Chapter 44: Selfish Reasons

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“Hey, Onii-chan, by the way…”

“What’s up?”

“You seem pretty close with Kurebayashi-san. You lied earlier when you said you weren’t.”

“…”

We only had a casual conversation, nothing that suggested anything more. But when someone cries that much, with tears and snot, of course, it looks suspicious. That’s only natural. I hope nothing else leaked out, like pee from excitement or something.

Still, I wanted to keep this under wraps. It’s too much trouble to explain.

“It’s not like that. Why do you think so?”

“Well, because the hand cream I gave you, Kurebayashi-san was holding it like it was precious. She cherished it so much that I couldn’t say anything.”

“…”

Damn. She even noticed that.

“I gave her the cream with Ange’s name on it. It was obvious. You gave it to Kurebayashi-san, didn’t you? Her hands were pretty rough and cracked…”

“Well, mine are just as bad. They were so dry I couldn’t stand to look at them.”

I wondered if Ange would buy that excuse. Just as I was pondering what else to say, my phone suddenly rang.

A call. Perfect timing.

Who could it be… Huh? Seriously?

“Sorry, Ange. I need to take this call.”

I excused myself and answered the call that came in just before evening on this Saturday.

“Hello, Kenzaki-san? What's up on this mellow afternoon?”

“Are you trying to be funny with the word ‘mellow’? With your face?”

“My face has nothing to do with it. That line is too avant-garde and weird, even for Delmonte.”

“Don’t lump me in with ketchup.”

The caller was none other than Kenzaki-san.

I didn’t know if she had the day off. Actually, I don't even keep track of her schedule. Well, since I answered, it doesn’t matter.

“So, what's up?”

“I have something to discuss with you. Can you spare some time? I’m nearby, and it's hard to talk about it over the phone.”

“Well, I mean, my sister is visiting my apartment right now.”

“…Really? I didn’t know you had a sister.”

The tone in Kenzaki-san’s voice sounded slightly mocking.

It was as if she was saying, “Your sister must look as unfortunate as you do.”

Ha! Let me tell you, Ange could rival any glamour model or even Trindl. Despite personal preferences, she could easily stand toe-to-toe with Kenzaki-san.

“Yeah, my sister is cute enough to compete with you, Kenzaki-san.”

“Bwahaha!”

“How rude.”

“Haha, you’re hilarious. Do you think there’s anyone on my level just anywhere? The only one who might come close is Mii.”

Just how highly does Kenzaki-san rate Kurebayashi-san?

Sure, Kurebayashi-san is one of the cutest girls in our university, but…

Even so, Ange is number one in various categories. At least in this context. And yet, when a top-tier celebrity says it, it doesn't sound out of place.

“It’s a shame I can’t show her off. She’s a sister I could boast about to all humanity.”

“Hah! You make me laugh. Fine, then. I’ll come over to your apartment and meet your sister while discussing my issue. Give me your address.”

“Wait, what? You’re coming over?”

“Yeah, I want to discuss something with you, and it’s perfect. We might draw too much attention if we meet outside. Hurry up and give me your address.”

“…”

A surprise visit. How forceful.

And I never thought a top-notch celebrity like Kenzaki-san would come to this rundown apartment… What if the tabloids get hold of this?

“…Ange. Sorry, but another guest is coming over. A super famous one, who also wants to meet you. Is that okay?”

“Huh? Meet me? Why? Do I know this person?”

“Uh, yeah. It’s Kenza… I mean, KYOKO, the model.”

“……What?”

Ange didn't seem to believe KYOKO's name was mentioned. She looked dumbfounded.

“Wait, what? KYOKO? THE KYOKO? Why? And how do you know her?”

“She's a friend of a friend.”

“……”

Ange gave me a suspicious look. In my world, it's supposed to be a reward… but it’s not. It’s scary.

“Onii-chan, you've been ignoring Ange and cheating on her with KYOKO… That's why you didn't reply to Ange's messages.”

“No, I haven't!”

“If you lie again, I’ll know. Fine, bring KYOKO here. I’ll confront her.”

“……”

Oh, this is bad.

At least Kurebayashi-san already left.