Side One Hundred And Fifty-Two – Oshiro Sapphire Aiko

Side One Hundred And Fifty-Two – Oshiro Sapphire Aiko

I watched the large room, on a par with the size of our whole house back in Nishimorioka, as it started to seem small, so crowded with people it was. Bro’s house sure is something. But then, ours is hardly modest. Wow, to think this day would come. I mean, I had thought bro was rich after Las Vegas, but... to reach this level. As his beloved little sister, I was feeling a twinge of pride in my chest, and my eyes felt hot. I’m here. I’m finally a part of everything. Taking part in important events, together with everyone...

“You can sit with us, Tsukiko-chan. Unless you want to sit with some of Aki’s other girls?” mom was saying to the beautiful, slightly otherworldly woman who bro had somehow brought back from the dead. I’m so happy though. Bro may never let go of the guilt of those who died in the first battle of Kyoto, but now that Eri’s healed and Tsukiko-chan is back, at least his worst sorrows are over with.

“I do not mind sitting with you.” she said softly, and my mom squealed in delight.

“Oh that’s so adorable. Hana, this is a battlefield, our battlefield! You too, Nagi... oh, is that a bit forward of me? Maybe I should call you Nagi-san...”

“No, it’s fine. After all...” The woman who looked like a pretty older version of Kana-chan said with a charming little laugh. “...our children will be getting married. There’s no need for excessive formalities.” She looked over fondly at where Kana-chan was, along with Marika-chan, Keomi-chan, two sisters I didn’t recognise, as well as one girl who looked a little out of place. Sana-chan, right?

“Yes, we, the mother-in-law group, have a role to fulfil!” mom said enthusiastically. “The alcohol is out, ready to drink, and we have juice and tea for the younger party. Food is almost ready, and snacks are on hand. Our fight is to make sure this party, to celebrate Aki’s talk show, goes well!”

“You’re not a mother-in-law, Emi...” auntie sighed. “Unless you are letting little Ai marry her brother. Then you might know how I feel.”

Wow! My face flared red at her tired, exasperated comeback to mom. No, no way! Me and bro totally aren’t like that! Mom laughed too. “Now come on, Hana, don’t be like that. Though...” she turned to look at me, and I shook my head, mortified. “Yes, there’s no way. Aki and Ai are totally normal. Just... very close. Now, setting that aside...” she turned back to Tsukiko-chan. “Your parents, we’ll have to get to know them too. How do you think they will react?”

“It is hard to predict. Our relationship was not one of parents and child, I am afraid. They treated me more as an object of worship, so...”

Turning away from that sad conversation, trusting that my bro could sort everything out if given enough time, I looked over at Shiro, who was with her friends. That odd American girl who kept claiming she was Japanese, Suzu-chan, was there, a lollipop in her mouth as always. That hair though. It’s so classic it hurts. It must take her hours and a lot of hairspray and styling wax to get it so perfect...

“Man, Aki has all the luck. The girl to guy ratio is awfully high here.” My bro’s friend Yasu-san was saying, looking around.

“Sure, but they are either on the young side, or already taken. So just suck it up.” Another man, Shugo-san, slapped him on the shoulder reassuringly.

“I won’t hear that from someone dating a hot teacher!” Yasu-san howled, before turning to an older woman who was sitting with their group, dressed in a rather smart blouse and business-like skirt. “Console me, Karen-chan! You know the pain of being single, right?”

“That’s a little hurtful, Yasu-san.” Karen-chan said, and I screamed internally. It’s no wonder you’re single! You can’t say that to an older woman. Though she looks great for her age. Wait, are you flirting with her? If so, you need to work on your game, my bro’s way smoother than... damn, when did calling my bro a virgin loser turn into my being proud of his charm?

“He didn’t mean it.” Aimi-chan, the short woman with the large chest giggled. “Besides, I’m pretty certain you could get a guy easy enough. A good-looking woman like you, stable job, good wages...”

“Yes, though the promise of no overtime except in exceptional circumstances was a lie.” Karen-chan sighed. “The difference is, yes, my bank balance is healthy at least.”

