Chapter 5 - Just My Imagination

"It's quite far."

After a long journey, I arrived at Eri-chan's house.

The time is…around one o'clock.

It's been a week since I made that decision.

Of course, I'm not doing this out of a sense of obligation. I'm doing this because I want to. From the bottom of my heart, when I heard Miho-san's story and saw her tears, I wanted to protect them.

Besides, talking and playing games with Eri-chan is usually fun, and I like talking with Miho-san while having tea together and relaxing because it puts my mind at rest.

Well, to put it simply, I just want to be involved with the people in this household.

"Hello."

When I pressed the intercom, I could hear the sound of someone hurriedly descending the stairs with a thud.

"Yukishiro-Onii-san, long time no see."

"Long time no see? It's only been two days."

"That's a long time."

Eri-chan jumped out the door and hugged me.

She's just like a dog.

"Stroke me more, more, keep patting my head."

"Yes, yes."

As I unconsciously pet her head, she nuzzled and rubbed her head against me, as if begging for more and more attention.

"Mufufu, come on, let's get inside."

"Yes."

Eri-chan urged me to go inside.

"Where's Miho-san today?"

"Mom is at work. So why don't we play a quick game?"

I played games with Eri-chan for a few hours, and before I knew it, it was almost evening.

"Hey, Yukishiro-Onii-san."

"Hmm? What?"

"Will you stay the night at my house today?"

"Eh?"

Did she just say stay the night?

"I'm home!"

What good timing. Miho-san had just returned home.

"Eri, ah, Yukishiro-kun is here too. I'm home."

"Welcome home."

Miho-san smiled at me.

"Hey, Mom."

"Hmm what?"

"Let's have Onii-san stay at night at our house today."

"Good idea, let's host Yukishiro-kun."

"EH!?"

"Yukishiro-Onii-san doesn't want to…?"

"If Eri-chan and Miho-san are okay with it…"

"We wouldn't refuse, would we?"

"That's right! I'm happy if I can be with Yukishiro-Onii-san!"

With both of them saying it so naturally, it makes me wonder if there's something wrong with me for hesitating.

"Then, can I really stay the night?"

"Yes, you are very welcome."

"I look forward to sleeping with Onii-san."

Eri-chan said something in a whisper, so I couldn't hear her.

Afterward, feeling restless and unable to calm down, I forced myself to help Miho-san and we cooked together, with Eri-chan joining us along the way. We had a fun time preparing the meal and set it on the dining table.

"""Itadakimasu!"""

The three of us clapped our hands together and started eating.

"Oh, by the way, where is Yukishiro-kun's house?"

"Oh, my house is…"

"EHH!? That's so far. It must be hard for you to get here every time."

"I'm sorry, Yukishiro-Onii-san."

"Eh? Ohh, it's fine."

The two of them looked apologetic.

"Because I enjoy talking with Miho-san and playing games with Eri-chan, it's not hard at all."

"Yukishiro-kun."

"Yukishiro-Onii-san."

When I said that, both of them stared at me intently.

"I love your kindness, Yukishiro-kun."

"I like that part about Yukishiro-Onii-san."

Both of them looked at me with gentle expressions on their faces.

I'm sure it's just my imagination that their eyes are pitch black.