"Rikka, have you noticed… Senya always seems in such a good mood when he comes home? He's been smiling the whole time, like he just won the lottery."
"Mm… I guess that's what they call finding satisfaction in your work."
"Hmm… is he usually like this?"
"Eriri, this is the second time today you've asked me that. What's the matter, are you that concerned about my big brother?"
"Stop talking nonsense, just tell me!"
"Heh heh, not much to work with, but quite the temper, huh…"
"Hah!"
"Ah, wait, Eriri, what are you doing—"
"…splish splash!"
"Ha… ahahaha… sorry! I'm sorry, I was wrong, I was wrong…"
Around eight in the evening, the sounds of two girls splashing and laughing echoed from the bathroom, water constantly clattering against porcelain.
In the living room, Senya pretended to watch TV, though his gaze was actually on Jikka, who was wiping down the kitchen dishes.
From his perspective, she had no flaws at all.
Even after this afternoon's… over-the-top incident, she could compose herself perfectly and act as if nothing had happened. Just that kind of composure alone was admirable.
But for him, that was hardly a good thing…
Now, with Eriri and Rikka off taking a bath, and Mom Junko taking little Chiyo to a neighbor's house, the living room was empty—a perfect opportunity.
Senya rose and walked toward the kitchen, picking an apple from the fruit bowl on the counter.
Then, as if it were completely natural, he approached Jikka from behind, his body pressing close as he reached up to open the cabinet above.
"Sorry, I need the peeler."
Jikka's whole body tensed under his subtle pressure between her and the counter, her upper body leaning slightly forward while her lower body naturally arched backward.
She pressed her lips together, hating her own involuntary reaction.
After so many encounters, her body had gradually begun to cooperate with his closeness…
"Couldn't you just say so? I could have let you."
"Too much trouble. See? There, all done."
Senya closed the cabinet, waving the peeler at her, then moved away from her side.
Jikka took a deep breath, telling herself to stay calm. Everyone knew he did things deliberately—there was no need to overthink.
Still… he was getting bolder. Today, Eriri even came over. He really wasn't worried about being seen, or did he just assume that, as adoptive siblings, it would be fine?
As Jikka thought this, washing dishes, Senya had already finished peeling the apple. He cut off a small piece and held it near her lips.
Jikka pushed it away. "I'm not eating."
Senya insisted.
She sighed and finally opened her mouth to take it.
Satisfied, Senya smiled. "Dinner was really good tonight, Jikka. Your cooking is improving."
"It's nothing. If it pleases you, that's enough. Why don't you go sit on the sofa and rest instead of staying in the kitchen?"
Shaking his head, Senya suddenly said, "Jikka, I have an idea."
Jikka paused mid-wipe, her reply faint. "…What idea?"
"Our family couldn't afford this before, but now it's different. I was thinking maybe we could hire someone to help with housework."
"Oh… that's all?"
"Yes. No need to fuss. You can handle chores yourself, and Mom might not feel comfortable leaving Chiyo with a stranger."
"I see…" Senya held the apple in one hand and gently took her wrist with the other.
Jikka flinched, but he looked completely sincere, his gaze pure. "They say a girl's hands get rough from chores, but yours are beautiful, Jikka. I don't want that to happen."
"I'm not that delicate. I use hand cream and take care of them…"
He held her hand tightly…
With this guy, you could never let your guard down.
But considering what happened this afternoon while he slept on the sofa… maybe it was normal.
Senya didn't overdo it. He loosened his grip and shifted the topic.
"You got a lot from your latest royalties, right?"
"Yes."
"I was thinking of buying Mom a car."
"A… car?"
"No need to be surprised. You know how much I earn. Giving a small portion to Mom for a car is nothing."
"I know, but why the sudden idea?"
"Well… think about it. Mom runs back and forth between the shop and home, always taking Chiyo along. A car would make things much easier."
Jikka considered the practicalities and nodded.
"Diapers, formula, stroller—all could be in the trunk. A proper child seat keeps Chiyo safe."
The only concern was that Mom's license was from years ago. But cars have improved, and she'd adapt quickly. Parking wasn't an issue either—there's a spare spot unused.
Senya added, "Mother's Day is coming up. This could double as her birthday gift. She's worked so hard."
Jikka's expression softened.
Her growing affection for Senya wasn't just about his talents or charm—it was his subtle thoughtfulness, the way he cared for family, that made her heart melt.
