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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 7
Chapter Title: Twisted Relationship (3)
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"Um..."
"What?"
"...That's not the way."
"..."
Sei-an, who had been heading towards Arisa's quarters after leaving the restaurant, had to halt his steps, caught off guard by Arisa's words as she was being led by his hand.
He then put on an awkward expression, gently released Arisa's hand, and stepped aside as if telling her to go first.
"Pfft!"
At Sei-an's demeanor, Arisa let out a small laugh for the first time.
It was so different from the serious, weighty tone he had used with Crove just moments before.
"..."
"!"
At Arisa's smile, Sei-an silently gazed at her for a moment.
Arisa flinched and quickly wiped the smile from her lips. She was flustered that she had smiled without realizing it.
"Arisa."
"Y-Yes?"
Then, at Sei-an's voice quietly calling her name, Arisa flinched again and looked back at him.
"Don't you forget, either."
"?"
"That I am your older brother."
"!"
At Sei-an's continuing words, Arisa's already large eyes widened even further, her expression turning to one of surprise.
"And I won't forget either."
"..."
"That you are my younger sister."
"!"
At Sei-an's faint smile directed at her as he spoke his final words, Arisa simply bowed her head.
Tap!
Sei-an reached out a hand and gently stroked her head, as if giving it a light tap.
Drip... drip...
Then, from her bowed eyes, the tears she had held back began to fall, one by one.
'Oh no...'
Sei-an was a little flustered by Arisa's tears, wearing a troubled expression, but soon began to stroke her head even more gently.
He sincerely hoped that she would no longer feel alone.
***
"Are you kidding me right now?"
"N-No, sir."
"I'm asking if you *really* delivered the message properly!"
"I-I truly did deliver it properly!"
Bang!
"H-Heek!"
Illnis's nerves were currently on edge. It was because Sei-an had once again shown no response to his summons today.
Despite clearly receiving the message, Sei-an had, for some reason, not come to the club today either.
"So he's not coming, is that it?"
At Sei-an's audacity to ignore his summons not once, but twice, Illnis's expression grew cold.
"How dare he..."
Bang!
Because of Sei-an, who had made a fool of him twice, Illnis ground his teeth and slammed the table hard once more.
"!"
"!"
Rubin and the others all held their breath, carefully watching his mood.
"Let's see just how far he can ignore my words."
And at Illnis's chilling voice that followed, everyone nearby bowed their heads even lower, trying their best to avoid eye contact with him.
Bang!
"..."
Illnis seemed oblivious to their reactions, slamming the desk hard once more, unable to hide his fury towards Sei-an.
