The past few weeks have been nice.

I've been able to spend time with my beloved younger siblings. It's amazing really, how one can feel the strangest arrangements and mixtures of emotions when in the company of those who are dear to them but whom they've not had the chance to interact with for long periods of time. I say this in reference to the swell of pride I feel whenever Komachi's more subdued, mature side peeks out from beneath her youthful cheerfulness, and how it clashes yet somehow blends with a sort of wistfulness born from a small desire to never see her change.

Simply being an older sibling can be surprisingly sobering.

Of course, such occasions in regards to Hachiman are not always so kind.

I know he's said over and over again that he's forgiven me... but even if that is what he believes to be true, his subconcious actions suggest otherwise every now and then.

At least, I hope that isn't what his actions suggest, and that he's used to pushing away just about everyone. In which case, things are worse than I'd thought.

I'm getting ahead of myself. Stick to one track, Tomoka, or you'll lose your train of thought.

Where was I?

Oh yeah. He barely spends any time with me. Komachi mentioned that he does come out and hang around different rooms in the house every now and then, primarily the living room because of the TV. But the first four, five days? I couldn't have counted the number of times he came out and hung around for more than ten minutes on more than one hand.

I didn't mind at first. It's been a few years, and, even before he became such a pessimist, sticking to such routine habits was his thing.

But it's still going on.

I know he's not doing it intentionally, no way, Hachiman's not like that. We used to always be together, whether it was studying or reading or just sitting together. We never needed to talk, just enjoyed the company, but now... not even that. Not unless I make him go out with me to shop or some other menial chore we must do together.

I... I don't want to press the issue. I know he's not being as open with me as he used to be. Our conversations are far too curt. While I can still see the care he has for me in his eyes, it's dulled a bit.

Then again, his eyes in general have dulled.

I can't complain. I left when he needed the company more than any other time. I'm lucky he still acknowledges me with any sort of affection.

I may as well enjoy what we have now. This was never going to be easy, I've always known that.

Baby steps.

I try not to sigh, stretching my arms a bit before laying back down on the couch, head limp as it hangs over the armrest, eyes glued to the TV screen.

All three of us are here, Komachi with her chin in her palm, legs crossed beside me and Hachiman slouching in the single, watching some weird cooking special, which is currently educating us on the benefits of plastic wrap over tinfoil.

Daytime television is awful. No wonder most of the population in the world has retreated to the internet. At least Hachiman and Komachi are here to suffer alongside me. None of us have said much to each other besides a greeting and an agreement between Hachiman and I not to go out today. There's a sort of comforting solace in a shared silence when it comes to us Hikigayas. We're an odd people. And their shared desire for a day of inactivity is understandable. I'm rather tired today, but these two go back to school starting tomorrow. I'm excited to see Komachi start highschool, but once again feel that odd sadness at seeing her grow.

Feelings are weird.

I get up, stretching my arms again. "I'm thirsty. Anyone want something from the kitchen?"

Komachi mutter a no, shaking her head. Hachiman raises a hand and requests another Maxx coffee.

I shake my head as I make my way to the kitchen. Drinking as much of that stuff as he didon a daily basis couldn't possibly be healthy.

Once I'm in the kitchen, I grab a glass, set it on the counter and open the frisge, ducking my head into it to scout out the orange juice. Komachi better not have finished it again.

As I search for the ever elusive OJ, I hear something behind me.

Bzzzt

Hm?

I turn to find the source.

Komachi's phone? Must've vibrated after she got a notification.

Back to the fridge!

…

Wait a moment!

I shut the fridge and scoop up Komachi's phone. My apologies in advance, my sweet imouto, but I've always been the curious type! I know for a fact that you've set your phone to vibrate only when you receive a text message. Hachiman and I are out of the question and, with you as a budding young flower, I must see more about who it is you're spending your time with during your more social ventures! I may not know what you've said throughout the conversation due to the password on the phone but I can see the message you just received on the lock screen at least.

...

Now let's see here...

Message received from: Taishi-kun

Okay! See you at the cinema in half an hour!

…

Who the Hell is Tai-

WAIT. Brainwave!

I recall a small exchange between Komachi and a friend of hers as we departed from their home after I went to pick her up from her sleepover.

Cue the Flashback!