“Please stop embarrassing me, Yasu-kun.” Hisano-chan, his cute younger cousin said with a sigh. Today she was in a pastel blue dress with a long skirt, her hair done tidily in braids. She looks cute in glasses. Glasses do suit a certain sort of girl. Oh no, I sound like a dirty old man. Bro must be rubbing off on me...

Dad and uncle were hanging around the booze with Kana-chan’s father and the handsome one of my bro’s friends, Hayato-kun. They were talking boring business, so I decided to give them a wide berth. Besides, if I sit with dad, no booze for me!

No, the most interesting group was as always, the group of my bro’s girlfriends. Especially today, as in addition to Shaeula’s friend Ichika-chan, who seemed to be an ordinary, if rather cute, university student, and seemed a bit ill at ease, we had another couple of guests. It’s stuff like this I was missing out on being stuck in Nishimorioka. Don’t worry Yae-chan, Rika-chan, in a few months you too can follow your dreams!

“It’s my day off. I wanted to spend it sleeping.” Another pretty young woman yawned. “The Detective is always making me work long hours. I’m sick of it. Maybe there’s some job opportunities working for Oshiro-san?” Apparently she was a policewoman. But even she was eclipsed by the other guest, who I had met just yesterday. She tilted her head curiously, the golden coins in her hair jingling and chiming, as she asked a curious question.

“So you are a defender of the peace? A Way-Warden, then? A noble calling.”

“A what now?” the policewoman, Usui-chan, said, confused. “Oh, I get it, she’s one of you, right?” She rolled her eyes at Shaeula, who snorted some laughter.

“Indeed-indeed. You are quite correct. This is Princess Ffionnan of the Seelie Court, and most-most noble visitor. Do please excuse her curiosity and lack-lack of knowledge. She is not-not as versed in the ways of the mortal world as I!” Shaeula stuck out her modest chest as she boasted, only for Eri to puncture her pomposity.

“You’re hardly an expert, Shaeula. You’ve just been here a bit longer is all. Your knowledge is a bit biased towards Akio’s tastes and what you’ve done together.”

As the other girls laughed, Hinata-chan finding that especially amusing, her bodyguard, the quiet Kazumi-chan covering her own smile with a hand, Shaeula started to protest. Strolling over, I sat down, as there was a good view of the large projector screen that had been set up so that we could all watch my bro.

“Yeah, you’re always saying something odd, Shaeula.” I teased. “But you’re still adorable.” I turned to Usui-chan. “So yeah, this one’s having her first trip to the Material today. Apparently it was just her as it put that Chinese girl to near-exhaustion moving her over. That slutty fox wanted to come too, but fortunately she missed out. I think she’s still bothering Shaeula’s parents, right?” And my bro’s Astral body is still there, too. At the nod from her, I continued. “So, how was it, Princess? Suitably impressed? Ready to scale up that investment?”

“I have seen many interesting things.” Ffionnan grinned, eyes bright. “Through I still am not quite sure what you mean by watching your brother. He is not here. Some sort of magic mirror? The magic carriage that brought us here was very luxurious, I would like one for my own. And this mansion is rather humble, but it seems high quality...” as she continued talking, I frowned. Humble? Guess she is a Princess after all then, to me this place is a palace! I remembered what Shaeula said, that I would have to help her if Ffionnan caused any trouble, though if it came to that all we had to do was protect everyone, as she would wear out the power that had sent her here quickly if she exerted herself. No, not letting that happen. If my bro comes home to a trashed house and injured friends and girlfriends he’d be devastated...

“All right then.” Dad spoke loudly, drawing everyone’s attention. “I believe it is due to start, so if we could all be paying attention?”

The projector was turned on, and suddenly the screen lit up. Ffionnan clapped her hands in amusement, watching keenly, and I settled down to watch too, eager to see just what my bro would say, and how he’d look, in front of the world...

********

“So, you’ve stated in a prior interview that your ideal man is Oshiro Akio, the hero of Britain. Won’t your fans be heartbroken to hear that, Kanzaki-chan?” one of the presenters asked, and I rolled my eyes. I knew it was going to be this, when I read that magazine article back in Nishimorioka.

