Roof top (1)

During the lunch break, everyone enjoyed themselves under the golden glow of autumn, relishing the most beautiful part of the day. The light blue sky stretched endlessly, as clear and transparent as still water.

White, fluffy clouds floated lazily, softening the warmth of the gentle sunlight. A cool, refreshing breeze carried the purity of the season, while little birds chirped and soared high in the boundless sky.

Wow… so peaceful. 

I gazed up at the breathtaking sky, resting my head on my hand as I leaned against the steel fence on the rooftop. Usually, moments like these are perfect for a quick rest.

But unfortunately, today, I didn't have that privilege.

"Shinji, say 'Ah.'" Yuki Hoshizora, my stepsister, leaned casually on my shoulder, holding up a fork with a piece of sausage speared on it.

Just one look at her mischievous expression told me exactly what she was planning. Honestly, I didn't like it much—but if I refused, she'd be disappointed. So, with a reluctant sigh, I decided to play along.

"Ah…" I opened my mouth, watching the piece of sausage slowly inch closer, bracing myself for the teasing antics of my cheeky little sister.

However, just as it entered my mouth, she swiftly pulled it away with a mischievous grin and exclaimed, "Huh, it's not there!"

Her voice carried a playful lilt, and the smug look on her face only added to her triumph. Then, as if to cement her victory, she popped the treat into her own mouth and savored it right in front of me.

This girl… Is she serious? My mind blanked for a moment, caught completely off guard by her antics. My eyes widened involuntarily, and I found myself frozen, mouth still agape in disbelief.

"I didn't know you could make that expression too, Shinji." Her teasing voice brought me back to reality. 

Seeing my flustered and bewildered reaction, Hoshizora burst into a fit of laughter. It was genuine, unrestrained, and infectious—a sound so bright and joyous it seemed to fill the entire space. Her face lit up with a radiant smile that was so pure and happy.

"...Um." I managed to mumble, my thoughts still swirling. How could I be upset? Seeing her happiness, I felt my irritation melt away, replaced by a warmth that spread through me. 

I couldn't help but smile back as my gaze met hers. Those pure, azure eyes sparkled with life and mischief, and for a moment, I found myself lost in their clarity.

She's so cute.

"Shinji, your cooking is so delicious!" Yuki exclaimed, her cheeks puffed with rice like a chipmunk. She squinted her eyes in satisfaction, clearly enjoying every bite. A grain of rice stuck to her plump, lipstick-red lips, looking a bit clumsy, but somehow... it was really adorable.

"As long as you like it, that's all that matters," I said with a nod, reaching over to gently wipe the rice off her lips. Then, I rested my chin on my hand, deep in thought.

Yuki really is adorable in my eyes, but I couldn't help but feel conflicted. Her clinginess—while endearing—wasn't always a good thing. It wasn't that it bothered me, but more that I was concerned for her.

On the first day of school, I made the mistake of putting my work ahead of her. I hadn't realized how deeply that would affect Hoshizora. 

As a result, she was bullied—nothing too serious, but enough to make her feel isolated. It hasn't happened again since then, but the aftermath still lingers. 

Now, she clings to me more than ever, seeking my presence like a safety net, even when it's not necessary.

"Yuki, don't you want to make some friends?" I asked her, my voice gentle but carrying an edge of concern. 

I glanced over at her, watching as she finished the homemade bento I had packed for her. Her chopsticks clicked against the container as she took the last bite, and I couldn't help but notice the way her delicate hands lingered on the box, as though reluctant to let go of the comfort it provided.

At my question, she didn't immediately answer. Instead, she gave me a soft, unreadable look, her eyes briefly meeting mine before she lowered her gaze.

Her usual, shy demeanor had returned, her shoulders slightly hunched, her lips pressed together in that familiar, quiet way. It was as if the world outside of me was just too much for her, too overwhelming.

She shook her head slowly, her long lashes fluttering just a bit as she avoided making eye contact. She didn't have to say anything. I could see it in her eyes—she wasn't ready to face anyone else.

Honestly, I wasn't surprised. It was exactly what I had expected. Hoshizora, my sweet, clingy stepsister, didn't know how to reach out to others. She had withdrawn into herself after what had happened, and now, she only sought solace in me. 

