It's been six months since Miyu came to our family.
April, when cherry blossoms are in full bloom everywhere.
It really feels like time flew by in an instant.
Miyu and I successfully enrolled in our first-choice school, Kuoh Academy.
Kuoh Academy was originally an all-girls school, but it became co-ed a few years ago, so the ratio of girls is still relatively high.
To be honest, that was part of my motivation for choosing this school.
A school life surrounded by girls!
It's every guy's dream!
---
"Hey, Issei. So this is where you were."
"Oh, Miyu's here too. Why does Issei get such a cute little sister? He's just as perverted as the rest of us…"
The ones who approached us now are my old troublemaker friends.
The bald one is Matsuda, and the one with glasses is Motohama.
Like me, they're infamous for being perverts and are often disliked by the girls, but at their core, they're good guys who care about their friends.
"Having a little sister has nothing to do with being perverted."
I counter Motohama's statement.
Yeah, I'm not wrong.
Sure, she's a cute little sister, but that has nothing to do with being perverted.
But these guys suddenly got fired up.
"We know that! We're just jealous!"
"And you, after last summer break, you were super buff! Plus, you grew taller all of a sudden! Ever since then, the girls' reactions to you have changed!"
"Yeah! What about our 'No-Girls Alliance'!? It's totally unfair that you, who's just as perverted as us, is getting all the attention!"
They say that and try to punch me at the same time!
What else could I do? I had to train to survive!
Plus, I grew three years' worth of height!
Well, there's no way I can explain that to these guys.
For now, I deflect their punches with my palms.
Thud! Thud!
Ah, Matsuda and Motohama ended up hitting each other perfectly.
As they crouch down, holding their noses, Miyu calls out to them.
"Are you okay? Matsuda-kun, Motohama-kun."
"Miyu, they'll be fine. No need to worry."
Even as I say that, Miyu wipes their noses for them.
Miyu is really kind.
My two troublemaker friends are moved to tears, not by Miyu's kindness, but by the fact that a beautiful girl is taking care of them.
"Ugh… Miyu-chan's kindness is so heartwarming."
"Unlike that traitor, Issei."
Do you have to go that far, Motohama!?
I didn't betray anyone!
…Well, it's true that I'm more popular with the girls than these guys.
"You three should head to the classroom soon, or you'll be late on the first day."
For now, I lead the three of them to the classroom.
---
Today was just a slightly longer homeroom, so there were no classes, and we were dismissed at noon.
By the way, Miyu and I are in the same class.
Honestly, I got lucky.
Even after six months, Miyu still has some insecurities, so it's easier to support her this way.
To add to that, Matsuda and Motohama are also in the same class.
Well, they get along well with Miyu, so they'll probably help out too.
I guess you could say I got lucky with that too.
…But if they try anything with Miyu, big bro's gonna get mad♪
Anyway, maybe I'll go get lunch with Miyu.
Since Mom overslept today, we don't have lunch boxes, so we're planning to go to the cafeteria…
"Huh… Where's Miyu?"
As I look around the classroom, I see a crowd gathered.
Wondering what's going on, I approach the crowd—and find Miyu surrounded by boys, being bombarded with questions.
Hmm, Miyu's beauty has already made her the center of attention among the boys.
As her big brother, I should step in and help her.
"Hey, Miyu! Let's go get lunch!"
"Ah, big bro! Sorry, everyone. Big bro's calling me, so I'll be going now."
"""Big bro!?"""
The entire class's voices merge into one at Miyu's words.
Then, a girl nearby asks me,
"Um, Hyoudou-kun? I was curious during roll call too, but are you and Miyu-san twins?"
I see.
People who don't know the situation would think that.
We have the same last name, and we were chatting happily before homeroom started.
I smile wryly and answer,
"No, we're not twins. Miyu and I are step-siblings. Due to some circumstances, Miyu became our adopted daughter, so we're not related by blood."
As I say that, time seems to freeze in the classroom.
A few seconds later…
"""Whaaaaaat!?"""
The entire class's voices merge into one again!
Is it really that surprising!?
"I'm so jealous, Hyoudou!"
"Yeah! Trade sisters with me! I'll take that cheeky little sister of mine any day!"
The boys in the class start shouting at me.
Who's gonna trade with you!?
And I don't even know your sister!
Looking over at Miyu, I see she's surrounded by girls.
"That's so nice! Even if he's a pervert, I want a cool big brother like that too!"
"Hey, Miyu-san, trade my idiot brother for yours!"
Why do they already know I'm a pervert on the first day!?
But honestly, I'm happy with the girls' reactions!
""Die, you traitor!""
Oops, Matsuda and Motohama are trying to punch me again.
Well, I'll just deflect them.
"U-um… uh…"
Crap, Miyu's completely frozen!
Steam's coming out of her head!
She's overwhelmed by the barrage of questions!
I grab Miyu's arm and quickly dash out of the classroom.