It has been a little bit over a month since Kirino moved in with me. So far our parents have yet to suspect anything, that's probably sheer dumb luck though. My relationship with my parents hasn't been the best either. They did send me occasional messages asking me about my studies but no mention of that fateful night was brought up. Needless to say it's a black mark in our family history, perhaps a silent agreement to ignore and forget that night ever happened. But the more we ignore it the worse it's going to become, because eventually my relationship with my sister will become unavoidable to our parents. We can't live in a broken family forever… Or can we?
My life with Kirino has gone about seemingly perfect, we have our occasional squabble of course. Even on some of worse nights of argument she still sleeps by my side. While I thought it was cute it didn't end up as romantic as I thought. I wanted her to get more affectionate and she did! ...once or maybe twice? I am not sure myself I could barely recall the images of her snuggling tightly against me… that was how rare that occurrence was. Most of the times she just slept quietly and only ever got affectionate in her sleep when she hugged me like some dakimakura…
These damn empty thoughts clouding my mind that I couldn't help but smile…
I tapped my foot impatiently, waiting outside a Starbucks; the person I'm waiting for is almost an hour late. Sighing I should already have left instead of tolerating this but I really needed a conversation with this guy.
Just as I was about to send another annoyed text message, the white haired man popped up in view. His long bangs gelled up to a curve on top he looked like he had an ice cream head.
"Oi Kyousuke." He greeted with a rather calm smile a breath of fresh air compared to his usual exuberance.
Staring at Seiryuu my voice came out as a raspy mess, was i actually nervous about what I am going to say?
"So what's the urgency kyousuke?" He looked at me with a look of amused curiosity
Urgency? I didn't sound urgent at all... It was mostly you being late and me reminding you that there was someone waiting for you. Of course saying that to Seiryuu would be a waste of time.
"Actually I wanted to talk to you about Kirino."
At this Seiryuu face seemed to straighten up in to a much more serious look, a look I have never before seen him wear.
"What about?"
"Well first of all." Swallowing hard i gritted my teeth as i bowed my head.
"Thank you for taking care of Kirino."
"Oh? It's no problem." He sounded genuinely surprise but quickly recomposed to a smile.
"And regarding the job you have her doing,"
"Yes?"
"Why Kirino of all people? Is it because of me?"
"Of course not, she's a natural beauty you know?"
Really? That type of answer was suspicious enough... Kirino does have good looks yes, but she isn't the only one. I don't see Seiryuu being the type of creep that approach random pretty girls and ask if they want to work for him. I feel like there's something else to it... Perhaps he introduced her to this advertisement job because of her connections with me? Since I'm his 'friend' and all.
Seiryuu studied me for some time before breaking out in a light chuckle.
"Kyousuke relax, I don't have any ulterior motives and you don't need to feel like you owe me, trust me i am not doing this because she's your sister or your girlfriend or whatever, I have my father's company's best interest in mind. I feel like Kirino would be a perfect match to represent our image that is all."
About the perfect image... Kirino told me how she has a much deeper involvement now than just a mere TV advertisement. She is being slowly groomed into the image girl for Royal's Care. I'm not sure how I feel about that yet...
"You see I came here to talk precisely about that."
"You have concerns?"
"Yes, there has been a situation where our parents believe that Kirino went to study abroad in America."
I didn't have to explain the whole situation for Seiryuu to get the gist of the problem. If mom or dad ever saw a popular TV commercial involving my sister all hell would break loose.
"That is a relevant concern but... I know of it already."
"W-what?"
"Kirino-chan and i have decided to tell your parents that it was a lie."
I understood that much, Kirino did say she eventually wanted to confess the truth but only when the situation demands it, I guess this is it. But more importantly what exactly did he mean by "Kirino-chan and I"? How are you suddenly involved in this again? I understand why Kirino told you since it is problematic… but for you to get so involved in our personal life...
"Wait you are going to help my sister confess?"
"Yes... Kirino-chan told me that even if she came out about the truth that she lied about studying abroad your parents would still be upset and probably limit her life which would get in the way of our work."
"Makes sense but how are you involved in all this?"
"Kirino-chan told me why she had to lie in the first place."
"Wait you know!?"
D-damn! Did Kirino really tell him the truth or..? As if Seiryuu could read my mind he gave me a simple nod. I still don't know if he knows my embarrassing story or not though...
"Which is what where I come in, I will show up with Kirino to your parents' house, explain that I am her boyfriend. Knowing that we work together will easily make the situation more believable. She can retain her activities and no longer have to worry about being discovered, perfect plan no?"
Honestly it sounded way too good for it to fall in place... And for some mysterious reason I don't like the idea of a fake boyfriend... No matter how fake... You two working together and then even having such a possibility regardless of it being fake or not made it extremely uncomfortable.
