.

.

.

A few days before Christmas's arrived. Kuuko Yasaka, Naruko's classmate and good friend. A brat who planned to become an idol, who had a good relationship with me. No… I couldn't call her a brat anymore. Unexpectedly, behind her façade, she is someone quite serious, always trying to improve hersel—I had seen her development myself. Someone who is much stronger than me. That is my current impression of Kuuko.

During December, I received a message from Kuuko.

"I have a live performance at UDX, you~ have~ to~ come! Alone!"

"Alright alright, I will come."

I made up an agreement with her to repay her for taking care of me. So, I came to UDX at Akihabara. I had a lot of memories here. After I received a life counseling request from Ayase, I was introduced to Kuuko…

Back then, this brat totally forgot my appearance. At first she pretended to be a good kid and greeted me properly. There were some more. Like the cosplay contest, anime's stage and like.

Closing my eyes, all those events seemed like they just happened yesterday. Today—there was a Madoka's stage event at UDX. In the cheer, Kuuko who was called 'The living Kyoko' jumped on the stage and sang/danced.

"… Still as amazing at singing and dancing as usual."

No matter how many times I saw it, I still felt impressed. Even though she is quite small and totally not my type—but if she later became an idol, then I would be her first fan.

"Everyone, thank you~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~"

After she finished singing uncountable songs, Kuuko turned toward the audience and raised one of her hands.

Ya ya ya ya ya ya ya! Kuu chan! The otakus were cheering.

Right~ right~ she is so popular. I also clapped my hands in admiration.

"Even though today is snowing, everyone came to listen to Kuu-chan's singing, I'm very happy! Furthermore, today marks the tenth live show~ … the first time we met was at this place too. Do you remember, everyone?"

Rememberrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! The audience once again cheered loudly.

"I still remember too, that's amazing."

Next is probably the last song. Then—after this live show ended, I should come see her. That was my plan, but reality completely ignored it. I really underestimated Kuuko's straightforward characteristic.

"Cough cough, then~~~~~~~~~~~~~ about… Today, Kuuko has something very important to say."

Hm? What is with Kuuko?

"Something important?"

"What could it be?"

"Will she release a CD?"

The otakus started whispering.

And then…

"You are here, rightyou agreed to repay me!"

Suddenly, her tone changed.

Hey hey, you are doing live, is it okay to speak in your normal tone? By the way, is she talking about me? Kuuko glanced around in the crowd, then it seemed like she found me.

"NARUTOOOOO!"

She didn't use her microphone, instead she shouted with all of her strength.

"I LOVE YOUUUUUUUUUU~! GO OUT WITH MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE~!"

Unexpected words.

"…"

The whole crowd froze.

Hmph~~ silent—then a few seconds later, it suddenly became noisy.

… That is—normal. Kuuko… Kuuko… Kuuko. This… girl…! You have to pay attention to your surroundings when speaking! This girl!

"Hehahaha! Looks like I caught you! This way you aren't going to get away!"

Kuuko waved her Kyoko spear—and pointed it directly at me.

"Hurry up and answer, right here!"

Kacha. Like magic, when the spear was pointed at me, the spotlight focused on me. Because of that, the noisy crowd returned to silence. To avoid disturbing my answer to Kuuko's confession.

Like Moses split the sea, the people around me moved to the side.

"… Haha." I couldn't help but laugh. Even if she really is an idol, is it okay for her to do that? Ah~ damn… really —this way, I really can't escape… no matter how dense, how stupid a man is, he had no choice but to give an answer right here, right now. With only one move, she pushed me into this situation.

Hah… that kind of confession, I have never seen it before, even in an eroge!

"KUUKO!" With a dignified voice, I shouted my answer, "I REFUSE! I CAN'T GO OUT WITH YOU! BECAUSE I ALREADY HAVE SOMEONE THAT I LOVE ABOVE EVERYTHING ELSE!"

"…!"

In an instant, Kuuko's eyes widened, and then fearlessly flashed me a smile while revealing one of her canine teeth.

"Tch—is that so. Then congratulations."

Kuuko swept her spear aside in one hand. Then—like it was coordinated, lively music began to play.

"Prepare yourself! I will~ definitely~ become an amazing idol and make you regret it!"

Right after this over tune ended, the final song began.

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

The song's name is "Connect"

(◕ω◕✿)

On a December night, I ran in the streets. Above me, dark clouds gathered, as if signaling incoming snow. The lights shone on me. The white breath once again blew past my cheeks. My lips were dry. My chest was pounding like there was no tomorrow. My limbs tried to draw as much strength as they could. I was in very high spirits, so high that I wanted to cry out. The reason why—because I was on my way to convey my true feelings to someone I Cherished.

"… Kuroneko." I whispered her name.

A girl to whom my little sister gave the embarrassing nick name 'the evil eye chuuni girl.'

She always mimicked the words from her favorite anime. She always wore her gothic lolita clothes. She had pure white skin that made people wonder if she was sick. There was a beauty mark below her left eye. A soft beauty with red mystic eyes. The first time we met…

"… Handle name, Kuroneko."

What a weird person—I thought so.

At best, she was only one of my little sister's friends. She had a hobby that I didn't understand and she wore strange clothes.

"… This is for you."

"… What? You don't want it? Or do you fail to understand human language?"

She was very dishonest.

"… E-Evil eyes… chuuni girl…? Ku, kukukuku… you finally said something that must not be said…"

Then, she became the first otaku friend of my little sister.

Because she was afraid of strangers, at the beginning she didn't speak with me.

"… Ho… I can't believe that you could manage to come here… it's worthy of praise."

When I was alone with her, I usually didn't understand what she was saying, so the atmosphere was quite awkward.

Then— "Good morning, senpai." Somehow, she became my junior.

"Naruto I love you! Please go out with me!" She became my girlfriend. We had a lot of fun together, although we broke up in the end. But even now, I still like Kuroneko. I like her in a romantic way.

I stopped at her house's entrance and breathing hard, my shoulders were trembling. That couldn't be helped, I ran all the way there from the bus station. I didn't exactly ask her to wait for me, so it wasn't really necessary to go in such a hurry. Or rather, I was allured by the idea of settling this issue. What exactly should I do? I myself didn't know.

"Ha… ha… ah…" I looked up, my eyes widened.

Amidst the darkness, the street light was illuminating a spot, just like on a stage. She was there.

"… How admirable of you to have made it. I commend you."

Still in her black clothes like the first time we met with her usual arrogant words.

… Really, why? I didn't remember telling her I was on the way to her home. But I didn't feel surprise. Or rather, I felt it was natural. It was finally time… both of us were thinking the same.

"Such nostalgic words."

"You are right."

We both slightly laughed.

"I didn't come here to speak about our memories. I have something to tell you."

"… Yes."

Such a straightforward answer. That meant she had already mentally prepared herself.

"I…"

"Do you have… something… to tell me?"

Kuroneko's voice carried a heavy twang. Even now, I understood what she was thinking like the back of my hand. There was no way I could be wrong.

"… Yes." Really, I should have told her sooner.

I delayed it until now, because that summer was so happy. The innocent love life was very very exciting. It was so happy that I couldn't carry it all by myself. It was such a pity to let it end. I wanted to continue this clumsy, full-of-mistakes love, to keep it going longer and longer. I still wanted to do it now. How could I not?

… But even in this case, I couldn't accept it. At that moment I—not anyone else—made my decision, that summer would not continue again. I couldn't stop myself from personally destroying her dream of an 'ideal world.' No matter whether a promise from a previous life, or the destiny of a future life, or eternal love, I had betrayed them all.

… These are my wishes. The ideal world I will bet everything to realize. Back then, we both shared a dream. Her dream. Our 'future.' Me. Kuroneko. Naruko, Rias. All of us laughing happily. Maybe we would live together with her parents, with Hinata-chan, with Tamaki-chan.

Kae, president, Shinomiya-kun too. Maybe they would come over and play. And, even further in the future—maybe our family would grow. To tell the truth, I had even thought about names. Such ridiculous foolishness, right? I thought that we would quarrel because of our different views on life. Honestly, my worries were for naught. Back then, I thought that two kids should be enough and stuff… how embarrassing. In the end, I couldn't meet them.

