Chapter 91: The Futon Got Fluffed

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Well, I can't help but wonder if that creepy mole guy will face any legal consequences.

From my perspective, it’s more important to see if Jones-san can get the alimony he deserves.

Either way, once the police get involved, I can't really interfere. I have a feeling Misa-mama will update me on what happens later. For now, I should prioritize getting the futon.

Of course, I’m excluding the futon that was used by that guy who was pawing at her. I don't want to deal with his curly hairs or anything else stuck to it. I'll just borrow the usable blankets. It's better than nothing, and worst-case scenario, I can wrap myself up in one and sleep.

—

“I’m back…”

After struggling to carry two sets of blankets all the way to the apartment, I finally made it. I didn’t take a taxi because I couldn’t afford it. It was tough, but I considered it a part of my muscle training.

When I opened the door, Mom was munching on something and fiddling with her smartphone. By the way, senbei are her favorite snack.

“Welcome back. Took you long enough.”

Recognizing me, Mom greeted me with the usual words you'd expect from family. It had been a while since she said ‘welcome back,’ and it felt a bit strange.

Trying to shake off the odd feeling, I responded.

“Yeah, there was an unexpected situation.”

“What happened to the girl from earlier?”

Of course she asked. Explaining it is a hassle, and I don’t want to be bombarded with questions.

“She got taken somewhere for protection.”

“Did her family show up or something?”

Mom has a knack for figuring things out. She probably pieced it together from the conversation about that creepy guy.

“Yeah, something like that. She should be safe now, so don't worry.”

“Alright. If you say so.”

“By the way, where’s Ange?”

Changing the subject to avoid more probing.

“Hmm? She's been in the bath for an hour. She hasn't come out yet.”

“Teenage girls can be a handful…”

“What are you talking about? You know she doesn't usually take this long.”

“True.”

“…”

Mom gave me a suspicious look, which was unnecessary. I don’t have any inappropriate thoughts about my half-sister.

At least, I hope Ange doesn’t feel that way. It's hard to imagine having such feelings for a sibling you've known since birth.

I didn't say anything, though. Instead, I sat next to Mom and reached for some of her senbei. It smelled slightly like squid, but it was fresh and tasty.

Crunch, crunch.

“It's been a while since I had these. You still love them, huh? Never get tired of them?”

“People don’t change their tastes so drastically, you know.”

“True.”

Maybe that’s how it is with food and even preferences for the opposite sex.

—

While we were talking, Ange finally emerged from the bath, wearing a bra top and pumpkin pants. Definitely not something you'd wear in front of anyone but family.

“Ah, that was a good bath… Wait, when did you get back, Onii-chan?”

“When? You've been in there forever.”

“Well, um…”

Why is she squirming like that?

“Just get into your pajamas before you catch a cold.”

“That’s it?”

“What else were you expecting?”

“I thought these pumpkin pants would catch your eye…”

“Oh, yes, they're very nice. Very… fitting.”

How am I supposed to compliment pumpkin pants? At least they're safe, unlike something more revealing. But she needs to get ready for bed soon.

“Due to some circumstances, I could only borrow blankets. Ange, you sleep in the bed. Mom and I will manage with just the blankets.”

I spread the borrowed blankets on the floor as I spoke.

If we wrapped ourselves up in the blankets, we should be fine. Ange, being the youngest, should have the bed.

But my sister had other thoughts.

“What? You’re not going to sleep with me, Onii-chan?”

“That would be inappropriate, to say the least.”

It seemed she didn't quite grasp the reason why Mom was here.

Meanwhile, Mom said,

“Ah, if Ange had said, ‘I’ll be Onii-chan’s mattress!’ I’d have had to give her a spanking…”

“You’re the dirtiest one here. Adults can be so filthy.”

What was she expecting from a middle schooler like Ange anyway?