Arc 1.5 – Episode 8: Little Sister in Her Rebellious Phase

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Two weeks had passed since I joined the Kuzuha family.

At first, it felt unreal—like I was stuck in some dream. But as I settled in, the haze lifted, and reality started hitting me in new ways. Concerns popped up too, not because I was greedy or anything, but because Kyoichi-niisan and Ichigo-neesan spent way too much money on food.

We all lived at Ichigo-neesan's place now—our “home.” Most of our days were spent lounging around before eating together. Meals alternated between the two of them, but Kyoichi-niisan relied on prepackaged supermarket side dishes, while Ichigo-neesan practically lived off Uber Eats.

At first, it felt luxurious—like being spoiled. But I wasn't just a guest anymore. I was family now. And honestly, we couldn't keep blowing money like this.

“So, starting today, I'm taking over cooking!”

I announced it during lunch, surprising both of them.

“You cook?”

Kyoichi-niisan raised an eyebrow, halfway through his convenience-store bowl. His diet was questionable, but with the way he worked out, he somehow pulled it off.

“I cooked for Mom back at the Nagaoka house,” I said. Limited repertoire aside, I was determined to learn more.

“Alright, but you'll need groceries, right? Should we go together?”

Oh. Right. The money. If I was going to do this, I either needed to ask him for cash or take him with me.

Would it be like a date if we went together? Like a married couple shopping for dinner?

Embarrassing.

Still, it wasn't like I had much choice. If I lost the money, it'd be a disaster.

And so, with Ichigo-neesan waving us off, I found myself heading to the supermarket with Kyoichi-niisan.

“What's your favorite food?”

“Fried chicken.”

“Perfect. Let's get some chicken and make karaage. It's one of my specialties.”

“Really?”

Yeah, well… chicken's cheap.

I loaded up the basket with chicken and discounted veggies, mindful of the budget. At the register, Kyoichi-niisan paid without a word and carried the bags for me like it was no big deal. Watching him, I couldn't help but think he looked so cool.

If it were my real brother, he'd complain about the weight and only carry them if I begged him to.

“Rina! What are you doing with him?!”

My brother's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I turned to see Nagaoka Shuuji storming toward us, Yuka-chan trailing behind him. Looked like they were on a date, but only he seemed pissed.

“Don't stay with that guy. Come home with me.”

He reached for my hand, but I pulled away.

“Rina?”

He stared at me, stunned, like he couldn't believe I'd pushed him off.

“Stop it. I'm part of the Kuzuha family now. I'm not going anywhere with you.”

“You can come back anytime, right?”

“That doesn't mean I have to, and I don't want to.”

“Why not? Did that guy do something to you?!”

Oh, here we go. Back to calling Kyoichi-niisan that guy.

“I don't want to see your face, that's why!”

The fight we'd had before was still fresh in my mind, and now he was treating Kyoichi-niisan like a villain. It pissed me off.

“Kuzuha! You did something to her, didn't you?!”

Shuuji's anger turned to Kyoichi-niisan as he lunged toward him.

“Stop it!”

I stepped between them, shoving my brother back.

“Rina?!”

He looked shocked, like he couldn't believe I'd actually pushed him.

“Let's go, niisan.”

I grabbed Kyoichi-niisan's arm and pulled him away without a second thought.

“You sure about this? Fighting with your brother? He's still your family.”

Once we were far enough away, Kyoichi-niisan finally spoke, his tone calm but serious.

“It's fine. He's an idiot.”

Shuuji's delusional if he thinks Kyoichi-niisan did something to me. Sure, Kyoichi-niisan was… active, especially with Ichigo-neesan and Kakyoin-san when she came over. But with me? He hadn't even tried.

Not that I hadn't hoped—just a little—that he might sneak into my room one night. But nope. Nothing. Not even once.

“I don't need that idiot anymore. You're enough for me, niisan.”

I wanted him to know how much I appreciated him, even if it meant badmouthing my brother.

“Don't say stuff like that. Family's important.”

The sudden edge in his voice stopped me cold.

“Niisan, do you hate people who fight with their family?”

“…Can't say I admire it.”

“I'm sorry…”

His words stung. The last thing I wanted was for Kyoichi-niisan to hate me.

“It's okay. Just make up with him next time. You can do that, right?”

He rested his hand on my head, patting it softly.

“…Okay.”

I didn't see the point in making up with someone like Shuuji, but if it made Kyoichi-niisan happy, I'd try.

“Let's head home. I'm looking forward to your cooking.”

“…Okay!”

Just knowing he was looking forward to it lifted my spirits.

That night, though, things didn't go as planned.

“How is it?”

I asked nervously as they tasted my cooking.

“Sorry, it's a bit plain. Guess I've gotten used to takeout.”

Ichigo-neesan's apology was blunt, but honest.

“I see…”

Takeout's packed with flavor, so my budget-friendly cooking didn't exactly compare.

“It's just the first time,” Kyoichi-niisan said, trying to cheer me up. “We'll adjust to lighter flavors, and I'll help you practice. Sound good?”

Cooking lessons with Kyoichi-niisan—it felt straight out of a shoujo manga. What if I messed up and cut my finger? Would he lick it for me?

No. Stop. He already had two girlfriends.

Still, dreaming a little wouldn't hurt, right? Maybe, just maybe, I could be the third.

“Yes! I'll do my best!”

Motivated, I grinned, ready to tackle this challenge head-on.