Love, Eroge, Music & Other Craziness

by Geek Girl Naruru

Namikaze Naruto 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 a piano on one of his travels to a junkyard and helps her in many ways as he discover that her name is Weiss Schnee.

46. Dark Angel Crash -Part 1-

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Right now, my house is holding a family meeting. Everyone in the Namikaze household was present — in other words: me, my sister, Mom and Dad.

Just like usual, I sat next to Naruko while my parents sat in front of us with a serious expression. Then Mom started with a topic that made me yell in surprise.

"… Naruto, you… have you done something strange to Naruko?"

"W-What!?"

"Ha? Ha!?"

Hearing that totally unexpected topic, both Naruko and I were caught off guard.

"Mom? What did you just say?"

"I asked if you have done something strange to Naruko."

"What do you mean by 'strange'?"

"Yes! Strange means strange things!"

Give me a good answer! You really are Naruko's mother!

"That… in other words… you are thinking that I have done some erotic things to Naruko?"

"Cough cough cough!" Next to me, Naruko choked.

Well… her reaction is understandable. Seeing my reaction, Mom's eyes suddenly became sharper.

"I didn't mean it like that, but since that's the first thing that came to your mind, so it seems…"

"It is impossible!" Naruko regained her breathing and said.

"How could it be!? Mom, how could you make that impossible misunderstanding! Ah! Ahhhhhhh! Me and Naruto… in that situation… it's impossible!"

"That's it!" Mom seemed like she caught a weak point and pointed at Naruko.

"Yes?"

"You just called him 'Naruto'. In the past you only called him 'Hey' or 'You'. Why did you call him by name now?"

… True, I don't know since when but she had started calling me 'Naruto'. Still, there was nothing bad about Naruko calling me by name, so I unconsciously accepted that as something natural. It's not like I wanted to be called 'You' or 'Hey'.

Her weak point was caught and Naruko looked very troubled.

"About that — I had a change of heart."

"Change of heart huh?"

"An, anyway — it's not like that!"

She looked like she was about to die. Maybe from Naruko's point of view, being together with me… is a very bad misunderstanding.

"Also, your relationship had become better than before."

"Isn't that a good thing?"

Yes, just like that. Keep talking about 'cherish my sister' and 'get along better with my sister' until this topic is over.

"It has gotten too close." Mom said so.

"Your relationship was bad — but now you often go to each other's rooms and go out together during weekends."

We went to each other's room mostly to force an eroge in my hands or to return an eroge to Naruko. And we mostly went to Kuroneko's home during weekends.

"When Naruko brought Haku-chan home, Naruto… your reaction… is that a normal reaction toward 'my sister's boyfriend'?"

… At that time, I had done something both shameful and stupid. I still remember what I did, so I couldn't say anything back.

"… But that's only a fake boyfriend…"

"At that time, you didn't know it. Yet you still overreacted and had a bad attitude."

…Well… I did. No, no. It was because of a misunderstanding! So wait a second, Mom. Where is your common sense? How could you pair up your own son and daughter?

Then Mom delivered her finishing blow.

"A while ago, you even came back home in what looked like wedding clothes!"

"So that's the main reason!"

"So that's the main reason!"

Both of us yelled out at the same time.

Dammit! Because it was such a black history, I already removed it from my memory. That's right. One month ago, because of an unforeseeable problem, I went to a concert with my sister while both us were wearing wedding clothes. That day, when we came back home — we looked like we were cosplaying as a pair of newlyweds (actually, at that point I could barely be considered a groom). When Mom opened the door for us, she looked at the sky and massaged her forehead… that reaction was understandable.

"It's not like that! There is a reason for that! I told you that already!"

"You had received a call from Misaki-san, right?"

"A reason for that… huh? Then there is another reason for holding your hands together like lovers?"

"…"

"…"

"Did we do that?"

"Don't ask me!"

Maybe we did? It had been too long, I didn't remember much!

"And — this!"

"Ah! This… this!"

Mom showed us the photo sticker that I took together with Naruko.

… Yup, this could surely cause a misunderstanding.

"Mom! How could you have that…!?"

"Why couldn't I? It was stuck on the refrigerator."

"…"

Since I was the one who stuck it there… it's not good for me…

"You idiot! I told you to get rid of it…!"

Naruko's face turned bright red and she head-butted me. It hurt so much!

"Anyway — recently, your behavior is way too suspicious. The neighbors are talking about it too."

… That was because of you Mom. You were the one who was gossiping with them! Thanks to you, they knew almost everything about our house, like how we bought a computer for the first time and a whole lot of other stuff.

Anyway… Mom probably pieced together those fragmented stories between me and Naruko, and made an assumption about our 'abnormally good' relationship — what an unbelievable misunderstanding! Because of that, it turned into this family meeting. What should I say now? About the fact that I came home in wedding clothes, I couldn't deny that I had my fair share of responsibility. But between me and Naruko… it was too much.

"It's impossible."

"Mom, you are wrong."

Both of us kept trying to explain.

Then I turned to Dad, who had stayed silent from the beginning.

"Dad, say something please!"

Dad made a 'don't pass the ball to me now' expression then sighed and said, "I'm not worried about the situation that your mother just talked about. I'm the one who understands what is going on between you and Naruko better than anyone. For you to cherish each other so much is within my expectations."

Dad, you are making it worse! My face was gradually getting redder, my throat seemed like it was blocked.

"…"

No, no, don't say something so embarrassing! I'm embarrassed!

… I didn't even know why Dad spoke so highly of me — no, it's probably because I was the one who brought Naruko back from America. It's natural for a doting brother to take care of his sister. Now, I could say it without hesitation. Still, Dad wasn't the type to just praise someone that easily.

"Naruto. Think back to about one year ago."

"One year ago?"

"Yes, about Naruko's — no, your hobby, we talked about it before."

"…"

Naruko's hobby — you mean the 'little sister based eroge'? When Mom caught her? At that time, I insisted that it was my hobby.

"EROGE IS MY SOUL!" I said something that unbelievable. I immediately noticed what Dad wanted to tell me without voicing it out. Mom is very sensitive; this must be the main reason that she suspected my relationship with Naruko. Although I think it's impossible for anything to happen between us, Mom and Dad might not think so. I finally understood the real reason of this family meeting.

"…I understand." Choosing my words carefully, I said, "Mom, Dad, you worry too much. I promise you that Naruko and I only have a normal relationship."

Naruko probably agrees too. I looked at Naruko and noticed she seemed to be in a panic.

"Of… of course!"

She immediately turned her head away after saying that, which means she treated me with the same attitude as before. Seeing that cold reaction, Mom's concern should be eased a little.

I secretly took a look at Mom's unhappy face.

"Oh, oh… so… that's all."

"Although I understand what you two are trying to say, I still can't believe it."

"Mom, don't say that!"

So what exactly did you want us to do?

"If you two could get a boyfriend and girlfriend, I could rest assured…"

"…"

"…"

Both Naruko and I stayed silent. It isn't like we don't understand what you are saying, but it's not something that can be done so easily. Why did we have to endure this?

"Naruto, what do you think about Weiss?"

"I told you already, there is nothing between us."

"Really…?"

I looked back at Mom.

"It seems that we have no other choice."

"… W-what?" Although I suddenly got a bad feeling, I still had to ask.

It wasn't Mom but Dad who answered me. He sighed and said, "Naruto, you are going to move out."

"What!?"

"What is the meaning of this, Dad!?"

While I was distracted for a moment, Naruto asked in my stead.

"After listening to you, that's our decision. One of my friends has an apartment with an empty room, consider this is a chance to get used to it.

"It's time you became independent, Naruto." Mom added

"What does that mean… are you going to kick Naruto out of the house?" Dad and mom ignored Naruko's question.

Dad then looked at me with meaningful eyes, "Naruto… how about this, at next month final exams, get a perfect score. If you can do that, you can return here."

I didn't know how to feel about this decision. Let me think about it for a moment. In other words, this time, Dad kicked me out of the house with a condition.

What a useless decision. Even if there was something going on between Naruko and me that worried my parents, that decision couldn't fix the root of the problem.

Is Dad okay with it? Or even he think that this is an useless decision? Well… I'm more worried if he had another intention in mind. Still, they had made their decision. Although I was a bit uncomfortable with it, but staying here and talking about it won't help. If I think about it carefully, it might be a good opportunity.

"Got it, I only need to get 100, right?"

"Yes, it is fine as long as you get a good result. What do you think, Kushina?"

"Hm, it's fine then. Listen well, Naruto. This is for your own good. Focus on your studies, okay?"

Ahh… you talked too much… everyone should understand my mom's feelings right?

I took a peak at Naruko in silence. Naruko had a displeased expression, she looked away from me. She must felt unhappy because of this misunderstanding and partly guilty because I was kicked out of the house.

I told her in my brightest voice, "Just wait, I will get a perfect score and come back in a flash."

"You seem very confident Naruto." Dad smiled.

You didn't trust me that much, did you?

"Leave it to me." I fearlessly answered back, but next to me, Naruko had a clearly unhappy expression.

"… What's with you, Naruko?"

"… It's nothing."

"I have to focus on studying, but I will come back soon. Do you have something to say against that?"

"Hmph you sound so energetic. Don't you see that you look like an idiot?"

… Did you hear what she just said? I was a fool to think that you felt guilty!

While I was upset, Naruko stood up and dealt another blow, "See ya~ Bye-bye~ It's okay if you don't come back."

(◕ω◕✿)

The next day, after school, I was lying down on my bed and looking at the celling, thinking about my future.

"…Living alone huh."

Well, when I entered university, I would have to live alone — I did consider that chance before. However, it didn't change the fact of how much this decision affected me. A high school student could probably understand my feelings now.

Still, at least for now I still had my parent's support. Dad said that staying alone would help me focus on studying.

"It's not too bad…"

Thinking back, this was probably the first time since I was born that my parents interfered with my life. I thought that my parents were all 'Naruko Naruko Naruko Naruko', and didn't give a damn about the useless and talentless me.

But from this decision, maybe it isn't like that. If they only wanted to separate me from Naruko they could just force me in a separate room only for studying without the need to kick me out of the house. Thinking back on it all, their unreasonable decision made me a little mad but they had really put a lot of thought into it. They may have thought a lot about it but that doesn't mean I'm okay with it.

"See ya~ Bye-bye~ It's okay if you don't come back."

After I move out, I won't have to see my sister's annoying face again. Although… I wanted to come back as soon as possible Thinking about living alone made me feel interested. However…

"… Somehow… I feel nervous too…"

I didn't know the cause nor did I want to solve this problem. But it still troubled me. I kept thinking randomly until someone knocked on the door.

"Yes?"

"Naruto~ Haku-chan came to see you." It was Mom.

"Haku?" I suddenly got up, fully awake.

There should be a reason for Haku to come to my home.

"I'm coming~!"

I rushed outside and ran to the front door. Haku was waiting there.

"Nice to see you, Naruto-kun. You look great today."

So annoying! Do you want to see me suffer? He is Haku Momochi. A handsome beautiful designer.

"Sorry, please wait while I go get your car."

"Car?"

"I meant bicycle. The Madoka itasha bicycle that I borrowed from you."

"Ah… well, to tell the truth, I was about to give it to you."

"I have no need for it! Take it back immediately!" I refused with all my might.

For a personal reason, I had to borrow Haku's itasha bicycle. To tell the truth, it wasn't ugly or anything. It was way passed a normal itasha's level. There was a very large image of a loli on it. He even called it 'Shooting Star'.

… For something that should never have existed, I didn't want to ride it a second time.

Haku smiled, "You said that you hate it, but you were on a high while riding it."

"Now is not the time to speak about what I felt when I rode it!"

"I see, so you were enjoying your sister's punishment game back then."

So annoying.

"Anyway, thanks to that, we could make it there in time for the live performance."

"It's good that my 'Shooting Star' could contribute to the love between you two."

His words were too easy to misunderstood.

"So, if you are not here to take back your bicycle, then why?"

"To joke around with you of course."

Hearing that, I immediately made an unwilling expression.

"Go ask the game research club or something. I already introduced them to you!"

"You are so cold. If I do that, our relationship will get weaker." I think it's better this way.

… Oh right, I could ask for his opinions about living alone too.

"Fine, let's have a talk then."

I didn't expect any useful tips; I just wanted to hear other people's opinions before making my own.

Upon hearing my request, Haku's eyes shot open in shock. Then he talked to me in a tone I had never heard before.

"… If you wanted to ask 'how can I marry my sister', then my conclusion is to just 'go for it'."

"Don't say that right in front of my house, goddammit!"

What should I do if Mom heard that! She will immediately kick me out of the house forever!

"Naruto!"

"Y-Yes?!"

Mom's voice came from behind me.

"Don't just stand there, come inside."

So dangerous… if Mom was few seconds earlier she would have heard Haku's idiotic comment.

"Hey Haku, let's go inside."

A few minutes later, I told Haku about 'how Mom misunderstood my relationship with Naruko and forced me to live alone outside'. He just smiled without saying anything.

After a moment he said, "… I see. So you must feel a little lost right."

"… How could you know?"

"You aren't exactly lost — but rather you are paying attention to trivial stuff. You are not honest with yourself, so you will definitely not admit it. However, I have to say it; you feel troubled because you don't want to leave your dear Naruko's side."

"It's not like that!" In short, the answers I received from everyone were all nonsense.

"In order to become one with your sister, your parent's reaction is a tough challenge for both of you."

"… Are you listening to me?" Why did you make the base assumption that I wanted to marry my sister?

"Of course I'm listening. I think that you are too anxious right now. Do you think that your choices are that limited?"

Limited choices? Did you think of something?

"Well… maybe that's because my body does not feel very well."

With a mountain of problems, I was lost. Not to mention that I didn't even know why I felt like this. So he meant that I shouldn't and couldn't worry about it?

"You have good intentions, but sometime it's better to stop, right? That's my advice for you — don't pay too much attention to those trivial matters. Look, the weather is nice today."

Just like an End CG of an eroge Haku opened his arms wide and looked at the sky.

"During this time of trouble, it's best that you forget everything else and play some eroge in your room. Using an optical mouse to play, make sure to set the screen so it is visible from the bed so that you can lie down and play with the little sisters. By throwing away your worries you might be able to come up with a solution. Even if you can't, the time you spend playing won't be a waste."

… Although he is weird, he is a good guy.

"… Thank you Haku. I feel better now."

"You are welcome." He laughed.

Seeing his smile, I laughed too… so, did we become friends? I'm not sure myself.

"So, please take back your bicycle."

I went outside to get 'Shooting Star' for him. However, I met someone else while out there.

"Ah? Isn't that Sasuke?"

"Yo! Naruto!"

The one who was waving his hand to me is Sasuke, one of my classmates and my best friend. He is the captain of the football team at our school and a doting brother for a fujoshi little sister.

Sasuke pointed at Haku, "Who is he?"

"The owner of this bicycle."

"What an unbelievable pervert."

Seeing 'Shooting Star', Sasuke made an expression that he understood and immediately made some distance between himself and Haku. Noticing that, Haku rubbed the back of his head.

"Ahhhhh~~"

Don't get embarrassed!

"My name is Haku Momochi, I'm a friend of Naruto."

"This pervert is your friend? Naruto you don't have any standards do you?"

"You aren't in a position to tell me that."

You hid in your little sister's wardrobe. You wanted to buy a love doll that looked like your little sister — compared to Haku, you are a perverted siscon! Ah, I forgot. I'm the only one here that knew both sides… I should introduce them.

"Haku, let me introduce you, this guy is Sasuke Uchiha."

"Pleased to meet you, Sasuke-kun."

With the introductions done I turned to Sasuke.

"Say Sasuke, why are you here?"

"I want to get a photo from you."

"What photo?"

"That photo!"

What exactly are you talking about?

"The photo of Satsuki kissing me."

"Ah… that… I already deleted it."

"NARUTOOOO!"

Don't hold my neck, damn it!

"It's because your little sister told me to do it!"

"What she actually meant was 'heehee, please don't delete it and quietly pass it to my brother'. How could you fail to grasp such a basic hint?"

"Ah, sorry, sorry. So if that's all, please go back to your home."

"You bastard! I still have something to ask you!"

"What?"

"Recently, you tried your damn best to deny about the rumour about how you cheated on princess."

"I was about to forget it, but thanks to you, now I want to die."

"Ah, sorry. So in order to cheer you up, let's talk about something interesting."

"Thank you very much — I am so lucky to have such wonderful friend (emotionless voice) — did you expect me to say that?"

"Of course we are going to talk about 'how cute my little sister is'."

"I knew it! I have already heard too much of it!"

"That's right, yesterday, Satsuki was so cute…"

"You only wanted to say it didn't you! Stop immediately!"

I hastily criticized Sasuke before he could start the speech about his little sister. Recently, in order to cheer me up, he has told me a lot of stories about Satsuki. I was happy because my friend worried about me, but there should be a limit to it.