"Ruri." I called her real name.

"What? Naruto."

Just like the beginning, we called each other like lovers. Surely we wouldn't call each other by name again. Maybe we wouldn't even meet again anymore.

"Ruri… I… I…"

I completely resolved myself and shouted.

"I can't accept your love on me! Because I have someone I love!"

Afterward, I slowly, very slowly conveyed my feelings to her.

"…"

I told her everything, all of my truest feelings. From the beginning until the end, Ruri didn't avert her eyes. She kept listening until I finished talking.

"…"

She kept listening to me in silence. That's why—no matter how much she cursed me with swear words afterwards, I had decided to say it out loud. My mind was ready.

When I finished, she closed her eyes and remained motionless. Despite the cold, she quietly stood there. To repay her kindness, I was willing to wait for her no matter how long it took.

Finally, she…

"… Haha… kukuku…"

She looked up and laughed without reason.

"—It's my loss. Well done."

She smiled, as if nothing happened.

"Such a confession, no one could do that aside from you."

She kept talking.

"Haa, ara ara—seems like the stupid things you said had some meaning after all."

Despite that I was prepared to accept her curse that could kill me without regret, she didn't show any weakness to me… she even smiled… and showed concern for my words.

"You no longer have the right to be a citizen of darkness. So take your holy sword and save this world… as the one who crushed my first love, you should be able to do it."

I didn't know since when, but Ruri held a black notebook in her hands. 'Destiny Record.' It was our prophecy book, and now it was the collective of our memories. She…

"… You…"

With a rustle, Kuroneko tore it apart.

"… You… what are you…"

Since it had come to this, I could understood without saying. The moment we smiled with each other. Now, it had turned into flying pieces.

— Go on a date with senpai.

The moment we smiled with each other. Now, it had turned into flying pieces.

"Senpai… about… is today… boring?"

"Thank you… you are so kind, senpai."

— Let senpai know more about me.

She showed me many sides of her that she didn't want to reveal to anyone else.

Those gentle memories were now being brutally torn apart and disappearing.

"You are so useless, senpai."

"Ruri-nee-chan's boyfriend!"

— Invite senpai to my home.

Such a warm place that caused people to calm down. And those lively little sisters.

Those important things just escaped my hand. It all went somewhere I couldn't reach. And…

— Go to the swimming pool with senpai.

"This is… for you."

— Hold a holy feast with senpai's pre-existence.

— Read the Darkness Scriptures with senpai.

"I'm not… qualified?"

"Was that boring?"

"I want to kill you."

— Build a new world with senpai in the Sea of Fantasy.

"Well, it's just like that."

— Watch fireworks together with senpai.

"… You look like Kaguya-hime."

"… I, I'm not…"

— Break up with senpai.

Those ceremonies that we attended together, our days we spent together, everything became small pieces and disappeared.

I could only blankly watch this happen, because I had no right to intervene. Kuroneko who was doing all this also understood the basis of what was she doing. Rustle, rustle, rustle, slowly, slowly… the memories were ripped into shreds.

Finally, everything ended.

"… Our contract has been broken."

Our treasure. Our future. All of it fell onto the wet ground, became soaked and turned into an indistinguishable mass… it had ended. Just like that.

"You are now free, Naruto. Your current life… your next life then… we will never be together. Is that alright?"

"… Ruri."

We called each other—in the same way we did before.

"Yes… from the beginning… oh…"

One drop.

"… I… already knew… oh…"

One more drop. Another one. Tears overflowed from her eyes.

"I already knew… this would be the result…"

The sobbing sound slowly became louder.

"… Eh… Oh… Uwahhhhh… Uwahhhhhhhhh…"

Just as the prophecy book predicted, she wept. I couldn't avert my eyes. But no matter how painful it was, I couldn't cry with her. I no longer had that right.

"a… Uwa wa wa wa wa … Eh… Eh… a!"

I once again tried to keep myself from crying and returned my eyes to Kuroneko.

"a… uwa wa wa wa wa…!"

I didn't know how long it had been.

"… Hu… hu… eh…"

Kuroneko raised her face ruined by the tears, she fiercely stared at me.

"The world has been swallowed by the darkness."

Using her evil-eyes and a chuunibyou to forget everything, how effective was it really?

"My name is!"

She mustered the rest of her strength and raised her voice.

"I'm the angel of vengeance 'Yamineko'! I'm an existence that denies all love!"

Such a painful curse was like an arrow, it pierced deep into my heart.

"I make a curse here! I curse every lover! I curse Christmas night! I curse everything in this world! I shall bring my hammer to destroy everything!"

Still screaming, Kuroneko made her curse and pointed at me.

"The biggest curse of my life… remember it well!"

Leaving those words behind, Kuroneko disappeared from my sight. That happened close to the Christmas. Her 'biggest curse of my life' appeared few days later. The day I conveyed my feeling to the girl I really love.

(◕ω◕✿)

"Hey Naruko, how about going out with me in on weekend?"

"Huh? Are you an idiot? Die!"

One day in December, as per usual my sister was lying on the sofa reading a magazine. When I asked her that question, though she was surprised, she didn't even move her eyes away from the magazine when she answered.

I thought about it for a while.

"Alright, 9:00 AM on Saturday, in front of the subway station. Make sure you aren't late."

"Hey!" Still lying on the sofa, Naruko looked up at me. "How did you interpret it like that!?"

"Eh? Doesn't your 'Huh? Are you an idiot?' actually mean 'Okay, kiss ❤'?"

"No way! Who would say that!?"

"In your eroge, there is a little sister who acts like that."

"Hm… Sharo-tan? You meant Sharo-tan!"

As if she were a Super Saiyan, Naruko stood up, pointed her magazine at my face and yelled, "That might be the case for Sharo-tan, but it's totally different for me! Even though it's true that my 'Huh? Are you an idiot? Die!' sounds similar to Sharo-tan's standard tsundere response, depending on the time and circumstances, it has a different meaning!"

"Such as?"

"Like… like… in Sharo-tan's case, her circumstance is that her brother asked her to go out on a date with him for the third time. Here 'Are you an idiot?' meant 'I really want to go, but I can't be honest.' In Chiya-chan's case, it meant 'I want to encourage Onii-chan'!"

"So, doesn't that mean you agree with me in the end?"

Just as she had implied, Naruko was saying 'I really want to go, but I can't be honest,' so she yelled 'Are you an idiot?' right?

"I told you it's not like that! Don't mix up the game and real life! The point is, because Sharo-tan and I are two different types of sister, even if the circumstances are the same we have different thoughts. Why don't you get it?"

"Hey, are you cold? You are barefoot all the time."

"Listen to what I'm saying!" Naruko got mad, then she threw me a punch.

"Oh!"

Not bad. But for somebody like me who has trained with Chiaki, such an attack is too easy to evade.

"Don't dodge! Pervert!"

"Ha… it's useless. Such attacks and insults will not work on me anymore."

"Could it be… because of the bad influence from Ayase and Kuroneko…"

"Actually, I think it's more due to your bad influence. Since I've been insulted every day, I've grown used to it."

"Disgusting! You get turned on seeing your sister wearing thin clothing?"

I only asked if you were cold and that is your response? I felt like I was in the middle of a masochist test. What a pain. In short… the "Huh? Are you an idiot?" just now, because Naruko-sama was not thinking the same way as in the game, I guess I have to guess and react accordingly… right?

I got it…

This girl is so annoying~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!

Huh? Are you an idiot? Die!—I want to say that more than you.

I felt a little angry. At the same time, Naruko slowly recovered to her usual state. Her face was red (possibly due to her outburst just now) and she folded her arms across her chest.

"Why should I go out with you during weekend anyway? Are you an idiot? No, really, are you an idiot? You really are an idiot, aren't you?"

I never expected that she would unleash her "Are you an idiot?" three times in a row. Just like Vegeta who had been backed into a corner, she went into attack mode. Can anyone attempt to understand what each "Are you an idiot?" meant just now?

