Chapter 225. [Secret Relationship]

The day when Ah-nee and I caught a cold, on that night.

Increasing the number of patients would be counterproductive.

So, the decision was made that Ah-nee and I would use separate beds.

By now, Mai and Angu Ogu must be sleeping together on the living room sofa.

In other words, I’m alone in my room now.

“Ugh, can’t sleep.”

Since waking up in the middle of the night, I found it hard to fall asleep.

The room is so silent that even my own breathing seems to echo.

“Sigh. I’ve been affected quite a bit too.”

Until the day before yesterday, Angu Ogu would always be by my side when I slept.

Since Ah-nee and Mai arrived, every day has been quite chaotic.

So, this unusually quiet environment felt unsettling rather than calming.

Even though I used to wish for quiet when everyone was around.

Checking the clock in the faint moonlight, I sighed.

“Everyone must be asleep by this time.”

I never thought there would come a time when I’d feel like this.

I’m yearning for someone to be by my side.

“No, no, it must be just a momentary weakness.”

Probably because I caught a cold and became a bit pessimistic.

At such times, one tends to long for human presence.

“…Huh!? Wait, is this what they call ASMR streaming for situations like this!?”

I felt a sudden revelation, as if struck by lightning.

After all, there’s no other streaming that makes me feel so close to my favorite.

And with my favorite around, there’s no time to feel sad.

Indeed, VTubers always guide me to the answers!

“Since I’m here, let’s enjoy the hidden situation voices were available for download.”

With newfound determination, I reached for my smartphone.

Click.

The sound of the door opening echoed.

I quickly withdrew my hand and pretended to be asleep.

That was close, dangerously close.

If I had been a bit slower, I might have been scolded for not resting properly.

After all, my favorite has a healing effect!

I’ve been saying that for a long time, but still, no one believes me.

“…”

Footsteps approached.

They’re probably coming to check on my condition.

In that case, they should leave soon.

It’s better to pretend to be asleep and enjoy ASMR once they’re gone.

That was the plan, but…

“!?!”

The sound of the bed creaking.

Someone was getting into the bed. They pressed their body against mine from behind.

“Haa…”

“Huuh!”

A warm breath brushed against my neck.

Not only that, but our bodies were rubbing against each other.

Wait, could this be a crisis of chastity!?

“Iroha-chan…”

A whisper tickled my ear.

My heart skipped a beat.

“Huh…huhhh!”

I had been desperately suppressing my voice, but they didn’t leave even after a few minutes.

It’s too much!

“Why are you attacking a defenseless sleeper like me!”

“Hyaa!?”

I quickly sat up and pushed down the person who had been hugging me.

In the darkness, I looked down at her.

The moonlight revealed a flushed face—it was Ah-nee.

“What on earth are you doing, Ah-nee?”

“Uh, wait!? No, this is not what it looks like!? Also, when did Iroha-chan wake up!?”

“From the beginning.”

“Y-you tricked me!?”

What’s with the misleading accusation? How unbecoming.

Honestly, even Mai and Angu Ogu never went so far as to attack me while I slept.

Very disappointing. I never expected a criminal to emerge from my own family.

She needs to reflect on this properly.

“Tell me what you were trying to do, honestly.”

“I-Iroha-chan… your face is so close.”

“Just tell me.”

“Well, um… I was just looking for a comfortable sleeping position.”

I stared at her response…

It really doesn’t seem like that’s the case.

“Sorry, Ah-nee. It seems my mind was corrupted by Mai and Angu Ogu!”

Or maybe it’s all their fault.

Because of them, I misunderstood and thought it was going in that direction.

But wait.

Ah-nee is the same as me, huh?

“…Alright.”

“Huh?”

Everyone has days when they feel that way occasionally.

Maybe it’s because Ah-nee, who is usually carefree, experiences a strong reaction in the opposite direction.

So…

“It’s fine if you lean on me. However…”

“—Only when we’re alone, okay?”

“?!?!?!”

I whispered to Ah-nee. Obviously, I didn’t want a repeat of yesterday’s incident in front of Mai and Angu Ogu.

It could lead to misunderstandings, and it’s troublesome for everyone… including me.

So, only when we’re alone.

That’s what I meant, but…

“Al-alone?! A-ah, a-awawawa… Kyuuun.”

“Ah-nee? Ah-neeee~!?”

Ah-nee fainted, her eyes rolling back.

Why all of a sudden!? Maybe she’s still not feeling well!?

Thanks to the door being left open, my scream reached them.

The hurried footsteps of two people approached.

“Iroha-chan~!? W-w-what happened!?”

“Iroha, what on earth is going on!?”

Mai and Angu Ogu appeared and then froze.

I hurriedly sought their help.

“Mai, Ogu! I’m glad you came! Actually, Ah-nee suddenly fainted!”

“…Why is onee-chan in Iroha-chan’s room?”

“…And why are you pinning down Anego?”

“Ah.”

“Iroha-chan~?” “Iroha~?”

“Calm down. I’m sick… Gyaaaah!?”

That day, we were severely scolded by the landlady for being a nuisance to the neighborhood.