The sound of rain pattered softly in the living room.

Even though it was a day off, I had nothing to do, so I was sitting on the sofa, watching a variety show. As I wasted my time, the living room door quietly opened.

“Big brother, what are you watching?”

It was my stepsister, Ruka.

She wore a white hoodie and gray shorts, with fluffy socks. Comfortable clothes for being at home. I didn’t know where to look for a moment.

“I'm just watching a boring variety show. There’s nothing else to do.”

“Then, do you want me to change the channel?”

Ruka picked up the remote and started flipping through the channels. Soon, a cooking show appeared. A famous chef was skillfully making dishes.

“You want to watch this?”

“Yes. It’s helpful.

She watched the screen with interest.

We quietly watched the cooking show together as the rain outside got a little heavier. The sky was gray, which was perfect for a rainy season day.

“Don’t you feel sleepy on days like this?”

“That’s true.”

Ruka yawned lightly and rested her head on the arm of the sofa.

“Do you like rainy days, big brother?”

“I don’t dislike them. I can relax at home. How about you?”

“I like them.”

Ruka smiled with her eyes slightly closed.

“Because I can relax with you like this.”

“I see.”

I looked at her. She looked calm and peaceful.

At school, girls often surround me, and it can be tiring. But being with Ruka really feels relaxing.

“Big brother, how’s school going?”

“It’s fine. I'm sorry, it must be tough since everyone knows you’re my sister.”

“It’s a little annoying when people talk to me, but it’s okay.”

Ruka smiled wryly.

“Really?”

“Yes. But people ask me a lot about you. Like your favorite food, your hobbies…”

“Really? They ask that?”

“Yes. I keep it a secret, though.”

“You don’t have to hide it.”

“Because I want to be the only one who knows about big brother.”

Her words made my heart skip a little.

“…Why?”

“Because it’s a little sister’s privilege.”

Ruka muttered quietly and giggled.

When the cooking show ended, she put down the remote and yawned.

“I’m getting sleepy.”

“Rain sounds always make you sleepy.”

“That’s true.”

Ruka curled up and hugged her knees. The way she did it looked really cute, and I found myself staring at her absentmindedly.

“Big brother?”

“Ah, no… It’s nothing.”

I quickly looked away, and Ruka let out a small laugh.

“Is there something on my face?”

“No… it’s just…”

“Just?”

“I just… think you’re cute.”

Her cheeks turned slightly red at my words.

“C-cute…”

“Ah, no, I mean as my little sister.”

Ruka lowered her gaze. At that moment, a soft scent of her hair reached me. Mixed with the smell of shampoo, it was her gentle and familiar scent.

“Oh, I should start making lunch soon.”

“Yeah, thank you as always.”

“No problem.”

As Ruka stood up, she suddenly lost her balance.

“Ah.”

I quickly reached out and grabbed Ruka’s right wrist.

“Are you okay?”

“Y-yes…”

Her wrist was thinner and warmer than I expected. Suddenly, we were really close, and her face was right there.

Her eyes looked a little glossy.

When I let go, Ruka blushed and ran toward the kitchen.

As she started working in the kitchen, I stared at my own hand. It felt like her warmth was still on me.

What was that feeling?

Before I could even think it through, I heard her voice from the kitchen.

“Big brother, what do you want to eat today?”

“Huh? Ah, anything’s fine.”

“Then I’ll make the pasta from that cooking show earlier.”

“Hm, thank you.”

Hearing her normal voice made me feel a little relieved. But at the same time, I couldn’t stop thinking about what just happened.

Her warm hand… the way her eyes looked when she was close… her blushing cheeks.

All of it made my heart race, and I felt completely confused.

Chapter 2: "On a Rainy Day at Home, Am I the Only One Feeling Different?"