OniAi: Volume 3 Chapter 1

April 12th, 5:30 P.M.

Student Hostel – Moving Day

Let’s start with the greeting.

<We were forced to separate from each other, due to some incident. However, we’ve somehow come to live together, as siblings, once again under the same roof. This is a boring monotonous story that records us living our lives smoothly from day to day, without any major incidents; just like the calm, flowing, water.>

That was how it should have been. In the end, the world is just not as simple as we’d have wished for it to be.

Things went out of control, and headed in a very chaotic, but happy, direction.

The student hostel should have originally allowed us siblings to live together by ourselves, in a plain fashion. But what sort of a stable, ordinary life, was I to expect, when a bunch of attention grabbing student council members came moving into the hostel as well.

Ultimately, it was precisely because I was looking forward to that ordinary life that I ended up going through great pains so that I could live with my sister again; though it’s already too late for any regrets.

Perhaps something huge will occur. Even if it develops in an unexpected manner, please don’t be too shocked by it. Depending on the situation, we may even have some blockbuster scenes up for show.

I did feel that service scenes were quite unlikely to happen, because originally, the two people involved were siblings; but every one of the people who just moved in are indeed beautiful. It has resulted in a situation where a guy is living together with four girls under the same roof; if so, I should say that it would be unnatural for none of that to happen.

But whatever.

Even though things have turned out to be the total opposite of what I expected, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing.

Seito-Kaichou Nikaido-senpai, Fuku-Kaichou Nasuhara, and needless to say, my good friend Ginbe; all of them are the real deal, in terms of their capabilities. Ignoring the point about them being so difficult to handle, they’re indeed my precious colleagues who usually bring a good influence with them. It’s not what I wished for, but at the same time it’s a situation where I couldn’t ask for anything more either.

Not just for me, but for my younger sister Akiko too. This is probably the best situation for us to thoroughly hone and improve ourselves.

If so, then there isn’t anything much to grumble about.

I shouldn’t complain about how it’s going against my plans.

Instead, shouldn’t I face this once in a lifetime encounter optimistically, and live through my thoroughly wonderful school life with enthusiasm—

“Impossible.”

… Just like that. It’s a pity, but my position was rejected in an instant.

“Impossible. It makes no sense. There is no need for consideration. This hostel is for the personal use of Onii-chan and I only, it is the love nest that belongs to just the two of us. It is fine, if it is just those people selling newspapers, or preaching about religion; people that will come and leave in a snap. But they are actually moving in, and I will have to live with that group of student council members as well? Nope, impossible, that will not do. I totally can not accept such a situation.”

At the caretaker’s room of the hostel run by St. Ririana Academy, which is also the two siblings’ the living room.

With her eyebrows arched upwards in a seething expression, my sister Akiko was voicing her dissent against our current situation.

“Onii-chan, hear me out. It has not even been a month, you know?”

“Mmm. That’s right.”

“We siblings have just reunited after so long, and we are finally able to live together again. It has not even been a month. We have barely enjoyed our sweet lovey dovey life, and yet, such a life is about to get destroyed; how can I let such a barbaric thing happen? Because it has been six years, you know? We’ve endured through six years to finally obtain a life with us siblings living together, inseparably, you know?”

“Mmm. Indeed.”

“I clenched my teeth and endured through these six years. Despite the two of us being the only ones left in our family, we were separated by force. However, I still listened to Onii-chan, and have always been a good girl. In order not to embarrass myself should the day that I can live with Onii-chan came again, I set harsh standards on myself; and as a reward, I can finally live a life like this. Is that not right, Onii-chan?”

“Mhmm. You’re right.”

“I enrolled into a well known school, St. Ririana Academy, with my excellent grades. Even after enrolling into the school, I have maintained my grades among the top three in the rankings. Right now, in the student council there are a lot of responsibilities, so I have gloriously taken on the important role of secretary.”

“Mhmm. You’re really impressive.”

“And that is not all. Flower arrangement, the art of the tea ceremony; I have learned a whole set of skills as well; I am also proficient in cooking and the rest of household chores; Most importantly, I have worked tirelessly in order to grow up to be the cute girl that Onii-chan would love. Onii-chan should recognize the fruits of my labor.”

“Ah— mmm. You have really grown up to be a good girl. You’re someone who won’t embarrass me wherever you go, and you are my younger sister whom I’m proud of.”

“However, based on the current situation, I think the rewards are far too meager compared to the results that I have achieved. Despite my working hard as your younger sister, Onii-chan has never once petted my head, hugged me, or even given me a kiss. We will not be punished by heavens even if our cohabitation were much sweeter and lovey dovey. But what is with Onii-chan? You are just like a monk, living a life of abstinence in his temple, unwilling to even touch me. There is a saying, ‘It is shame for a man not eat a feast that has been placed before him.’, and that describes you perfectly. If Onii-chan wants to prove himself as a man, then you will have to make a move on me as quickly as you can.”

