5 Step Sisters Vol. 2 Chapter 2

Manager Work

Monday of the following week.

I boarded the second car, letting the slow vibrations of the Shizutetsu train shake my body.

Looking out from the driver's cab window, I could see Mt. Fuji in the distance again today. The snow on the summit had melted quite a bit, making the surface of the mountain stand out. In a few more days, it would probably disappear completely.

I was sleepy because I woke up at 5 a.m. this morning to jog with Fuka. As I stood dozing off, the announcement that we were arriving at Shin-Shizuoka Station rang through the car.

When I arrived at school, everyone in the classroom was talking about the cultural festival.

"And then~ I told my family, and they laughed so hard."

"Serving customers is a bit difficult. What about the kitchen..."

"Since it's a cafe, will we take purikura (photo stickers)?"

Last week, we only decided to hold a Sister & Brother Cafe within the time limit, without any concrete discussions.

By the way, many schools hold their cultural festivals on weekends, but Eisei only holds it on Saturday. On just this one day, parents, elementary and junior high students who want to take the entrance exam, students from other schools, and local residents flock in, making it very lively.

Until the day of the cultural festival, the sixth period every day will be used for preparation. In the final week, we are allowed to stay until 8 p.m., but staying overnight is prohibited.

Then, the regular classes up to the fifth period ended smoothly, and finally, it was the long-awaited sixth period.

"Mmm... thinking about it again, it's troubling."

Standing on the podium, Asahina pressed her finger against her lips and pouted. Just the cuteness of this gesture drew the gazes of the vice-president standing next to her and other boys, but she didn't seem to notice.

"Open flames are prohibited in the classroom, and even if allowed, we can only use microwaves..."

The topic was the menu to be served at the Sister & Brother Cafe.

After reconfirming the implementation guidelines for the cultural festival, we found some strict rules listed. The most important among them was what Asahina said.

If it were an outdoor stall, it seems we could do heating cooking after receiving guidance from the health center. But since Class A is opening a cafe indoors, we can basically only serve ready-made food.

"I guess selling churros or frozen crepes is the way to go."

"But that will definitely overlap with other classes..."

At that moment, I, having come up with an idea, timidly raised my hand. Asahina looked surprised but immediately pointed at me.

"Rikkun, go ahead!"

The gazes of those around me gathered all at once, and just that made my heart race.

If it were the old me, I would never have raised my hand in such a situation.

I am an avoider of trouble. I hate troublesome things and wish for a peaceful life without waves. In fact, until last week, I planned to stick to my assigned work in the corner just like last year... but watching Fuka prepare for the stage with all her might, I began to hesitate if that was really okay.

Needless to say, the cultural festival is one of the important events in school life. But whether one can enjoy it from the bottom of their heart, I think, depends on whether one intends to enjoy it.

Should I look coldly at those excited guys, or actively join the circle of those working hard—

I took a deep breath and voiced my opinion.

"In that case, how about serving cookies or something that can be easily prepared for the guests?"

The classmates looked at each other, discussing in low voices, "Is that allowed?" "I think the seniors did it before...?"

Asahina clapped her hands as if realizing something.

"That's right! Selling baked sweets is OK."

Exactly. People without experience tend to overlook this, but while heating cooking isn't allowed in the classroom, selling sweets that have been heated is permitted.

From here, the discussion regained its vitality. Considering the turnover rate, we decided to offer cookies, waffles, cup ice cream, and drinks at the Imouto x Otouto Cafe. Of course, we would also sell Purikura.

Ice cream and drinks would use commercial products, while cookies and waffles would be made in the cooking room the day before. On the day, we just have to plate them, so we should be able to serve them quickly to customers.

"Great, now I can write the project application. Thanks, everyone."

Asahina thanked everyone excitedly, and I felt her gaze catch mine for a moment.

I felt a little embarrassed. Because I deeply felt that it wasn't just Chinatsu and the others who had changed; I had also been greatly influenced by them.

At that moment, a sniffing sound came from behind me. I turned around in confusion and found Aru-sensei, who had been watching, teary-eyed.

"W-Wait, Aru-sensei, why are you crying?"

"Oh my, seeing Rikuto grow up makes me so happy... You've really grown up..."

