04: The Introverted Love Master

──The following day.

【Miu ｓｉｄｅ】

I’m Shibano Mio.

Today is a scheduled school day right in the middle of summer break. Since it’s a day where I have a legitimate excuse to see him, I’ve been fired up since this morning, getting ready and heading out to school.

As soon as I wake up, I check my phone to clear the sleep from my eyes.

A sweet, savory aroma wafts over from the living room where the kitchen is, and I find myself drifting toward the dining table, guided by the scent♩

Lately, I’ve been eating breakfast made by Onee-chan. Today looks like pancakes and fruit yogurt♡ I really, really love my big sister for preparing all my favorite things first thing in the morning.

Once I’m finished eating, I brush my teeth, wash my face, and move on to my skincare routine♩

After moisturizing, I carefully apply sunscreen and a light dusting of powder. I touch up my brows, hydrate my lips with a pale pink medicated balm, and my "school-appropriate" makeup is complete.

I braid my hair and tie it back in low twin-tails. My charm point is my cute, fluffy scrunchies.

I pull on my white over-the-knee socks... throw on my thin track jacket, and I’m ready for battle!

“I’m heading out!♩”

On school days, I stop by his house every morning so we can walk together.

Why? Because──he’s a total habitual late-riser.

Without me there, he’d probably be oversleeping constantly, and it might even start affecting his grades.

Honestly, he should be a little more grateful.

◆◇◆

──Click.

“Ah, Miu. Mornin’...”

“Wait, look at you being all responsible! You actually got up on your own today!”

“Yeah... I crashed as soon as we got back from the beach yesterday. I woke up at six in the morning... By the time I took a bath and got ready, it was already this late.”

“I totally get it. We were pretty exhausted yesterday, weren't we? But it was so much fun! It felt like a real summer memory♡”

“Morishita seemed to have a blast, too. He was saying he wanted us all to hang out again soon.”

“Hmph. You know, for me? I actually wanted to hang out with Shintarou more...”

“Huh? What was that?”

“Just kidding! I was only teasing you〜”

“What’s with that... You’re way too energetic for this early in the morning...”

“Hehe.”

Hmph... Even though I actually meant it...

Even though interactions like this have been increasing lately, Shintarou is so dense he doesn't notice my feelings in the slightest. Well, we’re just childhood friends... There’s no way he’d think I actually like him... not even for a second.

That being said... my realization that I do like Shintarou only blossomed recently...

It was that day when Onee-chan and Shintarou reunited.

I remember distinctly feeling something "off" in my heart.

The two of them were so shy yet genuinely happy to see each other after all those years, and watching them... it made me feel like I was being left behind.

It felt as if there was a world that belonged only to the two of them—one that I didn't know.

...Not that that's actually the case, lol.

I guess... it was jealousy. My head knows that it’s not a good emotion to have, but even if you understand that logically, you don't know how your heart is actually going to feel until you experience it in the moment.

But every time I remember the delighted look on Shintarou’s face back then, my heart gives a sharp throb of pain.

It felt like the Shintarou I knew was going to disappear... Saying he was being "stolen" by my sister is a bit of an exaggeration, I guess... but that’s pretty much how it felt.

And that’s how I realized that I might actually be in love with him.

“We’re gonna be late if you don't hurry! See ya!”

Whew... I managed to get to school with plenty of time to spare today♩ But now I have way too much time on my hands...

The moment I stepped into the classroom, a girl called out to me as if she’d been lying in wait... Her name is Sana Tachibana Sana.

We’ve been in the same class since this school year started... but for some reason, she’s suddenly started clinging to me.

Maybe "clinging" is a bit rude, but she really does constantly hang onto my arm, and during breaks, it feels like we're practically glued together. I mean, it’s not like I hate it or anything—she’s actually really cute—but sometimes I find myself thinking, Could you maybe let go for a second...?

“Miu-chan, good morning♩”

“Sana! Mornin’♩ Ah, um, sorry to say this right away, but it’s a little hot for you to be this close...? Plus I just got here so I’m a bit sweaty. It’d really help if you could give me a tiny bit of space...?”

“I don't mind at all! Please don't worry about it♩ I’m just so happy to see you, Miu-chan♡ I can tell today is going to be a wonderful day!♡”

“O-Oh, really...? Well, glad to hear it then, hehe...”

