HS Chapter 18: The hopeless sister dresses up.

The day after I tearfully declined my friend’s invitation to go to karaoke. As we were saying yesterday, today is the start of the fun GW!

Today, the first day of GW is also the day for the regular check-up for Koma’s dysgeusia. 

“Hey, Mako. Koma’s check up for today… Are you sure you don’t want me to take you girls there?”

I finished getting ready to go to the hospital and I was waiting for Koma at the front door… Aunty Meiko, the guardian of us Tachibana sisters and our precious family, approached me with concern.

“Un. It’s fine, I and Koma aren’t children anymore.”

We’re old enough to go to the hospital even if it’s just the two of us. I smile back at Aunty trying not to burden her with work.

“But, you know… As an adult and your guardian, I think that I still should go with you girls.”

“You don’t have to worry so much. It’s going to be fine, Aunty.”

I gently rebuke Aunty who’s persistent about it. Hahaha, she’s really a worrywart, isn’t she?

“But… Just like you I’m worried about Koma…”

“That’s okay, Aunty. Your feelings are more than enough.”

“Even if you say that, I’m sure Koma would be much more assured if I come along too.”

“It’s really okay. You don’t have to force yourself to come.”

“I’m not forcing myself, Mako. Just shut up and let me come with you!”

“Hahahaha…. Are you perhaps not being able to understand what I said? I don’t want you to come, you’re in my way.”

“What’s with this brat!?”

“What’s with this old hag!?”

“”….””

Bang! X2

“Stop complaining and just take me with you!”

“Annoying! I won’t let you interfere with my lovey-dovey hospital date with Koma, Aunty!”

Aunty who’ll force herself to take her with me VS me who wants to go on a date with Koma just the two of us. Just like that our arguing at the front door turned into a brawl.

Well, it started like this. Despite it being my day off, I started my busy life as usual.

◇　◇　◇

“Haa… Haa… Basically.. You have a briefing session with your Editor-san today? We’re seriously fine so get ready for that…”

After the two of us flailed like that, I broke the ice while catching my breath. Aunty, what about your work?

“*Breathes heavily* Haahaa… Idiot Mako… That’s why I want to escape… Rather, just let me come and use it as an excuse to run away from my editor…”

“…Un. I was suspicious that it was like that, but as expected you were escaping from work. You see, I think Aunty is the idiot.”

Apparently, she doesn’t want to do any work and wants to escape using Koma’s regular check up as an excuse.

How much of a slacker is she, considering the last time when we went to the cherry blossoms. You want to trouble Editor-san, again?

“But, Mako, think about it. The GW starts from today!”

“Yes, what about it?”

“Both Mako and Koma have days off… I thought that I’d be able to rest for some time and drink sake, but…”

“But what?”

“That Editor bastard, he said ”You’re going to work all of GW without resting to make up for slacking till now, Meiko-senpai… No, Meiko-sensei. Also, drinking is prohibited until you finish your work.”… Him saying that just makes me want to slack off even more!”

“…..”

Isn’t it obvious that it is Aunty’s fault for slacking and not doing her work? And also while you’re saying that, you’ve been drinking almost every single day for some time now.

“Good grief… There are terrible editors who don’t allow the weak female authors to drink and even tell them to work on their days off. You also think that, right Mako?”

“Un. It’s 100% Aunty’s fault, and don’t vent your anger against Editor-san in a vague sense, it’s shameful.”

In the first place, Aunty is not weak and if there’s anything that needs to rest, it is probably Aunty’s liver.

“What… Mako was also on Editor-san’s side, damn it…”

“I’m a friend to Mako and justful people. More importantly, I have good news for Aunty who’s throwing a tantrum!”

“Aaah? Good news, you say? What is it?”

“A mail came just now from a certain person. He said that if Aunty shows any sign of running, please show this email to Aunty. Etto… Here, this one.”

I take out my mobile phone, and then show the email to Aunty.

In it—

“FROM: Editor-san   I’ll arrive there in ten minutes. If she runs away from home, I’ll chase her to the ends of the earth and give her hell.”

“…So he says.”

“…..I won’t run away.”