"There is no need to be shy. Today I will tell you a special story about Satsuki's breasts."

"Then if you feel down, I will cheer you up by talking about Naruko's ass for three hours straight!"

"Do you think I care for someone's sister's ass?"

"Look at yourself! Reflect on what you just said!"

"… I can't help but smile when seeing this." Haku told us while smiling.

"Still, we should go somewhere else. If Kushina-san heard the conversation just now, Naruto-kun will be kicked out of this house forever."

"… I agree." Although I hate to admit it, he was right.

"Hm? What do you mean by being kicked out?" Sasuke tilted his head.

Haku explained to him in my stead.

"It's about Naruto-kun's sister. He was having a problem regarding this. We just talked about it before."

"Hey! There is no need to be shy Naruto. If you need to talk about sisters, then it's my turn to take the stage!"

"… You two should have just gone back…"

Haku, please refrain from using such misleading words.

"So… what exactly do you mean by 'problem regarding sister'?"

"Let's talk about it later."

How could I say that to this guy

"I told you there is no need to be shy."

"Let's go somewhere else first."

"Mmm…" Those two really don't want to go back.

Then Sasuke asked, "So, where are we going?"

Haku said, "There is a tea restaurant nearby, how about that?"

"Hey! Don't change the topic! Think about this bicycle and me for a second!"

Thanks to the illustrations on the wheels, everyone on the street was focusing on me! There is no way I could go to my apartment at this rate! Sasuke took a look at the crazy 'Shooting Star'.

"Naruto, please don't walk too close to me. Keep your distance."

"Aren't we friends, dammit!"

"It is another matter. In short, that bicycle is too much."

"How could you say something so heartless!?" I gave up on the heartless Sasuke and turned to the other side, "Say, Haku, although it's not fair to say it after I borrowed this from you, but can you take care of it for a while?"

"Since we already came this far, how about we both hop on it?"

"Allow me to refuse!"

Why am I surrounded by crazy perverted guys? While I was still angry, Haku suddenly made a suggestion.

"That's right. Naruto-kun, Sasuke-kun, do you want to come to my house?"

"Your house? Is it nearby?"

"Yes. The truth is, I am already living alone. Naruto-kun, how about you come to my house and hear some of my suggestions about living by yourself?"

"… Umm."

"Hey Naruto, what is with all this 'living all by yourself' stuff?"

"Didn't I tell you that I will explain everything later?"

I thought about Haku's suggestion. It wasn't a bad choice asking him for tips. If I heard something interesting, maybe I would feel better.

"What do you think? You are welcome to come." Haku smiled at us.

"Is this okay? What do you think Sasuke?"

"Of course I'm going. How could I give up halfway?"

"Then let's go."

So, the three of us started moving. Although we would probably talk about how to live alone, but well… lets consider it a small party then.

(◕ω◕✿)

While we were moving, I told Sasuke about what I had been talking with Haku earlier.

"Naruto has to live alone — so you wanted to give him an experience in your house."

"Yes… there are some things I wanted to ask."

"That's nice — I wanted to move out too!"

"Sasuke wouldn't you mind if it became an obstacle for your relationship with your little sister?"

"You are right! What a difficult problem!"

I was joking. There is no need to be worried for real.

"I think that I could become good friends with Sasuke-kun."

From some other point of view, you two are the same kind of people.

"But to think that you had already lived alone… Momochi isn't it… you are really cool!"

"It's nothing big. Please just call me Haku."

While they were chatting, we had arrived.

"Come, this is my house."

From the very big windows, I could see that this apartment had a very gorgeous building entrance and a spiral staircase. We took the elevator to the 25th floor (we left the 'Shooting Star' at a safe location) and came to Haku's house.

"… Say, Naruto I think that we have come to a super-incredible place…"

"… I get the same feeling."

Both Sasuke and I had never been to such a luxurious apartment, so we became silent.

"Please come in."

We entered.

Right in front of us was a love doll.

"What is that!?" Both Sasuke and I screamed in shock.

Seeing this, Haku titled his head, "Well… this is… art?"

"Don't answer in such oblivious manner!" I punched him in the head.

"Naruto-kun… so you are also a heartless person…" Holding his head in pain, he said, "Is something wrong? I just felt that this doll had a great design with a clear emotion expression, so I bought it from Akihabara. When I design things, I often use it as a reference for a female's body."

I had no idea if Haku was telling the truth… whether he bought this doll for an erotic reason or not… but from the fact that he placed it in a glass cabinet, he was probably telling the truth…

"What are you hesitating for Naruto! Did you believe in such an obvious lie? This guy must be an eroge god!"

"Normally I would have to agree, but this guy has an abnormal love toward 2D little sisters."

"He suits you very well…"

"I can't let that slide! Don't lump me together with this pervert!" I said as I pointed at Haku.

"Yes, that's right. Someone at my level couldn't even hope to catch Naruto-kun's heels."

"Stay quiet, damn it!"

We only talked about how much of a pervert you are. You just said that I'm a bigger pervert!

"Haha — I have seen something incredible right at the entrance, but leaving my guests here doesn't seem right, so please come in."

Sasuke and I looked at each other and communicated with our eyes.

(What should we do next Naruto? We don't know what else might be inside!)

(But we can't just say goodbye and run. As men, we will face death when our time comes.)

(… In just a year, you have become so brave.)

"Sorry for the intrusion~"

"Sorry for the intrusion~"

Both Sasuke and I entered the room.

After a short corridor, there were four doors in front of us. We realized that two of them were the bathroom and toilet. Haku opened the left door of the two remaining and said, "In here please."

"Right, right."

"This place looks very clean."

We voiced our opinions.

This is the living room. It was fourteen tatami mats large, with the main colors being black and silver. There is another glass cabinet over there which held Haku's designs.

"Hey, Haku…"

"What do you think, Naruto-kun?"

"There is no way I could get any useful references in this place!"

This place is way too high class. It's not somewhere a high school student could live.

"Really? I don't think it's that expensive. Besides, it's still inside Chiba."

"True, it's an advantage to live inside Chiba… by the way, how much for this room?"

"Rental fee? If I count both parking and public fees then it's about 532 000 yen"

It is way too much!

"I got it already. We are not talking in the same language." Sasuke tried to cheer me up.

"It is a rare chance; let's go take a look at this 532 000 yen room." Sasuke kept walking inside.

"Wow. It's worthy of being called high class."

"Ha ha, what do you think Naruto-kun?"

"There is no way I have this much money." I told him that.

"But there are many advantages."

"I see. Then tell me about it later."

"Of course, leave it to me."

I took another look at the living room. There was a leather sofa and a glass table. There was a 60 inch LCD TV on the wall with speakers on the sides and a subwoofer nearby. There was also something behind the sofa; could it be the legendary 5.1 sound system?

"Wow. Nice room."

"Ah! Did I see him at Castlevania?"

Hearing Sasuke's voice, I turned to him and noticed that there was a man resting on the sofa.

"Wow!"

We let out a surprised yell. Since he was out of sight from the beginning, we only noticed him now. He wasn't asleep, just looking at us while lying down.

"… Who are you?"

His voice was low and scary.

"Oh —"

Before we could answer, Haku stepped forward.

"Ah, Nii-san, what are you doing here?"

Haku's older brother — right, he told me about his brother at Summer Comicket.

"… Cough… so Haku… are these your guests?"

"Yes."

"I see."

He spoke like he just woke up from a nap. Haku's brother looked like he is in bad shape. He was a tall and noticeably muscular man with pale skin, short spiky black hair, dark brown eyes, and small eyebrows. He wear black and white clothes liked a mercenary soldier… to tell the truth, he reminded me of assassin.

As if he could read my thoughts, Haku's brother's eyes sharpened and looked at me.

Wow, what a terrifying gaze.

But he asked me in a penetrating voice, "… Coffee or tea… what would you prefer?"

"Wha?"

"I'm going to…make."

"I want tea."

"Me too."

"… Is hot okay with you?"

"No problem."

"Thank you."

"… Wait here."

Haku's brother didn't sound very enthusiastic, but he immediately got to work. Although his gaze was scary, it didn't look like he was bad person.

"Looks like we forgot to introduce ourselves." Sasuke said.

"You can do it later. Come on, sit down."

We sat down on the sofa. Before Haku's brother came back, there was something I wanted to ask.

"Is this place really your house?"

Haku sat down next to me.

"No, my home is in Kansai. Because of my work, I often had to go abroad. Hiring a room every time I come to Tokyo is a waste of money, so I accepted my brother's suggestion."

"Oh… so you two… stay here together…?"

"What about — those earrings and accessories?" Sasuke pointed at the glass cabinet.

"I made them myself. Looks good doesn't it?"

"So… about the pile of them in here… I saw some weird things…"

"I made them all myself."

"… Is your brother an otaku?"

"No, he isn't."

"Then you have done too much."

Just like Sasuke said. Your brother invited you to live here, but you turned the room into this. At least don't leave those otaku things in the open!

"Could it be… just now, your brother's unpleasantness wasn't aimed towards us…."

"But rather to his younger sibling?"

I don't know since when, but Haku's brother had returned with tea. He placed our cups down and said.

"This brat was spending time playing eroge in his room, making weird stuff by himself… are you the same? Are you otaku friends of his?"

"No we are not!"

"No we are not!"

Both of us denied immediately.

Haku smiled, "Don't say something so cruel brother. I think that everyone needs a hobby as long as they are breathing. You like to hang out at family cinemas and listen to music, and I like beautiful girls — what is so wrong about it?"

"A while ago, when I brought a girl home, she immediately ran away after passing the entrance."

"Oh! Why?"

Because she saw that life-size doll. What girl would not run away after seeing that?

"This was all because of you! I just looked away for a second and you had already placed that right at the entrance! Do you want to scare everyone away?"

"Ah! Cheer up brother! It's good that you don't end up with a girl who is unable to understand art!"

"How many girls can understand your art? How many girls are in this world that will not run away after seeing that doll?"

"Don't strangle me…"

He reaps what he sows, so we both had no intention of stopping his brother. He was even worse than Naruko, who spread my porn collection and put eroge on my laptop as a trap.

Haku's brother! Good work! Keep going!

"Haku, this tea is good…"

"You are right…."

"Hey, why are you two not helping me?"

"This is your fault."

"Your fault."

"Please don't say that."

"… Haah…" After a while, Haku's brother released him and sighed, "Listen to me. I could accept what you made in the cabinet. But please, remove that almost naked doll at the entrance!"

I was thinking the same, and Haku said, "Since one of my friends asked, I will give it to him later."

"You don't have any decent friends left!"

"Is it a member of the game research club?" I suddenly asked.

"Yes. Shimura-kun asked me to make an ero-figure of a character."

"Haku? You mean the guy that always talked with Satsuki? Hm~ I got it; he is a perverted ero lover."

In an instant, Shimura's image in Sasuke's eyes shattered…

Then Haku pointed at a twin-tailed figure, "Shimura-kun gave it to me as a reference. Since it was so unnatural, I'm trying to make something better. He would be very happy."

"He would probably be angry — he likes big breasted girls."

"What? But loli is much better!"

Haku didn't seem to understand. Shimura didn't seem like he hates lolis, but… he seemed to prefer big breasts though.

"So… 2D loli lover Haku and Shimura-kun, it doesn't seem like they could understand each other…"

"… From your conversation just now, that Shimura guy seemed to like working with Satsuki. There is no way I could forgive it!"

Once more, Shimura's image in Sasuke's eyes was destroyed… looks like we should stop talking about it.

"So…" If I continued, Sasuke's favor points towards Shimura would drop to negative infinity, so I changed the topic.

"Anyway, Haku, you should pay more attention to where you put your stuff. Your brother already allows you to live here for free…"

"Even if you say that, my room is already full."

What the hell? Did you room turn into a storage room just like Naruko's? I couldn't imagine it… anyway, you should think about your brother's situation too.

"I think that just placing that love doll at the entrance is already a serious fault… you shouldn't complain if he decided to kill you…"

"So, if you think about it, your brother is very gentle." Sasuke added.

"… Well…" With a blank voice, Haku's brother sat down on the sofa.

"Still, recently I'm the one who pays the rental fees for this room." said Haku.

"Really?"

"Yes."

If that is the case, then the freeloader is Haku's brother. Then at least you could cover the doll up with some clothes. Although it wasn't my business, if Haku's brother could pay the rental fees by himself than he could gain at least some control over this situation.

"… This is impossible…" Haku's brother looked at us, "I have no money."

"…"

"Sorry, may I ask what your job is?"

"… Ah." Haku's brother counted on his finger. "I play the guitar."

Oh, a Guitarist huh?

"I can cook."

A guitarist and a cook?

"I date girls."

Huh?

"I got money from those girls."

… you are evil bastard.

How could it be… Haku's brother looked like a Casanova…

"However… because of my stupid brother I couldn't get a good job."

Sorry, but this couldn't count as a job! In that case, even if this room was packed full of otaku stuff, you didn't have any reason to be angry… because you don't pay even a single cent…

Actually… because of that love doll, every girl that Haku's brother managed to catch was scared away, thus leading to his inability to earn money… I think that Haku did a good job.

"Come on, let's go to my room."

"Okay."

We walked past Haku's brother. So he is actually a NEET. At first glance, he is quite handsome, but turned out he is not any good… although the current me has no right to say that… however… seeing the younger sibling take care of his older brother… why am I feeling restless?

Haku's room, in short, was an 'otaku room'. There was a cabinet full of eroge CD's and illustrations with a variety of others weird things. There were even some accessories, decorations and bracelets piled up in a corner.

"Take a look. If you press this button, the light inside will be activated it will become much better!" Haku pressed a button, immediately some LED's emitted bright light. This scene looked absolutely beyond imagination…

"Wow! Amazing!" Even the uninterested Sasuke showed his admiration.

Looking at this, I asked Haku, "It was so different — compared to this, Naruko's stuff couldn't even count as amateur rank. By the way, how much is it?"

"97 000 yen Ah, this is only the price of the cabinet."

"It's too expensive!" I really couldn't afford it…

"… Naruto, from your reaction just now…Do you plan to buy one?"

"No… I don't plan to buy one for myself."

"Hah?"

"That's all. Stop talking about it!"

This room was ten tatami mats large, with a bed, table, bookshelf and other assorted stuff. His room wasn't like Naruko's or Rias's standard otaku room. No… Otaku is a creature with special and unique characteristics. There is no such thing as a 'normal otaku standard'.

Haku opened his arm wide and spoke in confidence, "This is my pride — my room! So is this any help for you when you will be living alone?"

"Ah, well, it did become a reference."

With a negative connotation! I will definitely not have such an otaku room! Still, aside from that, this room is a good place for studies. I still had lots of questions for Haku Senpai regarding 'living alone'.

I sat down on a cushion, "So, what do you need in order to live alone, Haku?"

"First, a cute little sister is absolutely necessary."

"Get back to your eroge, you idiot!" Because this is his home, my words were harsher than usual.

Next to me, Sasuke said seriously, "I 100% agree that a little sister is necessary. But that means this guy here would no longer be living alone…"

"But there is an event that the little sister goes to her brother's house who is living alone!"

"Good idea! You are a genius!"

"Ahahaha, I'm not that good yet."

"Stop your self-satisfying illusion! What you just said is an eroge event, there is no way it could happen in real life!" I couldn't help but criticize them.

Haku looked back at me, "Ah, you really are knowledgeable, Naruto-kun. You couldn't pass a game that matches your taste. From NETA's 'little sister Dreamwork series', the newest game 'The beginning of imouto-wife' is a wonderful product, isn't it?"

"As if I know!"

"Sasuke-kun, what should you do if you have to live together with another little sister?"

"Hm, I only have one sister, that assumption is meaningless. Still, if Satsuki lived together with me — it would be very troublesome." Of course it would be!

I criticized them again, "Anyway, we are talking about what items are necessities for my room. Give me some other ideas, dammit!"

"We weren't planning to talk about little sisters. Have you prepared anything?"

"Nothing aside from a chair and a table. Dad will take care of my bed.""

"What about a washing machine and a refrigerator? TV and computer too?"

"Should I bring them? One month without TV is no big deal. And about washing my clothes, I could use a nearby coin washing machine."

"But Naruto, how could you play eroge without your computer?"

"I was moving outside to study!"

Do you think I moved outside just to play eroge?

"Right, right, Naruto's just trying to act tough." Sasuke said.

"Hm, I was prepared to endure this one month. I had already let go of that!"

"I see. Oh by the way, when I used your computer to search the internet for 'Ayase Aragaki ero image' keyword, I got a lot of websites that you would be interested in."

"I really want to kill you right now!"

During our duel to find out 'which sister is the cutest in the world', showing Ayase's image to Sasuke was a wrong choice! I stared at Sasuke with angry eyes, before I coughed and looked at the sky.

