing to cheer you up!» Takuma says, smirking. He crouches down and opens his shoulder bag with the cautious excitement of a pirate opening a treasure chest.
Inside lies a game case emblazoned with an outrageously long title: Punish Your Naughty Little Sister – Deluxe Edition (includes bonus: her bratty friends get punished too!).
Takuma's eyes gleam as if he's holding the Holy Grail.
«This Deluxe Edition is insanely rare! I had to fight tooth and nail to win a genuine copy at an online auction! I'll be eating bread and water for the rest of the year, but it was totally worth it!» Takuma says, beaming.
Aoshi forces an awkward smile. It's not that this kind of game disgusts him — they've been into erotic RPGs since middle school — but even he admits Takuma's obsession with little-sister games has gone way too far.
Well… it's not the best way to recover from heartbreak, but at least he's trying.
«Since you live alone, let's play it at your place after class!» Takuma exclaims, practically glowing with excitement.
«Fine, but put it away before someone sees!» Aoshi replies, half-annoyed, half-grateful.
«Another erotic RPG about molesting your sister? You two are hopeless perverts.»
A cold, sharp female voice cuts through the air behind them. The two freeze instantly.
Standing there is Ayane Tsukinaga — same age as Aoshi and Takuma, and their classmate at university. She's cute, but tiny — no one would ever guess she's nineteen. Her long hair is a chaotic blend of sapphire, green, and reddish streaks, the result of years of DIY dye jobs since she was fifteen. Not even she remembers what her natural hair color was anymore.
«N-No, you got it wrong, Ayane! It was all Takuma's idea!» Aoshi blurts out, mortified — more embarrassed than when he saw Miori arm in arm with her ex in front of the whole campus. «He saw I was down and thought he'd cheer me up — not that I need this kind of thing to cheer myself up, I mean… you know what I mean!»
«Thank heaven neither of you actually have sisters,» Ayane says, her tone even heavier than before. Then she sighs, resigned. After all, she's known them since high school; nothing they do surprises her anymore.
«Anyway…» Ayane continues, her voice softening just a little — emphasis on little. «I'm sorry she broke up with you. I've never seen you that happy in the six years I've known you. But I always had a feeling something was off! My female intuition never fails!»
Her cheeks redden slightly, her voice softening further. «But don't let it get you down. They say when one door closes, another opens. You're a good guy, Aoshi — despite everything…» Ayane throws a pointed glance at the game box still clutched in Takuma's hands. «Who knows — maybe the right girl for you, the one who truly understands you, is a lot closer than you think…»
«Until then, it's only fair for Aoshi and his dear friend here to practice female anatomy with their virtual sisters!» Takuma cuts in, completely shattering the mood.
Ayane's expression freezes — then she shoots him a glare so sharp it could kill.
«Takuma, give it up — you're staying a virgin for life!»