Episode 40 – Why?

The front door was closed, so I opened it and there was Natsuki standing there.

“Natsuki? Why are you…”

“I haven’t seen you for a while, so I missed you…am I bothering you?”

There’s no way I could say that Natsuki was bothering me while she tilted her head, and if anything, she saved me.

I want her to convince my sister and Riko.

“No, it’s fine. I’m rather glad.”

“Really? And do you mind if I come in?”

“No, I don’t mind.”

“Thanks, pardon the intrusion.”

I wonder if they noticed that I was talking to Natsuki, but my sister and Riko were peeking from behind.

I have no particular reason to refuse, so I let Natsuki in and take her to the livign room.

Breakfast is prepared in the living room, and today is the day when Riko and I eat together.

As soon as I entered the living room, Riko grabbed my hand and forced me to sit on a chair, then sat on top of me.

For some reason, I think she’s staring at Natsuki, but it’s probably just my imagination.

Natsuki was a little surprised to see it, and seemed to be talking with my sister about something.

I wanted her to stop this if possible, but it couldn’t be helped.

After finishing breakfast, which has become a habit over the past week, I headed to Natsuki and my sister.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. I hadn’t eaten yet.”

“No, it’s fine. …I heard about what happened.”

“I see.”

If she heard about my current situation, there’s a possibility that she can help me, right?

I’m hoping so, but Natsuki’s behavior is strange.

Her eyes are shining.

“Yuuki kun, can I be included too?”

“…..Huh?”

“It’s unfair that only the two of you can flirt. Besides, I can give you some free time, you know?”

It’s a little disappointing that there is no option to help me, but free time is not a bad idea.

From two people to three, but I honestly don’t think it’s going to make a difference anymore.

“Well, then…”

[ [Yuuki (Nii), do you want some free time?] ]

When I was about to accept Natsuki’s offer, the two of them who were listening asked me questions in sync.

Of course I want free time.

It’s summer vacation, so I want to enjoy it.

…..I don’t know when I’ll be able to enjoy it in the future.

“Yeah. Of course I want it.”

“I see. If that’s the case…”

So quick.

In the end, I was held captive after all, but after I completed their condition, I was given free time for a day.

In return, I had more time to spend with each of them, and more time to be held captive.

It’s decided that Natsuki would come to my house in the morning only on her own day.

Thus, the second half of my summer vacation ended with me being held captive by my sister, Riko, and Natsuki.

At least I was able to watch anime and buy light novels during my free time, so it was probably still better.

Now, the second semester begins. The second semester of revenge.

☆☆☆

A cool, pitch black space without a single light.

In the center of it, there’s something like a box that emits a bit of light from inside.

I tried to open the box, but I couldn’t.

When I look closely at the box, I can see that it has several padlocks attached to it, and light is leaking from one padlock that has been removed.

When I looked at the light, I was struck by a nostalgic, unknown feeling.

I had a feeling that there was something important in that box, but I didn’t know what it was.