She Was Actually My Stepsister. ~Recently, The Sense Of Distance Between Me And My New Stepbrother Is Incredibly Close~ - Chapter 2

Translator: AJ1703 (Pages 1, 4-14), Hayme (Pages 2-3)

Editor: Xen

Chapter 2: “Apparently, the mother and daughter of my father’s second marriage have moved into our house…”

　It was Monday morning, the week after my meeting with the Tominaga mother and daughter.

　On the way to school, I met a bad friend and casually told him about my father’s remarriage.

“─So, rejoice, Kousei. Finally, I’m going to have a brother.”

“I don’t know what to be happy about, but congratulations.”

“Aren’t you acting as if it’s someone else’s business?”

“Because it is someone else’s business.”

“…I see, you’re right, it probably is.”

　When I was convinced, I looked at Kousei who was walking lazily next to me.

　He looks like a cool, handsome guy from a shoujo manga.

　Blond hair and piercings. He’s tall and thin, like a model.

　But that doesn’t mean he’s a cheerful guy, nor does he have a high level of consciousness.

　However this guy, Kousei Ueda, who was very popular among girls, and I went to the same high school together from junior high school, and we are still in the same class now.

　He’s not that a bad guy, but he’s just annoying sometimes.

“So, Kousei, I have a favor to ask you.”

“Rejected.”

“Dad’s partner and her family are moving in this summer vacation. That’s why–”

“I don’t wanna hear it.”

“I need you to help me get ready to welcome my new family!!”

“…”

“Specifically, I need your help to tidy up a room. I’m trying to clear out an unused room for my future brother, and I could really use some help from you who has experience working part-time as a mover.

“Haaa… I told you I don’t want to hear it, right?”

　As a habit, Kousei idly brushes his blonde hair up over her eyebrows. At the other end of the street, girls that were on their way to school were screaming high-pitched at the sight of him.

　But Kousei ended it with a single word, “Annoying,” which irritates me as I’m not very popular.

“So, Kousei, you’re free this Saturday, right?”

“I’ve got plans, you know?”

“Like what?”

“Sleeping.”

“That’s not a plan, it’s a desire. Why don’t you help me out a bit?”

“It’s troublesome.”

“A useless friend… I always show you my homeworks and notes, don’t I?”

　I often show Kousei my homework, even though it doesn’t help him at all.

“I beg you please? You’re the only person I know who can take on this kind of work. My dad has been busy with work lately, because of that he’s not around on the weekends, and it’s a lot to take on by myself…”

“As I said, it’s troublesome—”

　Kousei stopped and seemed to think of something when he said that.

“—Then, I’ll lend you Hinata, you can use her as you like.”

　He chuckled.

　Hinata Ueda was Kousei’s younger sister.

　She’s currently a first year student and attends the same school as us, Yuuki Academy.

　She’s a really kind girl, honest, affectionate, positive and hardworking, a complete opposite of Kousei. Her personality alone was enough to get her a perfect yakuman, but when you add her looks to the mix, it doubles.

“I’m sure she’d be glad to do it.”

“No, not Hinata-chan. I can’t ask her to do something so complicated.”

“Are you sure you want me to do it?”

“Yeah!”

“Instant answer… She’s the one who said she’s free on Saturdays anyways.”

“Or rather, what kind of brother would throw his little sister into a boy’s house?”

“Here it is. It’s okay because I trust you.”

“Trust me? You mean…”

“You can attack her if you want.”

“You’re an as*h*le. You just want to enjoy yourself by forcing your sister to do all the work, don’t you?”

　Kousei scratched his head again and said, “Aargh, this is troublesome.”

“Don’t be so bothered. I just need you to sort out and dispose of a few things I don’t need, and I’ll buy you dinner when we’re done.”

“That’s not what I mean. Hinata is— “

　Just as Kousei was about to say something, a familiar ponytail stepped in between us.

“—I’m what? Onii-chan?”

　Speaking of the devil. The timing was so good that Kousei and I were both taken aback. [TLN: 噂うわさをすれば影]

“Ugh, Hinata…”

　Kousei made a blatantly disgusted face as he said that, but Hinata seemed to be unconcerned about it.

