My Youth Capriccio

by Kirisa-da ze

Naruto Namikaze is a normal fifteen-year-old high school student. He has a distant relationship with his sister Naruko, who always treats him rudely. One Day in Spring, he encounters a foreign girl playing the piano on one of his travels to a junkyard and helps her in many ways as he discover that her name is Weiss Schnee.

35. Cat Love in Summer -Part 1-

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A week after the feketerigó live performance I visit the Game Research Club in the morning. Just like the feketerigó, the Game Research Club also didn't have a break during Summer. The weather was so nice. In a good mood, I opened the club door.

"Morni — ughh! What the… what is that smell!?" I quickly backed off. I carefully looked at the door and realized that even the air had a strange color.

"What the hell!" My happy mood disappeared in a heartbeat. Covering my nose, I took a step closer…

"Ah, isn't it Naruto!" Someone was calling for me from inside. I mentally prepared myself and stepped in.

"What the hell? What is that smell? It stinks! As if someone vomited in here."

"… Naruto… to actually say it out loud… I'm hurt…"

The owner of this voice was sitting in chair, his shoulders dropped. Tall, thin, glasses otaku boys — Gennousuke Miura. The president of Game Research club.

"But it really stinks! What happened?"

"Just as Nanashima said… didn't he tell you already?"

"No, I didn't hear anything."

Nanashima-kun was the voice of reason in the club, so he had quite an influence.

"Ah… recently it was very hot. Look what I have become just after three days without bathing."

I had no idea why he sounds like he was having fun when admitting he hadn't bathed for three days.

"Please stay away from me!"

This place sure was hot. And he still left his computers running… well, it wasn't my problem if they broke down. I tried to ignore the smell and looked around for somewhere to sit down. And then I realized that no one was here.

"Where is everyone else?"

"The girls still haven't come. The boys went to buy some deodorant."

"Deodorant? To use that on you?"

"On the room! Even Nana-chan didn't say that out loud!"

He looked like he wanted to say 'you are getting better making Tsukkomi at me'. He stood up and picked up some nearby clothes.

"No choice then. I'm going to find a faucet to clean my body."

"Yeah, you should."

Was he really a student? I would have thought he was a beggar otherwise. Now that I think about it, the first time we met he was on the street playing eroge. After he went outside, the girls arrived.

"… Good morning."

"Good morning, Naruto-senpai — Wah…"

Kae was the first one to notice… her face twisted and she looked at me.

"N-Naruto-senpai, what smell is that? Like someone vomited in here."

"It isn't me!"

"Agrh! It stinks! I can't stand it anymore."

Stinks? My junior said I smell? Oh… what horrible timing… the culprit just left here!

"Listen to me Kae! This is the smell from the president who hasn't taken a bath for a long time!"

"Huh? But why is the president's smell coming from Naruto-senpai — ah!"

"That is not it!"

"I… haven't said anything yet."

"I already knew what you were are about to say! Stop your imagination at once! This is the president's smell in the room!"

When I turned around, Kuroneko was already right next to me. After she smelled my clothes, her expression changed.

"… It really smells like someone else."

"Yes! That's right."

"So he left before we arrived?"

Achoo. Kuroneko sneezed, then opened the window.

Thirty minutes later…

"Phew… Finally we have gotten rid of that smell."

In the middle of the room, Kae removed her veil and announced. Behind her, the Nanashima-kun group was cleaning the room. Since we let Kae take charge, everything went unexpectedly well.

"Nice job Kae-chan. It was embarrassing to admit, but I could never do that." The president came back and said so, his hair still wet.

"President… you still stink… please bath at least once everyday." Kae blocked her nose and sprayed the deodorant toward the president.

Nanashima-kun interrupted, "If he does that, his body will probably melt."

Taken aback, the president said, "… Hey Kae-chan, could you please say something in my defense to Nana-chan?"

"Shion Senpai, how about we call president 'Garbage' from now on?"

"Not bad. In this case, we should throw him into a garbage can."

You two went a bit too far. I thought that treating him like garbage was too much — but at that time the president came at me like a zombie.

"Naruto. Those juniors teamed up on me."

"Don't come this way, please." Go, go, I pushed him away.

Kuroneko let out a tired sigh, "Can we focus on the main reason now? We are here to discuss Summer Comiket, remember?"

That's right. This Summer — like the previous year, I'm going to join Summer Comiket. And I'm not going to join as an individual — this time, I'm going to join with the game research club.

"Right!" The president immediately recovered his happy mood.

"Last year, our club had some pretty good games. I plan for our club to join in the 'second day'!"

"By the way, what are we going to sell?" Kae raised a question.

"I plan to sell some game DVDs."

"You mean… the game that we made earlier?"

Faced with that question, the president boasted, "Of course. Isn't it the first game that you two cooperated with each other to make? Of course we are going to sell it."

"But… what if it turned into a black spot in gaming history…" Kae seems afraid.

Sometime ago, our game (RPG with BL element) received a lot of comments, both positive and negative. Some comments from 2chan even hinted at criticism. Understandably, this still haunted Kae till this day. And that's why she hesitated to bring it to Summer Comicket.

"Hmm…" Even the president seems to be deep in thought.

After a while, Kuroneko finally said in a small voice, "Didn't we have a plan to improve that game already? How about we add some of them into our game before we sell it at Summer Comicket?"

Wow really? We even had such a plan?

Kae remained unconvinced.

"True, if we do that then maybe it will be better received… but I'm afraid of using other people's suggestion in our game. Even if they played it, there is no telling if their suggestion would be correct. Worst case, those people would say that we 'still didn't learn our lesson'."

"Yeah, probably"

"In that case, to avoid our game becoming a black spot in gaming history, how about we try and make a completely new game…"

This was an idea too. No one wanted to see their product become the target of everyone's mocking. Another option would be to abandon the one with too much risk — this was a sound idea.

From the beginning, Kuroneko listened to Kae in silence, but now she looked directly into Kae's eyes and responded, "But… that was our end result… even if it wasn't as good as we had hoped… I can't act like that game didn't exist. I want to continue with that game till the end."

"You are so troublesome Ruri. Are you a 'M'?"

"Because…there is someone… I couldn't admit that game was a mistake… even if it will end in failure, I still want to face it with dignity. This is my responsibility."

"And you are so stubborn too." Kae signed and dropped her shoulders. She was a logical girl, so she couldn't understand Kuroneko's reason. Although — I already knew what she was about to say.

"No choice then. Let's do it."

Kuroneko nodded, "Let's do it."

The president smiled. He looked at me, Kuroneko and Kae, and said,"That game is like the child of you three. Take good care of it."

"Of course. But I can't do anything."

"Yeah…" Kae added.

While Kuroneko. She didn't say anything, and just looked at me.

We debated what needed to be done until it was late – then we were dismissed. The sky was still quite bright and looked like it would take a while before it turned dark. Kae seemed busy, she disappeared right after our club ended. So I went home together with Kuroneko.

"…"

"…"

We went in complete silence. It wasn't a troublesome silence but the 'I have something I wanted to say' kind of silence.

"Kuroneko." I decided to take the initiative.

Kuroneko didn't even look at me, but said, "What? You siscon pervert who makes his own little sister call him 'Ruto' and goes around flirting with her?"

So she still remember that? I hadn't explained to her about the date with my sister a few weeks before (which she witnessed). She really held a grudge… and Naruko was smiling… she must be very, very upset.

"That's not it! That's because Naruko…"

When I thought about it, I could feel my face redden. Noticing that, even Kuroneko turned nervous.

"You, why are you blushing? You are that happy over a date with your sister?"

"Idiot… no! Not that!"

The conversation just now… felt like one between a boyfriend who was trying to explain to his girlfriend…

"Cough! Cough! Naruko, she…" I coughed and explained what happened to Kuroneko.

"… And that's what happened"

"Hm… A fake date… hm…" Kuroneko looked at me from top to bottom. Her gaze made me feel a little uncomfortable.

"So?"

"No… nothing… I just think that it looked like an imouto-eroge that you love to play…"

"Don't say that! I only played them because Naruko forced me to."

"Oh really? I thought that was your excuse since you really like them." Putting a finger on her lips, Kuroneko smiled.

Dammit… she was so good at mocking me. Our conversation suddenly stopped. I looked at the darkened sky. I felt like even if this continued for an eternity it wouldn't be too bad.

"By the way, can I ask you something?"

"What?"

What a fragment conversation. Unlike with Naruko or Weiss. This was how we communicate.

I wanted to ask Kuroneko about Naruko boyfriend. I told Kuroneko about my quarrel with Naruko after the date. "Fine. Next time I will introduce my real boyfriend." That was she said to to me.

"Do you think — Naruko really got a boyfriend?"

"Aside from you?"

"Stop joking — I'm serious! She looked like she may have a boyfriend… so I was thinking…"

"… ha ha," Kuroneko broke into small laughter. "… you really are a siscon."

"Whatever… so what do you think?"

"Who knows?" Kuroneko smiled and looked at me.

I couldn't face her gaze, so I turned away. Then Kuroneko gently touched my wrist, stood on her toes, and whispered directly into my ear.

"I think that she doesn't have one."

"Right. Right." She sounded so confident.

And suddenly…

"… Hey" Her mouth still near my ear, Kuroneko said, "If your sister really had a boyfriend — what would you do?"

"… I don't know." After I said that, I turned the question around, "What about you? What if Naruko got a boyfriend?"

"If that girl really has a lover — hm, that's actually an interesting theory." She kept her head down, deep in thought. Kuroneko mumbled, "If this girl has a lover — she would probably be very enthusiastic — like usual."

"Yeah…" This is how she is. Like track and field, studying, model work or otaku activities — she will give it everything she's got, completely devoted in love. Everything is important to me — everything is a part of me — she would probably say that.

"Maybe we will have less time to spend together… Rias-san probably will feel lonely."

I think you are the one who will feel lonely. Look at yourself!

"But…" Lowering her voice, Kuroneko said, "But… I will allow it… I will feel very happy."

I said goodbye to Kuroneko and returned to my house. When I opened the door I noticed that Naruko was not home.

"Ah — what now? I wanted to ask her a few things."

I returned to my room, pulled my cellphone out and checked the phone list. I stopped at 'Naruko'. When she was in America, I couldn't call her. But now, all I had to do was press this button and I could talk with my sister. Should I?

Let's call Rias first. I didn't feel like calling my sister now. I threw my bag on my bed, sat down and called Rias.

Ring ring ring ring…

"… Rias speaking. What's up, Naruto-chi?"

"Ah — I called you because of the coming Summer Comiket."

"Yes?"

"Third day — how about we go have fun together?"

"…"

"… How about it?"

" Ah ah — of course I'm OK. Ok…but I didn't think that Naruto-chi would invite me."

"Ha ha, surprised?"

"Yes! Haha, Naruto-chi is getting better at this."

"Nah, I just had a little talk with Kuroneko. Our club planned to participate on the second day, but Kuroneko said she herself wanted to take part in the third day too."

"I see."

"So do you want to go together with Kuroneko? Me, Kuroneko, you and Naruko — making and selling doujinshi together? How about it?"

Let's go to the Summer Comiket with everyone. That was my promise to Naruko when I brought her back home. But because the problem of feketerigo, my attention was distracted. And now that problem was settle, I can focus to fulfilling that promise now. But I didn't want to depend on Rias this time. No matter what, to be able to enjoy this 'holiday', I hoped I could to do everything I wanted.

"That's a great idea!" She completely agreed with me.

"Let's wait for everyone to discuss this more thoroughly. In the meantime, let me take care of the booth."

"Understood. Thank you."

"It's nothing."

We chatted for a while before hanging up.

(◕ω◕✿)

"Let's go to the Summer Comiket together with everyone."

"… Okay."

That was my conversation with Rias yesterday. We need to hurry up and gather people for our circle, so this morning both Rias and Kuroneko met up at Namikaze's house. When the doorbell rang, Naruko was the one who opened it. Her eyes widened when she saw them.

"What? Why are you two here? Do we have a plan?"

"Ah, you don't know Naruru-chi?" Still in an otaku's clothes, Rias replied.

"What do you mean?" My sister gave Rias puzzle expression.

Kuroneko kept silent and gave me a cold glare, "… What a hopeless senpai. Although I could guess what happened… well, this is all within my expectations."

She saw through me. Because I did tell her about that.

"What do you mean?" Behind me, my sister gave me a puzzle expression.

I'm very sorry.

After they went inside, I went to Naruko's room and explained everything on the way.

"… That's why I called them here today."

"Why didn't you at least tell me yesterday? True, I'm free today, but I don't like to deal with a sudden plan."

Because of your boyfriend and stuff, well, I found it difficult to talk with you. I tried to convince myself that this was the only reason.

"… Do you want me to introduce you? To my boyfriend."

She sounded like her boyfriend is real… this wasn't something I should feel concerned about. And yet… dammit, why am I so unhappy because of a rumor about my sister's love life? Even I couldn't understand myself.

Past the stairs, Naruko placed her hand on her room's door. Even if it might be too late, I still tried to ask her again.

"Summer Comiket — can you come?"

"I never said I won't. I will come." Naruko immediately replied.

"I see. That's good."

Behind me, Kuroneko and Rias let out a sigh of relief. Naruko would never refuse, she would definitely agree to go. I knew that, but somehow hearing her say it made me feel relieved too.

Why? I thought about it and came up with a conclusion. I must be thinking, if she said 'I have plans with my boyfriend', then my plan will be ruined — yes, that must be the reason I was so restless. That must be it. Without a doubt.

That's right. That's why I felt so strange recently. Thankfully there is no problem regarding my sister or her boyfriend.

"Please come in."

"'Kay."

"Sorry for the intrusion."

We followed Naruko. Rias, Kuroneko, and I entered her room. This room was once swept clean, but now everything was returned, with even something new. If I had to guess, then her secret storage would be the same.

"… Haha, it has been a long time since I entered this room." Rias said, her voice full of emotions.

Before Naruko went to America, it seemed that those three sometimes gathered in this room while I wasn't home. But after Naruko left, they never entered here again. The last time they met at my room, Rias just stood outside.

"You are exaggerating. It's just a room." Kuroneko whispered.

Everyone, myself included, showed a mild expression. Naruko closed the door and gave us an awkward smile of embarrassment.

"You could come here whenever you like. Please sit down."

We sat down around the table. Kuroneko sat down next to me, then her hand moved toward her mouth. She yawned.

"Did you get enough sleep?" I asked in worry. Kuroneko was going to participate in Summer Comicket for two straight days after all.

"I know that you like games, but don't push yourselves, okay? If you became ill because of that, everything is ruined."

"I know." Kuroneko turned toward me.

Hm… although today she is still in her gothic lolita outfit, she didn't have her red contacts in. Her voice was more gentle, not as hard as usual.

"Are you fully awake yet?"

"Did something happen this morning?" Naruko continued with my question.

Kuroneko rubbed her eyes and answered, "Because now its summer break… I just woke up early today, since I took my little sister to a gymnastics radio program."

"Ahahaha!" Rias bursted into laughter.

"Kuroneko-chi? Participate in the gymnastics?"

"Wh… What? Is it that strange for me to do them?" Kuroneko's upper lips curved. Really, unlike at school, she was livelier when she was with her friend. So cute.

"No no, I just imagined it…" Rias tried to suppress her laughter. Well, to imagine Kuroneko standing next to an elementary student and receive candy… yeah, that's hilarious. Even Naruko was smiling.

"Hey, do you participate in that gothic lolita outfit?"

"Of course not!" She seemed uninterested and turned around.

"By the way, I have never seen you wear anything aside from that gothic lolita outfit."

"…"

Kuroneko still looked aside, but she gave me a quick glance.

"Do you want to see?" She whispered.

"Well… if you let me…"

"In that case, let me think about it."

She then fell into silence. What was she thinking now? When I turned back to Naruko and Rias, they were also whispering with each other.

"What are you two doing?"

"Since when is it your business?" Naruko glared at me.

She's always like that, so happy at one moment and angry at the next. Rias's mouth turned into ω shape again, she poked at Naruko's face.

"Ufufu, Naruko-chan's just angry because Naruto-kun only pays attention to Ruri-chan."

