"Woohoo!"
"Next is my turn! My turn!"
"Bastard! You just rode it—by order, it should be my turn!"
"You're the same! You were the first one!"
"That's exactly why it's my turn now!"
Watching these beasts start arguing again out of sheer greed, Kamishiro let out a helpless sigh.
Sure enough, human desire could never truly be satisfied.
Just like these guys—at first, their only goal had been to ride one attraction with a cute girl and leave behind a nice memory.
Now, greed had taken over, and they wanted to ride attractions with her again. If things kept developing like this, who knew—maybe these beasts would even start thinking about monopolizing the cute girl.
It had to be stopped quickly!
His thoughts returned to earlier.
Faced with the four-beast squad's request, the kind angel chose to agree, bathing the world in her holy light.
Of course, this was also thanks to Yamamoto's mom's guarantee. With Yamamoto's mom present, those guys behaved much better.
Aside from the disgusting smiles on their faces, their actions were practically doll-like—nothing to worry about at all.
And now, all four of them had already taken their turns. At this moment, they were fighting over who would go first for the second round.
They all knew that it was getting late. If they ended up at the back of the line, they might lose the chance for another "interaction" with Shiori!
For that reason, they were even thinking of settling it with the way of the samurai.
Only the living had the right to accompany their angel!
"You're not going to stop them?"
Kamishiro asked Iori beside him, glancing at the time. The day was almost over, wasn't it?
"If you don't go now, you might not get another chance today~"
Azusa also teased Iori from the side. She refused to believe that seeing this scene wouldn't make Iori feel at least a little uncomfortable.
However—
They had underestimated Iori.
Once he realized that Shiori wasn't in any real danger from those beasts, he relaxed completely.
Not only was he not worried, he was leisurely eating the food he'd just bought.
He hadn't even eaten his fill at lunch because of that staff member earlier!
"Hm? What do you mean, no chance? I never planned to ride with Shiori in the first place."
Iori blinked innocently. Riding a couples' attraction with his own sister—no matter how he thought about it, that would be unbearably awkward.
"Rather than going up there and feeling awkward, I'd rather stay down here and enjoy the view."
Azusa: =_=
Kamishiro: (???)
"You'd better hope Shiori never hears you say that."
"Otherwise, your family might really end up with only one child."
It was hard to imagine a girl as angelic as Shiori having such a scumbag of a brother!
Why on earth did someone like this matter so much to Shiori?!
Damn it!
Kamishiro ground his teeth in frustration. If Shiori were his sister, he'd spoil her rotten.
He wouldn't even want the family teahouse—just give him a few million in allowance every month and he'd be satisfied~
Looking at Shiori in the distance, glowing like an angel, Kamishiro couldn't help thinking of his own little sister, Rize.
Sigh…
Rize was great, and he liked her a lot, but… she was still too young.
By the time Rize grew up, he'd probably already have been dragged back by the old man to learn how to manage the teahouse.
Thinking of that made Kamishiro feel even more dejected.
Sure enough, he really needed to trick—no, find—a marriage partner to help him go back and manage the teahouse!
Faced with the outcomes the two of them described, Iori merely shrugged helplessly.
"It's fine. Shiori can't get away right now anyway, and… as long as she doesn't make me go back to inherit the inn, everything else is negotiable!"
He refused to believe Shiori would really choose justice over family!
As long as he kept his miserable life, cutting off his allowance would be no big deal!
He'd been supporting himself for a long time already!
Thinking about his part-time job days, a hint of pride flashed across Iori's face. Without realizing it, he'd grown into an adult who could support himself.
Clearly, Iori had completely forgotten that he was currently living off others—and also owed Kamishiro a huge sum of money!
Alright, alright, I'm going back to enjoy the view. The scenery here is pretty good.
As he spoke, Iori took a bite of takoyaki and then continued searching for some eye-pleasing scenery.
Black stockings, white stockings, big boobs, long legs…
Slurp—
And then…
Crack!
No one knew what he had seen, but Iori suddenly crushed the skewer in his hand—snapped cleanly into three pieces!
(▼皿▼＃)
Seeing his furious expression, Kamishiro felt a bit puzzled and followed his line of sight to look over there.
And then…
He saw a 1.5-meter-tall otaku guy with his arm around a 1.7-meter girl wearing black stockings and showing off long legs!
In an instant, Kamishiro understood what was going on…
(;＿;)
"Still, there's no need to react that strongly, right?"
Even he thought the guy deserved to die when he saw the couple—but only as a thought.
With Kitahara though… Kamishiro was genuinely worried he might rush over and actually do something.
"He deserves to die!"
Iori said through clenched teeth, suddenly feeling that none of the surrounding scenery mattered anymore. In his heart, there was only that 1.5-meter otaku!
Ordinary—no, even ugly—running shoes, baggy sweatpants, a slightly tight T-shirt.
Greasy hair, chubby cheeks… everything about him screamed "otaku"!
Why… why could someone like that walk around with such a beautiful partner?!