“By the way... Miu-chan, how have you been spending your summer break?”

“Hmm? I went to the beach yesterday. Oh, with that guy over there〜”

“That guy...? Ah, you mean Miyata-kun.”

Sana, who had been all smiles until a second ago, suddenly had a change in her complexion the moment I mentioned Shintarou’s name.

──That’s right. Apparently, Sana isn't very good with Shintarou. Or rather... she probably hates him.

I don't know the reason why, but every time I talk about Shintarou, her expression shifts slightly.

The way her face scrunches up in annoyance is actually a little bit funny.

“Surely you didn't go to the beach with just the two of you?”

“Of course not! My sister was there too, and Morishita-kun as well!”

“I see............”

“Wait, what?! Did I hear my name?! Miu-chan! You just called for me, didn't you?!”

Morishita-kun, who must have been eavesdropping, jumped into the conversation with incredible speed.

As I thought, there's definitely something a bit weird about him. Though he is cheerful and fun to be around...♩

“What’s everyone gathered here for? Let me in on the fun!”

“Wha—! No one invited you, Miyata-kun! Please go over there.”

With half-lidded eyes, Sana glared at Shintarou, her wariness on full display.

“Ehh?! Tachibana-san, why are you only cold to me?!”

“No reason in particular!! Besides, I have no intention of being cold to you.”

“Ahaha! That’s hilarious. You’re totally hated by Sana〜”

“But why〜? I haven't even done anything!”

And so... me, Sana, Shintarou, and Morishita-kun. This is pretty much our "usual crew" at school...

Since it’s such a noisy bunch, school life is never boring and feels fairly fulfilling.

“That’s right, Miu-chan. Do you have a moment? I was asked to do a favor for a teacher...”

“Hmm? Sure, I’ll help with whatever.”

“Really?!♡ I just love how kind you are!♡”

“Ahaha... you’re exaggerating... So, what are we doing?”

“This.”

Sana picked up a stack of books from a desk, letting out a heavy "Heave-ho" as she lifted them.

“I’ll take half.”

“Oh, Miu-chan... thank you so much.”

Sana looks so happy... her eyes are sparkling, she’s so cute♩ I did a good deed today〜♩

The two of us left the classroom and headed toward our destination: the library.

It seemed the teacher’s request was to return several books to the library.

“By the way, Sana, why do you hate Shintarou so much?”

“Eh... no... it’s not that I hate him, per se... It’s just...”

“...Just?”

“The distance between you two is far too close, and from my perspective, he seems very overly familiar with you. He lacks even a shred of delicacy toward girls, and his consideration is severely lacking...”

“...Pfft. Ahaha!”

“...Huh?”

“But Shintarou is, well, you know? He’s my childhood friend! So that’s why our distance is a bit close, or why it might look like he’s being overly familiar... maybe?”

“Oh... I see... H-How embarrassing... I seem to have misunderstood something... Um, I thought you two might be something close to boyfriend and girlfriend...”

“That’s hilarious! No way!”

“Oh... well, that’s a relief♩”

Sana hugged me with a smile brighter than any I’d ever seen from her before.

“Whoa, careful! I almost dropped the books!”

“Hehe♡ I’m just so happy right now♩”

I don't really get it, but it seems like the misunderstanding has been cleared up, so I guess that’s a relief... (?)

However, she doesn't seem to have noticed that I do like Shintarou.

Not that I have any intention of going out of my way to tell her.

“Whew... we finally made it.”

“These books were actually pretty heavy. I’m beat.”

Since it was still early morning, there didn't seem to be a single person in the library.

The sunlight streaming through the windows provided a pleasant brightness, making the bookshelves and wooden floors shimmer.

I don't usually come to the library, so I have no idea where anything is...

“What should I do with these books?”

“Ah, I’ll put them back, so please just sit down and take a rest, Miu-chan.”

“Really...? Where do these go?”

“Oh, um... those go on the very top of that shelf over there, but it’s dangerous, so I’ll...”

“It’s fine. I have better reflexes than you, don't I?♩ I’ll go put them back.”

I took the books Sana was holding and headed over to the shelf.

I pulled a wooden step stool close and carefully climbed to the top.

“Miu-chan, please be careful... The footing is a bit unstable...”

