The Lie and What Follows

To calm an infuriated Haruka, Haagen-Dazs ice cream was the answer.

For the gentlemen of the world who wish to date Haruka (though I don’t know how many there are), here’s a new piece of information for you.

The day when Haagen-Dazs disappears from the world may not be too far away, considering the economic impact Haruka could have on it. Soon, everything she uses might become a trend.

Haruka today was really on fire!

“What are you doing standing there?”

Ah, sorry…

After dinner, Haruka and I relaxed on the sofa in front of the TV, our usual spot. Having eaten her ice cream, Haruka seemed a bit drowsy. Looking at her, it’s clear why she’s so popular. Beautiful and tall, it’s no wonder many guys are attracted to her. Like today, Imada-kun and Lin-kun also seemed to have a crush on her. But my sister Haruka is not someone I can just give away.

I’ve never seen her in a relationship. Even after becoming a high school student, she has maintained a serene demeanor… haha.

I know she has been confessed to multiple times. I once heard about a confession from a very handsome guy. She used to say she wouldn’t date until I got married, but maybe as a girl, she might feel like experiencing love.

I can’t quite imagine it, though. Would she even want a boyfriend?

“Hmm, should I ask her?”

“Hey, Haruka.”

I decide to ask her.

“Yeah?”

She looks at me with sleepy eyes.

“Have you ever wanted to date someone?”

As soon as I asked, I thought I saw a dark spark in her previously drowsy eyes.

“Huh?”

“I mean, you’re quite popular, right? With your looks and height. I thought maybe if you were confessed to often enough, you might consider dating someone.”

I’m scared. Did I step on a landmine?

“Why?”

Her reply is short. Yeah, she’s definitely angry.

“…Sorry.”

A quick apology. I need time to think of a proper explanation.

“It’s okay, really.”

She sighs, seemingly exasperated.

“I’ve said it before, but I don’t like anyone. I’m too busy taking care of you.”

But… don’t I take care of you at home? “Huh?”

“Yeah. You keep me busy.”

“Why did you suddenly ask me that?”

She asks again. I’m not ready…

“Oh, just… You’re pretty popular, right? With your beauty and height. I just wondered if, after being confessed to so often, you might have thought about dating someone.”

I speak my thoughts honestly.

I’m Haruka’s priority. She cares about me first, often putting her own needs aside.

“Why that question now?”

“And, well… you do have someone you’d like to date, right?”

Surprisingly, she does.

“Really?”

I’m surprised. She does…

“But it’s impossible. I want to stay by your side.”

Huh? A riddle? Her words are hard to interpret.

“…I see.”

“Endo, you might never understand.”

… Forever, huh? That’s a long time. She means she’ll never tell me.

“Okay. I won’t ask again.”

“Good. Don’t.”

As I pat Haruka’s head, feeling a little sad that I can’t fully understand her…

“Sorry.”

I apologize as I continue to stroke her hair. I may not fully grasp her feelings, but as her brother, I can at least be by her side.

“…I’m going to sleep a bit.”

“Yeah. Good night, Haruka.”

From Haruka’s perspective:

I wanted to rub my cheek against the hand stroking my hair.

I wanted to hug him back.

I even wanted to kiss him.

…But I can’t.

I rarely feel Endo’s touch, so even this simple gesture makes me incredibly happy.

When Endo asked me that question, I was honestly annoyed.

Classmates? Handsome guys?

I don’t care. Endo is the only one for me.

I wanted to tell him that I love only him.

…But I can’t say it. If I do, this relationship might end.

Right now, I’m the only one in the world being stroked by Endo.

Here, in our home, we can be close like this, and it’s just us.

The fulfillment of being able to do this. The lack of being unable to say I love you.

Why did I have to be his sister?

We don’t even look alike.

I’m taller than him… though that’s irrelevant.

Just the two words “blood relation” bind me.

Endo became a bit brighter since the school trip. I know something happened with that damn girl.

When he said he wanted to move forward, I felt so jealous I could go crazy.

I still emit that I won’t accept it

. I didn’t say much then, but I can’t help it.

I definitely oppose Endo getting close to that girl.

But what I fear the most is a future where I’m not by Endo’s side.

I can’t bear the thought of such a possibility.

I want to be with him forever.

I know I can’t date him.

Then, at least let me stay by his side.

I know I’m selfish.

I don’t want to hear any rational arguments from others.

I can only be myself when I’m by Endo’s side.

So please, let me stay.