Based on my translation, it meant "… First of all, explain your plan. I will see if it makes me happy or not. Hmmph, try to convince me if you can"

… Probably. If anyone can translate Naruko's words better than me, please let me know.

"Naruko—ah, listen. Here, sit down."

"Hmph…"

It seems like she wants to listen, at least for now. I sat down next to Naruko on the sofa.

"Hey, scoot over a little."

"Right, right."

What a spoiled girl. I moved away as I was told, and then Naruko said with a hint of displeasure in her tone, "And? Are you going to say something?"

"Let me explain why we should go out together."

"Alright. Say it."

"First, because is near Christmas there will be a lot of Christmas-themed eroge there."

"Yeah."

"Then we can go shopping in Akiba's stores."

"Eh? How did you know about that?"

"Because I've also read the magazine in your right hand—here, turn to page 145."

"…"

For some reason Naruko seemed very troubled when she heard 'page 145.'

"… Eh?"

"Open it to page 145." I repeated myself.

With a complex expression, Naruko opened the magazine on the table.

"You found it pretty quickly."

"You folded it, didn't you? That must be why!"

After that small exchange, I pointed to the main topic, "Akiba anime shop, Love-Love Christmas Fair—I heard that couples that visit that place will receive limited goods."

Just like the title said… In short, it was a fair for otaku couples. Of course you don't have to buy eroge, I heard there was also a way to get promotional materials for products released based on what you purchased.

"You want this, don't you?" I said while checking my sister's expression…

"…"

Based on her reaction, it seems I hit the bulls-eye.

"Eh… well… true, I wanted to get the "Little H-Holy Night limited Christmas edition… I already planned on buying this eroge… but to waste my weekend with you and buy eroge in Akiba is a bit…"

"Hey, hey. I can't believe I am hearing such words coming from eroge master Naruko."

"I'm an eroge master, but I'm also a girl!"

Ah, she didn't even try to deny that she is an eroge master.

"Taking part in such activities feels like I've failed as a girl… going to a couples event with you… no matter what, you and me… are a fake couple."

"Then, how about we take a walk around Akiba? Since we're going to go to Tokyo anyway, how about we go to the Skytree?"

"Skytree?"

"Yes. Don't you want to go?"

"Umm… Okay I'll going out with you, but first, we need find you some clothes."

"Does that mean…"

"To be able to go out with such a beautiful girl as me—make sure you give me a good time."

"Yep, leave it to me!"

And then, as if in an instant, Saturday had arrived. On a cold winter morning—as planned, we went outside separately and met up in front of the station.

I saw my sister standing in front of the entrance next to the monorail. Naruko was looking very stylish and maintained an upright posture. Naruko was attracting the attention of other people in front of the station.

I felt a little proud, so I waved my hand and said, "Hi, have you waited for a long time?"

Immediately, Naruko glared at me and scowled, "You are way too late! How many hours did you plan on making me wait?"

"There's still more than 10 minutes before our meeting time, right? Every time I asked you out…" I felt some of my enthusiasm slip away.

"Shut up. Hmph, you claim to understand what I want to say without saying it now, don't you?"

"'No quarreling while hanging out, and I need to arrived earlier to wait for you'… right?"

"If you understand, why don't you just do it?"

"Because you left before me! How could I arrive before you!?"

"Why didn't you run?"

"…"

If I ran and caught up with Naruko, she would probably get mad at me anyway… this girl. Either way, a quarrel was unavoidable. Because that's how siblings are.

"Alright. Then… let's go."

"Mmm."

I raised my right hand. She obediently handed me her purse.

"Where?"

This annoying question 'Where?' must mean 'Where should we go first?'… Probably.

"Let's go buy clothes first. You will help pick them out with me, right?"

"Of course. I don't want to hang out with such a punk guy like you."

"Yeah, yeah. Sorry."

I no longer felt anything toward such an insult. I actually felt a little comfortable since she was back to her normal self. Maybe that's why Gasper calls me an 'M'… I should reflect upon myself.

"…"

Just then I noticed Naruko staring at my face.

"What's up?"

"Hmph, nothing. Why didn't you say anything all of a sudden?"

Naruko suddenly got angry, turned in another direction and started walking faster.

"Hey, wait for me—don't go ahead on your own."

I was used to this, but like usual, I was unable to understand my sister's action.

"Don't walk so fast. We haven't decided where to go first. Don't go ahead on your own," I said as I caught up with her.

"Since you know no shops that sell clothes that suit you, just quietly follow behind me."

"Ah, I see. Can you at least tell me our destination?"

I asked in a mocking tone, but somehow Naruko looked happy and replied, " Harujuku."

"Harajuku huh… it has been years since the last time I came here."

The road of youth, Harajuku. I didn't mock that Chiba was a country side, but truly, the prosperity of Tokyo is abnormal. I unconsciously looked around in curiosity. Yes. Six years ago… to fulfill a mission from Sena, I skipped class and came here to buy a pair of underwear. And I only came back here now.

"It's still so full of activities."

Harajuku was covered in Christmas colors… there were a lot of couples here. Christmas date… probably. They were still burning with passion in this cold weather. So admirable.

"So… we have to show others that we are a couple too."

"A-Are you an idiot!?"

How many times have I heard 'Are you an idiot?' up to now? So many times that explaining each of them is too troublesome. And I have no way to know if what I interpret is right or not.

"Didn't Kuuko say it—even when we walk side by side, we don't look like lovers at all."

"That's true."

You remember such a trivial matter? So admirable.

"What a pity."

"You, do you want us to look like lovers to outsider? Ueeee~ disgusting"

"There are couples everywhere, it would be less awkward if we did look like them, wouldn't it?"

"Hm, really. Oi… recently you are always full of yourselves."

"Huh~?"

"I know that you want to get closer but…"

"But what?"

"…"

Naruko suddenly stopped and looked down.

"Don't act like my fake boyfriend."

"I'm not!"

Damn, I raised my voice in the middle of the street.

"Huh? You planned to just now, didn't you?"

"I told you I didn't!"

"You clearly wanted to~~~ 'We have to show others that we are a couple too' and 'What a pity, we don't look like lovers.' You wanted to, didn't you? With your super cute sister!"

"I didn't mean it like that!"

Just all nonsenses. Now I understand politicians a little better.

"So, why did you say that, then?"

"I just said it by accident!"

"Huh? You really want to, don't you?

"No!"

"I want to do it so much~~ that I almost lost myself. You are so sensitive~" I teased Naruko by mimicking her tone.

She… "Jiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii…!" Grit her teeth and stared at me.

"So, why did you say it then!? Don't say something so disgusting!"

"That's my line, you shouldn't be saying stuff like that!"

It's like a boomerang, hitting herself in the back like that!

"Oh, look at that couple!"

"They're having a lover's quarrel~~"

"Hahaha."

By the time we had noticed, we had already attracted the attention of people around us.

"— L-Let's go!"

"It's all your fault. So embarrassing."

"It was yours."

"Huh!? It's all yours!"

We quarreled on the way in the street of Harajuku. Our destination was Omotesando Hills—after five years, it's my second time coming here. But Naruko probably visited this place a lot.

"If you planned to go out with your girlfriend, don't you think that taking the train isn't appropriate?"

Still going on about that? This girl is still day-dreaming.

"Isn't it cooler to show up at the meeting place with a car?"

How could a car move easily in such a crowded street. Unlike Chiba, taking a bus would be three times more comfortable. Of course I didn't say it out loud. Thinking for a while, I interrupted.

"What? Does that mean if I got a driving license you would go out with me?"

"Eh… eeeeeeeh?"

Hahaha, I managed to make Naruko let out a funny sound.

"Wh-What are you saying!"

"Hehe, because I'm a boy too. I want to have a driving license. I planned to get one after I graduate."

"Heh, hehh~ … what a surprise."

"You once posted with Ayase in a Mercedes poster right? Thinking back, I suddenly want to have a car."

"About that, thank you."

