[I’m sorry, I tried to clear up the misunderstanding, but Asuka didn’t listen to me at all.]

　Asuka witnessed me trying to kiss Chinami.

Of course, I was just getting into a joke with Chinami and had no intention of doing it for real.

　However, the timing of when Asuka witnessed it was the worst.

Though Chinami had boldly told me that she would clear up the misunderstanding when she returned home.

　So far, it seems that no result has been obtained.

　Well, even if I were to go out with Chinami, I would not be doing anything wrong.

　But what is this guilt?

　Anyway, there is no use in worrying too much about it. I should be studying.

　I turn off my phone and face my study desk.

　It was while I was busy studying that I heard a light knock at my door.

Knocking lightly, Reina , my younger sister, came in to see me.

“Brother, may I have a moment?”

“Hmm?　What?”

　I rolled my pencil onto the desk and turned my chair around to face Reina.

“Are you free this Saturday?”

“Yes, I’m free.”

　Reina smiled and clasped her hands together.

“I see. Then, can you spare some time for me tomorrow?”

“Are you going somewhere?”

“Yes, I have a lot of things I want to buy.”

“Do you want me to carry your baggage?”

“That’s my brother. You’ve got a good answer.”

“Why don’t you ask father to do it? After all, he’s always free.”

“That’s not a good idea. Physiologically, I can’t accept it.”

Reina is not joking, but she is very clear about it. Poor father.

　If my father heard this, he would cry.

“Well then, please keep your schedule open tomorrow. We will leave around ten o’clock.”

“No right of veto?”

“I’m counting on you, brother.”

“Hey, hey.”

　Reina smiles softly and leaves my room with light steps. Well, it’s okay. I have nothing to do anyway.

　And the next day.

“—-So, let’s go shopping!”

“W-Wait a minute!　Why is Asuka here?”

“R-Reina⁉︎ I didn’t hear about this?!”

　A junior high school student with a vibrant smile and a bewildered former couple were in front of a department store.

“Huh, didn’t I tell you?”

“”You didn’t!””

Asuka and I complain in unison to my sister who shrugs.

Reina put her index finger on her cheek and smiled mockingly.

“You are perfectly in sync with each other.”

“Y-you got….it wrong”

“Stop teasing me ……, Reina. I’ve already broken up with her. I don’t think Hiroto would feel good if you …… said that to him. Besides, Hiroto already has a ……”

　Asuka turned her head down and mumbled something.

　I couldn’t make out what she was saying at the end.

　I’m not offended at all by being told I’m syncing perfectly. ……

—It’s my fault that I accumulate things like this without talking directly to others.

“I don’t really care about it”

“U-You don’t?”

“Yeah.”

“I see.”

“…………”

“…………”

　The two of them become silent.

Then, Rena, who couldn’t bear to look at us, awkwardly mended with a smile.

“Well, let’s just get going. Because brother is here today, I don’t have to worry about buying a lot of things!”

“There are limits, you know. Keep it in moderation.”

“Yes, I will. Come on, let’s go, Asuka-san.”

“Ah, y-yes.”

　Reina takes Asuka’s hand in hers and heads into the department store.

I wonder if everything will be all right.

　I didn’t expect Asuka to be here.

　After yesterday’s incident, I was worried about getting through today without incident.