“Good morning, Ryouta-senpai.”

“M-Morning, Hinata-chan….”　

　I couldn’t help but avert my eyes.

　The sweet scent peculiar to girls came after me, and my attention was unintentionally drawn to Hinata.

　Hinata had become a lot more mature since entering high school.

　Although she was not very tall, her body was healthy and well-fleshed, which could be seen even from the top of her uniform, and she had a feminine figure that made it hard to believe that she had been a middle school student until recently.

　In addition, Hinata was very intimate which is the biggest problem.

　Even now, she doesn’t mind stepping in between me and Kousei, or even when our shoulders brush against each other.

　As I’m not immune to girls, I’m currently at a loss.

　Sometimes the three of us go to school together like this, but I still can’t get used to her sense of distance.

　Well, maybe I’m just too conscious of her.

　Hinata then looked up at me with a carefree smile plastered on her face.

“What were you talking about with Onii-chan just now?”

“Oh, yeah. We’re talking about cleaning up our house.”

　Hinata put her index finger to her pouty lips and tilted her head.

　I think she should know that even her adorable gestures had quite a destructive power.

“Cleaning up Ryouta-senpai’s house? But what does that have to do with me…?”

“Ryouta wants me to help him clean up his house on Saturday.”

　Kousei interjected without pause.

“Eh?”

“Hey, sto–”

“Ryouta’s dad is getting remarried, and he’s going to clean up the room he’s not using for his future brother. But I’ve got plans, so why don’t you go and do it for me?”

　Kousei’s talkativeness was even more annoying.

　There’s no way Hinata would have come to my house alone in the first place.

“Of course you can just dec—” [TLN: decline, line was cut-off]

“I’ll do it!”

“See, she said no— wait, are you sure!?”

“Onii-chan has always taken care of me! So, leave it to me, Ryouta-senpai!”

“R-Really?”

　What a good girl, unlike some useless elder brother.

　Then I looked at her brother, who was grinning for a while now. It’s like he’s forced his sister to do all the work for him. But I don’t think things will go his way.

“First of all Hinata-chan, Kousei only has ‘sleeping’ plans, so I hope you could convince him to go with you.”

“Hey, Onii-chan! What did he mean by ‘plans!?’ you should go and help him!”

“…All right, all right. Then I’ll give you a hand.”

　I was a little relieved when Kousei agreed when he was persuaded by her.

　To be honest, it was hard for me to let Hinata help me alone.

　But more than that, I couldn’t help but feel awkward when I imagined the situation of being home alone with her.

“Oh, I’m also coming, so the three of us will do our best!”

“What? No, if Kousei’s there─”

“Hinata’s going to join us. Good for you, Ryouta.”

　Kousei chuckled again.

　I know I’m the one who asked him to do it, but I decided in my heart that I’m not going to let him skip.

＊　＊　＊

　July 21st.

　On this day, when summer vacation was finally upon us, the moving truck arrived in the early afternoon.

　Most of the work was done by the guys from the moving company, so my dad and I waited idly in the living room.

　By the way, Miyuki-san and Akira were going to the drugstore and supermarket to buy some things before coming here.

“Hey, Dad.”

“What is it?”

“Is that all the stuff they’re moving?”

　Considering the messy state of our house, I expected a good amount of stuff for one household to be brought in. But in fact, it was only about half of that.

I heard that they had gotten rid of everything they didn’t need before they came, and that they had been sleeping side by side on a futon mattress in an eight-mat room.

“I see. So Akira didn’t even have his own room…”

　From what my Dad had told me, I could somewhat imagine how they lived together.

　I’m sure a boy of his age would want to keep one or two things from his mother.

　I felt sorry for Akira’s situation.

“I’m glad you cleaned up the room upstairs. I’m sure they’ll be happy that you did.”

“I hope so. But I’m sure he’ll say, ‘I don’t really need a room.'”

“Is that an imitation of Akira? No, he’s not going to say that, is he?”

　My father smiled bitterly.

“By the way, have you told Akira that you were preparing a room for him?”