"By the way, what are those websites?"

"You are really interested, aren't you?"

Of course not! It was because you caused me a headache! I'm Ayase's friend! For her sake, I need to understand what kind of dirty websites are they!

Haku answered me by turning on his computer.

"Ahh… could it be that you meant this website?"

"Which one? Which one?" Both Sasuke and I quickly surrounded the screen.

Actually, for three guys to stay so close to each other wasn't very comfortable. In the first search result, unlike our expectation, it wasn't a dirty erotic website…

"Lovely my angel Ayase-tan Fanblog"

"…"

"… Say… Naruto…you said you wanted to confirm it… could it be… this is your blog?"

"Of course not!" I hastily denied.

"Inside… what's the content? What is the content of this blog?"

Is this Ayase the same Ayase that I know?

"Looks like… it's the same Ayase that we know." Haku moved the mouse and clicked at the image section.

There were a lot of pictures to view. Most of them showed Ayase in uniform after school or while she was working as a model. They got titles like 'A normal day for Ayase-tan', 'Ayase-tan's dress was so cute, I want to buy a similar one' or 'Winter dress'. The owner of this blog signed herself as Sayaka, and she wrote her goal was 'to become like Ayase-tan'.

Looked like among those models, this Sayaka was (probably a junior) a fan of Ayase.

"Does Naruko have a fanblog too?"

"Want me to search 'Naruko Namikaze ero image'?"

I launched my killer move at him without saying anything.

"… You, Naruto! You want to kill me!?"

"You should feel lucky that you are still alive!"

By the way, among those pictures of Ayase, there were no erotic images, only cute, innocent moe images.

"Let's get back to our topic — what were we talking about?" Haku said.

"We were… probably talking about what furniture I should bring."

"Yes, yes." Sasuke nodded and continued, "What about a refrigerator? A mini refrigerator would be useful."

"Why should I need one? Now is the era of convenience stores and vending machines."

"You planned to live one month by relying on convenience stores and vending machines? Your body would be ruined."

Making meals by yourself — that was Sasuke's suggestion.

Hm…meal huh…

"How about asking Naruko to make you a bentou?"

"You guys always have terrible ideas."

… Although it's not totally impossible, but I had never thought about it before. Naruko wears an apron in a kitchen… this imagination is too unbelievable. Last February, during Valentine's Day, she made her own chocolate. But I went out with my band at that time.

"Naruko would probably think that this was partly her responsibility, so if you asked her she would easily agree."

"Why are you making the base assumption that comes back to Naruko no matter what? Just thinking about it makes me break into cold sweat. Even if I asked, she would say 'Huh? Are you an idiot'."

Besides, Naruko doesn't feel any responsibility at all. She even told me it's okay not to come back.

"A bentou made by Naruko is impossible!" I restated.

"Look, Sasuke-kun. It's a typical tsundere type. Now is a very critical time."

"Whenever Naruto talks about his sister, he always seems to be happy."

"Of course not! It's not like that!"

"Alright, alright, let's just return to our topic."

"… Still… just now, I really just tried to act tough by saying that…" I looked up with a bright expression.

"I feel that after I talked with you guys, I'm even more nervous. Living alone — seems fun. Of course I have to focus on studying, but to be able to buy whatever furniture I need, place them anywhere I like, being free to call my friends over anytime — it seems fun."

Hearing this, those two looked at each other.

"Pfff."

"Pfff."

"Hey! What's so funny about it?"

"Ahahahaha." Haku patted my back, "Did you hear that Sasuke-kun? He felt more nervous after we spoke with him!"

"I heard it all. You are so dense Naruto."

"Just what exactly are you laughing about? I was saying thank you…"

"Yeah, yeah, we got it."

Sasuke laughed just like he was talking with a kid, "Your first time living alone would definitely become a happy memory, Naruto."

(◕ω◕✿)

"Phew…" My study session temporarily came to an end as I stretched in my chair. My stiff shoulders let out a small crack. My neck twisted back and forth, making me feel better. I looked around my new room. It was the same as my old room, a six tatami mat large room.

I stood up and went to the living room, which was about ten tatami mats large. On the sofa, in front of the TV, my sister was wearing casual clothes. This girl is Naruko Namikaze. As you already know, she is my little sister and my roommate.

"Say…" Seeing me, Naruko asked.

"Yes?"

"Have you finished studying for today?"

"No, I just took a break. I have to go back soon."

"Ah, I see. Then go cook something for me."

I looked at the clock and noticed it was almost 6:00 PM.

"Okay, what would you like?"

"Hmm… you decide. Make sure it's 300 calories or less."

"Got it."

"By the way, make your own meal too. Today I'm giving you special privileges to join me for dinner."

"Got it, I understand." I walked to the kitchen and skillfully put on the apron… yeah… it was that kind of relationship, I once tried to protest, but now I'm used to it… because… because Naruko is now feeding me. The model Naruko-sama is the one who earned money for us, thus giving her the right to decide everything in this house, she is like a god. Even calling her Master is not excessive.

… Actually, I already had to call her that.

"Dammit… she is such a sadist…"

In order to make vegetable soup with less than 300 calories I started by cutting cabbage into pieces… I finished cutting and washing the vegetables, then started cutting 200 grams of chicken breast. The water in the pot also started to boil…

Ah… how did it come to this…? Yes, it all started when I failed the test during my final year at high school. Now, I'm in my first year at university — it was hard to admit, but I was labeled as a 'ronin'. Before I went into the exam room I talked smugly and with confidence — although afterwards I lowered my goals, but it wasn't enough.

"… That was the changing point in my life…"

I finished cutting and washing the vegetables, then started cutting 200 grams of chicken breast. The water in the pot also started to boil…

… I never though that my life would turn into this. Ah… I said the same thing two year ago…

"Hey! What are you doing?"

My thought was cut off by my master no-Naruko's voice, who just entered the kitchen.

"What am I doing? I'm making vegetable soup. Don't you like it?"

"Ah yes, I like it. I like whatever you make… I mean what's with your outfit?"

"Huh?" I looked back at myself. A T-shirt and jeans along with a Madoka apron that covered the front of my lower body.

"What's wrong with that? You are the one who bought this apron."

"I didn't mean it like that!" From some reason, Naruko blushed and looked down, licking her lower lip. Then she suddenly asked me, "Why aren't you wearing only the apron?"

"…!?"

Wh… What? Just now… did I mishear her?

"N-Naruko-chan… just now, did you ask me why I'm not wearing only an apron?"

I must have misheard! That must be it! My ears must have gone bad.

"Mmm… yes."

"Who would be happy because of that? Who would be happy to see my ass?"

I ignored the fact that I was criticizing myself.

"I will be happy! Is there any problem with that?"

"For real?"

What kind of messed up conversation is this?

"So… could you do that for me?"

"We… we are living together after all…"

"~~~~~To… together?"

"Yes… we are living together… isn't that right?"

"… Well… you aren't wrong…"

"It is impossible!" I roared and caught Naruko's wrist.

"Ah… what are you doing."

"What am I doing? Naruko… you… are a fake."

"Hah?"

"Sure, my sister is very moe and likes to play little sister based eroge. But she is not like you! She isn't the type of pervert who want to see her brother's ass! So listen to me! My sister is not like —"

*Clink clink clink clink clink clink clink clink clink clink clink clink clink clink clink clink clink*

"Ah!"

I got up from my bed, turned off the alarm and looked around, and confirmed my situation...

"It WAS A DREAM!~~~~~~~~~ "

Hah — I let out a sigh then massaged my temple.

"What the hell did I just dream about?"

It is impossible. There is no way I could live together with Naruko. Am I going to be forced to wear an apron? Just thinking about it made me want to vomit. I should forget this dream as soon as possible.

"… That must be because of Haku's brother."

I felt that something had been bugging me. Now I understood. When I went to Haku's house, my subconscious automatically thought about me freeloading at Naruko's place, thus causing that weird dream.

"Ah forget it, I should go wash my face." I walked to the bathroom.

Now, I'm not sleeping in my room as usual, but the temporary room after I moved out. It was a single six tatami mat large room, with a toilet and bathroom. There was a large space to put my belongings. For someone living alone, it wasn't too bad.

… Still, the room was 30 years old. It was inevitable that the room was little ragged. It had been two days since I visited Haku's house. Of course, my sister didn't come to live with me. Moving out was simpler than I thought. During a Sunday, Dad borrowed a car and brought me a table, a computer, some clothes, a futon and some other necessities. I brought some on my own, thus leading to my room looking like it does now.

"My life style is so simple…"

Now, I was totally free, but at the same time I felt a little lonely. I already got my allowance. Some questions still remained unanswered, like Sasuke worrying about what I would do for my meals, but I would face that when the time came.

(◕ω◕✿)

I went to school and was now chatting with Chiaki and Karin, mostly about how I'm now living alone.

"— That's all, moving out is very simple."

"I still can't believe Naruto moving out now." Said Karin

"I want my own apertament too, it's not fair that Naruto the only one who got his own apartement!" Chiaki the one who said that

The other day, after I came back from Haku's house, I went to Karin and Chiaki's house and told them everything. Then in the same night, I told Kuroneko and Rias online.

"What do you feel when living alone? Don't you feel lonely?" Karin asked me with her usual heart-warming smile.

"I don't feel lonely at all, in contrast, I feel better without have to see my sister's face."

Hearing that, Chiaki kick my back, "Naruto, didn't you say the same thing when Naruko went abroad?"

"Ah, yes you did! Naruto, you were so lonely back then."

"That's the past, now is now!"

"Yeah yeah~ we got it already."

"By the way, Naruto didn't you bring anything to cook?"

"I only have to live there for one month; there is no need to bring any with me."

But Karin shook her head.

"One month is 30 days. You shouldn't say that it's 'just one month'."

Ah, she raised her hand and started lecturing me again. She was back in granny mode.

"You are so hopeless, Naruto. I will give you my family's old toaster then."

… Even Chiaki…

"… I understand. I will use it with gratitude. Thank you." It is so embarrassing

Next to me, Chiaki was whistling and clapping her hands in encouragement.

"So, what's the truth? Are you really that confident?"

"Mmm… I should manage to find a way. I was now trying to solve the previous exam's questions. I had never looked at them before, but I was still confident that I could get 100."

"Hey, that doesn't count as an answer. What do you think about this, Karin?"

"Hmm, Chiaki-chan, you were tricked by his innocent appearance. He is actually very smart… my guess is that right now he could pass in anything but English."

"Ah? So you are bad with English?"

"Not exactly, at the previous exam, I failed to finish it in time."

"Mmm~ Naruto is someone who rarely makes a careless mistake, but he is slow during problem-solving."

"… Aren't you are the same? How could you pass it?"

"Truly, the result of years of practicing has shown itself…"

"Is that all?"

"Say, how was your result when you did summer's exam?" Chiaki asked.

"About 40-50%, maybe." So embarrassing…

Hearing that, Karin opened her bag and took out a big reference book.

"This… is a collection of English questions… do you want to borrow it? The previous exam is in here too."

"Really? Can I?"

"Yes. I had already made a copy of it. There are still some more books at my home, so you should drop by when you have a chance."

"Wow! Thank you Karin! You always know what I need!"

"Mmm~ if there is something you don't understand, feel free to call me." Karin smiled at me.

Chiaki pat my shoulder. "Naruto. Karin has given you so much help, be sure to get 100. "

"I plan to get perfect score no matter what. By the way, Chiaki I have to remind you that you should take care of your own studying too. Your just as bad as I am."

"Ahahaha! You are right…" Chiaki smiled wryly.

After that, I went back to my new home. I didn't notice there was a department store truck nearby. When I arrived on the second floor (my room is 212)…

"What the…! Why is the door open?"

Did Mom come? I looked inside and saw someone that shouldn't be there.

"Ah, please leave it here. Okay, I need to sign here, right?"

Aside from the delivery man, the other one inside — who looked like the master of this room, is my sister.

"Thank you~~" She bid the delivery man good bye.

I waited until his body disappeared from my sight and turned to face Naruko's eyes. She was wearing her school's uniform.

"Ah, welcome back."

"Welcome back my ass! You…"

I entered the room and noticed that inside the kitchen was a new mini-refrigerator. It definitely wasn't there when I left home. At first, I was about to ask her what the hell she was doing here, but that question stuck inside my throat.

"That… This…" I temporary lost the ability to form words.

"A refrigerator. That's for you, hurry up and thank me."

"… Refrigerator… did Dad buy it?"

"No. I bought it for you."

She showed a patronizing look… no! I did not want to say this.

"Why?"

"Huh?"

"Why did you buy a refrigerator for me?"

This is totally not normal. A girl bought a refrigerator for me… this is too unreal. My question seemed to offend her a bit.

She stayed silent for a while, but she finally said, "… You see… at that… family meeting, you were chased out of the house. Although it was only partially… my fault… so… because you aren't going to buy much, if I leave you alone you will stick to bento from a convenience store…"

Naruko's voice was getting weaker, her eyes gradually moved away from me.

"So I bought you a refrigerator! Are you happy?"

To tell the truth, I felt anxious and troubled…

"You… this… refrigerator… how much was it?"

"Huh? About 30 000 yen You are coming back soon anyway, so a mini-size should be okay, right?"

No, no, no… I'm not asking about this refrigerator. My sister bought a 30 000 yen refrigerator and gave it to me! I felt like I was fed by her! Oh, the nightmare when I was freeloading at her place had started becoming clearer… but… however…

"…What? Are you dissatisfied?"

Seeing Naruko's fierce glare, I told her, "Thank you Naruko. It's a big help. Really…"

"Hmph… I see."

I just thanked her, but what is with her reaction? Ah, forget it. There is something I have to ask.

"About that… umm… is it okay for you to come here?"

"Huh?"

"I mean… the reason I was chased out was because of 'that'. But not only have you come here, you even bought me a refrigerator…"

Naruko interrupted me, "Are you an idiot?"

Naruko then raised her voice and started lecturing me.

"All of this, everything was a misunderstanding, got it? Wherever I am is not going to change it. True, it would be a problem if Mom finds out, but we only have to make sure she doesn't. Not to mention there is nothing to hide between us."

She seemed angry… was that because of Mom? Or me? Either way she continued by asking, "Say, between you and me… I couldn't imagine what kind of nonsense they were thinking! Don't you agree?"

"…"

"Why… are you not saying anything?"

"… You won't hit me, okay?"

"I won't!"

Ah~ so dangerous…

As predicted, I gracefully evaded Naruko's slap and placed my hand on my sister's head.

"I was silent, because I think that this misunderstanding is unavoidable."

"What…"

"True, recently the relationship between us has improved a lot. We used to have a terrible relationship. So, from an outsider's point of view, thinking it has become 'a little too good' is unavoidable."

"… Can you stop saying such disgusting things? We don't really have… a good relationship… and take your hand down."

"Right, right." I teased her and took my hand off her head.

"Just keep living like normal without worrying. You didn't do anything that goes against your conscience."

"That… of course I will!"

Yes. That's right. How could there be something between me and my sister. It isn't a game.

"Dad probably accepted this decision because of Mom. I doubt he really thinks this way. I will get a perfect score and go back home as soon as possible." I smiled and said, "So Naruko, don't be angry. It's really nothing."

"…"

Naruko looked like she was shaken by something. She started walking forward, with her back facing me.

"I'm going back."

"Hm?"

"I said I'm going back."

"Ah, I see…" What are you angry for…

I walked her to the door and thanked her again.

"Thank you for the refrigerator."

"Mmm… anyway, this refrigerator would probably be thrown away after you come back…"

"That won't happen. Even after I come back, I will keep it in my room."

Because it is a present from you, I will keep it even after I graduate. Even if I start living alone again.

"I see. Do whatever you want."

What a cold answer…

Naruko put on her shoes, but suddenly turned back like she remembered something. And although she didn't say anything, she looked restless so I asked, "Is something wrong?"

"Um… you… when you study, do you have time to take break?"

"Well… yes, I do take breaks. Sometimes I practice my bass or read magazine."

"I see. Then this should be fine." Naruko said in her brightest voice since she came here and took something out of her bag.

[The Beginning of Imouto-wife ~ The Forbidden Life of the Two] An eroge.

She said, "This is for you!"

What a cute smile! I unconscious took the game box from her.

"You… you, you, you!"

… What should I say? I received something like this from my sister when I just started living alone. How could I explain it to the others? I was too lazy to criticize her. Seeing my reaction, Naruko immediately started getting excited.

"Um~ Um? Ah ah ah~ hee hee~ There is no need to thank me. It's just an eroge, so now you owe me one~"

"Because of this, my life now has a huge flaw!"

This is absolutely clear! Now, for me! I simply must not take it in my hands! What is Imouto-wife? This is the first time I have heard of it.

"Okay, okay, just give it a try! It's very~~~~~~~~ awesome! This is a godlike eroge among recent eroges!"