“Oh no, my boy Aki is so sinful, charming idols now!” mom gushed, embarrassing me, and auntie too. “Ai, do you think Aki will scoop her up as well?”

“It’s a dangerous thing to say...” Suzu-chan said suddenly, her blue eyes hard. “Even a hint of a relationship is taboo to idols. That’s why I’m always pure and without any scandals!”

“Sure, that’s why you’re squatting in Aki’s spare house.” Shiro snorted. “But whatever, that’s good. I don’t want you bothering Aki.”

“Yeah, now I’m pissed off.” Yasu-san complained. “You know how I love the forty-eight! We’ve seen them in Akiba a number of times, right? You get it, right Shugo-kun?”

“Don’t rope me into it.” He protested.

As the idol, who was pretty, if not my favourite from that particular group continued calling my bro a classic Japanese hunk, which even made me blush, I looked to see Eri grinding her teeth. If she was in her cute cat form, she’d be lashing her tail, ears flat against her skull...

“I prefer Red and White.” Kana-chan said sourly, and Hisano-chan agreed.

“Yasu-kun, please stop being embarrassing. I don’t think that an idol is anything special, compared to the girls here already. Besides, it’s just all talk. Suzu-san here...” she frowned, not being overly comfortable at calling a girl she didn’t know by her first name, though the blonde girl wouldn’t give any family name so we had no choice. “...is right. It’s just a talking point. No, it might be true, but if she did start dating anyone, never mind someone as suddenly high profile as Akio-san, it’d be the end of her career. Male idol fans are ruthless.” She shuddered.

“Maybe so...” Hayato-san said, thinking. “We’re...” he looked at the other adults in the room and changed his phrasing. “...people with slightly more niche hobbies than others, so we know how trashy the most rabid otaku can be, but do you think Akio-kun would stand for that now? I think he’d hit back. But...”

As they discussed the idol, she continued to talk up my bro, before the moment we had all been waiting for arrived, as my bro and the woman who was Shiro’s friend, Arisu-san, came out. I wasn’t the only one surprised.

“Simply gorgeous. That red dress...” dad said, drawing a funny look from mother, forcing him to reply defensively. “It is true. She carriers herself with excellent poise and grace and is unmistakably beautiful. You agree, Junpei, Izumi-san?” The two men were smart enough to feign disinterest, and I held in a giggle at seeing a slightly different side of dad.

“Yeah, Arisu is insanely beautiful. Not as good as me...” Shiro grinned, stretching, her slim yet buxom body in her tight t-shirt making me think my bro was a lucky dog. “But then, aside from Tsukiko, who is? She doesn’t lose to anyone else, and being honest, her attitude makes her ten times hotter. Nobody does ice queen like she does.”

“Should you be talking about her like that, boss?” Suzu-chan laughed. “If she hears you she’ll get mad. Besides shouldn’t you have eyes for someone else?”

“True.” Shiro agreed, but it was the young-looking Keomi-chan who spoke first. She was accompanied as always by the silent Hotene-san, the two of them having become closer since their near-death experiences in Kyoto.

“Big brother Akio-kun looks handsome, right Kana-chan?” she gushed cheerfully. “I bet you noticed, you’re always looking at him. How far have you gone, have you kissed?”

I’m glad she’s largely recovered. I hear Haru-chan helped with her light. She’s not here today, apparently she had work. A shame, I like her a lot... Kana-chan obviously felt the same for her cousin, as despite her annoyed expression, I could see happiness in her brown eyes. “Of course I’ve kissed...” she looked at her parents, face a little red. “I’m not a little girl. Next you’ll be asking me if I’ve held hands...”

“I’m jealous, Kan-Kan.” One of the sisters with her said, using a cutesy nickname, and one that I was going to love teasing her with later, and judging by the expression on Eri’s face, she had the same idea.

“Yes, me too.” The other sister agreed. They looked like high schoolers as well, my age maybe, or a year younger perhaps. Not bad looks either, and very similar, if not twins, then certainly they could pass for them. “We missed out on all the fun at the start, since you picked Keomi-chan. But now we get to take part. Us Shirohebizumi shrine maidens have to stick together!”

