Gimai Seikatsu's

The End Chapter 3

The morning is coming. And of course, some dramatic events like being woken up by my little sister never happened. Even last night, Ayase-san went to take a bath after I finished, and went to sleep after I fell asleep. I'm sure he woke up from me, too.

“Ware Yuuta, This is critical !!”

As I walked down the aisle, I met a clown who wore shaving cream as makeup. No, it's wrong, he said it was my father who was getting ready for work. His eyes opened wide, even to the point of spitting blood, as he ran frantically pointing towards the living room.

“What makes you panic?”

“I just shaved!”

“Yes, I can see it.”

“And then, I heard a suspicious sound coming from the direction of the kitchen, so when I went to check it ..”

“Ya?”

Did he witness an act of murder? I could barely hold back such an answer, as my father continued in a trembling voice.

“Sa-Saki-chan.. She is making breakfast!”.

“You say it as if it was a surprising development.”

“What can I do! I never imagined a breakfast made by my own daughter!” I could see tears starting to pile up in the corner of her eyes.

I know He's happy, but can't you sprinkle some foam everywhere?

“Alright.. Quickly wash your face first, okay.”

“You are heartless. If only you could be as beautiful as Saki-chan. ”

“Secantics.. Ayase-san?” I imagined her flat, cold face, and tilted my head in confusion.

I admit her face is cute. He must be at the top. But, this matter and beauty are two different things if you ask me.

… When I thought of something as rude as that, I pushed my father back into the bathroom, and headed to the living room, then a delicious scent tickled my nose.

“Eggs ceplok?” my many.

“It's very ordinary. I thought you wouldn't complain about something simple.” Ayase-san calmly replied.

“Indeed, but may I say one thing?”

“The start sounds like I will hear a complaint after that, but of course, please just.”

“Why are you making breakfast?”

He didn't make it yesterday. I always thought that having breakfast in the morning was enough toast with tea alone, never seeing someone cook everything.

“I mean, this is part of our deal”.

“You mean yesterday? I thought we just decided to have dinner.”

“I mean, the deal is, but I think I should all make breakfast. When talking about reciprocity, it is already my policy to be the party that gives more.”

“So so yes..”

Really sincere once — or, arguably flat. Ayase-san was wearing an apron on top of her uniform, with a frying pan in her hand. Seeing my little sister cooking for me is a sight every guy in the world dreams of. However, as always, the reality is much different than what you read or hear.

I felt a bit guilty making Ayase-san do this, so I thought about what I could do to help her, so I took the initiative of wiping the dinner table. Ayase-san peeked at me from the kitchen, and opened her mouth.

“...Still.” Giving her gratitude a little more awkward than usual, she carried three dishes with fried eggs on top.

I thought that at least this was all I could do because we were family, but I thought that Ayase-san's policy still required her to thank me. After the egg was served, he brought white rice and miso soup, which made the dining room filled with a delicious and appetizing aroma.

“Since when did you prepare this?”

“Last night before bed .... Well, it's not a big thing.”

He said it as if nothing was special, but to me, it sounded like it was very troublesome bin ribet, so I even had trouble making it. Ayase-san and I sat at the dining table, facing each other, clapping both hands, and thanking her for the food, as my father walked to the dining table, fully dressed. He sat down at the table with us and watched the food.

“I want to cry..”.

“Ahaha, Stepfather overestimates too.” Ayase-san responded with a wry smile.

I could see a different expression compared to the flat and cold expression he used to show me. Perhaps because it was towards the adults he would rely on in the future. Looking at the distance, or the type of conversation, it felt like I was not dealing with a step-sister, and more like a wife who had just started living with us.

In the end, my father kept raving about how delicious the food was, and quickly left the house after finishing his own breakfast. Really, he's a fast eater. But, to be honest I was also just as fast, but this time, it only took a little longer.

“What does it taste bad?”

Of course, I didn't plan to say the reason, but Ayase-san looked at me anxiously, already reaching her own conclusion.

“No, kok.”