"Surely the poster of you two made an effective advertisement."

"Nope, it's meaningless even if it made you want to buy a car."

No no. Aside from me, when others look at it they would want to buy a car too, right? Dad also seemed to like that poster.

"Haha… hey Naruko, be sure to thank me. After I get my driving license I will give you a special seat."

"No thanks, sitting next to someone who just got a driving license like you seems like an invitation for accident."

"How about thinking back to what you just said a while ago!?"

You just said it's cooler to come by car, but now you don't like it even if I get a driving license. What am I supposed to do? Are all girls like that, casually mentioning such self-contradictory words to what they said earlier? Or is it just my sister's case?

I narrowed my eyes. At that time, my sister raised one of her fingers and said, "Until you can drive properly, I will enjoy going out with you."

Yeah, yeah, I see. Then I will try my best.

"… Woaa."

"Hooo…"

As soon as we entered the main entrance of Omotesando Hills, we let out a surprised cry. I thought that the Christmas light would only be lit up at night, but seems like I was mistaken. Standing in the middle of the square was a brilliant eye-catching tree. Especially in front of us, there was a tall tree decorated with light bulbs that slowly changed color over time.

From blue to white—under this wonderful scene, many couples were laughing happily together.

"Naruko, want to take a picture?"

"Oh, sometimes you have good ideas too."

"Alright, come in front of the tree. I will take a picture."

I received the digital camera from Naruko.

"A… um, but…"

Somehow, Naruko looked hesitant. Huh? Weren't you excited just now?

"Hey, what is wrong?"

As soon as I asked that, a young couple walked to us.

"If you don't mind, please allow me to help."

"In exchange, please help us take a picture too."

— I see.

"Then please."

Snap

And so, one memorial picture has been saved into the memory card.

After we bid farewell to the couple that helped us take the picture, I tried asking, "Hehe, so you want to take a picture with me?"

"Idiot. Don't say something so gross."

We passed the entrance and saw numerous fashion shops.

… Umm.

I even saw the lingerie shop that I was forced to attack six years ago. It gave me a painful memory. Since I'm not comfortable with that kind of place, I felt my shoulders getting heavier.

"Fufufu, are you nervous?"

"Shut up. Hey, well… which shop are we going to enter?"

"I told you just leave it to me. Unlike someone, I have carefully thought about it."

"Heh, then I'm looking forward to it—hey, but don't suddenly walk in some high-class shop!"

I hastily stopped midway, whispering in her ear, 'My budget is only that much' and raised five of my fingers.

"Uhm… 500 000 Yen?"

"50 000 Yen!"

Why is this girl's sense of money one digit more than normal? It was hard for me to prepare 50 000 Yen. I thought that when I mentioned that, she would complain—but unexpectedly, she didn't.

"Okay, then this shop will be fine."

"Re-Really?"

"Good shops don't have to be expensive—I told you just leave it to me." Naruko said full of confidence.

Still a bit nervous, I followed her into the shop. I was so nervous that I almost wanted to hold her sleeve, but I managed to endure it—I entered the shop.

One hour later…

"Oh, you look much better now."

I stood in front of the mirror and wore the clothes that Naruko picked; embarrassment evident on my cheek.

"Re-Really?"

"Yup~ as expected of Naruko-chan's boyfriend."

Both Naruko and the staff praised me.

"No, no, he is not my boyfriend."

"Since it looks great, I will give you a little discount!"

"Eh~, really~? "

The staff and Naruko laughed with each other.

What the staff said was only flattery, which can only be half-trusted. The importance is Naruko's harsh comment about fashion.

"It's fine. Because I chose it. As long as the material is not too bad, surely it can be changed."

This girl has gone too far.

"… Is it good?"

"Mmm, looks good!" She quickly replied with a smile.

"Really?"

"I meant the clothes."

"You are messing with me."

Naruko laughed "Ahahaha" together with the staff.

"Hmph…" My face reddened, I took another look at the mirror. The jacket and shirt had cost 35 000 Yen.

Naruko has really good fashion sense. Boys surely can change so much from clothes—I thought so too, and yes, I did think that I looked more handsome. Ummm… actually I'm a very simply guy.

My sister was staring at me.

"… Yes?"

"You don't like it?"

Wearing it made me feel a little proportionate. I no longer felt weird when walking side by side with my beautiful sister.

"It's not like that."

Of course, despite what I was thinking, I couldn't say it out loud. I will get into trouble again, no doubt.

After the shopping, we ate something light and took the bus to Akihabara. We walked around like usual. As soon as we stepped out of the bus, a cold wind blew over us.

"Oh, oh, so cold."

Since we didn't get out from the center conductor but took the Showa Dori route, we had to take a detour, which made our route a little further. Since this place changed once every few months, no matter how many times I came here, I still sometimes got lost.

In Kae's language, it's 'Just like a self-developing dungeon.' We walked past many shops, cafés, fast food stores, convenience stores, and cell phone stores. The Akihabara station had gone through a lot of changes since the first time we came here for the offline meeting. The otaku's route was a bit further. In the distance, there was a figure exhibition. Yes… the otaku's street is Akiba now. Just like my sister.

"What are you looking at?"

I only thought so, I won't say it out loud. Instead, I replied that.

"I'm used to it now, but somehow I remember the first time I came here."

"Uhm. Only a little more than one year ago, but I feel like it has been a very long time."

"I wonder why?"

"Isn't it because a lot of things have happened?"

"Yeah."

It's true.

"I can't believe that under the cover of 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica' was the eroge 'Loving my Little Sister!'"

"That was the biggest change of my life."

Me too. I was so surprised when I saw it.

"Knowing the secret hobby of my very hated sister."

"Life counseling with my very hated brother."

"Both going to the offline meeting in Akiba."

"Then we met Rias and Kuroneko, right?"

Yup, that's right.

"If Rias didn't speak up back then… we wouldn't be here right now."

"… Mmm"

"… The first time you met Kuroneko, you two already had a huge quarrel."

"I told you that was her fault."

No, that was both of your faults.

A smile slowly appeared on my face.

"Back then, when she became your otaku friend—I was satisfied."

"… I see." Naruko turned away. Normally, she would keep walking, but today she said, "… That day, it was fun."

"I see."

I was pulled around in Akiba by three girls. You should have said that to me one year ago. Coming there together with you–isn't for naught.

We left the station and continued making our way toward 'Ani Shoubu Akina.' It's an otaku shop that was opened recently. The appearance of Goin made it look elegant, so it didn't stand out at Harajuku. On the big screen at the entrance, they were showing 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica.'

"It doesn't feel right. This stuff should be at Akiba."

"So many people." Naruko looked at the entrance and said. The crowd was occupying half of the entrance.

"Are all of them couples?"

"Re-Really? Maybe there are some fake couples who snuck in too."

Just like us huh? But isn't it too much? Is that because of the attraction of the discount for couples and limited goods? Muttering quietly, we stood at the end of the line.

"Damn… so many people have a girlfriend…" And yet I came here with my sister.

"Stop complaining. I can't stand it."

"No, but…"

"Behave yourself—because you are the one who is the target of jealousy here."

I tried listening.

"Are you kidding me…"

Just like Naruko said. When I thought about it, it's true that I brought the cutest 'girlfriend' here. I can see it from looking around. But to say it herself! As expected of my sister!

"Right, right."

I straightened my back. Although it was a bit—I tried to match with her. Ten minutes later, we still hadn't gotten inside. The December weather is so cold, it's hard to stand in a place for a while. When I walked past Yodobashi earlier, there was a place to play 3DS. Some adult otaku were playing there in the harsh cold weather. So admirable.

Forget about it, my skirt-wearing sister seemed to be colder than me.

"Cold isn't it? Stand closer to me."

"Mmm "

No wait, that's a misunderstanding! Just now wasn't us! In front! In front, in front! The idiot couple in front of us just started warping around each other!

"…"

Both Naruko and I stared at this idiotic couple.

"Wh-Why are you blushing!?"

"Sh-Shut up! This is their business!"

