Chapter 196: Shirogane Miyuki Feels Like His Sister Hates Him

"President Shirogane, is it okay to stop here?"

"Yeah, thanks."

A long black limousine stopped in front of a worn-down apartment building. After a bodyguard in black opened the door, Shirogane Miyuki stepped out, dressed neatly in a suit and tie.

He loosened his tie and took a deep breath.

It had already been five days since he assumed the position of president of Dainippon Bank, and only today had he finally started to settle into the role.

Over those few days, his demeanor had subtly changed.

His dark circles had deepened from staying up late studying financial theory—any ordinary person standing before him would probably be scared stiff by his intense gaze.

In addition, holding such a high position had broadened his perspective, giving him an aura of calm maturity.

He climbed the creaky, rusty stairs and unlocked the door to his apartment.

"I'm home."

"Mm."

As expected, only his younger sister Shirogane Kei was at home—their father probably hadn't finished work yet.

Shirogane dropped his briefcase onto the floor and collapsed onto the tatami mat in the living room.

"Back home and already flopping around like a dead fish?"

"I'm under a lot of pressure at work too, Kei." Shirogane rubbed his forehead in exasperation. "But… is it just me, or have you been treating me colder lately?"

"You're imagining it."

"Right…"

Shirogane didn't press the issue.

But he couldn't shake the feeling that Kei's attitude toward him had worsened. She used to be indifferent at best, but lately she had started criticizing him outright for no reason.

And all of it seemed to have started around the time Rinji posted about getting a girlfriend.

Thinking of Rinji, Shirogane suddenly sat up. "Oh right, I think Rinji's coming back from his trip today—he's supposed to drop by."

"…Huh?"

Kei suddenly grabbed him by the collar.

"Why are you only telling me now!?"

"I just found out while I was at work!"

"Tch."

Kei clicked her tongue in annoyance and rushed back to her room, slamming the door shut behind her. Shirogane was left completely confused.

Not long after, there was a knock at the door.

When Shirogane opened it, he found Rinji standing outside with a plastic bag in hand.

Shirogane instinctively smiled upon seeing him.

"Welcome back. Must've been tiring, right?"

"Not really. It was mostly business anyway—I just raked in some serious profits."

Rinji handed over the plastic bag.

"Brought back some coconuts from there. They taste pretty good."

"Oh, thanks."

After inviting Rinji in and closing the door, Shirogane watched as Rinji headed straight for the kitchen, tied on an apron, and began prepping ingredients. He looked completely at home.

"Is your dad coming home tonight?"

"He'll probably be really late," Shirogane replied with a smile. "So… did you have fun on your trip?"

"Yeah, I had a good time."

"That's great. You've finished your summer homework, right?"

"..."

Rinji's hands, mid-chop, froze.

"President, why must you bring up such painful topics?"

"…So you didn't do it."

"You didn't either, right? You've been working every day."

"I finished mine a week into summer break."

"Damn… If you were a first-year, I could at least copy from you."

"Oi, oi—is that really something a proud student council member should say?"

While they were chatting, Kei's bedroom door suddenly opened.

Wearing a dress and a hairband, Kei stepped out.

"Rinji-nii, you're here?"

"Yeah, I just got back from my trip, Kei," Rinji replied with a smile, turning from the kitchen.

"Welcome back."

Shirogane blinked at his sister's outfit.

"Why are you dressed up so formally? It's weird. Just be casual like always—ow!"

Kei casually pinched his shoulder without changing her expression. Then, with her face hidden from Rinji's view, she silently mouthed:

"Shut up!"

Shirogane: "..."

Kei then walked over to Rinji, who was still chopping vegetables, and asked softly, "Need any help, Rinji-nii?"

"Oh, could you wash the veggies for me then?"

"Sure."

Shirogane: "..."

When he cooked, this sister never once offered to help—she just lounged in front of the TV.

Kei turned on the tap and began rinsing the vegetables. Casually, she glanced at Rinji and asked, as if it didn't matter:

"Rinji-nii… you already have a girlfriend?"

"Yeah, she's super cute." Rinji suddenly perked up at the topic. "Her name is Karura. She goes to school in Tokyo too. We met on a ship…"

"You're already dating right after meeting? Isn't that kind of fast…"

In the living room, Shirogane frowned. "Kei… since when did you care about Rinji's love life? Are you…"

Kei said nothing. She silently pulled a kitchen knife from the rack and held it up. The polished blade clearly reflected Miyuki's sweating face.

Shirogane wisely chose to shut his mouth.

His life was on the line.

"I guess it was a little hasty," Rinji admitted.

Hearing that, Kei's expression brightened for a second—but she still replied, "I was just saying. I'm really happy you found someone, Rinji-nii. That girl, Karura, she's cute in the photo too."

"Really? That's great to hear."

Rinji grinned.

"Well, I'm basically your big brother, so Karura's your sister-in-law. I'll bring her over next time—I'm sure you two will get along."

Kei: "..."

"But she won't be back for a few more days. What a shame."

"Didn't you just say it might've been a bit too soon to get a girlfriend?"

"Yeah, but now's not the time to be picky," Rinji said. "I told the president this before—if a girl confesses to me, I'd go straight to the marriage office. That kind of opportunity's rare."

"..."

Kei fell silent. In the living room, Shirogane suddenly felt a chill down his spine.

Looking at Kei's empty, blank stare as she turned back from the kitchen, Shirogane was convinced:

His little sister probably did hate him now.