“You don't have to hesitate. I'll try to fix it if it doesn't taste good.”

“No, seriusan.”

If he had to guess, he might cook according to the recipe, not try out any strange arrangements at all, making sure that everything was perfectly arranged, and it tasted good as well. Of course, if the taste really isn't too good, it's perfect for all the younger sister cliches in anime and manga, but that's not the case.

If yes, then why are my chopsticks moving slower than usual? The reason was simple, and I explained it to her while putting rice in my mouth.

“Only, I am used to eating eggs with soy sauce.

That's the only problem. Ayase-san's eggs are spiced with salt and pepper, and do not use other ingredients. Of course, salt and pepper are not strange, so I can eat this fried egg perfectly, but if this plump egg is seasoned with a little soy sauce, it will taste much better.

“Frigured with a plump egg... I never thought of that..” muttered Ayase-san.

It is precisely I who was more surprised because he ate his egg with just salt and pepper. Ayase-san's expression didn't change much, but her voice made her sound like she was a little sad.

“Sorry, I didn't even think about your taste, and made it like I was going to eat it.”

“No, no, no, this is not something you need to regret. If anything, I feel bad for not telling you before, dana complains like earlier.”

“I'll ask next time.”

“Ya, I'll give you the right information as well.”

That's why none of us said more than that. We are just two people trying to organize something for the benefit and comfort of another. Honestly, it doesn't feel bad. From an outsider's perspective, our conversations may seem monotonous and robotic. But, that's where I felt relief and relaxed.

After spending time together in the morning, Ayase-san and I left our house again at different times. It's a security measure to make sure there aren't any strange rumors coming up at school, and we won't get too close to each other. Even though we became a family, he is still the opposite sex, even more so the same age. Paying each other's attention at home isn't a problem, but being aware of this outside can be overwhelming.

You should appreciate the time you have. Since we both respect this idea, I feel we can get along well in the future as well.

“Between cryptocurrency and youtuber, which do you think is better?”

“I think you better just give up.”

Time a little before the lesson starts. When faced with the question I asked my trusted friend Maru, she replied with a cold and harsh tone.

“Catcher baseball club is indeed different, quick assessment.”

“Everyone will answer that. Why are you asking that, Asamura? ”

“I am looking for a method to make money effectively with the shortest possible time.”

I carefully chose my words and only conveyed the minimum possible information. I can't break my promise with Ayase-san, and I can't tell her about my conversation with her either, so I have to be very careful. Of course, it was not enough to convince Maru, as she looked at me suspiciously.

“Asamura... are you being chased by loan sharks or something?”

Why did you even conclude with the worst-case scenario?

“I'm not involved in a crime or anything like that. I mean, no matter what company or big business you might be in, today's not exactly what it's called, and being a PNS seems hard to do. I'm thinking of saving as much money as possible now.”

“Your thoughts are too far.”

“If possible, I want to earn money without using paid dating.”

“It's in your choice range? ... Hm?” From the depths of her glasses, Maru looked at me doubtfully. “Yesterday you asked me about Ayase, and now you're looking for an obscure odd job ... Don't tell me you— ?”

“No, it's not what you think.” I immediately denied it.

Since I did that even before she could finish her assumption, it might sound more suspicious than anything, but I could not sit still without stopping her immediately. Maru looked at me, as I gulped my saliva, she just opened her mouth slowly.

“Rush only. Anybody wants to hire a pimp like you, okay. Try looking at yourself in the mirror, man. ”

“... Phew.” I let out a sigh of relief.

I felt all the tension in my body disappear, to a level where I didn't even feel like retaliating against his taunts. Thank you for being insensitive at a time like this, Maru.

“You must be making fun of me in your head, ‘kan?”

“Not really.” I lie.

No, I'm not lying. I didn't make fun of him, I thanked him. Stereotyping is something scary, I dare say it. With glasses, and as a baseball club cathcer, my best friend seems to be good at observation, and has great guessing skills. However, he could not even imagine Ayase-san being in the same context as 'Daughter Sister'. This episode tells me that girls who hesitate to go on a paid date simply cannot be 'Sister' in the eyes of others.