Aunty got heartbroken looking at the email from Editor-san. Editor-san is amazing… He completely grasped Aunty’s actions.

While admiring the Editor, I call out to the heartbroken Aunty.

“Hey, Aunty. After reading this email I asked the Editor-san, the truth is that today was his day off but he gave it up to come all the way to our house for a briefing session. The Editor-san is working so hard and yet… Aunty doesn’t feel sorry for him?”

“Uuuu….”

I’m not sure if my words have hit the bullseye but she’s shaken. It seems she’s a bit worried about causing trouble to Editor-san.

“Besides, if you work hard today then you can rest for a while, right?”

“…Un.”

“In that case, for yours and Editor-san’s sake, do your work properly. I’m sure that if you finish your work today you’ll enjoy your vacation tomorrow even more than if you haven’t finished your work today.”

“…Fine, I get it.”

Aunty became obedient as if she got the idea when I said so much. Okay, I don’t have to worry now.

“Then, work hard, Aunty. Aah, that’s right. I’m not cheering you or anything, but for your lunch I’ve made all of Aunty’s favourite foods. When lunch comes, you can microwave the food and eat it.”

“Thank you.”

“Also, when the Editor-san comes please serve him the tea cakes I’ve prepared.”

“Haa!? Why do I have to do that for him!?”

“Why, you ask… Because he’s a guest, and because you’re indebted to him, above all.”

In the first place, who’s the person that ruined Editor-san’s precious vacation.

“You’d better give them to him. After that, the tea— No, don’t do it. Aunty can’t make good tea… No other choice, give him the cool barley tea in the refrigerator.”

“Wait, I’m sure I can make tea!?”

“….”

Liar. Just a while ago, I don’t know whether she had gone mad, but she had put tea leaves in the teacup instead of the teapot and served it like that to me.

“Anyhow, Aunty. Don’t disrespect Editor-san!”

“Yes, yes. Sigh, are you my mother?”

“HAHAHA! I don’t remember having raised or giving birth to such a bad child!”

“I don’t want to be told that line by you who’s hopeless… Mako, you’re the one who shouldn’t disrespect the doctor.”

“I understand.”

Now… I’m a bit worried over whether Aunty will deal with Editor-san maturely… But, Aunty is an adult and since I said so much, it’ll probably be alright.

“Then, all I have to do is wait for Koma to be ready to go to the hospital. I wonder if Koma is all dressed up… I’m sure she’ll wear something cute… Fufufu… I’m looking forward to it!”

“Aaah… I’m sure she’s putting a lot of effort in dressing herself up… (*Mumble*)… After all, it’s a date with Mako for Koma…”

What are you going to wear, Koma. Although, she looks amazing in whatever she wears.

“Ah, by the way, Mako. Sorry for changing the topic, but can I ask you something?”

“Hn? What is it, Aunty?”

While waiting for Koma, I was imagining in my head the stylish image of Koma, and for some reason I could feel Aunty was staring at me with a strange expression.

What’s wrong? Did I do something strange?

“I’ve been curious about it since earlier… Why haven’t you finished changing clothes? You need to get ready soon otherwise it’ll be bad.”

“….Un?”

“Aren’t you still in your casual clothes? Don’t tell me you’re going to go like that?”

“???”

What does she mean…? I haven’t finished changing…? On top of that, casual clothes…? Eh, what? Are Aunty’s eyes potholes?

“What are you saying, Aunty? I’m properly dressed for this occasion.”

“….Ha?”

“Here, take a good look at my prided original print and cool T-shirt!”

“………………..”

It seems Aunty is already developing farsightedness, as I’m showing off my T-shirt to Aunty.

That’s right, this T-shirt is my favourite. It’s custom designed, printed by me. In the center of the white shirt is—-

‘LITTLE SISTER IS LIFE!’

Words of my soul were carved on it. As I proudly display the T-shirt so she can see the letters more clearly, Aunty says a few to me.

“Go change your clothes.”

Why?

“You… No matter how close you are with the doctor, you mustn’t go like that. You should think a bit more about TPO since you’re going to the hospital.”

“Eeeh… I feel no persuasive power from that since you wear a padded kimono all year around…”

Rather, if Aunty is going to be talking about it, she’s the one that is going to bring home the Editor-san who’s a guy of around her own age, and I think she should dress a little better.