“I told you, I’m fine! It’s not like I’m gonna fall, you know? This stool is actually pretty sturdy! Honestly, Sana, you’re such a worrywart.”

After returning a few books to their original spots, I looked down at Sana from atop the stool and gave her a smile.

“Um... also...”

“Yeah?”

“I think... I can see your panties, Miu-chan... from just a moment ago...”

“Wait, what?! And here I thought you were worried! I can't believe you were actually peeking at my panties, that’s too funny!”

Admittedly, I knew that from this height, anyone looking from below would be able to see up my skirt. But since she wasn't a guy, I figured it wasn't something to worry about and just went about my business. Finding out she was actually staring that intently was kind of amusing.

“A-Aren't you embarrassed?!”

“We’re both girls, right? It’s not embarrassing at all!♩ Here, look♡ Today it’s white lace! Usually I prefer sporty ones, though. Cute, right? What kind do you like, Sana? I think I prefer simple designs!”

Since it was normal for me to go underwear shopping with friends or show off cute designs to my sister, I unhesitatingly hitched up my skirt to show off my underwear. Sana looked absolutely bewildered by the sight.

“I-I... usually wear pink... or something............”

“Ohh♩ So you like the cute type? That actually fits my image of you perfectly♡ ...Wait, are you okay? Your face and ears are bright red.”

“It’s because you suddenly... started showing me your panties, Miu-chan!!”

Sana puffed out her cheeks, looking slightly miffed.

I felt like teasing her a bit, so I reached out and gave her cheek a squishy pinch.

“Sana, you’re so soft and squishy. You’re so totally cute♡ Like a tiny, plump mascot character♡”

She’s not quite a little sister to me, but she has this presence that’s impossible to hate—the type you just want to protect.

If even I think she’s this cute as a girl, a girl like her must be super popular with guys〜

“W-Wait, Miu-han, pleathe let go of me thoon”

“Oops, sorry, sorry! Your skin just feels so good to touch〜”

“Hmph!”

“Ahaha♩ Well, should we head back to the classroom?♩”

As we returned to the classroom while chatting about nothing in particular, the bell rang at the perfect time, signaling the start of morning homeroom.

“Miu-chan.”

Sana whispered to me under her breath.

“What’s up?”

“Would you like to hang out after school?”

“That’s rare...! Sure! What should we do?”

“I’m planning to bake a pound cake today... so if you’d like, please come over and have some♩”

“Wha—♡ I’ve always dreamed of having homemade treats like that〜♡”

Being easily swayed by sweets, I gave Sana an "OK" sign, my eyes sparkling.

Our homeroom teacher, who had been watching the whole thing from the podium, scolded us with a "That’s enough, you can talk later," so I whispered a "See you later" promise, and morning HR began.

◆◇◆

Since it was a school day during break, we spent the morning turning in assignments, having short lessons, and receiving guidance on how to spend our summer vacation before being dismissed for the day.

Once I got home, I changed into my private clothes and got ready.

“Welcome back, Miu-chan〜♡ Oh? I thought you just got home... are you going somewhere?”

Onee-chan was in the living room. It looked like she’d been sitting on the sofa watching a drama. Since she didn't have any plans for the afternoon either, she approached me looking a little lonely, asking where I was headed.

“There’s a girl in my class I’m friends with—her name is Sana—and I’m going to go play at her house♩”

“Oh, I see♩ Ah! Then take this with you!”

She handed me an assortment of cookies in a lovely box.

“Miu-chan, you love the cookies from this cake shop, right? I just bought them♩ Since you’re going over, make sure to eat them with Sana-chan, okay?♩”

“Waaah, you’re so sweet! Thanks, Onee-chan”

Onee-chan is always thinking about me like this. Even if she just goes out for a bit, she always makes sure to buy me something. She remembers the things I like, and her prioritizing me over herself is something that hasn't changed one bit since we were kids... Sometimes it makes me a little worried because she prioritizes me so much... but I tend to end up spoiled by her anyway.

I really, really love the food she makes and her handmade sweets.

“Okay, I’m off!”

“Be careful! If it looks like it’s going to be dark when you head back, message me and I’ll come pick you up, okay?”

“I’ll be fine〜♩ I’m leaving!”

I walked to our usual local station. Apparently, Sana’s house is two stations away.