"Disgusting, disgusting, disgusting, disgusting! Are you an idiot!?"

"You… you are even more disgusting."

"That shameless idiotic couple… go home and latch onto each other…"

Naruko clenched her fist, looking down, her face reddened. Seeing my sister like that, I… "Here." I took off my jacket and put it on my sister.

"…"

Surprised, Naruko's shoulders trembled slightly as she looked at me fiercely.

"… Hm, don't do something unnecessary."

I pointed forward.

"I can't do like that couple. Please forgive me."

"Sure, of course…"

"That idiotic couple… go do that at home."

I really hope that the sounds coming from behind weren't talking about us.

The line slowly moved forward, and we finally entered the shop. The first thing that caught my attention was a pile of manga and new novels. The popular anime on TV was also stacked up like a tower. They made sure that there was enough space to get it, because most of those couples were going to buy them.

Truly, we are the only couple that was brave enough to go buy eroge…

"Hey, how are we going to buy a game here? I don't see any of them around."

"I think you only need to tell the staff the name of the game you are looking for."

Naruko looked at the cashier and said, "… I see."

This is a hard mission… one years ago I might have felt happy, but right now I have no interest in shaming myself. While we were talking, the line moved faster, finally it was the turn of the idiotic couple in front of us.

The man spoke with the cute cashier, "Uhm, I want to buy a game."

"Okay, please tell me its name."

"I want to buy 'All-men's Christmas.'"

"…Eh? Eeh~tou…"

"Please get me the newest 18+ BL game, 'All-men's Christmas.'"

The poor cashier was forcing a smile.

Somehow, the man's voice sounded familiar. Like I have heard it somewhere before.

"And 'The Hot Guy and the Dakimakura' limited edition, please."

He is good. Really admirable.

And then…

"Kae-chan!?"

"Na-Na-Na-Na, Naruko-chan!? Why are you here!?"

"You too Kae-chan!"

I knew it!

I shrugged. In front of me is my junior, the bishoujo girl, big breasted fujoshi: Kae Serinuma. She and Naruko are pointing at each other.

"What are you doing here…?"

"Na-Naruto?"

No man wants to get caught on the way to buy a homo eroge… But I knew him. He is Takurou Serinuma, my best friend.

"What are you doing here…?"

"Don't you know it from looking? My target is the limited homo eroge with discounts for couples."

"With your little sister?"

"Yes!"

"Go to Akiba in your weekend to buy homo eroge? Are you kidding me? What are you doing?"

It's so sad that I want to cry.

"Don't mind me."

"Hey, so the idiotic couple who was wrapping around each other in front of us was you two!?"

"Wha-What are you siblings doing!?"

Both Naruko and I launched our attacks. Immediately, Kae hastily waved her hand.

"No, no, it's not like that! I can't get a limited item without being a couple! So, so, so there is no other way, right!"

Ah, idiot. If you say it out here…

"Dear customers? Are you two not a couple?"

See? The cashier found out.

"E, eh eh eh, ehtou… that… this…" Kae shuttered.

In contrast, the brother showed a calm attitude and put his arm over his little sister's shoulder.

"We are siblings, but we are also a couple… is that a problem?"

"… No."

So cool Takurou! There is nothing else the cashier could say. This guy is disgusting, but he is also so cool!

"O, O O O, Onii-chan… what are you saying…!" Embarrassed, Kae looked like she was about to die

Poor girl—no, she reaps what she sows. The culprit of this situation is no one other than this fujoshi.

Naruko pulled me over and whispered, making sure that no one beside me could hear, "…Kae-chan's Onii-chan is so cool"

"Really?"

"No wonder he is your friend…"

"Don't place me on the same level with him!" Please forgive me this time…

At that moment, Takurou has finished paying.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting. This is the limited version, 'All man's Christmas'."

"Thank you" Takurou pretended to be a cool guy and walked away.

"See you later Naruto. "

"Yeah yeah." I felt a little annoyed and replied simply that way.

…No, because we are also in the same situation that pervert thought was unavoidable, but I'm better than Takurou. Like stand in a couple line with my sister, then acting all lovely dovey like an idiot couple—what the hell, they're siblings!? Hm, it's not like I'm jealous or anything!

I turned toward the cashier, firmly believing that I could say something even more embarrassing. A super pervert brother that no one could imitate!

"Sorry for keeping you waiting. What do you want to buy?"

"Today newest R18+ eroge, 'Christmas Holy night' and 'Little H-Holy Night' limited edition figure!"

Of course, I decisively made that request.

"Do you have to raise your voice?"

"The more frank you sound the less embarrassment you feel."

"I'm not talking about you! I'm saying that I'm very embarrassed! They are whispering 'the boyfriend of that beautiful girl is now asking to buy an eroge'!"

"That eroge is for you in the first place!"

"Now is not the time to talk about this!"

She kept getting angry at me after we finished buying, even when we visited other stores. Although our primary object was to take part in this promotion, but to walk around in other stores… well, maybe it's otaku's spirit.

A high school girl spending her weekend by buying otaku items… what a method. And so, after we bought a lot of things, we returned to the road leading to Akihabara's station. Of course, I carried all of the goods with both my hands and shoulders.

Now it is about 2:00 PM.

"Don't be mad anymore. Here, take a look at this."

I took the 'little H-holy night figure' and gave it to my imouto-loving little sister. Although I didn't tell you before, but of course this is a little sister-based eroge too.

"You, do you think that you can calm my anger with only a game—wow~ so cute~!"

See? You did become calmer. Even I was surprised. To think it would be that effective.

"Look look at this… this is absolutely not a normal promotion gift! They clearly didn't go all out when they made this…! Wow wow! Look look at this pantsu's crease!"

"Do you think that I'm someone who could tell the difference from a pantsu's crease?"

Maybe it's otaku's natural skill, but I don't have such ability.

"You look like you can…"

I look like I can? Impossible…

"Ah forget it—come on, put it away. If someone saw us now, they would say 'Damn, the girlfriend of this super handsome guy is having a bliss expression when checking a ero figure's pantsu'."

"What do you mean?"

My sister shot me a ruthless and cold gaze.

"Alright, just take it."

And so, we kept moving in Akihabara's street. Of course we moved around by subway. When I came to Tokyo, the thing that shocked me most was Tokyo's complex subway web.

At our home, although Chiba had its own rail system, but it couldn't hold a candle to Tokyo's. Is it that the residents of Tokyo could understand all of it and use them effectively? If they could, they must come from the future.

Too many trivias. Right now, we are on the subway leading to Oshiage's station (in front of the Skytree). The car is quite empty. Naruko and I sat next to each other.

"Next is Skytree right? I have come here before."

"Yes."

"Isn't it too soon for sightseeing now? It's not even sunset yet."

"I know that. I have prepared carefully."

"Really?" Naruko looked at me with doubtful eyes.

"Yes. Hey, I will make you look at me in a different light."

"Hee. You sound so confident."

"Yup" Because I had made sure to prepare for today. Of course I didn't neglect anything.

Naruko brushed her hair and pretended to be arrogant. "Well, what about that big pile? Going around with them is going to be hard."

Aren't they all of the things you bought? Of course I didn't say it out, I only narrowed my eyes. If this was someone else, then their endurance would have already ran out.

"There, an eroge poster is sticking out. It's fine at Akiba, but do you plan to come to Skytree with that? Do you know what delicacy means?"

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

I drew my beam saber (ie, a magazine) from behind my back. Tch… damn…why does the more I patiently endure, the more irritated this girl become? It's not a ninja's training session! I suddenly remember a training that involved walking above tree every day.

Looking back at the pile around me, I reaffirmed, "I told you that I planned it all already. Even with that big pile or our time until evening, I planned for them all. Just leave it to me."

Just like me from five years ago.

Naruko immediately pouted and turned away. "… If you say so… then I will believe you for now… since we are going to break the rules today, you are the only who will be scolded if our parents found out."

Today, I told them that both of us were going to take part in a Christmas event at Uzumaki's store.

Once more, Naruko stared at me. "Okay, so now what?"