"I got your point, but this game's title is…"

"Is something wrong with that?"

I knew it! You didn't think about it!

"About that… Naruko… actually, I don't have any problem with playing an eroge anymore. After so many things have happened, I'm used to it."

Even I knew that something was unusual about this feeling… but I needed to check if she realized it or not.

"However, even as experienced as I am, there is no way I could beat this 'Imouto-wife'."

"What? Just like 'imouto marriage', this is normal human's language!"

"Then let me make rephrase myself. This title — 'Forbidden Life of the Two' is too much. If I took that, I would become a pervert brother who wanted a 'forbidden life of the two' with my 'imouto wife'."

Naruko retreated back.

"… Disgusting! Is that how you look at me?"

"How dare you say that!"

From an outsider's point of view, a brother who is living alone can't, mustn't receive 'The Beginning of Imouto-wife'! Forget it, I felt like I was about to faint… I needed to clear my head first…

"So… in general, I will consider this as your aid for me…"

"Ha~~? What are you saying? Don't get full of yourself!"

Naruko crossed her arms across her chest and looked down on me, "If you still don't get it, I will make it clear — because I felt like I owe you. I don't like it, so I gave you that refrigerator and this godlike eroge. I don't know what is going to happen to you, and I don't want to care. I should say that since there is no longer an annoying guy at home, I felt so~~~~~~ refreshed!"

"…You…"

Your explanation only made me even angrier. And please, let Mom hear what you just said! Her doubts will disappear immediately!

"Beside, a 100 scores — is impossible for you." Naruko laughed mockingly.

Dammit! Stop looking down on me!

"Ha! Don't look down on me~ I don't have any pressure on my side!"

"Ha~~? You were always as lazy as a dying dog. Did you ever study seriously after moving out?"

"Ha! If you say so, how about we make a bet. What if I get 100?"

"This is meaningless!"

"Just answer!"

Our conversation was getting faster and faster. Naruko shot me a glance.

"If you can't get perfect scores, you will become my slave for the rest of your life."

"Isn't the risk too high?"

It's worse than a gamble at a shady casino! If I lose, my life will be over!

"Becoming my slave for the rest of your life — you are the one who is going to benefit from it."

"You, you! Just now, are you serious?"

"Ah~ annoying. With this condition, our bet means nothing. Because you are a siscon, I bet you will purposely do poorly on your test in order to become my slave."

"I will win even if it is the last thing I do! I will win this bet!"

Thank you! It's thanks to you that I'm now motivated!

"So if I win, you will become my slave for the rest of your life too?"

"… Disgusting… I have recorded everything you have said."

"You are so horrible!" You are so evil! Don't learn it from Ayase!

Naruko took an activated iPhone out from her bag.

"Okay, this will be the proof for our bet. You must fulfill the terms if you lose."

"…"

"If you get 100 scores, I will give you a reward."

"… Reward?"

"Yes, reward."

Somehow… I have a bad feeling.

"I have to ask, what will you do if I get a perfect scores?"

"I will grant you one wish. Whatever you want me to do, I'll do it once." Leaving those words behind, Naruko quickly opened the door and ran away.

(◕ω◕✿)

That night at 10:00 PM, after Naruko left, I started focusing on my studies. Now I was taking a break to make a time table. I twisted the pen and ruler in my hand and thought back about what happened.

"You~ piss me off soooooo much! I hate you Naruko…!"

If I lose, I will be her slave forever. If I win, I could only voice one wish… the conditions were so far in Naruko's favor that I didn't even want to think about it! What the hell did she mean by, "it's okay if you don't come back". I'm definitely going to come back.

"… Ah, forget it."

That damn sister of mine kept looking down on me. I would definitely make you regret it!

"That's right… I only have to win."

Then I could return all of my humiliation. She bought me a refrigerator all by herself. She bought me an eroge out of her good-will. She actually wished me good luck with my exam, and promised a reward for me. Haha, now I that think back, my sister was so cute when she was angry.

"This is entirely Dad's fault!"

During that time when I was deep in thought, I finished making the time table. I hung it up on the wall.

"Ha~~ I think this should be enough."

Although I said that… My real intentions were…

"Kukukuku…"

When I thought about the moment I will return home in triumph and what Naruko's expression would be like — I couldn't help but laugh.

"…One wish… huh?"

What should I ask her to do? My choices were getting bigger with each day that passed.

"Alright! I should go back to studying English!"

Just as I opened my notebook — beep beep beep… beep beep beep… beep beep beep — My cell phone rang.

"… Who is calling me now? Huh? This girl…"

Seeing that caller's name on the screen, my eyes narrowed.

Kuuko Yasaka.

"Hi."

"Hi~"

I felt like a mook speaking with a yakuza boss… This tone is undoubtedly Kuuko's.

A while ago, there was a Madoka live event which I attended as Kuuko's manager. She forced me to exchange numbers with her. By the way, I told her my real name too.

"Kuuko? Children should go to sleep early, you know?"

"Shut up! It's just 10 o'clock! Kuuko has good news for you!"

"Good news?"

"Right~ Have you decided to become Kuuko's and Rem-chan's manager?"

"What?"

"If you like, Kuuko can tell her president about that."

… Could it be, she… she thought that I was an employee? Was that why she called me? Haha, this girl… she is just a brat, but she also cares for other people…

"Thank you, but no. I have to focus on studying now."

"… Kuuko understands." Kuuko sounded disappointed.

"Naruto, are you still a student?"

"Yes."

This girl thought that I had already entered society. She didn't doubt me at all… did I look that old to her?

"Kuuko understands… then it can't be help…" Kuuko sighed and continued. "Well, you are better than Kuuko's current manager, so call me if you change your mind later."

"Are you serious? I'm better than your current manager?" I couldn't believe it. I'm just an amateur high school student.

"Ah? Are you still playing modest? I'm telling the truth. my current manager always complains about me. Totally unlike you."

"Isn't it a good thing?"

"Well it is~ but~ how should I put it? I hopes we could treat each other equally~? I wants to have that kind of relationship."

"Right, right." I don't actually understand…

"You made me feel comfortable."

So… it's not like you need me to do anything, but because I make you feel comfortable?

"Can I ask you a few questions so I could work better with you in the future? Like what exactly made you feel comfortable?"

"Ah? For example you really love things about Kuuko."

Love things about you? Yeah right! Don't look down on me, brat! I couldn't get any useful references from you. Ah, right, I owed her an apology.

"Ah, Kuuko, about the live performance earlier…"

Just when I was about to open my mouth.

"Stop."

Did she have something to say?

"Naruto, you… during my live performance, you dare to not show up."

"Sorry! Something suddenly came up…"

"Kuuko doesn't have many events like that, you know?"

"I was wrong! You specifically asked me to come, but…"

I was about to beg for forgiveness, but Kuuko ignored me.

" Hm~~~ well~~ at the time~~~ your face was full of determination. I thought that you had something important to take care of~"

She would be angry if she knew that I had to pick up my sister.

"I will make it up to you later."

"Oh~ you want to make up for this?" Kuuko laughed out loud.

"So… what do you want me to do?"

I was afraid of her answer, but her words caught me off guard.

"Tell me your address."

"… What?"

"Your! Home!"

"… Are you saying that… you want to come here?"

"Mmm~"

"I'm living alone."

"Ha~ so~ what?"

"So what? You are a girl, you shouldn't visit a man alone."

"Why~?" Her voice hinted a bit of disapproval.

"You… I know that this is your habit, but it isn't safe!"

"Hahahahaha." She laughed.

"Oh!? What are you going to do? Do you want to do something to me?"

"I won't!"

"Oh~! Then it is fine~ Tell me your address then~~."

What a scary brat… well, the truth is I didn't see Kuuko like a little sister. So it's not like there is a problem.

"I just moved here, so there is nothing here. Even if you came, I couldn't even make tea."

"Really?"

Huh? Why did she sound so happy?

"Mmm…"

"Ha~ then this is a perfect chance~"

"A perfect chance for what?"

"Heehee~ that's a secret~ you will be Kuuko's test subject~."

What was she trying to do? She sounded like she was scheming something…

"So… when will you come?"

"Tomorrow."

Too fast!

So — after school the following day, Kuuko came to my home. I was worried that she might arrive before I got back, so I rushed home as fast as possible, but it turned out my worries were for naught.

When the bell rang, I had been studying for 40 minutes. When I opened the door and met Kuuko in her casual clothes, the first thing she said was.

"Ah, what a run-down apartment. Don't you have any money?"

"Who cares?"

"Right~ sorry for intruding~~"

Without waiting for me to say anything, Kuuko snuck under my armpit and entered the room.

"Hey!? What the hell is that?"

"Ah? This?"

Kuuko laughed and raised one of her hands, which was holding a box warped in a cloth.

"This~ heehee~ are you happy?"

Kuuko laughed proudly and unwrapped the box, revealing what was inside.

"A bento box?"

"Yup. Inside contains potato stew, chicken and glutinous rice~ also~~." Kuuko showed me that the box was covered in Kyoko Sakura's picture.

I saw with my own eyes that yes, not only it did contained potato stew, chicken and glutinous rice, but it also had fried chicken egg, pickles, boiled pumpkin, and a wide variety of dishes piled up together. In short, it looked quite well made…

"Did… you make it?"

No one could blame my shocked expression, right?

"Ha~ why are you so surprised? I will tell you this before hand, but those things are so~ troublesome."

"Is this real… you know how to cook a meal?"

She was clearly a brat who never did any housework.

"Well~ Kuuko is learning~."

"… Ah, I see… is this what you meant by 'test subject'?"

So she wanted me to be test if it was safe to eat.

"Yes~."

"Really? I'm so lucky!"

"Really?"

"I can eat a meal that a future idol made — normal people couldn't even dream of it."

"Oh, really~? For real~? Oh heehee~."

Why does this brat become so pleased with such simple compliments? She is easy to handle…

"There is no need to be shy~ go ahead~"

"Thank you…"

I took a piece of potato stew and dropped it into my mouth…

"It's good!"

"Really?"

"You are so amazing!"

It was as good as Karin's potato stew!

"This rice is also good!"

It was as good as Karin's rice too.

"Oh hee hee~ how about this?"

"Um? Why is there a separated part in this bento box?"

"Just eat it." Kuuko showed a mischievous smile.

"Ah… ah…"

I put the potato stew from the separated part into my mouth…

"…Uurgh… it's too bitter…"

If I had to give it my honestly impression, then this couldn't be called food!

Hearing that, Kuuko placed both of her hands behind her head and laughed, "Really? I knew it would probably be hard to eat~"

"If you knew it, then don't force me to eat it!"

"How could I call this an experiment without keeping you in the dark?"

"… Alright, next, so that good food that I just ate actually wasn't made by you, right?"

"Yep~."

"You acknowledged it! You were just pretending the whole time?!"

"Didn't Kuuko tell you that she is still learning? Kuuko will get better, so don't pay attention to Kuuko's current results~."

What insane breed of logic is that…? Still… she tried to study on how to cook a meal. I had to give her my admiration for that. This was one of her good points.

"Well, you don't have to eat this part if it's too hard to eat."

"It's not like it's inedible."

Compare to Naruko's Valentine's black brick biscuits, at least this wasn't poisonous. So I ended up eating all of the bento without trouble.

"Thanks for the meal."

"Mmm~."

"Was I any help?"

"Huh? What?"

"I mean, as your test subject, was I helpful?"

I only wanted to ask if I really was of any help, but for some reason she was dumbfounded.

"Ah… ah… uhm~ this~ maybe~?"

I had no idea what you mean by that…

"What does that mean?"

"So annoying, stop asking~." Kuuko blushed and waved her fist at me.

Well, if you say so. I honestly had no way to help though. Kuuko doesn't look like someone who wanted to learn to cook bento — so why? I should try to find a chance and ask her.

"Say… Kuuko." After we had some tea, I asked.

"Mmm~."

"Why do you want to learn how to cook?"

"Ah, I wants to cook for my parents."

"Your parents?"

This was unexpected… I thought you were trying to make food for your boyfriend. But I still don't get it. Why do you have to cook for your parents?

"In my house~ my parents had a really~ bad relationship~ so I ran away and now lives with my cousin."

The topic suddenly turned serious. Ran away from home — for someone who was just chased out of home like me, I can't help but pay attention.

"Ah… is it okay to tell me that?"

"It's not anything big… anyways, my parents are now living separately. Recently, my father was sick. It was a normal illness, so I thought that maybe it was a chance to make up with him."

Even though she sounded like she was joking… This girl is amazing…

"But I don't know how to make up with him~ so~."

"So you want to learn how to cook?"

"Mmm, Ayase introduced me to a teacher."

"Mmm~ your cooking teacher."

"Yup~ although she is a nerdy girl in glasses, she has a lot of skill."

"I knew it."

I see. She had her story too. In the last year, I wasn't the only one who had changed and made progress. Everyone had their life too.

"Say~ about… can Kuuko ask you something?"

"Mmm, go ahead."

Kuuko showed a smile that I had never seen before and took out something from behind her back.

"~~~What is 'imouto-wife'~?"

"That's a game."

I gave her an honest answer. But wait a second! Why are you holding this!?

"Hm~ what is the title?"

"The Beginning of Imouto-wife~ The Forbidden Life of the Two."

"Go to hell."

"…"

"Die."

No, no, no, no! Don't look at me like that… I really want to die…

"Wait a second. I clearly hid it inside my blanket."

"At first, I thought it was an erotic book~ but this is totally unexpected."

This girl is horrible! Dammit! Even after I started living alone, eroge still brought me trouble! Even when I hid it away!

"Say, Naruto, you should give up your hope in that…"

"No, no, listen to me. It's not like that!"

What is not like that Kuuko! Think Naruto! Think of something that can get you out of this! It had been a long time since I last used it. This is my specialty — make an excuse.

"This is not a weird game or anything? Is this~ an eroge~?"

"Of course not."

"Really?"

"Yes."

Kuuko opened the game box and pointed at the erotic CG inside, "So… what is this girl doing?"

"She is eating sausage."

What am I saying to a girl? Is this okay? Isn't it bad to tell me all this?

"…"

This silence made me very uncomfortable… Kuuko let out a sigh and ceased her innocent looking.

"… Is this an eroge?"

"Yes." I'm done for… I knelt down immediately.

Kuuko grit her teeth and began her lecturing.

"Relfect on yourself~~~! You are someone with a sister~~~ Why do you have a little sister based eroge!"

"… Who is…"

'My sister?' I stopped myself in time.

"Say… Kuuko."

"Ah?"

"Did… did I tell you that I have a sister?"

"…!"

Kuuko made a surprised expression.

"Hey… why don't you say something?"

"Ah… actually… I had thought about it, but I was hesitant to ask you…"

"Naruto, you are Naruko's brother, right?"

"… What makes you think so?"

Saying that was the same confirming it. Kuuko answered me truthfully.

"Because you arrived late to Kuuko's live performance, right? You arrived together with Naruko, she was in a wedding dress."

Ah, so she saw us.

"Not only that, your family name is the same. Rem-chan thought it was strange too, so when I asked her, she told me that you looked exactly like Naruko's boyfriend. That's why I came to this conclusion."

Ah~ so that's how we were found out. Well, my cover was weak to begin with. Damn… this girl surely didn't remember me from our first meeting!

"Yes. That's right."

"I knew it. Naruto is Naruko's brother~~~ and you are going out with your sister."

"I'm not! How did you come to that conclusion?"

"Because your sister introduced you as her boyfriend and you bought this little sister based eroge."

That reason sounded unexpectedly convincing!

"It is impossible for me to date my sister. I was asked to pretend to be her boyfriend at the time, and that game was given to me by a fellow siscon!"

How is that? I'm telling the truth!

"So, is Naruko an otaku?"

"…"

… Could I hide below the floor? Such a difficult question, I couldn't cope with it! Still… now she knew almost everything… yeah, Naruko was careless. The last live performance was probably the decisive evidence…

"Well, that's impossible ~"

"Ha?"

What did you just say?

"How could Naruko be an otaku? She doesn't seem that way~"

Hooh… looked like she still hadn't found out… this girl is such an idiot…

Kuuko slammed the table and smiled, "That~ means ~ Naruto is the one who brought her to Kuuko's live performance~."

"… Kuuko… you are such a good girl!" Sorry for calling you an idiot…

"Ah wah wah don't come any closer~ gross! What are you doing, suddenly leaning over like that?"

"… Sorry, I just did that unconsciously…"

Even with such decisive evidence, she still didn't think that Naruko is an otaku. It was unbelievable!

"By the way, what would you think if Naruko was an otaku?"

"Um… let's see… I will tease her with 'Naruko is a disgusting otaku'~ and use a live performance ticket as bait to ask her to massage my shoulders~."

There are no problems with that! Such tolerance~ what a good girl! A year ago, I should have asked her to come when I comforted Ayase, and then let her see Naruko's painful expression.

