Unraveling Connections

"Ah, this is my friend Akane," Haruto said, gesturing toward Haruka. 

Then, turning to Akane, he added, "Akane, this is my sister, Haruka."

Both women froze momentarily at his words, their reactions slightly stiff. 

Haruto wasn't lying—Akane was technically just a friend, even though she was technically his target. But their relationship wasn't yet to that point. 

Similarly, Haruka was his sister, despite the deeper bond they shared.

Haruto noticed their hesitation and felt a pang of unease.

'Did I mess up by letting them meet each other this way?' he thought, glancing between them. 

It wasn't like introducing Chiyo, Asuka, or Mari—this situation was different. Neither Akane nor Haruka had been labeled or categorized clearly in his life yet.

'Did I screw this up?'

After a brief pause, both women exchanged polite introductions, their smiles forced but courteous.