"Umu" I nodded and turned to Naruko, announced "I have booked a room in a hotel."

"Are you out of your mind!?" Naruko suddenly raised her voice.

"Hey hey, don't be so loud. This car is quite empty, but we are still in a subway."

But in her extreme agitated state, Naruko yelled, "Sh, shut up! This is because you said something so unbelievable!"

"What part is unbelievable? Our stuff is both heavy and numerous, it's best if we left them at the hotel before going out, don't you think?"

"Non, nonsense! You took your sister to a love hotel two times? How is that believable?"

"It's not a love hotel!"

"Ha, ha?"

"I booked a normal hotel!"

"I see."

Naruko blushed and had nothing else to say.

"You have to say it first!"

I clenched my hand and sighed 'hmph' in defeat.

"What are you complaining about? You are the one who misunderstood on your own!"

"That's because the way you said it was misleading!"

"No normal person would misunderstand that! You ero! Ero imouto! As expected of a sister who lead her brother into a love hotel at night!"

"That, that had a complex reason… and stop talking like that! What if someone heard us and misunderstood?"

And so on. Inside the subway, our sibling's quarrel kept going without end.

Around 30 minutes later—we siblings are now inside a room of a hotel that is a distance away from the Skytree. Of course that is just a cheap room. The furniture included a single bed, a middle size table and two chairs. I dropped two big bags on my hand to the table.

"Phew—so heavy."

I twisted my shoulders and turned toward my sister. Naruko only stood near the door, she looked confused.

"What are you doing? Hurry up and go in."

Hugging herself, Naruko said, "… You are not going to do something weird, are you?"

"What? What weird stuff? No, I'm not going to do anything."

About stuff like going into the bathroom or losing control of myself… You are way too vigilant. Well, if I said it out then more trouble will drop on me.

"Recently, I felt that you look at me in a pervert light…"

She sounded really worried. Why is that? Let me ask anyone with a sister something for a reference, what would you do if you sister said that to you? But I don't even want to speak for myself anymore. I'm tired of that.

"Since we are here already, there is nothing that can be said at this point."

"… What…!"

Why did Naruko sound so shocked? Did I say something wrong…? Oh crap! Crap crap! Just now, isn't that the same words men use when they take a girl to a hotel!?

"Just, just now, I said it wrong. I didn't mean it that way!"

"I, I know, know, know it already…!"

Both me and Naruko were embarrassed. From an outsider's point of view, we both look like two idiots.

"Hey"

"Wh, what…?"

"Recently, didn't you remain too vigilant?"

"…"

Bull's eyes! Naruko's eyes widened. My question seemed like I hit her weak spot.

"That…! That, that, that…!"

"Calm down. Otherwise you won't be able to finish your words."

Naruko has entered strong vibration mode, she kept saying 'that that that!' nonstop.

"There is nothing like that!"

Finally, she let it out.

"No, right."

From her strong reaction, it's clear that I hit somewhere sensitive. There must be a reason for Naruko to become vigilant recently.

"…"

Naruko stayed silent. She bit her lips. Maybe because of her recent outburst, her face was deep red.

I scratched my head and said, "It's fine if you don't want to admit it. But I'm tired of those unclear things that cause a quarrel between us already."

Such honest words. The me from before would definitely not say it out. Naruko finally calmed down and nodded.

"To tell the truth, the reason I became too vigilant…must be my subconscious…but that's my personal reason only, you don't have to pay attention to it."

"I see. Then I will leave it aside."

"Mmm, that's better."

"But it's true that recently you looked at me with pervert eyes, right?"

"You come back to that?!"

"You think that I didn't notice? When I was lying down on the sofa, you looked at my body with ero eyes. Like my shoulder"

Naruko didn't seem like she was going to let it go, she slowly drew her face closer, she stared at me in a questioning-like glance.

"So? Speak it out!"

"I looked at your shoulder, the part wasn't covered by your clothes with pervert eyes? Fufufu… sorry Naruko, that's a big misunderstanding."

I calmly answered in a deep voice,"What I looked at… was your ass."

"Dieeeeeee!" Naruko threw her bag at me full force. But that's useless.

"Oh, oh."

"Why are you stopping it? Accept your punishment!"

"Refuse. Kukuku… if you want to punish me, you need Chiaki-like attack power."

"Hmph… recently you sexually harass your sister too much!"

"Because we are siblings, it's fine if I look at your ass, right?"

"No it's not!"

Maybe so.

"I don't mind if you see my ass."

"I do! Gehaa gehaa… Aaa mou… my throat hurts."

See, that's because you screamed like an idiot. I took a bottle of water in the hotel's refrigerator, opened it and give it to Naruko.

"Here"

Naruko silently took the bottle and drank it down.

"Puhaa…"

"Did you calm down yet?"

As soon as I asked, Naruko looked up and stared at me, "I'm not, we are not done yet, but I will leave it aside for now."

What a persistent girl.

Naruko sat down on the bed and crossed her legs.

"What are you going to do now? There is still much time left until dark, how are you going to make me happy during that time?"

Good question.

"Hehe, try guessing."

"Ha~ annoying, stop trying to show off, hurry up and say it."

"…"

Can I have a day with this girl without feeling annoyed? I recovered and raised one of my hands, pointed to the space in front of me.

"Consider our current place and condition, how to make you happy—it's not easy to guess, but give it a try!"

"Uhm!?"

Naruko suddenly become aware of the bed behind her–which I was pointing at. Her whole body stiffens.

"You, you, do you! You want to do me here…!"

"I'm not! Why do you always come up with such ero misunderstandings whenever I say something!?"

Could it be that you are tempting me? You think that I'm not the type to forcefully lay my hand on my own sister?

"Shut up! That's because you always answer in a misleading method! Hurry up and answer me properly!"

"Okay okay… to tell the truth, I don't think there is room for misunderstanding here. Because in this place, there is only one thing that 'can make Naruko happily spend time'."

I pointed at the pile of bags on the floor.

"Ah…"

My slow sister seemed to have realized that too. What I wanted to do together with my sister here—of course that is 'it'.

"Of course it's playing our recently bought eroge."

"… I see." Naruko nodded. I let out a sigh of relief.

"You are the type that wants to play newly bought games as soon as possible. Even a few minutes, few seconds earlier is okay."

The night before you came to America, you asked me to come to this shopping district in the middle of the night.

"Right, ah~ … even if you don't ask, I did plan to play this 'Christmas holy night'."

"Alright! I brought a laptop with me, let's hurry and—"

"—Wait a sec. Actually I also thought that way too!"

"Oh!"

What kind of development is that.

Naruko raised one hand and stopped me.

"I also brought my new bought notebook, let's install it in here."

She took a notebook out of her bag and showed it to me with a smile.

"Clang clang~"

"…"

… It can't be true… It can't be real…

"Good, what are you spacing out for? Recently eroge is too big. If we want to play it quick we have to install it as fast as possible!"

"Right right…"

Once again, I feel that. My sister is someone who always surpasses my expectations.

About 30 minutes later—we are in the room, lights off. On the table, there is the bustup of the main character in 'Christmas Holy night', named Christmas." In front of her was a small Christmas cake. The room was dark, the only light came from a romantic candle.

"Wow wow… Christmas-chan~ merry Christmas~" Naruko placed her hands on her cheeks, she looked at this bustup with a happy expression.

By Naruko's order, I bought that cake here. Standing to the side, I looked at my sister… muttering.

"… Say, what religion is that?"

"Um? Did you say something?"

"I was asking what kind of weird scene is that."

"Ha? Don't you get it from looking?"

"I asked because I didn't get it!"

A darkened room lit up by candle fire. A cake in front of an eroge's laptop screen. Totally focus on that… I think it's some kind of evil religion's ceremony.

"Oh wow… you really don't know… I'm so disappointed."

"Don't look at me with such pitiful eyes."

From a neutral point of view, you are the pitiful one here!

"This is something all eroge gamers know about. A ceremony to celebrate Christmas."

I know nothing about it. Don't lie, okay?

"Really?" I asked her with a glimmer of hope.