“You only did it as a part time job...” Kana complained. “Besides, it wasn’t all fun and games.” As the introductions on the TV were continuing, Kana sighed. “Yeah, I’ll be honest, he looks really good dressed up like that. I always said I would have a rich, hot older guy to take care of me. I got all that, Izumi Kana keeps her word.”

“Shame about the other girls, eh Kan-Kan? But what can you do?” the first sister giggled again, before she was shushed, as the next question was asked of my bro and Arisu-san.

“Their relationship, huh?” I said, into a sudden silence. There was a tension in the air, especially from Shiro, who was watching intently.

“We’re good friends. Arisu-san and I are simply that.” My bro said, and as Arisu-san agreed, though making it sound colder than it was, Shiro relaxed.

“Damn, worried for a moment there. I don’t know what I’d do if Aki decided to say he liked her then.”

“Why?” Eri said acerbically. “I thought you were on my side at first, not wanting to share, but now you go along with all of Shaeula’s schemes.” At those words Hinata-chan snorted a laugh, and Eri looked at her until the younger girl looked away, flushed. “That’s suspicious too.” Eri continued. “So, I’d have thought you’d have been pushing for her. I have to admit she’s beautiful, and very talented too, isn’t she?”

“Yeah, you’d think.” Shiro agreed. “It’s not that I love sharing, but... I have no choice, do I? He’d never get rid of you for me, would he Eri? Let alone the others. So if I have to share, I’m going to take pride in sharing the best there is. But Arisu... uh, I’m confident I can hold my own against anyone, but if Aki was interested in her... she’d have him eating out of her hands in no time.”

“That’s a cute side of you we don’t often see.” The quiet girl wearing glasses, Hina-chan said, amused.

“Yeah, I know it doesn’t suit me.” Shiro pouted. “But... oh well, I think we’re safe!”

The adults were drinking, and when dad wasn’t looking I snagged a beer. Mom and auntie saw and merely smiled at me, urging me to be sensible, and I cracked the ring pull, taking a swig. Bitter. But not totally unpleasant. Besides... other than final exams, I’m a free Tokyo adult now! I deserve a beer.

There were the usual safe questions about Akio’s girls next, and he freely admitted to eleven. That made my dad sour, and he wasn’t the only one, uncle and auntie looking a touch aggrieved, but they were resigned to it now, at least, and despite their grumbles, so long as Eri was happy, we all knew they’d support us.

“I see everyone is accounted for. No surprises then?” dad asked, having been through it just as we had.

“Not for now, we had a talk with Akio last night.” Motoko-chan said. She was sitting very properly in seiza, as was Natsumi-chan beside her, though Hinata-chan was much more relaxed, legs lounging out much like how I was sitting. “He will properly consider his own feelings, the feelings of others, and our feelings, without letting his misconceptions about things like arrangements and political gain sway him.”

“Yes, he should pick from the heart.” Natsumi-chan agreed, though her face was red.

“Last night, huh?” I said, looking at Hinata-chan. “While I was out at an important event, you were... you did, right?”

Hinata-chan nodded, giggling. “Yes, I am the same as the others now. Except for poor Kana and Tsukiko. Though Akio will open his arms at any time.”

“It’s a great failure as a bodyguard.” Kazumi-chan spoke up ruefully. “I should have died rather than allow Hinata to be deflowered before her marriage, but...”

“Oh, stop being so dramatic. That only applies when I don’t have parental consent. Even the Three Grandfathers wouldn’t criticise me. Besides, you know I’m going to marry Akio. From now on, you’ll stay by my side as always. Though you might need to look away a few times.” She flushed a rosy pink with a radiant smile.

I rolled my eyes. Yeah, Hinata-chan is totally cute, funny and rich. No wonder my bro wanted to do her. But... it makes me feel a bit awkward, since she’s younger than me. Oh, come to think of it, Motoko-chan and Natsumi-chan are too. They don’t feel it though, unlike Hinata-chan...

I was then snapped out of my thoughts by an incredibly rude question from the male host, accusing my bro of twisting the laws to favour himself. I wasn’t the only one who was angry.

