I let the silence cut in between us for a moment before speaking again, "Mhm. I know. No matter what happens, you're still going to be my wonderful yet vulnerable older sister who hates to be treated like a child because of your height, Anzu-nee-san."
I ended that with a wink and leaned down to kiss her forehead. Her eyes remained shut tightly, but she didn't push me away. That was a good sign.
However, a second later, she pushed on my chest as she retorted, "You could've worded that better!"
Her cheeks went aflame with embarrassment. She grabbed the part of my shirt where her hand had been and started to tug on it like a shy child. "I'm your wonderful older sister. Full stop."
"Mm-hmm," I hummed while smiling at her antics. "I'm your obedient little brother so... I'll keep that in mind, Anzu-nee-san."
She grinned in delight and seemingly regained her previous composure.
"Good! Now... what are you doing to your older sister, little brat?"
"Certainly not pushing you down on the bed." I whistled exaggeratedly, which made her laugh despite her feigned indignation.
Her grip on my shirt tightened for a brief moment, but she didn't let go. "You're a terrible liar, you know that? You should stick to being honest."
"Oh... Then should I release you, Nee-san? Will you be comfortable talking while sitting?" I feigned innocence, my hand moving to the hem of her shirt, slipping in to hold the bare skin of her waist.
"Y-yes! This is too much, little brat... It's difficult to think when you're... when you're..." Anzu-nee's voice trailed off as she squirmed under my touch. Her body was so responsive to my every move, and it was clear that she was trying to resist the growing attraction between us.
But I couldn't help myself. I leaned closer to her, my eyes locked on hers. "Difficult to think, Anzu-nee-san?" I whispered, my breath tickling her ear. "Or are you just overwhelmed by all these new... feelings?"
Her pupils dilated and she gulped audibly.
"Both... both," Anzu-nee managed to murmur, the grip of her hand on my shirt loosening slightly. On the other hand, my fingers on her waist sank deeper into her softness, making her gasp quietly.
"I don't know what to do with these feelings," She admitted, her voice barely a whisper.
Hearing that I immediately pulled away and sat back down on the side of the bed.
"I understand. Let's take a breather. I apologize for being a little pushy right there. You can relax now."
Anzu-nee took a moment to react before her eyes followed me. Slowly, she pushed herself up but I held a hand out to her, helping her get back to my side.
"Little brat, why did you...?" Anzu-nee's voice was filled with a mix of relief and confusion. She took a deep breath, trying to regain her composure.
"I just realized I may have been cornering you by being that forward. That said, we're here to talk about what happened between us, right? If Anzu-nee wants to forget about it, I will naturally respect your decision."
Anzu-nee's mouth opened and closed before her gaze drifted to our joined hands, she gave it a gentle squeeze before shaking her hand, "No, I don't want to forget. It's just... it's complicated, as you said."
"Complicated. Right. You must have heard from Eimi... I'm not really a one-woman kind of guy," I said, my voice low and earnest.
"Y-yes. She told me after I asked why she simply accepted what happened between us. Is that why you cannot always come to see her?"
"Apart from the fact that we're attending different schools, yes. But recently, we've been meeting in the morning during the commute. I know it should be my duty to pick her up every day and be there for her. Unfortunately... I'm a bit busy, with school, and the other girls," I admitted, expecting a negative reaction from her.
"I see... Will it be the same for me?"
"I'm afraid so," I answered truthfully. "That's why I will let Nee-san decide. If you're okay with it, I want to keep seeing you. But if you feel uncomfortable or guilty, I'll respect that."
Anzu-nee didn't respond right away and simply stared at me. I don't know what's in her head but she's definitely processing my words. Her hand began to feel a little sweaty, an indication of the turmoil within her.
"I don't recommend simply accepting. Eimi and the others... they're stubborn. You know? Even if I told them how it would be, I couldn't change their mind. But you, Nee-san, you can still choose." I continued with my voice laced with deprecation.
Anzu-nee looked down at our hands, her expression pensive. "Little brat... Don't say that. You said I can choose. Yet your words are discouraging me to pick the option of accepting you."
I wryly smiled and scratched the back of my head, "My bad. That's not what I meant to imply. I just want to be upfront about what you're getting into. I know it's a mess, but I can't help but love each of you for who you are."
"Brat, you're jumping. Why are you saying love? Shouldn't relationships start with like?" Anzu-nee looked at me, her lips pouting a bit, "Before I can say I love you, I want you to take me on a date. Make me feel so loved that I will kiss you right there and then."
This... It sounded like a fantasy scenario of hers. She kept on trying to act mature but here she was, she had a rose-tinted view of love.
"Was that how it happened with your exes?"
"Hell no! They... I was..." Anzu-nee failed to finish her words as she immediately turned a little depressed as if I had her recall her bitter experiences with them.
I squeezed her hand, deciding not to press her to answer anymore, "Well, I'm not them. And I.... aren't I going to remain your little brother? Even if our relationship changes?"
Her gaze snapped to me, a spark of hope flickering in her eyes. "R-right, you're still my little brother, cheeky brat."
"Then, Nee-san, what do you want to do? Oh. Wait... I haven't told you what I feel yet, right?" ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ NoveI★Fire.net
"Do you really have to? You're like an open book. Will you go through these lengths without making sure of what you feel for me?" Anzu-nee asked.
"You're right. It was so obvious, hmm? If I'm just a scumbag looking to get into your pants, I'd lie through my teeth and not discourage you from considering me."
"That's right... You're not a scumbag but having many girls will have you labeled as one by many if they find out."
"So which is it? Am I a scumbag or not?"
"Neither, you're just my cheeky little brother." Anzu-nee leaned in and pinched my cheek. Her hand on mine also squeezed tighter as if she was trying to convey her feelings without saying it. "But, if you really mean it, then... I'll give it a shot. I've never experienced someone taking care of me as much as you do."
Her voice was filled with uncertainty and hope. I knew she was scared. My situation may be different from her past boyfriends but in the public's eyes, it'll be the worst. Yet, the fact that, according to her, I'm the only one who showed this much care for her made her take the gamble.
"Alright, Nee-san. If that's your decision, I'll naturally stop discouraging you, instead... my shamelessness will be released. Can you handle it?"
"Pfft. Bring it on, cheeky brat," Anzu-nee chuckled, her cheeks flushing a brighter shade of pink. She leaned closer, her warm breath fanning across my face as she whispered, "But remember, you're promising to make me fall for you with all your actions, not just words."
"Challenge accepted," I grinned before I moved from where I sat and positioned myself behind her.
There was no time for her to react. Before she knew it, she was already enclosed within my arms as my thighs squeezed hers and my chin anchored on her shoulder.