“Yeah, kinda.”

“Then maybe you could show him.”

“I’ll do just that then… I guess…”

　After an hour or so, the moving work was finished.

　As soon as my father finished operating something on his tablet, the movers said, “Thank you very much!” They left with fresh smiles on their faces.

　To say that I was taken aback would be an understatement, but there was still unpacking to do. I can’t go ahead without Miyuki-san and Akira’s permission.

　For the time being, my father and I just passed the time until they arrived. About thirty minutes later, Miyuki-san and Akira finally arrived.

　When I greeted them at the door, Miyuki-san and Akira had their hands full of paper bags and eco-bags.

“Sorry we’re late. ─From now on, I hope you’ll take care of us.”

“L-Likewise…”

　I don’t know how to respond in such a situation, so I just bowed my head.

“I’ll carry that for you.”

“I’ll have you take it, then. Thank you, Ryouta-kun.”

　I received an eco-bag and a paper bag from a smiling Miyuki-san.

　I took a peek inside and saw that it was filled with groceries and daily necessities. It also contained shampoo, lotion, and other female-specific items.

　I was a little nervous.

　Sometimes my father would invite people from his work to our house, but having a woman come and live in our house was a different story. The realization that we were going to live together slowly began to sink in.

“I’m going upstairs then.”

“Feel free.”

　Suddenly, my eyes met Akira’s.

　Miyuki-san was heading for the living room, but Akira was still standing in the doorway, looking as if he wanted to say something.

“What’s wrong? Aren’t you coming in?”

“…Um, nice to meet you.”

“O-Ohh… Nice to meet you, too.”

　I was kind of embarrassed. To be more precise, I was embarrassed because I was caught by the embarrassed Akira.

” Well then, I apologize for the intrusion…”

　With that, Akira went up to the front door and followed Miyuki-san to the living room.

“Next time, just say ‘I’m home’ instead of ‘I apologize for the intrusion’. You’re not bothering me anyway.”

　When I said that to Akira’s back, he gave a small nod.

　With this kind of attitude, I’ll slowly close the distance between Akira and me.

　I followed Akira to the living room.

＊　＊　＊

　We had a little chat and decided to unpack until the evening.

　I showed Akira around the house and finally took him upstairs in front of my room.

“Last but not least, this is Akira’s room.”

“This is my room?”

“Yes. The room next to it is my room. The one over there is my father’s and Miyuki-san’s room. While the one at the end of the hallway is the bathroom.”

“O-Okay…”

　Akira seemed to be somewhat confused.

　He was standing in front of the door, staring at what was going on inside.

“Come on, don’t be shy, come on in.”

“Ah~!?”

　I pushed Akira’s back and somewhat forcefully let him into the room.

　In the sunny, south-facing room, sunlight spilled over the hem of the lace curtains. The light reflected off the shiny wood flooring, illuminating every corner of the room.

　I had opened the window before Akira’s arrival, so it wasn’t too hot inside the room.

　Still, this room reminds me of the day when the Ueda siblings came to my house to help me clean.

　This room was originally a messy storage room, but thanks to those two, it has become a beautiful place to live. Hinata did everything with a smile on her face, and Kousei was being very proactive by asking, “What should I do next?”

　I really can’t thank them enough.

　I promised to buy them dinner next time, so I’ll let them eat whatever they want.

　By the way, my dad and I rewaxed the flooring and bought a new bed and shelves. We also installed a new air conditioner a couple of days ago.

　With all of this, Akira’s room was just like a new house.

　But I don’t want to be pushy about it.

　We were just making the usual preparations to welcome a new family member.

　So I’ll just tell Akira that Kousei and Hinata helped us clean up the room.

“What do you think?”

　There was no response when I spoke to him.

　For a moment, I wondered what was wrong, but then Akira said, “Wow…” in admiration.

“Do you like it?”

“Are you sure I can use such a beautiful room?”

“Of course. I’ve had the movers move the boxes to the end of the room, so all you have to do is unpack.”

“Okay.”

“If you want to rearrange the furniture, I’ll help you, and if there’s anything else you need, feel free to ask me or my dad.”

