Chapter 20 – It's Okay Because We're Siblings

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Our mom was giving Ange a stern talking-to over the phone.

To be fair, she was relieved to know that Ange was safe, but that relief quickly turned into anger.

On the other hand, Ange seemed unfazed by the scolding. Maybe she wasn't scared because it wasn't face-to-face. Personally, getting yelled at over the phone by our mom always made me tremble.

“…Mom wants to talk to you now,” Ange said, handing me the phone.

It was clear our mom's anger was now directed at me. I really didn’t want to take the phone, but I knew I had to.

“Hello,” I said, bracing myself for the worst.

To my surprise, Mom was calmer than I expected—more exasperated than anything.

“…There’s nothing we can do about it now, so let her stay with you tonight. But Yuuta, you need to make sure to properly scold Ange. Understand?”

Even my fiery mom was still a parent at heart. Ange was still in middle school, and it made sense that she would worry if Ange didn't come home at night.

“I was shocked too, Mom. I never expected her to show up here out of the blue…”

“Well, she probably felt lonely. You were always at home with her, protecting her, and then suddenly you weren't.”

“…”

“But Ange needs to grow up. She can't always rely on you. It's your job as her brother to make her understand that.”

I knew Mom understood Ange’s loneliness. However, it was hard to admit that my own negligence—forgetting to send a message and lying to cover it up—was the root cause. I swallowed my pride.

“I understand…”

“Good. Take care of it.”

“Will do.”

After the call ended, I turned my attention to my sister, who was sitting across from me.

“Ange…”

“…I’m sorry,” she said, sensing my irritation and apologizing before I could even say anything.

What? Just moments ago, she was so carefree while talking to Mom, but now she seemed genuinely remorseful.

“What exactly are you sorry for?”

“…For suddenly coming here.”

“Why did you come here so abruptly?”

I couldn't let her keep worrying our mother like this. Naturally, my tone became a bit harsher.

“Because… I was worried about you being in pain with a stomachache, and I was sad thinking you might have forgotten about me…”

“…”

“I missed you… I was really lonely…”

“…”

“…I’m sorry.”

Her voice grew quieter, and she looked like she was about to cry.

“…You're such a handful,” I muttered, ruffling her hair a bit roughly.

“You're in your third year of middle school. Don't pull stunts like this again.”

“…Will you forgive me?”

“No, not that easily. Making Mom worry like that is serious. But I get how you feel, so I'm not mad.”

“…”

“Can you promise me you won't do something like this again?”

“…Yes. I’m really sorry, big brother.”

Satisfied, I patted her head and ended my lecture.

Ange was always a bit spoiled with me and honest to a fault. But there was a reason she was so attached to me.

Ange had dark blonde hair and heterochromatic eyes—one blue and one darker blue. While she might be considered a beauty now, she wasn't always treated that way. She endured terrible bullying because of her appearance.

I was the one who protected her and comforted her, and I even took it upon myself to get back at the bullies. Even though we're half-siblings, it's a duty I felt as her brother.

Despite her current popularity, the past bullying left her unwilling to open up to anyone outside the family. She grew to despise those who turned their backs on her, which only made her withdraw further.

Well, since our dad passed away before Ange was old enough to remember him, it's understandable that she isn’t used to being around men. It also feels like she's depending on me to fill the role our dad couldn't.

“So, have you eaten yet?”

“…Not yet.”

“I see. You must be hungry. Sorry for coming back late; I took a detour. Want to go out and grab something to eat?”

“…No, it’s okay. Now that I’ve seen you, I feel full.”

That doesn’t make any sense, but her smile is priceless, so I’ll let it slide.

However…

“By the way, I wasn't expecting company, so I don't have a spare futon.”

“That’s okay. I can sleep with you.”

“Absolutely not. You’re in your third year of middle school now, so be more mindful about these things. I’ll sleep wrapped in a blanket.”

“No! You’ll get a stomachache again if you do that!”

“…”

Ange still believed my lie. I felt guilty for deceiving her, but I hoped she would stay as innocent as she is now.

That was my small wish as her brother.

It's surprising how much she's grown. Not too long ago, she was just an elementary school student, and now she's capable of taking the Shinkansen by herself to get here.

No, I made a mistake. She’s become more mature.

Wait a minute…

“…Hey, Ange. How did you manage to pay for the Shinkansen ticket to get here?”

“Uh…”

“Be honest.”

“…Uh, I used the New Year’s money I had been saving in secret, hidden behind the ‘Uma Girl’ tapestry in your room… the New Year’s gift money…”

“Angeeeee!!”

“I-I’m sorry, I’m sorry, please don’t be angry, forgive me!!” In the end, I let her off with a light scolding with a pat on the head as an extra.