"I'm not!" Naruko bared her fang, but then she asked puzzled, "Who is Ruri-chan? You meant that black one?"

Who else do you think we were talking about? I turned to Kuroneko and gave her a look that meant 'Can I tell her?'. She nodded, so I answered in her place.

"Kuroneko's real name is Ruri Gokou."

"Not real name. My human form's name."

"Fine. Human form's name."

Hearing that, Naruko seemed to have a troubled expression.

"Why… why do all of you know that? Why am I the only one who doesn't know?"

"No, we didn't…"

Faced with Naruko's sarcastic comment, Kuroneko started to panic. Rias quickly played match keeper.

"Of course not Naruko-chan! We didn't mean to do it."

"And because we were in the same school too, that's why I knew her real name." I added my reason. This girl liked Kuroneko so much that she was jealous of her own brother.

"I see! Hm, so after school, you two came home together, you went to your room and then laid down on the bed next to each other?"

"It was for testing a game!"

"Still, it's like you two are dating! disgusting!"

You really are getting on my nerves. Why are you questioning my relationship with Kuroneko? Are you that worried because I stole your friend? I was just about to say something, but…

clap clap clap.

"Stop please! We need to begin preparations — now is not the time to quarrel."

Both Naruko and I became silent. Rias showed us a bright smile.

"Let's treat Kuroneko-chan like everyone's little sister, shall we?"

"Why have I become your pet?" Kuroneko had a trouble expression. Well, I almost had a quarrel with Naruko because of her anyway.

Naruko let out a tired breath then said, "… About… that… well, it is not like you two are dating anyways."

Both Kuroneko and I turned to each other before we averted our eyes.

There was that kiss…

Not good. With too many things on my mind, I couldn't just say 'No' to Naruko's comment. Thankfully, Naruko didn't seem to notice that and she returned to her cheerful state.

"Ruri. Nice name. It suits you." She looked at Kuroneko and smiled.

After a while, we managed to talk about the main topic regarding Summer Comicket.

"Anyway! What do you guys want to do?" Using her hand as support, Naruko leaned over, her eyes shone with brilliancy. She had completely recovered her good mood. Every time she became like that, I was barely able to keep up.

"Kuroneko-chi. In the third day, how about everyone draw some illustrations for our circle?

"This is a good idea… but this time I planned to make something focused on Blazblue. By the way, I have prepared a manga." Kuroneko looked up and said that to Naruko.

"Hm? What? Does that mean I have to make something about Blazblue too?"

"Yes."

"The front cover is a Blazblue's illustration that you drew?"

"Yes."

"So you named our circle 'The sacred Kuroneko knight'?"

"Yes. Oh, by the way, there are some metaphors in this circle name. It contained my name and you guys."

"Really? Thanks to you our plan needs to change again. Agh, it conflicts with some of my ideas."

At least listen to your friend's explanation. Couldn't you see that Kuroneko's temple is trembling?

"Okay, okay, Naruru-chi. We have an old saying 'a genius can do anything'. And I believe in your skill. Coupled with your knowledge about Blazblue, you surely would be able to make something interesting."

"For real? Well, I did have some idea to write a novel."

What an idiot. You are so easy to please. Anyway, Naruko had decided to write a novel. What about Rias?

"Let me draw some illustrations for Blazblue too."

"You can draw?"

"A bit. Just… don't laugh if it turns out to be too bad." Rias smiled and wrung her fingers in embarrassment.

"Of course we won't laugh at you."

No matter who; Kuroneko, Kae, or Rias, it looked like all the female otakus I knew were capable of drawing. I couldn't wait too see her results.

"I'm looking forward to it."

"Yes. I will do my best." Rias flashed a victory pose. Just then, Naruko asked me, "Bro, what will you do?"

"Me?"

"Yes. What you will do for the circle?"

"Here!" I gave them my brightest smile and pointed at my face.

"I planned to borrow Rias-san's Jin Kisaragi outfit and make a cosplay album!"

Naruko spit her juice out.

"Cough, cough…! You, you… what's with your proud expression?"

"Hm? What? Strange… I thought this was such a good plan. Because considering how handsome I am, I should be able to cosplay, right?"

Kuroneko stroked Naruko's back, who was still choking.

"Cough you surely shouldn't 'make your own cosplay album'. Everyone will faint when they see you."

"It will be total chaos." Hey Rias, even you betrayed me?

My carefully prepared planed had been denied, I asked in a weak voice, "… No good?"

"Rejected"

"Rejected"

Naruko and Rias said that in unison… I couldn't believe it…

Suddenly…

"… Wait…" Kuroneko suddenly said something, her face blushed a little.

"Maybe… we could salvage this idea…"

"Hey… really? You are not pitying me are you?"

"About that… it also makes me happy to see one of my companions participate in cosplay. If we do that together… I think we can…"

Excellent! You are worthy of a cosplayer! You understand me!

Rias showed an awkward smile, "Since the leader of 'The sacred Kuroneko knight' Kuroneko-sama said so, I won't object. Naruto-chi, do your best, okay."

"Leave it to me." I nodded.

Naruko looked like she wanted to say something, but decided against it. She looked at Kuroneko and said in a small voice.

"I understand… do whatever you guys want."

"I… this was your brother's idea… so I have no choice…"

"Kuroneko! Let's make the best cosplay album together!"

"Why are you the only one so enthusiastic about it?"

(◕ω◕✿)

The third day of Summer Comicket had arrived.

"It is so hot ~~~~~~"

Right after we came out of the International Exhibition Center Station, Naruko and I were forced to endure the hottest summer ever. My eyes started to feel heavy. The heat turned the asphalt road into a frying pan. I couldn't stand it anymore, so I pulled out a towel to wipe my face, but Naruko slap my hand.

"Don't be so undisciplined before it begins!"

Folding her arms, my sister stared at me. She was wearing summer clothes. Although it looked quite easy to breath, it didn't leave anywhere for me to put my eyes on. I looked around trying to find Kuroneko.

"… Sorry, I've been here since yesterday"

"How are you feeling? Have you recovered yet?"

"You don't need to worry about me."

Yes. Yesterday, our club also formed a circle to join.

"Say, Naruko. I just noticed it now."

"What?" Naruko said in a fierce voice. Even her own brother had a hard time keeping up with a conversation with her.

"Your clothes today…"

"What!?"

"Aren't they the same ones from the Summer Comicket last year?"

I didn't think about it when I said that, but Naruko's response caught me by surprise. Her eyes widened a little.

"Wow! It is unusual for you to be so keen…"

"No, because your shoulders and collar bones are wide open. I have seen it before."

"Wah!?" Naruko's hand shot upward and covered her shoulders. And she looked quite angry.

"Where are you looking at? Pervert!"

"Don't shout that word in a crowd! You sounded like I have done something to a girl!"

"You did! You just did!" Still using one hand to cover her shoulder, Naruko pointed at me.

"I didn't even touch you in the slightest. Not one finger!"

"That's not the problem! The problem is you look at my bare skin with perverted eyes!"

"… How nostalgic, it's been already a year since we came here the last time."

"Hey! Why are you changing the subject?"

Although Naruko still looked like she wanted to hit me, but changing her mind, she stopped.

"Hm… forget it. You said nostalgic… yeah I can understand."

"Right? Is that why you chose the same clothes?"

"No, that is just a coincidence."

"Yeah, right"

You could easily read the current fashion, and yet by coincidence, you still wear the same ones from a year ago to the same event? I don't think that is the case here. Naruko didn't seem like she wanted to continue talking about it though.

"Let's hurry inside. Rias-san said she is already waiting at our circle booth."

"Okay, okay. Wait Naruko, Kuroneko sent a message and said she is somewhere nearby —"

"— I have been standing next to you from the beginning"

"Huh?" I turned around. In front of me was a girl who was wearing a straw hat, a beautiful white one-piece dress.

"… Can you please stop looking at me…"

My jaw dropped. My eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. I could feel that behind me, Naruko was having the same reaction. Not black gothic lolita clothes, not a school uniform. This was her casual clothes. Like a dream, she turned from a delicate and charming girl into a beautiful one.

"Kuro… neko?"

"Who else do you think I am?"

"No… you… that dress."

"… Wh… what?" Kuroneko's upper lips curved, and whispered. I kept looking at her without blinking

"What cosplay is that?"

"This, this is not a cosplay… these are my casual clothes."

Not good. I felt like I just stepped on a landmine. Kuroneko was getting angry. I hastily apologized.

"Sorry. I'm very sorry."

"Really… don't you… you want to keep staring at me?"

"… Ah, right…"

Whenever it was the offline meeting or the opening ceremony, she always managed to surprise me. Just…she was… so cute. Compared to the usual Kuroneko, this one had a hidden charm.

"It looks really good on you."

"Really?"

"Yes. It suits your very much. You could easily take part in a spring movie."

… Her skin was pure white… her dress was also white… she only changed her dress, but I felt like it was a completely different person.

"You are no longer Kuroneko. You are Shironeko."

"Is that supposed to be a compliment?"

I was stunned. Even though all I said was just a small compliment, Kuroneko blushed.

And then, next to me, Naruko finally regained control over her body. She pointed at Kuroneko, and said, "Isn't that the dress I lent you last week?"

"It is… thank you."

After she changed into the white dress even her personality changed into pure white too? To think that Kuroneko said thanks to Naruko. Naruko seemed shocked, she looked like a pigeon faced down the barrel of a gun.

"Ah? Ah… no, no need to thank me."

I couldn't understand how she became so cute just from changing clothes.

"Because of the dress that Naruko chose? You really are something."

"Hm? Really?"

"Yes. I really think so."

I was really impressed with my sister's taste. Because Kuroneko was so cute today! Naruko scratched her cheek, she seemed embarrassed.

"Anyway… look, this dress really suits her. Her hair is so beautiful. I can already think of one type of outfit that will suit her perfectly."

"What type is that?"

"The casual clothes in eroge!"

Ah… You were right. A one piece dress with a hat. I had seen this CG many times in eroge before.

"You… you… you made me wear something for an eroge character?"

"Yes."

"Anyway, I think you are cute. This is the truth."

"… Although I thank you… but please don't tell me the source."

"Just… this dress… for today…"

Naruko's face showed a complex expression, her hand was on her hips, her eyes were knitted, and she was deep in thought. What are you thinking? Why are you so troubled just because Kuroneko wears something you chose? Normally you should say something like 'Hey hey! Isn't that the dress I chose! Wow! You really wore it today!' in excitement.

"Let's go, Rias-san is waiting."

"… Okay."

"I'm coming."

Both Naruko and Kuroneko agreed. I picked up Naruko's bag and started walking.

"Kuroneko, give me your shopping cart."

"Ah? There is no need to…"

"Don't worry, just let me do it."

I raised my hand and took the trolley from Kuroneko's hand.

"Alright."

After a while, the crowd finally split in two.

"Circle members please go this way/"

We followed the guide and moved in a different direction compared to others. Unlike a year before, we could go inside without have to stand in line.

Next to me, Naruko said in a loud voice, "Wow~ so many people! Haha, to think that I could go inside without having to endure this heat!"

"Don't raise your voice." Kuroneko scolded Naruko like an older sister. Seeing that, I said in nostalgic.

"I feel a little strange to say it now, but compared to one year before, you two have changed."

"Really?

"Where?"

Both of them showed me a puzzled expression, as if saying 'there is no such thing'.

"Don't you remember? Last year, we took a spot in line. You two were playing PSP while quarreling with each other."

"Ah~ when someone teased me by choosing that outfit, my anger helped me remember."

"Hm… is that so?"

Kuroneko and Naruko looked at each other in nostalgia. Yes, this happened not long after we met. Every time they met, Naruko always quarreled with Kuroneko.

"How could I put it. Although you two always quarreled every time you met, you went shopping together, made doujinshi together. Didn't your relationship get better?"

"Hm, there is no such thing."

"Ack, it didn't happen."

They rubbed their heads together then both turned away. But not just them, my relationship with Kuroneko also has changed. Last year, she was 'my sister's friend'. But now…

What is our current relationship? I don't know. Since I was deep in thought, I just kept looking at Kuroneko's cheek.

"What's wrong? Let's hurry, Rias-san is waiting."

"Okay."

(◕ω◕✿)

"Hi~ everyone~ please come in~."

Right after we went in, we were greeted by Rias in full otaku-like clothes. There were several tables inside, with many people going around to set up their booth. The countless footsteps sounded noisy and panicked, but I felt vibrant.

"So, are we ready? We can start right away."

"That's the best. But how about we go greet our neighbors? Around 9:30, it will be so crowded that we won't able to move."

"Ah, I see." I checked my cellphone and noticed it was 8:45. If we wanted to greet everyone, then we should go now. Rias told me that it is a custom for circles to greet each other during this time.

"Still, I don't recognize any of those circles. How about you go with Naruko then?" She should know many of them.

"Then I'm going… let's go, Naruru-chi."

"Um~ what should I do. Should we wait for everyone to go together?"

"But after a while, there is no telling if we could be able to meet them."

After everyone came in, this place would be hell. Circle members (like me) would be very busy.

"Why don't we just go? It is a good chance to meet some famous artists."

"… You see… there is no problem. I could take care of everything here with Senpai." Kuroneko added her opinion. But Naruko objected.

"Tch… Noisy… This is my choice."

Why are you unhappy?

"Okay okay. I understand Naruru-chi's feelings. Then I will take a look around then. Please take care of things here."

"No problem."

Rias said bye then walked away.

"… Ah, Naruto-kun. And Naruko and… Kuroneko, right?"

Someone called us from behind. We turned around and saw —

"Kuroi-san?"

"It has been a long time. I couldn't believe we would meet again here."

In front of us was Nanako Kuroi aka Fate-chan. We…somehow knew her. Naruko just said 'pleased to meet you' before turning away. Kuroneko didn't say anything, her eyes were fixed on Kuroi-san.

I asked as a representative.

"That is my line. Why are you here? Don't you have to work as an editor?"

"Are you here for some bizarre reason?" Naruko voiced her opinion.

"Well… that's a long story." Kuroi-san continued, "Although Kumagai-san introduces me to a MAW contest I didn't expect that even the interview would be that hard…"

"So you failed?" Don't ask Naruko! As expected, Kuroi-san's shoulders dropped.

"During the interview, they asked me 'What did you do after you were fired', I answered 'in order to contribute to your club's new members budget, I wrote a novel'… then… it was suddenly so cold… I thought I was about to die…"

"How could you give such a foolish answer?"

I could almost see a knife pierce Kuroi-san's chest. Of course, Naruko didn't mean anything bad.

"That was just a minor mistake. I was surprised because of an unexpected question…"

Look, Kuroi-san's mood was already rock bottom. Say something Naruko.

"Oh, so your still unemployed"

Hey! Do you intend to kill her?

"My debt is already more than 100 000 Yen. I'm almost completely out of money"

Ignoring Kuroi-san's I-am-gonna-die voice, Naruko continued.

"So what happened to the money you borrowed?"

"Hehe, I spent it all on food."

I had never heard such miserable dialogue. There were so many things wrong that I didn't know where to start. Maybe she noticed our ice-cold gaze, but Kuroi-san tried to laugh it off.

"You see, long ago, Greeks had so many reasons that made the exchange rate 1 Australian dollar equal to 70 Japanese yen. Then it raised the exchange rate to 88 Japanese yen before it exploded! It eliminated my chance to become rich! Damn! What's with those forecasters? They said that yen will continue to rise until 1 AUD were to equal 100 Japanese yen! All of them said so! Ahahaha… then everything went to hell…"

She used too much specialized vocabulary, so all I figured out is Kuroi-san is a failure of a human. Thanks to that hikikimori, the atmosphere became worse and worse. I need to change the topic…

"By the way, Kuroi-san's also a part of a circle?"

"Ah…" Kuroi-san quickly stepped back and pointed to the side, "My circle is over there, but I don't have anything to contribute this time. This is the first time my SNS circle joined in this event."

"First time participant… outside circle?" Kuroneko gave Kuroi-san an astonished stare.