The level of psychological damage this dealt Iori was no less than if that bastard Yamamoto got a girlfriend.
If it were someone good-looking like Kamishiro, fine. Even if he were angry and jealous, he could still understand—it was a looks-based world after all!
But…
"Why does he get to?!"
Iori felt like he was about to lose it. If he didn't get a reasonable explanation today, he would—
He would—
He would go cry and beg that guy to teach him his pickup techniques!
(っ╥╯﹏╰╥c)
If someone with conditions like that could successfully get a girlfriend, then he must be a true master among masters!
Someone like Kamishiro was clearly a fake—just relying on a handsome face.
Anyone can win with good cards; what Iori wanted to learn was how to win despite bad ones!
"Why? I think it's probably because of the camera around his neck. If I remember correctly, that camera costs at least a million yen… Kitahara? Wait, why did you suddenly turn gray?!"
{{(°△°;)}}!
Kamishiro, who had been explaining camera specs to Kitahara, hurriedly pinched him to revive him.
College students these days—such weak physical condition. They just die on you at the drop of a hat.
The plan wasn't even finished yet. How could he die first?!
At this moment, the revived Iori stared blankly at the blue sky.
So that's how it is… damn whale player!
Iori felt like playing Earth Online was ridiculously hard.
So hard that he even felt tempted to cheat. Speaking of which, should he pretend to take over the inn and then sell it?
Thinking carefully, he was technically a rich second-generation—though all that wealth was tied up in the inn…
Of course, it was just a thought. If he really sold the family inn, he'd probably enjoy less than a day of freedom.
Better to wait until he learned more survival skills from Kamishiro first.
As for getting a girlfriend… Iori figured he'd look around Tokyo after some time!
Big cities!
There had to be paths there for a man to succeed!
And if not… there was always Kabukicho!
With a guaranteed fallback, Iori instantly perked up. Just as he stood up to check on how Shiori was doing, Kamishiro suddenly dashed out and dragged him along, sliding him across the ground.
Iori: ∑(??д??lll)
"Hey! You bastard, what are you pulling now?! Let go!"
"Stop yelling, I need to discuss something with you."
Kamishiro said without turning back, dragging Iori into a nearby alley.
Just moments ago, he had received a call from that rich second-gen underling!
If angels fulfilled the wishes of the masses, then… shouldn't someone fulfill the angel's wishes too~
…
A few minutes later—
"So that's all it was? You could've just said it back there! Why did you drag me into an alley?!"
Iori grimaced and rubbed the back of his head.
There were plenty of rocks on the road earlier—he nearly didn't make it to the finish line!
(;＿;)
"Well… it's more atmospheric in an alley, isn't it?"
In movies and novels, when people discuss things that can't be overheard, it's always in a dark setting!
"…You really thought this through, huh?!"
Iori's face twisted. "Did you ever consider that even if you said it back there, Shiori wouldn't have heard it anyway?!"
"I did!"
"Then why drag me into an alley?!"
"Because I did think about it. Don't believe me? Look behind you."
"Huh?"
Iori turned around in confusion—only to find everyone standing right behind him.
Shiori stared at him with her innocent big eyes.
"Big brother, is there something I'm not allowed to know?"
…
Cold sweat instantly poured down Iori's forehead. He shot Kamishiro a vicious glare out of the corner of his eye.
Why didn't you say they were here earlier?!
~_~
Kamishiro could only shrug helplessly. He wasn't taking the blame—he hadn't expected someone to be so oblivious as to miss several living people standing right there.
They had been staring at the two of them ever since they walked over!
But Iori didn't have time to think about that now. He needed an explanation for Shiori.
After thinking it over, only one excuse seemed remotely reasonable…
With a strange expression, Iori said, "Um… Kamishiro said he knows some medicine that can help regulate the body…"
Yes!
That's it!
Even though there were better excuses—or he could've just said nothing—if he could drag Kamishiro down with him, that was the optimal solution!
Sure enough—
After Iori said that, Yamamoto and the others all looked at Kamishiro differently.
So Kamishiro had worries like that too~
Kamishiro: ???
Kamishiro was completely dumbfounded. He had kindly helped mend the siblings' relationship—so why was he getting stabbed in the back?!
Especially those animals over there!
Just because you know what being a man feels like, you laugh?!
Seeing Kamishiro's increasingly dangerous gaze, Iori knew his goal had been achieved and quickly asked Shiori, "So, did you decide in the end?"
He was asking about who they'd go on the next ride with. He was curious who Shiori had chosen to make those beasts so quiet.
Shiori's face lit up with a smile.
"We decided! For the final attraction, it'll be the Black Thunder Mountain roller coaster. Everyone will ride with the partner they came with~"
"The final attraction?"
Only then did Iori realize it was already late. It really was time to leave.
"Black Thunder Mountain?"
Kamishiro's attention was elsewhere. Thinking of how strongly that rich second-gen had recommended the coaster earlier, a strange look flashed across his face.
They really knew how to choose~
"What's wrong?"