"It's true. Otherwise, what is the purpose of that function in 'Christmas-chan and Christmas'?"

Christmas-chan's bustup can sing Christmas's song too. So that's the function you are talking about…

"Recently, most of the eroges have a similar function."

I don't think I will need it. Doesn't that function only make the game heavier? There is nothing real about it.

"Alright~ Naruto—sing."

"Hah?" What did you just say?

Turning to the confused me, Naruko repeated herself, "I want you to sing."

… Her eyes are serious.

"Sing for me."

"… Sure sure. But what song you want me to sing for you?"

"Just choose anything you like.

"Alright, hmmm… ah, I think this song is perfect for you."

And so I begin to sing She's Electric of the Oasis for Naruko.

::::::

She's electric

She's in a family full of eccentrics

She's done things I never expected

And I need more time

She's got a sister

And god only knows how I've missed her

And on the palm of her hand is a blister

And I need more time

And I want you to know

I've got my mind made up now

But I need more time

And I want you to say

Do you know what I'm saying?

But I need more—

'Cause I'll be you and you'll be me

There's lots and lots for us to see

There's lots and lots for us to do

She is electric, can I be electric too?

She's got a brother

We don't get on with one another

But I quite fancy her mother

And I think that she likes me

She's got a cousin

In fact she's got 'bout a dozen

She's got one in the oven

But it's nothing to do with me

And I want you to know

Got my mind made up now

But I need more time

And I want you to say

Do you know what I'm saying?

But I need more—

'Cause I'll be you and you'll be me

There's lots and lots for us to see

There's lots and lots for us to do

She is electric, can I be electric too?

Can I be electric too?

Can I be electric too?

Can I be electric too?

::::::

(◕ω◕✿)

In a hotel In Akiba during our date, I sing for Naruko—This later became one of my unforgettable memories.

After that, we played eroge together.

"What's with your wry smile?"

"You seem very happy."

She looked like she was truly having fun. Naruko showed a satisfied expression.

"Isn't it good?"

I thought about it and answered. "Yes, there is nothing bad about it."

"… Do you think I'm disgusting?"

"Generally speaking, society will agree. But I definitely will not despise you."

"Absolutely?"

"Yes, absolutely."

"Really? Absolutely?"

"Abosulutely. Absolutely sure."

Do you guys remember… that is a conversation only we could understand.

Back then, I was only trying to end the conversation with my hated little sister as soon as possible.

But now is not the same. I thought so from the bottom of my heart. Hearing my answer, Naruko also made a different reply. She shyly smiled and said.

"Hehe…I know."

"That's right."

I sat down on the bed by my little sister's side.

Click click, Naruko moved the mouse and looked the screen. Then she glanced at me.

"Ah~ how should I say it~"

"… Yes?"

"Ah, ehhh, um… about."

What an incomprehensible girl.

"I feel, feel like I don't know how to express it. Please wait for me to carefully think before saying it out."

"I see. That's fine then."

"Mmm."

She glanced at me once more, our eyes met.

"However, there is one thing I could say clearly—I'm very happy. Thank you Naruto"

"…"

I was shaken beyond expected, my eyes shot open.

"Thank you for loving me."

"… Mmm."

That was all I could say even when I mustered all of my power.

Not good my heart is racing. My face feels hot. I remembered that at the beginning, it was like that too. My little sister cannot be this cute. Every time I saw my little sister's smile. Every time she thanked me, I always thought so.

"Umm… Naruto, Do you still remember the bet we made?"

"What?"

"That, you know? Our bet? If you got a perfect score in the exam… I will do whatever you say once… what do you wish for? "

A pair of girly, moist eyes looked at me and asked.

Right now, Naruko probably wanted me to say something cool like 'I wish to settle things between us'. That is what I thought afterward, at least. However, my answer to this anxiously waiting maiden with a racing heart is.

"Ah that, I wish to do some H-stuff with you~"

"You should go die already! Pervert! Disgusting… is that something humans should do in this kind of situation?"

"Anyone would do the same if they have that kind of bet! Absolutely! I don't think that I'm a special pervert!"

"Don't you see that recently you have turned into a special pervert? You used 'it's fine since we are siblings' as a reason to sexually harass me."

"That's just your imagination."

"No way!"

"Alright alright~ let's continue play eroge. Didn't you want to enjoy it?"

"Don't change the topic!"

Hehehe~ This girl is so easy to tease.

Unconsciously, my dear little sister has devoted all of her attention to the eroge. On the other hand, while I was playing eroge with my little sister, the atmosphere was becoming more and more erotic.

It's not my fault! But! The distance is too close. I'm more sensitive than before! It can't be helped!

Totally oblivious to my distress, Naruko continued talking about eroge.

"By the way this 'Christmas Holy night' is about to enter the scene when those siblings go on a date during Christmas."

"I never thought the next scene was this."

"… There is the confession scene too."

"…"

That is the scene when the protagonist invited his little sister 'Sharo' to a date.

"… Ehehehe… it's starting…Sharo-tan, so cute ~"

The one who made that gross sound just now was none other than my little sister.

The one Naruko was trying to conquer 'Sharo-tan' a girl with a noble, princess-like appearance and a cold nickname 'Snow Queen'.

The female protagonist of this Christmas-themed game always wears Christmas-styled clothes. Since the appearance and the clothes are not matching, I personally don't think it is appropriate. I didn't mean it didn't suit her body, but…

I took a deep breath and spoke in a slightly reckless tone. "Say, Naruko, don't you think that her clothes are vulgar?"

"Hah! You absolutely must not say it out!"

She yelled so loudly. That meant "… Sure enough, you think it's vulgar too."

"I knew it the moment I saw the game's package! But I endured to not say it out…!"

In this game, that Sharo-tan had great taste. She was wearing strange clothing, yet she received praise wherever she went in game.

… Somehow, it made me remember a certain hikikomori girl.

"Not only this girl. Those girls in this eroge sometime wear even more shocking outfits outside. They are all supposed to be normal school girls."

"Shut up! In this world… there are things that you can criticize and things that you cannot!"

"I, I see…"

Uhh… she is really mad. Looks like I stepped on a landmine.

"Sorry."

"It's good that you understand… hehehe, then adjust my mood. Sharo-tan, will you agree to go on a date with me~"

Kacha kacha kacha kacha Naruko continued reading the event that she had been waiting for.

Since the time for this had gone for too long, allow me to explain a bit about this eroge 'Christmas Holy night'. First, the female protagonist of this game, Sharo-tan was born on a Christmas night. Following an old custom, she still goes to an 'academy' despite that she is now 18 years old.

That's all for now. Now this is the current playing scene.

[ Sharo: "Oh, what…you said you have something to tell me on Christmas?"]

[ Sharo: "Hoh…~ What? Are you asking me out? You really don't know your limits." ]

"This girl surely looked down on her onii-chan (the protagonist). Really annoying."

"That's the best part! Girls who are proud like this are cutest when they get all dere-dere!"

Naruko strongly advocated this case.

Even when those proud girls get dere-dere, their cute side only last for a blink of an eye. Just like this girl, even after getting dere-dere, they still put up a façade.

"You, did you say something?"

"Of course not."

There is no need to say something that will piss you off.

"Say, you seem to like that kind of female protagonists."

"It wasn't like that at first, but because of the Sharo from 'Sis X Bro', my love for tsundere had awakened."

"Hoh~um"

I have explained about 'Sis X Bro' so many times before, so this time I will be brief.

Long ago, Naruko forced on me one of her favorite eroge, which had a another 'Sharo' character that had a quick temper exactly like Naruko.

"By the way, you have finished 'Sis X Bro', haven't you?"

Oh damn, I just dug my own grave.

"Let's talk about that later and play this game now."

Naruko pouted, she was a little disappointed, but she kept clicking the mouse because she was more interested in the plot development.

[ Sharo: "Alright Onii-chan. I'm going on a date with you.]

[ Sharo: "On my precious birthdayhow are you going to make me happy? ]

I looked at Naruko.

"This is the same thing you said earlier."

