96 - Ayaka Tōjō's Dilemma①

RAW

Haruto and Kiyoko got into Dad’s car and headed back to the Otsuki household.

“Big sis! Staying over with big brother is going to be so much fun! We can play all night!”

“Yes, but don’t stay up too late, okay?”

“Okay!”

While Haruto was gathering his overnight bag, Ryota’s face lit up with excitement as he looked at me.

To be honest, I was just as excited as Ryota, but as his big sister, I had to maintain my composure. So, I kept a calm expression and made sure to remind him of his bedtime.

As I entertained Ryota, we waited for Dad and Haruto to return. Meanwhile, Mom was bustling in the kitchen, saying, “Since Haruto is here tonight, maybe I should make a fancy dinner.”

Before long, Dad’s car pulled into the driveway.

“They’re back!” Ryota shouted, darting toward the front door.

“Big brother!”

The moment Haruto stepped into the entryway, Ryota launched himself at him with unbridled enthusiasm.

“Ahaha, you’re so energetic, Ryota.”

“Yup! Welcome home, big brother!”

“Oh, uh… thanks. I’m back.”

The slight blush on Haruto’s face as he responded to Ryota’s greeting was absolutely adorable.

“Let’s play, big brother!”

“Ryota, hold on. Haruto needs to put his things away first. You can play after that.”

I gently reprimanded Ryota, who had already grabbed Haruto’s arm, ready to start playing.

Dad chuckled at the scene and said to Haruto, “Why don’t you leave your bag in Ryota’s room for now?”

“Got it,” Haruto replied with a nod before heading upstairs to drop off his things.

While he was gone, I managed to drag an overexcited Ryota back to the living room to calm him down.

Once Haruto returned to the living room, Ryota dashed toward him at full speed.

“Let’s play, big brother!”

“Sure, Ryota. What do you want to play?”

“Um, um…”

Ryota seemed so overwhelmed with excitement that he hadn’t even decided on a game. Haruto watched him with an amused smile.

Just then, Mom called out from the kitchen.

“Ryota, why don’t you take a bath with Haruto before dinner?”

Ryota’s eyes sparkled at the suggestion.

“Big brother, let’s take a bath together!”

“Haruto, would you mind?” Mom asked.

“Not at all. Let’s go, Ryota.”

Haruto’s agreement made Ryota nod enthusiastically, his excitement visibly overflowing.

…Ugh. Since Haruto arrived, Ryota has monopolized him completely.

But I have to be patient as his big sister. It’s a good thing for Haruto to get along with my family.

Besides, if Ryota keeps burning so much energy, he’ll probably tire out and fall asleep earlier than usual. Once he’s asleep, I’ll have plenty of time to… um, chat with Haruto. Yes, chat.

I convinced myself to hold back my frustrations.

But not entirely, it seemed, because Ryota, who had been happily chatting with Haruto, suddenly turned to look at me.

“…Big sis, are you mad?”

“Huh? No, I’m not mad. Why?”

“Because your cheeks were puffed up.”

“T-that’s not true! I’m not mad at all.”

“Hmm…”

Ryota shot me a suspicious glance. I quickly put on a bright smile, trying to hide my feelings.

“Ryota, aren’t you going to take a bath with Haruto? You’d better get ready.”

“Oh, right! Got it!”

Ryota suddenly exclaimed loudly.

“Huh? Got what?”

“Big sis wants to take a bath with big brother too!”

“Of course not!”

I snapped back reflexively.

Take a bath with Haruto? No way! Even though we’re dating, that’s way too… Wait, is it okay because we’re dating?

No, no, no! That’s too much!

Even couples who are really close might take baths together, but we’re still in the early stages of our relationship.

Besides, I’m not ready for something like that! My skincare routine isn’t perfect, and I haven’t even checked my weight recently… Oh no, what if I’ve gained weight?

But maybe someday…

No! Not now! This is way too soon!

My thoughts spiraled into chaos, all thanks to Ryota’s innocent remark.

Ryota, oblivious to my turmoil, turned to Haruto with a curious look.

“Big brother, don’t you want to take a bath with big sis?”

“Uh, w-well, I mean, I’d like to, but… uh…”

“See, big sis? Big brother wants to!”

“That’s not—! Ayaka, I didn’t mean it like that!”

“I-I know! I get it! Really, I do!”

Haruto frantically tried to explain himself, while I nodded vigorously, equally flustered.

“Big sis, let’s all take a bath together! It’ll be more fun!”

“No! I can’t bathe with Haruto!”

“Why not? You’re his girlfriend, right? You love each other, don’t you?”

Pure-hearted as ever, Ryota kept pushing his questions.

“I-I mean, even if we love each other, we don’t take baths together!”

“That’s not true! Mom and Dad take baths together sometimes. They love each other, so they bathe together!”

“T-that’s… different!”

Oh, come on, Dad! Stop grinning over there and help me out! This is your cue as a father to step in!

But Dad just chuckled, seemingly entertained by the situation.

“Why is it different? I don’t get it. Do you not like big brother anymore, big sis?”

“Of course not!”

“Then you love him? Like, really love him?”

“O-of course I do!”

Saying that out loud in front of my family was mortifying.

“And big brother, you love big sis too, right?”

“Y-yeah, I do. I love her.”

“From the bottom of your heart?”

“Yes, from the bottom of my heart.”

Stop, Ryota! Please stop! I can’t stop grinning now!

“Then let’s all take a bath together! It’ll be so much fun!”

“That’s enough! Mom, help me out here!”

Completely out of ideas, I turned to Mom for assistance.

Mom finally set down her kitchen utensils and came to the living room, smiling gently.

“Ryota, do you really want to take a bath with everyone?”

“Yeah! It’s more fun with everyone!”

“Well, that does sound fun, but no. You can’t.”

“See? Mom said no, so it’s settled!”

I seized the opportunity to support Mom’s ruling.

“But why? Why not?”

“Because the bathroom isn’t really a place to play. But if you wear swimsuits, I’ll allow it just for today.”

“What?! Mom, seriously?!”

To my utter disbelief, Mom approved, with the condition of swimsuits.

“Yay! I’ll wear my swimsuit!”

Ryota jumped up and down with excitement, running off to get his swimsuit.

“I don’t have a swimsuit with me,” Haruto said awkwardly.

“Then I’ll lend you mine,” Dad offered casually.

What?! Dad, what are you doing?!

Haruto hesitated but eventually agreed.

And just like that, the unthinkable became inevitable. I fled to my room, face flushed, to prepare myself.

“Oh no, oh no! I didn’t think this would happen!”

As I rummaged through my closet, I regretted not buying a new swimsuit this year. Would my old one still fit? What would Haruto think of it?

And so, my internal panic continued as I prepared for the most embarrassing bath of my life.

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Ayaka's worries: My chest area is a little tight... I need to go on a diet!!