Moreover, what is strange with these cute clothes?

“I don’t mind it. I’m not going out. I mean, Mako you said that after the check-up you’re going to have fun with Koma, right?”

“Un. We’re going to have lunch, too. Then, we’re going to do shopping and stuff. Fufufuu! I’m looking forward to the date with Koma♪”

The date in this context is where we the girls are having fun together, to be exact. It’s still a date, right?

Mufufu… A date with Koma… Aaah, date with Koma! Somehow that sounds pleasant. I’m feeling excited from thinking we’ve become lovers.

“I’ll ask again, are you going to have fun with Koma in that outfit, Mako?”

“Un. What’s wrong with it? What’s strange about it?”

“Haaa….”

When I replied to her, she looked at me with disgusted eyes and sighed. I don’t know why, but it’s disrespectful to sigh while looking at someone…

“….(*Mumble, mumble*) Koma had been saying how much she was looking forward to the date with Mako… I’m sure that with this fashion even her hundred years of love will cool down….”

“Hm? What? Why are you mumbling?”

“…No other choice. Oi, come with me, Mako.”

“He? Why so suddenly?”

“Just come with me.”

Aunty suddenly grabbed my hand and took me to her room. Once inside, I see a room dirty in such a way that’s artistic to an extent. Uwa… It’s been a while since I’ve entered Aunty’s room but as always it had trash and whatever else scattered around… I’ll have to clean the room soon… 

As if not being fazed by the messy room, Aunty pushed aside all the clutter and started searching her closet.

“Now… This and this will look good on you. Also… this ribbon is good… Then this… Okay. This much should be okay.”

“Aunty? Hey, what happened?”

“Oi, Mako.”

“Un?”

When she finished searching, she suddenly turns to me and says.

“Undress.”

“…Yes?”

“Undress your clothes.”

Aunty, who’s a bit more than 10 years older than me takes me into her room and tells me to undress.

… I’m in trouble. Is my chastity in danger?

“Excuse me… Aunty? I’m sorry but I don’t have that kind of a hobby. I’ve made up in my heart that I’m only for my cute and lovely Koma.”

“There’s no time. Undress quickly.”

“No, I just said. I have Koma…”

“Aah, you’re so troublesome… In that case, I’ll do it so be obedient, Mako.”

“Hahaha, I refuse. It’s a joke, isn’t it? Would you stop with these wacky jokes of you—- Wait, stop! Why are you putting your hands on my clothes!? Nooo… I don’t want it… Stop!? I don’t have a hobby of being undressed by people other than Koma… Nooooooo!? I’m being dirtieeeeeeeeeeeeeeed!?”

“Stop spouting rude things. Just sit still and let me do it.”

　◇　◇　◇

“I can’t become a wife, anymore.”

“Oi, don’t say things that cause misunderstandings.”

Five minutes later. My favourite printout T-shirt has been forcibly taken off and then Aunty changed me into some strange clothes that she had for some reason.

Uuu… I don’t like these clothes. I’m not comfortable at all…

“Or rather, Aunty… Why do you have these clothes… Why do you have them?”

“I bought them for reference for the novel I’m writing. They’re pretty good.”

Certainly, I can feel the quality of the clothes just by touching them. I think they’re nice… I think, however. These… These clothes…

I don’t know the details but… Is this the so-called Gothic Lolita?

 “It’s way better than that T-shirt you were wearing earlier. The clothes make the person… I think you’re the example of that saying.”

“… I wonder about that.”

I look in the mirror to check for myself. It’s kind of sad to say it myself… But, it doesn’t look that great on me.

If it was on Koma, she would’ve worn it perfectly. But, I don’t think these clothes are a fit for me. How do I put it… If I had to speak figuratively, it’s like a girl who misunderstood and is forcibly cosplaying despite not looking good…

“Hey, Aunty, I think the shirt I just wore suits me better than this…”

This is just too embarrassing no matter how it’s said, and to borrow Aunty’s words wearing this doesn’t match the TPO. I think I’d still be better in the T-shirt than this.