Sister Azusa leaned over to Kamishiro. "Is something wrong with that roller coaster?"
"No, it's great—perfect for us to ride together."
Remembering the legend, Kamishiro naturally wasn't about to explain it now. He wrapped an arm around Azusa's waist and headed toward the coaster.
"Let's hurry. This one's just right for us!"
Azusa looked at him suspiciously. This was the first time she'd seen him so eager for a ride—especially a thrilling one like a roller coaster.
Before she could think further, they were already seated on the ride.
Looking at the boy beside her, his face pale with nervousness, Azusa smiled.
Whatever—why overthink it? This was the time to enjoy it!
As the coaster slowly began to move, the group's expressions grew increasingly "joyful."
"Woohoo!!!"
"AAAAAAH!!!"
"Help! Help!"
"Mom!!"
"..."
…
…
…
"Hahahahaha, Kamishiro, you're still way too weak~"
After the excitement, Azusa squatted down laughing, patting Kamishiro on the shoulder.
Yep—Kamishiro was still the same nervous Kamishiro.
Some improvement, but not much~
Just a few seconds longer than last time, small fry~
(λ?_??)
Ugh—
"I… I really tried my best!"
Kamishiro lay sprawled on the ground like a salted fish that had lost all dreams and ambitions. In his tightly clenched hand was a photo—the snapshot taken when the roller coaster had plunged downward at full speed.
Azusa's excited expression and Kamishiro's soul-leaving-his-body face formed a striking contrast~
Just as Azusa was about to tease Kamishiro some more, Shiori walked over with a worried look.
"Brother Kamishiro, have you seen my older brother?"
Because there was an outsider present (Azusa), Shiori still maintained her well-behaved good-girl demeanor.
If it were just her and Kamishiro alone… that "Brother Kamishiro" probably wouldn't sound nearly so pleasant.
"Eh… he probably went to the bathroom to throw up…"
Kamishiro replied weakly. To be honest, he really wanted to go throw up himself right now.
"..."
Shiori's mouth twitched as she looked at Kamishiro with disdain. This guy was way too pathetic—getting scared like this from just a roller coaster!
Asking him was probably pointless. Shiori decided to look for him herself. After all, that idiot big brother was probably sneaking off to peek at other girls again!
What a brother who never gave anyone peace of mind!
Just as Shiori was about to move, her vision suddenly went dark. Immediately after, something soft landed in her arms.
It even made a "snort-snort" sound.
Startled by having her eyes covered, Shiori almost panicked. If it weren't for that somewhat familiar snorting noise, she probably would have thrown whatever she was holding right away.
Thankfully, she'd watched plenty of videos beforehand and remembered the sound a baby boar made. Otherwise, the poor little boar would've been turned into pork paste~
Kamishiro stared in shock from the side. He had told Iori to give Shiori a surprise.
But this… this was basically a jump scare already!!!
He couldn't understand why that idiot's definition of "surprise" was limited to blindfolding someone.
At the very least, give them some mental preparation!
Still, Iori had a bit of common sense. Once the "gift" was delivered, he obediently removed his hand from Shiori's eyes.
Regaining her sight, Shiori immediately turned her head—and saw a weirdo wearing a wild boar head mask.
And completely bare-chested.
Bang!
Kamishiro slammed his head straight into the ground, suddenly feeling very sorry for Shiori.
If that little boar had been replaced with literally anything else, this would've been a very serious pervert incident!
Luckily, this was Shiori, smart as ever. Even with the mask on, she recognized her idiot brother instantly.
"Brother…"
Shiori murmured while staring at the somewhat ugly boar head mask. Her eyes gradually welled up with tears.
The image of Iori in her mind slowly overlapped with the brother who had protected her when they were little.
Seeing Shiori's tear-filled eyes, Iori panicked for the first time, completely unsure of what to do.
Just as he hesitated, a small figure suddenly threw herself into his arms.
At that moment, Iori calmed down. He wrapped his arms around Shiori and gently patted her shoulder.
"How nice~"
Watching such a heartwarming scene, Azusa sighed emotionally.
"Well done, Kamishiro!"
She didn't believe this was something Iori could've come up with on his own. Even getting that little boar costume wouldn't have been easy.
So… the real "mastermind" could only be Kamishiro, who had dragged Iori away earlier!
"Heh, see? I'm a professional!"
Hearing Azusa's praise, Kamishiro instantly jumped up from the ground, puffing his chest like a victorious rooster.
"Alright, alright, our Kamishiro is the best~ So, could our amazing Kamishiro explain what that roller coaster meant?"
Azusa glanced at the photo Kamishiro had been clutching the whole time. There was definitely something she didn't know!
"Oh, this?" Kamishiro looked at the photo and smiled strangely, deliberately raising his voice.
"I heard that any two people who get photographed together on that roller coaster will spend their lives together—growing old side by side~"
Crack crack crack crack!
The moment his words fell, the sound of statues cracking echoed nearby, and five photos drifted down onto the ground.
Nooooo!!!!