Hoshino Miru glanced at them—a pair of black thick-soled loafers. The shoe size wasn't large. Their owner probably cared a lot about her height.
"Onii-chan." Kasugano Sora's tone was eerie. "Let's throw away her shoes."
"Don't be so rude." Hoshino Miru changed into his slippers. He found Eriri and Kasugano Sora's indoor shoes were still there, not taken away, so she still remembered where she kept her indoor shoes.
"She secretly ran over here herself without us knowing—she's the rude one!" Kasugano Sora was very angry. Today, when there was finally no Eriri causing trouble, she still wanted to hypnotize Hoshino Miru. Who knew a random interloper would suddenly appear.
"I'll go in and see." Hoshino Miru took the bags from Kasugano Sora's hands. "Hurry and change your shoes."
Kasugano Sora sulked. Seeing her brother walk into the living room, she sullenly took off today's little shoes, but didn't remove her white over-knee socks. Instead, she directly put on her indoor shoes with bunny patterns.
When Kasugano Sora entered the living room, she found no one at all and felt somewhat confused.
That didn't make sense. The shoes were in the entrance—the person should also be here.
Kasugano Sora looked everywhere in the living room, trying to find that detestable person. Everything was fine.
Next, she went to the bathroom. No one there either.
Hoshino Miru had already put things in the kitchen. Seeing Kasugano Sora emerge from the bathroom, he proactively asked: "Not inside?"
"No, how strange." Kasugano Sora was very gloomy. Immediately after, she looked toward the second floor, her expression very angry. "She must be hiding upstairs!"
Kasugano Sora charged up the stairs aggressively. Hoshino Miru leisurely followed behind. He knew Kasugano Sora only looked fierce.
Sure enough, just as Hoshino Miru came up, he saw Kasugano Sora standing at his room's door, looking like she was gritting her teeth yet didn't dare rush in.
Hoshino Miru walked to her side and saw someone sleeping soundly on his bed, hair scattered on the pillow, legs clamping the blanket, lying on her side. Her sleeping posture was somewhat indecent—he could see her little perky bottom under her skirt hem, vaguely revealing white edges.
"Onii-chan, she's sleeping on your bed." Kasugano Sora felt somewhat aggrieved. It was one thing for Eriri to sleep there, but why could everyone sleep in Hoshino Miru's bed?
"I'll go wake her up." Hoshino Miru walked over and found the girl sleeping rather sweetly, her lips tender as flower petals slightly pursed. Her slender, delicate body didn't seem overly thin—her full, soft chest was right before his eyes. The currently sleeping girl seemed to have a particularly unusual allure.
Especially thinking this girl was today's popular idol, now lying defenseless on his bed—as if he could do anything to her—would somewhat make one restless.
However, Hoshino Miru didn't fall into her trap. He took out his phone and snapped away at her.
Hearing the phone's shutter sound, the girl's eyeballs seemed to move.
"If everyone saw a popular idol with this sleeping posture, it would probably immediately make headline news." Hoshino Miru seemed to be talking to himself. "Wonder what price it could sell for—100 yen per photo?"
"Mana isn't that cheap!" Sumita Mana couldn't help speaking up. "At least sell them for one million yen each!"
"Weren't you sleeping?" Hoshino Miru's expression was half-smiling. "An awake idol isn't worth that price."
"I'm not awake. Mana is refuting certain people in her dream—he doesn't even know how to do business." Sumita Mana kept her eyes tightly closed. She wasn't awake—just dreaming.
"I see. I'll sell the photos right away then." Hoshino Miru suddenly understood.
"You have to split half with Mana, okay?" Sumita Mana didn't forget to remind certain people.
"That needs to be discussed with your manager. She replied."
As soon as Hoshino Miru finished speaking, Sumita Mana had already opened her eyes indignantly.
"How could you send the photos to Hazuki-neesan!" Sumita Mana sat up at once. "Miru, you big dummy!"
"A certain popular idol ran to someone else's home to sleep. Shouldn't this be reported?" Hoshino Miru said matter-of-factly, "What if your manager thinks it's a disappearance or kidnapping?"
