As it turns out, I didnt need to do anything at all. Anzu embarrassedly ran away into the shrubbery just to get out of both my and the spectators sight.

I watched her small back disappear from the tall grass that probably hadnt been weeded out for years.

Really, why does she have to react like that when shes supposed to be someone rich with experience? Is it because she failed to anticipate that we will be seen as a young couple?

Possible.

With that, Eimi had just passed her when it comes to dealing with unexpected situations.

Left behind standing there, I heard the culprits gleefully giggling among themselves as they hollered at me to chase after Anzu.

Aww Go on, boy. That place is dangerous. It hasnt been cleared out for months now, bugs and the sort are lurking in those shrubs.

Well, with or without them urging me, my feet had already started moving. I took huge strides, allowing me to reach the shrubbery in no time.

Perhaps around twenty steps from where I entered, I found a clearing where the grass was shorter. Its also next to a tall brick fence bordering a private property.

In the middle of the clearing, the sunlight slipped between the gaps in the tree branches. And as expected, the lone figure of Anzu could be seen there. With her chin raised, shes taking in the sunlight directly to her face. Whether thats a deliberate action on her part or not, I had no idea. It would sting on her face even if it was morning sunlight, after all.

Maybe she wanted to get a sunburn as an excuse to have a red face? Thats blatantly idiotic if thats the case.

Anyway, the girl failed to notice me approaching. Her eyes were closed and her back was turned to me. There was also the loud chirping of insects and birds nesting in one of the trees.

In a way, she appeared like a nature elf, basking in the sunlight. She looked rather ethereal because of her summery clothes, swaying a little from the morning breeze. However, her skirt also fluttered, giving me a peek at what she was wearing beneath it.

Obviously, shes not wearing an animal-printed panty as a kid would. Perhaps to complete her adult image, I spied red, lacy underwear, sticking close to her skin.

Yeah. Thats a sight to behold but I quickly moved on to close our distance.

When I was two steps away to close our distance, I stepped onto a dried twig, cracking it.

Startled by the noise, Anzu quickly turned around. Onoda-kun She called out my name but thats all she could muster.

Acting unaffected, she resumed what she was doing earlier, taking in as much sunlight as she could.

Onee-san, why did you run away? Do you think Im going to tease you as well?

Yeah. Besides, I cant let you see me like that. Ill lose my older sister status.

Hmm? I dont see why you will lose it. In any case, it looks like you found a great spot there. Here I am, worried that you might be bitten by bugs or a snake.

Youre worried? Without responding to the first part of my sentence, she stared at me again with a puzzled look on her face.

I answered with a nod before stepping to the side and out of the sunlight. Although I dont mind sunbathing with her, I dont want to smell like the sun when I hug Eimi later. I already went along with Anzus request to walk with her. Thats enough.

You know what? That must be why they thought we were a couple Youre too caring.

She paused for a moment there. Perhaps to find the right description.

Well, shes not wrong with it anyway. Whether being too considerate or caring, theyre almost the same. This was already brought up many times before so theres no point denying it at all.

Youre right. Its my fault. Is it fine if I apologize?

Tsk. Thats not something you ask, you know? Anyway, Ill say no, dont apologize. Its on me as well for running away and not clearing it up.

After saying that, Anzu stepped out of the sun, joining me on the side, leaning her back on the trunk of the tree. As she slid down to sit, the girl grabbed my arm, pulling me with her.

Not resisting that, the sound of the few dried leaves crunching beneath us filled my ears. Perhaps not expecting that, Anzu jolted, resulting in the girl almost falling over to the side. With my reflex automatically activating, I reached for her hips, preventing that fall.

However, in the process, Anzu fell on my lap. Her arms also reflexively wrapped around my neck, securing herself.

It took a few seconds before the situation clicked in her mind. But at that point, were already in an irredeemable situation. It would just be too awkward to point it out or to quickly throw her to my side.

Thats why to dispel that, I intentionally let out a laugh before saying, I never knew you'd be this clumsy, onee-san. Are you alright?

Embarrassed once again, the girl simply lowered her head to not let me see it before replying, Y-yeah. Thank you.

As long as youre fine. Dont worry, Ill keep this a secret from Eimi.

You better do!

By saying that, I managed to stop her from feeling awkward. Moreover, her reaction was within my expectation.

Soon enough, the girl started laughing at the hilarity of our situation as she slowly climbed down to my side. Acting too mature isnt really fit for me, dont you think so? I disgraced myself in front of you multiple times. Do I still look like an older sister to you?

Well, you wont be convinced if I answered yes, right? But dont worry. No matter what, nothing can change the fact that youre Eimis older cousin. Just with that alone, Ill continue treating you as an older sister.

Now Im envious of Eimi. Youre too perfect for a boyfriend.

Oh no. Thats where youre wrong, onee-san. Im filled with flaws as well. I couldnt claim to be perfect even though others already pointed that out. I was a man of flaws. I was just really aware of my priorities

Anzu shook her head, unconvinced at my response, Another humble answer. You say that but every guy I dated cannot be compared to you Maybe Im just really bad at picking one. I am always the one giving the hints. And when someone tries to ask me out, Ill always say yes as long as hes my type.

Is it to maintain your image as a mature girl?

Yeah. I see. You have read me already

Anzu sighed before derisively laughing at herself.

I didnt react to that. Instead, I placed my hand on her head.

No. Im not going to pat her.

I pushed her head a little to the side, opening her shoulder for my head to lie on. Before she could react to it, I opened my mouth, saying something that she probably desperately wanted to hear from someone.

Anzu-onee-san, theres nothing wrong with you. Its the judgmental eyes of people that are wrong. I cant claim I understand what youre going through but I think I want you to hear this Youre already great the way you are.

After saying that, I lifted my head off her shoulder to return to my previous position.

However, I failed to anticipate what Anzu would do next in response to what I did.

With a look of appreciation on her face, she warmly stared at me. A few seconds after that, I felt a soft sensation landing on my cheek followed by her soft, soothing voice whispering to my ear. Take that as my appreciation to you. I had no idea I needed to hear that until you said it