"Onii-sama, does this feel good?"
"…Yeah. It feels great."
"Don't move too much. Rice Shower will take care of you."
Sitting on his back, Rice Shower used her small, pale hands to knead Chiya's shoulders. Her fingers slid from his arms down to his waist, the smooth, cool touch sending a shiver through him.
"Onii-sama… are you cold?"
"N-no… I'm fine…"
She gently pulled a blanket over his lower body.
Thank goodness I'm lying face down… thank goodness… Chiya covered his face. If he were lying on his back, he wouldn't be able to face anyone ever again.
"Where did you learn how to massage?"
He asked, trying to distract himself.
"From TV."
"…You're really good. Your technique is… impressive."
Rice Shower's hands continued working over his back.
"I've been practicing. Urara said my massages would definitely make Onii-sama happy!"
"Urara?"
"She's my friend."
After hearing Fukukitaru's compatibility reading, Rice Shower had made up her mind. If her path wasn't going to be smooth, then she would take action herself. The one standing in her way was Shirayuki. "Perfect compatibility." She couldn't accept that. She would prove she was the one worthy of being Onii-sama's little sister.
"Onii-sama's muscles are so nice…"
She gently traced the lines of his back.
"I've been working out a bit lately."
"…Of course, nothing compared to an Uma Musume."
He only trained so he wouldn't accidentally get killed one day. Like that time he got kicked in the face. Survival here required a strong body.
"Onii-sama doesn't need to compare himself to Uma Musume. Anything Onii-sama wants to do… Rice Shower will do it for him."
She flexed her slender arms. Despite their delicate appearance, she could easily lift him.
"…You're reliable, Rice Shower."
"Yes! Rice Shower will become Onii-sama's most dependable little sister!"
Her hands continued pressing into his back.
…I'm getting sleepy…
Between the warmth and the steady rhythm, his mind began to drift.
"If Onii-sama wants to sleep, you should take off your clothes first. Once you fall asleep, Rice Shower will cover you with the blanket."
"…That's not necessary. You should head back soon too."
There was no way he was going to lie there half-naked like this.
Good thing it's late. No one's coming—
"Chiya."
"—What the hell!?"
In a flash, he flipped over, pulled Rice Shower down, and covered her with the blanket in one swift motion. The speed would have impressed professional magicians.
The door opened.
"Yota!"
"What's with the yelling?"
"What are you doing here this late!? And at least knock!"
"I called out, didn't I?"
"That doesn't count as knocking!"
Yota laughed and plopped onto the sofa.
"What, were you doing something shady?"
"Of course not…"
Chiya subtly shifted to block the bed.
"So why are you here?"
"Came to see if you wanted to play some cards. Didn't expect you to be in bed this early. You used to stay up till 2 a.m."
"You saw that?"
"I logged in at 2 and you were still in-game."
"…Why are you up at 2 a.m.?"
"Hey, don't turn this on me."
Just leave already…
Under the blanket, Rice Shower was clinging to him. He could feel her small hands around his waist, her warm breath against his back.
"Senpai invited me to play billiards this weekend. Thought I'd ask if you wanted to come. Drinks too."
"I can't. Chairwoman's orders. No alcohol."
"Yeah right. Last time you got drunk and showed up late, the Chairwoman nearly destroyed you. The group chat was hilarious."
"…Stop making up nicknames for me."
"Fine, fine. I'll tell them you're scared of the Chairwoman."
Yota stood up.
"Oh, and about the bet. I lost. I'll handle double tomorrow. You can relax."
"Good."
"But next time, you're not getting that lucky."
With that, Yota left.
Once the footsteps faded, Chiya immediately lifted the blanket.
"Rice Shower, are you okay?"
"…Haa…"
Her face was bright red as she crawled out. She was drenched in sweat, her uniform clinging to her body, slightly transparent.
Chiya's eyes widened.
"I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean—"
"It's okay." She brushed her damp bangs aside. "If I were seen… Onii-sama would be troubled."
"…Not exactly troubled. But that guy would spread rumors."
"I understand."
She smiled gently.
"Rice Shower won't bother you anymore tonight. I'll head back now."
"Wait. You'll catch a cold like that."
He grabbed a coat and handed it to her.
"Wear this."
"…Thank you."
After putting it on, she gave a small nod and left.
In the hallway, she paused. Quietly, she lifted the collar and brought it to her nose.
"…Onii-sama's scent… it's wonderful."