'She doesn't want to make friends.'

For me, I also don't make a lot of friends. But that's fine—I prefer quiet, deeper relationships over shallow, meaningless ones. I'm also quick to sever ties with people I consider unnecessary or toxic.

But Hoshizora is different. She needs friends to help her break out of her shy shell. The reason is simple: she's afraid of being alone, something that's completely foreign to me. So, sooner or later, I'll have to figure out how to help her make friends.

It's really difficult.

As I sat there, lost in thought, I felt her small form nudge closer. She hugged my arm and began to caress it, like a little cat seeking comfort. She's so cute... but then again, she's my stepsister. I can't allow myself to think that way.

"Shinji, I just need you," she said, her eyes sparkling with affection as she tightened her embrace.

So close... I could feel the delicate warmth radiating from her, the steady beat of her heart almost in sync with mine.

The faint, intoxicating scent of her perfume lingered in the air, mingling with the soft fragrance of her shampoo, wrapping around me like a soothing yet dangerous embrace. 

My body betrayed me, reacting in ways I couldn't control. My heart pounded in my chest, faster and louder than I had ever allowed myself to acknowledge. 

My cheeks flushed a deep crimson, warmth spreading across my skin, exposing my inner desire. For a fleeting moment, the composed, always-calm facade I maintained so carefully cracked, the mask of indifference slipping just enough to let the vulnerability show.

I forced myself to look away; I needed to think to push back these desires that were stirring inside of me, threatening to break free. 

Perhaps I should warn her; I thought, I'm still a boy after all. No matter how hard I try to control it, I know that boys can't entirely suppress their desires. 

No, Shinji, you must not be horny.

I couldn't let myself feel that way—especially not toward my sister. The thought alone made me feel uneasy and guilty. Especially when I remember what I did to her before.

"Okay, I understand." I awkwardly smiled and reached my hand to her head. I patted her.

My fingers brushed through her hair, the strands silky and smooth beneath my touch, flowing like water. The sensation was so soft, so comforting, I could easily lose myself in it. It was the kind of feeling you wanted to linger in forever—to keep petting, to keep reassuring.

But I quickly reminded myself of why I was doing it—this wasn't for my enjoyment.

"Uh…" Hoshizora's voice was soft, almost a whisper, as a little purring sound escaped her lips. Her face flushed a delicate shade of pink, her cheeks glowing with the slightest hint of embarrassment. 

A faint tremor ran through her body as if she had been struck in a tender spot, a vulnerable place I didn't even realize was there.

The softness of her form seemed to melt under my touch, her body slackening and almost giving way, like she no longer had the strength to hold herself up. And in that instant, she let go of me, pulling away with a soft sigh.

Phew, thankfully, that worked. I breathed a sigh of relief, thinking I had managed to calm the situation. But of course, she wasn't going to make it that easy.

With a pout on her lips, she struggled slightly in my grasp, her small frame pushing against my hand. Her pink cheeks were still bright, her eyes half-lidded as she gave me a pleading look. 

"More, Shinji," she murmured, her voice a mix of frustration and something else I couldn't quite place.

Of course, I couldn't give in. Hoshizora was a person, not some pet for me to indulge in affection like that. 

I had to keep myself in check and remind myself of the boundaries I couldn't let slip away, no matter how tempting the moment was.

But before I could fully pull away, a voice pierced the silence, shattering the fragile peace I'd tried to maintain.

"Shinji, are you up here again?"

The sound of my name coming from the entrance to the rooftop made me freeze. 

I quickly looked over my shoulder, panic rising in my chest. And there she was, Kurumi Kirishima standing in the doorway—her voice carrying a mix of surprise and suspicion as if she knew something wasn't quite right.

At the same moment, Hoshizora, still behind me, jumped slightly, startled by the unexpected interruption.

In a reflexive movement, she hid herself further behind me, peeking out from behind my back with wide, nervous eyes, as if hoping the new presence wouldn't notice the awkward scene she'd just been a part of. 

Her face was a mix of embarrassment and confusion, her body tense as she tried to shrink further into the shadows.

Oh god, this is going to be hard to explain.