Arc 1.5 – Episode 4: Handsome Step-Brother?! – Part 3

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[Side: Rina]

When I got back to the apartment from my old family home, Ichigo-senpai, my roommate, greeted me.

“Welcome back, Rina-chan. You okay? You don’t look so good.”

“Um, well…”

After hesitating for a moment, I told her about the argument I had with my brother.

I tried to soften the part about someone badmouthing Kyoichi-niisan as much as possible, but since that was the main reason for the argument, it inevitably came across.

Ichigo-senpai was Kyoichi’s girlfriend, so I was scared she’d get mad or that I’d somehow end up in the middle of their issues.

But all she did was sigh after hearing me out.

“Haah… Sorry about that. The rumors spreading about Kyo-kun are partly my fault.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

Ichigo-senpai explained.

To avoid bullying due to jealousy, she and Kyoichi kept their relationship a secret at school.

Since Kyoichi-niisan was officially single, a lot of girls approached him.

In order to hide his relationship with Ichigo, he handled the girls diplomatically, hanging out with them while making sure things didn't cross the line into cheating territory.

But that led to rumors that Kyoichi had a thing for lots of women.

“I see… So Kyoichi-niisan is really faithful, unlike my brother who’s all over Yuka-chan and Mori-san!”

“Uh, well, about that…”

Ichigo-senpai looked a bit awkward.

“Actually, Kyo-kun has another girlfriend besides me.”

“What!?”

Kyoichi is two-timing?! And Ichigo-senpai knows about it?

“Her name’s Aria. She used to be my friend, but while the three of us were hanging out, she fell for Kyo-kun, and eventually, she blackmailed him into dating her.”

“Your friend? She blackmailed Kyoichi-niisan? What the hell…”

This is straight out of a soap opera…

I used to think Kyoichi and his relationships were something out of a shoujo manga, but this love triangle is definitely soap-opera territory…

“Aria is on a family trip right now, but I’ll introduce you when she’s back.”

Ichigo-senpai said this with a smile, but I was honestly worried this could turn into a real mess.

Around ten days after I got here, Kyoichi and Ichigo-senpai introduced me to someone.

Her name was Aria Kakyoin.

She was a first-year student at the same school as Kyoichi and Ichigo, Yusho High, and could potentially be my senior.

With her long blonde hair, emerald green eyes, and stunning looks, she gave off an almost ethereal vibe, especially in the dress she was wearing—it was like a princess had stepped out of a storybook.

“So you’re Kyoichi’s new sister. I’m Aria Kakyoin, Kyoichi’s girlfriend. Nice to meet you.”

“Ah, yes! I’m Rina Kuzuha. Nice to meet you!”

Out of nervousness, I bowed deeply with my whole upper body, just like I had done when I first met Kyoichi.

Wait, what?! This is the other girlfriend?!

Just based on appearances, they look great together! Normally, people say love isn’t all about looks, but her level is way too high!

I mean, I don't want to be rude, but doesn't Ichigo-senpai stand no chance here?

“Oh, I know! Since we’re all here, why don’t you all come over to my place for a bit?”

As if she had a great idea, Aria brought her hands together and made a suggestion.

“Is that okay? What about your family?”

“It’s fine. My parents and grandfather are out on business tonight, and even the housekeeper leaves in the evening.”

She has a housekeeper! Does that mean she has something like a maid?

Wait, Aria-senpai is rich?!

“Come to think of it, I’ve been over to both Kyoichi and Ichigo’s places, but you’ve never been to mine. That’s not really fair, is it?”

There was an inexplicable pressure coming from Aria-senpai.

“…Yeah, let’s go then.”

Maybe it was that pressure, but Kyoichi nodded.

“Great! It’s still summer vacation, so why not stay over?”

“Are you sure? I mean, what about Kyo-kun, since he’s a guy?”

“It’s fine. Grandfather has already approved of Kyoichi.”

Whoa.

So Kyoichi is officially recognized by Aria-senpai's family.

Doesn’t that make things even worse for Ichigo-senpai?

Is this, like, a subtle way of keeping Ichigo-senpai in check? Is this already a love battlefield?!

“Well, if it’s okay, then I don’t mind.”

Ichigo-senpai handled it like it was nothing. She's got nerves of steel.

And it turned out I was included in that “everyone.” I was curious to see what a rich person's house was like, so I ended up tagging along too.

Aria’s place wasn’t a huge mansion like something out of a manga, but instead a luxury apartment that occupied an entire floor.

The furniture was stylish and obviously high-end, and the polished hardwood floors were so shiny I felt guilty just walking on them.

We ended up in the living room, sipping tea and eating snacks that the housekeeper brought us.

Whoa, she actually has a housekeeper. Not in a maid outfit, though—she’s just an older lady.

Still, wow!

This tea and these snacks, which I’ve never even heard of, are way too good!

Is this what they mean by something melting in your mouth?!

“Rina-san, are you aiming to attend our school? Then you’ll be our junior next year!”

“Huh? Oh, yes!”

I was startled by the sudden question.

Did she hear from Kyoichi and Ichigo that I was aiming for Yusho High?

“Our school’s pretty demanding academically. Are you keeping up with your studies?”

“Um, yes. Kyoichi-niisan and Ichigo-senpai are helping me, so I’m doing okay.”

After hearing my response, Aria-senpai shot a quick glare at Ichigo-senpai.

Whoa, scary.

“I see. But if you’re ever worried, feel free to come to me, okay? I could talk to my grandfather and get you in regardless of your grades.”

“Huh?”

I couldn’t wrap my head around what she was saying.

Talk to her grandfather? What does that mean?

“Hey now… Don’t teach my little sister anything bad.”

“Oh, sorry about that.”

Kyoichi-niisan gave Aria-senpai a disapproving look.

Seeing my confusion, Ichigo-senpai explained.

“Aria’s grandfather is the chairman of Yusho High, so most things Aria wants at school, she can make happen.”

“Whoa.”

This isn't just something out of a manga—this is a whole different level, like a world beyond the clouds!