Chapter 109: "Komachi Has Been Feeling Lonely Lately. Can Big Brother Help?"

After parting ways with Miura, Hachiman headed home.

The moment he opened the front door, before even uttering a polite "I'm back," he was startled by the sight in the entryway.

There lay Komachi, sprawled out flat, her arms and legs forming a large "X" shape on the floor. The breeze from the open door lightly lifted her loose pajamas, creating a rather suggestive scene.

"What are you doing?!"

Hachiman gave his sister an exasperated look.

"Is this a 'Battle at the Entryway' or something?"

Komachi sat up curiously, blinking. "Battle at the Entryway? What's that?"

"It's a special bonding exercise for siblings," Hachiman replied nonchalantly as he took off his shoes.

Komachi's eyes sparkled. "Ooh! Let's do it, then!"

"?" Hachiman almost choked on air.

"Ahem! No need. Our relationship doesn't need that kind of bonding."

Phew. Close call. Thank goodness Komachi didn't watch much anime.

"But I think it does!" Komachi swung her legs and pouted. "Lately, you've been going out every night and barely talking to me."

"...Sorry."

Hachiman ruffled her hair with a serious expression. "I just don't want you to have a lazy older brother. That's why I've been running every night—to stay fit for your sake."

"...Huh?"

"I think that excuse was pretty good. High score, right?"

Komachi blinked, puzzled. "?"

After placating Komachi, Hachiman headed for the bathroom.

"I'm going to take a shower. You should get some rest."

Komachi puffed her cheeks as she watched him walk away. For some reason, she felt distant from her brother lately—ever since Yukino became her sister-in-law, in fact.

"If he really becomes Yukino-nee's husband, will I hardly see him anymore?"

The thought made her heart ache.

Half an hour later, Hachiman emerged from the bathroom.

Before coming out, he even flexed in the mirror a little.

Not bad. The training was paying off. He was definitely feeling more manly.

Watch out, Senpai! I'll be ready to handle you someday.

And you too, Yukinoshita!

A confident grin spread across his face.

Of course, humility was important too. He still needed more training with Miura to reach his goals. For now, patience.

As Hachiman returned to his room, intending to sleep, he chose to leave the light off, too tired to bother with it. But the moment he got into bed, something felt off.

There was another presence under the covers.

"What are you doing here?"

"I want to sleep with you~"

"Huh?!"

Hachiman froze. His adorable sister wanted to sleep in the same bed as him?

Part of him cheered internally—only to immediately scold himself.

"Go back to your room! We're siblings!"

"So what? Siblings sleeping together is normal."

"That's for little kids."

He remembered how they used to share a bed when they were younger—when Komachi was all soft, sweet, and cuddly. Ah, those were the days.

"I'm still a kid!"

"A high school freshman? Sure..." Hachiman groaned.

"If Dad and Mom find out, they'll kill me. Go back to your room."

"They don't control you anymore."

"Then who does?"

"Yukino-nee."

"...Fair point."

Komachi giggled mischievously. "I already asked Yukino-nee, and she said it's fine. She even encouraged me to spend more time sleeping with you to strengthen our sibling bond~"

Hachiman: "???"

What kind of weird advice is Yukinoshita giving her?!

Realizing she wouldn't budge, Hachiman reluctantly gave in, convincing himself Komachi was still the cute little sister from second grade.

Yet the next moment, he stiffened.

Oh no... she's actually more developed than Yukinoshita in certain areas!

Komachi, blissfully unaware, snuggled up to her brother, marveling at how his body had grown stronger and more defined.

---

The next morning, Hachiman strolled through town in casual clothes, determined to clear his head.

Yes, he had slept next to his sister last night—but purely as siblings, just like when they were kids. Still, it left a chill down his spine.

Next time, I need to be firmer. We're too old for that now!

Shaking off his thoughts, Hachiman refocused on the task at hand—dealing with Eriri Sawamura's request.

The Sawamura household wasn't far from his own, just a short walk away.

Soon, he stood before a residence with the nameplate "Sawamura."

Please let this go smoothly so I can leave quickly!

He pressed the doorbell.

"Coming~"

It wasn't Eriri's voice.

Instead, a mature tone answered, strikingly familiar.

The door opened, revealing a woman wrapped in a white bath towel. Her face was alluring, framed by long black hair that rested on her shoulders. Though her figure seemed modest, there was a captivating elegance about her.

Hachiman blinked, stunned by the beautiful woman before him.

Likewise, the woman looked equally surprised. "Oh? Hayama-kun?"

"Mom, is that Hachiman?" Eriri's voice called from inside.

Hachiman: "!!"

"Wait—Hachiman? You're not Hayama? Hmm?"

Catching onto the awkwardness, Sawamura's mother smiled knowingly. "So you're Hachiman, huh? Come in—Eriri's been waiting for you~"

Uh oh... looks like she remembers when I used Hayama's name to fool her.

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