Let me explain. 'Outside circle' meant that this circle has a place in an outer ring, so it is much easier for people to notice them. That's why some people called it a 'first class seat'. Normally, only famous circle could have such a spot. For a circle with first time participants to have such a spot, it was very unusual.

"Haha, what do you think? Here are some of our products, please take it if you like." Kuroi-san recovered and showed us some thick lithography printing.

"… Wonderful."

"… Wow…"

"… This is…"

Our eyes widened. Even an amateur like me could see it. Although they were sold in a booth, they were very good. Compared to me, Naruko was more shocked.

"There are a lot of famous artists… I can't believe you could gather an all-star team."

"Hehe." Kuroi-san smiled like a child, her eyes turned into a crescent shape.

"Although I didn't write or draw anything, I did the rest. Gather members, make plans — I feel like a manager already." Kuroi-san was laughing and puffing her chest.

"… You seem to be very proud of it…" Naruko showed a stiff smile. This girl also started writing because of Kuroi-san's persuasion. On the other hand Kuroneko also showed an awkward smile.

"… Using inside man power and composition to make such a picture… I'm surprised…"

"Everything has gone smoothly, so just wait for the results! Although I couldn't become a novelist, but now my dream is to become this circle's manager… just you wait, I will pay you back in full in one year!" She talked about her dream with sparkly eyes. Still, dreams are just dreams. I wanted to tell her to keep trying.

"Do you know, Sensei? It seems that your co-worker called you 'the evil worker'." Still emotionless, Kuroneko said. Naruko nodded.

"Although I'm not entirely sure about the details, but if everything goes smoothly then please return the money that I lent you." She said that with a warm smile.

While we were talking with Kuroi-san, Rias finally came back.

"Kuroneko-chi, has the staff arrived?"

"Alright, let's get started with our booth."

As our representatives, Kuroneko wrote down the necessary work. Kuroneko told Naruko, who was looking at the doujinshi package in excitement.

"Please open the package and take them out."

"I have been waiting for this!"

Wow! Naruko quickly tore the package apart. Rias and I waited for Naruko to finish. The Blazblue cover that Kuroneko drew gradually appeared in the middle of the package. Next to it was our circle name, 'The sacred Kuroneko knight'.

"Wow~ wow~! Doujinshi! It's really a doujinshi! Wow!" Naruko happily raised our doujinshi above her head. Although I felt the same, I couldn't help but blush in embarrassment.

"Calm down will you. This is not the first time you've see your own book."

"This is completely different! Because…" Still jumping in joy, Naruko looked around and said, slightly embarrassed, "Anyway, this is not the same! It's a sample doujinshi!"

She gave me a vague answer.

"Alright! All done." Naruko placed the last pack of doujinshi on the table. And then...

Ding dong

"It is time. Summer Comiket will officially start now"

The broadcast spread, then the sound of people cheering and applauding rang. Then the Summer Comiket that my sister and I had been waiting for began. We moved inside our booth, ready to start selling.

"I still think that bringing cosplay clothes would have been a good idea."

"What? What are you talking about?" Naruko's brow knitted, she stared at me. I pointed to our neighbor's booth.

"You see over here. Isn't that the same cosplay album I planed to make with Kuroneko? I think that if we also did that, our sales could be greatly increased."

"Idiot! This is impossible. Anyway, where is that confidence coming from?" Naruko's voice was very calm, like she was just stated a matter of fact.

"You, didn't you say that I looked good?"

"Well~ but this is because there was a cosplay suitable for you. However it couldn't turn you into a handsome man."

"Do you have to say it that way!?"

"Although you could have a delusion 'I'm so handsome' while cosplaying, but that isn't real — you can't change the physical world with delusions."

I wanted to smack her! My sister, you really made me mad this time.

"… You spoke too much."

My savior was none other than Kuroneko.

"… I think… Senpai…would look good in blue-white cosplay…."

"Kuroneko! Only you understand me!" Today Kuroneko really was Shironeko!

"… Please put this on." Kuroneko handed me a Blazblue's mask. Seemed like it was made of nylon though.

"What is that?"

"From the booth next to us."

"Ah, thank you."

It was from another Blazblue's fanclub. I carefully put the mask on.

"… It really…is suitable." Kuroneko whispered.

Maybe because of the tension, but suddenly I need to go to the toilet. After endured another one of Naruko's scoldings, I was allowed to go. Thankfully I only had to line up for about 10 minutes. But even then, there was already a crowd when I got back. I had to fight against the people pushing and the heat on the way back. It reminded me of the previous year. Right… at that time, I didn't even want to come back here a second time.

When I got back, Rias was the one who greeted me.

"Welcome back, Naruto-chi."

"I'm back… just what is with the cat ears?"

"I think it is cute, so I put it on. I just bought it from a booth over there."

"Wow, this is really good."

Not just Rias, both Naruko and Kuroneko had their cat ears on. They had all taken off their shoes and are standing inside of the booth.

Noticing me, Kuroneko smiled, "Ara, ara. Welcome back."

"I'm back." Then I stood next to Kuroneko. I didn't know if Naruko noticed me or not, but she was staring in front of her, her face murderous.

"What's wrong Naruko? You look horrible."

"Tch!" Naruko clicked her tongue and turned around, clearly upset, "We couldn't sell a single one! What's going on!"

"So that's why you are in a bad mood." What a short tempered girl. This was actually quite normal for a circle to end up without being able to sell anything.

"Isn't it because of your murderous face?"

"Ughhh…" Naruko seemed to realize that raising her voice would backfire on us, so she unwillingly kept silent.

Kuroneko gently said, "Calm down. It happens every time."

"But…"

"Didn't I tell you before? There is no need to print so much."

Yes, when we discussed about that earlier, Naruko asked, 'How many copies did we print? Ten thousand?'. No way. We couldn't sell that many in a single day. Based on Kuroneko's calculation, we should print about 50 copys. But at that time, Naruko said 'Are you an idiot? Who do you think I am? We could sell all of them in a blink of eye'. But in reality… we couldn't even sell a single one. There were a lot of circles today, after all. Although everyone came to Summer Comiket there were more likely to open their wallet, but even in the middle of this outrageously hot crowd, most people still able to keep their cool. Especially those hardcore fans.

Rias also said, "Naruru-chi. Like fishing, we should patiently enjoy it."

"Yeah~" Naruko still looked unhappy.

She was clearly not suited for something like fishing. Actually, I also felt nervous too. This was the first time we opened a booth and sold our product to an unknown reader. Everyone probably felt the same.

"Ah." I heard Naruko's voice and came back to my senses. Someone finally noticed our booth.

"Sorry, can I take a look at this?"

"Yes, please." Kuroneko gave him a doujinshi.

"Wow."

Rustle rustle. He flipped several pages of our doujinshi. I was so nervous… so…what would he do next? Would he buy it or not?

Rustle rustle.

"W-Wha!?" Suddenly his eyes widened and stared at me.

What? What's that mean? While I was puzzled, he placed the book down, said 'thanks' then left without buying anything…

"What's wrong?"

"Hey~~~ He probably ran away because he saw your cosplay." Naruko said.

"Because of me!?"

"Definitely. No doubt about it."

"How could that be?" I pulled a doujinshi out and turned to the page about my cosplay outfit.

"See how good I am? Since you guys complained so much, I used Photoshop to modify my face to be more handsome."

"Your Photoshop sucks, it totally backfired! Too much light here! "

"Oh, yeah. What about your novel? It couldn't sell either, right?"

"What did you say!"

While we were quarreling, Rias came and pulled us out.

"You two… look look."

"What!"

Both I and Naruko turned back.

"… Thank you for buying." Kuroneko took the money and handed over a doujinshi. The first one — our production finally sold one.

"… Haha." Both Naruko and I laughed. Rias also firmly gave us a hug.

"We did it!"

"Yeah yeah."

"What are you saying? We were only able to sell one copy. Don't you know that My Wing had sold more than ten thousand copies…"

Then Kuroneko turned back and gave Naruko 500 Yen.

"Take it."

"Eh? Why?"

"It does not have any special meaning. Please wait and put it into the sales box later."

Kuroneko placed the coin inside Naruko's hand before turning around again like nothing happened. While Naruko lovingly looked at the 500 Yen coin in her palm, "Hehe." She showed a fulfilled smile.

We kept selling for a while. Until lunch break, we had sold about one third of our doujinshi. But it was so hot.

"… Isn't it hotter than last year?"

Hearing my sarcasm, Kuroneko gave me a cold water bottle.

"Here, Senpai."

"Ah… thank you"

The water was so cold. I drank it all in one gulp and felt strength returned to my limbs. Seeing that, Kuroneko burst into laughter.

"It's time. Want to go grab something to eat?" Rias called for us. Yeah, I felt kind of hungry too.

"Okay." Naruko nodded.

"I will go buy something. What do you guys want?"

I was about to go, but then I heard a familiar voice calling to me 'Naruto Senpai'. From the crowd, it was… "Kae."

She was wearing a form-fitting T-shirt and jeans and a stylish cap. And because her breasts were so big and her clothes were wet due to her sweating, even her bra didn't seem to have any effect. It took all of my will power just to keep my eyes from looking.

"Good day! Today is so hot! So many people too!"

"It must be hard for you. You prefer things clean and comfortable so much."

This was her habit, she really hated dirty things. To participate in this, she had to endure the heat and the smell of sweat.

"Uh… although it was hard… but I fantasized that every male here are lovers…"

"You seem very excited."

"Hehe."

It wasn't a compliment, though. Maybe the heat affected Kae too, she seemed strange. Or maybe that's because she was surrounded by otakus too, so she didn't have to hide her true self.

Next to me, Kuroneko greeted her classmate, "Kae… you came."

"Yep. I heard that Ruri will be participating today in another circle, so I came to greet you."

"By the way, where are the other members of our club?"

Kae pointed to the side.

"Please to meet you, Namikaze, Gokou."

"Good. Keep up the good work."

Nanashima-kun and the president came, each of them carrying two big bags with bright illustrations. From the way that Kae wasn't carrying anything, she probably asked them to do it in her place.

"Hi, president. You bought a lot."

"Haha, it was barely enough for my taste."

The president proudly raised a bag with an illustration of a female character from an eroge. You…plan to bring that with you into the subway? Well, at least she wasn't fully naked.

"President, how about the others?"

"Hm, as my proxy, they probably should still be fighting!"

Last year, Rias told me that in order to maximize their buying capacity, some circles form a proxy just focused on buying. I was slowly able to understand otaku metaphors. While I was talking with the president, Rias came to us.

"Naruto-chi, who are they?"

"Ah, let me introduce them. They are members of Kuroneko and my club in school."

"I'm Miura."

"Please to meet you, I'm Nanashima."

"Hello, I'm Serinuma."

Rias smiled back, "Nice to meet you all, I'm Rias Satanichia."

"Ri… Rias?"

"S-Satanichia?"

Both Nanashima and the president were surprised. I understood your feeling. The first time I heard that, I spit too.

"What a strange name… Satanichia?" Kae asked.

Rias puffed her chest and said, "Haha, I'm now Rias Satanichia the future archdemon and the next queen of hell."

"Ah… I see." Kae didn't seem to know how to respond to that, she looked troubled.

"Hey Nana-chan, the way she talks is completely unexpected."

"Hey, it's impolite to say that."

Even when Nanashima rebuked him, the president didn't pay him any attention.

"Nanashima-chi, Serinuma-chi and Miura-chi… can I call you that way?"

"Yes, no problem." Nanashima-kun replied.

"You can call me Kae." Kae said.

The president finished, "Good! Call me whatever you want, Rias-tan."

"Then I will happily oblige. I have heard a lot of things about you from Naruto-chi and Kuroneko-chi."

"I also have heard a few. Like Naruto and Gokou joined our club thanks to your suggestion. Thank you very much."

"Ah, there is no need to thank me. I also wanted to meet Kuroneko-chi and Naruto-chi's club members."

"Haha, the way you talk is really strange."

"Haha, everyone says so."

Rias and the president were laughing. They seemed to suit each other. Both of them were circle leaders after all. Phew…this was the first time the 'Game research club' met with 'Otaku girls united'. For the first time, my two otaku circles met each other. This was all thanks to Comiket – the biggest ceremony for otaku.

Nanashima-kun raised a plastic bag, "I brought a lot, everyone, come and enjoy."

"Oh, thank you."

"Hey hey, listen to me, Naruto Senpai."

Full of excitement, Kae began to tell me.

"What's up?"

"Just now in the square there is a really big cosplay!"

"Really big?"

"Yes! It was wearing a Tsukihime anime cosplay!"

Tsukihime anime?

Nanashima-kun asked, "You mean the Arcueid cosplay — isn't the cosplayer a girl?"

"Naïve! You are too naïve Shion Senpai. At first glance that character is a girl, but they couldn't fool my eyes! Without a doubt, I'm sure that's a guy." Kae's eyes sparkled. By the way, this girl has the nickname 'Weilder of the Mystic Eyes'. Still, I had no interest in that.

"I see."

"Yes, Naruto Senpai. You should go take a look!"

No thanks!

"No, forget it."

"Don't say that. Just give it a chance. That character has a pretty good body. If you multiplied Shion Senpai's handsomeness by about 1.8, deleted the gross thing and lengthened the leg, you would get the idea."

"It will be completely different from me now!"

This girl was hopeless. Nanashima-kun has every right to be angry.

"Ah, I'm sorry Shion Senpai."

"Ah… really… forget it."

As soon as a cute girl apologized to him, Nanashima-kun would forgive her.

What a cute kohai. The truth is — they didn't seem to have that kind of relationship. I was sure that the countdown till the H-scene was still running, and Kae's flag was about to be cleared. I was joking though. I only paid more attention after Takurou told me about 'Kae might have a boyfriend'.

"Say, Gokou, you look really cute today."

Suddenly, Nanashima changed the subject. Next to me, Kuroneko '?' and tilted her head.

"… You mean that dress?"

"Of course that dress is nice, but compared to usual you look much better."

"Ah~ Shion Senpai is hitting on Ruri!"

"No, I'm not!" Faced with Kae's comment, Nanashima-kun hastily denied it.

"How could you do that! You already have the president!"

"This is the reason you are angry!?"

Kae didn't have the slightest idea about boy's feelings, she continued.

"Just, today Ruri really seemed happy. Is that because of Comiket?"

"… I'm still the same as usual." Kuroneko hesitated before denying.

Both Nanashima-kun and Kae seemed to gradually be able to understand this girl. I should feel happy for her, but at the same time I felt lonely. Yes, just like the Shironeko before…

Kuroneko suddenly pulled my sleeve

"Hmm?"

I looked at Kuroneko. She didn't say anything, and just looked at me. She was so happy a few seconds ago — now why did she look so troubled? Kuroneko's eyes moved from me to another direction. Following her eyes, I noticed Naruko.

"…"

Naruko didn't join in the conversation. To cover up, she was playing with her iPhone. This was the same as when she attended her first offline meeting. The only difference was now her 'only' friend Kuroneko was talking with some stranger. From Naruko's point of view, she's probably very upset. Really…normally she was so good at talking and conversation, so why was she embarrassed around otaku?

"Naruko." I walked to her and slightly knocked her head.

"Ouch… what are you doing!?"

"You looked so unhappy. Come, I will introduce you to everyone."

"… No thanks." She refused.

"Why?"

"Because… those are your friends at school aren't they? It isn't of my concern." Upset, Naruko turned her eyes toward Kae and Kuroneko.

Because it doesn't concern you, you don't want to join in? Yes, Kuroneko looked like she was having fun — so you don't want to butt in. I understood this feeling. However, Naruko. What about you? Because you wanted Kuroneko to have fun… is that your real reason? I looked back at the Kae-Kuroneko conversation.

"Ah right, Ruri." Kae handed over a doujinshi.

"This is what you asked me to buy before. Although there was a bit of trouble, but I managed to get it."

"… Thanks."

The doujinshi Kuroneko just received wasn't about Blazblue, but Madoka.

"To tell you the truth, I thought you hated that kind of anime."

"No… this… this is not for me." Hesitating, Kuroneko looked this way and said,"I wanted to give it to a friend, that's why I asked you to buy it."

