I failed to give Anzu-nee a swift response to her question. I felt like it was just not my place to decide for her even if we called it advising her. However, I also felt conflicted at the same time.

If I was the past me, I would've already discouraged her from ever entertaining his exs attempt to apologize.

Whats the point of it, I wonder? The damage has been done and Anzu-nee is already in the process of recovering from that, even if she has yet to completely move on from it.

Now, her past is once again creeping up to her, reminding her of what she lost. No wonder she became this gloomy and seemingly out of sorts.

If I have put out a guess, Anzu-nee is probably wondering whether she can finally put it all behind her if she lets him apologize or not. She cannot decide thats why shes asking for someone elses opinion.

Eimi mustve also given her insight about it but as someone whos also inexperienced when it comes to that topic, she probably suggested for Anzu-nee to also get my opinion. And as luck would have it, a chance presented itself right away.

You dont have to analyze it too hard, Onoda-kun. Im only wondering what youre going to do if youre in his position.

Eventually, Anzu-nee couldnt stand my silence anymore. She squeezed my hand to get my attention back to her.

If she loved the guy while they were still together, deciding to hear him out would just make her cling to those memories more.

But then again, she might be thinking differently and I was assuming things here.

Furthermore, I shouldnt be saying this since I have no prior experience with breakups that happened because their partner was stolen away. I was the menace doing the stealing, after all.

I couldn't count the times I cut off my girls heartlessly since in my head, that was just me freeing them from my clutches. Nothing more.

In any case, if that guy showed up in front of us, I'd show him what it feels like to be stepped down helplessly and have someone he cares for get stolen. Unfortunately, that probably wont happen unless I set aside time to go to their college and stake them out.

At present, I have little to no time to spare by doing that. Well, maybe I could squeeze it into my already tight schedule but it still depends on whether its going to be convenient to me or not.

Alright I better stop overthinking and just answer her.

I squeezed her hand back and pulled her close to my side so we could match our pace again. Then, while shes wondering what my deal is, I put on a cynical smile.

If Im in his position, huh? Lets see I guess it depends on the intention of the apology. If not doing so wont let me be at peace with my decision, then I will sincerely apologize for our peace of mind. I dont know about your exs intention for approaching you after all this time but you can hear him out once and never again.

I havent heard the whole story from Anzu-nee about how that guy got stolen so its impossible to properly gauge the situation. But at the end of the day, it just meant he got seduced and chose to dump Anzu-nee for that girl. Its different from how I did things with the girls Id stolen. I left them with no choice but to accept their situation with me while that guy was just too weak not to fall for the temptation.

Hear him out. Okay. Ill do that. Anzu nodded and forced a smile to put a cap on that topic.

Looking at how she immediately looked ahead of us, she probably wanted to shelve it right away to prevent it from spoiling the mood for us.

Thats very considerate of her. Shes really trying her best not to look weak in front of her little brother although Ive already witnessed her in her most vulnerable state inside the woods in that park.

I guess this is simply just her character. Having established herself as my older sister, shes going to keep up her strong front to inspire me.

Haa Should I just tear apart that pseudo-relationship that we created? That way, I can hear more of her honest thoughts and help her out properly

No. Its not yet the time, I guess? Maybe after this shopping trip and we return to their house

Will you let me carry that now, Anzu-nee?

Are you still holding a grudge from last time? Sure. Here, carry this for me, my dependable little brother.

As we left the supermarket, since what we bought fitted in one large paper bag, I asked her again to carry hers. Anzu-nee let out a genuine laugh as recalled the last time she accompanied us here.

Surprisingly, she didnt reject me anymore.

Ah. It probably has to do with how little we bought. It wont burden me at all even if I carry hers today.

Nonetheless, I used that last part to cheekily suggest something to her. As a little brother.

You say that but I wish you could depend on me more. Youre my older sister and Im a boy. Shouldnt it be right to be protective of you and not just the other way around?

Heh. I cant have that. You should divert all that protectiveness to Eimi-chan, Onoda-kun. Ill just watch over both of you.

Really Shes quite stubborn on that part. But in a normal sense, shes only doing whats right and acceptable based on our societal standards.

Eimi said I should take care of you though. Who should I follow? I replied, not intending to back down at all.

Anzu-nee pouted upon hearing that but as though an imaginary light bulb flickered, her lips stretched into a proud yet slightly mischievous grin.

You should follow her, of course. And youre taking care of me now, arent you? Ill cook something for you at the house.

I see Ill look forward to that then. Can I watch?

No. Let this older sister serve you.

Ill be bored.

You can talk to Eimi-chan while you wait.

Somehow, it felt like she had just raised a tall wall blocking my advance

Yeah. Shes not an idiot, after all. This was her way of saying to give it up.

But can I really give up? I dont know.

Well see.

Ten minutes later, we arrived at their house. I put down my bag on one side first before coming with her to the kitchen.

I helped her unpack everything before sitting on one of the chairs in their dining area to watch her move about to prepare her ingredients.

Upon noticing that, she shook her head and called me out, Stubborn little brother, what are you doing there?

Waiting for you to ask for my help.

Ugh Really Ill tell Eimi-chan how stubborn you are.

Go ahead, Anzu-nee-san. Ill also tell her that you prevented me from taking care of you.

Huh?! You dont make sense.

I know But what can I do? I dont want to defy you as well. So you can just ignore me right here. I shrugged and placed both of my arms on the table to become a cushion for my chin as I continued to watch her.

She tried to ignore me first but after a minute or two, she put down her knife and the tomatoes she was slicing before stomping over to where I was.

As she did it, I slowly straightened my back to follow her movements.

You win, hateful little brother. Come and help me. Anzu-

nee, while looking annoyed and embarrassed at the same time, stretched her hand out to me.

I know you wont be able to resist me, Nee-san, I said as I grabbed her hand and stood up.

Idiot, dont say things that might be misunderstood! As she shouted that, Anzu-nee pulled me with her to the kitchen. Her exposed ears gradually took on a crimson color.

Alright. Thats not my intention but I guess I passed the first hurdle, huh? Now, what to do next?