Chapter 15

Meeting the Big Sisters

Akari exits the school and turns around and waves her hand. "Oh, come on, Rise-chan! You don't have to be so shy! We're just getting out of school~! Hehe!"

Rise pops her head out, looks around cautiously and steps out of the school entrance. The red head giggles as she gently takes the student council president's hand and pulls her close.

"Hey, it's alright," she assures her little sempai. "You don't have to be afraid. We're just going to my house."

Rise looks away and whispers.

"I know it's your first time," Akari says. "But look at this way...you managed to make new friends and spend time with...pretty much everyone around here. So now, this is your next step: going to a friend's house, which is mine. Okay~?"

Rise nods, realizing that the red head is right. She has been spending a little too much time with Nana in the lab at school, so this is totally new to her. She decides to give it a shot. So she and Akari walk home together while chatting a little. It seemed uneventful, but as long as the two enjoy each other's company, it's fine for them. Pretty soon, they arrive at Akari's house. The red head turns to Rise, gives her a thumbs up and then opens the door.

"I'm home!" She calls.

Suddenly, to Akari's surprise, not only her big sister, Akane comes running, but also Chinatsu's sister, Tomoko.

"Oh, wow!" The small red head says. "I didn't know she was coming today."

"Tomoko was the one who asked to come over," Akane replies. "She needed help with homework." She eyes the raven haired girl standing next to Akari. "Oh, is that a new friend?"

"Yes!" Akari says as she gestures her hand towards the quiet girl. "Onee-chan, Tomoko-san, I would like you to meet Matsumoto Rise-san."

Rise waves and whispers.

"She says hi," Akari translates. "I'm sorry, but she's not used to talking with others and that's why she speaks that way."

"Oh, don't worry, Akari~!" Akane says. "I can understand her perfectly fine~!"

"You do!?" The little red head is surprised to hear that. "You really can understand Rise-chan?"

"Not just her!" Tomoko says. "I can hear her, too!"

"No way!"

Akari and Rise exchange looks, wondering how in the world they can immediately understand the quiet girl when they only just met. However, they don't have time to think when Akane calls Akari over.

"Would you be so kind and help prepare dinner, please?" She requests. "We would like to have some time with your new friend."

Akari tilts her head in confusion a little, but smiles and nods. "Hai! I'm on it~!"

While the younger Akaza sister is off to work on supper, Rise looks at Akane and Tomoko. She has never met nor talked with them before, but to her, they are actually very nice people. She gives a small smile as she whispers.

"It's very nice to meet you, Rise-san~" Tomoko says. "You sure are a cute girl."

The dark haired girl blushes and nods.

"You know, we never heard of you at all," Akane says. "Akari never mentioned you until a few days ago. You're much cuter than we expected."

Rise giggles softly. Honestly, she has never been told this by someone like Akane and Tomoko before. Tomoko scoots over closer toward the student council president with Akane on her right scooting close as well. Rise looks back and forth at the two sisters, who are grinning at her.

"We're sorry, Rise-san," Tomoko says. "We want to be more comfortable with you."

"You don't mind, right?" Akane says.

Rise whispers while blushing.

"Don't worry~" the beautiful red-head says. "We'll stop if you feel uncomfortable."

The student council president looks back and forth at the older girls again. From their expressions, they are somewhat gentle and just can't help themselves really. They just wanted Rise to feel comfortable around them since they are new to her and she has a hard time talking with others. Akane then wraps her arms around the student council president and pulls her close, letting her rest her head on her chest. Rise blushes heavily again, not moving a muscle. She then lifts her head to look up at Akane, who has a gentle smile on her face.

"It's okay, Rise~" the beautiful red-head says. "Both of us are here, keeping you safe."

Tomoko scoots closer as well, hugging the student council president as well. Rise looks back and forth at the two older girls, her mouth curving into a small, cute smile. Akane and Tomoko look down and smile at the small girl as well, stroking her hair and such.

"It must be nice…to have people by your side, right?" Tomoko says.

Rise nods.

"I agree," Akane says as she strokes Rise's hair once more. And then, out of the blue, she leans in to kiss her on the forehead, making the raven haired girl blush and jolt her head up. "Sorry, Rise. I can't help it. You're just so cute~"

Tomoko kisses her as well. "Truth is: both of us love you the first thing we saw you. You're so adorable, Rise-chan~"

Rise looks back and forth at the older girls, smiling. She never expected them to bond with her so quickly after their first meeting. But actually, it's very nice. She sighs with bliss as she rests her head on Akane's chest again.

"Puuuuuuuu~!" Akari pouts adorably as she comes back to tell them supper is ready. "Onee-chan! Why are you being so cuddly with Rise-chan like that!?"

Akane giggles. "She's just so adorable, Akari~"

"At least let me join in too!"

The three girls laugh with Rise remaining resting on Akane. She doesn't mind the silliness that's going on. All that matters is that for the first time in her life, she's made some good friends. And went to someone's house for the first time as well.

Next Pairing: Rise x Everyone (Student Council)