But more importantly Kirino already pulled a similar stunt a while back with Mikagami... I don't think our parents are going to be as gullible this time around. Which means Kirino and Seiryuu would have to act it out more realistically and the only way i can see that being possible is... Hell noooooo the mere image caused me to cringe!
"I don't think that will work, my father isn't exactly supportive of Kirino being in a relationship."
"Kirino-chan told me something like that would occur, to be honest we were banking on the fact that he would welcome one to break her from her brocon-ness."
I know they were just conspiring an act but the thought of Seiryuu attempting to whisk away my Kirino made me want to punch him in the face.
"I don't like it."
Seiryuu gave me a quizzical glance.
"What's the problem is there something we messed up on?"
Of course not, the plan is about as perfect as it can get if it works a lot of major headaches would be solved. But that still doesn't mean I like the idea of Seiryuu being Kirino's boyfriend... However telling the truth would make me seem too petty. So I settled for something less embarrassing.
"I just don't think my father is going to fall for it."
A legitimate concern but not one that's on top of my priority list.
"Plus if he finds out it'll backfire big time, he will know Kirino isn't abroad and I can't imagine what will happen if he finds out he got lied to twice in a row."
"We will make sure that doesnt happen, i have already planned and prepared pictures of our dates and we plan to kiss-"
"HELL NO!"
Shocked at my reaction Seiryuu backed up a few steps.
"It's only an act, I don't really like Kirino-chan that way, to me she's just an employee hahaah."
Your attempt to trivialize the situation isn't making this any better...
"Doesn't mean I can accept that."
"Ahh I see... That's understandable. Kirino-chan is lucky to have a brother like you."
"Hmph."
"I am fine with going less extreme but to avoid failure, extreme measures must be taken, but while I don't want to lose Kirino as our rising star I also don't want to go against the wishes of her real boyfriend. So how about I let you and Kirino talk this over? We can decide on what to do afterwards."
"Whatever I won't change my mind on it."
The only lips that can kiss Kirino are mine, yes I am a jealous boyfriend and yes I am a doting brother. That's who I am. I rather us live in secrecy forever than losing Kirino to another male. Be it fake or real.
"Don't be like that! Kirino's career is on the line here too, and if this works everything in both of your lives would be much easier... Just give it a chance and talk it out with her okay?"
Ehh Seiryuu does have a point... I can't allow my petty jealousy to ruin a possible future of my little sister. A fake date... And a fake kiss... Just thinking about it... god damn it!
"Fine I'll talk to Kirino about it. But I won't make any promises."
Seiryuu smiled at me giving me a few pats on the shoulders.
"I'm glad you understand. Now anyway let's talk about something else!"
"I don't really have anything to say."
I still haven't gotten used to the idea that Kirino is going to end up kissing this guy!
"Oh don't be like that! Look Kirino told me you were learning how to drive because of her."
"What!? She told you that?"
They have gotten too close to each other... Perhaps too close! Just how much do they know each other!
"Yep your imouto talks about you a lot you know. She really loves you."
"Ack. You don't have to tell me that I know already."
"She also said you were going to get a car?"
Like hell that's going to happen I'm too broke! But a promise is a promise. Still I have no idea how I plan to get one...
Seiryuu chuckled like he knew what I was thinking.
"Don't worry man, I got you covered!"
What exactly does he mean by covered? Is he planning to buy me a car? Dear god I can't accept that!
"What?"
"I'll get you a car that way you can fulfill your promise to Kirino!"
Holy shit this sounded way too good to be true. But if I learned anything in this world it's that there are no free meals. Seiryuu is probably trying to pressure me into allowing his fake date and kiss with Kirino... I mean what else could he want from me?
Narrowing my eyes at him I did not respond I kept a skeptical look while he shook his hand with a smile.
"Kyousuke I'm doing this as a friend helping you in your times of need, don't let this influence your decision with Kirino."
It's like he read my mind... And here I thought he lacked social skills...
"It's not that, I can't possibly accept something as expensive as a car!"
Seiryuu nodded with a smirk. For some reason that look like he was teasing me…
"Just pay me back when you can, if that makes you feel better."
Ahh hmm… that does solve a lot of my problems but this is essentially the same as buying a car… Which means shouldn't I have a right in saying what kind of car I want to get? Actually that is going to make me sound kind of needy…
"Hmm I guess… but don't get anything expensive or I will never be able to pay it off…"
Seiryuu let out a friendly laughter before slapping my shoulders a few more times.
"Don't worry about it; you can pay me back anytime you can."
"T-that's not the problem—"
"Its fine I understand. Just get your driver's license and you will see what car I got for you."
His tone seems friendly and reassuring… but I just can't help but feel there was some ulterior motive behind it. Honestly who could be that nice? I barely know him long enough for a prize of this magnitude… Sure he's rich, but still…
"Ahh…" Seiryuu muttered looking at his phone; he knitted his brow like something urgent just came up.