Actually, this is the first time I’ve ever gone to her house. I might have been a little nervous, because while I was lost in thought, I found myself arriving at the station where Sana was waiting in no time at all.

“Miu-chan!”

I heard Sana’s voice.

“You didn't get lost?! Are you okay?!”

“Hey now! I’m fine! I can handle a train ride, you know〜♩”

“Oh, thank goodness〜”

Sana stared at me with an expression of relief, letting out a breath.

She was wearing a refined white one-piece dress with a fluffy chiffon shrug. With a small brown crossbody bag, she had come to meet me in a cute outfit that was very "Sana."

Come to think of it, I think this is the first time I’ve seen Sana in her private clothes!

At school, she usually wears her uniform with a thin blue summer knit shrug over it. No matter how hot it gets in the summer, she stubbornly refuses to take off her long sleeves. Her reason is that she doesn't want to get a tan. Now that she mentions it, Sana’s skin is so white and transparent it looks like it’s glowing from the inside out. Her soft, chestnut-colored semi-long hair was pulled back cutely with a white ribbon headband.

Actually, that headband was a birthday present from me. The moment I gave it to her at school, she was so happy she put it on right then and there. Since that day, she’s worn it every single day without fail, to the point where it’s becoming one of Sana’s charm points.

“Sana, you even wear that headband with your private clothes...!”

“Of course I do♩ It’s a precious item that I received from you, Miu-chan♩”

“Hehe, I’m so happy! They say a girl who can treasure objects will treasure people too, right?♩ You must be a really good girl, Sana♩”

“Yes... Miu-chan is a very precious person to me...♩”

Sana’s honest and straightforward personality is just so cute that I can't help but smile.

Precisely because Sana has no hidden agenda—she’s clear about what she likes and what she hates—I might be able to get along with her without having to walk on eggshells.

Before I knew it, we had stepped into a quiet residential area. The streets were clean and well-maintained, lined with houses that looked brand new.

“How much further...?”

“We’ve arrived♩ It’s right here.”

“Wait... this is your house, Sana...?”

It was simple, but clearly the home of someone wealthy... Come to think of it, I’m pretty sure Sana mentioned her mom was a businesswoman... It didn't really click when she told me, but seeing this magnificent house in person makes it all make sense.

“Please, come in, Miu-chan.”

The moment the front door opened, the sweet scent of baked goods came wafting out, reminding me of what Sana had said at school.

“Ah, Miu-chan... did you notice just now? Hehe♡”

“This is the scent of the pound cake you said you were baking today, right? It smells so sweet and good〜♡ I’m already feeling happy just from the smell♡”

Since Onee-chan often makes handmade treats, I absolutely love the sweet aroma of baked goods filling a room. It’s a favorite scent of mine that gives me that excited, happy feeling of being in a cake shop.

“I prepared it to time with your arrival, so it’s fresh out of the oven♩”

“Mmm〜♡ This is too much happiness♡ Sana, thank you so much〜♡”

While we were getting excited in the entryway──

“Welcome♡ Don't just stand there talking, please come on up.”

──An incredibly elegant and beautiful woman appeared...

Wait... is this Sana’s mom...?!

Her chestnut hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and she wore a tight-fitting one-piece dress that revealed a slender neck adorned with a delicate necklace. Her refined features were perfectly complemented by her natural makeup. Sana’s ladylike, demure atmosphere must have been inherited entirely from her mother... Even so, she was so beautiful that if she said she was Sana’s older sister rather than her mother, she could totally get away with it...

“Sana, I’m heading out to work, so I’ll leave things to you♪ I’ll be back tonight.”

“Okay♩ Take care!”

“Make yourself at home, Miu-chan.”

“Oh, she knows my name... A-Ah, thank you very much! Excuse me for the intrusion.”

“Hehe♡ I’ve heard so much about you from Sana, so I already know all about you♩ Thank you for being such good friends with her. Every time Sana talks about you, Miu-chan...”

“M-Mom! I get it already! Have a good day!”

Sana saw her mother off with a slightly embarrassed look. Or rather, she practically pushed her out the front door.

And the moment I was led into the living room, I couldn't help but stand there in shock.

──It’s huge!!

It’s at least twice as big as our place〜!!