Hearing Aru-sensei, whom I've known for a long time, say that with deep emotion, I blushed. It was embarrassing, so I wished he wouldn't say things like a mother. Chinatsu next to me was also dumbfounded.

While Aru-sensei left the room using hay fever as an excuse, the discussion continued.

"First of all, is anyone good at making sweets? I'd like you to help with the advance preparation."

Centered on the girls from the cooking club, several people raised their hands in response to Asahina, but not many.

"Aren't you going to raise your hand?"

Chinatsu in the next seat asked.

"...Yeah."

I nodded as if giving up. As the proposer, I should probably raise my hand decisively here.

"Although I rarely make sweets."

I muttered while raising my right hand. In elementary school, I made cookies and chiffon cake for our dog Hana a few times, but that was about it.

"Oh, I thought people good at cooking would also make sweets."

"Hmm—I don't know."

I tilted my head in puzzlement. Because I felt the two were similar yet different.

"Cooking is freer... even if you don't follow the recipe, you can make something decent. But in sweet making, if you don't strictly follow the recipe, it's easy to fail."

"Is that so?"

"Are you good at making sweets?"

I heard from Mio that Chinatsu isn't good at cooking, but maybe sweets are different.

"Since it's a waste of ingredients, I probably won't do it again."

"...I see."

Chinatsu's answer was flat, but the phrase "probably won't do it again" carried a sense of sorrow. It seemed better not to probe deeper.

"But, I have to work hard too."

Chinatsu muttered to herself while standing up.

Before I knew it, everyone had started discussing the division of labor for the day. Written on the blackboard were four items: Reception, Kitchen, Photography, and Soliciting Customers.

The surrounding students were discussing with their close friends, worrying about which one to choose. Among them, Chinatsu walked alone to the blackboard and wrote her name in the column for Reception—that is, the main characters of this cafe, the Sisters & Brothers.

I was so surprised that I couldn't help but look again. Other classmates were also buzzing.

When Chinatsu returned, she spoke while enduring my confused gaze.

"Kitchen and soliciting customers are too difficult for me, so I could only choose reception or photography."

Although she didn't have to cook herself, Chinatsu still couldn't seem to shake off her sense of ineptitude towards cooking. She thought it would be difficult to smile at customers for photos or talk to an unspecified large number of people, so she decided by elimination that she should be in charge of reception.

"Eh, Chinatsu is going to be a younger sister."

"I feel like that will attract a lot of customers..."

Although surprised, the classmates seemed to welcome Chinatsu being in charge of reception.

That was only natural. Having a beautiful high school girl like Chinatsu in charge of reception would undoubtedly attract many customers.

Although half of the sales would be taken by the school, the remaining half could be used freely by the class. This lenient system was also a selling point of the newly established Eisei High School.

Some classes' earnings could only buy one snack or one bottle of drink for everyone. Some classes' exhibits even made absolutely no money.

But our Class 2-A has outstanding talents like Asahina and Chinatsu, so we should be able to aim higher. Specifically, earning enough for the celebratory party fee on the day isn't a dream.

However, this is ultimately just theory. If we open a theme cafe, it should attract many guys aiming for girls and people coming to cause trouble...

That said, Chinatsu only takes a combat stance against boys when it comes to things related to her sisters. And she is defenseless and uninterested in herself. If it's in the context of a cultural festival, she might unexpectedly be able to perform reception duties smoothly.

"What are you going to do?"

"Ah, right. I'll be in charge of the kitchen..."

Eighty percent of the classmates had already written their names. I also stood up to write my name.

Without any disputes, after each person decided on their responsible department, a simple meeting time was arranged.

Those in charge of the kitchen also gathered slowly in the corner of the classroom. There were seven people in total. Although it's weird for me to say, there were many quiet and inconspicuous students in the class.

Somewhat unexpectedly, Asahina's close friend Yaku was also among them.

"Isn't Yaku-san in charge of reception?"

The reception group gathered in the center of the classroom was quite lively, centered on Asahina and Hiruoka. Anyone could tell at a glance that those gathered there were guys confident in their looks or good at communicating with others.

"Although Meme invited me, talking to people I meet for the first time is stressful."

Yaku said while touching the frame of her glasses. Yeah, I get it...