Hearing that, both Naruko's and Kae's eyes widened.

"Aside from me, Ru… Ruri has a friend?" That's why you are so surprised? Although it is understandable, at least don't say it out loud!

"Yes I do. Is there any problem with that?" Kuroneko proudly replied, before walking to Naruko. "… This is yours."

When did I hear this before? Ah… right… this was a year ago. That time, after Kuroneko managed to get Siscaly for Naruko, she also said that. This was the same as now, she did this for my sister.

"Hey — I'm talking to you."

Naruko hesitated and walked over to Kuroneko. They looked at each other in silence for a few seconds.

"What? Didn't you say that you are so busy that you couldn't take time to buy it. That's why I asked my classmate to get it… hey say something. Or do you fail to understand human language?"

"… Thank you." Naruko whispered and took the Madoka doujinshi. She looked at that doujinshi and smiled. There are some similarities to last year, but also something seems different. Where is that feeling coming from?

"I'm Naruko Namikaze, third year in junior high school. Pleased to meet you." Naruko bowed to my club's members.

"Wow! So you're Namikaze's little sister, the famous teen model Naruko!" Shinomya-kun said with awe.

"Eh… ah yeah, hahaha that's me!"

Kae smiled at Naruko.

"Hello, my name is Kae Serinuma, nice to meet you. I'm a big fan of your model work, you really beautiful."

"Thanks. Nice to meet you too, Serinuma-san."

Both of them were very social. That's why they had a very good first meeting. While I was thinking that, Kae looked at the doujinshi Naruko was holding and asked.

"Do you like Madoka, Naruko-chan?"

"Of course! That's a godly anime!" Naruko shouted in excitement. Kae you idiot! You flipped her switch. Ah… now no one could stop my sister anymore.

"Wah! Naruto-senpai, why are you moving away?"

"Ah… do your best."

To avoid getting involved, I made some distance with Kae and Naruko. By the way, Rias and Kuroneko were still selling. During lunch break, you could sell your doujinshi to other circles. If this continued, we could sell everything before Comiket ended.

I joined in with my school club.

"Ahaha, sorry about that, my sister can be noisy sometimes."

"Ahahaha… what a cute sister. And she loves anime so much." The president gave me a wry smile and watched Kae's crisis in silence.

"To think that so many members in my club have siblings."

"Ah~ by the way, Nanashima-kun has an older sister right?"

"A-Ah… yes." For some reason, Nanashima-kun seemed down when talking about his older sister.

"What's wrong? You got into an argument with her?"

"Yeah, kind of."

From Namikaze's sibling, Serinuma's sibling to Nanashima's sibling… seemed like everyone has their own share of troubles.

"So… tell us what happened. At least you will feel better." He helped me a lot before, so it is only fair to help him now.

"Just…can I?"

"Go ahead. I have plenty of experience with sibling quarrels. Maybe I could give you a hint or two."

"Yes, tell us Nana-chan."

After the president added, Nanashima finally said, "The truth is… she saw one of the games I borrowed from the president… this was 'Let's Fuck, Onee-chan', an R18 eroge… and she misunderstood."

This is not a joking matter!

"For real?"

"It's true." Nanashima confirmed.

What the hell! The older sister discovered the younger brother playing older sister based R18 eroge — it was the reverse of our situation!

"So… then what?"

"Thankfully my sister didn't say anything to anyone, so I avoided a family meeting… but after that, whenever she saw me she blushed and looked away."

Nanashima-kun was on the verge of crying. This wasn't good.

The president then said, "Doesn't that mean you raised a flag with her?"

"Don't treat my older sister like a female character from eroge!"

This is the truth. I explained to the president, "President. Allow me to explain."

"What, Naruto?"

"When blood related siblings blush whenever they see each other, I think it's not a 'raised flag', just simply 'gross'. Don't misunderstand 2D and 3D, please — right Nanashima-kun?"

"… It's true, but Namikaze's words hurt me even more."

Sorry about that.

"Hey Naruto, at least give Nana-chan some useful advice."

"Advice… huh?"

Luckily, Nanashima-kun's situation is completely reverse of my case with Naruko… to fix a damaged brother-sister relationship…

"Good, then let me give you some very useful advice."

"Wow! What is it, Namikaze!"

"Okay, first — at midnight, sneak into your older sister's room, slap her awake then tell her 'I have something to tell you'."

"What!?"

"Then bring her to your room, then show her your older sister related eroge collection, then tell her 'I like them all… is it that strange?'. Then everything will be alright."

"If I do that my life will come to an end!" Nanashima-kun protested. Even the president seemed to disagree with me.

"Naruto, even for a joke, it was too much."

"But I based that on my real experience…"

Strange, that's how my relationship with Naruko improved. So it won't work when you reverse male-female role? The world is so unfair.

The president sighed and said, "No choice then."

"Say, there is no need to be that worried. You haven't seen the worst."

"… No need to worry?"

"Yes." He nodded before continuing, "I have a little sister myself. She always treats me like an idiot. Not only that, she is a hikikomori, she doesn't do any housework, she wastes money."

Nanashima and I didn't say anything.

"However…" The president stopped.

"However, no matter what we never hate each other. So there is no need to worry, Nana-chan. Go apologize to your older sister, she will surely forgive you. Because you two are family."

"President… thank you, I will do this right away." Nanashima-kun firmly nodded.

Nice words president, but — isn't that your eroge in the first place? I shrugged and decided to let it slide. Then I overheard the girls's conversation.

"Oh, so you have a brother too."

"Ahahaha, although we quarrel a lot."

Seemed like they weren't talking about anime anymore, but focused on a similar topic to our previous conversation. I tried to listen to them.

"I can't say why, but he did something really disgusting. My idiot siscon brother — sometimes it was unavoidable, but I still couldn't forgive him."

"Oh! I understand perfectly. I got a very pervert brother too, he bothers me so much. The other day, when we were walking earlier, he even asked me 'Do you want to hold hands'. Can you believe it?"

"Really! Ahaha, it's so hard for us Naruko-chan."

"Yes, I agree. Sometimes I feel like I should treat him like an outsider."

What happened here? You guys already have such a good relationship? And you were saying bad things about your own brothers!

"But my idiot brother seemed to reflect on his faults. I understand his reason without needing to look at his cellphone's message."

Ah! You meant those messages between me and Takurou? I hoped I didn't type something wrong.

"What happened? Can you tell me?"

"No problem — well, actually I'm not very sure, but probably I lied to him 'I got a boyfriend' while we were quarreling."

"…"

I heard that.

Kae got a boyfriend — this was a lie.

"Then my idiot brother acted like something possessed him and panicked."

"I see! By the way… why did you say that?"

"Because I was so angry!"

Kae probably recalled that time when she found out that her brother had a sex doll that looked like her and became angry again.

"So I told him I got a boyfriend to see my idiot brother's reaction."

What a prank.

Hearing that, Naruko agreed.

"I know! I know this feeling!"

"Really?"

"Yes! Perfectly! Because of your anger, you said something you don't mean."

"Yes! That's it! Amazing Naruko-chan, how could you understand my feelings so easily?"

"Of course, that's because both of us are 'imoutos'."

"Yes yes — you are completely right! Next time I will send you some more doujinshi and games!"

"Not bad!"

Both of them were congenial. However, Kae. Please do not turn my sister into fujoshi.

"So, how do you plan to continue?"

"Hm… my idiot brother made that mistake because he likes me so much, so I'm not that angry… in fact, I feel a bit happy"

"Hehe." Kae laughed in embarrassment. She was definitely a brocon. Because normally, if you discovered your brother in your closet, you would want to kill him. You won't just forgive him like that.

"So, I gave him a request… then I plan to forgive him."

So you asked him to buy your BL doujinshi today? A present for his fujoshi little sister… what would Takurou's expression be. Anyway, I think I get it. Kae had a quarrel with her brother, so she lied to him saying she got a boyfriend. To get the big brother's attention, the little sister said that. I see I see… that's good.

(◕ω◕✿)

We finished selling our doujinshi at about two o'clock.

"Ah~ I'm so happy! We sold them all."

"… Ahhhh… so it is finally over."

Compared to the happy-looking Rias, Naruko looked a bit disappointed. Next to me, Kuroneko smiled.

"We sold them all… I didn't expect that." Hearing that, Naruko interrupted, "You didn't sell them all last time?"

"Yes… although I alone tried to sell them, but more than 90% remained before the Winter Comiket ended. I had to use a cart to bring them back home. They are still being kept inside my house."

"I see…" Even Naruko couldn't say anything.

To think this girl would participate in this event all alone, and yet she couldn't sell most of her doujinshi, her lonely figure stood in a booth… it was so sad. And it was the last Winter Comiket…Kuroneko probably wanted Naruko to come with her that time. If she dared to mock Kuroneko because of that, then I would smack her even if she is my sister.

"Haha… to be able to sell them all… I'm so happy. Thank you everyone." Kuroneko looked at the empty booth, satisfied.

"Ruri-chan…" Seeing Kuroneko's happy expression, Rias took her handkerchief out to wipe her eyes. Kuroneko was so moved that her shoulders were trembling.

I told her, "… Next time, let's do it together again."

"… Yes." She agreed, just like when I asked her to come with me to the Summer Comiket.

There was still some time until the closing ceremony, so we took a look around. We visited some circles that Rias knew and chatted around for a bit. Somehow, I kind of liked it. To be more specific, that's because I met some artists who worked in an eroge I played. Suddenly, I let out a surprised "Ah". Totally coincidence, I met someone I knew. Last year, this was that girl in the maid outfit who offered me my first 18+ doujinshi. She seemed to recognize me as well, because she greeted us.

"Hey handsome Onii-san! Haha, long time no see."

She was the type of character that I simply don't know how to respond to, so naturally, a dread feeling swept over me.

"Ah ~ pleased to meet you. So you remember me?"

"Of course~ ! Thanks to your siblings, my circle could finally become famous~. Ah, here is my brother & sister S&M doujinshi, if you like…"

"Sorry sorry! We are out of time! Sorry!"

How could I take something so dangerous! I hastily made an excuse to get away, but my idiot sister was attracted by this maid's marketing method.

"Hehe! I heard the word siscon! The girl on the cover is so cute. She even look like me too."

She showed her true self whenever someone calls her 'cute'. Damn this perverted maid! Although I was aware of a rumor, she did use us as a reference to make an 18+ doujinshi! Thankfully, we said goodbye and left without any accidents.

We passed the cosplay square and on our way to the corporate booth. Of course, like the previous Summer Comiket, we took out time, looked around at the cosplay square, but I did not see anything 'very big, very eye-catching' like Kae said. Naruko and Kuroneko both enjoy watching cosplay. However, because the event at the corporate booth was drawing near, we didn't have much time. Still, I was very happy.

We finally arrived at the corporate booth. This was the heart of the Comiket, everywhere were previews and PR for new authors, games and animes. There was no distinction between different circles and companies here. All of them gathered on a grand stage.

"Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Start now ~~~~~~~~~. "

The large screen was showing Madoka season two.

"We made it in time! Phew! Perfect!" Naruko happily shouted at the screen.

"So that's what you wanted to see."

"… Hahaha, isn't it nice."

Both Rias and I looked at Naruko's sparkling eyes and gave her a wry smile.

"… It really is." Kuroneko whispered.

All of us looked at the stage together. Last year… Rias said that Comiket is the festival for otakus, where they can enjoy themselves together. Everyone makes stuff together, participates together, has fun together. Here, that everyone didn't mean just me, Naruko, Kuroneko or Rias. They were all the staff members that worked here. The second time I came here, I finally understood. My first time, I only felt troubled. But now I feel at ease. Maybe that's because I have become a part of it.

After the Madoka's stage ended, I was about to ask what should we do next…

"I feel like I have seen this circle somewhere before." Naruko said suddenly.

I turned around and asked, "Which one?"

"That one." Naruko pointed toward a circle named 'EBS'.

Actually, their name looked like a combination of lots of artist's signatures in a fancy design, so I couldn't read it all. But at least I could read the E, B, S characters.

"I don't remember seeing them…"

"Yes — but, I got a strange feeling, like I have seen them somewhere else…" Naruko pouted. I understood that feeling when you wanted to check out something that got you interested. This was quite normal anyway.

"Hey, you. Do you know this circle?" Naruko asked Kuroneko, however…

"I have never seen them before." Kuroneko shook her head.

"Really… how could I put it… I feel like I'm about to remember…"

"Ah, it looked a lot like Enterna's logo." Rias suddenly interrupted.

"Ah! That!"

"You are right! They look so alike!"

"What is Enterna?"

Hearing my question, Naruko gave me a useless answer, "Huh? Enterna is Enterna, that Enterna."

Rias raised a finger and told me, "Naruto-chi, Enterna is a foreign cosmetic manufacturer."

"Ah… where have I heard of it before…" I titled my head and continued, "So, why did a high class foreign cosmetic manufacturer participate in Comiket?"

"Ah… maybe it's just a coincidence? I just think that this EBS circle's logo looks a lot like Enterna's."

"I never thought that a circle would sell silver accessories. Want to go take a look?"

And so, we departed to that circle. The weather was still hot, so my shirt ended up soaked with sweat. Uuuuh… I wanna hurry and go home to take a bath. It was already 3o'clock. I started to feel tired.

"Wah! Look look."

But all of them were still full of spirit. Like a child, Naruko happily darted from booth to booth, like she had forgotten her original purpose. At that time, Rias went "Ah" in surprise.

"Could it be… the cosplayer that Kae-chan was talking about… is over there?"

"What?" I looked at where Rias was pointing. There was a cosplayer over there.

"Hm… the main character of Tsukihime… not bad." Kuroneko was always interested in cosplay. If she said that, this cosplayer must have something worth seeing.

"Want to go take a look?"

"Fine…"

We moved through the crowd at a gentle pace, like we were visiting a temple. On the other hand, Naruko was busy visiting other circles, she paid no attention to us. Well, she would soon do that.

Looking at Comiket's map, Rias said, "It looks like the EBS circle is this one too."

"Really?"

Because they sold silver accessories, so there were a lot of girls nearby. I took a look at that map and confirmed that, yes, this is EBS' circle. This world was full of coincidences.

"Let's go." We were already nearby anyway.

Wah, what a cute girl — just when I thought that, my threat radar screamed to me.

"Yes. A very nice Arcueid cosplayer."

"Hmph. You can't fool me, this is definitely a male!" Thanks to Astolfo, he couldn't fool my eyes.

"Is something wrong?" He titled his head in confusion.

"No, there is nothing… you… er… did you cosplay near the square at noon?"

"Yes. Did we meet there? I'm sorry, I don't remember seeing you."

"Ah, no that's not it. Someone I knew told me about you."

"I see." He calmly answered my question. He had the personality of an idol! He's definitely a good looking guy.

"Just now, I asked one of my friends to hold this place so I could run to the square and show off my cosplay!"

"You seem to like cosplay very much!"

"Of course! I love it!" His eyes were sparkling. He smiled with me.

"We could be friends."

"Uh… ah…"

We were just participants who take part in a same contest. And yet… what a talkative guy. He made me feel comfortable in our first meeting. Was that because we were both otakus? Around me, many girls asked him, "This one — this one please"

"Thank you very much! 500 Yen please!"

Quick and effective trading. The girl who just bought a small silver statue brought it closer.

"Wow. So beautiful. Did you make that yourself?"

"Yes."

"It looks so expensive… really, just 500 Yen?"

"Of course."

"… I will cherish it" She left, satisfied.

Thank you very much for buying — he seemed to say that to the girl.

Hm… although I got a good impression with this circle, Rias's reaction was strange.

"… 500 Yen?" Rias seemed to be deep in thought.

"Something wrong?"

"No… nothing… let me think about it for a while." Then Rias returned to silence again.

Next to me, Kuroneko leaned in, she looked interested in them. My lips curved up.

"So, do you like them too?"

"Huh?" Surprised by my words, Kuroneko raised her head, and blinked.

"Ah… I… I don't hate them…" From the look of it, Kuroneko liked a reverse cross necklace. As expected of Kuroneko, she liked that kind of accessory.

