+18 3. Even Home Wasn't A Save Place!?

The following day, Mikio and Yukio were finally able to go home.

"We're home!"

She felt like she had been waiting for an entire century and was naturally overjoyed. After all, during her time in the hospital, she had been constantly toyed with by Yukio until she felt exhausted.

And today, my day of freedom has finally arrived!! she shouted internally while clenching her fist.

That lasted until she saw the dining table piled high with dirty dishes. Her joyful expression instantly turned flat.

"And here it is. Without me, the kitchen becomes a total disaster," she muttered with a pout.

"What do you guys want to order for dinner?" their mother asked as she reached for the phone to call a fast-food restaurant.

"Burgers!"

"Pizza!"

Yuukari and Yuuji answered simultaneously.

Mikio immediately shot them a sharp glare. "Enough! Stop right there!"

Everyone stared at her in surprise; it wasn't like Yukio to shout.

"Let me cook," she said confidently.

They looked at one another and then back at Mikio with bewildered expressions.

"Are you sure, Yukio? I’ve never seen you cook before."

"Yes, I'm sure. Just ask Miki-nii; he’s been teaching me for the past few months."

The gaze shifted to him now. Mikio looked at him with a pleading face, hoping he would play along so their family wouldn't suspect the truth.

Yukio looked confused for a moment before finally speaking.

"Ahh... Right, I have been teaching Yukio in secret because she wanted to learn."

She breathed a sigh of relief as her brother followed the story perfectly.

"Well... alright. If Yukio wants to cook, we don't mind. I’m curious to see how your food tastes," their mother said, looking a bit hesitant but agreeing nonetheless.

"Alright! I'll do my best then!" Mikio exclaimed.

"Hey Yuuji, don't you think Onee-chan has changed?"

"Yeah. I’ve thought so too ever since she woke up in the hospital. It seems that blow to the head made her personality brighter."

Ignoring her younger siblings' whispers, Mikio cooked with enthusiasm. Being away from the kitchen for several days made her miss the place, especially since Yukio’s constant teasing had added a heavy burden to her mind.

"Oraaaaa!!"

And so, the kitchen became a hotbed of energy and spirited sounds.

"Mmm~ Onee-chan, your cooking is delicious!"

"Onee-chan, you’re amazing! This tastes exactly like Onii-chan’s cooking!"

"Yukio, are you sure you just started learning? This stir-fry is perfect."

She received a perfect score from her family. Mikio felt genuinely happy hearing their praise.

"By the way, where is Dad? I haven't seen him since yesterday."

"Oh, did I not tell you? Your father is working out of town. He’ll be back in a few weeks."

"Mom always forgets to mention the important things," she said with a pout.

"Mm, what is it, Miki-nii?"

Her shoulder was tapped several times by Yukio, prompting her to look over questioningly.

"I can't use my arm," Yukio said with a smile.

"Urgh...."

It was obvious he was asking to be fed as he pointed to his broken arm. Mikio felt a surge of irritation, especially seeing his smirk. She still couldn't believe the person in her body was Yukio—the personality shift was just too drastic.

"Hahh... open your mouth."

In the end, she gave in with a sigh, picking up the chopsticks and feeding him.

"Thank you," Yukio said with a happy smile as he chewed.

"....Whatever."

Dinner ended, and Mikio chose to shower after finishing the dishes. The wound on her head wasn't fatal, so she didn't have to avoid water entirely. But the problem was...

"How am I supposed to bathe with a body like this...?"

This was Yukio’s body. Even though she was currently inhabiting it, it didn't mean she could use it as she pleased. To her, it felt like peeking. Mikio was a moral person; even when using the bathroom in Yukio’s body, she would always look up and carefully wash herself in that state.

And now she had to shower. She tried closing her eyes to avoid seeing the body, but that was too risky. Eventually, she showered normally, filled with embarrassment and regret at seeing her sister's body.

"This is not going to be easy..."

But she managed to get through it without any "accidents" and stepped out of the bathroom.

Mikio then returned to Yukio’s room. No, it was more accurate to say she had to stay in "her" own room now.

"Ahh, I might end up with a personality disorder in the future..."

She opened the door. Yukio’s room was simple—filled with bookshelves, a study desk, a wardrobe, and a bed. Seeing the room, it was clear Yukio was just an ordinary girl.

But what caught her attention was Yukio—currently in her body—lying casually on the bed reading a book.

"Wha—! What are you doing here!"

She instinctively wanted to scream but quickly lowered her voice. She shut the door and locked it so no one could see them.

Yukio glanced at her casually and stopped reading before standing up.

"What do you mean, Miki-nii? Isn't this my room?"

"Logically, yes, but you’re in my body! It would be weird for you to be here."

"Is there something wrong with a sibling entering their sibling's room?"

"That... that’s not wrong..."

