V4Ch1: The girls I traumatized Part 3

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Translator: Soafp

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Last night, I splendidly won the “One-Touch Bra Unhooking Championship” held at the Kokonoe Residence, but I graciously declined the title of Goldfinger. I don’t need it.

The rules are strictly set and you are only allowed to wear up to two sizes down, but when Sekka-san showed up with a very tight-looking bust, suspicion was raised. Although there were cries of protest, there were no referees to begin with, and in the end, everyone violated all the rules, turning the event into an outrageous molestation zone. Even before Mom could remove it, it was bursting with bullets. Pang, bang, boom!

Next week’s event will be the “Intense Love Staring Contest.”

In this incredibly bittersweet game, both participants confess “I like you” to each other at close range and the first one to look away from embarrassment loses. I, who have never lost a staring contest, will undoubtedly win. But if I can’t resist and attack with a kiss or something, apparently, that’s considered losing.

What’s with those rules? No one’s going to pull such reckless moves. Kuhahahahaha!

But seriously, who comes up with these regularly scheduled mysterious competitions?

Every single time, Yukito wins!

Currently, a ten-time champion. The Eternal Nineslayer is none other than me, Yukito Kokonoe.

“So, let’s begin the ‘Kokonoe Family Exciting Home Plan’ meeting.”

Mom and Nee-san applaud enthusiastically. I am the master of ceremonies.

Various materials and a whiteboard are set up in the living room.

“I’ve been thinking a lot lately. What can I leave behind as a parent? That guy was trash, but I also made you suffer. I couldn’t create any beautiful memories. I couldn’t do anything as a proper parent. I’m sorry.”

I’m gently embraced. Even if I, a delinquent debt, am leading a life without inconvenience, it’s not Mom’s fault. The fault lies with my very existence that should apologize.

“Someday, you will leave my side. I want to create a place where you can come back and feel relieved. Whenever you’re troubled or in pain, anytime. Because I’ll be there. Because I’ll always wish for your happiness there.”

I feel terrible with so much overflowing affection. I’m an idiot for thinking that I’m estranged from Mom. Like that old man, I’ve continued to make Mom unhappy.

“It’s a bit tasteless for the apartment to be our home, don’t you think?”

Wiping her teary eyes, Mom smiles mischievously.

“Well, saying ‘I’ll return to my parents’ place’ is a classic, isn’t it?”

Home. I see, Mom is trying to create a home for my sister and me.

Even so, I can’t imagine Yuri-san going back to our mother after a fight with her husband. If anything, it’s more likely that Yuri-san would make her husband cry and leave home, isn’t it?

“Two-hour endurance French kiss, okay?”

“I didn’t say anything about that!?”

I’m subjected to torture beyond measure. The Geneva Conventions don’t apply here. Breathing difficulties are inevitable.

“Mou, Yuri!”

Mom, unable to bear the sight of my sister’s outburst, calls her out. I’ll follow you for the rest of my life, Mom!

“Make it one hour. I’ve got other things to take care of later.”

“Can you stop forming a line?”

My sister muttered something like “It can’t be helped.” Eh? Hey, what’s going on?

“Leaving the French kissing for behind, what about this apartment?”

“Right. I can use it as a down payment or as a residence for Yuri or Yukito when you get together with someone else in the future. I can use it as an office when I go out on my own, and there’s no mortgage anyway. I’ll figure out what to do with it. It’s not like you are going to move out anytime soon.”

This apartment wasn’t rented; Mom bought it newly constructed. It’s a 3LDK, so everyone has their own room, and it’s quite spacious. There’s no outstanding loan debt either.

Despite Mom being career-driven, buying it outright should have been tough. That’s where that old man comes in. According to Mom, the furious grandparents and the parents of a woman named Tsubaki, whom the old man mentioned, paid an enormous amount in compensation. Of course, the old man had to pay a hefty sum too. That became the capital for buying the apartment.

That’s why it’s still relatively new with considerable asset value. While there’s major renovation ahead, considering inflation, selling it should fetch a price similar to the purchase.

“Then it’s okay for me and the Yukito to live together in a new house. Let’s have a sordid s*x life together.”

“Won’t happening.”

“That’s not good. It’ll feel lonely like I’m the only one left out.”

Living with Yuri, or even having multiple children’s rooms, wouldn’t be enough.

“A-anyway, let’s decide about the house rather than the apartment!”

“I’m sorry, I got sidetracked.”

“First, does Mom have any preference between pre-built houses or custom-made homes?”

Writing down the pros and cons of each on the whiteboard.

Pre-built houses are homes sold in a ready-to-move-in condition. Once the contract is done, you can move in immediately. It’s characterized by no waiting period and lower prices. However, there’s no room for preferences regarding home performance or layout.

On the other hand, custom-made homes are built from scratch. It’s more complex, time-consuming, and expensive, but it allows complete customization for an ideal home. It’s the essence of a standalone house’s delight.

“I think a custom-made home would be nice. I’ve always admired it, and if you two have any requests, please let me know?”

