Chapter 6: What kind of relationship?

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Translator: Soafp

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“…Excuse me.”

“I’m home.”

While Sora had been admiring the factory, as soon as they entered the house, he immediately became quiet, like a borrowed cat.

The wooden single-story house was much cleaner inside than its exterior suggested, and it was well-maintained. As they entered, a boy came out of the room to the right. He had the same type of sharp, “three whites” eyes as Ginji, but his features were more favorable, making a much better impression than Ginji. He was about 160 cm tall, slim, but with a straight posture, and his face was sharp. He could easily be called good-looking. However, his expression was stiff, giving off a cold and aloof impression.

“Welcome home. Is this your friend?”

“Yeah, he’s my buddy. His name's Sora. Sora, this is my younger brother Tetsuya.”

“Um, excuse me for bothering you.”

Sora, shrinking a little, bowed his head.

“Tetsuya Momoi, 3rd year of middle school. My older brother's been taken care of by you.”

Tetsuya turned around and bowed. Since Sora wasn't used to making eye contact when greeting or being greeted, it felt refreshing.

“Oh, I'm Sora Takagi. It’s amazing that he can greet people so well.”

“He’s a good little brother, right?”

Ginji smiled and removed his shoes, and Sora followed suit.

“Just normal. Please make yourself at home. Should I make dinner tonight, Aniki?”

“No, I'll make it. We've got a little talk to have, so please bring tea to the room. But before that, I'm going to the bathroom. Tetsuya, show him to my room.”

“Got it. Sora-senpai, this way, please.”

Without changing his expression, Tetsuya led Sora. As Sora hugged his bag and tried to follow, Tetsuya suddenly stopped, his nose twitching.

“…Uh, Tetsuya-kun?”

Like an oil-deprived robot, Tetsuya turned his neck with a creaking sound and stared at Sora expressionlessly.

“…Sora-senpai, what kind of relationship do you have with my older brother?”

“Uh, well… hmm…”

Sora hesitated slightly, then answered in a small, shy voice.

“We're friends, I guess?”

“…”

“H-Huh? What's wrong?”

The response caused Tetsuya to freeze, staring intently at Sora, who was still in his school uniform. It seemed like space and time paused, and the sound of a computer booting up could almost be heard in his head.

Then, after a brief “reboot,” he nodded, as if satisfied.

“Sorry. …This way.”

The room he led Sora to contained two study desks and a bunk bed. On the bookshelf were comics and study materials. After setting down a low table and cushions, Tetsuya left the room and soon returned with iced barley tea.

“Well, I'll be in the living room… Please take care of my brother. He may be a bit absent-minded, but he's my pride.”

“Huh? Oh, okay.”

Tetsuya nodded at Sora again, his expression unchanged, and then left the room. Shortly after, Ginji entered and sat cross-legged in front of Sora.

“Alright, then. Let's start a strategy meeting… What's wrong?”

“No, it's just… your little brother's interesting.”

“Right? He's my pride and joy.”

“Fufu… you two are like brothers in every way.”

“What the hell? People usually say we're not alike though.”

Ginji took out a notebook and pen from his bag, resting his elbows on his knees and leaning forward.

“Okay, let's figure out a plan together. First, tell me how you and Shiki ended up in this kind of relationship. If there's anything you don't want to talk about, just say so.”

“Got it. But there's not much I don't want to talk about, I guess.”

With a slightly troubled expression, Sora began to speak.