"See ya, Komachi-chan!:Text me more details on Taishi-kun, will you?"

"T-there's nothing to tell, Kuso-chan!"

"You're totally blushing right now! You're so in love with him!"

…

OH MY SNAP. KOMACHI'S BEEN TEXTING A BOY! AND PLANNED TO MEET HIM IN HALF AN HOUR!

"Eek!" I squeal in excitement. This is so exciting! My darling imouto's first romance! Ah! I've been waiting for this moment sever since I found out I would be getting a baby sister! I need to know more!

I run into the living room, a euphoric bounce in my step, and plop myself next to Komachi, catching the both of them off guard.

"What the-" is all I here from Hachiman before I launch into verbal overload, everything spilling out in one breathe, one disgusting mess that makes the educated portion of my brain frown in disappointment.

"OhmygodKomachiyou'vebeentextingaboyandplanningtomeethimforhowlongnowanddidn'timmediatelytellmehowcouldyouandwhatareyouplanningtowearandhowlonghaveyouknownthisboyandthere'ssomanyotherthingsIwannaaskyoubutyou'veonlygothalfanhourbeforeyouhavetomeethimsowe'dbetterhurryupandgetyoureadyandthenafterwardsyoucantellmeallaboutyourdateandwecanfinallyhaveabiggirltalkthatisassuminganyone'sgivingyouthetalkatallinwhichcasewe'llhavemoretotalkaboutandohmygodIstillcan'tbelievethisishappening!"

I immediately take a breathe after the last of... whatever that abomination was is over with. Komachi takes a second to try and take in what I said, eyes wide in surprise. In the end though, all she can manage is an adorable, "Huh!?"

I can only sigh.

"Oh, Komachi-chan, my adorable imouto, I'm referring to the young man you've agreed to meet at a cinema in approximately half an hour," I say, pointing at her phone, which I held in my other hand so she could see the text. Her eyes somehow widened further at that. I wiggle my eyebrows suggestively as I continue. "Who is this 'Taishi-kun,' Komachi? Could you tell me more about him?"

Komachi barely gets a word out before we hear a strangled choke come from elsewhere. The two of us turn to the source of the sound, our silly brother, as I let the irritation show on my face. I'd rather not delay our discussion on Komachi's little rendevous, especially for anything Hachiman's about to say.

I don't get the time to properly register the look on his face as he suddenly speaks in a hushed tone, eyes narrowed at Komachi.

"Komachi," he starts, sounding like he's trying not to explode. "What exactly is she going on about? Are you really going to go meet with that bug?"

Oh my, now I understand Komachi's constant jests in regards to you possibly being a siscon for our dear imouto, little brother. It isn't natural to get so tense after hearing about your younger siblings little... dalliances.

What am I saying? After that display with Iroha-san, I can't talk.

Komachi takes it in her stride, wearing a playful little smile, that little fang of hers peeking out from the corner of her cheeky grin as she taps her chin with her finger in mock thought.

"Maayyybe," she says, clearly enjoying Hachiman's agony at the idea of her on a date. "Who knows? It might be a date, it might not be. We were just going to hang out. I still don't understand why you dislike Taishi-kun so much, Onii-chan."

Hold on...

"Hah? You know who this 'Taishi' person is, Hachiman?" I ask. I already have a grasp on his opinion of Taishi, which means he's nice enough for Komachi to keep around...

… or he genuinely believes Komachi has an interest in him.

Ha! I'd want that to be true just to see his reaction!

"Oh I know him," Hachiman's gaze darkens, somehow making his eyes look more dead than usual. "I know he's an annoying little roach who isn't worth even thinking of being in the presence of our sister here."

The words were probably meant to hurt Taishi's image, but Komachi's smile only grew wider.

"That's nice, Onii-chan," she says, her face and tone indicating how blatant a lie that was. "But, in the words of the lovely Yukino-san, 'No one asked for your opinion, you beastly pesk.' Nee-chan wanted to know if you were familiar with Taishi-kun, not your views on him."

…

Wow. The more I hear about this Yukinoshita girl, the more forward I look to our meeting. She sounds like she's got quite the cutting wit. I love being around people like that. Always fun banter to be had or heard around those types.

"Gah! How dare you, Komachi, bringing up an insult that Ice Queen would use against me!" Hachiman exclaims. "How low. That's definitely low in Komachi points!"