"I don't have work today. Look at what Mana's wearing—clearly the uniform of a good student who just got out of school, right?" Sumita Mana put her hands on her hips. She wore her school uniform—not an idol's performance outfit, nor her usual casual clothes. "Plus, this is the uniform you just complimented yesterday, remember?"
Hoshino Miru looked at the girl's intentionally or unintentionally raised little chest. Compared to the twin sisters from earlier, it was clearly a size smaller. However, her figure was very attractive—her waist very slender, her little bottom also perky. Probably because idols all had body management requirements.
"Did you specifically wear it over to show me today?" Hoshino Miru felt he shouldn't have given her the key in the first place. This idol was also a bit bold.
"Is that not okay?" Sumita Mana pouted. "We clearly haven't seen each other for a whole month, and Miru had absolutely no intention of coming to see me."
"Who says I didn't? I asked your manager for a ticket." Hoshino Miru turned his phone toward her. "You have a performance next week, right?"
Sumita Mana looked at his phone in shock. This guy actually secretly planned to attend her performance, and her manager actually agreed.
"Ac-actually Mana came today planning to give you the ticket..." Sumita Mana hesitated somewhat embarrassedly, taking out three tickets from her pocket. "I originally wanted you to bring Eriri and Sora together."
"I don't want to go!" Kasugano Sora stood at the door and couldn't help refusing her kindness. "Concerts are deafeningly loud!"
"Concerts are really fun!" Sumita Mana's expression was serious.
"Not fun at all—full of screaming and sweat smell. Their light sticks are so bright they'll blind my eyes." Kasugano Sora snorted lightly. "You should just go back quickly."
"Hmph, if Sora won't go then won't go. Miru will go anyway." Sumita Mana also snorted, crossing her arms.
This provocation tactic was indeed very effective. Kasugano Sora's expression was wonderful, making Sumita Mana's lips curve slightly upward. After all, even if they hadn't seen each other for a month or two, little sister was still little sister.
"Don't tease her like that. You know about last time's situation too—too many people will scare her." Hoshino Miru reached toward Sumita Mana, clearly wanting the tickets in her hand.
"Don't you already have a ticket?" Sumita Mana tried to make her tone not sound sour. She had specifically brought tickets over, yet he already had his own. Wouldn't that make her look stupid and overly expectant?
"I think the seat number you chose for me is the best." Hoshino Miru made himself look hopeful.
That was more like it. Sumita Mana reluctantly stuffed the tickets into his hands.
"You must come." Sumita Mana warned. "Also, after the concert ends, you're not allowed to leave!"
"The thing I'm most looking forward to is the fan handshake event at the end. Do you think I'd leave?" Hoshino Miru said coldly, "Every time I get back, I never wash my hands."
Sumita Mana blushed a bit. She wanted to tell Hoshino Miru the company hadn't arranged such fan interaction. However, seeing how expectant he looked, at worst she could privately satisfy him a little.
"When the time comes, I'll wash my hands with disinfectant." Sumita Mana thought about it—it still didn't seem vicious enough. Somewhat excitedly she said, "I also won't take photos with you!"
"Fine, then I just won't ask for your autograph anymore in the future." Hoshino Miru began threatening his own idol. "I'll also slander you online every day, exposing your scandals."
"You wouldn't dare!" Sumita Mana glared at him indignantly.
Hoshino Miru remained expressionless. Sumita Mana began softening, looking somewhat aggrieved.
"How long are you two going to chat?" Kasugano Sora couldn't stand their interaction and specifically reminded them, "If someone saw a certain idol appearing in someone else's home, and on their bed no less, her career might be completely finished."
"Sora, really! Mana avoided everyone on the way here. No one knows Mana came today!" Sumita Mana regained her bright smile. However, she still got up from the bed and walked to Kasugano Sora's side. "Today's school uniform Sora is so cute!"
With that, she suddenly hugged Kasugano Sora.