Kuuko Yasaka, it seemed like I had misunderstood you.

"Hey, Kuuko."

"Yes~."

"About Naruko, please take care of her."

"Um? Why are you asking me this?"

"Well… I can't explain, so please take care of her!"

"… Alright." Kuuko titled her head in confusion. However, she quickly reverted back to her unique smile.

Raising her thumb, she confidently said, "Hee hee~ that's a given~ just leave it to me."

After that, Kuuko happily went back home and I took out some notebooks that Karin gave me.

"Alright~ I should take care of this now."

Although English is my worst subject, it didn't mean that I could neglect other subjects. In order to face the final exam a month later, I kept studying for two hours until I finally felt tired and started yawning.

"… I should do something to change the mood."

Bathing in hot water was the simplest way for me to relax. After that, I normally drank a cup of cold coffee and rested my body — then I would continue studying. Doing so proved to be a very effective way to study.

"Ah~ I feel good" So after I finished bathing, I walked to the refrigerator. If my sister knew that I was half naked now, she would be angry.

I gulped down the ice coffee in one go and let out a satisfied sigh~~~~ phew… having a refrigerator is really great! Thank you so much Naruko! I came back to my table, turned on my computer, and opened my web browser. I wanted to take a look at 'My Lovely Angel Ayase-tan Fanblog' that Sasuke told me about a while ago.

"Alright~ Let's see what new picture they added today ~"

Click After the page was loaded, I saw the newest change.

"Today I have spent time with Ayase-tan."

*** Ayase's picture ***

Good morning Ayase-tan ~ you are so cute today

Ayase : Sayaka, you are cute too.

Sayaka : Heehee, but I couldn't hold a candle to you, Ayase-tan

Ayase : Not at all ( embarrassing )

Sayaka : But this is true~~

Ayase : Really ? (Stare~~~~)

Sayaka : Yes~~

*** Ayase's picture ***

Ayase-tan's fair neck is so beautiful

*** Ayase's picture ***

~Ayase's skirt was blown away by the wind~~ Just a bit more and I could see Ayase's underwear~

*** Ayase's picture ***

She is an angel in this world~

Behind Ayase's back, I saw some feathered wings

~See you tomorrow~ Good night Ayase-tan

This blog is always like that.

"… Still the same blog with idiotic content."

The blog's owner used a lot of emoticons and signs — it was so disgusting. Although the owner surely is an idiot, but at least I could say that he/she likes Ayase very much. Looks like the blog owner Sayaka truly sees Ayase as an angel, there were no erotic images or anything remotely bad.

"Alright~ Recharge complete~~~~" I closed the web browser and continued studying.

The next day, I was awakened by a fierce sound.

"…Urgh…" Looked like I fell asleep yesterday while studying.

"… It hurts…" Because I slept on the table, my whole body ached.

Ring Ring

"What… the…" I took a look at the alarm clock.

"I didn't set it… what is ringing?"

Ignore it. Ignore it… need to study. When I was about to keep studying…

Ring Ring Ring Bang Bang

Someone is hitting my door! Did someone come and try to ask me to buy something from them? It was such a pain to deal with them. Usually, at my home, Mom was the one who did that and they never came back.

"… Ah, he will give up soon enough" I ignored them.

Ring Ring Ring Bang Bang Ring Ring Ring Bang Bang

"Dammit! What a troublesome guy!"

I stood up and went to the door, however because of my body still ached, I fell down.

"… It hurts…"

I twisted my ankle! While I was lying on the floor in pain, the door bell stopped. I looked up at the door in surprise.

Crankkkkkkkkkk

"What the?"

What… what just happened!? Did I hear someone turn the key? And right in front of me, the closed door slowly opened! A pair of smooth legs appeared in front of me. I looked up and met the beautiful girl who was looking down.

"…What, what are you doing, Naruto-kun?"

"A-Ayase?"

Ayase had noticed my current position. With a cute 'Kya!' she hastily covered her skirt in embarrassment. I enjoyed the view of Ayase's posture before I exclaimed, "You! What have you done! How did you open the door with a key?"

"Wh… What are you looking at!?"

She then proceeded to stomp on me. With her shoes. On my head.

"Kya! You wanted me to step on you that much! You pervert!"

It's not like that!? Beside, I couldn't see anything from here! You almost turned into a terrible girl! Although I wanted to say that, right now I was sandwiched between her shoes and the floor, thus making me unable to explain anything…

"… Con-congratulation for your moving, Naruto-kun."

She was talking to me in her normal voice…!? This is too strange! Too unusual! Was that something Ayase did on a daily basis? As expected of Ayase, every time I deal with her is a challenge.

"… What perverted thing are you thinking about?"

If you truly could read my mind, how about put away your leg?

"Wah!? You looked so happy when I was stomping on you!? Please stop! Gross…!"

"Stop just making up my inner thoughts! How could I make up such a self-satisfying delusion?"

And so, I pushed myself off the ground and forced Ayase's leg back.

Ayase took a few steps back, and talked to me in a very calm manner, "Hmph, it's just normal pervert line I learnt from Naruto-kun."

"Didn't I tell you that I won't try flirt at you again?"

"But it doesn't mean I will forgive you!"

"But~!"

I stood up

"Recently, you had showed me something that made me want to tease you again!"

"What nonsense are you talking about…"

Actually, I'm not sure myself. But recently Ayase seemed to be happy whenever she punished me for trying flirt at her. Maybe it was just my victim's paranoia, but…

"All of your actions were sexual harassment!"

"I'm not sexually harassing you! infact I think your the one who sexually harassing me"

"W-what!?"

"During Kuuko's live performance, inside the waiting room… you… did things to me…"

"Did what? Like what?"

"You secretly showed me your breasts and…"

Bang! A bag hit the side of my face!

"I never did that! That! That was an accident! I was only bringing my face closer to you…! You… just where did you look!?"

"But you are the one showed me your breasts in secret! I think that you are doing reverse sexual harassment!"

"Did I tell you already!? I was only bringing my face closer to you! Don't think of it this way, pervert!"

"So why are you bringing your face closer to me now?"

"That…" Ayase's face reddened in an instant, "There is no special meaning about it!"

"…"

Clearly uncomfortable, Ayase glanced at me, "Do you have a problem with that?"

"No, I don't…" This girl… she is as unreasonable as Naruko.

"Anyway, please come in."

"Mmm… sorry for intruding…"

At least Ayase didn't say, "Are you going to lure me into your room and sexually harass me again?"

"Please sit here."

"Mmm…" Ayase sat down with a submissive attitude… Compared to her outburst just now, it's unimaginable.

I poured some fruit juice for Ayase, and went to wash my face and asked her again, "There are many things I wanted to ask… although the first is… Ayase?"

"Yes?"

"Why do you have my home's key?"

"Of course I duplicated it!"

"How could you duplicate my key…?"

"…"

"Don't you have anything to say?"

"… From another method, that's all."

"Has my room's key been leaked into the black market?"

I felt very uneasy! After that, no matter how I asked, Ayase refused to tell me how she got the key, thus I had no choice but to leave it aside.

"Ah… so… Ayase, why are you here so early in the morning?"

Maybe asking a girl directly like that isn't the best method, but I was so tired. Please allow me to speak a little casually.

"Ah… that's because…"

The reason Ayase choose the morning to visit is because she knew I would be alone… she placed her hand into her bag… And took out a kitchen knife.

"Waaaaaaa!"

I jumped up and tried to run away, but in an instant my wrist was firmly held. It was Ayase. Just like at Summer Comiket when she caught Naruko, her hand latched onto mine!

"No! Someone try to kill me!… help!"

"I not gonna kill you! Idiot, Look closer!"

"What!?"

I turned around and shuddered when I saw the knife which was inches away from my neck. But on closer look, this knife was warped in plastic bag.

"Whyy do you think that I'm going to kill you?"

"You didn't say anything and pulled out a knife, how am I supposed to interpret that?"

"You should have at least looked first."

"Alright, alright."

"Gezz… why does it turn out like this every time?"

When I saw Ayase holding a knife, my body instinctively felt danger!

"If you aren't here to kill me… what is with the knife?"

"Of course it's a present… I'm here to give you this present."

"… You? Give me a present?"

"Yes… is something wrong with that?"

"Well it's not, but…"

It would be so easy for a misunderstanding! This girl! To celebrate moving out with a knife, it was quite a suitable present. The truth is I didn't have a kitchen knife, so it was a great help — but the combination of 'Ayase and knife…' how should I put it… It could only make me feel uncomfortable.

"I will use it with care… it looks quite good." Because this is Ayase's present.

"That's because I had researched about it and chose one that is especially good for slashing."

"Yeah… I see." You didn't have any other motive, did you?

"I'm sorry for coming here so soon. I can't take any time off after school…"

"Alright, alright. Who did you hear about me moving out from?"

"From Karin Onee-san."

I knew that she hardly could have heard it from Naruko or Kuuko. So it was Karin. It seemed like they had a good relationship.

"By the way, did you hear the reason for me moving out from Karin already?"

"To focus on studying, right? You will not come back home unless you get a perfect scores in the final exam. You are amazing~."

Karin! Thanks for omitting Naruko's part.

"Yup. This is a good chance to focus my attention into studying."

"Please do your best~ Naruto-kun"

Ring When we were chatting, the doorbell rang.

"Who could it be?"

"Just leave it to me."

"Ah, hey!"

Ayase opened the door — only to come face to face with Kuroneko. They just stood there staring at each other.

"…"

"…"

… What a silence!

Kureneko, why was she here too?

Ayase started bickering with Kuroneko.

"… Sorry, who are you?"

"That's my line, who are you?"

What a cold atmosphere!

"My name is Ayase Aragaki."

"Ayase Aragaki…? I have heard of this name."

I took this chance and introduced Ayase to Kuroneko.

"She is Naruko's classmate. You two met during the first time we went to Summer Comiket."

"Ah… I remember now."

Then I introduced Kuroneko to Ayase, "This is Kuroneko, Naruko's otaku friend."

"I knew it." Ayase's eyes turned to me,

"Naruto-kun's ex-girlfriend, right?"

"… Yes."

She merciless attacked my wound… can you please think about my fragile heart?

"…Okay, so — ex-girlfriend Kuroneko-san? Why are you at Naruto-kun's place so soon in the morning?"

"Say Ayase, why are you acting like you are my current girlfriend?"

Ayase was clearly shaken by this.

"You you you… what are you saying! Don't say something so weird!"

Tsuntsun!

"Hey, why are you still holding that knife? Stop! Even with a plastic bag, it's too strange!"

"You reap what you sow!"

At that time, someone pulled my sleeve. I turned around and saw Kuroneko looking at me with a blank expression.

"Ah… sorry for ignoring you, Kuroneko."

Because Ayase interrupted me… I was a little confused… Why did you come to my place so early in the morning? When I was about to ask this question, I suddenly noticed something.

"Kuroneko… you…"

"Yes?"

Our eyes met for a second, and then Kuroneko blushed and looked down. No matter how many times I saw it, she still looked so cute!

"Uniform… you have changed into a new uniform."

"… Yes."

Kuroneko is now wearing a uniform with black skirt and red tie. It suited Kuroneko's black hair and pure white skin so much! It was as good as her normal cosplay outfit. Kuroneko looked even more mature in this uniform.

"What… do you think?"

"I think… you look so mature…"

"Is… that all?"

"Ah… but… I feel a little lonely. Because I could no longer see you in you previous uniforms."

"Me too… I get a special feeling from that uniform too."

"I see."

"Mmm."

Went to the same school, joined in the same club… even that time was short, but it was also fun. It'd be great if Kuroneko thinks so too.

Kuroneko clenched her hands and looked up at me, "I still have that uniform at my home… If Senpai wishes, I could wear it for you."

"Hey! Don't make it sound like I have a uniform fetish!"

"… Aren't I right?"

"Of course not! I meant that this uniform brought back memories!"

"Fufu… I see."

She just teased me again didn't she? Our relationship is now a bit special. As long as she could be sure that I wouldn't tease her, she enjoyed teasing me very much! Always with a hint of an erotic atmosphere! What a perverted cat!

"Please wait Naruto-kun."

My sleeve was pulled from behind. I turned back and saw… Ayase with her blank expression, her face drew close to mine…

"Can you please not leave me aside?"

She is angry! But she is still cute while angry!

"Ah! Sorry!"

"Ha, ara ara~ so you are still here~? I'm sorry to enter our own world, but this can't be helped, this man's soul already belongs to me… yes… forever…"

Kuro… Kuroneko… please don't irritate Ayase anymore! Damm! I suddenly felt a chill on my back. I secretly looked back at Ayase.

"Naruto-kun… is yours?"

"Yes!"

Ayase's eyes suddenly lost its light… no… she laughed weakly like a demon that had lost its soul.

"Aha~ what a strange thing to say. Didn't you two already break up?"

"…Hm… break up… it's just a temporary retreat so I could advance to the next stage."

"I have no idea what are you saying, but I'm sure that you no longer qualify to call yourself Naruko's friend."

"Why are you saying that?"

"It's simple. Naruko once said that she hated anyone who is going out with Naruto-kun, that she can't stand if she is not the first in his heart; didn't Naruto-kun break up with you and choose Naruko instead. So be a good girl and leave Naruto-kun's side. If you are Naruko's friend, then you should act like one, am I wrong?"

"You are wrong."

Kuroneko puffed her chest and said, "We have different ways of thinking, Ayase Aragaki."

"I see. Then you are Naruko's enemy."

"You are also wrong. I'm Naruko's true friend."

Both of them ignored me and started quarrelling. Their debate had gradually escalated.

"Since when have you looked like Naruko's friend? You did something that Naruko didn't like and you still call yourself her friend? You thieving cat!"

"Thieving cat?" Kuroneko's clenched fist trembled slightly.

"Fine, then listen to me well!" Kuroneko's eyes widened, she took a deep breath and shouted, "To me, it is fine even if Naruto 'beep' his own blood-related sister!"

"What… what?" Kuro… Kuroneko!?

You, you, you! Just now, what did you say!? What just came out of that tiny mouth of yours? What a shameless thing to say!

"…That… that… that…" Even the Demon Queen Ayase was stunned speechless.

Kuroneko was red to her ears, she was breathing hard as she continue shouting, "I'm this girl's true friend! This girl wants me to be her best friend, to be someone who understands her! Even if Naruto is a bastard who is into incest, I'm fine with that. I can love him without any problem, I can happily grant any of Naruko's wishes. What about you Ayase? What would you do if you were me? If you also love Naruto as a member of opposite sex, can you accommodate Naruko's wishes as well as I have?"

"That… that's impossible! I can't do it!"

"In that case~ you will become Naruko's enemy when the time comes."

"Guh!" Ayase bit her month and answered Kuroneko, "That time will never come! Pervert pervert pervert pervert pervert!"

"Hm… go ahead and call me a pervert. I don't care."

…She had gone all out… I… could no longer escape…

"Ah… Kuroneko."

"…What?"

"About… well…"

What should I say to return Kuroneko to normal… I made up my decision and said, "Did Naruko say that she want to 'beep' with me?"

I just voiced my question, but Kuroneko was stunned, as if she was frozen in time.

"…"

A few seconds later…

" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Yahhhhhh!"

Just like an octopus that was about to be cooked, Kuroneko's whole body trembled…

"That! That's just…! Anyways, it's not…!" Kuroneko's hands waved around in panic.

"That… that is just a what-if! A hypothetical assumption!"

"Ah, I see, you only made an assumption."

Still, what a terrible assumption! There is no way I could 'beep' my sister! Are you okay, chuuni girl? But — thankfully Naruko wasn't here! If she heard it just now, I would be in real trouble!

"An-Anyway, please come in first. Although I have nothing to offer you."

"Oh… Um… ah~ sorry for intruding!"

In order to make Kuroneko stop this topic, I invited her into my room. Because of the shock from Kuroneko's shameless words, Ayase was still stunned at the entrance.

Kuroneko took a look at my room and said without holding back, "It's a good room." She smiled.

"Really…?" I think this room is too old already.

"Yes. Although this room is old, your father did a good job of finding it. Sturdy pillars, thick walls — it has a feeling of Senpai's father."

"Oh."

"Yes. Fufu, he sure does love his son."

"Ha~ I see. Thank you. By the way, why are you still addressing me as 'Senpai'?" Even though we were no longer senpai and kouhai.

Kuroneko smiled and look at me.

"… Even we were no longer in the same school, Senpai is Senpai… or do you not want me to call you that anymore?"

I hastily shook my head. Truly, today Kuroneko had a mature feeling… she looked so elegant…

"Kuroneko Senpai" — no, "Ruri Senpai". I suddenly had the urge to call her that.

Ruri Senpai (yeahh!) casually brushed her hair.

"I brought you a bento."

Kuroneko placed a bento box warped in golden cloth on the table. Kuroneko's sewing skill is so amazing.

