Dumped by One, Chased by Another? My Ex's Sister Is a Gal and She's Coming for Me - Episode 37

“I’ve never once regretted helping someone.”

I’ve always been the kind of person who couldn’t just stand by and do nothing.

“Helping someone isn’t easy. Sometimes your efforts won’t be enough. Sometimes, the very people you save might betray you.”

To save someone, you need ability, resolve, and a willingness to take responsibility.

And sometimes, you get hurt more than you ever expected. I know that feeling all too well.

A face comes to mind—long black hair framing it, a woman I once knew.

It won’t be easy to ever fully forget her… the one who walked away from me.

“Even so, I probably won’t stop helping people. No, it’s not even a matter of choice. I can’t stop—because today reminded me of that.”

Today, I helped a child and it became clearer than ever.

A person like me—Kengo Akishima—can only live this way.

“Why do you do things like that? Even knowing you’ll get hurt?”

Haruki asked me that question.

It was genuine—urgent. The kind of question that refuses to accept lies or evasion.

So, I gave her an honest answer, straight from the heart.

“Up to now, I’ve been saved by so many people. My parents, my friends… and someone who meant the world to me.”

I didn’t say “lover.” That word felt far too wrong for what we are now.

Because the person who matters most to me right now… is the one standing right in front of me.

“Today, spending time with you and our friends like this—it was only possible because you saved me back then.”

“…I didn’t do that much.”

Haruki’s blue eyes glisten as she falters over her words.

“I wanted to help others because I was helped. Just like you probably wanted to help people after being saved yourself.”

“Then we’re the same, aren’t we?”

She gives a small, embarrassed smile.

“When you helped me get home that day, I felt so relieved. I still remember that moment. You’ve been my hero ever since. And that’s why I…”

“Haruki-chan.”

I said her name. Because I needed to. Because I wanted to.

“These past few weeks, you’ve always been there for me. And it’s not just because of that, but… I truly value you more than anyone.”

“Eh—what?”

“When Fuyumi betrayed me, it felt like my entire life had been meaningless.”

I spent three days searching for something she’d lost. I still remember the joy on her face when I found it.

But everything else suddenly felt dull. Empty.

“But you—you reminded me my life still had value. That saving someone like you could lead you to want to help others too… that meant the world to me.”

You told me I saved you.

You stayed by my side.

You even said you wanted to go to med school because of me.

You gave meaning to a life I thought had already ended.

“So… right now, Haruki—you might think it’s a bit cheesy, but… you’re my whole world.”

“Wh-what?! I-I…”

Haruki turned bright red and flailed in place.

Adorable.

I probably just dropped a huge emotional bomb on her, but thank God she didn’t run away.

“At our next date…”

I paused.

She held her breath, staring at me with wide eyes.

“I have something important to tell you. I hope… you’ll accept it.”

“Okay. I’ll be looking forward to it, Onii-san.”

She smiled—gentle and blooming like a flower in spring.

And just like that, my heart felt warm, as though spring had arrived in full.

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◇

“Hey… sorry about earlier. I didn’t mean to cry and all.”

“No, not at all. It’s totally fine.”

“So, um, Onii-san… which do you prefer? My tone, I mean?”

“Your tone?”

“Like, do you like me speaking politely, or more like… gyaru-style?”

Originally, Haruki had adopted the flashy “gyaru” speech just so I wouldn’t be reminded of Fuyumi when I saw her.

By changing her appearance and way of speaking, no one—including me—would connect her to the one who hurt me.

It was a small act of kindness. One that was very her.

“I realized I never asked you what you actually preferred.”

“Hmm…”

I folded my arms and thought. Speaking in a tone that’s different from your natural one must be exhausting.

“If I had to choose… probably the gyaru-speak?”

“Oho? And why’s that?”

She tilted her head, eyes twinkling with amusement.

“I think… it feels more like the real you. Closer to who you really are.”

“Ahh, I see.”

She grinned mischievously.

“So basically, you like the real me, huh?”

“Yeah. I do.”

“F-for real…”

She turned away, face flushed red.

Too cute. I couldn’t help but laugh.

Warmth. Joy. Happiness.

The train carried it all, racing forward through the night.

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◇

After that, Onii-san walked me home.

Even after he dropped me off, I kept waving until he disappeared from sight.

He’d turn around every now and then and wave back.

Once I couldn’t see him anymore, I finally stepped inside.

Mom teased me, and I didn’t know whether to laugh or be embarrassed. I dashed into my room and flopped onto my bed.

“Fuaaahhh!”

I kicked my feet and buried my face into the pillow.

My face was burning.

Not just because of Mom’s teasing.

I cried in front of him. And he told me I was the most important person to him.

“Geez… Onii-san says the weirdest things sometimes.”

I couldn’t stop smiling.

Honestly, I was so happy I could cry. Just knowing that I helped save him… it was everything.

“Though… he could’ve been a bit more direct, you know.”

I’ll admit—I kind of expected a full-on confession.

But I get it. He’s not the kind of guy to keep someone on the hook.

At the same time, he’s not exactly timid either.

He probably still needs time to sort through his own heart.

And besides, for us—

“Well, from now on, I’m going on the offensive.”

If anyone thinks I’m just going to wait around, they’ve got another thing coming.

I opened RINE.

We’re technically not a couple.

And that woman only just broke up with him.

So, I’d been keeping my distance—still supporting him, but never crossing the line. Even on RINE, we only messaged for important stuff. No casual chatting.

But after what he said today, I have no more doubts.

“All right… let’s plan this perfectly so it’ll go just right.”

I started drafting a message for Kengorou-san.

“Thanks for today. I had a great time. About our next date—”

“Eep!”

Just as I was typing, a message came in from him.

I squeaked in surprise.

We ended up messaging back and forth for hours. Eventually, I fell asleep hugging my phone.