"Wait, wait, wait! I indirectly informed you of this development, Hachiman," I butt in. "And seeing as I did you such a service, doesn't that mean I should get some bonus Tomoka points?"

"Hoh, don't try and distract me from the issue at hand with your strange yet ultimately inferior adaptation of the Komachi point system!" Hachiman quickly responds, before returning his attention to Komachi.

I frown again. 'Ultimately inferior?'...

I take a second to come back from the (indirect?) insult, failing to hear the rest of my baby siblings exchange words. I snap out of it fast enough to catch Komachi move.

"Well, as nice as it would be to sit here, banter with you two and watch boring old TV," Komachi rises from her seat, stretching her arms, and it's only then that I notice she's a little more dressed up than usual. "I have some socialising to do."

She makes a beeline for the door, grabs her shoes, turns around and gives us a little wave, that cheeky grin still on her face.

"See ya! I'll text once I'm on the way home, 'kay?"

She doesn't wait for a response, both of us too stunned as she turns back to the door, opens it and leaves.

Wow. She's lucky I'm not more like Okaa-san or I would've pushed her out the door and stomped on her ankle so she couldn't walk away after pulling a stunt like that.

"... You're going to follow her, aren't you?" I ask, raising an eyebrow at Hachiman.

"... I don't know," he admits, looking annoyed. "I want to go and make sure that roach keeps away from her, but I know you'll follow me and complicate things with your little starry-eyed fantasies of Komachi finding the love of her life."

I tap my chin in thought. "You present a good argument for both sides. And you don't need to act all macho and play the whole 'big brother templar' angle. If this Taishi kid needs to be scared off, I can do that."

My rebuttal is met with silence.

I glance in Hachiman's direction. He's just staring at me with a look of disdain mixed with incredulity.

"What?"

"... Nothing," he responds, turning away and getting up, making his way to the door. "Just can't believe you still use that stare of yours."

"You act like my stare's as bad as Fluttershy's," I scoff at him, following him to the door and putting my shoes on. "I'm not threatening any harmless animals, just horny millennials."

He freezes at my words, hand on the door knob, before he turns his head to glare at me. "No My Little Pony references. My day's going bad enough already."

Dayum. He must've been taking notes when we met Iroha-san. Still, not on my level yet, Hachiman!

I raise my hands in mock surrender. "Fiiiine," I whine, before a mischeivous grin makes its way to my face. "I'll stick to hentai references then. It'll be fun to see what you manage to pick up."

He shakes his head in disgust, opening the door and stepping out. "And I'm called the pervert."

"Komachi-chaaaaaan!"

"Oi. You really need to yell that much? Last thing I want is for more people to notice me."

"Do you wanna call for her, then, Social Butterfly-san?"

"... no."

"Well, then, shut your mouth! Mou, how have we not spotted it! I've got friends with closets bigger than this!"

So, Hachiman and I are just hanging around the inside of the nearby cinema. I'll admit I was a little worried about where exactly Komachi would've gone to meet this 'Taishi-kun,' but Hachiman confirmed (through gritted teeth, I might add) that she had already met up with him ("-and other mutual friends," he'd also added in a sour tone) in the past at this particular cinema. It was a cozy little thing, decently sized for a place that was locally owned and operated. The place had apparently been opened during my time away.

While I would've normally loved to scope the place and mark it down as a potential place to visit in the future, I was a little more preoccupied with the fact that Komachi was no where to be seen. And I was slowly transitioning from "I-hope-she's-okay-and-nothing-bad-happened" worried to "I'm-five-seconds-from-calling-the-cops" worried.

Guess Hachiman saw that coming, seeing as he asked me for my phone when we didn't immediately see her and still hasn't returned it.

Honestly, I hope we didn't miss them. I was getting rather excited about mee-

HOLD UP.

There she is! My adorable imouto-chan talking with some boy who looked to be around her age with short grey hair and turquoise eyes

"There they are!" I holler, pointing before taking off in their direction, my excitement forcing me to move before I can wait for confirmation that Hachiman knew where I was headed.

"Komachi-chan! How dare you disappear like that!" I exclaim dramatically, pointing an accusing finger at my sister, catching her by surprise with my sudden appearance.

"Tomo-nee, you followed me?"