“That’s rubbish.” Karen-chan said. “And I would know. The amount of work I’ve put in even though I’m not a part of the Ministry... sure, some of the terms are favourable, but not just to Akio-kun, but for all the Chosen. There’s only one thing he did through true self-interest...” she looked over at the girls.

“Yes, even the agreement to protect listed Territories does not-not benefit Akio, in fact it is quite-quite the hindrance.” Shaeula agreed. “With our strength and numbers we could easily defeat most-most Territories we come across. As for what you mean, Karen... that is not-not self-interest, but merely Akio trying to please us.”

“And you think that’s not self-interest?” Karen-chan exclaimed, and I agreed with her. Yeah, you’ll never convince any of them, Karen-chan. Best let it go.

“I believe that learning martial arts would be advisable.” Motoko-chan agreed. “I would be more than happy to teach everyone Tsumura...” Her eyes narrowed suddenly, the words the presenter on screen was speaking cutting her off. What the hell? You can’t say that to my bro? You bastard!

“Such shocking insolence.” Ffionnan observed. “Should you be allowing a commoner to slander your chosen consort that way?”

Shaeula shook her head, amber eyes narrowed coldly. “No, we should not-not. Hinata...”

“I know. That worthless fool. I will crush him and FujiTV too to make a point. I don’t care how much it costs, nobody gets away with talking about Akio like that!”

“Please calm down.” mom said. “I hate seeing my Aki being accused like that. It’s not a fair question, but... honestly, do you think that the public won’t think the same thing? People are shallow. That said, I do approve of teaching that jerk a lesson!”

“Way to lose my respect there mom.” I sniggered. “But yeah, what’s so wrong with getting paid for helping people? The rich always get more, that’s just the way of the world.”

“Arisu-chan is very angry.” Suzu-chan giggled, watching, her blue eyes guileless and entertained. “He’s poked the hornet’s nest, right boss?”

“Yeah, the fact that they are live on TV is probably the reason she’s not crushed him to a bloody mess. No, that’s not fair.” Shiro amended. “Arisu has calmed down a little lately, now her situation has improved. But not enough to get me to risk angering her.”

“I have to take this call.” Hinata-chan said, her phone ringing. My bro had said he was calling someone, and it seemed like it was Hinata-chan. “Those jerks.” Hinata cried after picking up. “Grandfather will be complaining to the station, I’ll get grandfather Itsuki to as well! The sheer nerve of them!”

“Calm down.” Natsumi-chan said, as did her silent bodyguard Kazumi-chan. That was echoed by mom and Karen-chan, as well as Usui-san, who was merely enjoying some good alcohol, watching us silently, letting her hair down after a hard day at work. “There’s no point getting angry. They can hear us...” Natsumi-chan pointed at the TV, and Hinata-chan blushed. Damn she’s cute. Even cuter today. My bro may be snatching young girls, but at least he’s got good taste...

“We’re viewers too, we can write in and complain, right?” Yasu-san was saying, annoyed. “Shugo-kun, Hayato-kun, you’re with me, right? Aimi-chan, Hina-chan... we’ll write a complaint letter so furious the heavens will tremble!”

As Hisano-chan tried to calm him down, I smiled. They are friends after all. I’m glad to know even my bro managed to make good ones when he left home. My bro was speaking on TV, and Hinata was listening intently.

“I’ll do that.” Hinata-chan promised. “And quickly too, I don’t want to miss anything. Arisugawa-san is rather fiery. I almost feel sorry for those fools. Not that it’ll stop me destroying them. Oh... by the way, Kana says she’s embarrassed at you calling out to her on live TV, but she definitely wants that date.”

“I do, but... please, everyone can hear! I’m dying! How will I manage at school tomorrow?” Kana-chan cried out.

“Love you! Goodbye!” Hinata-chan said cheerily, before turning to her bodyguard. “Kazumi, you know where those documents are? I moved copies of everything useful to the mansion in advance. I guess I’m far-sighted.” she boasted proudly.

“Yes, I know. I’ll get them.” As Kazumi-chan raced off, Hinata-chan was bombarded by curious gazes. Meanwhile, Arisu-san was crushing the presenter to a bloody mess, verbally, at least.

