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 41

Hmmm…

Satsuki Saezuki may have said it like that, but…

Her reaction clearly showed she was shaken, as though something had been found out.

Even someone as dense as me could understand that much.

I mean, how many people would honestly admit, “Yes, that’s right,” if someone correctly guessed who they liked?

It’s highly likely that the person Satsuki has feelings for is one of the Tsukimori boys.

“That said, there’s no way I can tell them about this… not even by accident.”

It would be careless—no, downright wrong—for a third party to deliver someone else’s feelings like that.

This is something I’ll quietly keep to myself.

“Still… I’m exhausted.”

P.E. class was all running and jumping nonstop.

My legs are trembling, and I’m completely worn out.

I’ve just changed from my gym clothes back into my uniform and am now walking down the hallway, heading back to the classroom.

“Hah… And of course, I’m alone even now.”

There’s literally no one around, which just makes that sort of self-mockery all the more bitter.

Right about now, my classmates are probably heading back to the classroom in cheerful little groups, chatting and laughing together.

It stings, but this is my reality—no choice but to accept it.

“Ah, Akari!”

Suddenly, someone calls out to me from behind.

I turn around and see Karin waving at me with a big smile.

She’s approaching me on her own… I wonder what this is about?

“Karin, is something wrong?”

“Ah, um… During the sports festival—are you, uh, free?”

She asked that in an oddly roundabout way, but there’s really no room for doubt.

“Huh? Of course I’m free. Why wouldn’t I be?”

Outside of the time I’ll spend competing, I’ll have nothing to do. Alone, as always.

I thought that was obvious?

“Oh, r-right… I see.”

“…Are you enjoying this? Making it obvious how alone I am?”

“No, no! It’s not like that at all! I actually have a favor to ask, Akari.”

“A favor? For me?”

“Yeah, exactly.”

Karin, who had looked a bit nervous earlier, starts to brighten up again.

“I’m on the sports committee, and during the festival, I’ll be doing patrols and running errands and stuff. I was wondering if you’d maybe help out with me—only if you’re up for it?”

“…Excuse me?”

That would mean I wouldn’t have to stand out as a loner during the sports festival—one of those ultra-extroverted events.

It’s a dream come true, honestly… but still…

“Ah! Of course, the heavy lifting and grunt work will be handled by me and the other committee members. I’d just like you to help with the easier stuff… if that’s okay?”

Maybe she took my silence as a rejection, because Karin quickly tries to make the offer more appealing.

I truly appreciate her kindness, but that’s not what’s holding me back.

“Are you sure you want to be with me? You have plenty of friends, Karin. You really don’t need to go out of your way for me.”

There’s no reason she has to hang out with someone like me.

She already keeps me company at home—I can manage in public by myself.

“No, no! I’m asking because it’s you, Akari! Don’t say things like that!”

She steps closer, clearly serious.

Her sincerity is almost overwhelming.

“O-Okay… In fact, I should be the one thanking you. I’d be glad to help.”

“A-Ah, sorry… I didn’t mean to get all serious out of nowhere…”

Karin backs off slightly, looking a little flustered as she plays with her hair and averts her gaze.

“B-But it’s a promise, okay? You’re doing it with me! It’s settled!”

“Y-Yeah, of course!”

“Okay! See you later, then!”

With that, Karin jogs off down the hallway.

If a teacher had seen her, they probably would’ve scolded her—but before I could even call out, her figure was already disappearing into the distance.

“…Still, I’m happy.”

To think that Karin would invite me. It really made my day.

Now, even that dreaded sports festival is starting to feel a little exciting.

“Oh my, Akari-chan?”

“Wah—Hiyori-san!”

Just around the hallway corner, I bump into Hiyori by chance.

“Perfect timing. I actually wanted to talk to you for a bit.”

“Ah, wh-what is it?”

Surprised by the sudden encounter, I was quickly soothed by Hiyori’s gentle smile.

“Regarding the sports festival… If you don’t already have someone to watch it with, would you like to join me?”

“Ehh?! A-Are you sure!?”

Startled, my voice came out in a ridiculous pitch, causing Hiyori to giggle softly.

Even that modest smile of hers was elegant and incredibly cute.

“Yes. Unfortunately, I don’t have anything to do during the festival either. So, I thought it’d be nice if we could spend it together.”

“Th-that would be… I’d love to…”

I was just about to say “Please” when my not-so-bright brain hit the brakes.

“S-sorry, Hiyori-san… Karin actually asked me to help out with some sports committee duties…”

“Oh my, Karin-chan did?”

Hiyori narrowed her eyes slightly, looking a bit surprised. But she quickly returned to her usual soft demeanor.

“But those kinds of tasks should really be handled by the sports committee members themselves. It’s not quite right for them to ask you to help, Akari-chan.”

“Uhm… I suppose you have a point…”

It did seem reasonable when she put it like that…

“In that case, I’ll talk to Karin-chan myself. That should clear things up, right?”

“W-well… If you two can decide among yourselves, I’ll just go along with whatever you choose…”

Either way, it feels like paradise to me.

“I see. Then I’ll handle it. Let’s look forward to the day, okay?”

“Y-yes, absolutely!”

With a graceful wave, Hiyori walked away.

“I’m happy… but having a double booking feels like a stroke of bad luck.”

It was such a rare piece of good fortune, but now that it’s overlapped, I might have to choose one over the other.

It feels like such a waste.

Still, now I might be able to genuinely enjoy the sports festival.

“So, this is where you were.”

“Wah—y-yes! I’m here!”

This time it was Chiya, walking up to me as soon as she spotted me head-on.

Meeting all three sisters in a row like this… that’s rare.

“I’ll get straight to the point. Would you help the student council during the sports festival?”

“EHHHH?!”

A triple booking!?

I can’t believe Chiya-san is asking me too!?

“It’s understandable that you’re surprised. One of the student council members has fallen ill and won’t recover in time. So, I hate to impose, but we’d like to ask for your help.”

“U-uh, Chiya-san… About that…”

“Don’t worry, I’ll handle the difficult tasks. I’ll only need you for moments when we absolutely need the manpower. I’ll be there to guide you, so you don’t need to be anxious.”

“N-no, it’s not that…”

“The teachers have already authorized me to handle temporary assignments however I see fit.”

Oh nooo.

Chiya-san is too competent—she’s already three steps ahead of me, and I haven’t been able to say a thing…!

“C-Chiya-san!”

“Huh? W-what is it?”

She flinched at my sudden shout, eyes wide in surprise.

It was kind of adorable, seeing such an unguarded reaction from her. But finally, I had a chance to speak.

“I-I really appreciate the offer, but… Karin-san already asked me to help with the sports committee… and Hiyori-san invited me to watch the festival with her…”

“Those two did…?”

Chiya visibly frowned.

Seeing such an expression from her—especially when it came to her sisters—was rare.

With a hand to her chin, she began muttering to herself.

“Karin’s committee has enough members, so manpower shouldn’t be an issue… Hiyori’s invite is more about free time… Which means student council work takes priority…”

“U-um…?”

She seemed to be calculating something in her head, but I had no idea what it was.

“Understood. I’ll speak to Karin and Hiyori myself.”

“E-Eh? R-Really…?”

In the end, the sisters would sort it out amongst themselves… but that made me a bit nervous.

“I won’t let it become a problem for you. Just leave it to me.”

“O-Okay…”

With her long black hair flowing behind her, Chiya walked briskly down the hall.

She looked so dignified and graceful—but I couldn’t help feeling conflicted.

In the end… all three sisters were going to spend their time on me.