I Confessed to the Three Beautiful Sisters at School and Got Rejected, but After I Became their Stepsister, They Started Doting On Me (GL) - Chapter 34

The test period had ended, and a peaceful atmosphere was gradually returning to the house.

After dinner, the Tsukimori sisters were gathered in the living room, relaxing together.

They were sitting at equal intervals along the large sofa, seemingly watching something on TV.

This scene was surprisingly rare.

“What are you all watching?” I asked, trying to muster up some courage to join their circle—something I’d been slowly growing comfortable doing lately.

“Oh? You interested too, Akari?” Karin turned around to respond.

It wasn’t unusual to see the three sisters together, but it was rare to see them all doing the same thing. That made the moment feel fresh and oddly captivating to me.

“It’s a trending drama right now,” Hiyori added, gesturing toward the screen.

Peeking at the TV, I saw a popular young actor and a famous actress on the screen, both dressed in high school uniforms.

“Is it a youth drama…?”

“It’s a romance,” Karin clarified. “The visuals are all sweet and sparkly, but the story’s surprisingly messy. That contrast is what’s made it such a hit.”

“Huh… I see.”

I didn’t expect them to watch something like this.

Especially…

“You all actually watch romance dramas?”

“……”

…Huh?

Suddenly, silence.

Did they not hear me?

“…Is it really that strange to you that we watch romantic stories?” Chiya asked, her tone sharper than usual.

Well, if I had to be honest, I was mostly surprised by her watching it…

“No, I was just wondering what kind of stories you liked, Chiya.”

“…Did you hear that, Karin?”

“She totally said ‘Chiya,’ didn’t she!?”

Pouting, Chiya tossed the conversation to Karin instead.

I meant to ask what kind of genres everyone liked in general—not just romance. But it seemed like I’d stumbled into forbidden territory.

“Well, Karin’s the one who recommended this drama in the first place, so she must be at least a little interested in romance, right?” Hiyori teased.

“N-Not that I’m not interested, okay!?” Karin stammered.

Oh wow…

The conversation had swung back to romance. Watching the sisters talk about love—especially shy Karin—was oddly heartwarming.

It was kind of precious.

“In that case, Karin should go first,” Chiya said. “Tell us—what kind of person do you like?”

With Chiya joining in, the target was now squarely on Karin, who looked completely overwhelmed.

“U-Um… I guess someone who… understands me…?”

She kept glancing at me as she spoke, likely too embarrassed to look her sisters in the eye.

She’s so shy… and cute.

“Rejected,” Chiya said flatly.

“Yes, rejected,” Hiyori echoed.

“Why!?”

“That answer’s too vague. It could apply to just about anyone. We want something specific, Karin.”

“She’s right~”

“Wh-What the heck…”

Cornered by their gazes, Karin finally gave in with a resigned sigh.

“Ugh… okay. I guess… someone who normally seems lazy and unmotivated, but when it really counts, they get things done…”

Oho.

That sounded just like the classic “reluctant but capable” protagonist from a light novel.

Someone who slacks off most of the time, but comes through when it matters… yeah, I could see the appeal.

“…You’re serious, aren’t you?” Chiya said quietly.

“Hearing that kind of preference makes me blush a little,” Hiyori added with a small laugh.

Karin was bright red, while her sisters were clearly enjoying themselves.

“Wait, if I had to answer, then you two have to answer too!” Karin protested.

“…You heard her, Hiyori,” Chiya said smoothly, dodging again and redirecting the spotlight.

“Oh my~”

Smiling sweetly, Hiyori didn’t try to resist.

“Let’s see… I guess someone who says my cooking is delicious.”

She gave a soft, contented smile.

“That’s not fair! That kind of answer could apply to anyone!”

“No, it couldn’t. Hiyori made that meal herself, so it wouldn’t apply to just anyone.”

That may be true… but if it’s Hiyori’s cooking, everyone would say it’s delicious.

I say it all the time without even thinking. It might actually be a pretty low-bar condition.

“Okay then, Chiya, you have to answer too! It’s not fair if you’re the only one who doesn’t say anything!”

“She’s right, Chiya-chan. You can’t be the only one to escape now.”

“…You two have gotten bolder,” Chiya muttered, clearly cornered by her younger sisters.

I love this. Watching the three of them grow closer like this—it really warms the heart.

“Let’s see… I suppose I admire people who don’t use their position as an excuse.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“That’s kind of vague, don’t you think?”

Chiya seemed frustrated for a moment, but then continued.

“…There are times in life when people are in a weaker position, right? I like those who don’t use that as an excuse and still work toward their goals.”

Oh wow…

So Chiya likes people with drive and determination.

But for someone like her, who’s always striving to improve, is there really anyone strong enough to earn her admiration?

If there is, they must be incredible.

“…What? Do you have a problem with that?” she asked, turning a sharp look toward me as I nodded in understanding.

Maybe she didn’t intend to share that answer with me in particular. Still, there’s no need to look at me like that…

If there’s any way to lighten this atmosphere—

“I think all of your preferences are really wonderful!”

After all, I was the one who once confessed to the Tsukimori sisters and got rejected.

So I need to be careful about what I say. But I meant it sincerely—each of their preferences is beautiful in its own way, and I truly hope someone special comes along for them.

“……Haaah.”

“…Huh?”

Wait, did I say something wrong?

All three of them sighed in unison.

“This whole conversation started because of you, Akari!”

It seemed like Karin had finally reached her limit and decided to vent her frustration at me.

“You’re the one who showed interest in the romance drama, and that’s why everything got all weird!”

“She’s right, you know,” Hiyori added.

“Exactly. It all started because of your nosy curiosity,” Chiya said flatly.

The three sisters suddenly united—with their frustration directed entirely at me.

S-Scary…

“W-Wait! I wasn’t actually interested in the drama itself—I just wanted to know more about the things you all like!”

“……”

“Um…”

Why does it suddenly feel like all the air got sucked out of the room?

“I’m not listening to this anymore,” Karin muttered.

“I’d really rather not get dragged into this further,” Hiyori agreed, smiling wearily.

“This discussion was meaningless from the start,” Chiya declared with finality.

And just like that, they all fell into silence.

But all I wanted was to learn more about them!