As Declared by the Older Sister

"I mean…they aren't bad, all things considered…"

My self justification doesn't stop me from digging through my hair in unease. No matter how I look at these numbers laid across the kitchen table, I can't bring myself to be happy.

"I really did try to teach her everything…"

"Unfortunately, this was the expected result."

Across the table, Stella sips her glass of apple juice. While I can't see them well from the red tint, her eyes are clearly narrowed as they look at a combination of 30s, 40s, and 50s.

"Getting her to a passing 70 in every subject after one month was always impossible."

"I guess so…"

"At the very least, this is better than I had assumed."

Stella takes the slip of paper into her hands and folds it shut. Her gaze travels across the table, causing me to flinch from her cold expression.

"This is really the end for me!"

I've witnessed killing intent enough times to recognise it. All of the other times my life was placed in peril, I would survive by the skin of my teeth. This time, I'm not so sure. My enemy is a girl who fills notebooks full of ridiculous math formulas for fun. There's no doubt that every possible escape has been neatly calculated and covered before we even sat down.

Stella maintains eye contact while rotating the paper in such a way that it feels more like a knife.

"Please don't hurt me!"

"Just what kind of person do you think I am…"

The cold look is still pretty cold, but now there is some confusion mixed in as she watches me lift my arms in defence.

"Um…Somebody so mad that you plan to make me bleed out with hundreds of paper cuts."

"Why would I do that? That's such an inefficient method of murder."

Stella sighs before turning to look down at her open book.

"You did well with the time you had."

In my surprise, I didn't notice Mira joining us at the table. The rabbit quietly pours herself an extra glass while Stella continues.

"The fundamentals are the hardest, yet you managed to get her to a level where she can answer questions on her own. You were a good teacher."

"Y-You think so!?"

Never did I expect to receive a compliment from Stella of all people. This girl is like a stone statue to anyone other than Mira, and that is still partially the case here. There is no shift in her expression as he offers praise, but the words alone make me feel more accomplished than I felt passing my own exams.

"Mira! We did it!"

"Yeah!"

We share a high five filled with blood, sweat, and tears. Those sleepless nights and mind numbing study sessions were all worth it.

"However…"

The weather suddenly sours, dropping a heavy shower on our celebration. Stella is frowning as usual, but it feels intended this time.

"This isn't nearly enough if she wants to pass."

"Ah…"

I swear that I didn't forget. It was just a little detour away from reality.

"We only have one week to prepare, so your slow and steady teaching won't be sufficient."

"Do we have any other options…"

"Isn't that why you were looking for me?"

White clothes sway as Stella stands, an empty glass now resting against the table. She folds Mira's grades and places it into her jacket pocket.

"I will oversee preparations for her makeup tests."

"Really!? That would be such a huge help!"

Things just keep getting better. Not only have preparations for Ange to arrive gone well, our academic concerns have been completely solved. With Stella spending time here to help Mira study, that will be one extra person to keep an eye on the orange rabbit whilst she's here.

"So that means you'll be here pretty often next week, right? I'll make sure we have enough food—"

"Don't worry about it."

Stella closes her book with one hand before moving to stand behind Mira. They are about the same size, but the self-proclaimed older sister puts her hands on Mira's shoulders.

"She's coming home with me."

""Huh?""

That would have been a pretty fun joke coming from her, but those red tinted eyes are completely serious.

"Coming here takes too long. We need to study from dawn to dusk if Mira is passing those makeup exams."

"I-I have to study all day!?"

The small rabbit is trembling as she turns to Stella.

"I can't! My head would explode!"

"You can do it."

Two pairs of small hands link together. Stella gives one of her smiles reserved for VIP only.

"It will get easier as the days go on, but any less than this and you won't pass."

"Okay…"

"Noa will give you a reward if you pass the makeup exams."

"Really!"

Both of them look at me, my body still partially in shock at Stella's proposition. Blue pools previously filled with concern now glow with expectation. While not enough to completely fill my motivation, that red glare visible only to me provides the final push.

"Ah…yeah…"

"See? So let's work hard, Mira."

"Got it! I'll pass for sure this time!"

"Good, now get packed."

The room bursts into motion while I still stand in shock. Seeing my jaw dropped, Stella narrows her eyes even further.

"Got any complaints?"

"N-No…"

I can't get any other words to come out. This girl was supposed to be my saviour, but she instead turned out to bring misfortune. With this betrayal, only one thought forms in my mind.

"I have to stop this at all costs!"

As Mira digs through her personal wardrobe consisting of a cardboard box, I walk over to Stella in the bathroom. Her hands are already scouring the sink.

"Is it really okay that she stays over!? What about your parents!?"

"Mira doesn't take up much space, so it won't be a problem."

Stella doesn't even pay my reflection any mind as she shoves Mira's toiletries into a plastic bag.

"Mira is really bad with strangers and unfamiliar places! It might be a bit much for her to stay over!"

"She won't leave my side, so she'll be comfortable."

We transition to the shower, where she examines the soap. With the laundry list being checked off by the second, I become even more desperate.

"It would cause me a lot of problems without Mira here! She helps around a lot!"

"You did just fine before, so deal with it."

"Please! I would be sad if she left, so don't take her!"

Unfortunately, my dramatic plea falls on deaf ears. Stella ignores me completely, entering the living space where Mira has her backpack fully stocked with her school supplies.

"Stella, what should I do about clothes?"

"Mine should fit you just fine."

After stuffing the items into Mira's bag, Stella takes her hand and the two are soon putting on their shoes.

"I'll bring her back next Sunday."

"W-Wait!"

I know that stopping them is impossible, but I still let out a feeble cry.

"I'll be home soon, Noa!"

With that, Mira's blue hair disappears behind the wooden door. As the only living thing remaining in this small studio apartment, I drop to my knees.

Never would I expect that Stella would just come in and take Mira away. Even more surprising is that Mira was so willing to spend the night anywhere that isn't here. She's grown for sure, but I can't decide whether to be happy or pained.

"…"

It has been a while since the apartment has been this empty. I should be used to the desolation and silence of this room, but removing such an important piece has left the picture feeling incomplete.

Knock Knock

My body flinches as a heavy knocking echoes from the entryway.

"Did they already come back?"

Expecting to see a familiar set of faces, I rush to my feet and reach for the door.

"Forgot something?"

"Of course not."

It's a familiar voice for sure, but not the one I was expecting. As I'm greeted by the evening glow and a cold breeze, I'm also greeted by the wrong set of familiar faces. The shorter one has hands behind her back holding the large set of luggage. The taller one is still dressed business casual and holds a bag of takeout.

"Ange!? Mr. Mark!?"

"Why are you so surprised?"

A wall of orange and its set of sour lips remind me exactly why I was so desperate to keep Mira here.