"Sorry about this Kyousuke but I have to go meet up with someone and I'm late! Hahah, see you around!"
And with that he ran off of to his car. No doubt he's late just like he was to me… this guy…
Driving his car upwards I just now notice how expensive it looked. I'm not some expert in cars but it looked like a very expensive sports car, I hope he doesn't plan on getting a similar one for me… I would never be able to pay it off…
Kirino returned late at night that day, or so I thought. She still hasn't returned yet and it was getting really late. While living alone we could afford a lot of freedom it did not necessarily mean that Kirino could stay out as long as she wants…
My phone hummed lightly against my waist. I wonder who it could be…
Finally she answers my text…
Kirino: Late night shoot, on my way back.
What!? This late? What could hold her up so long? Sometimes I hate the fact that I'm such a doting brother…
But as I feared it wasn't a modeling gig she's doing since they never kept Kirino this late… by 'late night shoot' she must have meant doing some commercial or some form of acting to keep her up so late…
Fiddling on some eroge Kirino forced on me yesterday I awaited my sister's return. I must look pathetic if anyone sees the sad state I am in. I was just about to text her again before I heard a car drive up our apartment's driveway, an unusual sight since I never seen a fancy sports car ever parked here before… Speaking of which the black sleek metal looks awfully familiar… W-wait! What the hell! That's Seiryuu's car! What's he doing here? Don't tell me…
Seiryuu stepped outside the door walked to the other side and opened it for someone… and that someone had long light brown hair, wearing a long pink overcoat… Yep, it's my sister Kirino. The way he opened the door like some gentleman when he acts the complete opposite… what the hell…
Waving good bye he went back inside the fancy sports car before driving away. Kirino didn't linger much longer and before long I heard the door clank with the sound of a key.
"Huh? You're still up?"
Was the first word she says when she saw me…
"Why were you in Seiryuu's car?"
I had plenty of questions but this one was what came to mind first.
"It's faster if I took his car and no trains run this late at night anyway."
"What took so long?"
"Haah? Why is that your business?"
Seiryuu isn't really dating Kirino. Seiryuu isn't really dating Kirino. Seiryuu isn't really dating Kirino. I kept repeating that in my mind over and over again to calm the urge to raise my voice…
"I-I was worried."
Kirino covered her mouth to suppress a giggle.
"Kya! You're jealous? I told you I have nothing for him!"
"Sigh I know…"
Kirino sighed and walked over to me, her large turquoise orbs bored into my own.
"We had some technical issues. Thanks for worrying about me Kyousuke."
Turning my face away I felt my face heating up. Last thing I want is for her to see me blush. Hearing her say my name in that voice… is just… ughh.
"Umm… anyway I want to talk about your fake date to trick our father."
Kirino's eyes lit up in surprise.
"Oh that… Seiryuu-san told you already?"
"Yeah… I don't like it… but—" I stopped myself when I saw her eyes widen, she gave me an adoring smile, I could see a faint blush etched on her creamy cheeks. When she noticed my sudden intense stare she shook her head away.
"B-but what?"
"But I think it's the best option we have."
"So you agree..?" her voice was meek almost timid.
"Huh..? You want to know what I think?"
To be honest I thought Kirino would have done it regardless of what my stance is. She is quite the adamant girl so if she thinks something is right then she would go through with it to the end… so what would weight would my words have?
"I-it's not like I want your permission or anything…"
"Yeah yeah, I don't really like it but if it means—"
"W-what makes you think I-I want to!?"
Her eyes darted to the side, her lips formed a frown, she actually looked… hurt? Did I say something wrong or? Either way I understand her circumstance. All this talk about Kirino and Seiryuu's plot that I completely forgotten that she feels worse than I did. Kirino has to be the one to actually do fake the date…and the damn kiss. D-damn the more I think about it the more I detested the idea. It's not even my own jealousy and self consciousness anymore; I don't want Kirino to sacrifice so much… to go through such limit…
"Is Seiryuu pressuring you? I'll beat him up if he is!"
"N-no… it's a good plan though right? If it works we don't have to hide from our parents anymore."
Rubbing my temples I had to agree. I couldn't see a downside to it besides my own feelings and concern for Kirino. If she can take it why can't I?
"Only kiss that guy if you feel it's absolutely necessary to convince dad." My voice was venomous when the word kiss rolled off my tongue.
"Mm, of course." Kirino nodded a small smile crept past her lips, standing on her tip toes she kissed me.
AN: Thanks for the reviews, if you have a question, feel free to ask as it helps me to see if i portray something poorly.
Before anyone say anything, no, Kirino doesn't have any interest in Seiryuu at all. What I'm doing though is making a villain for this fic, and he's going to be much more than just merely causing arguments for the main characters heh.
