A quiet neighborhood. Thats what we have here.

Its almost as if were living in a subdivision wherein there were hardly any small kids running about. Even the playground located a few blocks from our house was empty most of the time.

If Minoru went there, he would get the whole playground by himself.

Well, its not like this during our time. Perhaps, most couples here didnt get another child and most of the kids from back then had already grown up, like us.

Although there were probably newlywed couples settling in around this neighborhood, most of the time, they wouldnt focus on making a family. Hence the reason why there were not many kids around.

At this time and age, most of them were too career-focused that the companionship was what theyre only looking for through their partners.

Its not just around this neighborhood. The whole country was suffering from a decline in childbirth because of the same reasons I stated above.

Ah. In any case, thats just what I read about in an article during my free time. Whether it was true or not, theres no way for me to tell since I could only base it around the neighborhoods I was familiar with.

I just began thinking about it now that I was walking along these streets and quiet neighborhoods once more.

A few minutes later, I arrived in front of Eimis house.

Because Id only been here once, I read the sign in front to make sure that I was at the right place. Fortunately, the houseplate still reads as Nikaido.

I stood in front of their gate waiting for her to come out but around two minutes later, shes still inside. Due to that, I sent a simple message on my phone saying I was already outside.

A few seconds after my message was successfully sent, I heard noises coming from inside their house.

Although faint, I could recognize Eimis voice as she was arguing with another girl along with her laugh.

If I had to guess, it was her cousin that was making fun of her for seeing her hurriedly moving just because of my message.

Three minutes later, Eimi in a frilly white blouse and maroon skirt went out of their door.

Since I was standing in front of their gate, her eyes immediately met mine.

As soon as that happened, Eimi hurriedly averted her gaze in embarrassment.

I thought she would stay stuck in that front door of theirs but someone pushed her from behind. This girl, what are you stopping at the front door for? Go to him!

With a teasing smile on her lips, the owner of the voice showed a thumbs up towards me.

Well, thats her cousin, alright. But compared to last time wherein she made a loud noise to interrupt us, she seemed so eager to send Eimi to me this time.

Looking at the girl, she seemed to be a truly outgoing person, however, her body build was that of a petite. If not for recognizing her voice from what I heard earlier, I would probably think shes Eimis little sister.

Anzu-nee, stop pushing me! Eimi complained as she turned around to face her older cousin. However, instead of listening to her, the girl she called Anzu-nee grabbed her arm and pulled her as she went over to the gate where I was waiting.

Youre Onoda-kun, right? I have heard enough from this little girl. Shes too reserved, I tell you! Thats why I couldnt wrap my head around when I saw you two kissing right there! The girl pointed at the spot where we were last week.

For her to call Eimi as a little girl, she probably has a complex about her height and body build. She wanted to show off as the older one. And she did it right away by giving me this kind of strong first impression.

Well, theres no doubt that theyre cousins, she also had chestnut-colored hair and the two had some similarities on their faces.

Ah Im sorry for that, onee-san. Well be careful from now on. I didnt know how to answer what she said so I simply apologized since Eimi told me that she got in a bad mood last week because of seeing us.

To my surprise though, the girls bright eyes lit up as she almost jumped excitedly. With her hands on her hips and her chin raised higher, she seemed so proud about what I said.

As for which part its the way I called her.

See that, Eimi? He called your sister onee-san! I like this guy already! Invite him inside later and Ill have him eat the Nikaido familys special karaage!

I know, Anzu-nee. Stop troubling Onoda-kun. I will invite him like you said so please, dont take the wheel from me.

Looking at the troubled Eimi who appeared as if shes having trouble catching up with her cousins thought process, I could only send her an encouraging smile when she shifted her eyes back to me.

Well, it looked like the girl was the one steering the conversation and perhaps out of respect for her, she couldnt rudely tell her to leave us alone.

Onoda-kun, Im sorry for my sisters behavior. With an apologetic expression, Eimi lowered her head before taking that last step to get out of the gate and join me.

Huh? Eimi, why are you saying sorry? Do you think Im embarrassing myself in front of your boyfriend? Onoda-kun, you dont think Im troublesome, right? As she tried seeking out validation from me, the little girl err the onee-san had her cheeks puffed out as her eyes stared intently at me.

Perhaps if I said the wrong word here, that previous bright smile of hers would turn into a frown.

Before answering her, I alternated my gaze between the two cousins. Eimi had a worried look in her eyes while the other girl had an expectant expression. Shes positive that I wouldnt say anything bad.

Yes, onee-san. Youre not troublesome. May I ask for your permission to take Eimi with me? Were just going to shop.

The little girl grinned upon hearing my answer before it switched to a teasing smile once more, Heh How polite. And youre already calling her Eimi. Nice guts, Onoda-kun. Look at Eimi, shes already blushing from what you said. She then tiptoed to tap my shoulder as a form of praise.

I intentionally lowered my body slightly to help her do that and in response, she became more eager to tap my shoulder.

With this, the first impression she had for me was probably kind of successful.

And just like she said, the girl beside me was already blushing when she heard me call her by her first name. After she recovered from that, she boldly clasped my hand on hers.

When her cousin saw it, she smiled meaningfully but didnt comment again.

I guess shes not that uncontrollable, shes truly happy for Eimi. Perhaps it was just her personality to be this forward.

So, onee-sans answer is?

I didnt really need her permission to take Eimi since we already had a plan together. Furthermore, shes not her mother.

However, since this little girl was already here, its better to be on good terms with Eimis relatives. Moreover, this one might be proven troublesome if I got into her bad side.

Go ahead, of course. And dont forget to stop by later. Her parents arent home so there will only be three of us. Good for you, am I right?

Asking another teasing question, I nodded obediently while acting truly elated. Its better to go with the flow for now

Alright, you go now, lovebirds. Take care of my cute little Eimi, Onoda-kun. After saying that, she turned around and began walking back to their house. However, three steps later, as if she remembered something, she twisted her body and shouted. And dont be too intimate in public! If youre going to kiss, do it here!

Really? Whats wrong with this girl?

Ugh Im really sorry for that, Ono-- Ruki.

Eimi tried apologizing but in the end, when she changed the way she calls me, she was once again taken over by the red streak filling up her neck and whole face.

With how adorable her display this time, the somewhat overwhelmed feeling I got from her cousin was washed away. Moreover, I couldnt help but reach onto her cheek to caress it.

And because of that, we heard a whistle coming from their front door. The little girl was grinning from ear to ear again as she watched our intimate display of affection.