The kitchen group only had work on the day, so what should be decided now was the leader to cooperate with other departments. Yaku volunteered for this position, so we disbanded easily that day with just a "Let's do our best on the day."

I would probably be called to help with advance preparation, so I'll just do something appropriate on the day. I returned to my seat and heard Asahina shouting enthusiastically to everyone:

"Next time, I'll arrange a time to practice reception and usage of terms! I'll have everyone say 'Welcome home, Onii-chan, Onee-chan' energetically! Why not try it now?"

Asahina's statement caused cheerful laughter. There were also people saying "You say it, it's so embarrassing," poking each other with their elbows. Only one person, Chinatsu with a serious face, was also among this group.

Looking at such Chinatsu from the corner of the classroom, for some reason, I felt a deep frustration in my heart. I frowned looking for the cause, and soon thought of it.

Just a few days ago. Chinatsu standing there—my stepsister born just one month apart from me—blushing, her voice somewhat strained, said exactly the same words to me as Asahina just said.

...Welcome home, Onii-chan!

I involuntarily covered my mouth.

Is that it. Do I... not want to see Chinatsu call someone other than me "Onii-chan"?

Because I approached her closed heart, she finally called me "Onii-chan". So, even if it's just reception, I don't even want to imagine Chinatsu smiling at others and calling them "Onii-chan".

Just becoming self-aware made my face hot.

...This is bad. This is too bad.

Even though I'm a stepbrother who just met her, indulging in a sense of superiority, and finally displaying possessiveness, who am I? Too narrow-minded, too unsightly. What on earth am I thinking?

But once I thought of this, it was over. Pain, shame, and confusion spread throughout my body, making me want to hold my head in agony, unable to think about anything else properly.

"Woah, what's wrong Rikuto, your face is so red, do you have a fever?"

The one who spoke to me was Hiruoka. It seemed the introduction of the reception staff was over. I looked, and Chinatsu was talking to Asahina, so no matter what I said, there shouldn't be any worry of being overheard.

I spoke to Hiruoka with a sharp voice, as if to spit out thoughts I couldn't bear alone.

"Hiruoka, in a theme cafe, can a younger sister... the waiter sat at my own table the whole time?"

Hearing me ask this, Hiruoka looked at me with gentle eyes as if admonishing me, and lightly placed his hands on my shoulders.

"Rikuto, falling seriously in love in a theme cafe is a violation of manners."

"......!"

I received a shock as if struck by lightning. Being gently reminded by that Hiruoka, the fact pierced my heart deeply.

...No, to begin with, I haven't fallen in love with Chinatsu.

Before I could deny it, Hiruoka continued as if persuading me.

"Asahina will become everyone's younger sister for only one day. Endurance is tough, but you must soothe yourself who might become a troublesome customer, and overcome the difficulty. Okay?"

I felt the content was strange. It seems Hiruoka misunderstood that I developed possessiveness towards Asahina.

"Hiruoka, that..."

"Anyway, now you must empty your mind. Empty-minded, Rikuto... empty-minded, empty-minded..."

Hiruoka went behind me, repeating it like a chant while massaging my shoulders. Feeling it was troublesome to deny from halfway, I accepted Hiruoka's shoulder massage for the time being.

◇◇◇

That day at 6:30 PM.

"Itadakimasu."

In the living room of the Miyanaga household, the voices of me, Chinatsu, Mio, Fuka, Sorane, and Natsuki-san echoed.

Although our family eats together, it's hard for all eight of us to gather at the dining table. Not to mention Dad who is away on a business trip, Chinatsu has club activities, Karin has social activities, Sorane has soccer class, and Natsuki-san has work; everyone is busy in their own way. It's quite rare for six people to be present like today.

However, considering that preparations for the cultural festival are getting busier, it will become increasingly difficult for everyone to gather at the same time. Perhaps it would be better to prepare dishes like curry or beef bowl that can be made in advance for the time being.

...Sigh, cultural festival...

"...What's wrong?"

Just as I was thinking that, Chinatsu looked at me. Or rather, I was probably unconsciously staring at Chinatsu. I felt restless and showed a wry smile to cover it up.

"Ah, no, nothing."

This is also because Hiruoka said strange things like serious love. I shoveled white rice while shifting responsibility. Although Chinatsu found it suspicious, she didn't particularly pursue it.