"Do you want it?" I took out my own 500 Yen coin and told the cosplayer, "Please give me this one."

"…"

Kuroneko stared at me as I gave her the cross necklace.

"This is for you."

"… What do you mean?"

"I have too much spare change, so I figured that I should spend some while I have a chance."

"Really?"

I didn't know if she accepted this reason or not, but she took the necklace from me.

Seeing that, the cosplayer added, "Ahaha, since it's a rare chance, how about you help her wear it?"

Idiot. Wouldn't that look like a scene between lovers?

"There is no need for that. Right?" I hastily rebuked. But maybe Kuroneko was unhappy with that decision, she looked at me with meaningful eyes.

"… Is there something on my face?"

"No. I was just thinking…" Kuroneko looked down. Ah… did she get mad?

"Naruto-chi, where is Naruru-chi?" Suddenly, Rias's voice called to me.

"Huh?" You meant she wasn't here? Where did that girl go? I looked around and quickly located Naruko. She was nearby, her face was tense. Hm?

"Hey — Naruko! What are you doing?"

"!"

Naruko's body suddenly trembled.

A chilling feeling crawled up my spine. I… have seen this scene before… one year ago… in that instant, Naruko's reaction from before and now overlapped.

"Naruko?" Behind me, the EBS Cosplayer 'Ah?', and then… "Isn't that Naruko?"

The whole world felt silent to me. I didn't hear Comiket's noise anymore.

Hugging herself, Naruko showed a stiff smile. It was the same reaction one year ago, when she met Ayase. This was unreal. Everything repeated itself? Did that mean, awaiting us at the end is the tight spot like last year? Feeling my cold sweat, I turned around and tried to get as much information as possible.

"You, you know Naruko?"

"Yes." He answered with a smile.

"I'm Naruko-chan's… hm… how should I put it…" He paused for a second before continued, "Oh right. I'm a coworker of Naruko's."

"Coworker? What do you mean?" When I was about to press my question…

"Wait… wait a second." Naruko rushed to us and stopped me. With a complex expression, she turned to the cosplayer.

"Why are you here?"

"Hm? Of course I'm here to participate in the Summer Comiket."

"You… you." Naruko didn't know what to say, but she tried to force a question out. "Gasper, you participated here?"

"Yup." He scratched the back of his head, but Naruko pulled him by his collar.

"Yup my ass! Tell me everything!"

"I'm telling the truth! I swear!"

Hearing that, Naruko let him go. With a troubled expression, he complained.

"What's that for?"

"Shut up. I'm thinking.

I didn't get it. Not just me, but Rias and Kuroneko looked puzzled too. What's with that situation? It wasn't like that with Ayase one year before. Too troublesome. I'd better ask him now.

"What's going on?"

"I don't know… I really don't know. I planned to introduce myself, but someone told me to shut up… what to do now…" He looked Naruko with pleading eyes.

Still angry, Naruko nodded. "Go ahead."

"Got it." He placed one hand above his chest, smiled, "My name is Vladi Gasper. Second year high school student and a designer. I'm Naruko-chan's —"

"— Stop."

"Ah." Interrupted, Gasper seemed troubled.

"Let me take it from here. He – Gasper-san is the designer that Misaki-san hired to take care of Enterna's design. He was quite talented, with some awards and stuff."

Covering her mouth, Rias came closer.

"All of those silver accessories are very well made. Although they only use normal silver, but their maker spends a lot of time on them."

In other words, their maker is very talented.

Rias muttered, "Each of them has a special smell of Enterna."

Even if she told me all of this, I could only "ah right" in response. If I remembered correctly, Enterna's logo is a mermaid. So just now the silver statue was a mermaid huh?

"Beside… I was wondering where I have seen him before. Now I remember, he was on a celebrity's magazine. According to Gasper's profile, EBS is his nickname 'Enternal Blue Sister'." What a strange name.

"Now it's our turn — these are my brother and my friends."

Kuroneko nodded without saying a word. While Rias just answered 'My name is Rias' before she went silent, unlike before. Last was me. I just introduced my name 'Naruto Namikaze'.

"Pleased to meet you."

"So, what is the relationship between you two?" Rias asked Gasper.

"Misaki-san introduced me to Naruko-chan. You know that Naruko-chan works as a model right? She use the jewelry that I designed — that's how we know each other."

"Right, right." Naruko agreed.

"After that, we met again alone a few times…"

Huh?

"But I never imagined that we would meet again at Summer Comiket"

"Me too. About that… forgive me if I'm wrong, but if you are here… that means Naruko-chan also participated?"

"Yes." Naruko smiled and nodded. This was the first time Naruko acknowledged that to another male aside from me.

Pointing at Gasper, Naruko ordered, "You. Never, ever tell what happened today to anyone, got it?"

"Fine by me. I kept my hobby a secret anyway."

That again? You need to protect your image too? A talented boy with an otaku hobby. He has many things in common with my sister.

"Still, why are you selling jewelry at Summer Comicket?"

I wanted to ask that too. If he is that talented, then he could sell his jewelry anywhere. There is no need for him to come here.

"Because I wanted to be here." Gasper replied.

"When I was small, I once saw an anime called 'Little Witch Academia'. Do you know it?"

"Not only know, I have its DVD box."

"Huh? But wasn't it just released not long ago?"

"That's right. I got it while collecting masterpiece animes…"

"Then it would be easier for me to say, but because of that anime I wanted to become a designer."

"Huh? I don't get it."

"Well, you see, there was an item called 'Shiny Rod'. As soon as the female protagonist poured her magic power into it, it will turn into a beautiful bow. My first design was based on this one. To be honest, after my father got me to practice, I never wanted to be a designer. I just wanted to be able to recreate an anime item. It's so fun. I like it very much."

"Uh huh."

"So — in some way, anime changed my life. If it wasn't because of that anime, I would be completely different from now. Maybe I would have a different job."

"Yes, I understand that." Naruko was nodding nonstop.

Wasn't it the same for you. If it wasn't because of 'Madoka' and 'Let's love your little sister', you probably wouldn't ask me for life counseling and you wouldn't have met Rias or Kuroneko. In some way, just like Gasper said, anime and eroge changed Naruko's life. And mine as well. If my sister wasn't here, then I would definitely not be.

"I'm so happy… I thought that I alone had this kind of hobby."

"Ah… I understand your feelings." Naruko agreed. Why wouldn't she? A year ago, she was mostly the same as he is right now.

"… Then I think, maybe if I join a group things would change. Because I'm quite good in design and making clothes."

For real? So you participated in Comiket to get some friends?

"But aren't you alone right now?"

"I asked brother for help today. Well, he isn't here right now, quite frankly, sometimes he gets a little carried away."

"Ah, I understand, I understand! Sometimes you are so happy that you want to thank him, but his reactions are sometimes troublesome."

Hey Naruko, are you talking about the me from a year ago?

"Yes! That's right — We are very close!"

… Looked like Gasper understood.

"By the way, since we are talking about games and anime, I know only a bit, Naruko-chan?"

"Um — like Madoka."

"Ah, this is quite good. I like Madoka too."

"Awesome — we could become good friends!" Naruko happily waved her hands. "And I like little sister eroges too!"

"E… Eroge?"

This was their difference. My sister suddenly jumped to another topic. Even if he was an otaku, I doubted he could keep up with this change. Naruko coldly looked at Gasper.

"What? You got a problem with that?"

"Er… I was just a little surprised. Of course I like eroge too — I like them very much!"

"Why are you shouting?"

"A… Ah…~~~~~~?"

Idiot. You shouted 'I like eroge very much' in front of a junior high school girl. What an idiot. Although… I wasn't in a position to lecture him. I once screamed to my mom that 'EROGE IS MY SOUL!' and I got hard slap as a result.

"Ah, about that, there is something that gave me half of my current experience! My first eroge was a new one from last winter, 'Sis X Bro'."

"Ah…'Sis X Bro'?"

These words clearly drew Naruko's interest. Before Naruko went aboard — 'Think of it as me, and take real good care of it!' — she gave me this as a present.

"Yes. Sis X Bro!" Clenching his hand, Gasper said, "That game… was… simply awesome! I was so moved that I cried! I want to someday be able to have such a wonderful love…" He started crying. What the hell? This guy… he could play such very uncomfortable eroge…

"When I came to 2chan and read 'True love in Sis X Bro'…I agreed with them wholeheartedly!"

"Wasn't that the famous blank! You should just accept all of it!"

"Blank? What does that mean?"

"… Uh you idiot." See? Even your Naruko-chan is about to give up on you.

"Should I call you normal or ignorant… whatever, this is your life. Take care of it yourself."

"I still don't get it."

"You idiot!"

"Er?"

"Although…" Scratching her cheek, my sister smiled, "The reason you love Sis X Bro so much… I understand it perfectly. Yes… your comments do have some merits."

Really? From the look of it, Naruko seems to get along with him quite well.

"I… I'm not that good."

Hey Gasper, why are you embarrassed? Do you really understand what she is talking about?

"I want to show everyone how wonderful Sis X Bro is. So that we can talk about our favorite eroges without the need to hide them. Don't you agree?"

"What? Are you that much of an idiot? Society's treatment toward otakus will not change overnight. If you like something, then you could just keep it inside your heart. Don't force your favorites on to others. Besides, almost all eroges have some 18+ only scenes. There is no need to draw unwanted attention to yourself."

I actually understood Naruko's reason. I feared that Gasper thought that by being here, he could create another different person. If that was the case, then no wonder Naruko scolded him. You could do whatever you wanted, but do not force it on to others.

"I see. Naruko-chan really has thought about it carefully."

"And you clearly didn't think about it enough! I can't believe that you're still able to maintain your public image."

I completely agree. I was afraid that someday, he will answer 'eroge' during an interview. Just like Naruko — no, he was much worse. Gasper Vladi only had a nice looking face. Or maybe that's why he could become friends with my sister. And then… those two happily chatted together about eroges.

Phew… when I saw Naruko freeze I was afraid of another incident similar to what happened with Ayase. Thankfully she found another friend instead. No, for my sister, maybe he could be my replacement. If that was the case… I should feel relieved.

Yes, I should feel relieved, and yet why am I a little angry?

(◕ω◕✿)

After we said goodbye to Gasper, we returned to our booth. We took care of the final jobs and placed all of the doujinshi we bought into a cardboard box before moving them to Namikaze's house. To think that Kuroneko did all of this alone in Winter Comiket, she is amazing. Then we caught a train and went to a karaoke room. Of course — to celebrate and count our profit. After subtracting the booth fee and printing costs, we still had a bit of money.

Although, I was sure that all of it was going to disappear in this meal. Besides, if I counted additional fees…

"… No matter how I look, we only get a deficit."

In other words, we didn't earn much money at all. This was my first thought during the first time I participated in a circle. Although I was sure some circles earned a lot… like Kuroi-san's circle. But… what about us? If that was because we couldn't sell all of our doujinshi, not only was it a waste, but it also had a heavy blow to our morale.

Was that what Kuroneko felt during last Winter Comiket? She must have felt very depressed. She drew her own manga and illustration, wrote her own novel. With her own money, she printed them out. Alone in Winter Comiket, she tried to sell them. And yet… she couldn't sell many. So…she had to bring a big bag of doujinhi back home… alll alone on the train… besides… Kuroneko probably wasn't the only case. There should be a lot more like her. In order to enjoy themselves for a short time, they had to spend a long time to prepare. Is it worth it? I wish we could change them into profit. Bigger profit. Of course, it wasn't something that I alone could do. Just… how should I put it…

"Something wrong? Naruto-chi?"

"It's nothing — I'm just thinking about our profit."

"It was profitable. That's why most circles don't quit halfway."

I wasn't sure how much she understood me, but Rias gave me a firm answer.

"Was this your first time participating too?"

"Yes! That's right."

"What are you trying to say?"

I couldn't understand her at all.

"Anyway — thanks for your hard work today, Naruto-chi."

"Ah, thank you too."

Together with Rias, we were charged with checking our funds. While at the same time, Naruko and Kuroneko took the EBS's jewelry out to take a look.

"Was that a necklace from Gasper? Wow! Awesome!"

"Truly… his talent is fearsome…"

Kuroneko rubbed her inverse cross necklace, she looked quite happy. For some unknown reason, I felt very unhappy. I clicked my tongue and poured cold water on them.

"Hm. In my opinion, he was just a boring guy."

Shocked, Kuroneko's eyes widened. And Naruko turned back and rebuked.

"Bad mouthing someone behind their back — gross!"

"Oh yeah…? How about you? You always bad mouth Weiss behind her back!"

"Tch!"

"Hmph!"

Both Naruko and I turned around in the same manner.

The next day. The crazy Comiket had ended — together with otaku's summer. Many people, even if they didn't enjoy their summer break, they probably had the same feeling.

"You look melancholy." This voice came from the girl in a uniform walking next to me, Kuroneko. After our club meeting done we were on our way to my home to celebrate our comiket succes.

"I'm not." I coldly replied.

Although Kuroneko didn't seem to accept my answer, she continued in a confident voice, "Let me guess what you are thinking."

We walked side by side while slowly chatting. Kuroneko was also on her way to my home. That's because today was the meeting day for the 'Otaku girls unite'. So Rias and Naruko would join in too.

Faced with Kuroneko's proposal, I replied while pretending like I wasn't interest.

"… Fine, give me your thoughts."

"'If this guy I met at Comiket was Naruko's boyfriend, then I'm no longer needed'."

"…"

"… How about that? Am I right?"

… This girl.

We stopped in front of my house. Because of the heat, my forehead was wet from sweat.

"… Hm, is that thanks to your 'dark power'?" Because she saw right through me, I felt a little angry and raised my voice.

"No, it wasn't." Kuroneko said. "I could tell even without using it."

"What do you mean?"

Kuroneko looked directly into my eyes. At first, her face was expressionless, but then it changed into a puzzled one.

"… Because I'm always looking at you."

I could feel my face heat up. In that instant, I felt like someone grabbed a hold of my heart. Although it lasted for only a second, I tried to scratch my cheek to hide my embarrassment. Then pretended like I was okay, I replied, "If you say something like that, it might cause a misunderstanding."

"… That's fine." She whispered…

Kuroneko… still waiting for my answer. She…what does she mean… my heart was beating faster and faster. My breathing became ragged. I didn't know how to respond.

"Do you like me?" I had asked her this question once before. However, at that time, I was half joking. Unlike now… I waited for her answer for a few seconds, but I felt like it was an eternity.

"I like you." Kuroneko's answer was the same — no, it wasn't the same.

"I like you… no matter how much your sister likes you, I won't lose to her or even to Weiss Senpai."

There was some difference from her previous answer.

My head was boiling. I felt intoxicated. Sadly, I didn't know what to say. Swallowed, I said again, "… At that time… you… that kiss…"

"… Ah… t-that…"

I couldn't hear her answer.

"What are you two doing?" The door flung opened, with Naruko behind. Naruko stared at us, while we were frozen in place.

I, and probably Kuroneko too, were so shocked that our hearts almost stopped. But — now that I think about it, there is no need for overthinking. No matter what I told Kuroneko, no matter what she heard, it wasn't related to this girl. Why was I frozen here? Naruko was the first one to recover, she threw us a glare.

"What are you standing there for? Come in, quickly." With her usual tone, Naruko slammed the door shut.

What's with her… I stared at the closed door, my mood long gone.

"… Let's go in. Rias-san is probably already inside."

When we were inside, everyone treated what occurred outside like it didn't happen. When we passed through the door, Naruko had prepared our living room for 'The Summer Comiket celebration'. Since Rias had already arrived, we started the party immediately. Just…

"…"

"…"

"…"

Everyone surrounded the table. However, Naruko, Kuroneko and I — we all kept silent without eating anything. The heavy atmosphere filled the room.

"Everyone?" Only Rias had no idea what was going on, she looked trouble. Still, as expected of Rias, she realized that 'something happened' and whispered to me, "Naruto-kun… what is going on?"

"… To be honest, I'm not sure myself."

"Did something happen between Naruko-chan and Kuroneko-chan?"

"Maybe… or not…."

