Chapter 11: Because She Was Thinking About Her Sister, She Decided to Make Me Her Dress-Up Doll

I’d been forcibly dragged to the department store.

This was all Hoshiko’s fault.

The moment we got home, she suddenly declared, "Come shopping with me!" and yanked me along.

Sure, after school, I had nothing better to do. I’d planned to kill time at Haruto’s place, but apparently, he had something going on today.

…Not that I dislike Hoshiko. It’s true she still looks up to me like always.

"Luna-nee, where should we go next?"

But I really wish she’d stop calling me that. I’m not her "big sister," and I’m not "Luna" either. I’m Youta.

Even if she says it affectionately, I know her feelings aren’t actually directed at me.

"Just go wherever you want, Hoshiko."

My reply came out curt and dismissive. But Hoshiko didn’t seem bothered at all.

That’s one thing about her—she’s stubborn. Most people would’ve given up on me by now.

"Then how about picking out some clothes for you, nee-chan?"

"Hah? Give me a break…"

What the hell is she even saying? Why should I go out of my way to buy new clothes? What I have is more than enough.

"No can do, nee-chan. You have to choose proper clothes. Or Haruto-san might get sick of you."

"Nguh…"

I froze. The thought of Haruto losing interest in me sent a sharp pang through my chest.

…Wait, no. Haruto wouldn’t care about that stuff.

We’re just friends.

Pretty sure he doesn’t even see me as a girl.

Not that it should bother me—but for some reason, the thought just pisses me off.

"Last time, you went out in sweats, right? I heard you ended up changing there anyway."

"W-Who told you that?!"

"Who else? Haruto-san, duh."

After some prying, I found out Hoshiko regularly keeps in touch with Haruto.

Why the hell would they talk behind my back?

A bitter feeling welled up, and I fell silent.

"Wait… nee-chan, are you jealous? Don’t worry, Haruto-san only has eyes for you."

"I’m not! And stop feeding him weird ideas!"

"Weird ideas? You mean the restaurant thing?"

Not that.

The lunch thing before—I was happy about that. The food was great.

"I mean the private bookings and bouquets, that kinda nonsense. Haruto’s clueless about how the real world works."

Ever since back when I was active as the magical girl Silver Witch, he’s always done weird stuff.

Like refusing to evacuate during a monster attack.

Or casually ditching class with me—not that I can complain about that now.

I remember he skipped our first-year school trip because he couldn’t afford it.

Turns out, that was the right call, given the Legion Brigade’s attack afterward.

As I stewed over this, Hoshiko spoke up.

"I think it’ll be fine this time. The advisor’s really experienced."

"...This time? What do you mean ‘this time’?"

That sounded like something I shouldn’t ignore.

"N-Nothing! Anyway, we have to get you new clothes so you’re ready whenever Haruto-san asks you out!"

"Ugh…"

She had a point. If I showed up in sweats again, I’d embarrass him.

Haruto’s the only one who sees me as Youta.

So making sure I don’t cause him trouble… that’s not weird, right?

I regretted thinking those things just minutes ago.

"Luna-nee! This one would look cute on you too!"

Hoshiko was supplying the fitting room with clothes at a terrifying pace. While I changed, she'd pick out more and hand them over.

The boutique we were in was trendy but just barely affordable for students—evidenced by the handful of uniformed girls browsing inside.

Hoshiko seemed thrilled when she caught me unconsciously posing in front of the mirror earlier.

I’d just tried on a lightweight blouse, yet here she was with another nearly identical one. Same style, different shades of pink.

…I was exhausted. Still in the blouse, I stepped out of the fitting room.

"Give it a rest, Hoshiko. I don’t have enough allowance to buy this much anyway."

"No worries! I already begged Mom for extra!"

"Why the hell are you asking Mom for money on my behalf?"

I couldn’t stop myself from snapping. Just days ago, she’d been whining for a new hat of her own.

"And why are you picking so much pink?"

"Huh? Because you like pink, right?"

"……What?"

"I mean, your room’s wall is completely pink—"

"…That’s wrong."

The faint, floating warmth in my weariness evaporated instantly.

I liked blue.

Pink was a girly color. I hated it.

Hoshiko was talking about Luna.

Not me. Someone else.

A murky feeling surged in my chest, unstoppable. My back teeth ground together on their own.

"…Let’s go home."

"W-What’s wrong, nee-chan…?"

"Nothing. I’m just tired."

My voice was so cold it unsettled even me. Hoshiko flinched.

…I didn’t want to hurt her.

"I’m sorry, Luna-nee. Did I do something bad?"

"You didn’t. So just… shut up."

I’d tolerated it earlier, but now, every "Luna" sent disgust crawling under my skin. Irritated, I yanked the fitting room curtain shut and started changing.

"…Okay."

Her voice was small.

Why can’t I just stay as… her brother?

Self-loathing coiled in my gut.

Of course Hoshiko didn’t understand.

She’d done nothing wrong. I was the one hurting her.

Yet she still cared about me.

The thought made me sick—I was too pathetic to deserve it.

Silent, I finished changing and moved to leave without buying anything.

"…Let’s go."

"…I’m sorry, Youta-nii."

"……Huh?"

This time, my tangled emotions scattered.

Purged clean in an instant.

—Had I imagined it?

I turned. Hoshiko wore a guilty, forced smile.

"Ah! S-Sorry! Dunno why I called you that weird name. Maybe Haruto-san’s rubbing off on me? ‘Big bro’ doesn’t even suit you, ahaha…"

—What did you just say?

I wanted to ask, but the words died in my throat. My mind blanked. I just stood there, frozen.

"…Nee-chan!? What’s wrong!?"

Hoshiko rushed over.

I could only stare, bewildered.

"Nee-chan, you’re—you’re crying!"

It wasn’t until she said it that I realized something warm was sliding down my cheeks.