“I would have warned him...” Suzu-chan giggled. “She’s really angry.”

“So, what are you talking about?” Eri asked, curious. “What documents does Akio want?”

“It’s simple.” Hinata-chan shrugged. “Akio’s a soft-hearted man. I don’t hate it, I do sometimes wish he’d be a little more selfish though. Why do you think he’s making money? The first reason is obvious.” Hinata looked at me, and then at Eri and our families. “He wants you to have a good life, comfortable, able to do whatever you want. He’s achieved that.”

“Yes, I feel ashamed taking support from my son, but... Akio was right. It does not matter who achieves the goal, so long as the family is protected.” Dad praised my bro again. Maybe you should say it to his face more? Wow, no, that’s not it. I’m guessing he can say it because bro isn’t here. Men.

“So then, what’s the second reason? It’s simple.” Hinata-chan asked.

“Territory, of course.” Shiro muttered. “It’s like your shrine, right Kana?”

Kana-chan nodded. “Yeah, it’s become a lot easier to train there ever since we signed it over to Akio. So... he wants to consolidate as much of the land under his Territory as possible.”

“Because as the Territory improves, it becomes ever more integrated with what we see as reality.” Shiro pointed out, and I was once more impressed by her knowledge. Tan’s knowledge, I guess. Really, I don’t get how that works, sharing a body... especially since Shiro seems a bit like Eri and Shaeula, eager to jump my bro at every opportunity...

“So yes, he needs the money, but it’s hardly greed.” Hinata-chan said as Kazumi-chan returned, having faxed over the documents. “So of course, being kind-hearted, yet also not an idiot, who knows there’s a limit, he planned to offer healing to those in need, every time he did it for gain. To soothe his conscience. Of course, this was planned back when everything was still secret, but now it’s out in public...”

“Yeah, shit. It’s why I can’t stay mad at Akio-kun, despite the fact he’s rubbing my face in his conquests.” Yasu-san sighed. On TV, Arisu-san was ruthlessly crushing the anchors, while Kanzaki-chan, the famous idol, was clapping and smiling. Ugh, I thought she was putting on an act before, but I’m seriously worried she might be won over by my bro now. Wait, why am I worried? I’m the only one who gets to enjoy this! There’s one more thing though...

“Cheer up.” Karen-chan said. “Comparing yourself to Akio-kun is like poor workers like me comparing myself to Hinata-chan here. That way lies disappointment, as I said earlier, it’s just the thief of joy. Although...”

“Yes, I think you get paid pretty decently, Karen-chan.” Sana-chan laughed. “Even my deadbeat dad has totes changed. He thinks he can move to a new place soon, one that doesn’t totes stink of sad and lonely.”

“Company housing.” Hinata-chan laughed. “Factory first, then securing the Shrine and this estate. After that, the next construction problem is knocking down the old buildings on the land my grandfather bought and building clean, modern housing complexes. So yes, no sad and lonely, only nice, clean and environmentally pleasant. After all, we can’t be upsetting our Dryad, or other Fae visitors, can we?”

“I appreciate it. Akio promised he would make the world bloom, both worlds.” Asha touched her belly, and mom’s eyes sharpened. Uh...

“Oho, I smell a profit.” Ffionnan rubbed her hands together gleefully, golden hair beads and ornaments clinking.

“Yeah, you’re a wise woman, Karen-chan.” Yasu-san said. “So... uh, you like... well...”

“Spit it out.” Shugo-san laughed.

“So, you fancy a drink after this? My treat.” Yasu-san said, and Karen-chan looked him up and down.

“You know I’m a Christmas cake, right? Past my best.” she said, a touch of irritation in her tone.

“That’s not true.” Yasu-san shook his head. “I think you’re a bit down on yourself too, Karen-chan. Look in the mirror. You’re still damn hot. Your rack is something special... uh...”

“Trust Yasu-kun to blow it at the end there.” Aimi-chan laughed, and Hina-chan pushed her glasses up, frowning.

“Yes, though somehow that’s reassuring. Besides...” she narrowed her eyes, as Karen-chan was silent, before her frown turned into a smile.

