Chapter 6: Family

Tonight's going to be a long one, isn't it?

With bags in hand, we made our way to the front door—only for me to realize something crucial.

I had no idea which key to use.

Trying to play it cool, I rang the doorbell instead, hoping someone was home. Mom should be here, but I wasn't entirely sure. She had asked me to pick up groceries for dinner, so I assumed she'd be home to start cooking… but she could just as easily be running late.

"You don't have a key?"

"I forgot it."

"Stupid."

"I'll take that accusation this time."

Click~

'Ah?'

Hearing the soft click of the door unlocking, I relaxed. At least we weren't stuck outside with bags full of groceries.

'Oh shit!'

I just realized, we drove two hours with cold stuff in the trunk. It had been packed with other frozen items, and the weather was already chilly, so hopefully everything was still fine. At least there wasn't any milk.

'I'm sure it won't matter too much... right?'

The door creaked open, revealing two short—sorry, kids.

"Big brother!"

They shouted in unison, eyes gleaming with excitement as they rushed toward me. In an instant, I was pulled into a makeshift hug, completely ignoring Katelyn standing beside me.

I reciprocated their excitement as best as I could before gently escaping their tiny grasps. Since I knew they were my siblings, I took a moment to get a proper look at them.

Both had black hair, much like mine, but their eyes were what made them unique.

My little sister, with her long black hair tied into twin tails, stared up at me with sky-blue eyes brimming with admiration. She was the very picture of innocence—exactly what you'd imagine when thinking of a doting younger sister.

My little brother had short black hair and aquamarine-colored eyes that gleamed with quiet respect. As he looked up at me, I could almost feel the trust and admiration he held.

The bond between us was undeniably strong and positive, which spoke volumes about the previous owner of this body. If nothing else, he must have been an exceptional sibling and son—something I'll need to live up to. 

"Glad to see you two! Is Mom home?" I asked, smiling as gently as I could.

"Hmm-hmm!" They nodded in unison, perfectly in sync—like two halves of the same person.

'They are so cute!' A warm feeling spread through me as I watched them together. Back on Earth, I was an only child, so this was a refreshing contrast. I'd always enjoyed having my parents' full attention, but part of me had wondered what it would be like to have a sibling—to mess around with, to bicker with, to just have in my life. 

"Also, introduce yourselves." I gestured toward Katelyn.

She didn't even react, she just stared while smiling at my two little siblings.

'She's not… having the urge to be a mother, is she?' A strange, mixed feeling ran through me. I had once heard that this maternal instinct could randomly awaken in women, and I did NOT need to be the trigger for that.

Especially considering her best friend...

I don't think I can handle ophi's scolding!

Snapping back to reality, I made it just in time to catch my siblings' introductions. Another reason, I wanted them to introduce themselves is because I didn't know their names. 

My little sister went first. "My name is Euphi Rhyse, and I'm eight!"

"I'm Cain Rhyse, Eight also."

I see, so Euphi is more outgoing and energetic than Cain. He seems to use his energy in bursts. I'll need to keep this in mind.

Their introductions gave me exactly what I needed to know.

"Katelyn Noire, your big brother's new friend."

"You have to be, because we've never heard of you, Big Sis!" Euphi declared, throwing me and Cain aside like we were mere obstacles in her path to Katelyn. I chuckled at the scene and decided to head inside, slipping off my shoes at the front door.

Their conversation became harder to hear, but I doubted it was anything crucial. 'Probably just Euphi interrogating Katelyn like a tiny detective.' 

Before I could go any further, I felt a small tug at my pants.

"Yeah, Cain?"

"I'll help!"

I looked at him for a moment before handing him the lighter bags.

"I can carry heavy stuff too." He pouted slightly, clearly displeased with my decision.

"I'm your big brother, I can't let you do that. But since you're so adamant, I'll trust you next time. That cool?"

"Hmm!" He nodded enthusiastically before dashing off, leading me straight to the kitchen—where I finally got to meet my "Mom."

"Slow down, Cain! Don't crush the bread!"

She darted after my little brother, completely ignoring my presence but I wasn't offended. In fact, it was hilarious to watch. Especially when Cain juked her out like a seasoned athlete and bolted back to my side, leaving Mom standing there, arms crossed, pouting in exasperation.

Her red eyes stood in stark contrast to the rest of us, but we all shared her black hair. She had hers neatly tied into a bun, dressed in comfortable home clothes with an apron on top, which subtly emphasized her natural curves.

I wasn't having any weird thoughts, I was just stating a clear observation. It wasn't something I could completely ignore, but let's be clear: incest was something I'd never be into. 

"Eiz, help your mother!"

"Haha~, hands are full, Mom."

"F-First day of university, and you're already talking back? H-Heavens, give me back my son!"

"Hahahaha~!"

She dramatically dropped to the ground, arms flailing in exaggerated despair. A true professional in the ancient art of motherly theatrics.

And then, disaster struck.

"Oh, Mom! Big Bro brought a girl home!"

"Haha—" Wait… what?

Cain had betrayed me. I hadn't even gotten the chance to break the news myself!

Mom snapped up at lightning speed, practically yanking the bags from my arms and tossing them onto the counter before locking her grip onto my right arm.

She didn't say a word. Just turned on her heel and dragged me back toward the front door.

Hah~ here we go. A long night it shall be.