Kasugano Sora felt like she was suffocating, her face completely red. She was very unaccustomed to hugging and embracing people other than Hoshino Miru. Last time was only because she needed to deal with Eriri.
Hoshino Miru glanced over. Sumita Mana wore white calf socks, Kasugano Sora wore white over-knee socks. Both girls wore white stockings today—quite a coincidence.
Compared to black stockings, white stockings had higher leg shape requirements. Short, thick legs weren't suitable for white stockings. But on these two, they seemed very appropriate.
If he had to say, they both had girlish figures—not the kind with plump thighs, lacking roundness, unable to show much fair thigh flesh being squeezed.
"Don't hug me!"
"Hugging Sora feels so soft and comfortable. Mana doesn't want to let go?"
"Mana you dummy, let go of me right now!"
No matter how Kasugano Sora struggled, Sumita Mana had her completely under control. Many times, being a bit forceful with Kasugano Sora would leave her at a loss, only able to sulk alone.
Hoshino Miru originally thought they would make a fuss for ages. Unexpectedly, before long, Sumita Mana turned to look at Hoshino Miru.
"Can I stay for dinner before going back today?"
Of course that was fine. Even though Kasugano Sora desperately shook her head at Hoshino Miru, he still agreed.
Sumita Mana smiled slightly. She saw Hoshino Miru's school uniform—the button was still there, the button she had given Hoshino Miru. Looking carefully, it appeared out of place.
As expected, neither Eriri nor Kasugano Sora had noticed this small detail. Was it because they had been by Hoshino Miru's side too long and gradually let down their guard?
However, Kasugano Sora had been living with Hoshino Miru for two or three months, yet nothing seemed to have happened.
Could Hoshino Miru still be persisting with that "having it both ways" idea?
Sumita Mana thought about these small details. Meanwhile, Kasugano Sora in her arms finally managed to break free from Sumita Mana's embrace.
"I don't care about you two anymore!" Kasugano Sora glared at Hoshino Miru, then ran out of the room without looking back.
Hoshino Miru sighed a bit. This little sister was throwing a tantrum again. Her way of expressing dissatisfaction was always this direct.
"Sora still has that personality."
"She doesn't dislike you."
"Mana knows. Sora equally dislikes everyone, sometimes even including her brother."
Sumita Mana looked at Hoshino Miru with a smile, suddenly leaving him speechless.
"Have you been learning guitar recently?" Sumita Mana asked out of the blue.
Hoshino Miru knew she would ask this, because his guitar was in the room with no attempt to hide it. Who would have thought she'd suddenly charge over today?
"A bit interested." Hoshino Miru didn't know how to explain—wanting to learn a new skill, or wanting to get closer to her?
However, the more he gave such seemingly candid and calm answers, the more Sumita Mana's lips curved upward, showing a hint of teasing smile, as if she had already seen through what Hoshino Miru was thinking.
"Want to let Mana listen?" Sumita Mana put both hands behind her back, her body leaning slightly forward. She just looked at Hoshino Miru like this, smiling.
Hoshino Miru could only pick up the guitar beside him. There was no reason to refuse her after playing for Eriri.
"Can I request a song?" Sumita Mana sat on the bed, sitting very properly.
"No. I'm a beginner—my repertoire is very limited." Hoshino Miru flatly refused her.
"Don't worry, the song Mana requests, you've definitely practiced." Sumita Mana said, "You know what Mana wants to hear."
Hoshino Miru sat in the chair, holding the guitar, somewhat helplessly playing a very familiar melody.
Sumita Mana listened for a bit. She gently swayed her upper body left and right, the smile on her face growing richer, looking at Hoshino Miru with eyes full of smugness at finally catching him red-handed.
Immediately after, she made a fist as if it were a microphone, holding it to her lips. Hoshino Miru heard her all-too-familiar singing voice begin.
"When our heartbeats connect into rhythm, a new song can be born 🎵"
At this moment, Hoshino Miru's guitar became her accompaniment. The entire room could hear her singing. She also seemed like she was on her usual stage, gazing into Hoshino Miru's eyes while showing a brilliant smile.