Mother chose the thorny path. The hurdles are piling up. There are a lot of decisions to make.

I propose the first idea that comes to mind. This is the perfect timing!

“Given the rising security awareness these days, wouldn’t it be necessary to have locks on our rooms?”

It’s a suggestion from a security standpoint. I can’t dismiss it outright. Hahahaha!

“I’ll do it if I can.”

“Thank you for a response that doesn’t have a shred of believability.”

Seems like the possibility of it coming true is extremely low. Their security awareness is akin to a middle-aged manager who pastes their PC passwords on the display.

“I like spacious baths and might want a size where two people can enter together.”

I check the materials from major housing companies and construction firms based on my sister’s request.

“Are you planning to live with a boyfriend? Or are you considering bathing with a baby or caregiving—“

“Ha? It’s obvious I’ll be with you.”

“!?”

“I see. It might cost more for utilities, but if we can stretch our legs, it’s refreshing. I’d like a spacious bath where we can bathe together.”

“Are you planning to remarry, Mom? You’re still at an age where having a third child is perfectly fine.”

“What are you talking about? I’ll be bathing with you.”

“!?”

I deliberately refrained from retorting as I’m getting tired of being surprised. My patience is made of steel.

“I see… When unit baths become larger than one tatami mat, there are various standards like 1624. For custom-made baths, both materials and size are completely tailored.”

I inadvertently groan. The bathroom alone is profound. I wonder how much time it’ll take to decide everything from the toilet, kitchen, living room, bedroom, exterior walls, plumbing, insulation, landscaping… I have no idea.

However, I’m Yukito Kokonoe, a man who doesn’t tolerate defective homes. I plan to prioritize functionality over design and during construction, I intend to regularly provide the workers with canned coffee and ice cream.

“Right, how about making one area of the bathroom a magic mirror? After all, even you might want to peek at me while I’m bathing, right?”

“Like I’d ever want that.”

I couldn’t help but retort against my sister’s proposal, which I couldn’t understand at all.

“Do you want to peek, or do you not want to peek, but deep down, you actually want to peek?”

“I want to peek.”

“You naughty boy. Look forward to it.”

“Yes.”

I lost. It’s my loss. Mom looks astonished while sipping barley tea. It’s been quite hot lately.

“You guys… seriously. Also, on the first floor, I’d like a living room and a Japanese-style room. Having a walk-in closet for storage would be convenient, I think. As for the second floor, Sekka might also live there, so we’d need four rooms. It would be nice to have an attic too.”

To realize Mom’s dreamy plan, I roughly sketch out a floor plan.

“The main bedroom will be yours.”

“I’m impressed by your intent to occupy it again.”

Assuming a size of eight tatami mats or more. How about a garden? It might be useful for gardening or barbecues, but maintaining it, like weeding, might be troublesome.

“For a house for a family of four, I would want a house of about 100 square meters. If the house is more than 200 square meters, the property tax will increase, so it seems best to have a house less than 200 square meters.”

Securing parking spaces and having spacious bathrooms, living rooms, and bedrooms would be preferable if it’s larger than 40 square meters. However, this poses an extremely critical issue.

“Setting aside the price, finding a piece of land seems quite difficult…”

Upon investigation, in rural areas, it’s easy to find land around 200 square meters and at an affordable price. But around here, there are many plots below 100 square meters, and they’re quite expensive.

It’s understandable that urban areas have many condominiums. First things first, we need to secure land.

“Perhaps I should consult with a company as well.”

Naturally, I’m getting fired up. This is a serious mission. I am the current head of the Kokonoe family.

Until now, I’ve continuously made Mom cry, so repaying her love would mean fulfilling her aspirations. That, in essence, is what I should accomplish to make amends and fulfill my responsibility.

Mom has already prepared this apartment for us. She created the place we should be in.

So, it’s my duty to create our future home. It’s a mission I should undertake.

I firmly place my hands on Mom’s shoulders. Oops.

“What’s wrong, Yukito?”

“I’ll build our home. Five generations ago, the former head of the Kokonoe family, Garashi Oburomaru, left the family precept, ‘A family is the pillar of the house.’ So, until then, Mom and Nee-san should think about the ideal plan!”

“Our ancestors were sophisticated, weren’t they?”

After a quick calculation, it turns out I’ll need around 200 million yen for land and construction combined. At the very least, it would be 50 million. If I choose suburban land, the cost would significantly decrease, so that’s something to consider in the future.

I won’t compromise at all. I’ll make sure to realize the ideal home that fulfills all of Mom’s, Nee-san’s (and incidentally, Sekka’s) wishes. That’s what it means to be a capable man.

“Leave it to me, as the head of the Kokonoe family!”

“Heh, there was a system for the head of the house in our family?”

Yuri seemed impressed by an odd aspect.

“I’ve been having some unexciting days lately, so my life needs to be this challenging to settle down. I won’t let Mom, the great saint, carry a housing loan for 35 years!”

Hey, what’s wrong? Come at me, floating interest rates!

“Aah, why are you so…”

She hugged me again. I’ve been thinking for months that she’s going to get tired of me by now.

