"I, Suzu Miyanoshita, like Naoto Yuuki." ...After once again hearing Miyanoshita's feelings, the next day unfolded. I found myself aimlessly lounging around at home without any particular plans. Miyanoshita turned out to be more grown-up than I had realized. Yet at the same time, she was still a child. Being alone can be lonely. That's why she wanted a place of her own. It was then that I appeared... And unintentionally, I became that place for her. I thought it was natural for her to develop affection. "What can I possibly do?" I still don't see Miyanoshita in a romantic light. I do feel a sense of closeness with her. But no matter what, the feeling of friendship is predominant, and that perception doesn't seem to change. I'm not sure about the future, but... That's the way things stand at the moment. Still, aside from that, I found myself wanting to do something for Miyanoshita. If she's feeling lonely, I want to do something about it. I want her to be smiling. I want to see you happy. "As a friend, I really like her." So I want to do something for her, but what can I do? How can I make Miyanoshita more cheerful... and get her to smile? "Come to think of it..." Her birthday is coming up soon. I remember celebrating grandly in the game last year. "Yeah, since it's a special occasion, this time let's celebrate properly in real life." A surprise party... that's going to be tricky. Miyanoshita is in primary school and very clever. Any secret preparations would probably be seen through right away. I've heard that her family is close-knit. They'll probably have a family birthday party. In that case, there's a chance our plans might clash. To avoid any scheduling conflicts, it's better to let her know ahead of time, even if it means rescheduling. "If I want a surprise... maybe the gift is the better option?" A surprise gift could do the trick. Maybe a ring ... "Wait, that's out of the question!" That's going way overboard. It must be something important. "But... no, umm? What do elementary schoolers get excited about these days?"

As I ponder what to do, the intercom rings. 'Who could it be?' I wonder. I check outside using the monitor. "Hey there!" It's a girl with her long hair in twin tails, grinning brightly. She's short, with a youthful face, clearly a grade-schooler. It's my little sister, Mashiro. Wondering 'why?' I make my way to the entrance and open the door. "Who is it?" "Hey, hey, hey, that's quite the formal greeting, isn't it? It's your adorable and pretty little sister, Mashiro-chan♪" "Isn't that redundant?" "Hey, you should get atleast that. It's a joke, a joke. You can't be that dense, right?" This sister of mine, she can be so sassy, and... well... She can also be incredibly irritating at times. "Ouch!" Shoot. Before I realized it, I flicked her forehead. "Why would you do that?! You're terrible, big brother! 'Domestic Violand'!" "Don't make it sound like some kind of theme park. It's 'Violence'." "Geez, what was that for?" "Sorry, it was unintentional." It's more of a habit, actually. It's kind of mean, but it's like a form of affection. When it's my little sister, I have no problem to get close... But with Miyanoshita, I couldn't ever do that. What exactly is the difference, I wonder? "So, what is it?" "Spot-check time. I'm here to see if you’re living properly, on behalf of Mom! Mwahaha, fear me! Scream and cry! But I have no intention of going easy on you!" "Yeah, yeah, have it your way." "Huh? You're unexpectedly calm. What, no panic to hide dirty magazines?" "I don't have any." These days it's all digital. My PC is locked, so she can't snoop around. "Hmm, how dull." "I've got nothing to hide, so go ahead, investigate to your heart's content." "Boo, boo." My diet might be a bit lopsided, but other than that, there are no problems. I keep things clean and do my laundry. I can’t stand a mess, so my room is pretty tidy, I’d say. Mashiro surveys that room. Just like a nosy mother-in-law she runs her finger along the windowsill. "They are dirty!"

"I don't usually clean these little nooks and crannies." "Sloppy." "Everything else is fine, so it's good enough." "Yeah, well, it does seem you've kept it tidy. Alright, you pass!" "And who exactly are you?" "The little sister goddess, of course." She's serious, and that makes her a handful. But... hold on. Could this actually be the perfect timing? "Hey, there's something I want to ask." "Oh? My measurements? My, aren't you bold!♪" "Quiet, chopping board." "So cruel!" "More like moon-cratered." "I'm not caved in!" "Black hole." "What does that even mean!?" If you tease her, you get a great reaction. This little sister might become a comedian in the future. "By the way... What's popular with you and your friends these days, Mashiro?" "Huh, what's that? What do you mean?" "Well... It's been decided at my part-time job that we're doing a campaign for kids, and we're brainstorming ideas, but I don't know what elementary school kids like. So I thought I'd ask you, Mashiro." Lies flowed smoothly from my mouth. I might have a future as a con artist. "I see. If that's the case, I don't mind helping out." "Really? That's a relief." "However..." "Yes, yes, I'll treat you to something delicious next time." "I'll leave it up to you ♪" I don't mind the coaxing; it's nothing new. Dad and mom spoil Mashiro rotten at home, so I doubt I'll hear any complaints later. "Hmm... Are we talking about food? Or maybe clothes and accessories? Or could it be games?" "Just give me a general idea." "That might be a lot to cover. Are you ready to take notes?" "All set." When I took out my smartphone, Mashiro scowled. "Hey! Everyone would expect pen and paper at the phrase 'take notes'!" "Are you stuck in the Showa era or something...?" That's not something you'd expect a girl from the Reiwa era to say. "Well, it doesn't matter. Anyway..." With that, I ended up learning about the latest elementary school trends from my sister.