"Shut up. Because the setting is almost the same, it's unavoidable if we use the same words."

Is that so?

After that, we passed some time in silence. Naruko was focusing on the game without saying anything. I also didn't speak a word.

The only sound in this room was from the game, sometimes leaking disgusting sounds like [Chu ] or [Ah ]

I'm not going to explain those sound, please use your own imagination.

The Christmas in game was proceeding smoothly—there were no special events worth mentioning. Ah, by the way, this game's setting is in a country called Yukiguni. It was modeled after Sapporo.

The protagonist and the female protagonist are walking along the street filled with Christmas lights and watching the Christmas tree from afar and cracking jokes like 'We are siblings, but we look like lovers'.

"…"

This should be a funny scene, but somehow it felt very very serious. And then…

[ Protagonist: I love you. Love you. ]

[ Sharo: "… I… I… am your little sister?" ]

The confession scene had arrived. To tell the truth, those clichéd plot lines weren't very strong. Among the little sister based eroge that my imouto forced on me, I had seen several similar scenes. But, 'now' was unlike before.

In the game, the protagonist put the ring on the little sister's finger—and started the confession.

[ Protagonist: "Even if you are my little sister, I love you. Let us be together forever and ever." ]

Pretty good. I thought. He dared to say that out, I was truly impressed. No one would think that 'those simple words' required immeasurable determination to speak it out.

Certainly, that confession meant that he had bet his entire life on it. He had walked into a road without turning back.

I took a deep breath.

[ Sharo: "… Um, me too… I'm thinking the same" ]

The blessing snow fell down as they hugged each other.

Then the screen turned black, the scene was cut off.

"Hah? What is the next scene?"

Click. Naruko smashed down on the enter key. The next scene was…

[ Sharo: "Doing H-things immediately on the confession daywhat a troublesome man…"

An ero CG appeared.

Don't do each other immediately after the confession! But of course that's expected! Since this is an eroge!

"…"

"…"

However, for us who were so excited that we forgot everything, this is a very shocking development. So both of our eyes widened.

"…"

"…"

Time passed, both of us remained frozen. Finally, I managed to point at the screen.

"… Say, can I use my wish for this?"

"Wish my ass!"

(◕ω◕✿)

"This is about time. Although it's not very good to stop when the route has just started developing."

"No, we are right to stop here."

Naruko turned off the game and stood up, straightening her back.

"Alright~ I'm satisfied~~ I will save the rest until I get home!"

And so—Next is to visit Skytree in the night!

"Clouds are everywhere! I mean the sky is full of clouds!"

"Yeah…"

I hope you guys can understand my feelings, which right now I want nothing more than to escape this reality. My current situation is—at night, we came to Skytree's observation deck to have a look, but there were clouds everywhere.

Naruko was scared.

"What are we going to do? There is no way we can see the night at this rate!"

"Well well… just complain toward the heaven."

Although it's the heaven's fault, but clearly it couldn't calm my pissed off sister.

"Kuh!"

Don't growl okay? Are you a beast or what?

"… Tch."

Together with the clearly pissed off Naruko, I started walking around in Skytree's observation deck.

The observation deck is a three floor, circle shaped building. From the surrounding windows, we could clearly see all of Tokyo (although it's covered in clouds now) and some famous places, like souvenir shop, coffee shop or something. Based on what I heard… the price is very high… but this is a very nice place. First is Sumida.

"How should I put it. Here, it feels like I'm in a space ship."

"Ha? Wow, were you on a space ship before?"

"I was making an example."

From the look of it, her mood is still bad. There were lots of couples that decided to spend a night here like us. The scene of men like me who are facing the same dilemma are everywhere.

"Hey hey, look Naruko, the girlfriend over here is laudably telling her apologizing boyfriend 'This can't be helped' in a gentle manner!"

Why don't you learn something from her? Thinking so, I pointed that couple to Naruko.

"That boyfriend is trying his best to apologize to his girlfriend—look at yourself, you blamed everything on the heavens, what do you think about it?"

"Hey Naruko. Look what is that?" I kept my attack.

Naruko just blankly looked at me. "Tch… really, so—what did you just say?"

"Look over here."

On a big screen, they are showing a scene of Skytree looking from here. The movie is fast-forwarded a lot, because viewers can see both the scene in night and day.

"So cool. So I can see a scene like that."

"But it's all clouds now."

"Alright. Look, the fireworks are about to begin."

The fireworks began on the screen. Although I have seen many fireworks before, but this is the first time I saw fireworks from this angle. The ball-shape of the firework can be seen clearly from here.

"… It's like Naruko's face."

"What are you saying?"

"Nothing. How about we go another round?"

"I want to visit the place they just showed on the TV, where they had a full-glass floor."

"Good. Then after that? How about visit the highest place and the lookout platform too?"

"But it's cloudy?"

"Let's go have a look! We rarely get a chance like that!"

Bad luck keeps coming. To tell the truth, I expected my 'schedule' to take a look along the lookout platform! Although my original object is done, but because it's cloudy my plan is now messed up.

"Alright alright. I got it. Don't worry… I will be with you till the end."

"… Mmm."

After so many complaints and teasing, only now she showed a bit of tenderness. My sister is really a cunning girl.

At least the situation will not get any worse—finally, just like my prayers has reached the heaven, when we are on the elevator leading to the lookout platform, a miracle happened in front of us.

"It's snow."

Naruko ran to the windows and clapped her hands.

"… Wow…"

We are not the only ones. Smiles appeared on the other's couple's face.

… When it was cloudy, I thought that I had a bad luck. Haha, seemed like my luck is quite unpredictable. I also smiled.

"… How is that. Beautiful, right?"

"It's not your credit anyway. You didn't say that you checked the weather forecast."

Naruko watched the outside scene without blinking. Her blank tone was unable to conceal her happiness.

"Haha, you are right. It's not my credit—" Thank you, God.

The lights that don't lose to the clouds shine on the ground. Down there—the pure white snow dance descends.

"… So beautiful."

"Really, in this case… it's good."

The more moved humans are, the less they speak. Both of us stood there and looked at the street slowly getting dyed white by the snow. Two of us. Two siblings. Around us, the other couples created private space for each of them. I'm the same. I don't hear any sounds around us…

Alright. " —Say, Naruko."

"Mmm? Yes?"

"About… what you are planning to do in the future."

I started talking about the main topic. Both me and Naruko didn't look at each other. We kept looking at the street below.

"Ah, you already heard?"

"Mmm… yes, I have heard."

"From who? Dad?"

"Ah, you are right."

"… I see."

Our conversation stopped. I felt like an eternity has passed. The truth is, our silence only lasted for about ten seconds.

"I plan to go aboard again after graduation."

"…"

"I have made up my decision."

"…"

I didn't say anything and remained silent. We didn't look at each other.

Naruko didn't care. She made up her mind and said, "I won't fall like last time. The last time, I have become aware of myself… I will frequently go home, I will keep contact with everyone… Rias-san will come to see me too."

"…"

"Say something, will you?" Naruko looked at me.

I slowly directed my eyes toward my sister. This time, our eyes met.

"About that… Naruko."

"… Yes?"

"I'm gonna confess my feelings to Weiss."

And so, I said my true feelings towards the most important person to me, I cut off my escape route in order to convey my feelings.

"I plan to tell her on her birthday next week."

"…"

My sister blankly listened to me. Maybe she was so shocked that she couldn't say anything.

"I can't keep my promise to you. Please forgive me Naruko…"

I temporarily paused and directly looked into her eyes.

"I can't stop this feelings anymore… I really love her, so…"

Even until now, Naruko's expression didn't change.

"… Please allow me to be with Weiss… This is my wish."

A few seconds later… a stream of tears fell down from her eyes.

Naruko finally spoke.

"… I see… If that's what Naruto really wish for…"

With tearful eyes and forced smile Naruko continued.

"It's okay… you do not have to keep that promise anymore. I grant your wish. You can be together with her."

After saying that, Naruko quickly turned away and run as I painfully looked at her retreating back getting further and further.

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