The Nishimiya household was quite far from Sōbu High just the train ride alone took nearly an hour, and after that there was still a considerable walk ahead.

As soon as they stepped off the train, Nishimiya immediately grabbed the shopping bags Yukinoshita had bought, afraid that her seemingly refined and delicate upperclassman might get tired.

Yukinoshita glanced at her but said nothing.

This area was once part of the city's older districts, now practically on the outskirts. Ever since the city center had shifted elsewhere, the neighborhood had grown quiet and deserted. Basic living facilities and the general standard of living lagged far behind the newer East District.

But there was an upside housing prices and living expenses were significantly lower.

Nishimiya's face was flushed bright red, and every few minutes, she'd mumble, "We're almost there, almost there…" It wasn't until she'd repeated this about seven or eight times that they finally arrived at her doorstep.

The Nishimiya home was a typical old-fashioned Japanese-style house narrow and a bit worn down.

Yukinoshita took back the gift bag, allowing Nishimiya to fetch the keys.

"I'm home!"

As soon as they stepped into the familiar space, the pink-haired girl visibly brightened. She led Yukinoshita toward the modest living room, murmuring shyly, "Welcome, Yukinoshita-senpai… I'm sorry we can't offer much hospitality…"

"…Sis?"

A handsome young voice rose from the small tea table in the living room. He had been doing homework, but the sound from the entryway had caught his attention. When he looked up, he saw his sister bringing a stranger home.

Nishimiya smiled and gently ruffled his hair before introducing them to each other.

The boy wore a pale red jacket and knee-length shorts. His ear-length hair was slightly tousled, adding a hint of youthful charm. He had the kind of easy-going, charismatic energy that made him the type of boy popular at school.

"This is Yukinoshita-senpai she's amazing at our school. She's here today on behalf of our teachers to check in on our general situation."

Then, placing both hands on the younger one's shoulders, she presented him like a prized treasure. "And this is my little sister, Yuzuki."

"Our mom's still at work she might be back a bit later. Senpai, I hope you don't mind waiting."

Huh?

Little sister?

Yukinoshita's gaze settled on the boyish-looking figure. Despite the masculine clothes and tomboyish demeanor, her hair was slightly longer than the average boy's, and her delicate features were far softer and finer.

Yukinoshita gave a polite nod. "Hello. I'm Yukinoshita Yukino."

But… this younger sister really didn't resemble Nishimiya at all.

Not in appearance, nor in demeanor.

Nishimiya had soft, cherry-colored hair and a gentle, fragile presence. She was the kind of girl who, when your eyes met hers, would immediately return your gaze with warmth. She gave off a softness that made you worry like she might collapse at any moment under the weight of the world's darkness.

Her sister, Nishimiya Yuzuki, was something else entirely. Despite her cute and delicate face, her eyes were sharp and alert, impossible to underestimate.

Ever since Yukinoshita had entered the house, Yuzuki had been watching her. Her gaze wasn't just observant it carried a distinct, instinctive wariness.

Despite being the younger sister, it felt as though she was ready to shield her older sister from any threat.

Like a bristly kitten, poised to grab her sister and bolt at the slightest sign of danger.

She gave a proper bow. "Nice to meet you, Senpai."

So far, it seemed this kitten was a polite one.

Yukinoshita sat across from the tea table as Nishimiya went to boil water and prepare tea, blushing deeply the entire time. "It's not a very good tea… I hope you won't mind…"

Ever since Yukinoshita entered the home, Yuzuki's eyes hadn't left her.

Even while kneeling in the traditional seiza position, Yukinoshita's posture remained straight, hands resting neatly on her lap. Her manners were impeccable like a character straight out of a drama or anime. Someone you rarely met in real life.

Even without knowing her name, just one look told Yuzuki everything this person radiated an aura that was completely at odds with this old house.

If she had to put it into words… Yukinoshita simply looked expensive.

And undeniably beautiful.

Because her sister had once suffered terrible bullying back in elementary school, Nishimiya Yuzuki had taken it upon herself to protect her ever since. She was extremely wary of anyone who got close to her sister.

To her, it always felt like anyone anyone at all might end up hurting her sister.

Now, with the two of them seated at the tea table, Yukinoshita glanced at the open workbook nearby. "Are you doing homework?"

Yuzuki quickly closed it. "No!"

Yukinoshita recalled hearing that children often disliked adults asking about schoolwork or grades.

The atmosphere turned a little awkward again.

Her gaze wandered to the rest of the room. On a nearby bookshelf, she spotted a camera carefully placed on display.

At first, Yukinoshita assumed it belonged to Nishimiya, but the shelf was filled with things clearly meant for a younger audience books, toys, trinkets.

If Haruno were here, she would've easily found a way to break the ice by now.

Nikon D3300…

Was Nishimiya's little sister already developing her own hobbies and dreams?

Yukinoshita couldn't help thinking of herself. With her sharp mind, she'd always been good at whatever she tried. But because nothing ever really challenged her, she had rarely found anything she truly enjoyed.

Just then, Nishimiya returned with the tea tray.

"Senpai, please have some tea."

It was clear that this home wasn't in the best financial condition. Many of the furnishings had seen better days. Yukinoshita also realized something else ever since she entered the house, neither of the sisters had mentioned their father.

A quiet understanding stirred within her.

Nishimiya had messaged her mother earlier to ask when she'd be home. Originally, she had planned to make dinner, but then she found out her sister hadn't finished her homework yet.

"Honestly, Yuzuki, you've been busy fiddling with your photos again, haven't you?"

"I I haven't! I was doing homework, seriously!"

"Fine, I'll help you finish it up first."

"Mom's going to be back soon anyway! And I can finish it myself! You really worry too much, Shouko!"

Watching the two sisters bicker, Yukinoshita said thoughtfully, "Why don't I help with the homework? Nishimiya, you can go prepare dinner."

Nishimiya let out a surprised gasp and waved her hands. "No no no! I couldn't possibly trouble you, Senpai!"

"Then I'll cook, and you do the tutoring?"

Nishimiya let out a soft, panicked squeak.

How could she possibly let her elegant senpai's delicate hands be sullied with housework?

As she dashed into the kitchen, Yukinoshita thought to herself, This little cherry blossom really is super easy to handle.

————————————————————————————————————————————————

Already hooked? Let me know what caught your attention—your review fuels the adventure ahead!

The season is shifting. Dive into OneJourney and stay a step ahead of the pack.

[email protected]/yanxx

Change @ to a.