"Aah~ Rikuto's food is really delicious. It warms my internal organs."

Natsuki-san held the bowl of miso soup and whispered with deep emotion.

Today was a Japanese meal centered on simmered rockfish. Thanks to not compromising, it was simmered quite well; poking it with chopsticks, the fish meat fell apart softly.

"Rikuto, you will definitely make a good wife. I guarantee it."

"At least say I'll be a good husband..."

I smiled wryly and looked around the dining table; Mio sitting opposite me handed me the soy sauce.

"Onii-san, here you go."

"Thanks. You really understand me."

"Umm... because Onii-san is the type to dip tamagoyaki in soy sauce."

Mio, answering shyly, was as angelic as ever. Without a doubt, she will become a better wife than me. I guarantee it.

Just then, a sound came from the entrance.

I got up and opened the living room door, seeing the twin-tailed girl taking off her loafers. That was the third daughter, Karin, whose appearance was neat and tidy down to her trimmed nails. Today she must have gone out to play with friends or on a date with her boyfriend again.

"Karin, you're back. Dinner?"

"I ate at Starbucks."

"I see. I made some for you, so heat it up and eat if you get hungry."

Karin didn't respond and quickly walked up to the third floor. Although I didn't feel a strong will of rejection, her back had no openings, making it impossible to approach casually.

I shrugged my shoulders watching Karin leave and returned to the living room. Chinatsu was breaking the rockfish into pieces and putting them into Sorane's bowl, while Mio was drinking green tea; both looked at me simultaneously.

"What did Karin say?"

"She said she's fine, seems she ate a little something."

"I see." Chinatsu sighed lightly.

I sat down again and started a topic.

"Mio, what is your class doing for the cultural festival?"

"Our class is doing a festival stall. Karin said they are selling Korean cheese corn dog at their stall."

Although Mio and Karin are twins, they are in different classes. Come to think of it, the choice of Korean cheese corn dog is indeed very Karin-class style.

Next, I threw the topic to Fuka.

"What is Fuka's class doing?"

Everyone must have noticed... yes, I intentionally asked vaguely without asking what program Fuka's class was doing. Of course, this was to create an opportunity for Fuka to explain about the cultural festival stage herself.

However, Fuka brushed it off lightly with a smile.

"Our class is making a giant maze. The cardboard boxes from nearby convenience stores and supermarkets have been cleaned out; it was tough."

"Making a maze does require a lot of cardboard boxes."

Mio nodded in agreement... My plan failed easily.

Sorane, listening to our conversation, tilted her head and asked,

"What is a cultural festival?"

"It's a festival held by the school. Everyone opens shops to sell food or perform plays together."

After Chinatsu explained simply, Sorane puffed out her cheeks like a hamster's cheek pouches.

"Everyone is so unfair! Sorane's school doesn't have a festival!"

"Well, for elementary school students, they hold bazaars and such."

"...Then Sorane can't participate in the festival?"

Hearing my words, Sorane's big eyes became moist.

Oops. I accidentally made her cry. Chinatsu glared at me, and I hurriedly squeezed out words.

"B-But Sorane, coming to play at the cultural festival will definitely be fun."

"Eh? Can I go play?"

"How about it?" I asked Natsuki-san with my eyes, and she nodded.

"I've already told the office I'm taking the day off on June 7th, so it's fine. Yeah, should be fine..."

Her tone sounded like she was convincing herself. Natsuki-san is a lawyer and very busy, so it can't be helped.

We talked excitedly about the cultural festival, but Fuka didn't join the conversation. As expected, she didn't intend to tell the family about the stage.

I should think about how to persuade her. As I was thinking, Fuka put her hands together politely.

"Thank you for the meal. Today's meal was also delicious."

I couldn't help but let out an "Eh".

You're kidding. That Fuka... Fuka, whose appetite is more vigorous than any of the sisters, not only didn't get a refill but put down her chopsticks earlier than everyone else—this is already a natural disaster.

"Sorry, Fuka. Fish dishes aren't enough, right? What you like are yakisoba and karaage, fried rice and char siu noodles..."

I listed the preferences I heard from Mio, and Fuka's cheek twitched.

"...A-Although it is a fact, could you not list them like that? Doesn't that make me look like a glutton who only loves grease and carbohydrates?"