"Of course I did! I couldn't just let you go off like that, not when our brother seems so adamant about you not going."

The boy standing behind her catches my eye and I step forward so as to greet him.

"Hello!" I give off my best smile. Boyfriend or no, I'd like to give off a good impression. "I am Hikigaya Tomoka, Komachi's nee-san. And you are?"

The boy blinks at me for a second, taking in my appearance. I struggle to keep my eyes from rolling. Teenagers are annoying with their raging hormones, sure, but considering what I got up to at high school, can I really judge?

"Hi, I-I'm Kawasaki Taishi, I'm a friend of Komachi-chan's. It's nice to meet you," he gives a short bow. Nice. "I've heard a bit about you from your sister."

I don't get to reply as Taishi looks past me and says, to my utter shock, "Onii-chan!"

I turn in time to see Hachiman, whose eyes seem to stare at the younger boy with nothing but complete disgust. "For the last time, stop calling me that, bug."

Ooh, I see an oppurtunity for some teasing now.

"Onii-chan, huh?" I say, a smirk on my face and my hands on my hips. "Already given the boy your blessings, have you?"

His head whips in my direction this time, but his glare has no effect on me. He begins to say something but stops when he sees me wiggle my eyebrows, turning back to the other two and ignoring me. Guess he's done trying to get me not to mock him for now.

"And what exactly did the two of you plan on doing today?"

The Taishi boy gives off a small shrug in response. "We were just gonna hang out and catch a film, Onii-chan."

"What!?" They weren't going on a date?! "I thought you two were going on a date!"

"Yeah!" Hachiman's suddenly agreeing with me. "And quit calling me that! Besides, how am I supposed to know you aren't lying to me and planning to go on a date once we leave?"

"Ooh, that would be amazing!" I cut in, my strange fantasies causing me to stop Taishi before he can respond. "Two lovers forced to hide their pursuit of happiness together amidst their romance-tinged rendezvous. That would be so thrilling!"

"And people call me disgusting," Hachiman's probably giving me another look. I ignore him and grab for Taishi's hand, catching him by surprise as I pull him towards me so that he is standing right before me, his hand clasped between the two of mine.

"I'm not saying you are going out with my sister," I say, staring deeply into his young grey eyes. "But I am totally not against the idea of you and her being in a relationship, and if you are only thinking about it, then I am more than happy to give you both the moral support you may need in order to go on a proper date!"

"... what is this about a date?"

All four of us turn in the direction of the new voice to see a gir-

…

…

…

Wow.

Long silvery-blue hair tied into a ponytail that somehow still managed to reach her thighs. Strikingly fierce turquoise eyes. An adorably curved frown that gave off the impression of someone lovable yet detached. An outfit that suggested the wearer was a tomboyish delinquent in every stereotypical sense one could imagine. And that shirt did little to hide the large... bounty that lay beneath it...

Who was this... angel?

The Angel's eyes widen slightly at the sight of some... something next to me, it's probably not import-

"Hikigaya? What're you doing out here?"

Oh my.

Even her voice sounds amazing. I could listen to such deep sounding notes for days on end, my god.

Wait a second.

…

She knows Hachiman? Hachiman knows her?

I do my best to catch up with the conversation and notice it's shifted back to the subject of Komachi and Taishi, the latter trying his best to convince his sister of something.

"-think I didn't hear what the older chick said, Taishi. I'm not deaf, she definitely said dat-"

"I promise, Onee-chan, I'm not going on a date with Komachi, I swe-"

Oh? This delicious looking specimen is Taishi's older sister? Wait, if she knows Hachiman, she's probably around his age!

Damn it. I can't hit on some teen, even if I'm only, at most, four years her senior.

What am I talking about? This is Japan! Of course I can hit on her!

Before I can do so, however, my attention is brought back to my own siblings as I catch a fraction of their exchange.

"-weren't seriously considering dating that bug, were yo-"

"-really rich hearing you call someone worthless-"

"What was that?"

Oh, it's the Angel again! I haven't even learned your name and yet already you enchant me!

"What was what?" Hachiman frowns at the Angel, something that should by all accounts be illegall and immoral.

"What your sister said," she continues, stepping towards the three of us, Taishi behind her. "Did I hear you right? Did you call my brother 'worthless?'"