　Akira said, “Thanks,” and turned around.

　I was probably caught off guard.

　That’s why what I saw in the next moment completely threw me for a loop.

　I had imagined a boyish, innocent and carefree smile bursting with joy.

　But there it was, the shy smile of an innocent girl.

　My heart pulsed violently.

　─I was unconsciously gazing at Akira.

　The next thing I knew, Akira was tilting his head while wearing his usual Buddha-like face.

“…Is there something wrong?”

“Oh, no, it’s nothing, really!”

　I said deceptively, and reached for a nearby cardboard box.

“Then I’ll help you unpack. Let’s start with this box─”

“Ahh! You shouldn’t do that─!”

“Eh?”

　Akira’s face turned red and he suddenly started to panic.

　I looked at it and saw that it has a “Clothing (Other)” label in permanent marker.

　I realized. “Other” could also mean underwear. Even among boys, it’s definitely something to be careful about.

“T-Thank you. I’ll take care of the rest on my own, so can you please leave? Well then─”

“Eh…─”

　─Slam!

　The door separated us without saying a word.

“Well, take your time…”

　I smiled and spoke to the door, but of course there was no reply.

　I could feel that Akira’s heart was still shut tight, just like the door that separated us.

　No, no, our relationship has just begun.

　I should pull myself together and think about what to do next.

＊　＊　＊

　Dinner that night started with Miyuki-san doing the dishes, Akira and I serving the food, and my father wandering around, not knowing what to do.

　It was the first time in a long time that we had a proper meal on the table.

　Both my father and I are not good cooks, so we usually eat take-out foods from bento shops or prepared foods from supermarkets, and this also means that we usually cut corners in terms of food, the exception being when we cook rice.

　That’s why I was even more impressed.

　When was the last time I had a proper home-cooked meal like this?

　I had to immediately express my gratitude to Miyuki-san who made it for us.

“This hamburger is delicious! It’s so good, Miyuki-san!”

“Oh, I bought that from the side-dish section with a discount sticker on it.”

“…Eh?”

“But I’m glad you like it. Ahahaha…”

　In an instant, my embarrassment overcame me and I turned pale.

“R-Ryouta… pffft… indeed, it’s not possible…, to mistake prepared food for homemade food, usually at least… pffft…”

　Dad was holding in his laughter with all his might.

　What a father he is, not even trying to follow up on his son’s blunder.

“But still, this spinach with sesame seeds is addictive. As expected of Miyuki-san, I could eat this every day.”

“Oh, that’s also available from the side-dish section… If you like it so much, maybe I’ll buy it every day…”

“Ughh…”

　…Serves you right.

“All I made was this egg salad, miso soup, and cooked rice. I’m sorry, I’ll do better tomorrow.”

“”Okay…””

　It was then that I realized that we were a father and son.

　At that time,

“Ku…fufu…”

　Then I heard a voice holding back laughter.

　I casually looked next to Miyuki-san.

　Akira’s face was flushed and he looked like he was about to erupt.

“Akira, what’s wrong?”

“N-No, it’s nothing…”

“What do you mean, nothing? Your face is red.”

“Like I said, it’s nothing…”

　It was obvious that he was trying to hold back his laughter. The fact that the father and son had successfully missed the point seemed to have struck a chord with Akira.

　I was a little embarrassed, but also a little happy.

　I hope Akira will gradually open up to me at this rate.

　However, there are people in this world who don’t or can’t read the atmosphere.

　As I was looking at Akira with a relaxed feeling, my father opened his mouth again.

“Miyuki-san, this rice is not ours, is it? It tastes better when the rice is different.”

“That’s leftover washed rice we brought from home. It’s a little old…”

“Guhh…”

　My father groaned again and I turned pale again.

　Miyuki-san, why did you choose my father?

　Are you sure you’re going to be happy with such a disappointing father?

　Only Akira was able to hold back his laughter amidst the delicate atmosphere.

＊　＊　＊

　After dinner, we each took our own time to get into the bath.

　My dad and I usually just took showers, but today he said he was going to start using hot water.

