To truly become siblings with Suzuna. That was the goal I had set for myself.
What I mean by ‘truly’ is not about blood relations, but about becoming a family who can trust each other.
However, I’ve never had the experience of becoming a new family with someone, neither in this life nor in my previous one.
For now, I decided to start actively approaching her, as I thought of ideas to repay my past debts.
“I’m home, Suzuna-chan!”
“…………… Welcome back.”
Ah, she seems a bit taken aback.
Well, that makes sense. Until this morning, I had maintained a stance of mutual non-interference as her stepbrother, and now I was greeting her with a smile as soon as I got home from school.
Until now, our interactions had only consisted of minimal exchanges like, “…hey” or “…what’s up.” In hindsight, that was quite awkward.
“Um, I’m sorry for how I’ve acted until now. I’ve been a bit distant.”
“No, Eiji-san, it’s not your fault. It’s only natural for me to feel like a nuisance suddenly showing up like this.”
“I don’t think you’re a nuisance at all. I was just a little confused… But now, it’s okay, and I really want to become siblings with you.”
“I see…”
I thought I was sincerely conveying my true feelings, but Suzuna looked down.
Still, I knew this would happen. I understood, to some extent, the pain and suffering she carried, more than just from an outside perspective.
What’s important is to keep knocking. I have to be patient and continue to build our relationship until she opens her heart.
“So, first of all… from now on, I’ll call you just Suzuna, not Suzuna-chan!”
“Huh?”
“It’s weird, right? We’re siblings, and I shouldn’t be using such a distant way of addressing you. You can call me Eiji or even just drop the honorific altogether.”
“Um…”
“So, let’s shake hands! To celebrate becoming siblings! I’ve really wanted a sister, or a sibling, you know? I wonder what it’s like to have family around my age in the house—”
“N-no, thank you! I have homework to do!”
“Ah.”
Ignoring my outstretched hand, Suzuna dashed into her room.
I clenched my empty right hand tightly and slapped my forehead.
“Idiot…”
That was my mistake. I got carried away and pushed too hard without holding back.
Using the word “celebration” wasn’t appropriate either. She didn’t choose to become family with us.
“How amazing, the protagonist is.”
In less than a year, he had started from being a complete stranger, yet the game’s protagonist managed to open Suzuna’s heart. He healed her emotional wounds like a skilled doctor and led her to a happy future as her lover.
I had watched that unfold on the monitor, but when I found myself in that position, I began to feel anxious about whether I could truly do it.
“…No, don’t get discouraged. The protagonist will appear in three years. Can I wait until then?”
While it feels a bit heart-wrenching to take his place, waiting that long would only worsen the situation.
I couldn’t become her romantic partner like he did, but because we’re siblings, there must be paths that can open up.
“Alright, then it’s time for a strategy meeting.”
I encouraged myself, returning to my room, sitting at my desk, and taking out a brand-new notepad.
“From here on, it’s the turn of my previous life.”
Then, I began to jot down as much information as I could gather about the game “Koiiro ni Somaru Saka.”
