Kuroba Siblings
Leaving my brother by the wall, I faced the Kuroba family alone. Honestly, except for Fumiya-kun, I'd rather avoid them.
"Ayako-san, Fumiya-kun, how are you both?"
"Miyuki-nee-sama! Long time no see!"
"You look well too, Nee-sama."
Fumiya beamed; Ayako smiled as if expecting it.
They're sixth-graders, one year below me. True twins, unlike us. Same age despite the grade—I'm March-born, they're June. That's part of why Ayako's always rivaled me.
Listening, Fumiya's outfit seemed off-season, but he and his parents loved it—so I stayed silent.
Enduring Uncle's boasts, I waited for Fumiya's usual fidgeting. Sure enough, he scanned around.
"Um, Miyuki-nee-sama... where's Tatsuya-nii-sama?"
There it was. He adored me like a real sister, but revered my brother more.
"Over there, on standby."
Shaking off stray thoughts, I forced a smile and pointed.
"...Which way?"
Beside Fumiya's wandering eyes, Ayako feigned disinterest but stole glances. She admired him even more—bordering on infatuation, obvious.
Her transparency amused me; my lips twitched. She mistook it for Fumiya. I pointed out my brother, watching us.
"Tatsuya-nii-sama!"
"Jeez, unavoidable!"
Fumiya's face lit up; he dashed over. Ayako grumbled but hurried after.
"Abandoning guests..."
Only Uncle looked sour. He wanted Fumiya—fellow heir candidate—away from my Guardian brother. But they're cousins; Uncle overreacted.
"Don't interfere with Tatsuya-kun's work."
"But Father, a little's fine? Miyuki-nee-sama's our guest. Hosts ensure safety—no need to trouble Tatsuya-san here."
"Exactly. Kuroba guards aren't incompetent. Right, Dad?"
"I suppose..."
My brother rescued the flustered Uncle.
"Fumiya, Ayako-chan, don't trouble your father."
"But Tatsuya-nii-sama..."
"We rarely meet—chat a bit?"
He smiled at their clinging. First time I'd seen him smile...
"Kuroba-san, mind if I patrol outside?"
"Great initiative. Leave Miyuki-chan to us."
Pretense to deceive oneself—Sakurai-san's advice; they mastered it.
"No! We leave for Shizuoka tomorrow!"
"Fumiya, calm... But Tatsuya-san, as said, rare chance—we go tomorrow. Return soon?"
"Got it. Back after one round. Excuse me."
Gently stroking their heads, he fulfilled his role. His hands... larger than I thought.
Half-listening to the three, Tatsuya snapped fully alert when Miyuki laughed.
"Sorry, Onii-sama. Remembering old times."
"Old times?"
"What was it, Nee-sama?"
"When I was foolish. It cracked me up."
Tatsuya's smile faded to a wry grin.
"You were always kind to Ayako-san and Fumiya-kun... Shocked me, actually."
"Ara, Nee-sama. You treated Tatsuya-san like a servant back then. Expecting kindness now? Too convenient."
Not quite love rivals, but without adults, they turned hostile. Tatsuya didn't mind; inexperienced Fumiya panicked, glancing between them, then pleading at Tatsuya.
"Miyuki, Ayako-chan, ease up. Fumiya's distressed."
"Sorry, Onii-sama..."
"Sorry, Tatsuya-san..."
They wilted. Tatsuya wry-smiled again; Fumiya fretted differently.
"I was a kid once, too."
Answering Miyuki, he gently stroked her and Ayako's hair. Fumiya watched enviously—Tatsuya thought he wanted affection, but it was jealousy. He'd never notice.
Gotta fix this sleep debt...
-------------------------------
I've already posted the newest chapters on Patreon!
If you enjoy this story, come check them out and support me there too.
Here's the link: [pat*eon*com/DaoistRoeoNQ]
Thank you so much for your continued support!