Her own father had passed away. Family warmth was crucial, and Senya's care was impossible to resist.
Her mind quietly filled with thoughts of him, leaving no space for anyone else.
"When did you decide this?" Jikka asked softly.
"When the first royalties arrived. Winning that award, I knew I'd earn something, but not this much. I wanted to make Mom happy. Oh, and you too, Jikka. If there's anything you want, tell me."
"That's sweet, but I don't need anything. Just being able to live like this is enough."
"I see." Senya didn't push. "Then when you have time, we'll look at cars for Mom together."
"You should ask her first."
"You know Mom. If I tell her I want to give her a car, she'll refuse. Even if she accepts, she'd want a modest one. But safety costs money. I want to get something safer, more secure."
"True…"
"Let's do this: we'll narrow down some models at home, then pick a day to go see them in person."
"Okay."
Satisfied, Senya tossed the apple core in the trash.
Rikka and Eriri returned from the bath. It was his turn to shower next.
Jikka cleaned up the remaining dishes, touched her forehead, feeling it heat slightly. Once again, Senya's thoughtfulness toward Mom had touched her.
This guy… even using the car as an excuse, he naturally invited me along.
A car-shopping trip… could that count as a kind of date?
Senya was in high spirits.
From his observations, Jikka now seemed like a girl in the early stages of love—shy, cautious, restrained, but not opposed if he gently guided her. Passive, yet cooperative.
She might have mentally added "no blood relation" before "adoptive sibling" in their relationship—Senya thought this matched reality fairly well.
By now, she was even curious enough to reach out and touch him without realizing it—no wonder he was optimistic.
Around nine, Senya knocked on Rikka's door.
"You two aren't asleep yet, are you?"
The Senya household had spare guest rooms.
Rikka didn't consider Eriri a stranger; she liked having her stay the night to gossip and whisper together. Eriri didn't mind either.
"Nope!"
Eriri answered, and the door swung open.
"What is it, Senya?"
Eriri blinked her big, shiny eyes, looking at him sweetly.
Senya stared at her frozen there, motionless as if seeing her after a long time.
Her small, rounded toes peeked from pale yellow pajama pants; the hood of her fluffy top had cute bunny ears dangling; golden hair tipped up in little tufts. Fresh from the bath, her skin glowed pink, and a sweet, gentle scent lingered.
All of it together made Eriri seem excessively girlish—lacking Jikka or Saeko's mature allure, but overwhelmingly cute.
Sweet enough to be almost unfair…
"What's wrong, Senya? You knocked and suddenly went silent."
Rikka had joined at the door.
Senya tilted his head slightly, eyes flicking between them. Seeing Eriri blush, he finally spoke:
"Nothing much. I just think you look even cuter in Rikka's pajamas than she does."
A simple compliment, yet both girls' pupils practically shook.
"Ah… n-no… it's not…"
Eriri flustered, holding her cheeks, unsure how to react.
Rikka, full-on drama mode, staggered back, wounded as if struck in the heart.
Ignoring his foolish little sister, Senya remembered his main point.
"Eriri, you're not asleep yet. Can we talk?"
He pointed to his room, inviting her to follow.
Still dizzy from embarrassment, Eriri understood, nodded vigorously, and followed him.
Rikka's lively personality meant she was the first to follow—but after two steps, she retreated, grinning to herself.
She felt accomplished. She'd helped her friend create an opportunity at the right moment.
Whether Eriri could handle it was up to her… good luck!
Five minutes later, Eriri returned, face lit with a strange, excited smile.
Rikka closed the door, drew the curtains, and eagerly asked, "Eriri, what did my big brother want with you?"
Eriri's grin widened. "Nothing much, really. Like when he was working on that Ranpo Award thing, Senya wanted me to help with illustrations and character designs for his sci-fi contest novel."
Of course, he wasn't asking for free.
Senya made it clear he'd pay well—above market rates. Since she was a friend, he couldn't let her get shortchanged.
Even though Eriri insisted she didn't need payment, Senya would ensure she received a fair reward.
"That's it?"
"Yeah, that's it."
"Just that, and you're this happy?"
"Well… it means Senya recognizes my talent in drawing. To think my illustrations could be published alongside his story… it's like we… um!"
"Like you what?"
"N-nothing!"
Eriri almost let slip her thoughts about her feelings toward Senya and their project—luckily, she caught herself just in time.