Stealing Spree

Using the window of opportunity provided by Juri’s temporary absence, Setsuna-nee continued to remain beside me.

Taking another glance at her, I found her tilting her head up with her eyes closed. She’s contemplating about something. And obviously, it concerned the issue she has with me.

Well, not counting how she hugged me earlier, it’s already a progress that she didn’t appear restless sitting next to me. For what it’s worth, her problem with men in general was probably not that worse compared to Edel. She could still socialize with them as long as they wouldn’t show any hint that they were interested in getting closer to her.

She’s not like Eguchi-sensei as well who had her bad encounter one time and attended an all-girls school until college. Setsuna-nee had her fair share of interaction with the opposite gender just that... she kept a high wall that no one could climb. And even if one dared to, she would shoot them down from the top of that wall.

So... what has changed with her? Did she really accept me after I told her my honest thoughts or how I’m not going to put on an act in front of her?

Anyway, seeing her like this, I could see the image of Satsuki in her. That girl also had this little habit of closing her eyes to concentrate when thinking about something. However, most of the time, she’d just act grumpy one second and cling to me the next. And while we’re in that position, she’d tell me what’s bothering her. Among my girls, she’s one of those who would always turn to me for my opinion.

Of course, that’s not going to happen with Setsuna-nee. No matter how similar their facial features are or how close their relationship as siblings is, they’re two different persons. Besides, she doesn’t have the same kind of relationship with me like Satsuki. That’s why while she’s doing that, my mind was coming up with a topic that we could discuss.

A minute later, I got one.

“So, about this camping trip. Will you and Juri be there to supervise us or will it be somebody else?”

Although bringing that question up could interrupt her thoughts, considering she hadn’t moved for so long, it’s better to change the flow of our conversation instead. It won’t matter since we’ll probably go back to it later.

Like I expected, it didn’t take long for Setsuna-nee to open her eyes again. She looked at me again, probably wondering why I was asking that before responding.

“Hmm? It’s not decided yet. However, if you’re hoping to have an easy time by having us supervise you, that’s not going to happen. We’ll join the trip, that, I’m sure. However, we won’t have that kind of responsibility. We’ve already taken this task, after all.”

“Ah. I see. That means you can do whatever you want. How nice.”

Saying like I was lamenting that we won’t be as free as them, Setsuna-nee’s reaction was to put a hand on her forehead.

Then as though she realized my reasoning, she leaned closer and whispered playfully, “What? Do you think we’ll go and disrupt your chance to make memories with Satsu-chan?”

If I tell her that I want to spend time with Juri, she’ll probably go ballistic again. Well, let’s not sabotage this seemingly limited peaceful time.

“If it’s you, it’s possible. I mean, you’ll probably be happy to do that just so you can have your Satsu-chan for yourself.”

“Huh? What do you think of me? A siscon? Geez. I’ll give you my word. I won’t. You probably won’t even see us around. It’s not a happy camping trip for you folks. Think of it as a training camp where you kids have to survive outside the comfort of your beds. Work together and improve yourselves.”

“Oh, if you’re thinking boys and girls can mingle from day to night, then you’re wrong. We’ll probably use these cottages and squeeze in six or more of you in one. We can’t have you all doing something naughty. Good luck finding your chance to sneak Satsu-chan out.”

Setsuna-nee added, tapping my shoulder by the end with a devious grin on her lips. Although that sounded like she was returning to how she was earlier, she’s definitely softer this time and without the unreasonable grumpiness.

Anyway, if that’s what was going to happen... It will be really hard to spend time with my girls. Well, we’ll think of a way when that time comes.

“Sure. We’ll rely on you, Setsuna-nee-san. Let us hide in your cottage.” Finding an opening to tease her, I didn’t let go of that chance.

Setsuna-nee instantly turned purple, looking like she choked on something. Her slow, gentle taps on my shoulder gradually became violent, and eventually, her grip tightened as she pushed her head closer, looking menacingly.

“Come again? Why will I help you? I’ll take Satsu-chan in and kick you out.”

“You know your sister, Setsuna-nee-san. She’ll sneak me in when you’re not looking. So, why will you make it difficult for you?”

“Ugh... You’re good at this, huh?”

“Oh. You just noticed?”

“This guy... And here I am trying to convince myself that you won’t make my blood boil... Do you really want me to hate you?”

“No. I’m just humoring you. I mean, do you like a doormat brother-in-law who will just mechanically nod when in front of you?”

“Who’s my brother-in-law?!” She retorted right away but it didn’t take long before she deflated with a sigh.

She then released her hold on my shoulder but before returning to her previous position, she sneakily pinched my cheek as hard as she could. “I get it. You’re one hell of a guy, Onoda-kun. But don’t tease your sister-in-law too much. I can raise hell.”

“No problem. As long as we’re on the same page, I know we’ll get along. Of course, I can also offer you help with anything... Whether it’s beating up some annoying guy or running an errand for you, I won’t refuse.”

I won’t refuse but I’ll probably do it only when I’m free or it’s urgent. She’s still below my priority list.

“You... you’re that devoted, huh? You’re also courting your girl’s older sister.”

“Well, I want to cover all bases.”

That’s partly a lie though. If not for this situation, I wouldn’t actively try to get into her good graces. But since we’re here and she truly did show a change, might as well go all in.

A while later, I heard Setsuna-nee releasing another sigh, possibly expelling her negativity on how she should deal with me. How do I know that’s the case? Because by the end of it, she eventually leaned on my shoulder, using me as her support.

And that’s not all.

Like I previously thought, she soon returned to whatever she was contemplating earlier.

With her voice sounding like she’s narrating her worldview, she started.

“Ever since that incident, I haven’t reflected on how my view of men in general changed. I remember annoying a lot of them just for trying to strike up a conversation with us. Most of them called me many names but I always brushed it off. Then... Here comes you... I have no idea how to deal with the guy who made my little sister into a lovestruck lady like that. And despite everything I did, you’ve never once frowned at me...”

“I’ll confess. Hearing you say that earlier, it’s like an eye-opener. I wanted you to be perfect for Satsu-chan but perhaps, in Satsu-chan’s eyes, you’re already perfect. I shouldn’t be the one to decide that for her. I should just be happy that she finally stepped out of the shadow of that incident...”

“That’s why I went out alone, my head is in a mess. In the end, I probably got enlightened upon seeing how vast this world is from up there... I can knock myself down even if it’s rare but I don’t want to be depressed because a guy knocked some sense into me...”

As her voice trailed there, Setsuna-nee raised her head and looked straight into my eyes, “Onoda-kun, you said you’re not going to put on an act around me... I can’t promise that I’ll stop being grumpy around you. I can’t help it if you’re acting shameless. Nevertheless, I’ll stop being a jerk... or I’ll try to. No. I will make sure not to be like that. Take care of Satsu-chan for me.”

“I understand. You can leave her to me, Setsuna-nee-san.” Facing her with sincerity, I nodded and put on my genuine smile.

Setsuna-nee did the same before going back to leaning her head on my shoulder.

And as fate would have it, it was at this point that Juri exited the restroom.

As soon as she saw us in this situation, she seemingly froze there before saying, “... You two. Can you explain to me what is happening? Setsu, are you trying to steal your sister’s boyfriend?”

What an ironic question... But then again, that’s probably how it looks.