No one denied it. Because Fuka was right.

Then, Chinatsu spoke to her with an expression of surprise and worry.

"Fuka, what's wrong? Only eating one serving, are you feeling unwell?"

"Goodness, even Chinatsu onee-sama is like this. I am simply full."

Fuka huffily cleared the tableware.

Unable to let go of Fuka leaving the living room, I said "I'm going to the washroom" and went to the hallway.

"Fuka."

The slender shoulders about to go upstairs trembled.

But, not only that. A miserable growl came from her stomach.

That sound is... I widened my eyes, and Fuka, turning around, pressed her stomach with a face so red it seemed about to breathe fire.

"N-No, this is..."

Fuka hurriedly denied and ran up the stairs.

Hearing the sound of a door closing upstairs, I muttered to myself.

"...Diet?"

Previously Fuka used dieting as an excuse to Chinatsu; it seems that wasn't necessarily a lie. She's probably restricting her diet considering the audition.

Although the intention is praiseworthy, I cannot approve.

I muttered to myself; now I must think of something immediately. Not for Fuka—but for me, the cook.

◇◇◇

The next day after school, I immediately bought the necessary items and stood in the kitchen.

While I was making dinner, Mio and Fuka returned from school. Approaching 6:30 PM, Mio entered the living room.

"Onii-san, is there anything I can help with?"

Even if I don't say anything, she actively offers to help; truly grateful. Standing in front of the induction cooker, I answered Mio.

"Thanks. Then can you serve rice for three people?"

"Okay, understood."

While Mio was serving rice, Fuka also arrived.

Probably because of yesterday, her expression wasn't good. Or rather, her complexion looked bad. Was reducing the amount of dinner suddenly too much, affecting her?

While paying attention to Fuka carrying the plates, I called out.

"Then let's eat."

Finally, I placed the plates with chilled tofu at each person's hand.

Today I bought tofu from Matsunaga-san... Matsunaga Tofu Shop. It's an old shop nearby with a nostalgic atmosphere, with boxes containing cold water and packaged tofu in front, fried bean curd and deep-fried tofu on the right, and the workspace in the back. When shopping, you must hold a wooden tub and look around at the products.

"By the way, tofu is low in calories and rich in protein and minerals, so it's very helpful for dieting."

I explained like a health program, and Fuka's shoulders suddenly trembled at the edge of my vision. Her gaze fell on the chilled tofu topped with green onions, rock salt, and olive oil.

The three of us said "Itadakimasu" together. Fuka timidly extended her chopsticks to the deep dish containing the chilled tofu, picked up the tofu, and brought it to her mouth.

"...Delicious!"

Fuka couldn't help but cry out.

"Today's menu also includes cheese omurice, chicken breast, and broccoli salad."

"The omurice is also delicious. It feels more health-conscious than usual."

"Yeah. I tried to arrange the menu centering on proteins and dietary fibers that are good for the body."

While distributing the salad, I continued nonchalantly:

"Both Mio and Fuka are still growing, so instead of restricting food, it's better to think about burning the calories consumed through exercise."

"...!"

Hearing those words, Fuka opened her eyes wide in surprise.

I nodded to Fuka. Although the dishes on the table weren't originally centered on brown foods, if Fuka cares about her weight, I should also make some effort. That is my duty as her manager.

"Onii-sama..."

Tears welled up in Fuka's eyes.

"I didn't know dieting was such a hard and painful thing..."

"Y-You were that cornered. You really worked hard."

Hearing Fuka's complaints for the first time, for Fuka who loves delicious food, dietary restrictions must have been more damaging and stressful than waking up early and exercising. Come to think of it, it's only been one day since she started dieting...

Fuka wiped her tears and smiled.

"So, with this, I can eat delicious things to my heart's content. With protein and dietary fiber, I definitely won't get fat! Thank you, Onii-sama!"

"Yeah. Be careful about the amount you eat."

Although her trust in protein and dietary fiber is too heavy, eating too much will of course make you fat.

While looking uneasily at Fuka eating the cheese omurice with fierce momentum, I felt a gaze from the opposite side. Mio stopped her chopsticks and stared straight at me.

"Mio? What's wrong?"

"Ah, no. Nothing..."