If Naruko heard the conversation between me and Kuroneko… I had trouble saying it out…

"I can't find the right words…"

"Haah… Naruto-kun. Sometimes you are so useless."

I'm very sorry.

"What are you two whispering about?" Sitting on the sofa, Naruko shot us a cold glare.

"There is no such thing. I just think that you guys may be depressed for some reason, so I'm trying to figure it out."

"Hm, you are overthinking again." Naruko turned around. Rias drew closer, still having her ω smile.

"You mean like that?" Suddenly, Rias hugged Naruko's head to her chest.

"Hey, what are you doing?"

"I'm sharing my happiness with you. No matter what, I'm Naruru-chi's friend forever."

"S… Stop it. Don't say something unreasonable." Naruko struggled to break free from Rias. Next, Rias burst into laughter.

"How do you feel now?"

"What was that for?"

Yup, she seemed to recover. Thank god… even she didn't know what happened, Rias still able to help… thanks to her, this awkward atmosphere was gone. I used my eyes to signal Kuroneko. She blushed slightly and nodded.

"… Then let's begin our celebration."

"Before that, I have something to announce." Naruko once again interrupted us.

"Huh?"

"What's that Naruko?"

Both I and Kuroneko turned to Naruko.

She avoided our eyes and said, "… I'm going out with Gasper."

This was too much of a surprise. Everyone, myself included can only responded with 'What!?'. And then Naruko continued with more shocking news, I felt like she was looking directly at me when she said, " We even kissed. Lips to lips."

"WHAT!?" My eyes widened in shock — while Naruko quietly turned away.

"You…" Kuroneko muttered.

Naruko shot her a provoking glare. "What? You look like you have something to tell me? Don't you?"

"…"

"You don't? So let's start our celebration." Naruko loudly announced.

However — our celebration didn't happen. Hearing what Naruko just said, Kuroneko stood up. Her hand clenched, she was trembling without saying a word.

"Hey… Kuroneko…" I looked at her, but Kuroneko turned back and walked toward the door. Opened it, she turned and stared back at Naruko.

"I don't have time to deal with an immature brat. Do whatever you want!"

Her voice was deep and frightening. She didn't wait for anyone to say anything, Kuroneko walked past the door and disappeared. This was the first time I saw Kuroneko show that much hate toward Naruko. Even if they quarreled a lot, this never happened before.

"What is with that girl?" Naruko waved her arms in annoyance.

What is with that attitude? Dammit, should I follow Kuroneko? I hesitated, but decided to stop. Now — my first priorities were Naruko.

"… Just now… what do you mean?"

"Hm?"

"I asked what is your relationship with him now!"

Actually, I didn't mean to ask this question, but somehow my mouth moved without thinking. With contempt eyes, Naruko stared at me without saying anything.

"Since when?" With a strangely calm voice, Rias asked.

"After I returned home, Misaki-san started trying to recruit me. At that time, I still haven't decided if I should take her offer, so I declined. The second time Misaki-san asked me, she brought him with her."

"Hm…"

'I still haven't decided if I wanted to become your exclusive model' — yes, I heard she said that over her phone once.

"So, why were you waiting until now to announce it?"

"Hm." Naruko clicked her tongue, "What do you think?"

"What? This is your relationship. Why are you asking me?" Hearing my reply, Naruko shot me another cold glare.

"Ah, yes. I see." She said without even looking at me.

"What do you mean…" Don't treat me like a fool.

"Anyway, since when is my relationship your concern? Isn't it what you said?"

"I did say that. But… have you seriously thought about it?"

"Huh?" Naruko kept talking in her mocking voice. "Think? Why should I think about it? Where could I get someone as good as him? He is handsome, rich, and talented."

The surrounding atmosphere quickly deteriorated. Still looking at me like a piece of dirt, Naruko listed Gasper's advantages.

"We're also good friends, we have the same hobby… and he swore… that after we got in a relationship… he will definitely not chase after another girl."

Her voice suddenly weakened a bit, then…

"He also listened to me, respected me! Unlike someone!" In an unusual expression which didn't irritate others, she spat her tongue out.

I felt like one of the blood vessels in my head just exploded. I forcefully suppressed my hand that wanted to smack at her.

Bang! I hit the table instead and stood up.

"In that case! Since you put it that way do whatever you want!

"I see. I'm going back to my room now. I leave the rest to you!"

Clank. Naruko left the living room and ran back to her room. I was left alone with Rias. Today, it was supposed to be our celebration.

… How did it turn out like this… how did I always meet up with this kind of mess up! How could I lose control of my own emotions! Tch… Dammit! I wanted to get angry, but my mind was empty. I gritted my teeth, swallowing this nasty feeling inside.

"No choice then. Let's clean up." Rias gently said. Her words — made me feel extremely guilty.

"Sorry…"

Dammit… dammit! What am I doing! I'm so sorry, Rias. She was so afraid of loneliness that she made this small group. To make friends with the same hobby, to enjoy their time together, to make sure that she would never be alone again. How could I let this damn quarrel ruin her effort. I was so afraid that I didn't dare to look at Rias. I thought that she would be very angry because her celebration party was ruined.

"What are you apologizing for, Naruto-kun?" But Rias comforted me with a gentle voice.

"In human-human relationship, friction is unavoidable. We can always make another celebration party."

"But… but…" Why… you… still comfort me… even now. I felt like something inside me just died.

"I have nothing to worry about. You are the one who said that, Naruto-kun."

With a confident voice, Rias said, "I trust you, Naruto-kun."

Those words were more than any orders.

"… Is it."

"Yes. It seems like this time I couldn't do anything. Can I leave it to you, Naruto-kun?"

You idiot. This kind of thing…

"Of course. Although I have no idea what I should do next, but I will think of something."

"Alright."

"If I fail, please don't blame me."

In fact, I have nothing to back up my confidence. Hearing that, Rias suddenly hug me.

"H-Hey what are you doing?"

"… Until now, Naruto-kun still showed signs of weakness. You should gain some confidence in yourself."

Rias released me from her hug then smiled at me. If I have to describe, her smile looked like it could take my soul away. She was blushing, but her radiant smile gave me confidence. Cunning. How could I give up after seeing that smile.

"… Really. Although I had thought about it many times, but don't you give me too much credit? I'm just a useless guy."

"In that case, my method probably works even better. If it fails and this group is disbanded…" Still in her usual gentle voice, Rias predicted the horrible future.

"In that case, you have to take responsibility. Have you prepared yourself? I will look down on you as 'The man that broke up my group' forever."

"It is… terrifying."

In order to make sure that future isn't going to happen, I need to do something. And so, I pulled myself together thanks to Rias. However, I wasn't prepared for what would happen the next day. My sister — she always wants to make troubles for others. Until now, I was the only one who got stuck in it. But this may be the last time.

(◕ω◕✿)

The next day Naruko brought her boyfriend home. It was so sudden. I didn't have any time to prepare. After dinner, when I entered the living room…

"Ah, so Gasper-chan is a designer."

"Yes. This is my present."

"Ah, you really put some effort into it."

Gasper was chatting with my mother.

Huh!? What the hell! Was that an illusion? My eyes widened in shock.

"Ah, Naruto." Mom introduced me. Then Gasper gave me a smile. Still the innocent smile from a few days ago. In this room, only Naruko didn't show any reaction. She just sat next to Gasper. Since yesterday, after Rias went home, Naruko kept acting that way. She holed up in her room, totally avoiding me even during meals.

Mom urge, "Come on, say something. This is Naruko's boyfriend."

"That is my seat." I casually walked over and said in a menacing voice.

Gasper hurriedly stood up. "I'm sorry."

"Naruto! What's with your attitude?"

So noisy. I already felt annoyed.

"Apologize to Gasper-chan!"

That's normal for my mother to be angry. But I didn't care. Because this guy made me very uncomfortable. I was aware that I'm acting like a brat. But since this guy appeared, our relationship turned into an unsolvable mess. I sat down, used my finger to dig in my ear and paid them no attention. Even I didn't know why I acted this way.

"… So where is Dad? He should be at home today."

"In his room."

"Why didn't he come down?"

"I don't know… he's holed up inside his room… what's with the man of the house! What is he trying to do!"

Hey Dad! Your daughter brought a boy home, you couldn't just close the door and act like nothing happened.

Tch… In an annoyed tone, I said to Gasper, "Hey… Gasper."

"Yes, Naruto-san?"

"What, you two knew each other?"

Ignoring my mom's question, I continued, "Why are you here?"

"Ah… Naruko-chan asked me to…"

"Stop. Answer my question straight to the point. Are you a man or not?" Even I understood that I was trying to make an excuse to bad mouth him.

"Naruto, stop now…" Right when Mom stood up, I heard something next to me. Turned around, I saw Naruko look at me with blank eyes.

Slap!

"…!"

She slapped me hard in my face.

"You, you… what are you doing!"

I felt the blood in my mouth. However, Naruko just dropped one line, "You are an eyesore."

She pointed at the door. "Get out! Now!"

Her voice was full of hate. Even Mom was speechless.

"Fine!" Leaving those words behind, I stood up and left angrily. Looking back at the door, I can faintly hear that Mom, Gasper and Naruko were talking about something. Probably about me — that idiot son/brother.

Dammit…! Dammit…! Dammit…! What am I doing…! I didn't even know why I felt so irritated. Unknown reasons, with unknown feelings pressed down on my chest, made me do something so stupid. My heart was filled with regret, I just wanted to lie down and sleep. But I couldn't just go into my room and hide.

"I trusted you". That's right. I need to take care of things here, then make another celebration party with everyone. With just one thought in mind, I kept walking. That's why right now, I was standing outside of my parent's room.

Dad holed up in his room and refused to leave.

- A brother whose sister just got a boyfriend.

- A father whose daughter just got a boyfriend

Our situation was nearly the same. Dad is always serious, so I guessed he will listen to me now. Hopefully after were done talking, he could clear my doubt. It was almost laughable since I still had to depend on others, but now I didn't have time for that. I knocked on the door.

"Dad are you inside?"

A few moments later…

"… Come in." A very heavy answer.

I greeted him before entering. His room was big, enough to hold a double bed with plenty of space. When this house was built, Dad said he wanted a Japanese style room, but Mom wanted a Western style room.

Dad was sitting at the table, drinking alone.

"… Do you need something Naruto?"

So… so heavy. The atmosphere was so heavy. He looked like he was a decade older. In a normal situation, I might have thought that he had a serious sickness.

"… Well, I was just chased away from the living room."

"… What have you done…" He sighed.

Sorry Dad, but you weren't in a position to lecture me.

"What about you? Your daughter brings her boyfriend home, and your holed up in here? This isn't like you."

"You are doing the same thing."

"But…! If you stayed in the living room, things could be very different…"

Don't look away.

"Dad."

Under my pressure, Dad finally confessed.

"How could I go down. I can't stand being there."

"Me too." I completely agreed. Gasper was one of the reasons, but the main one was the two females. Both of them were on Gasper's side. True, he is handsome, but so what?

"Yes. Both your Mom and Naruko are blind. What's so good about him!"

"Yes, that's right!"

Namikaze's household male side, which was chased away from the living room now gathered and badmouthed Gasper. This is so tragic.

"However, Dad, what do you want Naruko's boyfriend to be like?"

"Hm… let me think… he needs to be smart and good at Martial arts too so he can protect Naruko. He has to be gentle, but also severe when necessary. He must be able to stand up for justice before evildoers. He also has to fit in a kimono and be a brave man…"

I don't think anyone like that that exists in this world. Besides, are you talking about yourself?

"Naruto, you…how much do you know about this boy?"

Completely unknown origin.

"Including today, this is my second time meeting him."

"What kind of person is he?"

Looked like even Dad didn't know much about Gasper. Still, this is the boy his daughter brought back home… paying attention is normal. I wasn't in any position to lecture you about it though.

"… I think he is a very hardworking guy. At least, he is not a bad guy. Seems like he and Naruko have a good relationship." I told him all I know about Gasper. There wasn't any reason to lie anyway. Although, it looked like I was praising him.

"… Hm…" Dad's face darkens. "…Naruko is still a junior high school girl… this is too soon…"

"To be honest, for a junior high school girl, that kind of thing is pretty normal." Why am I protecting Gasper?

Dammit, when he was introducing himself, I badmouth him on instinct, and yet now I was praising him? Of course, I was afraid if Dad's mood got worse, but I didn't have any choice. Since this was my opinion without mixing with my feelings.

Still in his heavy tone, Dad said. "Naruko is still my little girl."

"But, she tried harder than anyone else."

"…"

"True, she is a spoiled child… but she should be allowed to choose her own relationship. If that's something she decided, she will follow it until the end and say that it's her responsibility."

"… I know that without you telling me."

He took another sip, his eyes focused on me.

"So, Naruto. Do you approve?"

"…"

For me, this is the root of the problem. Toward Naruko's boyfriend… in the end, do I approve or not. That's why I quarreled with Naruko. I should approve. I don't have any reason not to. True, I don't like him, but I couldn't say that half-ass reason.

"This is Naruko's choice."

"I disapprove." Dad said.

"Wait, Dad… you are not making any sense. You should let her decide."

"I don't want to!"

Dad! How old are you already? This unexpected development scared me.

Dad bit down on his lower lip, and said, "Naruko's lover? Just thinking about it made me feel angry!"

Me too. Me too. But you shouldn't decide thing based on your feelings alone!

"Naruto… go tell them to break up"

"Heyheyheyhey!" What are you saying

"This… this is too unreasonable…"

"I don't care. Everything has an exception. Dammit, I will go beat him up."

"You will be fired!"

"No problem."

"It is a problem!"

I finally understood! Dad holed himself in his room because he feared that he wouldn't able to keep himself from beating up Gasper.

"Anyway, I disapprove! Disapprove! Disapprove! Disapprove!" He kept saying that over and over. Are you a kid? I couldn't stand it… Dad…

"Haah…" Really… you idiot… just how much do you spoil your daughter… ah… I felt powerless. I took a deep breath, I gave him a forced smile, and said, "I got it."

"What do you mean?"

"I will do it in your stead. I will go beat Gasper up."

"You think that will quell my anger?"

I understand, father.

"I think I have the same idea as you."

I returned to the living room. Mom had gone somewhere, just Naruko and Gasper were talking.

"… Again." Seeing me, Naruko eyes's narrowed, she said in disappointment.

The living room instantly filled with awkward atmosphere. Normally, I would have run away.

"Hi…"

The only reason I could still stand was thanks to Rias's blessing. Gasper looked at me, he seemed a little shocked. Naruko stood up and shot me a glare full of contempt.

"… I told you…"

"Sorry for everything just now!"

After my recent behavior, I felt like I should show that much sincerity. Faced with my sudden bizarre behavior, Naruko and Gasper couldn't help but tremble.

"Hey you… what do you intend to do?"

"I was wrong. Because of my anger, I treated your boyfriend badly. I'm very sorry!"

A few seconds later — My sister said, "That… that's enough! Beside… you made us even more uncomfortable. Get out!"

She didn't sound angry. Hearing that, I felt like my chest tighten. I looked up with determination.

"Before that I have something to say!"

"Huh? I don't have anything to talk with you!"

"Sorry, but I do!"

I need to make myself clear. Now, I felt like I could stand against my father if needed. Compared to him, my sister's anger was not worth mentioning. Even if she was uncomfortable, I didn't care. I looked directly into Naruko's cold eyes.

"A long time ago, you asked me 'What should I do'…"

"…"

She stopped. I continued, "At that time, I told you 'Do whatever you wanted'. However…"

"What… are you saying"

"Anyway, I hope you… I hope you don't get too close to boys."

The truth is, I didn't have the position to say that. Even as her brother, saying that right in front of my sister and her boyfriend was too stupid. But even that, my mouth moved without thinking.

"… Why?"

Her voice was so low that I almost missed it. So I kept talking my heart out.

"Why? I'm not sure myself."

Just…

"Maybe it's that I can't stand it. Some random guy jumps out of nowhere and steals my sister away."

That was my decision alone, unlike my stupid father. Until now, she is my sister — and she isn't cute at all. In fact, I have been ignoring her for quite a long time. But when she got herself a boyfriend, I felt angry and restless.