“ Anyway,” Maru started her words, raised a finger to start her lecture. “First of all, never think that you can make a lot of money in a short time by being a youtuber or doing cryptocurrency. Such thinking is naive.”

“B-REally?”

“Of course. In order to make a big profit, you need to invest a lot of time. Just like any sport, this is also a bet on how and where you hit the ball.”

“Ahh, I think it makes sense.”

Because Maru, who had been practicing baseball for a long time, said it, it strangely sounded reassuring. However, at the same time as I found the reason for his words, there was also a contradiction that caught my attention.

“But, if anyone who bet decades ago finally got a lot of money, there are also those who can achieve it in just a year, right? What distinguishes the two? I don't think that time they invested.”

“Because I am not someone who makes huge amounts of money, I cannot tell you, but there may be some tricks behind it.”

“Trik, yes..”

“Maybe just your mental attitude. Both my parents were fanatics in history, so I've been told various stories from the Warring States period to the Three Kingdoms period, so I gained a lot of knowledge about it, but— ”

“Sometimes you sound like Zhuge Liang only.”

During the one year I chatted with Maru, I could see that she was quite clever as well. During last year's sports festival, he gathered information about other classes, and taught people. Thanks to that, our class managed to easily get first place. That may also be the reason why he can occupy the position of catcher at his club.

“It's not something big, but ... Well, the basics of war have been ingrained in me.”

“Example?”

“Information and knowledge is your biggest weapon.”

“Know your enemies, know yourself, and you will win a hundred battles?”

“Something like that. Enemy army information, geographical location, weapons they use, and how many they are, experience in practical combat — they all sound like trivial info, but when combined, they become powerful weapons. But, even so, a clever army with an axe cannot win against firearms.”

“So it seems, so you compare it to getting money ... You want to say that I lack knowledge about money?”

“Can be. I feel the more you know about the workings of society, and the market situation, the higher your chances of success? ... I don't know. ” He speaks with all knowledge, you are so unconvincing at the last moment.

It was very similar to him to give advice with his own examples, only to not make it sound like the perfect method in the end. I carefully listened to everything He said, and made mental notes for later.

After school was over, I went riding my bike, and headed straight to the bookstore where I worked . Located right in front of the Shibuya train station, many young children and workers and businesses visit it, so the peak of busyness occurs around 6 to 7 p.m. However, once it can cope, things tend to calm down a bit, and the number of people on shift drops to four.

At about 8pm, two workers went into a one-hour break, so it was just me and Yomiuri-senpai. Yomiuri-senpai stood behind the cash register while yawning, as I — acted like I was working on a shelf, and instead looked for the book I was looking for.

First of all, I need some knowledge about money. About the economy, running a business, and the development of capitalism. To be honest, all the titles sounded very similar, so I couldn't tell the difference, so I chose something that sounded somewhat believable. I might as well pick up a few magazines that could provide information about the workplace with a lot of money and ease. Finding out over the internet can also be an option, but I don't want to meet with suspicious employers. Of course, the ones in the magazines were also not the safest, but it was better to be on guard than not.

…good. I took the books to the cashier. Sana—

“Hey now you are still working, can't save books for yourself. . ” Along with a warning sound, someone patted me on the shoulder with his finger.

Of course, it was Yomiuri-senpai.

“Ah, forgive me.”

“Joking only ~ Nobody cares about that rule, so don't mind me. The store manager even did that. As long as you don't save some super popular novels, or new releases, everything is okay ~ Just think rationally, yes ‘kan? ” Yomiuri-senpai said with a laugh.

He may look like the ideal figure of a Yamato Nadeshiko, but the person is quite relaxed. I remember how he would always complain that once he stopped being polite and proper, the number of guys shooting at him dropped dramatically.

If you're a sloppy woman, just dye your hair and give that impression to others — is often a complaint, and I can understand it. In a certain sense, she was the opposite of Ayase-san, which was quite ridiculous. So the cliche thing is heading down the path of destruction, huh.