　I was kind of glad, because the only time I had ever soak in a bathtub was when my dad and I went to a public bath.

“Ryouta-kun, your bath is ready.”

　While I was lazily waiting in my room reading a manga, Miyuki-san came to call me.

“Okay then, I’ll be taking my ba-…”

　I was speechless.

　Miyuki-san was wearing a nightie that showed off her skin, which was still moist from the bath.

　I was at a loss for where to look and dropped my gaze.

　This time, however, my gaze fell on her legs.

　Her well-fleshed thighs were moisturized with beauty oil, her tight knees and ankles were as if it didn’t know the meaning of sagging, and her five toes were delicately and neatly lined up like some kind of work of art.

　Her legs looked as if it was a switch that could flip a man from reason to their instincts.

　I was staring at those legs for a little while.

“What’s wrong, Ryouta-kun? Is there something on my leg?”

“T-There’s nothing, I’ll be going now…”

　I managed to hold my ground and hurriedly got myself ready for the bath.

　But I’m still a healthy high school boy.

　I’d like Miyuki-san to be a little more restrained. I really wish.

　I hurried to the bathroom to wash away the evil thoughts that had crossed my mind for a moment.

　I made sure there was no one inside and opened the door to the changing room.

　In the changing room of our bathroom, there is a washbasin and a washing machine. It’s easy to wash my face and do my laundry here.

　I was about to take off my t-shirt and throw it into the laundry basket, when my hand suddenly stopped.

　Inside the laundry basket.

　There it was, probably the one that Miyuki-san had been wearing earlier.

　I don’t think it’s possible, but I can’t help but wonder if it was intentional to encourage me to come in next.

　No, what I found out after spending half a day together today was that Miyuki-san is a natural.

　I pretended not to see anything, threw my t-shirt into the laundry basket, and slipped off my Harpan pants and all─ Just then, someone stood behind the door.

　─*Knock knock…

　Don’t tell me it’s─

“Sorry, it’s me…”

　It was Akira’s voice, it wasn’t the voice I was expecting.

　I patted down my chest and replied, “You can come in.”

“Sorry, I still haven’t─”

　Akira froze instantly when I opened the door and showed my face.

“What’s wrong? Did you want to take a bath first?”

“Ah, aaah, ah, um, that…”

　Akira was trembling slightly, his face flushing red and blue.

“I’ve already taken off my clothes, so next time─”

　The next moment, the door slammed shut, and I heard the sound of him running.

　I didn’t know for sure, but maybe he wanted to take a bath first.

　Then I soaked in the bathtub for the first time in a long time and looked up at the ceiling, which was covered with drops of water.

　The four of us will be living in this house together.

　When I thought about it, I felt deeply moved.

　After the woman who had been my mother left, the two of us had managed to get by on our own, but now we were starting over with a new family.

　Of course, with an increase in the number of family members, there may be a corresponding increase in problems.

　However, if we respect each other and support each other, we can surely solve such problems.

　My father is the one who should be thinking about these things, but I’m sure he’s not thinking that far ahead.

＊　＊　＊

　After getting out of the bath, I decided to brush my teeth while I changed my clothes.

　I picked up my toothbrush from the four in a row, squeezed some toothpaste out of the tube and applied it─ then I heard another discreet knock.

“…A-Are you done now?”

　It was Akira again. This time, he spoke through the door.

“I’m done.”

“…Are you dressed?”

“I’m already dressed.”

　Then the door to the changing room slowly opened and Akira stepped forward timidly.

“Do you want to take a bath next?”

“Ah, yeah… I’ll borrow it.”

“You don’t have to borrow it. It’s Akira’s house now too.”

　When I said that, Akira blushed awkwardly and patted his left elbow.

“Thanks… And I’m sorry about earlier…”

“Sorry for what?”

“You know, I saw a lot of things…”

　Akira’s face flushed even more.

“Oh, that? I don’t mind that at all.”

“W-Wha, you don’t mind being seen!?”

“It’s normal for a family member to be naked.”

　In the case of Miyuki-san, it’s probably not.

“Huh, it’s normal!?”