There's a sense of danger in that voice now. I can see her brother give off a small shiver behind her, as if he could sense a storm brewing, could already feel it's chill. Hachiman seemed slightly put off by the sound if how he leaned away from her slightly was any indication. But whereas the males present were intimidated, I couldn't help but feel excited. So she was scary and overprotective of her siblings?

This woman was made for me to worship.

"Yeah, no offence, uh..." Hachiman trails off, tilting his head to the side as if trying to recall something.

"Kawasaki Saki," Komachi quickly whispers into his hear, loud enough for me to hear.

Hachiman quickly picks up where he left off, clearing his throat. "No offence, Kawasaki, but I'd rather my sister didn't go out with your brother."

Kawasaki Saki, huh? A little repetitive, sure, but it's a charming little thing.

"Hah?" Her eyes narrow at that. "He suddenly not good enough for your sister? If anything, it's the other way 'round!"

…

Did she just-? Oh, Hell no.

I don the scariest smile I can muster and step in before either of my siblings can.

"I'm sorry," I'm almost repulsed by the sweetness in my voice. My attraction to her is showing, dial it back a little, Tomoka! "But did you just imply that my sister isn't worthy of Taishi here?"

Saki-chan gives me a look over. I try not to blush, suddenly self-conscious. Get a grip, Tomoka, she's younger than you!

I steel my resolve, determined not to stand by and have one of my siblings put down before me, and put up a cold front.

"How do I know your little brother isn't trying to seduce my innocent imouto? Komachi-chan told both Hachiman and I that she would be spending time with him, but it sounds to me like he mentioned no such thing to you. Perhaps he isn't as honest with as you think he is?"

Maybe that was hitting a little below the belt, as I can attest for all affectionate older siblings that nothing stings like the accusation of not knowing your siblings like you think you do or not being as close with them as you claim to be.

I shouldn't talk, really, with how things between Hachiman and I were pretty much non-existent for a while there.

Saki-chan's eyes widen slightly at the accusation, blinking in confusion for a second.

"Hah? 'Imouto?' Your Hikigaya's sister?" Her eyes narrow. I am getting way too excited over this. "And what'd you just accuse my brother of? I've heard how sneaky your own sister can be, how do you know she didn't plan to take advantage of my brother?"

Okay, you can be as attractive as you wanna be, that doesn't mean you can get away with saying that!

"Uhh.. nee-chan?"

I wouldn't bother, Komachi, Tomoka's got that look on her face again. I don't know the exact reason behind why it took too long, I honestly expected it the first time Kawasomething badmouthed Komachi, which is why I didn't say anything, no point adding to the situation, but I'm guessing it must've been something about Kawasuzi that stunned her.

But I guess that last one was the last straw for Tomoka because she looks like she's ready to tear her down.

Aaaaaand I think that's my cue to leave. I hear Tomoka speak as I turn away.

"And what kind of older sister does that make you if you aren't exactly aware of what your younger siblings are up to?"

The spark I sensed has now grown into a full on fire, taking evasive action.

"Hah?"

Before I get away completely, I hear footsteps behind and turn my head back to see Komachi and that bug trying (and failing) to subtly follow me, clearly not eager to see the two older sisters clash. I open my mouth to tell them to leave me alone so I can successfully get away but I see Tomoka and Kawasuka both catch us trying to get away.

"Taishi? Where do you think you're going?!"

"Hey! I'm fighting for you here, why are you leaving?!"

They both give chase.

I speed up, breaking into a jog. No need for subtlety now.

I don't need to turn around to know the five of us are all running now, Komachi, the bug and I away from our respective older sisters while they try to keep with us. I'd complain about the ridiculous of the situation if wasn't so... Tomoka...

Heh. Nice to know things like this are still the same.

I apologize for the wait. I had a clear outline for this chapter but it wouldn't come out properly. Add on a bunch of crappy stuff happening and it was just too much.

One of our dogs died. That this was meant to be a more cheery chapter made it hard to write as I've barely been in the mood and I hope it doesn't show.

I'm getting a lot better, E3 provided a good distraction and that 'Jump Up, Super Star' song from the newest Mario Odyssey trailer helped a lot. This thing pretty much wrote itself for the past few days.

Hope this was worth the wait. Have a nice day.