"But, Naruko. As your brother, I couldn't say something like 'I don't like it when you got a boyfriend'. If we switched roles, I would probably think 'Why should I care for her feelings'. If you disapproved when I got a girlfriend, I would think 'This is my concern alone'… That's why all I can say is"

Naruko didn't say anything, she just listened to me. I had no idea what she was feeling.

"Although I don't want to be involved, and you should decide things by yourself… as your brother, I couldn't laugh it off. Yesterday, I still don't know why you were angry. That's why I don't know how to apologize. Saying I apologize is simple, but I couldn't just say something so empty. So, at least hear me out."

At the very least, that was my true feelings.

"… It was too late."

"Huh?"

"It was…too late…."

The room became silent again. What do you mean, 'it was too late'? No one said anything, the atmospheres almost unbearable. Because Naruko still kept silent, so I looked at Gasper. I should have talked with him sooner.

"Gasper… do you love Naruko?"

"Yes. I love her very much."

Even in this situation, Gasper still kept his usual smile.

"I see…"

This guy is good. Under normal circumstance, 'I'm surprised' is already considered good reaction, but, at least outside, he didn't show any surprise or anger towards me. I think I could forgive him for that. If I were him, I would have beat up my girlfriend's brother.

Gasper Vladi, although I still don't like him, but he had the same hobby with my sister, he was also very talented. Is that why he could share Naruko's trouble? Handsome, rich, talent, coworker. With such a boyfriend, Naruko could proudly show off in front of her classmates. As her brother, I should give them my blessing.

Clapping my hand, I gave them a blessing smile…

"I will not hand over Naruko to you." Go eat shit. Like hell if I care.

I stood up and told Gasper my true feeling. It sounded like I was just trying to find an excuse, but I didn't find it to be anything special. I meant, brother in my position would probably say the same things, right? The only difference is how much emotion we elder brothers would show… In my case —

"You bastard, you wanted to take Naruko as your girlfriend? Then show me! Show me that you care for Naruko more than I do!"

My jealousy is too big! It doesn't allow me to give up! Among those times when I let my emotions run wild, this was the worst. This was too ridiculous. Again and again, what am I saying to my sister's boyfriend? What am I thinking?

I pointed at 'my sister's boyfriend' and raised my voice.

"Naruko is more important to me than she is to you! Definitely more than you! That's why I will not hand her over to you."

"… So you wouldn't give your sister to any boy you don't approve of?"

"That's right! I don't care how good you are… I only care for my sister!

Again, the living room fell into silence. I said — ah, I said… it was so embarrassing. But, after saying that, I knew. That was my true feelings. No matter what I pretend to be, I still dote my sister so much that I couldn't bear watching her being taken away by some random guy. I felt angry, lonely… and more than anything else I was worried. Even if he was a good guy. Even if Naruko herself was okay with it, even if I understood that both of them would be fine, I still worried. Worried, worried, worried over and over again. Yes, now, I still hate Naruko. But at the same time, toward her feeling, there was something else.

Silence.

"…You… you…" She tried to say something, but found herself unable to.

Sorry, Naruko. From your point of view, I was such a useless bastard. I ignored your happy mood and crashed your relationship. If my actions led to a rift between Naruko and Gasper — I fear that she will remember my stupid action for the rest of her life. I was fully aware of it. But still, I could only — no! This was something I decided to do on my own.

Silence returned to the living room.

One second. Three seconds. Five seconds. Naruko was the first one to break the silence.

"You… you." My sister's head dropped down. Her shoulders were trembling. Gritted her teeth, she shouted, "Look at yourself! You always… always flirt with that white bitch… and that shitty cat!"

Slap! Naruko slapped me.

"Of course… of course I will be troubled! Of course I will be angry! You idiot! Idiot!"

The living room turned into chaos, but I didn't want to stop her.

"And that time you had such a disgusting face! So why now! Why are you saying that now!"

I could feel her emotion. But…hearing what she said, I didn't understand.

"What are you saying! Besides… Weiss and Kuroneko… how is this related to them?"

"Yes. It does!" Naruko totally lost control of her emotion. Her face filled with tears, she was such a mess.

"It was a lie! My relationship was a lie! The kiss was also a lie! Everything was a lie!"

After saying that — Naruko breathed heavily, she drew closer to me. Maybe she just used up all of her strength, Naruko looked very tired. She caught my collar. Her gaze told me that… she wouldn't let go no matter what. But…

"Did you realize it yet!?"

I just experienced everything, but I didn't understand what is going on. Even trying to understand what my little sister said in her outburst took me a few seconds. I felt like — we were talking at cross purposes.

"Isn't it good, Naruko-chan?"

A calm voice. I turned around and faced Gasper. He looked like — among everyone here, he is the only one who knew what was going on. I turned back to my sister, but she looked down.

"What… is going on?" I struggled to ask that question, but Gasper acted like he didn't hear me. He handed out a handkerchief.

"My mission is over — right?"

"Yes…"

Wait a second, what are you two saying?

To answer my puzzled state, Gasper said, "Let me say it again. Anyway, my relationship with Naruko-chan was a lie."

"Lie?"

I finally got it.

"Yes. We haven't even held hands, much less kiss. Naruko-chan just asked me to 'pretend to be my boyfriend'."

… Pretend to be my boyfriend… it was the same as me… Er? Er? Does that mean…I ate their hook and ? That … that… A AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

"Why?" Aside from that, I didn't know what to say. Why did they do that? Why did Naruko have to do that? She even had a fierce quarrel with me — that lead to our party's destruction.

Maybe because he couldn't stand watching Naruko looking down and depressed, Gasper carefully said, "Because… Naruko-chan wants her brother to acknowledge her?"

"No, I don't!" Naruko immediately interrupted.

I couldn't help but ask, "So why?"

"Because…because!"

With a painful expression, Naruko looked at me.

"Because… you…"

Aaah — damn it all. I gave up. I didn't care anymore. No matter what 'Naruko's boyfriend' was a trap or a tantrum, I'm still a doting older brother. I couldn't bear watching her like that.

"Forget it."

"What?"

"Don't force yourself to say it." I raised my hand and patted my sister's head.

"What… are you… doing."

"Just my obligation as your brother."

Maybe she wouldn't like it. Maybe she would be angry. But its still much better than her painful expression she was having right now.

"…Wa …Wa…"

"Don't cry. Don't cry."

I was so useless. My sister was crying, but I couldn't do anything. And this story continued in a very anticlimactic way… why I was trying to figure out what to do with my crying sister…

"NARUTO!?"

My Mom came back from shopping. Of course, all she saw was the ruined living room, her daughter's boyfriend with his puzzled expression, Naruko who was crying and me (who should have been banished) stood next to her. From her point of view, it probably looked like I threw a tantrum in here and made Naruko cry.

"W-Wait Mom! This is a misunderstanding!"

Even I felt that my explanation was weak.

"Misunderstanding!? What misunderstanding? Do you know that there are some things you can do while there are other things that you mustn't?"

Suddenly, her expression changed, like she just realized something very horrible.

"Could it… could it be you… you finally laid your hand on your sister!?"

"What the hell! Mom! How did it turn into that?

"Don't play dumb! Chiaki-chan told me you two were holding hands in the movie theater!"

Chiaki saw that!? Maybe she saw us at the arcade before.

"Could it be a triangle relationship between brother and sister…! "

"No! It is not like that!"

"So why is Naruko crying? Because of you isn't it!"

"Yes, because of me, but it isn't like what you imagine!"

Tch… so damn troublesome. I couldn't… in the end, I couldn't fully explain anything. My dignity was completely destroyed, all I could do was brace myself.

"Are you listening, Naruto?"

"Yeah, yeah."

A round ten minutes later.

"It hurt Mom… you really slap me…"

"Ahahaha… what are you talking about, Naruto"

After we explained to my mother, Naruko, Gasper, and I walked to the front door. While on one hand, we were sending Gasper back, but on the others, we wanted to have a secret conversation.

"So." Without waiting for me to finish, Gasper looked up. "Since the beginning, Misaki-san asked me to convince Naruko-chan."

To change Naruko's mind, Misaki-san prepared a better boyfriend for Naruko. Although both of Naruko and Gasper didn't think that it would be so simple like Misaki-san thought.

"Although Naruko-chan is really awesome, but she is too much for me to handle. We could be friends, but I don't have what it takes to be her lover."

You understood it too?

"That's why Naruto-kun's concern is dead on. To protect your sister, you made the right decision. Although others may thing that its stupid, but you can proudly raise your chest."

"Hm."

"Besides."

Gasper placed one of his hands on his chest, and seemed satisfied.

"I have a lover already."

"I see. I already knew who this is, so there is no need to tell me."

"Awesome. Is that your special power?"

Your lover… is that… right? Female lead from eroge? I should have seen it coming. This guy was an otaku too, how could he love a 3D girl.

"Haha, actually Misaki-san already knew that you two are brother and sister."

"Huh? For real?"

"Yes. You couldn't fool anyone. Your acting was so bad."

Stop. Just stop please.

"Still… this is the same. I will tell Misaki-san that there is no hope for her to separate you two. Next time we meet, I will be your friend again, Naruto-kun." Saying that, Gasper left.

The only thing remained was to patch up Naruko and Kuroneko. I didn't have to do anything, it solved itself.

That night, Dad was happily drinking, while Naruko was talking with Kuroneko by phone. They chatted for a long time — of course, I didn't know what they talked about. But after she hung up, my sister said, her expression refreshing.

"The day after tomorrow, we will hold a celebration party."

I finally prevented the destruction of our group and protected Rias's future. And then… the next day Kuroneko called me to meet her behind the school.

It was dusk. The sky was deep red. Kuroneko was sitting on the bench in front of me. When I arrived, she stood up and spoke in a small voice.

"… I have been waiting."

"Sorry for making you wait."

Kuroneko was wearing the same white one piece dress from Summer Comiket. This dress didn't suit our school much, so I felt a little strange.

"Are you done talking with Naruko?"

"… Yes, since yesterday… seems like Rias-san and you are worried…"

"That's fine. It is great that you two made up. Tomorrow is celebration day, Rias-san probably is looking forward to it. We have to make it a success this time.

"Uhm… yes." Kuroneko nodded.

I felt like she was acting a bit strange toward me.

"Still, you two chatted a lot last night. What were you talking about?"

"That's a secret."

"I see." I actually wanted to hear more, but if she said that then there wasn't a choice.

Kuroneko took a deep breath and changed the subject. She placed one hand on her chest and looked at me.

"… Senpai."

"Yes?"

"I, from that time, I have been thinking."

"… Thinking?"

Kureneko's head dropped, her body was trembling.

"Yes. I don't know what to do. No matter what I chose, I felt like I would regret it. This is the first time I felt so hesitated."

What are you saying? I don't understand you.

"Then… here, I made my decision. I will be honest with my heart. I decided I will become greedy… "

"Sorry, what are you saying… I don't think I get it…"

"… That's fine. Just listen. I — am no longer afraid. In order to get what I wanted, in order to get my perfect result, I will do my very best."

Still trembling, Kuroneko looked like she made up her mind.

"Senpai, I love you. Please go out with me!" Kuroneko said without hesitation.

"I love you. I love you more than anyone else in the world! Although we have only known each other for a year, but my feelings will not lose to anyone! Even if my body is going to disappear from this world… I would definitely fall in love with you in the next life!"

I felt like a bullet just pierced through my head. She was prideful and stubborn, not good with expressing herself. I didn't know how much courage she had mustered just to tell me that.

While I… this was the first time someone confessed to me since I was born. I felt weak in the knees. I was so happy that I was barely able to stand in one place. My heart began to beat faster and faster, like I just ran an entire marathon.

I took a deep breath. In front of me, still in her white one piece dress, Kuroneko's hand clenched, her shoulders trembled, her eyes moistened. Why? Simply put, she was awaiting for my response.

"I-I…" Kuroneko was sincere. I just knew that she was sincere. She told me what she felt, but I couldn't give her an answer. Like 'that time', my body froze. So we kept standing there in silence.

And then… a single tear appeared in Kuroneko's eye. She might think that my hesitation meant that I couldn't accept her confession. Kuroneko looked away. I couldn't see her face, but she was biting her lower lips, preventing herself from crying. Guilt rushed through my heart. I wanted to answer her feelings, but for unknown reason my body refuses to obey my commands.

Then Kuroneko looked up, "… Do you love someone else already?"

Did I love someone already? I can't answered her question, my throat felt dry. I looked into my heart and try to find the answer. But I was unable to find one. I was confused.

Kuroneko asked me again, "… Do you hate me?" her voice began hoarse like she was about to cry

"No!" I was so happy when I received her confession. But — then why couldn't I just say 'Yes' in response? I didn't even have any reason to refuse! I was so useless…

"Then why are you hesitating?"

"I… I don't Know"

Faced with Kuroneko's honest confession, I couldn't give her a half-hearted response. Especially if I wanted to use a reason that I didn't even know to decline.

"Please give me some time."

" … Okay. Then tomorrow, after the party, please tell me your answer."

"Alright." Forcing my messed-up mind to calm down, I nodded.

On my way home, I kept thinking about Kuroneko. Kuroneko's figure. Kuroneko's voice. All of them kept reappearing in my head. Because of my uselessness, Kuroneko gave me time to think.

"… After the party huh."

This time, I must not fail. For Kuroneko. For our Summer Comiket celebration party. For the party that Rias prepared but we ruined. I must not fail this time. When I entered my home, I noticed Naruko was reading a magazine on the sofa. She was wearing shorts, which were a little higher than her knees. What bad timing.

"I'm home."

"Welcome home." Still reading her magazine, Naruko replied.

"Hey." She called to me.

"… Yes?"

"Where have you been?"

"There was something at school, so I…"

"Hm…"

She seemed to think 'Then it didn't matter' and returned her eyes to the magazine.

"Hey."

"Hm?"

"Did something strange happen?"

"Nothing."

"Hm…"

What is she thinking?

After I finished my tea, Naruko placed her magazine down.

"Big Bro." She threw her magazine on the table, Naruko leaned back, showing her bare legs to me.

"Is something wrong?"

"I-It's about yesterday."

"Ugh…!?"

"Why are you freaking out right now? Isn't it obvious?"

"You wouldn't mean…"

Just when I was thinking 'I don't plan to ask her'… looked like she wanted to talk about yesterday.

"It would be troublesome if we don't make it clear. And I hate misunderstandings."

"Yeah… same here."

"So are you aware of what you said yesterday?"

"… I am."

"Really?"

Yup, I'm really aware.

"About that… I lied, but…" Naruko flipped her hair, secretly taking a peak at me before turning away.

"If… if yesterday I brought my real boyfriend home…what would you do?"

"About that…" I thought about it, and said, "I would do the same thing. Because until the end, I still thought that he was your real boyfriend."

"You meant like saying 'I hope you don't get too close to boys', 'Then show me! Show me that you care for Naruko more than I do!'?"

"That's right." Please don't repeat them. I was so embarrassed.

"Hm — then… what if Gasper really loved me, then he quarreled with you to get your approval… what would you do?"

"About that…"

Why must you ask something so difficult? What if Naruko really did have a boyfriend, they loved each other, and then there wasn't any place for me between them…

Could I accept Naruko's boyfriend?

" … Who knows?" I pretended to be stupid and looked away.

"Give me a good answer!"

Dammit! I scratched my head.

"If you really love your boyfriend…"

"And then?"

"I probably will….'

"Will?"

"… I will punch him a few times before talking to him… and then… if he truly loves you…and you truly love him… even if I don't want to, even if I hate it… but I won't stand in your way." I answered frankly. Even if she called me an idiot afterward, it's fine. Because I felt that those were my true feelings.

"Hm — I see." Naruko closed her eyes, then suddenly she bursted in laughter. "Just how much of a siscon are you? Gross!"

"Say whatever you want."

I didn't know it was because of anger or embarrassment, but I felt my face become hotter. But Naruko looked very happy, she teased me again.

"In other words — you consider 'my sister is very dear to me'?

"Ugh!" Kill me! Just kill me already! That much is worse than death!