The living room had high ceilings, a massive TV, and beautiful houseplants. The interior of the room was coordinated with soft colors, and everywhere I looked, it was simple yet stylish. I really admire houses like this...

I sat down on a pale beige sofa to wait. Even the cushions provided were all so cute.

When I glanced over, I saw Sana carefully carrying a tray with cups and plates. Seeing Sana acting so "girly" like that made my heart flutter a little, even though we’re both girls.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Sana returned, looking happy and smiling.

There were lovely teacups, and a single slice of lemon floated in the tea.

On the plates was the freshly baked pound cake, served with a soft dollop of whipped cream. It looked absolutely delicious...

“I don't know if it’ll be to your taste...”

Sana said with a nervous expression. There was no way something that looked this good could taste bad.

I took a bite of the pound cake she offered, and then────

“Munch, munch... Mmm?! This is way too delicious!!♡”

“Really?! Oh, thank goodness〜♡”

“Is this matcha? I knew it! It’s a matcha pound cake!”

“Yes♡ I thought I remembered you saying you liked matcha a long time ago... oh, and also! I remembered you ordering a matcha frappe at the cafe we went to before...”

“That’s so sweet of you to remember〜♡ Remembering little things like that makes me really feel the love.”

“Hehe...♡ I didn't think you’d be this happy... I’m happy too♩ Oh... wait? You’ve already finished it...? Hehe. If you’d like, would you like to have my portion too?”

Sana laughed happily as she watched me stuff my face with cake.

“I’m so happy to see you eating so heartily, Miu-chan♩ Today is such a good day♩”

“Oh, that’s right! This...! My sister gave me some cookies to eat with you! Here, Sana, have some♩”

“Wow, I’m so happy♩ I’d love to meet your sister one day, Miu-chan.”

“You’re welcome to come over whenever. My sister would be happy too.”

Both the pound cake and the cookies were delicious and left me feeling incredibly satisfied. It was past lunch and just the time when you start getting a little hungry, so being able to eat such high-quality handmade sweets at home was the ultimate luxury...

“Whew... that was seriously delicious! I’m so stuffed♩ Thanks for the treat♩”

While I finished my tea and took a breather, Sana efficiently handled the cleanup.

“Ah, thanks for everything. Is there anything I can help with?”

“No♩ I’ve already finished cleaning up, so please just relax, Miu-chan♩”

“Hey, Sana, I kind of want to see your room!”

“W-W-Wait, my room?!”

“Yeah♩”

“My room... that’s a bit unexpected...”

“Eh, why?”

“Hmm, will you promise not to be shocked no matter what you see?”

“Yeah, I’m absolutely confident I won't be shocked!”

Maybe she was planning for us to just have tea and hang out in the living room...? Did I say something I shouldn't have...?

“Well then, shall we go?”

Sana stood up from the sofa with a look of determination.

◆◇◆

We left the living room and moved up to the second floor. And then, the moment she finally put her hand on the door and opened it────

“............?! W-Wait, what in the world is this?!?!”

“Aaaah! You said you wouldn't be shocked!! Waaaaah!”

The room that appeared before my eyes was... what you would call an "otaku room."

One whole wall was covered with slightly suggestive posters of cute girls, and a large glass case was filled with figures. And not just one or two—at a glance, there were over ten... There were various characters from famous anime to tiny, adorable ones. I didn't know who any of the characters were, but there were plushies, keychains, and acrylic stands of the same characters squeezed onto every available space.

On a desk in the corner of the room, three monitors were set up, giving off an atmosphere I’d seen somewhere before...

Ah, this is the same sight I saw in Shintarou’s room! Does that mean Sana plays games too...?

The interior was coordinated in white and pink, and while the sheer volume of stuff made it look cluttered at first glance, it was clear that she took good care of every single item. The cleaning was meticulous, and I could really feel... the love. The whole room felt fresh yet was enveloped in a soft, sweet scent, making it clear that this room was a soothing space filled with Sana’s passions.

──Meanwhile, Sana...

She was staring at me intently with a solemn expression, her hands balled into fists.

She probably has that look on her face because she’s terrified I’m about to say something... It’s so cute. I think I’ll surprise her a little...

“Sana... this room............”

“...Yes!! I know! An otaku room like this is disgust—”

“It’s so incredibly cute!!”

“Heh?!”

