Published at 23rd of September 2024 2:04 pm

Chapter 2179: Hiding nearby

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As Kazuha-nee moved toward the door, I quietly slipped away from the kotatsu, careful not to make a sound, and tucked away the tangerine we hadn't finished eating.

I considered hiding on the balcony on the other side of her bed. It was where she jokingly threatened to throw me earlier and, admittedly, the ideal hiding spot. After all, Ogawa wouldn't have any reason to check there. He had no idea I was even in the room.

Nonetheless, instead of taking that option, I decided on something else. Something discreet while remaining nearby to sense the change in the atmosphere.

I followed behind Kazuha-nee and slipped into her partitioned workspace, sliding it open and hiding inside it.

It wasn't a separate room but the partitions were tall enough to prevent anyone from peeking inside from the top.

From here, I could remain unseen without the chill of the night air biting at me.

Ogawa would have no reason to check this corner since it's Kazuha-nee's workplace. This way, I could hear and observe the situation unfold from behind the thin divider.

Still, I could feel the slight adrenaline rush, knowing that at any moment, Ogawa might sense something was amiss.

If he caught me in here then... he'd have a choice whether to confront me or let it go, in consideration of Mami and Kazuha-nee.

Whichever the case, I doubt things will escalate enough for a conflict to happen. Besides, despite the possibility, I'll keep in mind to be careful.

Sensing my movements, Kazuha-nee turned around, catching me sliding the partition close. She shot a panicked glance in my direction before hurrying over to me, delaying her answer to the door.

"You... I never told you to hide there. There are better places!"

She gestured subtly toward the balcony, her tone laced with frustration. Nonetheless, her helplessness was quite charming.

I couldn't help but grin as I enjoyed her flustered state. "Relax. I'll behave, Kazuha-nee. As long as I don't make any noise, he won't suspect a thing. Besides, this is a good spot. Just make sure he doesn't get too curious and peek over here."

Unconvinced, Kazuha-nee scowled at me but before she could protest, Ogawa knocked again, his voice growing louder.

She alternately looked at my playful smirk and the door before helplessly sighing.

"Geez. Fine. Just wait for me... and don't touch anything in there. It's all organized."

Before stepping away, Kazuha-nee gave me one last look, her eyes a mix of frustration and something else—something she couldn't voice at the moment. She seemed torn between amusement at my audacity and irritation at the situation.

But there was no more time to argue. A few more impatient knocks sounded from the other side of the door, and Ogawa's voice grew louder.

"Aneki? Are you there? I'm not disturbing you am I?"

With a soft exhale, Kazuha-nee composed herself. She straightened her dress, adjusting the parts that had gotten slightly disheveled in our earlier embrace, her fingers trembling just a little as she smoothed down her hair.

For a brief moment, the traces of what transpired between us were still represented by her flushed cheeks.

But as I watched from behind the partition, I could see her gathering her usual calm and confidence.

She was great at this. Hiding her emotions behind that cool, composed exterior.

I mean, the first time I met her, I was also a little overwhelmed by her strong presence. If I hadn't gotten the chance to meet and interact with her in the mall, I would only be nothing more than a boy that Hina is dating in her eyes.

That opportunity earned me the title of her 'little brother' even though I only became an accessory to her attempt to torment her real little brother.

As I heard her reach for the door, I sat down on her reclining chair in front of her workstation at the same time as made the sound of turning its knob. My heart pounded slightly as I perked my ears, listening closely to what was about to unfold.

With nothing else to see, my eyes trailed over the small details of her workspace. I could only skim through this space last night.

Neatly stacked papers, her laptop, and some personal items like a hairbrush and hair accessories.

Everything in here was meticulously organized. It would truly be a sin to make a mess here so I kept my hands clasped on the tangerine, chewing on it, one piece at a time. It's better to finish this fruit or it'll dry up at a quickened rate.

Despite the tension in the air, I couldn't help but admire her attention to detail. I could imagine her sitting here every day, talking to her students. Maybe if I was nearby or in this room while she was working, I would always be alert to assist her, or better yet, I'd be attending to her, ensuring that everything would go smoothly.