"Since you said that I'm very dear to you, so what exactly are you going to do?"

"What exactly do you mean…?" I had no idea at the time. I was just expressing my true feelings.

"Oh you didn't think of anything? Really…"

I couldn't stay silent anymore. I thought about it and said, "About that… to apologize to you, I promise I will do one favor for you. You can ask me anything."

"Really? Anything?"

"Of course it must be something I can do."

Like present or anything, I don't care. Even if you asked me to go buy eroge for you again its fine.

"Hm…" Placing her index finger over her lips, Naruko seemed to be deep in thought. Maybe she got an idea to ask me, she suddenly turned away and said, "Then… if, soon, there is 'a girl who is dear to you' confesses her love to you… you must think about it carefully. Because that girl really love you."

(◕ω◕✿)

The next day, I went to the Uzumaki household. Today, our circle 'The sacred Kuroneko knight' is going to celebrate at the Namikaze household. I was on my way to buy some snacks and drinks.

"… What should I say?"

For some reason, I felt very down. When I found out that my sister got a boyfriend, I felt like the sky just dropped on my shoulders. But when my sister knew that I got a girlfriend, she acted like she didn't care at all.

Looks like I worried too much. To think that I unconsciously remembered my words 'I don't want you to get a boyfriend'… I'm so stupid. I looked up and realized that I had arrived at the Uzumaki's household.

Karin was wearing an apron in the front door. She greeted me, "Naruto."

"Hey Karin…" As usual, I felt at ease whenever I saw Karin's smile.

"Please take that."

"Thank you."

I received that package that I asked her beforehand.

"Are you hungry? Do you want to come in and eat something?"

"Why do you always assume that I'm hungry? I will go home now, today I have plans."

"Plan? Did you have a date with Naruko again. I heard you went on a date with Naruko last month."

"Ah… Chiaki must the one have told you that. Listen, there's nothing going on between me and Naruko. We are siblings, so that relationship is impossible. Besides, I didn't mean that."

"You didn't mean that?"

"It was nothing!"

Dammit! What was I saying to Karin! Seeing that, I hastily stopped myself, while Karin stared at me…

"Naruto, do you have anything to tell me?"

"No, there is nothing." I was so frightened right now, but I tried to call forth my courage.

"Oh —" Karin's face drew closer. Our noses were almost touching each other's.

"What are you doing?"

"Hm~," Karin's face relaxed, she was smiling. "But Naruto looks like 'I want to talk with Karin about my problem'."

"Huh?" I quickly checked my own face. "What are you saying? I have no such expression."

"You do."

"No I don't."

"You do~."

"I told you that I don't."

"You are so stubborn."

"So annoying!"

Besides, you were too close.

"I have nothing to tell you."

I backed off. Still in her normal voice, Karin said, "Naruto — I'm going to get angry."

"I'm very sorry!" I immediately apologized.

The last time I saw Karin angry was already three years ago. She had never really become angry before — but I knew that I must never, ever make her angry. I was well aware of that fact better than anyone. To tell the truth, compared to an angry Naruko, an angry Karin is much more terrible. I had no intention of experiencing that the second time.

"I lied. I'm very sorry! Yes, there's something troubling me! But I don't want to say it! That's why I —"

"— I understand. Let's go inside."

"Mmm…"

I went inside with Karin. We faced each other again. I was still embarrassed, but not as much as before. Scratching my cheek, I said, "There is something troubling me. But I don't want you to know about it. That's why I —"

"— Is that about that first-year girl you told me before? Kuroneko-chan?"

"I just don't want you to — how did you know!?" Because Karin had the right answer, I was shocked. Is that a lie? Does she have clairvoyance or something?

"Ah, I was right?" Karin smiled and clapped her hands together.

"You… you… how could you…"

"That's normal, Naruto. Don't you know that there were rumors about how you cheated on Weiss with some first year-girl at school?"

"What?! I… I didn't know!"

Well, I did come to the first year's classroom to look for Kuroneko. We ate lunch together a few times, we participated in the same club, we went home together… that rumor was expected… or I should say it was even more strange if no rumor appeared. But what the hell they mean I cheated on Weiss!? We just friend, our relationship is not that level yet.

"That's why I can guess it. Besides, as soon as I think about it from Naruto's point of view, I could get a good guess."

"I see. Still…" And with that I told Karin what happen yesterdey.

"I see… Naruto was troubled because of Kuroneko-chan confession. In that case, Naruto. I think you must face Kuroneko-chan properly, but don't rush it. Think about it really carefully. For Kuroneko-chan, please carefully consider your own feelings."

"… I know."

"If you are depressed about something, please come talk to me anytime."

"Thanks."

"Fufufu, good boy. Still… to think that Naruto already has that kind of problem… time sure flies fast." Karin laughed.

"Are you my mother? You're still the same as usual."

"Ahahaha… I have to go back to my store."

"I see. Then I should go home too. Thank you."

"Mmm."

In her usual glasses, Karin reminded me as usual.

"Walk carefully, Naruto."

"Yeah, yeah Mom."

Later that afternoon, Kuroneko and Rias came to my house. Rias still in her usual otaku outfit, while Kuroneko — she was wearing her black gothic lolita outfit. Thank god for that! If she wore the white dress, I doubted I could remain calm. To apologize for the disaster at our previous party, we have to make another celebration.

"Sorry for the intrusion."

"Hello."

"Welcome! Please come in."

Those two were the same as usual… but I felt like Kuroneko was forcing herself to act that way. On a closer look, there were many blood lines under her contact lenses. Last night, I barely got any sleep. Even someone as dumb as me could understand Kuroneko's feelings. Right after they entered the living room, Naruko came down.

"Ah, you have arrived." She sounded cold, but her face was gentle. On the table, there were snacks bought from Uzumaki's household and tea that Naruko made.

"Looks like we got everything ready. Let's start."

"Mmm."

Still, there was something we have to do before that.

"Hey, Kuroneko, Naruko."

They nodded. We used our eyes to signal each other.

"Ah?"

Before Rias could figure it out, we bowed.

"We are sorry for the last time." We apologized for our previous party.

"Ahahahaha… I'm so embarrassed." Rias laughed in embarrassment then turned around.

I expected Rias to act that way. Naruko, Kuroneko, and I let out a relieved sigh.

"Wow, she really didn't get angry at all. Really, who said that Rias-san would definitely get angry?"

"Wasn't that you? You just told me on the phone that 'she will definitely get angry, what should we do~'. "

"I never said that!"

The quarrel between Naruko and Kuroneko was proof that our relationship was back to normal.

"I'm very sorry Rias-san. Please don't be angry, okay?"

"Haha, don't worry about it, I don't mind it at all — IS THAT WHAT YOU THOUGHT I'D SAY!?"

"Huh!?"

With the sudden change in Rias's tone, we felt something horrible was coming.

"All of you! On your knees! Now!"

"W-Why!?"

"On your knees! RIGHT NOW!"

Not good. Gremory-sama is angry.

Whap

Whap

Whap

We hastily knelt down without being able to look at each other.

Folding her arms, Rias stood in front of us. Because of her tall height, she looked even more terrifying when she was angry. And the scene when the arrogant, prideful Naruko and Kuroneko cowered in fear was so hilarious. If I wasn't in the same spot as them, I would have burst into laughter.

"Hey!" Behind me, Naruko pinched me. "That's all because of you saying that she will not get angry. Do something about it!"

… I know I know…

"About that… Rias-san?"

"You there, who said you could speak?"

"I'm sorry."

So terrifying. This Rias was much worse compared to Rias the otaku mode or Rias the high-class lady mode. Besides, Naruko and Kuroneko were both hiding behind me, avoiding Rias's direct gaze… they used me as their human shield…

Rias's teeth clenched in anger.

"… I was afraid. What if everyone suddenly separated… I was very afraid of that!"

She once witnessed her otaku friends break up one by one, so she was always afraid of that. She was probably the one afraid of that more than anyone among us.

Rias wiped her tears.

"… But thank god. Everyone is back together again."

Behind her otaku personality, she was still a girl who was so afraid of being lonely.

"Sorry."

"I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry."

We apologized from the bottom of our hearts. However…

"I can't forgive you!"

"W-Why…?" I asked

"You have to participate in my punishment game today. And do not quarrel. You hear me?"

"What?"

"Is that your answer?"

"Yes mam"

Still in our kneeling position, using our eyes, we agreed with each other. That was how our celebration party started. We surrounded the table, with Kuroneko and I on one side and Rias and Naruko on the others.

"Then, what should we do first?" I started.

"Madoka season 2 has already started airing! I already got it, so let's watch it together!"

Of course, that was Naruko's suggestion. Kuroneko disagreed.

"Why should we watch Madoka in a Summer Comiket celebration party?"

"At the Comiket, I already saw the preview. Compared to before, the fighting scenes are simply incredible!"

No one asked you that, though.

"Because that was a preview. Besides, considering how much effort they had to put into that, I highly doubted it could keep up that quality till the end."

"Just you wait. Don't say it before the end."

"Ara ara, don't get excited too soon. First, let's celebrate that our 'The sacred Kuroneko knight' circle could sell every doujinshi. Cheers!"

"Yeah…"

"You are right."

Naruko and Kuroneko stopped. After their relationship recovered, it became much stronger than before. I felt like — we could overcome any difficulty.

"Cheers!"

Our glasses touched.

Our Summer Comicket was finally over.

"What about the others? What did they say about our doujinshi?" Hearing that, Kuroneko answered.

"We sold only 50 copies, so no one really paid much attention to us."

"I see…" That was disappointing. I was hoping to see some reaction from the others. Seeing my expression, Kuroneko quickly added.

"… Ah, but I found out some comments about us on the internet."

"You mean comments about your cosplay, right?" Naruko said.

"Really?"

"Yes. But you shouldn't look at them."

"Why? Did my cosplay become a hit or something?"

"…"

"Hey! Why are you looking away?"

Dammit. I will definitely go check it out later.

"Ah forget it. Naruko, I have something to show you today."

"Huh?"

So annoying. But I remained calm. Because I accepted Rias's request 'Do not quarrel'. Besides, cough cough I wanted to say — I had decided to become 'an big brother who cared for his little sister'. It was already a few days since the fake boyfriend accident. But I had thought about it many times. That was the first time I felt so troubled. Maybe because Naruko cried at the end, despite that she still refused to tell me her reason. 'Because… because I… You!' What were you trying to say? It couldn't be something like… I like you… right? We are brother and sister. Unlike eroge game, something that stupid couldn't happen in the real world. For me, Naruko is an important sister. I only became fully aware of this after this accident. No — since the day I gave life counseling to my sister, I had started to understand it, little by little. I helped Naruko find friends who share her hobby. To protect her hobby, I faced my mother.

'Thank you, Big Bro.'

After hearing that, I unconsciously discovered Naruko's cuteness. To stop her devil friend, I was willing to sacrifice my standing.

'I… a-also love you… '

Even if it was a joke, even I didn't like it, but deep down, I was moved. I did everything to protect her novel. Looking at her innocent, happy smile, I truly felt 'that's so worth it'. And one day, when she left me, I realized how much she meant to my heart. When she was in trouble, I flew to America to cry and beg her to come back. After I knew that my sister got a boyfriend, deep down, the idea that 'I don't want to lose Naruko to anyone' finally surfaced. I became aware that I'm a siscon. Of course, it probably wasn't her intention (to let me find out that I'm a siscon). I felt like — I was conquered by Naruko. I never knew what my sister is thinking. But I don't think it matters. Even if she hated me, my feelings wouldn't change. My relationship with Naruko had become better. So, I should act that way.

"What do you want to show me?"

"Wait a second." I pulled my cellphone out and showed it to Naruko.

"Huh? What's with your cellphone?"

"Ah… look behind it, Naruko." I flipped my cellphone around. On the back of it was — 'The photo we took together in that lover photo sticker booth'

"I had decided to put it here !"

"AAAAAAAA!" Naruko screamed like a bear attacked her.

"Hey! You! You! What have you done!?"

"I stuck our picture to the back of my cellphone"

"Don't speak like it was nothing! What about me?" Naruko launched her arms, trying to get my cellphone. I quickly stood up and raised my hand in the air, avoiding Naruko's attacks.

"What are you saying? This is my cellphone, I can do anything I want to it."

"You dare to put that sticker in the open!?"

"By the way, I changed my phone wallpaper to a picture of you in a swimsuit."

"DIE!"

Like a predator, Naruko launched herself at me — Bang. I was knocked back into the sofa. Between my sister who was trying to take my cellphone and me who was trying to prevent my cellphone from being taken away, a small fight broke out. Rias watched us in surprise before bursting into laughter.

"Ahahaha — Naruto-chi, what exactly changed your mind?"

"… Although I anticipated it, but now your mind is below the worst possible expectation of mine… all I could see is your sexual harassment range had increased to cover your sister."

I had no idea what was Kuroneko and Rias talking about, but to me, it didn't look like that at all.

"Give it back to me! Hentai! Pervert!"

"I'm not! Even Dad had a collection of your pictures! I only learned that from him!"

"It is not the same! You clearly had an unhealthy reason to do it!"

"What are you two doing!?" Kuroneko interrupted.

"… Didn't we agree with Rias-san 'no quarreling' for today?"

"This is not a quarrel! This is for my personal dignity!"

"… Tch…"

… Just to make sure, in order to paste this sticker on the back of my cell phone, I returned to where I hid it, only to discover that the sticker that belongs to Naruko had disappeared, despite the fact that I hid both of them in the same place.

After Naruko calmed down, everyone watched Madoka season 2 together while drinking and eating. After our celebration party ended safety, I walked Rias and Kuroneko home. Normally I didn't do that, but today I had a special reason.

"Bye then."

"Bye."

"Rias-san…"

"Ah, what's up Kuroneko-chi?"

"Thank you." Kuroneko whispered.

Rias suddenly found herself at a loss for words. Even I could figure out Kuroneko's feelings, but I understood her next words.

"Thank you for inviting me twice."

"…"

"I was very happy today. My previous Summer Comiket was also very fun. Since I met everyone, I always had a lot of fun. All of this was thanks to you. So, allow me to say that again, thank you."

"Kuroneko-chan… do you want to make me cry?" You did, right? Rias used her sleeve to wipe her tears.

"I want to thank you too. I pray that our friendship will last forever." She clearly was embarrassed. Kuroneko was blushing too.

After Rias said goodbye to us, I was left alone with Kuroneko. We were surrounded with tense atmosphere.

"…"

"…"

"Say…"

"Yes! Do you need something?" Kuroneko replied in a loud voice.

"Say, I have no idea where your house is. Is it nearby?"

"Ah?" Kuroneko let out a nervous sigh.

"Actually… it is not very far from here…"

"How about I walk you home?"

"… Fine."

Under the sunset, I walked side by side with Kuroneko.

"About…"

"Um?"

"… Ah, I meant about our cosplay picture."

"I see."

"… I was happy to be able to cosplay with you."

For that Summer Comiket, I bought a digital camera together with Kuroneko, we cosplayed together, and we took a picture together.

"Really. It was fun — let's do that again sometime."

"… Mmm."

Our conversation was cut short again.

"About…"

"Hhm?"

"You looked handsome while cosplaying."

"Haha, Thank you."

We kept talking for a while, until Kuroneko said, "… Let's stop here. My house is nearby."

"I see."

"… Mmm."

We stopped and turned to each other.

"Ruri." I called her real name

"Ah." Her shoulders were trembling. Under the sunset, her black hair flew with the breeze. The only difference were her clothes. Aside from that, everything was the same as yesterday. I wasted a day that Kuroneko gave me. Today, I had to give her an answer.

"If soon there is 'a girl who is dear to you' who confesses her love to you… you must think about it carefully."

"Don't rush it. Think about it carefully. For Kuroneko-chan, please carefully consider your own feelings."

I had carefully thought about it. I always do. Without rushing. Looking back at my own feelings… so, to the girl who is dear to me, I gave my answer.

"Let's go out together."

"!"

Kuroneko looked up at me. She didn't seem like she noticed my answer, her eyes widened. Her eyes were starting to moisten. And That's how… Kuroneko and I became lovers.

.

.

.