Chapter 198
Hearing Mineo's words, Minami Kotori kept her head down and replied in a soft voice.
"No... it's nothing like that."
"Mineo-oniichan being able to find his own happiness... I... I will pray for Mineo-oniichan in my heart."
"As long as Mineo-oniichan can be happy... I... I will also be very glad."
Even if that gladness was a pretense, it didn't matter.
Seeing the expression on Kotori's face, Mineo smiled helplessly.
"Kotori, did you know?"
"You're the type of girl whose every thought and mood is written completely across her face."
"Seeing you like this makes me feel bad for you."
Hearing Mineo's words, Minami Kotori gripped the edge of her skirt tightly. Her voice was low and soft, yet also a bit strained.
"Does Mineo-oniichan feel bad for me?"
"Of course I feel bad. After all, in my heart, Kotori is also a girl I really want to cherish."
After hearing this sentence from Mineo, Minami Kotori was stunned. A few seconds later, she looked up, staring at Mineo with eyes that were slightly watery.
"But... I also really like Mineo-oniichan."
"I... also want to be with Mineo-oniichan."
"Why couldn't I have been allowed to get to know Mineo-oniichan first?"
"It doesn't matter what position I hold in Mineo-oniichan's heart, but Mineo-oniichan will forever be the most special existence in mine."
"I admit it, I'm very jealous of Ayase-senpai. If only I could be her, how wonderful would that be?"
After saying these words, Minami Kotori turned her small head away in a bit of a panic.
"I'm sorry, Mineo-oniichan, I... I didn't mean it that way."
"I never... never thought about ruining your relationship with Ayase-senpai."
"Why does Kotori have to apologize? I think hearing these words you've said makes me very moved and also very happy."
"Because in my heart, I also really, really like Kotori. And not the kind of like a big brother has for a little sister."
"But the kind of romantic love between a man and a woman who would date seriously."
"A girl as cute as Kotori—I don't want to let her go."
Mineo's words made Minami Kotori freeze in place instantly. She looked up, staring at Mineo in disbelief.
"Mineo-oniichan, you... what did you just say?"
"I said I like Kotori, and I want to officially date you. Speaking of which, Kotori, don't laugh at me, but I've liked you for quite a long time now!"
"But... how can it be like that? Isn't Mineo-oniichan already dating Ayase-senpai?"
"Th—this isn't right. Ayase-senpai will definitely feel very sad. Mineo-oniichan, I..."
Seeing Minami Kotori looking rather panicked, Mineo reached out and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Even when he let Minami Kotori lean into his embrace, Kotori didn't show the slightest bit of rejection.
Inhaling the fresh, natural scent from the tips of her hair, Mineo slowly said:
"It's not just Eli. Nozomi-chan is also dating me."
"To be honest, I might be a bit of a playboy. But... I truly do like you all, and I want to be with you all forever."
"Eli and Nozomi also know that I have feelings for you."
"Is... is all of this true?"
"Ayase-senpai and Tojo-senpai... did they... not say anything?"
Seeing Kotori looking at him with a disbelieving gaze, Mineo didn't give a verbal answer. Instead, he gently lifted Kotori's chin and stared into her eyes in silence.
As if having a premonition of what was coming, the blush on Kotori's fair face began to spread gradually. Not long after, even her fair, slender neck began to show a tempting shade of pink.
Kotori's body was a bit tense, and she trembled slightly. Feeling the warmth of Mineo's breath, Kotori slowly closed both of her eyes.
The moment Mineo kissed her, Kotori also unconsciously reached out and wrapped her arms around Mineo's neck.
At this moment, Minami Kotori was slightly carried away.
The warmth radiating from Mineo-oniichan's body gave her an unusual sense of peace and happiness.
The kiss lasted for a full two minutes before Mineo finally released Kotori.
At this point, Kotori kept her head down, still not daring to open her eyes, while Mineo held her even tighter.
"You don't need to worry about the complicated things, Kotori. I will settle everything properly."
"Right now, I only want to ask Kotori—are you willing to be with me?"
"I swear, I will take good care of you and make you happy forever."
"I want to be with Mineo-oniichan!"
At that moment, Minami Kotori seemed to find strength from somewhere. She suddenly threw herself into Mineo's arms.
Biting her thin lip, her voice sounded like a soft whimper.
"I really, really like Mineo-oniichan. I don't care about anything else anymore."
"As long as Mineo-oniichan can be happy, I... I will be happy."
"Mineo-oniichan... I want to be... for a lifetime, forever, with you."
Kotori leaned tightly into Mineo's embrace. A second later, she stood on her tiptoes and took the initiative to kiss Mineo.
The two expressed their feelings for one another, and it was only several minutes later that Kotori leaned weakly against Mineo.
Held in Mineo's arms, Kotori pressed herself close to the chest of the man she loved.
"Mineo-oniichan, I don't understand. Are Ayase-senpai and the others really okay with this?"
"If... if they get angry... I... I can go and beg them."
"I only need a little bit of Mineo-oniichan's attention. I won't... I won't cause any trouble for the senpais."
Affectionately stroking Kotori's forehead, Mineo whispered softly into her ear:
"Kotori, I already told you. I will settle all matters properly. You only need to close your eyes and enjoy the feeling of us being together."
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