"Here is for morning… and this is for lunch… and this is fruit juice."

"Sorry for bothering you."

"No, I'm the one who should apologize… coming here so soon in the morning… I don't have time after school due to my little sisters…"

So she took the early bus and came to my house…

… I'm moved…

"Thank you… I'm very happy."

Hearing that, Kuroneko looked away from me.

"It was nothing… ah, can you open it and see for yourself? I added some more meat like you wanted."

"… You still remember? That…"

I removed the cloth and saw the bento box.

"Ah. It's really a sandwich."

"Of course. This was the only one I wasn't satisfied with during my holy war."

"Ha ha ha… I see… this is God's retribution."

Seeing Kuroneko's proud expression, I couldn't help but smile. Kuroneko and I looked at each other…

Bang! A very loud sound interrupted us. Of course, Ayase was the one who made it.

Ayase thrust her finger at my face, "You left me aside again!"

… How could I forget about you? But from your look, it'd be more dangerous if I casually pressed a wrong button of yours.

Turning back to Ayase, Kuroneko shot her a serious glance.

"It's better if you would have gone back."

"What are you saying?"

"Nothing… Uh? Did I say something wrong?"

With a dull voice, Ayase calmly pointed out the nonsensical part in Kuroneko's words.

"What you said about you being too busy after school is nonsense. Am I right? You only want to let Naruto see your new uniform, you also choose this time because the chance of meeting him alone is higher, didn't you?"

"That… I…"

"Looks like I hit the bull's eye."

Ayase got carried away because she was able to make Kuroneko speechless.

"Say… Ayase… you also said that 'I'm going to be busy after school so I have to go to your place in the morning…'."

Ugh! Ayase suddenly elbowed me in the stomach.

"… Did you say something?"

"No… nothing at all."

"I see… then let's continue, Kuroneko." Ayase returned to her quarrel with Kuroneko. At the same time, Kuroneko managed to recover.

"So… what's wrong with that? I wasn't lying when I said I'm going to be busy after school. Beside, this is none of your business."

"… None of my business?" Ayase clearly didn't accept this explanation.

"Yes, aren't I right?"

"No… you aren't."

"Really? So what is your relationship with Naruto?"

"That's… Naruko."

"… Ara, so if there is no Naruko, then there are no relationship between you and Naruto anymore?"

"No… it's not…"

"So, what are you?"

"… Kuh."

Yeah, what exactly is the relationship between me and Ayase? We are both my sister's acquaintance, but our relationship is not just as simple as that. But it is not like we aren't friends, but… it's hard to explain… even Ayase couldn't answer…

"…I …Naruto and I… our relationship… is…" With a troubled expression, Ayase bit her lips, shot a glance at me and said, "Our relationship is between a sexual harasser and his victim."

"What?" That is your answer? So unbelievable!

"… Naruto? What is going on?"

"It's a misunderstanding! I used to crack jokes which seemed like sexual harassment to her, but I no longer do that anymore! I swear upon my life!"

"I see. That's fine." Kuroneko once more easily forgave me and turned back to Ayase, "Hm, so there is no relationship between you two… even if you counted this, for you to squeeze between me and Senpai is impossible. Hurry up and just leave."

"I refuse. I have the right to interrupt your relationship! What can you do against that?"

"Oh~ Isn't that funny? Pray tell, what gives you the right?"

"I can't accept that!"

"…W-What?"

Wow… today Ayase… is even more unreasonable than Kuroneko and Naruko. Look, she still raises her chest with an pompous attitude.

Kuroneko didn't give up, "What do you mean 'I can't accept that'?"

"I meant exactly what I said, I can't accept that. Even I'm not sure why, but in short I won't accept that. I will do everything I can to stop your shameless behavior! "

"It's not a shameless behavior. Since the beginning, we were destined to be together… don't force me to curse you with my devilish truth stare."

Wow… they had just met, but their relationship is already so bad… but based on my experience during this year, even if they quarrelled, nothing too bad would happen. In fact, their relationship could even improve afterward. Still, I can't allow them to make a mess right here.

I rushed between them and shouted, "Calm down you two! There is no need to go that far!"

"Who do you think we are arguing for?" I was repelled by both of them

"… I'm sorry."

Me? I'm the reason? True, Kuroneko is angry because Ayase tried to butt into her relationship with me. But why did Ayase get so angry at Kuroneko? Just like how Naruko hated Weiss. It's so hard to understand beautiful girls…

Kuroneko took a look at her cell phone and began acting hastily.

"Ah… I have to go to school now…"

"Oh right… your school seems so far away now…" Seeing that, Ayase smiled coldly.

"Ara~ it's really hard for you. So, Kuroneko, it can't be helped, just leave Naruto to me and go to school~"

"Wha-What? Did you want to eat bento together with him too? Just like the rumor said, you are a fearsome woman…"

"No! It's not like that! Why are you always saying something to make me uncomfortable! Wh-Why do I have to eat bento together with Naruto and feed him by asking him to ' Ah ~~~~~~~~'?"

"… I never said such thing…"

"Ah!" Ayase's face immediately turned red. This girl was too deep in her self-satisfying illusion and caused this hilarious scene all by herself…

Ayase coughed twice and said, "There is no need for me to be here anymore, see you later!"

She ran away. Yep, she was running away as fast as she could. Seeing this, Kuroneko asked me like nothing happened, "… Why did this girl come here?"

"I had nooooooo Ideaaaaaaaa."

(◕ω◕✿)

After school, I came back to my room to study.

"Um~ today's lesson~~."

Following my time table, I gradually finished my homework little by little. Learning by studying like this suited me unexpectedly well. Even if there was a limit for what I was capable of doing, I knew that I couldn't do what can't be done. That used to be my normal life style. I'm still thinking the same way as before. I don't want to change my life style.

But… as long as I pursue something with vigor and enthusiasm — I could do so many things that I didn't expect. Even if at first look it seemed impossible, there must be a way to solve it. I felt that something inside me had changed; from 'I couldn't do something that can't be done" to 'I could do it if I try'.

It was 8:00 PM when the door bell rang.

"Who would come at this time?"

After making sure that my lock was still hanging, I opened my door. Outside, dressed in a thin coat and with a terrible expression…

"Dad?"

"Mmm."

"… Why are you here? Are you on the way home?"

"No… I had already gone home."

He picked something up from the ground.

"Did you make dinner yet? How about this?"

Since I moved out, everyone had been worried about me and gave me meals… this morning I also received a bento from Karin. Curious, I tried to tell what it was from the smell.

"… Miso ramen…?"

"Today your Mom made dinner."

I thought so too. My Mom only knew how to make Ramen.

… This smell made me miss my home a little…

"Thank you~ are you going to come in?"

"Sorry for intruding."

I opened the door and let him in… I felt a little strange and embarrassed. I have never thought about it, but I guess after I became an adult, it would be normal for my parents to visit me. At that time I wondered who I would live together with? Dad casually took a look around.

"Naruto, how do you feel about living alone?"

"Ah… at least I think that I can manage for now…"

"I see." Dad's answer is always short and directly to the point.

… Today, he looked a bit happy?

"About the exam, have you studied?" He saw the table with the homework half way done.

… I felt a little embarrassed. "Ah… that… I definitely will."

"Hmm." Dad smiled and walked toward the kitchen. "Huh? Naruto, what's that refrigerator?"

Lying is impossible… what should I do…

"That… that… that's a present for me to celebrate me moving out."

"Really? Then we should give them something in return."

"… I received it from Naruko."

"…"

No good! His expression changed!

"… Let's talk about Naruko later."

Looked like… he didn't get angry? I lowered my guard for a second, and then…

"Naruto, what is that over here?"

"Um? What?"

"That." He pointed behind my back.

… With a dreadful feeling, I turned around. On my bed was 'The Beginning of Imouto-wife'!

I'm done for…

You might be wondering why I'm done for;

Q : Say, why did I have to move outside and live alone?

A : Because my parents suspected the possibility of me laying my hands on my little sister.

Q : Ok~ so what is the box that my father is asking about?

A : The Beginning of Imouto-wife~ The Forbidden Life of the Two — in other words, eroge.

Am I going to die? I braced myself for the inevitable…

Dad suddenly dropped his shoulders and sighed. "… Hah… Kid, you are too careless."

"… Huh? Dad… Aren't you going to beat me?"

"Beat you? This is from Naruko, isn't it?"

Dad… so you already knew? Ah… that's expected if you think about it carefully. He was never fooled by my lie. He just pretended to be tricked by me so Naruko could keep her hobby.

He closed his eyes and massaged his temples. And then he looked at me…

"I had decided this once before — I leave Naruko to you."

"Dad."

"So, should something unfortunate happen, things will not go like last time."

Hearing that, even someone as dense as me could understand. "I know."

"Good." He nodded and took a folder of A4 papers out of his bag. "Naruto, that's for you."

"… What's that?"

"Just take a look."

I did as he said. There were a dozen smaller folders inside. Date, obtained goods, price, etc.

What is that? Diary? No… A report?

"You want me to write?"

He nodded and I looked back at the folder in my hands. The title was censored. By the way, my Dad is a police detective … could it be… oh wah wah wah…?

"Is… isn't that a paper for convicts?"

"No."

"Really?"

"Anyway, just write it down."

"You want me to write what down?"

"Look at yourself. Aside from the refrigerator, you had received so many other things. So in order to thank them properly later, make sure to write it all down. Also, write down the progress of your studies and paste the receipts of whatever you buy in the folder."

… How troublesome… but that was for my parents to make sure how much money they needed to give me…

"Alright, alright…"

… Anyway, I only need to write down a monthly report, right? I spread the folder on my table and started writing.

"About things I received, I only need to write down the sender's name, right?"

"Yes."

Alright… after I moved out, I received, A refrigerator from Naruko, English Study books from Karin, a bento box from Kuuko, a toaster from Chiaki, a kitchen knife from Ayase, two bentos from Kuroneko, and a free restaurant coupons from Weiss…

"…"

Really… I don't want him to see this! Just looking at this made me feel so horrible. From the record alone, I appeared to be a bastard who forced other girls to take care of me…

"Hurry up Naruto. I want to take a look."

"… Ugh… um um…" I hadn't done anything shameful… but it was like being interrogated!

Well, I would be found out immediately if I lied anyway. Dad took my record and started looking.

"Naruto! What is the meaning of this!"

"P-Please wait Dad! There are reasons for that!"

"I was worried about you, but you lived so luxuriously every day?"

"I didn't do anything shameful! I swear!"

Kuh… looked like I needed to explain to him… when I was thinking that…

Ring The door bell rang again.

"Someone is at the door, Naruto."

"… Yeah."

Who would come this late?

"Go take a look."

"Yeah, yeah…"

My Dad was still mad, so I quickly ran to the door. In front of me is the same delivery man from before!

"Namikaze-san, this is for you! From… Momochi-san, a 'Special handmade cabinet' and 'Ultimate Naked Series — Imouto Figurine Gift Set.' Is there a problem with anything?"

"…"

Don't you have training! You damn stupid delivery man! That damn Haku, so that's your present for me? I'm gonna kill you!

"Naruto… what is… this?"

"Ah… um… this… ah…"

I had totally given up… how could I explain this to my angry father…? That night I assembled the cabinet; my father even stayed to help…

.

_ஜ199ஜ_

.

"The results should not be like this!"

Although my table was full of reference books and the like, there was one particular problem that I couldn't solve. Naruko had taunted me so much, I felt so embarrassing because of my uselessness. But please forgive me today.

Why? Because, in my room… Ayase is taking a shower. Aside form the sound of water falling, there was nothing else.

… Allow me to explain what happened. Today, after school, it suddenly rained. I came back home drenched. After I dealt with my clothes, which were now drying, the door bell rang. When I opened it, I was met with Ayase who was also completely drenched. Allowing Ayase to go to the bathroom first was a matter of courtesy, right? Anyway, after I helped prepare her clothes (although they were all mine), I walked back to my table and started studying. But I couldn't focus at all!

It was similar to the time when I visited a love hotel with Naruko but Ayase is not my sister!

"Dammt! Calm the hell down!"

I glared at the bathroom door restlessly…

Glup

Ding dong

Wahhhhhhhhhhh!

"Wha… what the hell…!"

I was almost scared to death! Who would come at this time!

Ding Dong

I rushed to the door and outside was someone I didn't expect.

"Hi~ how are you!"

"Hi… Hinata-chan!"

"Hi~ Naruto~ long time no see~~."

It was Kuroneko's little sister, Hinata-chan. She waved her hand and greeted me. I waved back, smiling.

"Yeah~ it has been a long time~ I missed you!"

"Me too, me too~ heehee~."

We had a perfect relationship. Hinata-chan was an elementary student, so I got along with her easily… just like Fuuka, her characteristics suited me well.

"What did you come here for?" And how could you know that I lived here?

"Ah~ um~ 'Wicked's Eye-sama'~."

"I see. I understand perfectly."

"By the way, Hinata-chan, it's 'Tyrant's eye' not 'Wicked eye'. She would get mad if you repeated that mistake."

"Oh!? Really!? Just from a single sentence?"

"Yup. In short, Kuroneko was worried about me, but for various reasons, she couldn't come herself. Also, she felt troubled. During that time, you asked Naruko what happened and decided to come all by yourself — that's about it, right?"

Am I right? I secretly glanced at her and saw that she was very surprised.

"Naruto is so amazing~! How did you come to that conclusion?"

"Hm~ that's the power of love."

"With me~?"

"Probably with Kuroneko and Naruko…"

"Wow~ don't you feel embarrassed?"

Of course I was! There is no need to repeat that.

"… So, you came to check on my situation?"

"Yes~."

"Kuroneko allowed you to come here?"

"She has forbidden me from causing you any trouble~." But you suddenly came, you brat.

"Anyway, come in. It was still raining, you would get wet outside."

Just like Ayase, Hinata hugged herself and blushed, "Could it be… that a man is inviting me to his room?"

"Hey!?" I pulled the brat into my home.

"Ahhh…"

"… Please don't let anyone hear that…"

I was just commenting on it, but Hinata-chan seemed very excited, "Yah~ Oh~ you are going to lay your hands on an elementary school girl~! Just like those erotic things in Naruko Nee-chan's doujinshi."

"Hey! Stop joking with me!"

How did it turn into this! Beside, what the hell did Naruko show an elementary school student?

"Forget it, I'm safe… for now."

The door was closed, so there was no danger of someone overhearing.

… How could I think of something perverted? It was impossible. Right now, let me keep playing with this elementary school girl.

I took Hinata-chan to the living room and said, "… Okay, Hinata-chan. Sit down. I will get some snacks and drinks."

Shit! Now I realized… there was still the sound of water in the bathroom.

Crap! Ayase was still in the bathroom, what the hell did I just do? But I had no time to regret it. Because right that instant, the bathroom door opened and Ayase stepped out.

"Thank you for lending me your clothes, Naru-wha…!?" Ayase stared in shock at Hinata-chan

"Wow… this is totally~ unexpected~ Naruto…" Hinata was also surprised.

By the way, the clothes that I lent Ayase were cotton. She truly was a model, everything looked nice on her… but… Ayase's underwear was also drenched because of the rain… so… it turned out… What an idiot I am! I didn't think that far ahead! But I remembered my situation and regained my breathing.

Finally seeing what was going on, Ayase was trembling and pointed at Hinata-chan.

"Na… Naruto! How could you bring that small girl in here while I was bathing!"

"She is a visitor! A visitor!"

Don't look at me like I'm some kind of pedo criminal!

"She is Hinata-chan, Kuroneko's little sister."

"So you have laid your hands on Kuroneko's little sister too…?"

"You said that on purpose, didn't you!"

"… I'm just joking, Naruto-kun. No matter how much of a beast Naruto-kun is, you couldn't possibly lay your hands on this small girl."

It's good that you understood, but please don't say something so unnecessary.

But after that was Hinata-chan's turn to lecture me, "Naruto you cheater! You said that you were living alone, but actually you had invited a girl to live together with you!"

"Listen to me, this is all a misunderstanding!" I tried to explain.

Say, why was I explaining this to an elementary school girl like her? I wanted to cry…

And then, another misunderstanding was born.

"Yes! Because of the rain, my clothes were all wet… so I had to borrow Naruto's bathroom…"

"Um~ so you two really didn't do anything against your consciences?"

"Of course not!"

Both Ayase and I yelled at the same time. Hearing that, Hinata finally looked carefully at us.

"I will report everything I have seen just now to Ruri Nee-chan and Naruko Nee-chan."

"No! Don't do that!" Ayase yelled.

"… Ayase?"

I turned to Ayase in surprise, only to see her expression was quite anxious, with a hint of embarrassment.

"… Please wait… this… this could cause a misunderstanding with Naruko… so…"

"It's fine as long as we are clear, and as long as this girl doesn't exaggerate something."