“… Don’t you think the conversation is going off topic?”

“In any case!”

After a yell, Akiko reiterated her point.

“For the hostel in which we are living, it is strictly forbidden for outsiders to enter. Though I am rather apologetic towards the ones who have just moved in, we should be chasing them out as quickly as we can.”

“No, even if you say that…”

Nikaido Arashi.

Nasuhara Anastasia.

Sawatari Ginbe Haruomi.

The three of them are practically done with moving in. It wouldn’t be realistic for me to chase them out now.

Or rather, I don’t have the power to do so anyway. Due to the decision for the hostel to be destroyed, I was just barely able to protect my position as a caretaker and resident.

“The three of them negotiated with the school, and thus they’ve obtained the right to live in this hostel. I don’t think there’s anything that I can say. Moreover, those three people have their own reasons for moving in. If I was to ask them to ‘get out’ at a time like this, don’t you think that’s just a little too…?”

“Even so, I still can not accept it.”

“Still, there’s no need for you to hate it so much, without a rhyme or reason, right? Those three people are the members of the student council as well, which means to say they’re our nakama too. We should treasure our nakama more.”

“I will treasure them in any way you wish, except like this. Just this once, no.”

“Why not look at it from another point of view? The fact that the three of them have moved in means that the members of the student council have now gathered under the same roof. If so, it will result in us being together twenty four hours a day. That will naturally improve the camaraderie among us, and we can discuss the council’s business whenever we like. See, don’t you think that’s something great?”

“I do admit, those are advantages. However, they are not worth me sacrificing my private time with Onii-chan.”

“Well, don’t say that—”

“Onii-chan. Does it not feel rather suspicious somehow?”

My sister kept staring at me.

“Somehow, there is the strange feeling that you are standing on the side of those three people.”

“Is that so? No, nothing of the sort.”

“No, do not even think of trying to hide it from Akiko’s eyes. Onii-chan is the one who originally made the preparations in order for us siblings to live together again, and you were the one who went through great pains to do so. Compared to me, Onii-chan should be the one who is voicing his dissent against the current situation, no?”

“No no no, I’m not that sort of narrow minded guy, you know? Indeed, it’s important for us to live together by ourselves. However, it’s similarly important to live with the members of the student council, right?”

“No, I can not accept that. Today, Onii-chan is, indeed, a little weird. There is no way the usual Onii-chan would say such things.”

“Even if you say that… What should I do to make you accept it?”

“Mmm. If it was the usual Onii-chan, he would be saying to me, ‘Do not worry, Akiko. You are the most precious darling to me in the whole world. I will resort to any means to chase those three people out of the hostel. Just wait and see, I will definitely get our lovey dovey lives back. I love you, Akiko. Please marry me right now.’, like that.”

“The usual me wouldn’t say things like that?!”

“After that, Onii-chan would gently hug me into his chest, and his lips would… uwaa~, Onii-chan, you can not do that! I am still not mentally prepared!”

“…”

I decided to ignore my sister, who was now twisting her body about. Somehow, it feels like this girl is slowly becoming more like that, day by day… Would it be better to find a time to clearly talk to her about it?

But forget it, putting those words aside, my sister wasn’t wrong in her accusations. Indeed, to a certain extent, I am siding with the three people who just moved in.

The reason is clear.

One of the reasons for the actions of those three people, was to respond to my sister’s brother complex.

Akiko does listen to me, and has grown up to be an exceptional young lady. However, due to us being separated for such a long time, her brother complex has worsened as well. Her position, reputation, etc., which she has painfully built up after being an adopted child of the Arisugawa family and a member of the student council; there’s a possibility of it all being destroyed in an instant, due to her brother complex being way off the charts.

At a time like this, those three people have moved into the hostel to act as a sort of buffer. That’s how it is.

Of course, from my point of view, it’s not like I’m welcoming it with open arms either.

That’s because it’s quite reasonable for me to want to continue on with my peaceful life, together with my younger sister, after getting it back the hard way.

Then again, those three people have a just cause, which is to cure my sister’s brother complex. Thus, as her elder brother… no, as her guardian, I have the obligation to raise my sister to be an outstanding—

“Oi— both of you. Can I interrupt for a second?”

Just then, came a voice from the hallway.

“We’re basically done moving our things. I wish to hold a sort of meeting in regards to our hostel lives. Can you two come here for a bit?”

***

“Now now, there’s no need for you to puff up your face like a balloon, is there?”

At the meeting room and dining room, located on the first floor of the hostel.

Seito-Kaichou, Nikaido Arashi, shrugged her shoulders; while sitting on the chair with her back hunched.

“With this, the companions living under the same roof have increased. Even if it’s just for show, smile? Hmm?”