“You know, you are Akio-kun’s friend. When I used to stand outside my flat after work, his eyes would always stray to my chest, and I’d catch him blushing as he saw my bra through it. It was kind of cute. Now... well, who can compete with what he already has?” she laughed. “Honestly, I’m grateful to Akio-kun. He saved me in the worst times of my life. Guess I’m a damsel in distress too. But I’m also a realist.” She chugged her beer. “I’m happy on the side-lines. I want to see how this all ends, but unlike you younger girls, I’ve not got the confidence to step in so deeply. So I’ll get my enjoyment from supporting you all. I like my new job, no matter how I grumble, and... it’s not about the money. I get it. Why Arisu-san is ripping that guy to shreds... uh, whoa, that guy’s a moron. Trying to blame them for stirring up religious tension after London is just so shitty... anyway, where was I? Yeah... I think Akio-kun’s happiest now he’s finally his true self. Like you said, he’s had a need to be a hero since he’s young. Even his name, right?”

“Yes, I’ve got excellent taste! Akio, bright hero.” Mom said, giggling. “Mothers always know best!”

“Now he gets to fulfil that dream. It’s no wonder girls fall for him, Yasu-kun.” She changed her manner of address for the man. “But not everyone he saves will feel the need to cling to him. And not every girl needs a saviour. I’m past thirty now, but... honestly, when I look in the mirror, I’d believe I was in my early twenties. Chirurgery really is amazing.”

“Yeah, but you have to look good to start with.” Yasu-san said, and unlike normal, he wasn’t being crude. “Sorry about the comment, but... you have a rocking body, you know?”

“Oh god, you were just doing so well...” Aimi-chan covered her face in despair.

“I’m more than just that, I hope.” Karen-chan laughed, seeming not to care. “But it’s nice to be appreciated. I’ve had bad luck with men. So yeah, I could use a drink after this. I’ll let you take me out, Yasu-kun. But bear in mind, I’m not an easy woman. Whether I’m interested in Akio-kun or not, he’s the man who sets the standard.”

“Yeah, I get it. Jealousy’s an ugly thing. But my heart and soul screams out at the unfairness of monopoly. Maybe I’ll start my own harem...” he looked at me then, and winked.

“Eww, no. Dream on.” I scoffed. “Just for that, I’m going to tell my bro Hisano-chan’s a good catch and he should snap her up.” As that girl blushed at my joke, though my keen eyes picked up that her expression was complicated, I turned to Karen-chan. “Sure you should be going on a date with this loser?”

“A date? It’s just two working adults in the same company hitting a bar or two, it happens all the time as adults.” Karen-chan said. “But then, how else do people get to know each other better?”

“I see.” I was about to say more when our attention was back on the TV. “Damn, Arisu-san’s taking over?”

“As well she might. They are finished!” Hinata-chan laughed. “Grandfather texted me. Fujiwara-sama and Kira-sama want to tighten our grip on the media anyway. How do we fancy a TV station of our own? Anyone want to be on TV?”

“Oh, me, me!” Suzu-chan laughed, hand raised.

“Seriously though, while we would have to keep some key programming, making it the official channel of Japanese Chosen-related news, propaganda and so forth might just work... so we’ll have more job openings and room for promotion. Maybe you should go for a presenter role, Karen-chan?” Hinata teased. “Though Akio would hate to lose your secretarial skills.”

“No way, I saw her first!” Yasu-san howled. “If she’s on TV, other guys will hit on her!”

As everyone laughed at Yasu-san’s desperation, Shaeula pressed Ichika-san. “You worried about money, and about how-how you could be a friend without giving back. Well, here-here is a chance, no? Your study, it is not-not entirely divorced from such, no?” As Shaeula tried to persuade the reluctant girl, Shiro suddenly looked sick.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, concerned, and Shiro pointed at the screen. “Arisu... she... no, there’s no way. No, Shaeula, this is an emergency! Arisu could make a good Fae... she absolutely hates lies. It is what she didn’t say that worries me...”

“I see. Yes, she did not-not reject Akio. Why would she? There is no-no...” Shaeula began, but Shiro cut her off.