I slowly poked Hinata-chan's forehead while speaking, making her say "Please stop that…"

"Give my regards to Kuroneko, tell her that I can focus on studying just fine, that there is no need to worry about me."

"Fine, fine~ I got it already~ it hurts~ still, there is something else I have to report to my sister!"

… What did you just say? I didn't understand the last part of what she said.

.

_ஜ200ஜ_

.

Ever since I started living on my own, Ayase kept coming to my apartment everyday and acted like a housewife. Heaven and Hell are unexpectedly close. Although using that old saying as a start is a bit too much, I felt that was my recent daily life. Everyday, after I came back from school.

"Welcome back, Naruto."

She wore an apron like an angel and welcomed me back. Is there anyone who is happier than me now — of course not!

"I'm back, Ayase."

Next should be 'What kind of conversation is that! It's like we are newlyweds!'. Just when those thoughts emerged in my head.

"Um. Say — what is that?"

Just like a devil, she held a kitchen knife in one hand and an ero magazine in the other. Is there anyone who is in worse condition than me now — of course not!

"…"

I froze at the entrance and broke into a cold sweat. I tried to break the current situation.

"… Ayase. Before we talk about the main topic — can you please drop the knife?"

"Why?"

Ayase's super cute face was too much, I wanted to take a picture of it — but her eyes weren't laughing! I, I should say that my instincts are screaming at me now~ or should I say that we have to carefully think about our future.

"… Oh? Of course I can… however…" Ayase coldly looked at me, said, "In short, please come in first. Don't just stand here."

"Thank you very much."

Phew… at least I didn't have to be worried about getting killed right now — just when I thought so.

"… Hey Ayase. What is with that bug spray in your hand?"

"What do you think?"

"Are there cockroaches in the house?"

"… Stare."

"Don't stare at me!? What? Are you saying that I'm a harmful insect now!?"

"Oh! I'm surprised that Naruto-kun can be aware of that on your own, but please before I say anything, don't make assumptions and get angry."

"That's what you meant, isn't it!?" Don't you think that's too much?

Replacing the knife with her new weapon, Ayase took a very cute pose, pzzzzz~ pzzzzz and started a gas attack toward the air.

"That insecticide gas… is also poisonous to humans~."

I thought it was just Ayase's way of beating around the bush for saying 'I want to kill you.' But there was no way I could do that same about the main topic, so I said, "Okay, let's start talking about the main topic." I spread out my hands and motioned for Ayase to sit down. We sat face to face, a pack of tied together ero magazines between us. Ayase spoke in a terrified tone and repeated her question from earlier.

"I will ask you again… what are those?"

"… Ero magazines." Directly to the point… it's not like I had a choice.

"Heh ~ uh, I see." Ayase's eyes became dull.

Ah~ my treasure… was going to be thrown away. I clearly hid it carefully, yet this girl could still manage to find out. What a scary girl.

"Naruto-kun… why are you looking at me with rebellious eyes? You, don't you think that it's very impolite to let a girl find out about those pervert magazines?"

"I clearly hid them properly. Don't you think it's strange for you to look for it and tell me about being impolite?"

"I'm was not looking for it! And — besides, it is not a good thing to have this at home!"

"I get it already, so please stop using the bug spray!" My room stunk now.

"Any-any-any-anyway, that's it!"

whap whap — bang! From the pile of tied up magazines, Ayase slammed a particular one on the table.

"Why is a magazine with my photo hidden in the same place with them?"

"… That's a very difficult question." How should I say it.

"Is my swimsuit photo the same as those ero magazines?"

Yeah, your swimsuit is really ero. Of course, I couldn't say that to her. So I said this instead, "This is a misunderstanding, Ayase."

"… What part of it is a misunderstanding?"

"There is a photo of Naruko in a swimsuit in that magazine too."

"That is even worse! You pervert!"

Bang both physical and mental violence burst open on my mind.

"You, you hit me with the bug spray? That is not what you use it for!"

"Don't try to change the subject! So, Naruto-kun did look at Naruko with pervert eyes…."

"That's why I told you it isn't like that!"

Until Ayase could accept this lie, how many times would I have to be a victim of her killer kick. You guys can imagine the rest.

… In short, those were basically my daily life with Ayase. The life which was both Heaven and Hell continued. On a Saturday, Ayase came to my house in the morning and started doing housework. Of course I told her many times that 'you don't have to do it at this level,' but the determined Ayase always replied with a smile, "I can't — leave Naruto-kun alone."

I had to thank Ayase properly later.

"Naruto, I'm going to use the washing machine now. I'm sorry for the noise."

"Ah~ it's fine, don't worry."

Bathed in this happiness, I went to my table and started focusing on studying.

Rugh rugh rugh rugh

I could hear the sound of the washing machine. After about an hour of studying… I suddenly felt that someone was staring at the back of my neck. I turned my head back and saw Ayase staring at me from the middle of the room.

"Is something wrong?"

"No, nothing at all."

"Okay." I felt a little strange, but I turned back.

… No, it bugged me very much! I turned my head back again and found out that Ayase was staring at me with the same posture from earlier.

"… Naruto."

"Yes?"

"… Are you free?"

Ayase sat in the middle of the room, both of her hands slightly clenched and placed on her knees. Her eyes were looking this way.

… Seemed like I was right. Well, since she came so early, she finished everything that needed to be done early too.

"About that… please don't mind me and keep studying."

"I'm very concerned if you keep staring at me like that."

"So what do you want me to do, Naruto-kun?"

How should I know?!

"Are you making a fuss?"

"I'm not."

No matter whether it was your tone or your expression, you were clearly making a fuss.

"Urm… it would be better if I can find something for you to kill time."

"For example? Like what?"

"… Books… and… stuff…?"

I glanced in a corner, where my tied-up treasures were laid waiting to be burned away.

"You, you want me to look at those ero magazine!"

"I haven't said anything yet!"

"This is sexual harassment! Pervert!"

"Why do you seem a little happy?"

"I'm not making such an expression!"

You clearly were! Damn… recently, this girl always interpreted my words as sexually harassment then got angry with me. In fact, I didn't mean it.

"Books are a no then… how about a game?"

"Na-Naruto-kun…you are living alone to focus on your studies, why did you bring a game with you?"

"Ah, no, I didn't."

"Hoh~ um… there is no way I could not confiscate it…"

She sounded like an overprotective mother! The current situation was really like that. Ayase's husband and children were going to have a hard time.

Ayase smiled, both of her hands started eagerly moving around.

"So… where is it hidden? I have checked everywhere in this room."

"Hey! What did you just say?"

"Oh! I'm the one who is charged with cleaning it, of course that is my duty right?"

"Don't tilt your head and make an I-know-nothing-about-it expression! Your actions have far surpassed a lover's level!"

"Love-love-lover… I only came to help you! D-Don't misunderstand! Hmph!"

What a troublesome girl.

Right in front of my frowning face, Ayase energetically started looking for the game. What a pity, that game had already been installed on my laptop. With that, everyone could pass their time. And so, right now in this room, there was only one game — 'The Beginning of Imouto-wife~ The Forbidden Life of the Two~' There was only a single disk, so…?

… Not good. The scene of Ayase happily searching for that game suddenly looked like a scene from Hell.

"… But, but… there is no problem." I muttered to myself.

Why? Because I had super-carefully hidden it away (of course I never played this game. Not once!). Not only did I frequently change where I hid it (a drawer inside the kitchen, inside the shoe boxes and like), right now, it was hidden in a most secure place. Even Ayase shouldn't have been able to find it.

Why did I say so — let me surprise you. It was hidden in the corner of the room, inside the cabinet. And that cabinet was still covered with cloth. Ayase once looked inside and saw those ero figures, after that she didn't bother removing the cloth.

Ha ha… I won! That place was secure. My mind was really good.

"Hah! I see… so it was hidden in the cabinet?"

"How could you know?"

I was so surprised that I almost flew out. Ayase's dull eyes showed me a worried expression.

"Because… Naruto-kun kept looking that way, how could I not feel suspicious about that."

"Damn, dammit!" I was so stupid. Ayase's action were clear without saying.

"So — game confiscated"

Rustle she took down the cloth. Because of the ero scene inside, Ayase blushed and took the sealed paper box.

"So this is it huh!"

"Wait… wait a second Ayase! Don't open it!"

"Why, why are you resisting so desperately?"

"Because, because that is —"

Creek I didn't have a chance to explain. Ayase had opened the box — Little sister based eroge meet Ayase-sama.

"…"

"…"

Dammit! I want to kill God for this! Even if you were going to expose me, don't expose me to such terrifying person!

"… This… this… this…."

However, the scene of Ayase embarrassed nearly to the point of crying… made me a bit excited. I didn't say it out loud. I only thought it, so it didn't count as sexual harassment, okay!

After mentally preparing myself to receive a killer flying kick, I focused to memorize the current erotic expression on Ayase's face. But the next development was unlike what I expected.

"… This…"

"Umm? Yes?"

"… This… this…"

Ayase held the eroge, blushed and looked down. She said something that I couldn't hear. She was so embarrassed that she couldn't voice it — that was what I thought. So I asked, "Could it be… that you want to try this game?"

"How could I play that! Idiot!"

The atmosphere instantly disappeared.

"So, then what?"

"No… this game… Did Naruko gave it to Naruto-kun?"

"… Ah, yeah."

She didn't misunderstand.

"… So Naruko… wants to do… this with Naruto-kun?"

"Hey hey! What messed up things are you saying?"

"Ah! I, I didn't mean that…! I just think that Naruko actually wanted to come take care of Naruto-kun herself. That's what I felt when I saw this title!"

"…"

In an instant, my eyes widened.

"It's fine if you don't come back."

"I will give you one chance to tell me to do anything."

"… If that's true, then that's great." I smiled from the bottom of my heart.

After she found out about the terrible eroge, Ayase cleaned up the room. After that, whenever she was free, she began studying on her own. I was so sorry because she had to sacrifice her precious time to take care of me — no, it was more accurate to say my heart was full of gratitude.

(◕ω◕✿)

The next day, Sunday afternoon. When I returned home after visiting the convenience store for fruit juice, I saw an extraordinary scene. Ayase had opened my wardrobe and tried to find my underwear.

"… Ayase… what, are you doing?"

"Eek!" Ayase subconsciously straightened her back. Seemed like she was too focused on that and didn't notice me until now.

"… Na-Na-Naruto-kun… Welcome back." She turned and faced me, a pair of my underwear still in her hand. I should say 'that line' now, shouldn't I?

"What welcome back!? I'm going to call the police!"

"W-wh-why-why-why… are you calling the police?"

"Look at the current situation!" I pointed at Ayase.

"You are not an angel now! You are an underwear thief!"

"This is a misunderstanding!"

Still tightly holding my underwear in her hands, her posture wasn't the least bit convincing. I opened my mouth and spoke in a serious tone, "I see… I finally get it. Recently… I only noticed it after I moved here — my underwear slowly disappeared without any explanation — so you are the culprit!"

"This is truly a misunderstanding!" Those words couldn't explain the current situation.

Ayase continued, "Any-anyway… I'd rather kill you myself than steal such filthy things!"

"Your words don't make any sense!" Did you mean 'I'd rather die than steal this thing'? Why did it turn into me getting killed?!

"Anyway, please calm down first!"

"How could I calm down in this state?" Come back home to find a beautiful girl searching through my underwear! Of course I would feel confused.

"Before I call the police, I will ask you something. Ayase…what is your intention?"

"Really… Naruto-kun is so troublesome…"

Normally, I'm the one who said that. Still tightly holding my underwear, Ayase said, as if she was angry at herself.

"I only want to wash Naruto-kun's underwear!"

"You don't have to wash underwear that is already inside the wardrobe!"

"Because!" Ayase's eyes flared with anger, she placed my underwear in front of me.

"So why do you want to wash my underwear?"

"Oh… because…"

Because Ayase was mad, I was little taken back. What? What did I just ask Ayase? Why was a beautiful girl mad at me because of 'washing underwear'? I totally don't get it.

"… You have to change underwear everyday when you take a bath, right?"

"I was asking 'why do you want to wash them?'"

Ah… I thought… I was slowly getting it.

"When I washed your clothes… I never found any underwear… so I think it's strange… thus today I searched your wardrobe!"

… I see… I thought that…

"I see… I can rest assured now. It's not for putting on the head, or sniffing, or something like that."

"Of course not! Don't imagine pervert things!"

In 'The Beginning of Imouto-Wife,' there were scenes like that. What kind of pervert was I? The guys who made that game and Naruko who forcefully pushed it onto me were the real perverts.

"Because it's embarrassing to let a girl wash it for me… I washed it myself."

"There is no need for such unnecessary scruples. In the future, just leave them alone after bathing."

Such embarrassing lines, I couldn't believe that Ayase could bluntly say them aloud. However, I wasn't scrupling. It was embarrassing. She didn't understand me at all. However the serious Ayase was quite terrifying too…

"I get it. Then I will throw then into the clothes basket after bathing."

I had no choice but to say that.

"Hoh, it's good that Naruto-kun understands." Ayase looked satisfied, she straightened her chest.

I looked at her hands and said, "Say, how long are you going to hold onto my underwear?"

"Ah!" Ayase's face turned deep red, she threw my underwear aside. Just like some filthy thing!

… Ah forget it. I came home and set off a chain commotion, and finally it was about to stop… just when I thought so, Ayase crawled to me on all fours like a beast.

"So, Naruto-kun — please take them off."

"What!?"

Even with my high level criticize skill, at that moment that was all I could manage to say.

… What did this girl just say?

"Please take it off." Ayase's eyes flashed, she repeated herself.

… No, no way… she is serious. I could only dumbly stand in place. At my feet, Ayase was pulling my trousers down. This was more unbelievable than just now! What was going on with this world?

"Why must I take them off?"

"Because I want to wash Naruto-kun's underwear right now — so please take them off."

"Wait what? I don't need to take a bath right now!"

"No, I came here because I want to take care Naruto!"

"Stop Ayase! I surely didn't hope for you to do that!"

The scene right now is 'I tried to convince the fearsome criminal Ayase.' By the way, this girl…

"I thought that you wanted to strip me naked?"

"I-I don't! Just when I decide to do something, I can't remain calm until I do it properly!"

So she was very troubled unless she washed my underwear at least once, right? Although I didn't fully understand, Ayase considered washing my underwear her mission. What a troublesome girl as usual.

"Alright… let me take them off properly!"

"Hey… wait…! Don't take off my belt!"

Because Ayase pushed my feet, I fell backward. On the other hand, like a beast, Ayase crawled up and began to pull my trousers —

"How are you Naruto~~~ I brought a gift~~~ Listen, this time, they taste really good — ah?"

At that time, Kuuko appeared.

"…"

"… No, no, it's not like that. Kuuko… this is…"

Kuuko's expression remained unchanged, she watched the situation and suddenly brought her cell phone to her ear.

"Naruko~ Ayase is raping your brother~."

"Stop!"

When Kuuko said that was only a joke, I felt that Kuuko was like a goddess from the bottom of my heart.

A few hours later…

"Really… I can't let my guard down around Kuuko…"

"… I'm the one who can't let my guard down around you."

I was at my table and muttering in a tone that no one could hear.

"— Did you just say something?" A terrifying voice boomed behind me.

I hastily denied, "Still, Ayase, there is no need to chase Kuuko away. She did bring a gift for us."

Kuuko brought her hand-made cake. After explaining the misunderstanding to Kuuko, Ayase said, 'I'm the one who will take care of Naruto, so what are you doing here!' and chased Kuuko away. The poor Kuuko could only leave the cake behind. We shared this cake together. I had to properly thank her later.

"What is so bad with sharing it with her?"

"Ha… really, Naruto-kun is sweeter than cake. To chase away every foreign thing that can interfere with your studies is my mission."

"I see. I myself think that I could relax and have a talk with Kuuko."

"Hoh~ uhm…Naruto-kun, do you want to have tea with Kuuko?"

"Yeah, like that."

"…"

"Is something wrong?"

She suddenly became quiet. Suddenly, I felt that Ayase had just took a knife and pointed it at my back. I panickingly turned my head around. She stared at me in a very bad way.

"Nothing… nothing at all."

"So…what is with your expression?"

Your gaze at me was like an arrow. But if I said that, she would consider it sexual harassment. Ah, how troublesome. I had no choice but to keep silent.

"Say, how long are you going to take a break, Naruto?"

"Oh! No no! I have always been studying right in front of you."

I wasn't slacking off!

"Based on my monitoring, you aren't focusing on study."

"Monitor? You just said monitor right?

"Yes. For example — you see, right now your hand has stopped moving."

"Ugh…"

She always stands behind me, so I was wondering what she was doing — I never thought she did that…

"Since when did you become a mother-like character who monitors my studies?"

"Ah, that is a nice word. From now on, call me mother."

"Allow me to refuse. I have no such interest."

What would I do if someone saw me call Ayase mother!? I would die.