“Nope.”

Upon being told, Akiko puffed up her face even more.

“Why should I put on a nice expression for you, when you guys are the ones who’ve invaded Onii-chan and I’s love nest, without even giving so much as a warning?”

“That’s how adults should act.”

“If so, I’d rather be a child for life.”

“Kakaka, it seems like I’m really being hated by you. However, I still love that innocent smiling face of yours best. Come on, just once, give me a smile?”

“The only method of getting back my smile is for everyone here except Onii-chan and I to pack up and leave immediately.”

“Mmm— really? That’s regrettable. Sadly, we’ve obtained official permission from the school council to live here at this hostel. That’s a fact that won’t change, regardless of how much of a tantrum you throw.”

“Uhhh… guh…”

“There’s only one thing you can do to make us leave this hostel: you can become my lover, and the two of us will then enjoy our heavenly nights each and every day.”

“Absolutely not!”

“If you can’t be my lover, it’s fine if you marry into my family?”

“Please restrict your jokes to your eyepatch and Japanese sword!”

“Please don’t be that infuriated.”

Just then, Fuku-Kaichou Nasuhara interrupted.

“If you don’t, for someone who doesn’t have much in the way of looks to begin with, it’s only going to get worse? You should behave like a dog who’s getting tempted by its owner’s bait, and start to act cute. If so, that face of yours, which looks like a bulldog sneezing, will become something that’s more pleasant to see.”

“Bu-Bulldog?! I don’t have such a weird face!”

“Ara, is that so? I’m sorry, Akiko-who-lost-to-me-in-the-most-recent-beauty-contest-hosted-by-St.-Ririana-Academy.”

“Kuuu… you’re looking down on me again! There was actually only a one or two vote difference between the number of votes that we got!”

“However, it’s those one or two votes that decided the match; that’s the truth as well.”

“Even so, there’s no need for you to ridicule me with that harsh tongue of yours!”

“Ah, perhaps. I’m sorry for hurting you unintentionally, Akiko-san. I just have a bad habit of not being able to differentiate between the existence of those that are inferior to me. Honestly speaking, I’m not really sure of how different your face is when compared to a bulldog. I’m really sorry. Look, since I’m already lowering my head in apology, please forgive me.”

“Uuuuuhhh… You’re continuing with your use of abusive words, despite putting on an apologetic attitude!”

“Alright alright. both of you, stop arguing.”

This time, it was Ginbe who spoke.

“Himenokouji Akiko-san. Indeed, it’s rather rude of us to move into the hostel without seeking your approval. I’m sorry.”

“That’s right! To barge into our love nest by yourselves… please reflect deeply on it! I’ll be quite happy if you leave this place after you’re done reflecting on your actions! Immediately! Right now!”

“I really wish to do that too. However, putting aside Kaichou and Fuku-Kaichou, I’ve been living a penniless life. Due to house moving, my wallet is literally empty right now. Honestly speaking, I don’t even have the cash to move out of here.”

“Uuhhh… If so…”

“Even though there aren’t that many people living in this hostel, the school will still fork out the money for our food and stuff. For someone who’s penniless like me, this hostel is my only option left… If I’m chased out of here, I’ll be relegated to wandering on the streets during the freezing month of April. Also, I don’t have many friends who I can rely on, since I just moved here from Kyoto.”

“… Uuhhhhhh~”

“The only friend I have, happens to be your elder brother. To be truthful, Akito-san and I were close friends back when we were living in Kyoto. We would help each other with all sorts of things, and if possible, I’d like to continue that sort of relationship with him at this school. Since Akito-san is the caretaker of this hostel, and I’m in an exhausted state; this time around, I wish to rely on his kindness, no matter what.”

“… Uuuuhhhhhhhhhh~”

“Akiko-san. I’ve heard from Akito-san that you’ve grown up to be a really exceptional younger sister, and I think so as well upon seeing you. If possible, would you be more tolerant towards your brother’s choice of friends, I think it would do much good for Akito-san’s impression of you as well.”

“… Uuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhhh~”

“I do understand, that as his blood related sister, you’re always worried about Akito-san. To be honest, I’m the same as well. I think you’re well aware of it too, about the fact that Himenokouji Akito-san is a man who has a rather secretive side, and he occasionally does stir up something big by himself. Isn’t that so?”

“… Yes, indeed.”

“I’m not wrong, am I? In actual fact, Akito-san faced quite a few difficulties back in Kyoto due to his personality. For me, I wish to act as a role similar to being Akito-san’s brakes. Indeed, I wish to stay in this hostel to assist Akito-san.”

“… You’re saying that you’ll need my cooperation?”

“It’s great that you understand things so quickly. You, the person who knows Akito-san best; and me, the person who knows the Kyoto-Akito-san best. If we join forces, I think we’ll be invincible. What do you think?”

“… Uuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhhhhhh~”

Akiko’s status: no room for rebuttals.

Stating facts, stirring emotions, and convincing with reason; Ginbe’s debating skills are flawless. Upon being persuaded with such an excellent train of thought, the only means of retaliation left for anyone will probably be to let loose their emotions and rage due to their embarrassment.

“Uhhh… O-Onii-chan…?”

“Well, that’s how it is, generally.”

My sister looked towards me, as though she was seeking the final straw that could save her. I simply went for the final blow.

“Looking at how things are now, it seems like we can only go along with the flow. It isn’t a completely bad thing for you and me, so let’s look at it in a more positive light?”

“Hawwww…”

With a crestfallen look, Akiko slumped her shoulders.

“Ahhh… I am finally living alone with Onii-chan, and it is to become a dream that quickly? The proud do not endure, The sound of the Gion Shōja bells echoes the impermanence of all things; It’s like the internal structure was built with collapsing wooden blocks; it’s like making a sand castle while facing an incoming wave. Happy times like this never last…”

“That’s a little too exaggerated.”

“Ah. Could it be, that this is all a dream?”

“Sadly for you, this is reality. Without doubt.”

“I see—. This is reality—”

Once again, Akiko slumped her shoulders.

“— However!”

She immediately straightened her back. It was as though a coin was flipped to its other side; she was revived.

“I will not be me if I admit defeat here! For someone like me, who has constantly endured more and more for the past six years, such a trial is of nothing to be afraid of!”

“Oh. That sounds quite reliable.”

“That is right, it is really dependable! As such, I, Himenokouji Akiko, shall once again declare: my relationship with Onii-chan will never be broken!”

“Mhmm. You’re right.”

“Or rather, I feel that should I successfully complete this trial, we will become like a married couple; and will then be able to really declare ourselves as one in body and soul, for the very first time! If we are to welcome our very first night together with an unwavering stance, the bond between siblings that we form will become stronger than ever. Is that not right, Onii-chan?!”

“No. I can’t simply nod my head to that.”

As usual, it seemed like there was more than just a small difference between my sister and I’s understanding. Whatever, I won’t go deep into that. It’s rare for things to be settled that amicably.

“Alright. Well then, I’ll start by saying, ‘Everyone, please take care of me.’”

Nikaido-senpai seized the opportunity to end the subject.

“No matter what, it’s fate for us five to gather here like this. Everyone has their own views and opinions but since we’re already here let’s work together and strive for a more comfortable life. Don’t you think so too?”

She says a lot of inappropriate stuff, but she’s still the president of the student council at St. Ririana Academy. Even though it’s something that’s said all the time, somehow it still carries a lot of weight.

“Alright, I have something to say to caretaker Akito-san, in regards to the operation of this hostel in the future.”

“Mmm? Something to tell me?”

“Yes. Actually, I’ve located some data about this hostel back when it was still in use.”

As she said that, Nikaido-senpai took out a document.

“Inside this, are all the rules that we must abide when we’re living here.”

“Ohho—”

“The fact is, up until yesterday, the only ones living here were you siblings. However, that won’t be the case starting today. Since we’re living together, there will be a need for rules and regulations, agreed?”

“Well, you’re right. Indeed.”

“There’s no need to follow the old rules down to the details, but still, it’s something that was made with the essence of the intelligence of our seniors, that lived here previously. It should be fine for us to make references to it. Also, to be honest, the school council has stated a condition for the revival of this hostel.”

“Oh. Something like, ‘We must follow the rules written on that document.’, right?”

“Yes. Well, that’s how it is.”

I guess that’s appropriate.

And not just appropriate, I should say that’s something that I couldn’t have wished for more. It’d be really troublesome if we just started thinking up rules for living together from scratch. Not only that, but making up rules would be even harder than that, if you consider the fact that all the inhabitants that have gathered here are people who’s personalities are just a little too different.

“Speaking of which, we’re members of the student council anyway. It’s part of the school’s policy to give freedom to its students, but we shouldn’t abuse it and embarrass the school board either.”

“I see. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t follow those rules, considering the various conditions imposed on us.”

“Well, that’s how it is. Anyone who’s against it?”

Nikaido senpai gave a brief glance at everyone. It seemed like there was no objection.

“Good, I’ll hand a copy of this to everyone after photocopies are made, so do look through it properly. Anyone else have anything to say? …OK, that’s all for today, everyone’s dismissed. We’re still not done with our luggage, so we’ll leave the trivial stuff for later.”

***

That’s how it was.

The first day of the harmonious gathering of the student council members had ended without much of a disturbance.

Of course, I wasn’t aware of anything back then.

About the fact that the ‘rules’ dug out by Nikaido-senpai, which everyone is to abide by, will hit me painfully in the stomach, and come to affect me, slowly but surely.

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