When Kasumigaoka Touji released his new song, Kani Nayuta—being his super true fan—naturally rushed to listen to it the very moment it dropped.
And then—
Even though she had mentally prepared herself, adjusted her mindset, and even sat down in the most serious position she could manage, Nayuta still couldn't hide the sharp stab of envy that pierced her chest.
"He… he actually wrote a song specifically for her… and even named it after her pen name. Not only that, he used their photos to make the music video too…!"
Her voice trembled with emotion, her silver lashes quivering as watery eyes filled with an almost unbearable envy.
"So unfair! I'm so envious!"
The pouty murmur escaped her lips before she could stop it. That wave of jealousy was so strong she almost wanted to cry. For someone like her, who prided herself on being the number one Touji fan in the world, this was a wound to her heart.
"Kasumi Utako-sensei… you're really too lucky."
The silver-haired girl clutched her chest with both hands, her face scrunching up with dramatic despair. And then she whispered in the softest voice, like a secret prayer:
"…I wonder if there will ever be a 'Kani Nayuta' song one day?"
If Touji ever released a track named after her, she swore she could die without regrets in this life. Just imagining it made her heart flutter so hard it hurt. Her slender fingers tightened over her chest, as if trying to calm the rapid thumping of her heartbeat.
"…"
Meanwhile—
In Eriri Spencer Sawamura's room—
The blonde twin-tailed girl, who never admitted it out loud but always paid attention to Touji's projects, was also watching the new video. She adjusted her glasses, hit play, and within moments… half her heart had already melted away.
Though her impression of Kasumigaoka Utaha had never been good—Eriri being Eriri, she always had some kind of rivalry going on—she still had to admit this much: the song was brilliant. No, it wasn't just brilliant. It was amazing.
"Every single line… every single frame is just filled with love," she muttered under her breath, her sapphire-blue eyes reflecting the glow of her screen.
The melody at the start was so light and ethereal, it immediately pulled listeners into a dreamlike world. Then, as if guided by invisible hands, the song gradually built higher and higher, until it reached an emotional climax that left her chest tight.
The drums, strings, and keyboard weaving together midway—ah, it was like the music itself was knocking on her heart, demanding to be let in. She could feel her pulse syncing with the beat, her emotions riding every high and low.
Even the lyrics, bold and provocative as they were, carried a raw sincerity. That daring honesty, that unashamed expression of love, was what made it impossible to look away.
"Tch… that guy really is something else," she muttered, her cheeks flushing ever so slightly. It was rare for Eriri to admire someone, but this was one of those rare times.
"The gospel for sister complex, huh? I can't believe I'm saying this but… I'll admit it. This is the ultimate siscon anthem."
Her eyes sparkled faintly as she scrolled to the comments section. And when she saw the most-liked reply—"The sister poured her feelings for her younger brother into a light novel, and the younger brother composed his love for his older sister into music"—Eriri nearly dropped her phone.
Her lips parted as her imagination kicked into overdrive.
"I… I'm shipping it!" she blurted before her hand instinctively covered her small chest, as if trying to contain her sudden excitement. Images she shouldn't have been picturing flickered through her mind—scenes of Touji and Utaha in a forbidden sibling love scenario. Her fingers itched with the urge to grab her sketchbook.
"…Wait. No. Stop. Don't go there, Sawamura Eriri!" she scolded herself, shaking her head violently. Her face turned bright red, and she yanked off her thick glasses, burying her face in her palms.
She had been so close to escaping her old habits… so close to swimming to the shore. Yet here she was, suddenly plunging back into the depths again, dragged under by instinct.
"Habits really are terrifying…" she groaned, curling up in embarrassment.
"…"
At that same time, in Kato Megumi's bedroom—
The ever-composed girl, who had recently adjusted her hairstyle ever so slightly—just enough to increase her charm and presence—was also quietly listening to Touji's latest work. Her phone rested on her desk, and as the song filled her room, a faint ripple disturbed her usual calm expression.
"…He's still as talented as ever," Megumi whispered softly.
