I Want to Fall in Love After Getting Reincarnated as the Heroine on the Verge of a Bad Ending, but My OP Older Brother Won’t Leave Me Alone!? - Chapter 172
Translated by: ShinigamiTori
Chapter 172 ? Older Sister and Younger Brother, Older Brother and Younger Sister 5
I’m not doing anything to feel guilty about, but there’s no doubt this situation looks bad in so many ways.
And considering the timing, it’s clear that Arnold-san must have told Julius something unnecessary.
The fact that Arnold-san seemed unusually cheerful earlier makes sense now.
“Hey, I asked, what are you doing?”
When I hesitate, he presses me even further.
As I slowly turn my head to face him, Julius’s face comes into view, and he looks at Luka with a smile.
But his clear ice-blue eyes weren’t smiling at all, and it was obvious he was quite angry.
“W-We’re just having tea….”
“So, you lied about studying with your friends after school?”
“I did study, but only for 30 minutes….”
“Oh? So, you chose to break your promise to your friends just to spend time with this guy?”
No matter what I say, it’s all being twisted into the worst interpretation.
But from Julius’s perspective, all he sees is me having tea and holding hands with a mysterious handsome first-year student. It was only natural that he would be angry.
“So, who is he?”
“W-Well, um….”
At this point, I suddenly remember Luka’s earlier request—that I shouldn’t tell anyone—and I’m certain I’m in a deadlock.
Since I can’t explain that he’s my real brother, I have no idea how to get out of this mess.
“I’m Lukas Ashton, a first-year student. It’s nice to meet you.”
Luka answers cheerfully on my behalf.
Even though he must be feeling intense pressure from Julius, Luka remains completely unfazed, and I can’t help but be impressed.
“Hi. What’s your relationship with Rene?”
“I can’t say since it’s a secret between Rene-senpai and me, but we’re very close.”
“… Oh?”
Julius’s mocking voice echoes in my ear. My straightforward little brother has only stoked the flames, leaving me crying internally.
“Rene-senpai, who is he?”
To make matters worse, Luka casually turned the question back to me. His mental fortitude was undeniable. He’s a stark contrast to the reportedly timid Rene; even as siblings, their personalities are completely opposite.
“….”
For some reason, I find it hard to tell my younger brother, whom I’ve only just reconnected with, about having a new brother.
Still, I can’t bring myself to lie, and he’ll find out sooner or later anyway. I might as well come clean—
“I’m her boyfriend—”
“He’s my brother.”
Julius speaks up on his own and quickly gives an answer before I can come to a decision.
“…I see.”
Luka’s voice sounds lower than before as he murmurs.
From Luka’s perspective, it might feel bittersweet to see his beloved sister getting close to a new “brother” after being apart for ten years.
Both of them are dear to me, yet I felt caught in an unexpected and awkward dilemma.
“Let’s go home, Rene.”
“Huh? Aren’t you staying late to help with student council work?”
“I left it to Arnold.”
“But I still need to study with Willy and the others—”
“I’ll tutor you personally. We’re leaving.”
Julius’ smile allows no room for objection, and I nod quickly. This was undoubtedly his “angry smile.”
“Um, I need to get my bag and take care of a few things, so could you head to the carriage first…?”
It seems wrong to just part with Luka like this, and I also want to apologize to my friends properly.
After a moment’s pause, Julius conceded, “Fine,” and left the cafeteria. The abruptness of his agreement only made it more frightening, and I couldn’t help but dread what was coming next.
I turned to Luka and gave him a pleading look.
“Um, you know, maybe just my brother—”
“You promised, didn’t you? You said you’d keep it a secret, right?”
“… Yes.”
Luka smiled brightly, just as unyielding as Julius, and I nodded immediately.
“Thank you, Nee-san. I love you.”
With that bright smile on my face, I made up my mind. I had no choice but to figure this out on my own.
If I suddenly break the promise I made for the first time, I’ll lose Luka’s trust.
“But Nee-san, are you okay? That person looked scary.”
“No, he’s actually really kind.”
If I had one wish, it would be for Luka and Julius to get along someday.
As he interacts with them, perhaps one day Luka will come to realize that they are all wonderful people worthy of trust.
After parting ways with Luka, I hurry back to the classroom. There, I found Willy collapsed on his desk like a pile of ash.
“W-Willy…!?”
“He suddenly said he didn’t want to study anymore, that it was driving him crazy, and then he just collapsed.”
Therese explained, placing her hand on her cheek with a troubled expression. It looks like Willy, in his desperation, overdid it and reached his breaking point.We decided to call it a day since he had clearly reached his breaking point, which worked out for me.
“Are you okay? How about we make it every two days starting tomorrow?”
“Ah… I was studying in my dreams yesterday, too…”
I remember my past life when I worked at a toxic company, where even in my dreams, I was constantly working. There was never any rest, and it felt like living through hell.
With that, we supported Willy as we left the classroom for the day.
TN: Hang in there, Rene and Willy too!
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