“So, Kouhai-kun, what do you want to buy?”

“Can't don't disturb my privacy like that?”

“Reaction to it... Porn book, yes~?”

“I wouldn't dare buy a porn magazine while still struggling to get along with my sister ... Besides, I haven't turned 18 yet, so I haven't been able to buy it yet.”

“Then, just show me...what!”

“Ah.”

He stole books from me while I was off guard.

“Hmm... Hmmm hmm... Mmm ??” He glanced at the various book covers, and showed a curious expression. “I never knew you were so interested in getting rich. Are you the one who has always been like this? ”

“Not too.” I immediately refute that assumption.

But, expressing Ayase-san's personal wish felt disrespectful, so I decided to only reveal the most important details.

“After I graduated High School, I want to move on, and live alone. That's why I need to make as much money as possible.”

“But, isn't that why you're working part-time here?”

Shit, I can't say anything about that…

“Um, okay. The amount of money I have is still not enough, and I am happy to work here because I like books, even though the pay is not too big. ”

“Ah, so it seems.”

“Getting a new sister at this age, I don't want to stay at my family's house. Don't want to burden them now.”

“So yes?” He made a comment with a somewhat blank tone and expression.

“What does Senpai doubt me?”

“I understand that you want to try to be independent, but making your sister as a reason must be wrong, yes ‘kan?” He spoke with a pretty serious tone.

“It's about my own feelings, right?”

“I mean, you are inconsistent with your logic.”

“Really?”

“I mean, it was in vain.”

“Eh?”

The words that came out of Yomiuri-senpai's mouth surprised me, and my eyes opened wide.

“So that you do not trouble others, such reasoning..I don't think you can be the one to make a lot of money just by reading all these books.”.

“Sorry, but our logic has jumped so much, I can't keep up at all. Can you say it in words I can understand?.”

“A younger brother your age is more than an asset. And, a lifestyle that does not depend on it is the same as you tie your arms and legs.” He said it flatly, but his tone was sharp.

In reality, Ayase-san was a person who wanted to live without relying on me or my father, but since I agreed with her idea, those words immediately pierced into my heart.

“In your opinion, why is the money needed?”

“I mean, you can't live without money ‘kan?”

“Is it true that's the only problem?”

“Is that a rhetorical question? I mean, you need it. Clothes - Food - Where to stay, all three are our basic needs as human beings, and each needs money.”

That's capitalism.

“Hmm, so. Then, let's take it to the extreme. A baby who cannot make money, will be left to die just like that?”

“It's really too extreme.”

“In reality, a baby can live even without making money, ‘kan?”

“Because of the parents who bear the cost, yes.”

“That's true, because it's being helped ... Why can't adults live like that? Isn't that nice?”

“I don't think it's that easy.”

If everyone starts asking for help, I'm sure society will collapse. Adults must protect children, and once you can make your own money, you will be protected by this society.

“I mean, more adults who want to be babies again, ‘kan.”

“I don't think you should equalize it.”

On social media and everywhere, I can see people treating 2D characters as their Mama, or content that shows adults returning to children the way they want. However, even if you remember it, you can't just equate it if this is the case for every adult out there ... Or, at least I hope so.

“I never said everything ~ But, the fact that such content keeps popping up is because there are people who really want it, right.”

“It... true, sih.”

“At first, we are all babies, but once we grow up, it cannot be. Isn't that meaner?”

“...I think so.”

“This is another extreme parable, but if someone provides clothes, food, and a place to sleep... If someone helps you like that, then you can live without money, right?”

“So basic income is different from money?”

“Smart once~”

“Please stop it.”

I didn't expect to be treated like a cool kid who uses words they just learned recently. Not to mention that I heard that term from the book that Yomiuri-senpai lent me, so I don't think she has the right to teach me. But, he only showed a smile, not bothering my mind.

“If you can't live alone, you just need to ask others for help. Or, at least that's my opinion.”

“Even if they end up as a load?”

