The Price of Staying Awake

Elsewhere...

Somebody quietly stretched in her chair.

She had been working on an office project from home.

Just then—

Her parental-control app sent her a notification.

Rurouni's phone had been unlocked.

Even though it was supposed to be sleeping time.

She glanced at the notification.

Then smiled with excitement.

The somebody who got the notification...

Was none other than the one Rurouni Rakhora considered as the most dangerous.

Somya Rakhora.

"...Perfect."

She leaned back happily.

"I've always wanted to beat him..."

"But he always listens to me."

"So I never got the chance."

She opened a drawer beside her desk.

Then glanced inside for a moment.

Somya picked up her pistol like Taser...

...and turned it on.

CRACKLE.

 A sharp electric sound filled the room.

"No, it's way too good for him."

Her logic was simple.

If she used this, he'd be unconscious on the spot...

And then she wouldn't be able to make her genuine dream come true.

Somya quietly placed it in the drawer, then closed it.

As she stood up, she felt a tingling in her right hand.

Like her hand want to tell her something.

So she tightened her first and punched the air.

WHOOSH!

A mischievous grin spread across her face as if she's finally going to get something she wanted for a long time.

"...Perfect." 

"Now then. Let me see your pathetic look, Rurouni."

Somya quietly walked through the hallway.

The house was completely silent.

Everyone else was asleep.

Except one person.

She stopped in front of Rurouni's room.

She started preparing herself before hunting.

"I got you now."

Without wasting any time—

SLAM!

She kicked the door open with a single, forceful blow.

Rurouni, who was still reading that new chapter, immediately froze.

His eyes widened with fear and hesitation.

"N-No, Onee-chan!"

"I-It's not what it looks like!"

Somya covered her mouth, trying to hide her laughter.

"Oh, really?"

"Then what is it?"

Rurouni's brain immediately started working.

An excuse.

He needed an excuse.

Anything.

But before he could say anything—

"It's not going to work."

Rurouni froze, not because he was scared of what she said...

But because her voice was very close to hear this time.

Then he realized Somya was already standing right beside him.

She grabbed him firmly.

The feeling immediately reminded him of someone else.

The silver-white-haired girl.

Aurelia.

His fear went off the charts.

"S-Sister..."

"I promise I'll be a good boy from now on."

"Please don't beat me."

Somya gently patted his head.

"Aww."

"Would you look at that?"

"Such a good boy."

Rurouni felt a tiny bit of relief.

Thank God, looks like she was joking a moment ago.

Then—

Her hand moved toward his hair.

"But I must do this..."

"In order to save you from becoming a complete nerd."

Rurouni lost the hope that just appeared.

Yep. What was I even expecting from someone like her, who edits the scenes however she wants.

Then he noticed something about her.

Huh?  What?! She's literally smiling!

"At least stop smiling if you're trying to look angry."

Somya immediately tried to control her expression.

"What are you talking about?"

"I am very sad right now."

But she just couldn't stop smiling.

Rurouni slightly pointed a finger at her face.

"...Uh, you look even happier now."

"It really looks like you've been waiting for this moment."

Somya finally managed to control herself.

"Now then..."

"Where should I start?"

"Any recommendations?"

Rurouni's expression became serious.

He understood.

He only had two choices.

Option one — Run away.

He slowly tried to move her hand.

Nothing happened.

Not even slightly.

"O-Onee-chan."

"Let's be honest."

"You're stronger than me, aren't you?"

Somya laughed softly, mocking him completely.

"Isn't that obvious?"

"Do you honestly think there was ever a time when you were stronger than me?"

"You are more delusional than I expected."

Rurouni's pride hit an all-time low.

Option two — Accept his fate.

He lowered his head, asked politely.

"Sister..."

"I have a request."

"Hmm? What is it?"

Rurouni hesitated, then quietly said—

"Please don't hit my stomach."

Somya blinked in confusion.

"Huh? Why?"

Rurouni immediately tried to explain.

"Because..."

"It's embarrassing if you do that."

The moment the words left his mouth...

Rurouni realized what he had just said.

He closed his eyes, a small pathetic smile appeared.

Yup.

I am pathetic.

Before he could see Somya's reaction—

She hugged him gently.

"Don't worry, little brother."

"It's alright."

"You can do it."

"I'll help you too."

Rurouni opened his eyes in confusion, since he didn't understood her single word.

"...What are you talking about now?"

Somya looked completely serious.

"You started secretly taking drugs."

"And now you have an addiction."

"And you don't even know what you're saying anymore."

Rurouni slapped his right hand on his head.

Was Kara not enough, now she thinks I'm a drug addict too.

"Stop making things up, okay?"

He reached for the water bottle beside him and took a drink.

Then Somya asked curiously—

"Then does that mean..."

"You have a baby in your stomach?"

A wierd silence.

Then Rurouni immediately spat out the water.

"Cough!"

"Cough!"

His face went completely blank.

"...Why?"

"Why would you even think that?"

Somya smiled innocently.

Rurouni gave up, since there was no chance of winning.

He slowly sat down.

Then lowered himself dramatically.

"Please don't kill me."

"And please don't hit my stomach."

"I have no other conditions."

A helpless smile appeared on his face with some tears.

How pathetic am I...?

Somya looked at him, tried to hold back.

Failed successfully.

She lightly stretched her hands.

I knew it...

My little brother is the best.

"Looks like we have an agreement."

"My dear sweet little brother."