Kojima Kana's current speech was dangerous.
At least, from Shirase's point of view, it was dangerously close to a situation like "Ma'am, your outfit is dangerous."
Yet Kana herself, oblivious, continued talking and felt more and more like a knowledgeable elder. She confidently puffed out her chest and declared, "So basically, if there's anything you don't understand, just come ask me. Like I've always told you, as your big sister, I'll answer any questions you have."
Seeing her smug face, Shirase held back laughter and asked, "Kana-nee, have you ever had a boyfriend?"
"Nope!" Kana's response was swift and decisive. She quickly straightened her back and added proudly, "But someday I'll definitely have one—and he'll be an outstanding man, I'm sure of it!"
"I believe you." Shirase agreed half-heartedly, not wanting to crush her enthusiasm.
Kana chuckled happily, "Looks like you're finally realizing how amazing your big sister is. So, make sure you remember everything I just said. I've been through adolescence myself, so I definitely understand what kids your age are thinking."
"No, I don't think you do," Shirase refused to concede.
"Still being stubborn?" Kana smiled brightly, stepping closer to playfully pinch Shirase's cheek. "It's rude to lie in front of your big sister, you know~. I suggest you tell me the truth, or else you might run into trouble trying to figure out adolescence all by yourself."
"What kind of trouble?" Shirase gave her a sideways glance.
"Well, obviously it's… Ahem! You haven't dated anyone yet or liked a girl before, so you wouldn't understand even if I explained it," Kana finished, blushing faintly.
Shirase looked serious and announced clearly, "Tomorrow is Saturday, and I have a date with Nino in the evening, so I won't be home for dinner."
"Hah?" Kana froze for a moment, then scoffed loudly. "Really? You're dragging Nino-chan into your excuses now? I won't buy your childish face-saving lies."
Shirase laughed helplessly. "Guess I'll have to prove it to you."
"Oh please, go ahead—I'd love to see how you prove it," Kana promptly let go, watching calmly and smugly.
Shirase casually took out his phone and called Nakano Nino's number.
Kana maintained her amused expression, fully convinced Shirase was just stubbornly refusing to admit defeat.
The call quickly connected, and Nakano Nino's puzzled voice rang out clearly, "Shirase?"
Shirase switched on speakerphone, meeting Kana's confident gaze head-on. "Nino, you haven't forgotten about our date tomorrow, have you?"
"Of course I haven't forg—wait, no! I told you it's not a date!"
"Just answer: Did you forget or not?"
"I didn't forget! Happy now?"
"Good. So what are you planning to wear? Can you tell me in advance?"
"I'm definitely not wearing black stockings, if that's what you're thinking!"
As Shirase and Nino continued chatting back and forth, Kana's smile slowly faded.
He…he wasn't lying!
He really had a date with a girl!
Kana's feelings immediately grew complicated, a bit like the cabbage she raised herself was about to be eaten by a pig.
Five minutes later, Shirase ended the call. "So, Kana-nee, you believe me now?"
"Believe what…" Kana's expression became awkward.
"That when it comes to relationships, I'm already ahead of you—ouch, hey, no hitting!"
Kana stormed off, cheeks puffed out angrily.
Well, truthfully, they were already quite puffy even without anger.
But she stormed off anyway.
By the time Shirase returned to the living room, Kana was already sitting on the sofa with a sulky face, beautiful legs stretched across the cushions. Without even glancing back, she stared fixedly at the TV.
Shirase gently tapped her slender, white feet that stretched across the sofa. "Scoot over a bit, I wanna watch TV too."
"There's a chair over there," Kana lazily pointed without looking.
"I can only relax and watch TV if I'm next to Kana-nee."
"Ugh, you and your nonsense," Kana grumbled disdainfully, yet her slender legs obediently slid off, making space for Shirase.
"Is Kana-nee mad?" Shirase asked, studying her delicate, carefully made-up face.
"Nope," Kana replied instantly.
Shirase laughed quietly and then asked curiously, "That's strange—we've joked around plenty before, and you've never been this sensitive."
Kana paused, realizing it herself. Indeed, living under the same roof, they'd teased each other countless times, and each time she laughed them off easily.
So why is it different this time?
Kana instinctively glanced at Shirase, their eyes briefly meeting. Flustered, she quickly looked away, cheeks burning.
Shirase laughed openly this time. "I get it. You're worried because you heard about my date with Nino. You think I'll focus all my attention on her from now on, right?"
Kana instinctively opened her mouth to argue, but no words came out.
Because Shirase had hit the nail right on the head.
Just as she searched for an excuse, she suddenly felt an arm slip around her waist, pulling her gently into a warm embrace.
"W-what are you doing…" Kana stammered, cheeks flushed bright red, sneaking upward glances full of shyness and anticipation.
Resting his chin on her soft, fragrant hair, Shirase spoke gently, "I can promise you, no matter how many years pass, I'll always like Kana-nee the same as I do now."
"I-I didn't even ask you about that! Geez, suddenly saying weird things out of nowhere…" Kana stopped struggling, her body curling slightly into him, murmuring shyly yet happily. Her graceful neck tilted slightly, slender waist relaxed, and mature curves comfortably nestled against his chest.
She knew clearly that the "like" Shirase mentioned wasn't necessarily what she hoped deep down, but hearing it still inevitably stirred her heart.
"I know you didn't ask," Shirase smiled knowingly, "but I suddenly just felt like saying it."
Kana pursed her lips and stayed quiet for a moment, then admitted very awkwardly, "Okay, fine. Maybe I did feel a tiny bit bothered earlier, but only just a little…"
Before Shirase could tease her, she quickly preempted, "But you're bound to grow up eventually. Dating and going out with girls is perfectly normal. At most, I'm just feeling a tiny bit reluctant, that's all."
"Yes, yes, you're absolutely right."
"Are you humoring me right now?"
"Of course not. I'm sincerely apologizing."
"Your tone doesn't sound sincere at all—wait, what's that pressing against me?"
"My phone. What else did you think it was?" Shirase pulled his phone from his pocket, eyes smiling knowingly.
"Oh, I thought…it was earbuds. Wireless earbuds."
Kana shifted into a more comfortable position, relaxing fully into his arms. Beneath the soft, bright lighting of the living room, warm blushes appeared faintly on her face. Occasionally squirming shyly in his embrace, she looked every bit the adorable, alluring woman lost in affectionate intimacy.