　If you go to a swimming pool, changing room or a public bath, it’s natural that people will see you naked. In the first place, if it’s between men, there’s no need to worry about it that much.

　However, Akira’s distrust of men may have made him resistant to such things.

“But I’m the one who’s sorry. I’ll be careful next time.”

“Y-Yeah… That would be great… Thank you, Ryouta-kun…”

　He sounded like a stranger.

“Let’s see, you can call me ‘Aniki.'”

“Aniki?”

“You can call me by my first name, Ryouta, or Nii-chan, or maybe Nii-san, but I’ll be happier if you would call me Aniki.”

　It means to honor your brother by using “Aniki”. What a nice sound.

“…Then, I’ll call you ‘Aniki.'”

“Oh!”

　Once I’d gotten to know him a little better, I started brushing my teeth. Then─

“…Um, so uhh, Aniki, can you leave?”

“Pff─ What? I’m still in the middle of brushing my teeth though…”

“I-I need to take a bath…”

“Just don’t mind me, okay? I’ll brush my teeth and then I’ll be out of here.”

“J-Just get out of here!”

　I was kicked out of the bathroom in the middle of brushing my teeth.

　I had no choice but to brush my teeth on the sofa in the living room and wait for Akira to get out of the bath, but he took a surprisingly long bath and didn’t come out in the end.

　In the end, I rinsed my mouth in the kitchen and went back to my room.

　Akira didn’t seem to like the idea of showing his naked body to anyone, even to those of the same gender.

　I was still worried.

　I wondered if Akira would react like that every time we went on a school trip or a hot spring trip in the future.

　When I think about it, I can’t let that happen. As Akira gets older, he will be in trouble if he stays this way.

　I guess I will have to step in, literally. I should take the opportunity to rub each other’s backs. I don’t know how long it will take for our relationship to get to that point, but I’m sure it will happen…

　With this in mind, I went to sleep early that day.

＊　＊　＊

　─Inside a dream.

　I was in elementary school, walking softly down a dark and cold hallway.

　I peeked inside the living room as if I was drawn by a voice coming out of the door, and there were my parents, my father, and my mother facing each other at the table.

　My father was very angry, and my mother was looking down.

　I stifled my voice and listened softly to the voice inside.

“He told me that he didn’t want children… That’s why─”

“Ryouta is my child. Of course I’m going to take him!”

“But Ryouta─”

“F*ck you! If you want to leave, then get out! And don’t ever come near Ryouta again! I’ll raise Ryouta myself!”

　That’s when I woke up.

　Another memory of that time…

　Even now, about ten years later, I sometimes have vivid recollections of that time.

　It didn’t turn out to be an imposition.

　It didn’t lead to any more trouble.

　I was just told that I didn’t need it.

　Maybe the scene is so traumatic that I can’t stop dreaming about it.

　I shook off my gloomy mood and pulled my phone closer, it was only a little after four o’clock.

　It was still too early to get up. Let’s go back to sleep.

　By the way, how was Akira?

　How did he take the news of Miyuki-san and the others’ divorce?

　I hope Akira wasn’t so hurt that he dreamed about it…

　When I closed my eyelids again, I was reminded of the day I first met Akira.

『─Mendel’s law has no blood in it, right?』

　Perhaps Akira will one day realize the true meaning of those words.

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Translator’s Afterword (AJ1703): I have now started to collab this series with Hayme as I’ve been far too busy and feeling a bit burnt out from translating. I may sound like a gold digger when I say this, but it’s mainly I haven’t been getting back most of my time. I don’t know when I’ll start to be able to pump out a lot more chapters but I’ll try my best to return back to my former enthusiasm.

For the month of January lack of updates, our entire family got sick which was a result of the circulating sickness in our household. Moreover, I got my first vaccination at the time so it was another week of no TL just to take a break from being worn out since my hand won’t let me do much. I hope you guys can understand!

On another hand, I have already finished the first volume of “How Could You Like Another Girl When You Already Have a Cute Fiancee Like Me?”. I hope you guys give it a read since I think it’s a somewhat decent series. Just click on the title to be redirected to it, thanks!