During the first week of this school year, Kana was the first girl I brought home. I stole her faster than anyone else I stole that I mistook her for a really easy girl.

Well, probably not just me. Akane too.

However, we were wrong. The same as us, the girl had her own circumstances. When that was brought up and I got to understand the person named Nogizaka Kana, I probably found her indispensable to my life; since I still havent remembered my emotions back then.

And today, as soon as we arrived home, Akane looked like she'd been eagerly waiting for us. The silly girl only kissed me once to welcome me before attention quickly focused on the cute and shy girl.

Kana-chan-senpai Ive been waiting for this day! Akane said with her lips stretched into a wonderful grin.

E-eh? Kana widened her eyes at the warm welcome. But soon enough, she returned a smile and an adorable nod before embracing Akane, M-me too.

Upon whispering that, the girl looked at me, her eyes sparkling beautifully.

Even without words, I could understand what she wanted to say; Thank you for bringing me here.

It wasnt the first time that they interacted with each other but the recent ones were done with the other girls around us. Also, since Akane always hears what happened during the day to me, shes aware of how much I find Kana helpful. Especially with her advice.

Thats probably why shes this excited to have Kana.

Soon after that, Akane took Kana away from me and they went upstairs right away. Perhaps, the silly girl would give her another tour of the house.

After wearing my indoor slippers, I continue to the living room. There, I saw the boy, Minoru, watching his TV shows again.

I approached him and dotingly patted his head. I already accepted who he is to me. Thats why Im slowly trying to have him see me as not just his Ru-nii but someone closer.

However, I dont think I can guide him well not in the current state of my mind.

Its a lot better to let Miwa-nee guide him to be a better man than I am. Not that I wont watch him grow up On the contrary, I wanted to be there every step of the time.

As for how am I going to do that, its still up in the future.

After leaving the boy alone at his show, I put down my bag and went to the kitchen.

There, Miwa-nee was busily preparing for our dinner and also for what were going to bring for our trip tomorrow morning.

Right Its tomorrow. Our hiking trip as a family of three. The fulfillment of Miwa-nees wish.

With everything already prepared by her, the only thing left to do was to sleep tonight and drive there tomorrow.

I carefully moved behind her, thinking about a method to surprise her.

Unfortunately, she already noticed me even before I moved.

If youre there, say something. What? Are you thinking you can surprise me again? With a confident and triumphant smile, Miwa-nee put a hand on her waist as she stretched her hand out for me to take.

Her forehead was currently lined with sweat yet the girl was blooming enough to make my heart thump from that simple gesture.

As I closed our distance, I answered with a genuine smile, No Im just trying to admire the beautiful woman in front of me.

Admiring my back, you mean?

That too, I admitted with a straight face.

And that earned me another laugh from her.

This guy If I kiss you, will you help me here?

Of course! Never will I reject a kiss from my Miwa-nee. I mean Im waiting for it.

You dont have to change it. We both know how much you wanted to be doted on.

By my girls At least complete that sentence, Miwa-nee.

Right, right. Welcome home, Ruki

Mhm Im back.

Miwa-nee put down what she was doing temporarily and stretched her arms open.

With that kind of welcoming gesture, my legs quickly moved. In a blink of an eye, I entered her embrace and likewise, my arms enclosed her.

The same as always, our lips met each other as a passionate kiss ensued, conveying our longing for each other.

After savoring that for almost a minute, Miwa-nee had me help her prepare the table as per our agreement.

Well, even without that, I was also planning on doing it.

You better not stay up late tonight, Ruki. Youll need all the energy to hike. I wont be carrying you. Miwa-nee reminded me before we called Akane and the others to the table.

As if I would let her carry me. Once is enough with Hana. Besides, Im not a child anymore and even back then, Miwa-nee never carried me. Or maybe she did when I was still an infant but I couldnt remember that anymore, right?

The dinner was slightly eventful thanks to the addition of Kana. Although shes inherently shy, the girl could really be a fun conversationalist when shes with the people shes comfortable with.

I mean, her mature self fully showed itself as she even conversed with Miwa-nee about some of the mundane problems that were facing.

In any case, while the three women were busy talking to each other, Minoru and I were just enjoying our meal, deliciously cooked by his mother.

I guess were similar in that trait. Enjoying something made by those important to us.

Not that we had any other choice. Nonetheless, our delight was genuine enough to make Miwa-nee flattered.

Soon after finishing that dinner, the boy also got knocked by his sleepiness.

Once again, I left Kana to Akane as I brought the boy to their room while Miwa-nee followed after us.

Once I put down Minoru, Miwa-nee sat at the side of their bed and tapped the space next to her gently, I have to tell you something, Ruki. Can you sit here for a while?

Upon hearing that, I didnt think twice and went to that side, sitting next to her.

Based on the tone that she used, this is probably nothing serious. However, I still couldnt help but feel a little worried. Miwa-nee put on a serious expression, after all.

Observing her movements carefully, I waited for what she was going to say.

At this distance, I could tell if she was lying based on her facial expressions and minute reactions like her heartbeat. Moreover, I made sure to get as close to her as possible by leaning on her shoulder as though I was waiting for her to dote on me.

When Miwa-nee noticed what I did, she giggled heartily before pushing my head down to her bountiful bosom.

Youre worried, arent you? She started with a question.

Surely, she read my expression easily. Sometimes, I just really can't help it whenever Im in front of them.

A little. Were just having a lively conversation earlier, after all. Im overthinking again. Probably.

Hmm Thats fine. I also blame myself for suddenly being this serious. But I think I want to say this to you before our trip tomorrow.

Im listening. Youre not going to say that youre leaving me, right? As long as its not that then Everything's fine.

Of course, its not that. After getting your parents to understand me, no way Im going to back down Anyway, this isnt a huge secret. However, you probably didnt remember this one.

Hmm? What is it?

As anticipation built up to what she was going to say, I noticed how a guilty expression showed up on her face. And then, Miwa-nee lowered her head to stare into my eyes directly

Its a confession.

Five years ago. Even before I got the proposal, I confessed to Nee-san about my unclear feelings for you. This part is probably something you remember, right? But the morning before I left to marry that guy I once again talked to Nee-san and confessed what I did to you For the first time in my life, I saw her become furious.