For example, making her a coffee... Or if I could be a little freaky, pull her out of the camera to infuse her with my encouragement through kisses...

Alright. Let's stop daydreaming.

Kazuha-nee finally stepped over to the door, pausing for a brief second to take a deep breath before unlocking it and sliding it open.

"Hmm? What is it, Kazu-kun?" She said, her tone carefully neutral, acting like she hadn't

heard what she said earlier.

I picked up the subtle quivering in her voice. Her heartbeat probably hadn't slowed down any more than mine had.

"Yes, Aneki. Well... I wanted to introduce you properly to someone."

Ogawa's voice was slightly muffled from where I stood, but I could hear the eagerness and awkwardness in it.

"Someone?" Kazuha-nee continued to feign ignorance even though she already saw who was with him. "You brat! What is the important thing that it cannot wait until tomorrow?" "Don't be like this Aneki," Ogawa insisted, his voice taking on a bit of an edge as if he was afraid to falter here, "I really want you to meet her. Properly this time."

As he said that, it was followed by a softer, more timid voice of Mami.

"Um... Kazuha-nee, good evening... I apologize for the late visit."

Isn't she polite? But then again, I didn't know who came up with this idea. Most likely Ogawa. If that's the case... Mami must've not taken our advice to heart. She's letting him drag her

around.

But I better not judge it too early. Maybe there's something more about this.

A brief silence hung in the room as Kazuha-nee likely took in the situation.

I could only see her back from the small slit of the partition but I could imagine her trying to balance between maintaining her cool and navigating the sudden arrival of her brother and

his 'girlfriend'.

Not long after that, I heard Kazuha-nee sighing lightly as if resigned to the interruption. "Mami-chan, isn't it? Let me guess. This boy insisted on bringing you here tonight."

"T-that's..."

"Aneki... Please, go easy on us. I only thought-"

Mami tried to answer but Ogawa cut her off. And before he could say his piece, Kazuha-nee

also interrupted him.

"Hush... Don't stand there. I think I get what you're here for. Taking outside like this isn't appropriate. Bring her in, Kazu-kun..."

The door creaked open fully for Ogawa and Mami The awkward shuffle of footsteps followed as the two of them entered the room.

I couldn't see anything from my position, but I could imagine Mami's nervous glances, the way she probably clung to Ogawa's arm, uneasy about the situation. I pictured Ogawa looking a little smug or proud with a straightened back, his usual 'Mr. Nice Guy' demeanor returned to his childish triumph as he showed off his new relationship with his sister.

"Oh. Don't peek inside my workspace. I'm doing something there. Go sit down at the kotatsu and keep her warm first. Tsk. You walked her in this cold night without even offering her a

coat."

Masked behind that reprimand was Kazuha-nee's sudden rush in her voice as though she had just remembered to forbid them from checking out this space.

Following that, I heard Ogawa acknowledging as their shuffling footsteps continued further

into the room.

Meanwhile, as I listened to the door closing and Kazuha-nee's approaching footsteps, I

couldn't help but stand up and approach the sliding entrance to this space. I opened it slightly

just enough to peek in front of it.

When Kazuha-nee was about to pass, I silently called out to her.

"Kazuha-nee..."

Given that she's conscious of my presence here. That didn't escape her notice. With a scowl,

she turned in my direction and then whispered in reprimand, "Y-you... What are you calling

me for? You said you'll behave."

"... Just a moment. Make an excuse or something."

"Eh?"

"Hurry."

What am I doing? I didn't know, but an idea had sprung to mind. Before I could stop myself, I

was already acting on it.

"Ugh... Fine." Giving up, she turned her head to Ogawa and Mami's direction and raised her voice slightly. "Wait a moment, Kazu-kun, Mami-chan. Go and eat some fruit for a while. I'll

organize something here first."

"Yes."

"I understand, aneki. Sorry for being like this."

Mami politely responded while Ogawa added an apology. But Kazuha-nee had no time to

reply to it anymore. As soon as she finished speaking, she slid the partition open and stepped

inside.

Before she could ask what was wrong, I pulled her into an embrace, my lips capturing hers

fueled by mischief.

In my defense, I want to help her relax her mind and reassure her that nothing will happen.

But who am I fooling here?

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