“There are people in this world who like such a girl, know?”

“For personal interests, yes, but in general..”.

“Maybe it's not your type, Kouhai-kun.”

“... I don't really understand.”

At least, I don't think Ayase-san likes a guy who is a burden. Or so I want to say, but I don't know him very well yet, so in both cases, this is a question that has no answer.

“However, that's how money works. If you have one, it's good, and if not, you should find someone to help you. In order for someone to come to help you when you need it, always look for someone who may need help. I think it's better to remember it, than to read some such extreme books.”

“I doubt it.”

“All companies in this world, there are more competent employees than great company president.”

“It was an amazing statement.”

“But that's the reality. The president of a rich company happens to be good at being saved, that's all, young man.”

“It feels so bad how you act as if you know all that.”

“Campus development always have one or two sugar daddy.”

“Eh?” I unconsciously froze.

Of course, not because I had feelings for her, but because she always worked in the same shift as me, I came to know some things about Yomiuri-senpai. But the one whose name was surprised was still surprised. Exactly as it happened when I heard the rumor that Ayase-san might sell her body. Maybe it's just because I'm a virgin, I don't know.

However, after a moment of silence, Yomiuri-senpai showed her nosy smile to me.

“Joking only ~”

“Basic *****.”

My polite language is completely broken.

“But friends on campus are doing that. It seems that people with a lot of money are good at asking others for help. Moreover, every time I met him, he always showed off some new items with him. From clothes to handbags, it's really amazing.”

“Wow.”

It felt like I was just peeking at the dark side of college life.

“By the way, before relying on such a book, why not rely on your family first?” He blinked his eyes, and began to welcome the customer who had just entered.

In the end, I went home that day without buying a single book, completely influenced by the seductive advice of Senpai.

“I'm home, Ayase-san.”

“Welcome home, Asamura-kun.”

As usual, my step-sister greeted me as I returned home, due to the smell of foodstuffs tickling my nose. When I came to the living room, I saw Ayase-san doing her job in the kitchen. I don't know if she just got home, or if she wouldn't bother changing her clothes, but she's wearing an apron over her uniform, rummaging through the contents of the pot.

“Good work for your work. Do you want to eat soon? ”

“Iya, thanks. I'll prepare the plate.”

“Ah, no need to bother, you must be tired of your work.” Ayase-san said, just as I took out some dishes.

Rather than being a half-brother, the conversation felt more like we were a couple of newlyweds. I tried to dispel those strange thoughts, and finished preparing for dinner with Ayase-san, sitting at the dinner table, facing each other. The main dish today is curry. Many vegetables are used, making it look like a fairly healthy curry. In addition, he even prepared a salad. While carrying vegetables with seasonings in my mouth, my eyes opened wide.

“Lezat...!”

“So yes, I'm glad to hear it.”

I praise him honestly. Frankly speaking, it's good enough that only that word can describe it. His homemade curry was not something made by an amateur, who followed the recipe and used the ingredients of the market.

If you don't use a variety of spices, and make detailed calculations to boil vegetables, you won't make it this delicious to bite. The same goes for the rice, as it can be chewed very smoothly.

Ayase-san showed a calm reaction as usual, but I don't think she hates my praise, because the corner of her mouth is slightly raised, while she brings curry to her mouth. As the spice touched his tongue, his eyebrows twitched slightly, and I realized that he even had an expression like a normal human.

“I didn't think you'd make this curry selezat.”

“So yes. However, I will give you a value of 70 points.”

“You can still make it even better?”

“I don't have much time to season the meat, so I can still make it better. Sorry about that.”

“Spiced his meat.” I just heard the words I just heard.

“Eh, what? You want me to explain? ”

“I have no knowledge of cooking ... The only thing I know is you cook both sides of meat.”

From my point of view, her knowledge of cooking made it seem like she was from a different world.

“Yah, sure.” He said, and began to explain. “If you buy meat on the market, it still tastes a bit meh, or the smell can sting the nose. Using salt, pepper, or garlic, it tastes much better. ”

“Ohh..