"Then there’s no problem, right?" Yukio replied with a smile.

Mikio ultimately lost the argument. Yukio then stepped toward her, making her wary.

"W-What?"

He stopped five paces away from her.

"Miki-nii, try closing your eyes."

"What are you planning to do?"

"Just do it."

"You're not going to do anything weird, are you?" she asked suspiciously.

"Miki-nii should remember our deal at the hospital, right?"

"...Fine."

She followed his instruction, remembering the promise she had made. She closed her eyes slowly until her vision went dark. Standing there with her eyes shut, she grew nervous. Yukio had done many "indecent" things—though mostly limited to hugging. After that one day, he hadn't tried to kiss her again.

She thought perhaps he had finally realized that kissing was too vulgar and that he stood no chance of winning her heart.

Yes, that must be it, she thought positively.

"Miki-nii, raise both your arms and hold them out to the side."

"...."

She followed the command in silence, curious to see where this was going.

Step... step... step...

He began walking toward her.

"S-Stop."

The sound made her even more nervous. What did he want?

Step.

The sound of his footsteps ceased, but she could feel that he was very close.

"Fuuh..."

His presence was right in front of her; she could hear the sound of his breath. Time seemed to stand still. There was no movement from him. She didn't dare open her eyes. However, her arms were starting to feel numb.

"Yukio, if you keep playing around like this, I'll get angr—Hii!"

Her words were cut short as she felt something touch her back. Immediately after, her face pressed against something.

Thump... thump... thump... thump...

She could hear the sound of a heartbeat as her ear pressed against it. It was clear she was being hugged by him. She realized that what had touched her back was his arm, but the suddenness still shocked her.

"Or Miki-nii will do what?" Yukio finally spoke. From the tone of his voice, he was clearly teasing her, and she could imagine the smirk on his face.

"I-I-I will..."

She didn't know how to answer. Throughout her life, she had never scolded him. Seeing him like this now, strangely, didn't make her want to scold him either.

"A-Anyway, explain what you mean by doing this." She chose to change the subject.

"Mean? Haha. Nothing, it’s just that seeing Miki-nii’s anxious and nervous face makes you look cute."

"C-Cute!"

For some reason, her face felt hot.

No, wait! I'm a man! How can I be happy being called that!!

She was having an internal crisis. She couldn't accept those words, yet hearing them made her happy.

"Besides..."

"Mmm!?"

Ignoring her chaotic state of mind, he quietly kissed her lips. She wanted to pull back, but the arm holding her made it impossible. Even with only one arm, the strength difference was still significant.

In the end, he did it again! she complained mentally. She should have guessed this when she was asked to close her eyes.

However, this time, the kiss felt different.

"Mmh...."

The kiss was much softer...

Unlike before, where he had been direct, this time he did it slowly. Her small lips were sucked like candy; the sensation created a strange feeling in her head. She tried to resist, not wanting to be influenced.

"Mmm..............."

But as time passed, she began to lose her ability to think clearly. Her defenses crumbled, and his tongue slowly slipped into her mouth, beginning to explore gently.

"Nghh.."

He began to play with and entwine her tongue with his own skillfully. She unconsciously gripped his shoulders tightly as if she didn't want to let go. The lack of oxygen made her lose her sanity. She felt intoxicated.

Minutes passed, and they finally separated. Her face was bright red, and her breathing was heavy. When she finally opened her eyes, they were misty, as if she were longing for more.

"Why you... stop..."

She was still so intoxicated that her reason hadn't returned.

Yukio smirked, but quickly hid it and shook his head.

"Why? Well, if Miki-nii wants to continue, I have no problem at all. But I didn't realize Miki-nii was such a pervert."

"I...."

"....want to continue?"

She blinked repeatedly, and her eyes slowly cleared.

"W-What did I just...!"

As if realizing what she had just asked, she began to sputter.

"G-Get out!"

She forced him out of the room. She didn't want to be near him for the time being.

"Alright, I understand."

Yukio, seemingly satisfied with his teasing, left without a fuss.

"Goodnight Miki-nii, I love you," he said from outside the room with a smile.

Slam!

She replied by slamming the door, her face flushed with shame.

"Geez, so cold."

He gave a wry smile.

"But that was a close one."

He had also nearly reached his limit. His body felt hot; if he had stayed there, it wouldn't have ended with just a kiss. He wanted his love to be returned, so he chose to stop there.

"At least she's starting to get used to it," he said, his radiant smile returning as he walked away.

Meanwhile, Mikio leaned against the door, covering her face with both hands.

"Just what did I say..."

"I can't believe I said something so embarrassing."

She felt mortified. Her heart was still racing. She touche

d her lips with her finger; the sensation of the kiss lingered there. Just imagining it made her face turn even redder.

"If this keeps up, I won't be able to go back to being myself."

With that thought tucked in her mind, she found it very hard to sleep that night.