Published at 23rd of September 2024 2:04 pm

Chapter 2181: Ogawa's Sincerity?

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Kazuha-nee didn't respond right away and the silence that followed felt a little heavy which stretched the tension in the room.

Although I couldn't see exactly what was happening from my hiding spot, I knew her well enough to imagine her reaction. Kazuha-nee was probably scrutinizing Ogawa's words, trying to gauge how sincere he really was.

Despite how much she loves playfully tormenting her little brother, she also genuinely cares for his well-being.

.

She wouldn't let him stumble through life acting like a fool, especially when it came to matters of the heart.

He wasn't like me, after all. Though she often teased him, she expected more from him. And unlike me, Ogawa had always been more naive, more transparent in his emotions.

That's why she also set aside her reluctance to meet me again last night to figure out if there was really a standing grudge between us. Of course, I managed to talk myself out of it but that didn't discount the fact she could hate me for real if it's to protect her little brother from

another tormentor.

Anyway, while it was true that Kazuha-nee wished Ogawa to take a page or two from me, it wasn't like this. If he was just using Mami as a way to ease his own guilt or to reassure her that he was 'doing okay', then he'd be in for a sharp rebuke. She wouldn't tolerate her brother playing with someone else's feelings just to placate his own.

Finally, after a few seconds of tension, Kazuha-nee broke the silence. "I see. So, you two are official now, huh? Well, I'm happy for both of you." Her tone was neutral but I could hear the slight edge to it. She wasn't fully convinced yet. Also, there's a subtle undertone of formality in her words. It's like she was keeping a facade to prevent the two from figuring out that we were just in an intimate moment a few moments ago.

"Mami-chan, make sure to let me know if this idiot messes up, okay?" She continued, her voice softening a little as she addressed the girl.

Mami's response was as timid as I expected. "Thank you, Kazuha-nee... I-I'll take care of Kazuo-senpai. Please... rest assured."

Her voice was so soft and almost meek in comparison to Ogawa's earlier excitement. Somehow, it was painting a picture of uncertainty in my head. I couldn't help but wonder... Was Mami truly comfortable with this, or was she trying to be polite and dutiful, fulfilling the role of a supportive girlfriend without fully understanding the weight of her words?

Of course, she could just be like the other girls who are overwhelmed by her strong presence. She also sounded nervous, after all.

Before I could dwell on it further, Ogawa interjected, clearly feeling the need to affirm his seriousness. "I... I should be the one saying that. I mean, I want to show that I'm serious. Not just to Mami but also to you, Aneki."

His voice was filled with determination, but there was something else in it. A hint of desperation, perhaps?

Was he really doing this for the right reasons, or was he just trying to prove something - to his sister, to Mami, and maybe even to himself?

I don't know. And it's not good to jump to a conclusion right away.

Even from my hiding spot, I heard Kazuha-nee letting out a small sigh. Partly relieved and partly worried.

"Well, you better be serious, Kazu-kun. Because if you're not, and you hurt Mami-chan..."

She let the unspoken threat hang in the air, her voice trailing off into a knowing silence. The message was clear: she wouldn't tolerate any games. Not from him, not when someone else's heart was on the line.

Somehow, I was starting to be afraid that she might get stumped when the time came for her to confront her own feelings regarding me. What we had right now wasn't solid yet. It was the mix of our desire and attraction for each other that was built throughout our interactions. She probably had no idea yet regarding what she was going to do with me after today. And there's no way I could just spring it up to her later... Things like this were better realized than told.

Perhaps sensing the weight of her words, Ogawa didn't respond immediately. Instead, there was a soft shuffling sound, as if he was shifting awkwardly in his seat.

"I won't, Aneki. I... I care about her."

His voice was quieter now or rather, subdued. Maybe it was the gravity of the moment sinking in the pressure of Kazuha-nee's expectation weighing down on him. Either way, it was clear that her words had struck a chord.

Kazuha-nee finally offered a small chuckle, breaking the heavy tension hanging in the air. "Good. That's all I wanted to hear. I won't keep you two locked in here with me any longer. You should probably talk more in your room, Kazu-kun. And don't forget to walk Mami-chan home. It's getting late."

Not gonna lie, that was smooth coming from her. She was wrapping things up, sending them off without a fuss. But she had a point. The introduction was over, and she'd already shared her thoughts. Giving the two of them space to solidify their new relationship while reminding Ogawa to escort Mami home was the right move.

Mhm. It couldn't just be because she wanted to get back to me, right? To resume what we had started before they barged in.

Shortly after Ogawa acknowledged Kazuha-nee's hint, I heard the shuffling of feet as they stood up. Mami's voice, sounding more relieved, echoed softly as both of them thanked Kazuha-nee.

However, just as I thought they were about to leave, Ogawa suddenly spoke again, his tone laced with curiosity.

"Wait. Aneki, I've been meaning to ask... Are you alright? You seem a little... off."

Hearing that, my heart skipped a beat. Did he notice? No, it was probably because Kazuha-nee looked flustered. Even in the dim light, Ogawa and Mami would easily notice her flushed face and the slight sheen of sweat from our earlier... activities.

To her credit, Kazuha-nee responded rather smoothly. "I'm fine, Kazuo. Just a little tired. It's been a long day."

"You sure? You're kinda red, like you've been running or something." Ogawa's tone grew more concerned.

Mami chimed in, her tone softer but equally worried. "Kazuo-senpai, maybe Kazuha-nee's just tired like she said. We shouldn't bother her too much."

Heh. I couldn't help but give the girl a thumbs-up in my head. What a thoughtful girl.

Anyway, Kazuha-nee couldn't afford to let this slip now, not after we had come so close

without getting caught.

"Don't worry too much. I'm fine," Kazuha-nee repeated, more firmly this time. I heard a light slap after that. Most likely, Kazuha-nee tapped her brother's shoulder in reassurance.

"Now go and treat Mami-chan like a princess. Just... don't scare her, alright?"

There was a brief moment of silence before Ogawa finally sighed, letting go of his concern. "Alright, Aneki. But if you need anything, just call me, okay?"

After that, there was the unmistakable sound of retreating footsteps as they made their way back toward the door.

"Goodnight, Kazuha-nee," Mami added softly, her voice fading as they exited the room.

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