She wasn't a siscon. She didn't particularly ship sibling relationships. And yet… listening to this song, she couldn't help but be drawn in. The raw emotion in Touji's voice made her feel something unfamiliar… almost like she, too, wanted to be someone's older sister in that kind of way.
Her lips curved faintly, but her heart was tangled with complicated feelings.
Lately, Megumi's emotions had been subtle and confusing. Ever since the start of high school, things had shifted. For the first time in her life, a boy had actually praised her for being cute. His words had stayed with her far longer than she expected. On top of that, he had even suggested she change her hairstyle, and when she did, it truly boosted her presence. Suddenly, classmates noticed her more. It was like she had been quietly leveling up in her own story.
But after that brief encouragement, that same boy grew distant, treating her with a 'neither hot nor cold' attitude. The sudden gap between the warmth he had shown her and the chilly aloofness that followed left Megumi restless. It was strange… before, when she had nothing, she hadn't felt anything. But once she experienced it, once she had that, she couldn't help but want to keep it. Wanting more wasn't greed—it was human nature.
Now she found herself wondering: Should I be more proactive? The question lingered in her mind, looping again and again like a background track she couldn't mute.
"…"
Meanwhile, inside Kasumigaoka Touji's room—
After releasing his new song, Touji had his eyes glued to the comment section. As expected, fans were in an uproar. Notifications were piling up, his name being tagged endlessly. But instead of rushing to reply, he leaned back, letting the excitement grow naturally. Popularity was like a snowball—it only got bigger the longer you let it roll.
Thinking that his onee-sama, Kasumigaoka Utaha, had surely finished listening by now, Touji slid two fresh Okamoto 003 Platinum umbrellas into his pocket and headed toward her room. The Durex stash was gone, and since this Japanese brand came highly rated, naturally, he was curious.
"Bang, bang—" "I'm coming in."
He gave a polite knock, but before Utaha could answer, Touji pushed open the door. His lips curved into a knowing smile as his eyes landed on her. "Utaha, you've heard the new track, right? How was it? Are you satisfied?"
Deep down, he was sure she'd loved it—and he was right.
"Extremely satisfied! My satisfaction is at two-hundred percent! This is the best song I've ever heard!"
Sitting on a sleek gaming chair, Utaha swiveled around to face him. Arms folded, legs crossed elegantly, she fixed him with her signature wine-red gaze. Her eyes shimmered like crimson gems, their moist gleam threatening to swallow him whole. "Otouto-kun, what kind of reward do you want?"
Her stare alone made his heartbeat kick into overdrive. And with her perfect figure wrapped in a dark blue sailor uniform, paired with glossy, chocolate-toned stockings that accentuated the curve of her legs… it was temptation incarnate.
Touji's eyes lit up instantly. "Anything I can ask for?" He strode closer, voice brimming with anticipation.
Utaha gave a small, amused shrug, though her heart skipped a beat. "As long as it's something I can actually do. If it's impossible, then sorry, otouto-kun, no deal."
Her curiosity mixed with nervousness—just what on earth was Touji about to request?
"It's fine. You can definitely do this." Touji leaned in, his confident grin both mischievous and charming. His voice lowered. "I heard Utaha's been practicing yoga with Mom recently. So… why don't you show me? That shouldn't be too hard, right?"
He added quickly, "Oh, and make sure to wear your yoga pants. It's all about appreciating the professionalism, after all."
"…Baka."
Even Utaha couldn't hide the faint color dusting her cheeks. Still, she stood, quietly preparing herself.
Moments later—
Touji watched wide-eyed as Utaha struck a graceful pose, her movements elegant yet slightly self-conscious. Unable to hold back, he let out a heartfelt, "Sugoi!"
The praise made Utaha falter, cheeks flushing deeper. For someone usually composed and sharp-tongued, being seen this way by Touji left her unexpectedly shy.
In that small room, under the dim glow of the desk lamp, an awkward yet sweet tension filled the air—something that went far beyond mere sibling banter.