I Received an NTR V*deo - Episode 21

I stepped off the train, phone in hand, scrolling through my messages. The evening sky had already turned dark, but laughter and conversation spilled out from a nearby izakaya, filling the air with warmth.
“Yujiro, what are you up to?”
“Just tying up a few things.”
Hoshina, walking beside me, peeked at my screen curiously. I wrapped up what I was doing, slid my phone into my pocket, and looked at her.
“My sister’s on her way. Want to meet her?”
“Absolutely!”
Hoshina’s eyes sparkled with excitement, like a kid discovering a new toy. It was obvious how much she wanted to meet my sister.
She probably had a curfew, but we still had some time. Even if we wrapped things up a bit later, she should be able to make it home in time.
“Ah, Sayuri. Over here!”
As we waited in front of the station, my sister appeared—dressed in a tracksuit, clearly having run all the way here.
“Hey!”
“You ran from home?”
“Yeah, I had time to spare.”
This wasn’t the station near our house, but the one closest to Hoshina’s. I was surprised she ran the distance without breaking a sweat. Sayuri’s stamina was seriously impressive.
“Nice to meet you, I’m Kawashima Hoshina.”
“Enjo Sayuri. Nice to meet you too.”
Sayuri extended a hand, but Hoshina instinctively took a step back. Sayuri tilted her head, silently asking for an explanation.
“She’s a germaphobe—doesn’t like physical contact.”
“Ah, that makes sense.”
Understanding that, Sayuri backed off. She stared at Hoshina, observing her silently—like she was sizing her up.
What’s she thinking? I held my breath, both anxious and intrigued.
“Weirdo.”
“Hey! That’s rude!”
Sayuri pointed at Hoshina bluntly, calling her a weirdo. Hoshina looked pale, but there was a flicker of irritation in her eyes.
“No, really. She’s a proper weirdo.”
“That’s still rude.”
“Someone who doesn’t change, no matter the environment. Most people adapt to the people around them—they copy. But you’re different. You stay exactly the same. That’s rare.”
“My sister always speaks in her own way, but she usually means well.”
Apparently, there’s a concept called mimicry cells—cells that help people blend in with their surroundings. If everyone runs, you start running too. If they’re gaming, you start gaming. But people with fewer mimicry cells don’t change; they stay true to themselves. So, some call them “weirdos.”
Thinking about it, Sayuri might be right. If people think I’m weird because I don’t change, then I’m just a consistent weirdo.
Hoshina is close to Netori but isn’t influenced by him. That alone supports Sayuri’s point. You can be around negative people and still stay the same.
Sayuri sensed that part of Hoshina instantly. Her intuition is uncanny—almost supernatural. She’s something else, even if she’s my sister.
Hoshina looked shocked, but strangely, she didn’t seem hurt. She looked intrigued.
“I always wanted to change. I couldn’t make friends, and I hated that. I hated being weird…”
“It’s better to find friends who like you as you. Not because you’re rich, or popular, or anything like that.”
“That’s… a harsh way of putting it, but yeah. I guess that’s ideal.”
“So, is it okay if I just stay who I am?”
Hoshina lowered her gaze. Her self-esteem wasn’t great, but she didn’t seem discouraged—just thoughtful.
“You’re fine as you are. Actually, you’re already great the way you are.”
“You really think so?”
“Maybe you’d be a good girlfriend for my brother. Not that I want him to have one.”
“Hey! Don’t be rude to Hoshina.”
My sister was always saying outrageous things. But unlike what she said about Megumi… this felt like a compliment.
Hoshina, on the other hand, was smiling—like something heavy had lifted off her.
“I’ve always tried to change, but hearing that it’s okay to stay the same… it’s a relief.”
“Exactly. Everyone’s different. Just be yourself.”
They exchanged thumbs up. Maybe they’d get along better than I expected.
“I always tried not to stand out, but maybe I’ll stop.”
“I’ve never cared what people think of me.”
“Sayuri doesn’t care enough.”
“Ahaha! I think Sayuri and I could be good friends.”
“I think so too.”
They smiled at each other, clicking instantly. Most people would be laughing, having fun by now—but just being themselves was enough for them.
“Your sister’s so cool. Now I want to meet your brother too.”
“Don’t. He’s an idiot. Total waste of time.”
“I seriously don’t recommend it.”
“…You talk about your brother like that?”
Hoshina looked stunned. Clearly, she hadn’t met him yet. If she did, she’d get it.
“Oh, I wish we had more time.”
“You have to go?”
“Yeah. I only have a maid at home, but if my parents find out I stayed out late, it’ll be a problem.”
“Then let’s stick to the rules. That way people can trust us.”
Hoshina gave me a small nod.
“Yeah. If I break curfew, people might start talking. I don’t want that.”
“I’m jealous, Yujiro. You don’t have a curfew. I still do.”
“Even if I didn’t, I wouldn’t stay out that late anyway.”
“You get too into games and lose track of time.”
“Touché.”
I had no comeback. When I game, I lose time—plain and simple.
“This way. Behind that building.”
“Really? Is there a good place to eat over there?”
A familiar voice rang out from the station.
Yamamoto.
He was coming out of the station with a group of guys—including Netori.
“…Root bird…”
Hoshina stiffened when she saw Netori. He hadn’t noticed us yet, but some nearby guys were already whispering.
“That girl’s hot.”
“Short-haired one’s cute too.”
“Both are gorgeous. I’d date either.”
Now Sayuri was drawing attention too. And then—Netori spotted Hoshina.
“…Hoshina?”
“…………”
His cheerful expression vanished. He clearly hadn’t expected to see his girlfriend here. Then again, this was her neighborhood.
Hoshina turned away, lips curling in rejection. Netori looked at me—and as understanding dawned, so did fury.
“…Who are you?”
“…………”
He glared at me. I stared back calmly. My silence made him even angrier.
“Everyone’s watching!”
Netori stomped forward—but not toward me. He stopped in front of Hoshina, eyes blazing.
“Hey, Hoshina. Who the hell is this guy? Answer me!”
“…………”
Hoshina refused to speak. And just as I expected—my sister stepped between them.
Of course she did.
Watching her stand firm, I couldn’t help but smile.