Mio answered with a voice smaller than usual while putting salad into her mouth.

After eating and taking a bath, I sat at my desk to do homework.

I messaged Fuka saying I wanted to discuss the stage costume for the cultural festival, and she replied 'In Onii-sama's room in two hours'.

By the way, Fuka messages me frequently almost every day. She dutifully reports whether she completed the muscle training I told her.

Muscle training is limited to planks and sit-ups, while others center on stretching exercises. Because the body shape won't change drastically in a short time, the menu emphasizes core training. She must be using the newly bought mat to train seriously.

I waited while doing homework, and the door was knocked before the scheduled time. I answered and looked back; Fuka in pajamas stood behind the opened door.

"Excuse me."

She bowed elegantly and walked into the room. Fuka wore pajamas like a lace dress; coupled with her tone, she looked like a sheltered young lady.

...Just as I was thinking that, she rolled up the hem that spread like a skirt with her small hands.

The moment I saw her white thighs, I averted my gaze with all my might.

"Wai... Wait! Why are you suddenly undressing!?"

"Rather than undressing, I am wearing the clothes I can wear on stage underneath. Because, it would be troubling if someone saw me, right?"

Even if you say it with a matter-of-fact tone, I am troubled. Regardless of what you are wearing underneath, the act of undressing itself doesn't change.

I remembered Karin who raided me at night. Is undressing in my room a trend? No, no, no, impossible.

"Then at least let me go out."

"Goodness, it will be done soon, so please wait."

Fuka seemed to think our conversation was dragging on; she interrupted me and continued her actions.

I faced the window with curtains drawn and concentrated on counting prime numbers. The sound of clothes rustling, the small "Hmm" breaths, the sound of fabric falling to the floor; I heard none of these. I heard nothing...

After a time that felt close to eternity, Fuka called me.

"Onii-sama, it is done."

I timidly turned around, and standing there was Fuka, dressed completely differently from before.

"Ohh..."

What Fuka wore was clothes based on green, looking like a uniform. The ribbon and part of the skirt were checkered; even I, unfamiliar with idols, strangely felt it was very idol-like seeing this pattern.

...By the way, she was also wearing boots that looked newly bought; were those hidden behind her back?

"I bought this before moving; how is it?"

Fuka tilted her body slightly and looked up at me; I answered with my hand on my chin.

"It suits you. But, maybe I can't say it suits you perfectly."

"I see..."

Hearing those words, Fuka was visibly dejected. But, I wasn't finished.

"Fuka is slender, so I think tightening the sleeves of the clothes would look better. The ribbon on the chest too, if it remains string-like, it won't stand out, so I want to change it to one with a bigger silhouette. For the skirt, adding ruffles overall should bring out the idol feel more..."

"Umm, you mean..."

"In other words, this outfit can become even better with a little work."

Since it was bought ready-made, there would naturally be parts that didn't fit the individual design.

Rather, if it could be useful with just a little modification, that would be great. Fuka's taste is indeed good. She knows well what kind of clothing brings out her charm.

"If Fuka is willing, I can help you modify it."

When I said that, Fuka widened her eyes.

"Eh? Onii-sama can also sew?"

"Yeah, roughly."

Because Father wasn't good at such detailed work, I had to learn it myself.

I started with making dust cloths, and now sewing buttons or patching is a piece of cake. Although I haven't handled girls' clothes, I should be able to solve it with the same knack.

Hearing me say that, Fuka sighed as if impressed.

"Haa—you gave me a startle! I thought you were just hard-working, but turns out you're handy at everything?"

She seemed quite surprised, bursting out in Shizuoka dialect after a long time.

Translated, it means "Wow, I was surprised! I thought you were diligent, but you can do anything?"

"That's an exaggeration. I just learned it out of necessity for living."

Hearing me say that, Fuka puffed out her cheeks.

"Nii-chan, it's uncool not to admit it honestly at times like this."

Pointed out as uncool, I rephrased it following Fuka's example.

"I can only do cooking, laundry, cleaning, and housework at best."

"Mhm mhm! Nii-chan can indeed become a good wife!"

Fuka smiled with satisfaction. Like I said, I wish you would say I'm a househusband.

"Also, you spoke with Shizuoka dialect again."

"Ngya!"

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