“Uhm, Mom? What’s wrong? This isn’t the usual pattern—Hmmm!”

“Hey, I was first. Don’t cut in the line!”

While my consciousness started to fade due to lack of oxygen, I was thinking about fundraising.

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“――So, at the ripe old age of sixteen, I’ve racked up a two-billion-yen debt. Quite the laugh.”

“For a salaryman whose lifetime earnings amount to three billion yen, those are some powerful words, Onii-chan!”

Hiori-chan, clad in a One Piece outfit, widened her eyes, exclaiming, “Amazing!”

In this area, being sisters, there’s a certain resemblances.

“I’d like to earn that by the time I’m twenty.”

“Is it normal to earn that much from there, Onii-chan!?”

Haste is key. Plans for my own home are already in motion. I can’t afford to dawdle until I come of age. This is a perfect opportunity. The Wood Shock that began a few years ago is gradually subsiding. However, the Iron Shock has an uncertain end, and there are concerns that housing prices will continue to rise. As they say, haste makes waste, and it’s true for a house.

“Onii-chan, thanks for today. I’ll cherish this glass!”

With a beaming smile, Hiori-chan shaded the glass from the sun, causing it to gleam in seven colors.

Just a few hours ago, Hiori-chan contacted me with a “request” before heading to the Edo Kiriko experience. I decided to invite her to join the Edo Kiriko experience.

It seems Hiori-chan enjoyed it too, as she gazed at the glass with deep emotion. It must be quite moving to see something she made herself. On our way back after purchasing Edo Kiriko as souvenirs for the family, I decided to hear Hiori-chan’s request during a break at the shopping mall’s food court.

“How’s Hinagi?”

“Ah. She’s busy with some revisions or work. Looks tired, her hair’s a mess, and she’s mumbling until late every day. The current Onee-chan looks super ugly.”

Unintentionally sharp-tongued, that’s Hiori-chan. Until recently, Hinagi was cut off by Hiori, and their relationship was at its worst. Perhaps some of that lingering grudge remains.

“Ah, right! Onii-chan, can you come over later? If Onii-chan sees Onee-chan like this, Onee-chan will spout out every bodily fluid and die on the spot. Let’s give her the coup de grâce!”

“As much as I’d like to see that, I might have to pass because Akane-san scares me.”

“Ehh”

I feel sorry for the discontented Hiori-chan, but all I can do is hope for reconciliation with her little sister.

While Hiori-chan said, “It’s a secret,” she showed me a current photo of Hinagi. I decided to keep quiet for Hinagi’s honor. I held firm.

“Thank you again, Onii-chan. Onee-chan has become much brighter than before. She’s even laughing at home now. Mom and Dad are relieved. If it weren’t for you, she’d still be withdrawn. …But it’s all her own fault.”

“I wonder. Hinagi is strong. At least much stronger than me.”

I concentrated my thoughts wholeheartedly. I polished my feelings to the extreme, like rubbing a stone until it’s worn down.

All I did was put the brakes on that precarious situation. Hinagi was trying to abandon everything. She was chasing after me, focusing solely on me. But that wasn’t happiness.

Come to think of it, I recently heard a story about a foolish man who threw everything away but still couldn’t attain what he wanted.

“You suggested that Onee-chan start writing novels, right, Onii-chan? I somehow feel like I understand what you’re thinking. Onii-chan is–“

Hiori-chan didn’t speak further. It’s been like that for a long time; Hiori-chan is a sensitive and emotionally perceptive child.

“The truth is, the answer has long been clear. I’m not running away from it.”

Encouraging Hinagi to write novels and dispatching Shiori to the women’s basketball have the same essence.

It’s because that’s the only thing I can do—to divert the unwavering and sometimes dangerously single-minded attention of these girls elsewhere. They accepted those suggestions, perhaps sensing that somewhere deep in their hearts. It’s my response to their confessions.

Passing on feelings to the ball received from their confession.

I cannot respond to their feelings. At least not with my current self.

However, even after declining their confession, our relationship isn’t simple enough for everything to end there.

Even after declining, they never give up. It’s like a stalemate, a situation that doesn’t progress. So, a different path and a new possibility were necessary.

“I can’t do anything.”

I’m powerless, and whether to accept the answer is up to them.

“No, that’s not true. That’s not true at all! There are so many things only you can do, Onii-chan. That’s why everything around you is always lively, and we find it dazzling. They want to get closer, even just a little, and chase after you. Because, Onii-chan, you’re someone they can rely on.”

Hiori-chan’s trust weighs heavily. I don’t understand. Not even the slightest hint.

What should I do? What can I do? The response to the confession that has already been presented.

If declining changes the relationship, then it’s natural. If they end up with someone else, I’ll wholeheartedly support them. But what if they never give up? Is there a solution there?

A complex, entangled problem that seems unsolvable. Will the day come when it’s resolved?

Lost in thought, Hiori-chan opens her mouth as if she’s made up her mind.

“――Onii-chan, please, help my friend!”