"I see… If you wore glasses, you would look more like a supervising mother."

I didn't return to my studies and kept joking. But a voice that made me shudder sounded behind me.

"… Teaching stick… whip… where are they selling them…"

"I love study! Sir!" She is not a supervising mother, but a demonic instructor instead.

Under the surveillance of this demonic instructor, I once again began to study. To tell the truth, this time, my studies went much better than any previous session. Could it be that I was the type only able to grow up when being abused? It was really making me uneasy. I had been studying for two and a half hours, but my concentration was still good.

"U… uh…" I straightened my back and then yawned "Haaaah~~" With perfect timing, a cup of coffee came from behind me.

"Thanks for the hardwork, Naruto-kun How about taking a break and drinking a cup of coffee?"

"Right right~ Thank you~."

I should have enjoyed her devoted services, but the only things on my mind at that time were: 'Carrot and stick.' Sorry Ayase. But your timing was too perfect so it felt creepy.

I turned to Ayase and said, "… Say, are you always monitoring me from behind?"

"Of course? Then I make coffee when the time is right." If she answered it that way, I thought it was cute.

… So what was it? Was her action creepy or cute? I couldn't make a guess. I drank a bit of coffee, a sweet aroma spread in my mouth.

"… It is good."

"Really? One piece of sugar, no milk… so that's it?"

"Ah… why do you know my favorite?"

"Oh hehe… it's a secret~?"

Although she was very cute when she was embarrassed, answer my question! It was so scary!

"Thanks for the drink." I put the cup down.

Ayase kept talking with me, "Because today Naruto-kun tried really hard… tomorrow, I will make whatever you like to eat."

"Oh! Really?"

"Yes. And then, umm…" Ayase made a proposal, "Naruto-kun, if possible… to change the mood, do you want to go shopping for food with me?"

"Sure."

"That's good to hear. Then tomorrow, okay."

"Okay."

"Ah, right. Today I have a present for Naruto-kun too."

"Oh oh? What is that? Today's services are really good!" I said happily.

Ayase replied with a gentle expression. "This~." From the look of it, it was an A4 size paper with a round chart.

"What is that?"

"Naruto's 24 hours schedule~ what do you think, Naruto-kun?"

"I don't have to carefully look at it to see that there is no time to sleep in there!"

"Oh! According to Naruto-kun's learning skills, since when you have time to sleep?"

"I need! You look down on my learning skills too much! If I studied nonstop for a month I would die!"

"I'm only joking! Why are you acting so serious?"

"Because normally, I can't consider your words and action just now a joke!"

The stick following the carrot had arrived. Ah… seemed like I couldn't slack off in my studies.

The next day, afternoon, I met up with Ayase in front of the bus station and went to the supermarket. It was now the end of November. The weather was cold.

"It's so cold today." I wore a thick scarf around my neck, my breath turned white.

"Isn't that a good thing to get rid of your sleepiness?"

Today Ayase wore — I think it's called tube top. She wore a strapless dress with a warm jacket outside. She looked like an adult. By the way, I had to force myself to look away from her chest. So damned hard.

Although it might have already been too late, I still wanted to ask, "You, why… eh… why are you wearing such bold clothes?"

What were you intending to do?

"I, I'm not. Because I had a photo shoot today, I came here without changing…"

I thought it was better to change. When I was about to say that. I forced myself to shut up. Long ago, there was a time when Naruko and I were in a similar situation. 'These are the clothes I wore when I took the photo shoot, then they just gave them to me~ so I just kept wearing it. What do you think? Does it suit me~?' At that time, I should have praised her. However…

"Well, it's not bad, but… "

"… Is something wrong?"

"I think… it's too bold."

It's not like I didn't feel happy when seeing Ayase in those clothes. But I couldn't hide my worry.

"I will take this chance and speak my true feelings. The same for Naruko, swimsuits or those revealing clothes… I really hope that she will stop accepting them. Ah, although I think they're very cute… I don't think that your work is too careless, but, what I want to say is…"

What was I saying? Ayase would get mad. But Ayase went 'puh' and laughed.

"Naruto-kun, you are saying the same thing as my father."

"Really?"

"Yes. You are worried about me — I'm very grateful."

"No, it's nothing… I just said something unnecessary, sorry."

"Hehee."

… Should I say it was awkward or embarrassing? Well, I should stop this topic. We walked side by side and looked for other topics. I looked at Ayase. In her hair, there was the hairpin Naruko gave her. The first time she wore it, I felt a little uneasy. Somehow, now I didn't feel that way anymore.

"You are wearing Naruko's hairpin again. It's more appropriate than before."

"Hehee ~ really~?"

"Right, you seem more confident now. Say, is that because I'm now used to it?"

"It's not like that."

Ayase straightened her chest and said, "I'm a model too. I will work hard on every aspect to become worthy of this hairpin."

"Hoh~ … is that why? Is it the same for Naruko?"

"Naruto-kun, do you mean about this hairpin? You see, Naruko is naturally suited to it."

"By the way, Ayase. It has been a while since your last time wearing this hairpin."

"Ah~ so Naruto-kun noticed too."

Because Ayase was too cute, I frequently paid attention to that, but of course I wouldn't say that out loud

"You can say so." Ayase lightly touch her hairpin. "Naruko gave me this hairpin… so it is very important to me. Because I only have one unique precious treasure like this — I only wear it on special occasions."

"Aren't you wearing it now?"

Ayase placed one of her fingers on the corner of her mouth and said in a mischievous tone.

"I wonder why~? What do you think, Naruto-kun?"

"Because, this is a special day?"

"Yes, you got it right. Then — what is it for a special day?"

"Uh~… I don't know!"

Seeing my helpless situation, Ayase laughed happily.

"Really~ such an idiot~."

"How could I know without you telling me?"

"No."

"What? What's wrong with telling me?"

"Hehe, no — means no. Ah, how about I give you a hint then?" Ayase gently stroked her hairpin.

"Long ago, this hairpin — Naruko received this from 'somebody'. Because she treasured it very much, she couldn't wear it everyday. That's why she bought a lot of similar hairpins."

"Oh!"

"It was very hard to convince Naruko to give me even one."

"I see. But how is that a hint? I still don't understand."

"Oh, is that so? By the way, Naruto."

"Yes?"

"You have such happy expression."

"… I do not."

Anyway. No clear context. Simply random unrelated story — A very long time ago, there was a time when the fifth grade, elementary schooler Naruto Namikaze once on a rare chance gave her sister a present. It was merely a 500 Yen hairpin. So… there was no point thinking about it now.

We finally arrived at the station in front of the supermarket. Because the price was quite high, normally I never came here. Today, I only came here for Ayase. Hopefully I could have a decent dinner.

"So, let's hurry and start shopping."

Since Ayase was holding the basket, I naturally offered my hand.

"Let me carry it."

"Oh… ah, yes." Ayase whispered and nodded once.

What a wonderful girlish reaction. Even I noticed my senses went over the top. I kept walking slowly and pretended to speak in a calm tone.

"So, what do you want to eat?"

"What do you want, Naruto-kun?"

"Anything is fine."

"Really… anything is the most difficult choice."

Karin said so too. By the way, in recent years, Karin had evolved to the point that she could use clairvoyance to predict what I wanted to eat and make it for me. Truly, I couldn't ask Ayase for the same thing.

"Hum~ what is good. Still, it's true that anything is fine. Because it's Ayase's handmade meal."

"E-Even kind words are unnecessary."

"No, I'm telling the truth. Your cooking is amazing."

Compared to Kuuko and Naruko and you would realize it soon. Recently, I noticed that girls with motherly instincts like Karin or Kuroneko are ultra rare.

"How could you be that good? Do you frequency help out with housework?"

"Not exactly help, it's more accurate to say that I was taught at home. When I was small, mother taught me to take care of cleaning and washing."

"Is it the same in the case of cooking?"

"No, that… because."

"… Could it be… you practice it because of me…?"

"Of course not." With a blank expression, she denied.

"In the house work class, I was in the same group… so I prepared everything. Because I want Naruko to enjoy my delicious cooking."

"Ha, ha. So for Naruko huh."

Her feelings for Naruko had gone beyond friendship as usual. However, because of that Naruko became aware of Ayase's real cooking skill.

"Still, although I'm happy that Naruto-kun praised me, compared to Karin Nee-san, my cooking is not that good, right?"

"Well, it's true."

"… So blunt. Don't you think that it's better to be a little modest here?"

"In that kind of conversation, lying is not good."

"Hmph~."

"Still, Ayase's cooking is really good. Today I'm looking forward to it."

"… Yes yes. Then allow this cute girl to try her best."

Hm~ she turned her head away. Ah… I made her angry. Ayase glanced at me.

"If Naruto-kun isn't going to choose anything then I will make potato stew with beef."

"Huh? Is that your specialty?"

"No, it's Naruto-kun's favorite."

That is why I wanted to ask, why do you know everything about me?

"I heard about it from Karin Nee-san. Didn't Kuuko just make it for Naruto-kun? Then I'm going to made potato stew with beef too."

I felt that her fighting spirit had awakened.

"So, let's choose some meat first ~"

"Alright."

When we arrived at the meat store, we were assaulted with pork's flavor. Was that a tasting bar? The lady who was tending it called to us.

"The missus over here! How about it!? This beef is very cheap!"

"!" Ayase's suddenly froze.

"No, thank you!" Somehow, she looked shaken. She quickly walked away.

"Hey… what are you doing all of the sudden…"

"Nothing at all…"

She suddenly stopped, her cheeks reddened, she whispered, "M-m-mi-missus… Just now, did she mean me…?"

"Ha? Ah… I think she did."

"I, we… do we look like a newlywed couple!?"

Ayase suddenly stared at me and leaned over. Somehow, her atmosphere became so menacing.

"Blew, that, well, I think it's just a standard greeting. Like 'welcome' or 'please take care of me.'"

"I see. That's right."

"Ah~ Naruto-kun."

After we paid for our stuff, I heard someone calling to me. I turned my head around and saw an onee-chan who was holding a baby.

"Ah, isn't that Kuroi-san!?"

Since some might have already forgotten about her, let me reintroduce her — she was Nanako Kuroi. The greedy editor who once tried to steal Naruko's novel. The last time we met was during Summer Comiket — I didn't even want to lecture her anymore.

"You have a child now!?"

"This is not my child!"

Kuroi-san hastily tried to deny. The baby she was holding broke into happy laughter.

"This child… since I'm now working at a child center… alright? This is one of my junior's children… although it's a bit cruel, a single mother is very busy. In fact… I'm in quite a lot of trouble."

"A lot huh."

"Yes, a lot. For example, I'm the one who created this group and commercialized it. I should have been hailed as a hero, yet somehow I was kicked aside! Like the advisor position, which was taken away from me. I managed to pay off all of my debt, but now I have no choice but to try all kind of work…"

"… I don't want to hear anymore."

Everyone had their own troubles. If you wanted to rant about it, even a movie wouldn't be long enough. In this situation, even Kuuko and Rias could tell. It's so much that no one could listen to them all. This woman's drama, it was as good as a B-class.

"Say, Naruto-kun — are you hanging out with your girlfriend?"

"Eh" Both me and Ayase let out a weird sound. I hastily waved my hand.

"No, no, it's not like that!"

"Huh, maybe. You don't really look like a couple."

That was right. I started explaining things to Kuroi-san.

"This is Ayase Aragaki, Naruko's good friend — and my friend too."

"Pleased to meet you, I'mi Ayase Aragaki."

"I'm Nanako Kuroi. Pleased to meet you, Aragaki-san."

"About that… have we met somewhere before?"

"No, I think it's our first meeting."

"I see… sorry."

Ayase and Kuroi-san's introduction ended.

Kuroi-san purposely clapped her hands and said, "Oh right. Naruto-kun, Aragaki-san — it must be fate that brought us here together, can I ask you for a small help?"

"Eh! No~."

"I haven't said anything yet!?" Facing the unexpected reply, Kuroi-san was taken aback.

"Na-Naruto-kun… that's unlike you…? At least hear her out…"

"No no. Her requests always cause a lot of trouble."

I didn't even need to hear it. I wanted to cut off all possible relationships with her.

"Besides, today I want to get home earlier so Ayase can cook for me. Then she could 'ah~' and feed me. With such an important mission, please forgive me for not helping you."

"I'm not going to do that! Don't suddenly think of some evil desire!"

"Alright alright. Listen to your girlfriend, at least hear me out~."

"I told you she is not my girlfriend!" Ah… so annoying.

"Alright alright. I get it. I will listen, okay? Don't cause any more trouble here." I had no choice but to say that.

"As expected of Naruto-kun! You really get it! Then please go to that bench over here."

Kuroi-san switched to her naïve-sounding tone (despite that she is in her late twenties). Her attitude gave me a bad feeling. She pulled my sleeve… and I said, "Since you asked us to move to somewhere else, that means it's going to take a while, right?"

"Of course not. My request can be said in one sentence."

"I'm going to play pachinko, please take care of this child while I'm away!"

"Take care of this child my ass!"

See, Ayase? This is a hikikomori for you. That was why — on a bench, Ayase and I had no choice but to try to be nannies.

"… What the hell is with that hikikomori."

"… Sorry, Naruto-kun. Because I said 'at least listen to her'… I wasn't aware that she was such a hikikomori back then…"

"Since it's the first time you met her, it's already amazing that you could tell this much."

By the way, I was the one holding the child at the moment.

"It can't be helped then. If we weren't here, there is no way to know what this woman would do… I should say it could be worse."

Although I didn't believe that she would leave this child on the bench and play at pachinko, but even a one in million chance is worth worrying.

"But Naruto-kun has to study for the test…"

"Don't worry, she doesn't have much money. She will come back here in tears very soon."

She said she would repay me after she won, but that wasn't a very realistic future.

Because Ayase had a strong sense of responsibility, she was still blaming herself. Being too serious is quite troublesome too sometimes.

"Ayase, can you give me Kuroi-san's bag?"

"This one?"

"Yes yes."

I took the bag and checked the contents.

"Milk bottle, diapers, water bottle… used clothes… toilet paper… wet cloth… alright, no problem — alright~ good~ good~."

I adjusted the child strap and made a funny face at her. She gradually smiled with me. Such a good child.

"Good~ good~ good kid~."

"… Naruto, you seem to be very skilled."

"Hmm? I'm surprised myself. "

While we were talking, the child expressed her displeasure.

"Alright alright~ wait a sec."

I removed the tape and placed the child on the bench. After I prepared some toilet paper, I removed the diaper and cleaned her carefully.

"Ayase, hold this child for me for a moment."

"Eh?" Her eyes widened.

"Let, let, let me hold this child?"

"Yes, is that okay?"

Ayase looked at the cute moving little child, her cheeks reddened.

"No… it's not a problem… but… I have never held a child before."

"I will teach you. The most important thing is not to become nervous."

I helped Ayase put the child on her back and taught her how to hold her.

"Like, like that?"

"Yes yes. Good job… alright, it's not going to be a problem. Can you please take care of her for a while? I will go buy a new diaper and come back immediately."

"Oh! P-Please come back as soon as possible!"

"Of course."

I ran toward a convenience store and bought a new diaper. When I came back, Ayase looked very worried, she was trying her best to cheer the child up.

"How is that?"

"Ah, Naruto-kun — the child seemed to be about to cry…"

"Ah… since I just change the diaper… could it be that she is hungry."

"Then, then… what should we do?"

"Kuh…"

The bench that we sat on was next to a toilet, and there was a nursery next to it.

"Ayase, feed the child some milk."

"How could I do that, pervert!"

"You… you hit me with the water bottle? Do you want to kill me?"

"Because you tried to sexually harass me at this time!"

"I meant formula milk!"

"Then why don't you say that from the beginning? Don't use such misleading words! Also, don't stare at my breasts!"

"I wasn't staring at your breasts! I stared at the child in front of your breasts!"

Although it is true that my eyes were drawn to your cleavage!

"Ha~~~~~ really! Always always always — Naruto-kun's existence is so perverted that it makes me misunderstand things!"

"I'm not like that! You are the one with such a perverted existence~~!"

That~ must~ be~ it! Because every time, you always think in a perverted way!

"That! This is too much…!"

The hungry child didn't care about our newlywed couple's quarrel — no, it was me and Ayase. At this moment, the child made a scary action.

"Da~~~~~

(The child's innocent cry)"

Tzzzz~~~~

(The child did something to Ayase's strapless dress)

(The sound of a very important part of Ayase exposed)

"Ah."

"Eh!"

Seeing my reaction, Ayase slowly looked down — Time froze.

Then — one second later…

"Eh… eh, eek, eekkkkkkk"

"A-Ayase, let me… this is an accident!"

Although I panickingly tried to explain, a hot liquid fell from my nose. This sealed my final chance.

"Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!"

Thud!

I can die without regret. That was what I thought when my vision turned dark.

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