She truly deserved to be a professional-level popular idol—not only with a confident, energetic smile, but while singing, she could also make cute hand gestures from time to time, forming hearts toward Hoshino Miru.
Hoshino Miru really couldn't hold on. After finishing this song, he quickly stopped.
"This world is full of dreams that cannot be depicted by one person alone 🎵" Sumita Mana continued humming softly, somewhat puzzled at Hoshino Miru. "Why did you stop? Mana has other songs too, right?"
"Your good partner uses electric guitar. I can't play most of the rhythms." Hoshino Miru found an excuse that wasn't really an excuse.
Sumita Mana suddenly understood. She had almost forgotten about this. So she asked: "Did you teach yourself?"
"No, Toyokawa-san taught me." Hoshino Miru carefully answered. "This guitar was also a gift from a friend."
"So Shoko can play guitar too?" Sumita Mana was very surprised. However, thinking about it, Toyokawa Shoko's understanding of music theory was very unique. "If it's Shoko, it's not impossible."
"She used to play in a band. She's familiar with guitar and percussion." Hoshino Miru continued, "All my current music theory knowledge was personally taught by her."
"A band?" Sumita Mana was very interested. "Shoko never told Mana. Mana will definitely ask her next time!"
The next moment, Sumita Mana pouted again.
"If you wanted to learn, Mana could have taught you too. Plus Chuka-chan is also a guitarist."
"If you taught me, I might as well self-study."
Perhaps Hoshino Miru was too cold and heartless. Sumita Mana's cheeks puffed up almost like a squirrel's.
"Come here, come here." Sumita Mana patted the bed beside her, as if calling a little puppy. "Hurry over and sit by Mana."
Hoshino Miru began hesitating. However, seeing her gaze becoming increasingly fierce, he decided to obey.
So Hoshino Miru walked over.
Just as he sat down, without the imagined painful experience, she suddenly hugged his head, pressing it into her chest. The girl's fragrance hit his nose, his face touching something full and soft.
"Although Mana knows certain people will be very stubborn and won't tell Mana the reason, Mana won't be angry, nor will she keep asking." Sumita Mana stroked the back of his head. "Mana will just say—practicing guitar for so long must have been really hard, right?"
"Actually it wasn't that hard." Hoshino Miru's breathing was somewhat rapid. Being able to learn to this extent was all thanks to Toyokawa Shoko and Wakaba Mutsumi's efforts.
"Nonsense! Mana is also practicing piano. Would Mana not know?" Sumita Mana was somewhat angry. "In the past, to prepare for competitions, Mana had to rehearse every day, repeatedly practicing those same few lyrics. Others all thought it was Mana's good talent, but what use is good talent? Singing also requires technique, also requires desperate practice."
This world didn't lack geniuses, especially didn't lack geniuses more amazing than you. Sumita Mana always felt geniuses needed to practice even harder, otherwise they would waste this hard-won talent.
"So Mana can comfort hardworking Miru." Sumita Mana hugged Hoshino Miru even tighter. "This is comfort time. Whatever reward you want, you can tell Mana, okay?"
Hoshino Miru only felt he was almost deeply buried in her embrace. A certain pair of large bunnies kept grinding against him, carrying an especially sweet fragrance.
Hoshino Miru couldn't resist a bit. If this continued, his body would react first. He could only use his secret weapon.
[Sensitivity], double!
Instantly, Sumita Mana's body suddenly trembled. Hoshino Miru even heard her let out a strange sound.
"Ah..."
Obviously, the moment the skill took effect, Sumita Mana immediately felt the unusual sensation Hoshino Miru brought her. However, this sensation didn't make her immediately release Hoshino Miru. Instead, she instinctively hugged Hoshino Miru even tighter.
This reaction was very normal. When many people sensed danger, their first reaction was to find something to protect themselves.
PS: Long chapters seem more comfortable to write. From now on, might do long chapters—one chapter 4k-5k words. The author will see if he can add more updates.
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