“You don’t look happy. As far as I’m concerned, I’m sure Koma will be very happy with this fashion.”

“No, no, no, that’s impossible.”

And above all, she’ll be turned away by this. “Nee-sama… Those clothes are gross.” she’ll say that and be drawn back for sure.

I don’t want it… I just don’t want that to happen.

“If you think that, then let’s make a bet.”

“A bet?”

“Yes, if you show that outfit to Koma and she’s happy with it, I win. If she’s turned off by it, Mako wins. If I win… That’s right, bring me a delicious souvenir on your way home. If Mako wins, then I’ll increase your allowance for this month.”

“…U~n.”

Having my allowance increased is attractive. If I lose, I just have to buy something appropriate for her and go home, but that means I have to show this outfit to Koma to know whether I’ve won or not.

… I definitely want to avoid being seen like this by Koma, this…

“Let’s stop this, Aunty. No betting, just give me my T-shirt bac—-”

*Knock* *Knock*

“Aunt, I’m done getting ready so I’ll be going.”

“~~~~~~~~~~~!?”

As I was about to change into my usual clothes, Koma finished getting ready and was in front of Aunty’s room— In other words, she knocks at the door of the room that I’m in, and I’m wearing Aunty’s clothes that don’t suit me.

Isn’t this bad!? I don’t want to be seen like this by her!?

“Ouh, she came at the right moment. Koma, I have something interesting to show you. Come inside.”

“*Surprise*… What are you spouting, Aunty!?”

“…Oh my? That voice… I see that Nee-sama is also inside. I’ll excuse myself, Aunt.”

“Don’t! You can’t come in, Koma! I beg you so don’t come in!?”

I desperately tried to stop her but I was too late.

“I was looking for you, Nee-sama. You were not in the living room or your room, so I wondered… what… happened…?”

When Koma walks into the room, she sees me and freezes on the spot with wide-open eyes.

… It’s over for me. I’ll be labeled as a hentai cosplaying sister by Koma… I don’t want to live anymore…

“Look, Koma. How is it? Mako’s outfit?”

“Nee, sama? Is that Nee-sama!?”

“Don’t look at me! Please don’t! See, I told you, Aunty! That this outfit doesn’t suit me and even Koma is stunned! Take responsibilit—- Eh!?”

*Grabs*

I was a little teary-eyed while glaring at Aunty to protest against her, Koma that didn’t move for a while suddenly grabbed ahold of my hand. What is Koma…?

“So…?”

“”…So?””

“Nee-sama looks amazing!”

…What did you say?

“That outfit, Nee-sama looks really beautiful in it! The elegance, kindness and beauty of Nee-sama is highlighted by the Gothic Lolita style… You’re just like a western doll… You also have the charm of a princess from a picture book… Anyway, you’re just wonderful! Aah, not just that. Of course, I also love your rough and casual outfits, since it shows Nee-sama’s simplicity, however… Today, your aura has completely changed and it’s fresh! You’re really wonderful! Aah, how cute… I could hug you all day without stopping… You’re hellishly cute!”

Somehow, contrary to my expectations, Koma seemed to be extremely pleased with this outfit.

It’s rare for her to be flustered and praise me this much. It suits me…? It really looks good on me…? This ridiculous outfit…!?

“Aaah….! Could it be that… Nee-sama… dressed up… for the date with me…?”

“Eh!? Aah… Un. That’s about it.”

“I’m happy! Aah! That… Nee-sama! Can I take a picture of Nee-sama in that outfit?”

“Sure”

“Thank you very much! Wait a moment, please! I’ll go bring the camera immediately!”

Koma goes to her room to bring the camera with her eyes shining brightly with excitement. It’s completely different from what I thought… I guess it’s worth the embarrassing outfit if she is this happy…?

Now, there’s that. I’m going to say a few things to Aunty who has a triumphant expression that says “See that?”.

“Aunty”

“Hm? What is it Tachibana Mako-kun?”

“Please look forward to your souvenir.”

“Yes, get me something good.”

…That being the reason. It was a bit frustrating but I was grateful to Aunty for giving me this outfit, and I was able to enjoy the hastily arranged photoshoot with Koma until she was satisfied.