Dumped by One, Chased by Another? My Ex's Sister Is a Gal and She's Coming for Me - Episode 57

“If you’ve made a clear promise with her, then I don’t think you should break it~”

“Yeah, that’s true…”

“When you’re in a romantic relationship, keeping promises is especially important. Of course, they matter between friends too, but still.”

“You’re right.”

Unlike with friends or acquaintances, a romantic relationship is, in many ways, a promise in itself.

And if that promise is broken, maintaining the relationship becomes difficult—no, impossible.

I know that all too well after what I recently went through.

Because love is what defines the relationship, clear boundaries are even more essential.

“I personally think breaking a promise is one of the worst things you can do.”

“Thanks.”

Marco fell silent, struck by how reasonable Honoka’s words were.

I nodded in agreement—it was exactly how I felt, too.

“Sure, people say Christmas is a ‘holy night’… or, well, some call it a ‘horny night,’ but come on. A relationship isn’t all about the physical stuff, right?”

“Yeah, true.”

“Hmm… I suppose you’re right. No, yeah, you’re right.”

Marco opened his mouth like he was about to object, but then caught Honoka’s look and wisely kept quiet.

Good.

We didn’t need any friction here.

Suddenly, Honoka clapped her hands as if an idea had struck her.

“If you can’t stay together until morning, why not turn that into an advantage instead?”

“An advantage?”

“Like, how about spending Christmas at Haruki-chan’s house? A little home party could be really fun!”

“Oh, that’s a great idea!”

Even Marco nodded enthusiastically in agreement with Honoka’s idea.

And honestly, I thought it was a good one too.

But—

“Sorry… I don’t think that’s going to work.”

“Huh? Why not? Did I say something weird?”

“No, no, not at all.”

There was absolutely nothing wrong with Honoka’s idea.

In fact, I liked it.

But putting it into practice… that’s where it got complicated.

And it wasn’t anyone else’s fault.

The problem lay with me.

“I still have kind of a trauma about the Ayase house. I can’t go into the main building—only the guest house.”

“Ahh…”

Marco gave a small, understanding nod.

Honoka’s expression also shifted to one of realization.

“Then why not have the party in the guest house?”

“I’d feel bad making them go through all that trouble just for me…”

“Fair point.”

“So, in the end, your best bet might just be a proper date, then heading home early.”

“Yeah, I think you’re right.”

“Did she say anything about what she wants to do?”

“Actually, I haven’t asked her yet.”

“Ahh, I see.”

Both Honoka and Marco let out matching sighs.

“Well, the fastest way to find out is to just ask her directly, isn’t it?”

“Yeah~ Also, why haven’t you asked her yet?”

They both fixed their eyes on me.

Give me a break.

That kind of pressure really gets to me.

“Alright, alright. I get it. Thanks. I’ll talk to Haruki about it properly.”

“……”

“……”

Wait—what’s this?

Why did they both suddenly go quiet?

This feels awkward…

Did I say something wrong?

“Hey, hey, Marco-kun.”

“What is it, Honoka-san?”

“Didn’t he just casually call her ‘Haruki’ without any honorifics?”

“Yup, sure did.”

“Ghhk—”

…Crap.

I hadn’t told them about that part yet.

They exchanged knowing smirks.

Moments like this are when they really seem like a couple.

But as the target of their teasing, I’d really rather pass.

“So, do you always call her that when it’s just the two of you?”

“And what does she call you, huh?”

“Argh, enough! Quit it already!”

The two of them grinned and prodded at me relentlessly.

I mean, Honoka could just ask Haruki herself, right?

Then again, maybe Haruki hasn’t mentioned it either.

Which would mean… yeah. This one’s on me.

“Well, anyway—thanks. For listening.”

“Anytime.”

“Likewise. That was a treat~”

“……”

At the end of the day, I owe these two a lot.

Sure, they embarrass the hell out of me, but I guess it all balances out.