“No, you’re totally missing the point here!” Shiro panicked. Eri was grinning broadly, greatly enjoying it, probably relishing Shiro feeling how she felt often, but Shaeula didn’t seem to get it. “Arisu... if she seriously falls for Aki, we’re in trouble! She’s the one woman we shouldn’t be confident about facing! She’s got it all. Looks, charm, intelligence, a great talent... she’s famous... oh damn, I feel sick...”

“Relax, it’s not like you can say anything for certain.” mom said comfortingly, though I did catch the sparkle in her eyes. “She just said she was friends with Aki, didn’t she? And you said she doesn’t lie, so she has no interest right now.”

“Yes, but hasty decisions! That means she’s at least thinking about it!” Shiro shouted, and I thought that if my bro could see her flushed, teary-eyed face right now he’d probably whisk her off to bed straight away. Wow, she’s got a completely different expression to normal. It’s the gap. The gap makes it cute.

“Bad luck, boss. I’ll have to cheer for you both!” Suzu-chan laughed unhelpfully, sucking on another lollipop, enjoying the chaos. On TV they had moved into talking about some basic Chosen stuff, like types of monsters, which would have riveted me before, but now I had experienced it myself I wasn’t that interested.

“Do you think this is the right format for this?” Hinata-chan asked, and Tsukiko-chan answered.

“The time for secrecy is passed. Now it is all about managing it. Is that not why you are considering taking this TV station for your own?”

“That and to crush those idiots that slandered Akio.” Hinata admitted. Behind us the arguments between Eri, Shaeula and Shiro was intensifying, while Yasu-san was cosying up to Karen-chan, flattering her outrageously. Most of the others were enjoying the chaos, while others were watching the TV. I glanced over at it, the talk show winding down. For us, it’s just been a fun TV show, seeing my bro and Arisu-san... but I wonder how the public will take it? I hate seeing people talk shit about my bro, but I’m not enough of an idiot to believe that there won’t be haters and trolls.

“For me, I am disappointed I never got to speak about the charity concert more. A... friend of mine is appearing. I would ask that you, the viewers, look forward to it, but be gentle. She believes herself a shining star of the idol world, but reality is often cruel.” Arisu-san said, and Suzu-chan opened her mouth in surprise.

“Boss, boss, stop fighting! Arisu-chan’s telling everyone I’m a shining star! And to watch me!”

“Yeah, I think... that’s not quite right.” Shiro said quietly. “But now I’m even more worried. Arisu would never have said that before. Ugh, my head hurts...”

It was then Kanzaki-chan dropped a bombshell that froze everyone. “Oh my, now I’m curious!” mom said, and I shook my head. Yeah, way to be unhelpful mom. That’s one question that should never be asked...

My bro’s girls froze. Sure, Tsukiko-chan didn’t seem too concerned, nor did Asha, who was touching her belly again. The others, however... yeah, I can see sparks flying. Eri’s particularly competitive about this, Kana-chan too...

Fortunately, it was Arisu-san who came to the rescue again. Her quip about the destructive power of my bro’s girls if they all got pissed off was too close to home, and Shaeula was first to laugh, and soon the tension died down as we all giggled happily.

“Close call there.” Hayato-san said. “See, Yasu-kun, harems are more trouble than they’re worth. Best stick to one good woman. That should be enough for you.”

“I guess so.” He muttered. “I’d stay out of it if I was you, Hisano-chan.” he said to his younger cousin, who snorted, amused and slightly peevish.

“It’d be fine. I’d know I wasn’t the prettiest, I’m not a fool. But don’t worry, I was only teasing you because you were being annoying. I’m indebted to Akio-san for giving me confidence, that’s all...”

As everyone talked, my bro asked Kanzaki-chan if she could get me backstage at an AKB48 concert, and my eyes lit up. I knew it bro, you’re the best!

As the credits rolled, I looked around the room, at everyone who had been brought together by my bro. There were our families, bro’s harem, his friends, those he’d helped... Yeah, this was fun. And I get it. This is what bro wants to protect, what motivates everything he does. And me... I want to protect it too. And now I can. I’m here, standing beside him at last.