NTR Kousuke

Chapter 143: Older Sister Position [side Tendou Airi]

We're at the largest shopping area in the prefecture. This district has everything—from trendy shops to the classics, luxury brands to discount stores.

I'd talked with Kousuke-kun beforehand, and we were planning to check out the sports shop for basketball gear again, right? I heard Tachibana-kun plays basketball too and thought he might ask me something today.

When Kousuke-kun told his best friend Tachibana-kun that we were going to the sports shop, he said, I'm coming too!

Then Kousuke-kun, with a smile I've never seen before, was like, "This way, this way!"

...I always took pride in being able to read Kousuke-kun's subtle expressions, even when his face looked blank.

And yet... today, Kousuke-kun has been smiling the whole time...

Sho-kun came to the sports shop too, so we all trailed along to the store together.

This shop is the largest in the prefecture, so I can't help but get excited!

Kousuke "...Sho, these basketball shoes...!"

Tachibana "Whoa?! They're super cool!"

Kousuke-kun? Did you forget about me?

The moment I thought that,

Kousuke "Sho, Airi-senpai knows all about this stuff. Right, Airi-senpai!"

Kousuke-kun, who'd been eagerly explaining things to Tachibana-kun, suddenly turned to me!

"Ah, that Nike basketball shoe series is really great for cushioning and grip... The design's cool too!"

Kousuke "What about Asics basketball shoes?" "They're known for being designed to fit Japanese feet. They're stable, with excellent cushioning. People say they're easy to break in."

As they peppered me with basketball shoe trivia, I answered everything, and Tachibana-kun looked truly impressed,

Tachibana "...As expected. Kousuke always talks about you, Airi-senpai! Airi-senpai, he says!"

Kousuke "...."

Really? Kousuke-kun is blushing and looking away...

For a second, I felt a little left out, but honestly, when people rely on me, it makes me happy!

I wonder what kind of things Kousuke-kun tells Tachibana-kun about me... Does he really talk about me that much?

Hehe! Well, that's fine, right? I'll answer any question they ask!

Leave it to your big sister! Ask me anything—you'll get an answer if I know it!

And so, we all started chatting, and the sports talk really took off!

Tachibana "When we play 3-on-3, sometimes the other team takes control..."

"To avoid getting too emotional, I try to keep my feelings in check..."

Kousuke "...I want more power, but if I bulk up, I get heavier and my first step gets..."

"With fast-twitch and slow-twitch muscles, in Kousuke-kun's case, it's best to balance them..."

Seree "I play tennis, but just like basketball, you need both explosive power and stamina. What kind of strength training do you recommend?"

"...I'm not a tennis expert, but since you need speed, stamina, explosive power, and overall strength, maybe consult your coach? I'd suggest circuit training—alternating aerobic and anaerobic exercise..."

Nozomi "Airi-san, what are your measurements?"

"Hmm? Ninety-two, sixty, eighty-six..."

Kureha "Airi-san! No! Nozomi-chan's leading questions!"

"Eh? Ahhh!"

My face turned bright red at my own carelessness!!

Both boys blushed too,

Tachibana "...Is that amazing?"

Kousuke "...It's amazing."

The junior high duo looked very serious... while they kept touching my body!

Hey! That's not okay! Ah!

Seree "...Excuse me, I'd like to have some of that luck too."

Nozomi "Excuse me. This is made in Japan!"

The two boys, seeming to come back to their senses, hurriedly apologized and bowed their heads to me.

...Nozomi-chan was... being held by the scruff of her neck by Tachibana-kun...

Tachibana "...I'm really sorry about my little sister. I'll make sure she understands..."

Kousuke "...Sorry, she's a wild beast..."

I tell them, "I'm okay!"

I did blurt out my measurements and it's embarrassing, but...

For some reason, I feel like we all get along really well.

Tachibana-kun and Kousuke-kun have been best friends for ages, so their banter is like a perfectly synced comedy act.

Kureha-san was quiet during the sports talk, but she's actually cheerful and keeps the mood fun.

The playful antics between Nozomi-chan (Uroya-chan?) and Seree-chan are adorable, like a comedy duo.

This atmosphere is just so much fun, I can't stop smiling.

Sho-kun and Kousuke-kun slap each other's shoulders, laughing with their faces all scrunched up!

Kureha-san teases Nozomi-chan while Seree-chan giggles.

It's just a good time.

When I first heard "double date!" I tensed up, but this kind of setup is really fun and not exhausting at all—I think it's great.

...Guys approach me and flirt with me all the time.

Even after breaking up with Sahori-senpai, a ton of guys have hit on me or asked me out... but honestly, I'm just not interested.

...Ahh, I wish everyone would take things easy and go at their own pace with girls, like Kousuke-kun.

It'd be better if they were stoically pursuing their own path, like sports or studies.

Kousuke-kun goofing around with Sho-kun is just a normal boy for his age.

I get a little jealous of his best friend, who brings out sides of Kousuke-kun I never see.

I still have a lot to learn, huh? The road to becoming a true big sister is steep and far!

☆ ☆ ☆

After buying some small things, Tachibana-kun and Kousuke-kun each paid for their own stuff.

Everyone scattered for a bit—to the restroom or to peek into a nearby store.

I wonder where we'll go next? Kousuke-kun heads straight for me.

Huh? Where did everyone else go?

Kousuke-kun laughs and says,

Kousuke "Well, it is a double date, technically... Want to walk around, just the two of us?"

"Wha?!"

Kousuke-kun flashes a refreshing smile, pulls my hand, and leads me ahead...!

Wait, no, is he just gently tugging on my sleeve?

Since he's lightly tugging, I end up hurrying to keep up.

(...He looked like such a mischievous boy just a moment ago! Suddenly taking the lead like a big brother is unfair!)

My cheeks are burning! Kousuke-kun! Aren't you scared of girls?

Why?

I think I've seen girls in shoujo manga who, instead of holding hands, tug on the boy's sleeve.

...But being pulled along like this isn't unpleasant—it actually makes my heart race...!

Kousuke "Ah! Sorry..."

Kousuke-kun hurriedly lets go, his face bright red! So red!

"Y-y-yeah!"

I'd decided my place was as Kousuke-kun's big sister, but my heart won't listen; it's pounding so fast, telling me how happy and excited I am in this moment.

What do I do? This is starting to feel like a real date...?