“Tips I got from the internet. Most of the things I've just learned on recipe sites. ” Reply and state that he learned most of this on his own, without the help of others.

It really shows that his desire to live independently is not just a momentary desire. Thinking that far, I have a few words of my own.

“About methods of making money quickly and easily.”

“So yes, so you've been looking for it.”

“Yes. But, I can't find anything. I'm sorry, but you've made me food twice. ”

“...So so yes. Well, I don't think it'll be that easy.” Ayase-san gently lowered her shoulders in defeat, but her disappointment was not as deep as I expected.

I was pretty sure he had tried to gather information himself before asking me, and realized that finding such a job was too easy to be true.

“I just heard about a special attribute regarding people who end up rich.”

“Huh, it sounds very interesting.”

“Even I was curious when I heard it.”

There, I explained what Yomiuri-senpai said to me, and emphasized the importance of relying on others. After listening to my explanation, Ayase-san's eyes radiated with curiosity.

“So you have a girl close to you, Asamura-kun.”

“Eh, that's all you got from the explanation?”

“Ah sorry. It's just, know for yourself, it doesn't feel like I.”

“And now you mock me.”

“I said sorry, okay.”

As I showed discomfort of being treated like a virgin, Ayase-san showed a wry smile. Of course, my physical contact with women has so far been at ground zero, so what Ayase-san said was also not wrong.

“I really think you hate women or something.”

“Not really. Why do you think like that? ”

“Because our situation is very similar, I think that's what happened.”

I see, so Ayase-san hates women — Of course, I wouldn't joke like that. Judging from his choice of words, he might see his parents not getting along. She never had such a strong attachment to her biological father, and was thinking of something similar to me to my own real mother. Half of that is true, because I was very bad at dealing with my real mother.

“But, this is yes this, and that is yes it is. Just because you don't like one person doesn't mean you start hating all women. ”

“So yes. To be honest, it's good.”  Ayase-san said, admiring my words, then continued in a light tone. “I support you.”

“...Support what?”

“You two. She's got an attractive appearance, a nice place to hang out with, and an older woman, right?”

“It's true, anyway?”

“I think you two fit.”

“Ehhh?”

Since she told me with a seductive smile, my body stiffened. It is true that Yomiuri-senpai is an alluring beautiful woman, with big breasts, and older than me, but I never knew what she was thinking, and could not be caught off guard against her. I feel like I can be myself near her, but when I get tired, talking to her can be troublesome.

“Why does your face look so disgusted? From what I hear, he's smart and a great guy. ”

“Yeah, I don't deny it ..” I shut my mouth.

I can't tell Ayase-san that I would be exhausted just by dating Yomiuri-senpai, because that would make me a bastard.

“Ahh, what to do.” Ayase-san put down her spoon. “What he said is true, but I still want to be independent.”

“You seem to be in a hurry. You don't even want to rely on me or dad?”

“No, you two are good people, and I'm sure you will definitely help me if I ask for help. But... ” He paused for a moment. “Everything will be easier if you two are bad guys.”

“What....that you....”.

“Sorry. I can't say that. Thanks for the food. ” his eyes are wide open, and although the food is not finished yet, he took the plate with him.

I felt like calling her when she practically ran into the kitchen, but held back. We haven't spent much time since we became brothers, but I know that he doesn't want to talk about that topic anymore, even for a dumbass myself.

I feel like I'm going to be forced to go to bed feeling gloomy again tonight. Realizing that, I ate the remaining curry. Yup, it's delicious even if it lacks a little spice for my tongue.

“Looks like I can't sleep well tonight.”.

—Starting from the conclusion, I can sleep well. The reason was Ayase-san, who came to my room when I intended to sleep in my bed.

“What is this?”

“Aromatic candles and my sleep mask. I'm afraid you can't sleep because of what I said earlier.”

Really attention. Although her speech was always flat, and never showed any expression, I could see her sympathy and kindness behind that guise, and it felt like I was learning the other side that Ayase Saki was showing.