“I really admire rooms like this that are filled with things you love! But I don't really have any hobbies, and I’m pretty disorganized and careless... so I don't really get interior design... That’s why I admire this even more!!”

“A-A-Ah, thank you so much...”

Sana laughed shyly with a look of pure relief, perhaps because she’d received a reaction she hadn't expected.

“That’s... unexpected... That you’d accept it...”

“Really? Is there actually anyone who wouldn't accept it? Isn't there nothing sadder than having your hobbies not be understood? Well, I guess it depends on the person, but I really love your sense of style, Sana! I want to know more! About these characters, and I want to know so much more about you too, Sana!”

“...Sob..”

“W-Why are you crying?!”

“Because... otaku like me usually aren't understood by "normal" people, and my mom was the only one who ever understood me... I’m just so happy...”

“Ahaha♡ You really are cute, Sana♩”

“Hehe...♡”

While we were having that conversation, something caught my eye.

It was a large piece of furniture like a pure white shelving unit installed along one whole wall.

Since it had doors, you couldn't tell what it was just by looking.

“Sana, what’s this? Is this filled with lots of goods too?”

“Oh, um... that’s a bookshelf.”

“Heh... can I open it?”

“Yes♩ I-It might be a little surprising, though...”

While Sana looked nervous again, I put my hand on the thing she called a "bookshelf."

The moment I slid the somewhat heavy door open, what appeared before my eyes was──

“Incredible... are these all manga...?”

“Yes♡ And not just manga, there are novels and things like that too”

Sana let out a "Hmph!" of pride.

The sheer number of books... just at a glance, there had to be over a thousand... no, maybe even more... I was filled with the kind of excitement you get when visiting a manga cafe for the first time.

“Hey! Can I take a look? Actually, I’ve recently started reading shoujo manga! I’ve been watching anime too and found it pretty interesting—I’ve gotten way more into it than I expected〜♩ I’m not an expert at all, though.”

“Is that so?! Please ask me anything you’d like to know♡ Ah, but the genres I like might be a bit biased... hmm.”

While I was looking through the manga on the shelves one by one and listening to Sana’s "otaku talk"... I suddenly noticed something.

“Hey, Sana. About these manga, is the theme of this one and this one... romance between girls? The cover illustrations and the atmosphere really make it look that way.”

“Y-Yes! Mostly... or rather, almost all of them... I collect manga and novels themed around romance between girls! So, um... like I said before, the genres are biased.”

“Ohh♩ I’ve never really looked into that genre before♩ But the girl on this cover is super cute! Whoa! The girl in this manga is cool, I might like her too〜♡! "Ikemen" girls are popular even with other girls, right? Like seniors in school clubs and stuff—I actually love that kind of thing!”

“I see... So you like 'handsome' girls...? Hmmm. That’s the exact opposite of how I look... Hmmm.”

“Hmm...? What are you talking about?”

“Ah, no, just some research of mine.”

“You’re so weird~♩”

“Anyway, getting back to the topic... Do you know what this genre is called?”

“Eh, I have no idea! Girl-on-girl romance...?”

“Hehe♡ What an adorable way to put it!♩ Works themed around relationships between girls like this are referred to as 〝Yuri〟! That’s why the manga and novels I own are called 〝Yuri manga〟 or 〝Yuri novels,〟 and so on!”

“Whoa~! I’m learning so much! Yuri flowers are so beautiful, right?♡ I wonder if that’s where the name comes from...? Hey! Can I try opening this door too?”

“Ah-wawa! That one might be a little too early for you, Miu-chan...! How should I put it... it’s just...”

“Hey~ what do you mean, 'too early'? You trying to say I’m a little kid or something~? Hmph.”

“No... it’s not that...”

“Then I can look, right?”

“I don’t mind, but... Miu-chan might... Miu-chan might find it... well...”

Sana was being so insistent on stopping me that it only made me more curious.

Driven by pure interest, I slid the bookshelf aside, aiming for the manga buried even deeper in the back.

I’d had a vague idea of what to expect, but the books hidden in the shadows were way beyond my imagination—

“This is way too lewd...”

My eyes were glued to a manga with an atmosphere completely different from the ones before.

