Suō Yuki's "Original Flavor"
After dinner, Kūjō Ryō had a short video call with his beautiful homeroom teacher.
Because the new term had just started, Kirisu Mafuyu was busy. They did not talk for long before she hung up to focus on lesson planning.
At exactly nine o'clock, another video call came in.
It was from Yoshino Ruru.
Ryō tapped to accept, and a face so pretty it felt unfair filled the screen.
"Ryō, long time no see. Did you miss your big sister?"
Yoshino Ruru looked like she had just finished bathing. Her skin still carried a soft glow, and her hair was loosely draped over her shoulders.
"It has not even been a full day," Ryō replied flatly.
His focus clearly was not entirely there.
They say that when you stare into the abyss, the abyss stares back at you.
"One day apart feels like three years," she said dramatically. "Ryō, you are so heartless."
She leaned closer to the camera, clearly enjoying his reaction.
Ryō coughed lightly and forced himself to stay composed.
"I was just thinking about something else. Got distracted."
Yoshino Ruru tilted her phone slightly, clearly aware of the effect she was having.
Ryō said nothing.
They chatted like that for nearly half an hour. What exactly they talked about, Ryō barely remembered. His mind was already overloaded.
After hanging up, he leaned back and took a deep breath.
"I really need a moment to cool down."
Unfortunately, someone else had no intention of letting him rest.
Only a few minutes later, his phone rang again.
This time, Suō Yuki's energetic face appeared on the screen.
"Onii-chan, good evening."
She was lying on her bed, chin resting on her arms, looking up at the camera with bright eyes.
"Evening," Ryō replied. "Did you finish your homework?"
Yuki puffed out her cheeks. "You really do not know how to set the mood."
Ryō rubbed his temples. "Sorry. I am exhausted. My head feels a little light."
Her expression instantly turned serious.
"Are you okay? Do you want me to bring you some medicine?"
"I am fine," Ryō said quickly. "Just tired."
Yuki narrowed her eyes. "Let me guess. Yoshino Ruru contacted you, right?"
Ryō blinked. "How did you know?"
"So it really was her."
Yuki looked oddly conflicted. She had guessed correctly, but instead of feeling satisfied, her chest felt tight.
She clenched her fists.
"I knew it. That unfair advantage of hers. Just because she is older, she acts like she owns the field."
Ryō almost laughed but held it in.
"Yuki, you really do not need to compare yourself like that. You are cute just the way you are."
Her voice wavered. "Easy for you to say. You like confident people. If I do not grow up faster, you might really be taken away."
Ryō sighed and spoke seriously.
"I am not going anywhere that easily. Besides, everyone has their own charm."
Yuki stared at him for a moment, then muttered, "You really are hopeless."
Still, her mood clearly improved.
After chatting for a while longer, Yuki suddenly smiled mischievously.
"Oh, right. I forgot to tell you something."
"What is it?"
"I left some clothes in my room earlier. Totally forgot to wash them," she said casually. "Onii-chan, you would not do anything strange with them, right?"
Ryō answered without hesitation.
"I already put them in the washing machine."
Yuki laughed. "So serious."
"Self-preservation," Ryō replied.
They exchanged good nights, and Ryō ended the call.
He walked into Yuki's room, picked up the neatly folded clothes without a second thought, and tossed them straight into the washer.
He paused for a moment, then shook his head.
"Curiosity leads to ruin."
A moment later, a system notification appeared.
"Successfully resisted temptation. Reward: +1 point. Current total points: 9."
Ryō smiled faintly and closed the laundry room door.