Illustrations of cute girls that made my heart race just by looking at the covers... and those enticing titles... 〝The Succubus Who’s Too Sweet and the Melting, Thick ×××〟 or 〝The Story of Being Dissolved into Mush by an Older Sister.〟 My curiosity for this unknown world wouldn't stop.

“C-Can I look at this one...? The one with the older sister...”

“Waaah~♡ You have a discerning eye♡ That one was truly the best♡ Please, go ahead♡ By all means, take it and have a look♡”

Sana held the manga out to me, sounding exactly like a dedicated bookstore clerk.

She seemed to be having a lot of fun, too...

I leaned against the edge of Sana’s bed and sat down, resting my back against it.

The moment I looked at the cover of the manga she’d handed me, I felt a strange tension... like I was doing something I shouldn't be.

—The moment I finally stepped into the unknown world...

As I softly turned the page, an illustration of an older sister in her underwear, sleeping beside someone, appeared.

(This older sister is pretty well-endowed... and she has black hair... for some reason, she feels kind of like my own sister...)

The story flowed through everyday conversation, and before long, a 〝certain type〟 of scene between the girls appeared.

I could feel my face getting hotter with every page I read... yet my hand wouldn't stop turning them.

Seeing me like that, Sana suddenly—

“O-Okay! That’s enough for today!”

“Eh? Whyee~!? I’m still reading!”

“Seeing Miu-chan reading that with her face and ears turning bright red... it’s started to make me feel embarrassed... I-If you want to see it that much, I’ll lend it to you, so please read it at your house... Hmph.”

“I-I’m fine without borrowing it...! It’d be embarrassing if my sister saw me reading it... and you know, it’s because you’re reading it secretly at a friend's house that it makes it extra exciting~♡”

“I-I see...”

A mysterious silence followed for a while before Sana spoke up again.

“Miu-chan, do you... have someone you like?”

“Eh, so sudden!? Hmm, let’s see... if I had to say, maybe not...”

“There isn't... I see.”

“Yeah. What about you, Sana?”

“U-Um, me? Well... I’m not sure... I don’t know...”

“What’s that supposed to mean? You don't know if you like someone?”

“Hehe... well, something like that.”

“You’re so weird~ (lol)”

It might have been my imagination, but for a split second, it felt like Sana’s expression clouded over.

“I know, Miu-chan. Shall I teach you how to approach someone you like♡?”

“How to approach them...? No, uh, I’m... I’m totally fine, thaaaanks.”

“Fufu♡ Miu-chan, are you blushing? Actually, despite how I look, I’m quite the 'Master of Romance'♡ Although, I’ve never actually dated anyone... so it’s self-proclaimed...”

Just as I thought I saw tiny hearts in her eyes, she put on a smug face that I couldn't have imagined from her dark expression earlier. Without even waiting for my reply, she suddenly closed the distance between us.

“I have a wealth of knowledge♡ Thanks to the vast number of anime and manga I’ve consumed, techniques just come to me one after another even without experience... For example, something like this—”

She pressed her body against mine, and as soon as she took my right hand, she gave it a tight, 'lover’s squeeze.'

Then, she gently guided my other hand, my left one, to rest against her chest.

“Miu-chan, can you feel... the sound of my heart? Just being with you makes me this nervous. Can you feel it?”

Though I felt a bit bewildered by her sudden aggressiveness, I feigned composure and gave the best response I could manage.

“I-I can tell... It’s definitely thumping pretty hard.”

“I’m glad. Actually, I... about you, Miu-chan............”

—Gulp.

“Hehe♡ That’s all for today♡”

“Hah!? That was embarrassing, I can't take it!! That was way too embarrassing!! I mean, is it a trend for everyone to study romance through anime and games now!?”

While overwhelmed by Sana’s breathtaking performance, the practical lesson from the self-proclaimed Romance Master came to an end.

“W-Well, basically, you’re saying I should just watch anime to study, right? Probably. Yeah, that’s gotta be it.”

“That’s exactly it♩ If you ever want to know more, feel free to ask me anytime♡ I’ll prepare a special lesson just for you, Miu-chan♩”

A special lesson... Hearing that made me think. If what we just did was that intense, what else could she possibly have in store...? My curiosity was piqued, but my survival instincts were telling me to stay away.

And so, having been pulled into Sana’s usual pace, I felt like the "calorie count" of that interaction was a bit high... but let’s keep that between us.

【Miu side】 End