In front of the mirror, Fujiwara Shirayuki sat like a doll as Mejiro Dober brushed her hair.
If I had a little sister, it would probably feel like this.
Looking at the well-behaved Fujiwara Shirayuki, Mejiro Dober smiled.
She gently wiped the makeup on Shirayuki's face, the delicate skin shifting slightly under her careful touch. The way Shirayuki simply let herself be styled made Mejiro Dober's heart stir.
So cute… how can she be this cute!
Usually during meals or breaks, Shirayuki would come find her and chat. After Shirayuki mentioned she'd been watching an anime called [Magic Carrot], they'd become close enough to talk about anything.
Whenever Mejiro Dober ran into trouble, Shirayuki would come help her. If a male trainer or staff member tried to talk to her, Shirayuki would step in and smooth things over.
Not only that, Shirayuki had even invited Oguri Cap and Narita Brian to join them for meals. Thanks to Shirayuki, Mejiro Dober had made several new friends.
Even joining Fujiwara Chiya's team and meeting Rice Shower and Special Week… all of that was thanks to Shirayuki.
Ever since sharing a dorm with Shirayuki, Mejiro Dober's life had completely changed. More friends, smoother training, and a once dim and closed-off world now had a beam of light shining through it.
She was deeply grateful to Shirayuki, but had never really found a chance to express it.
"How does it feel?"
After finishing with the lip balm, Mejiro Dober asked.
Looking at herself in the mirror, the girl slowly parted her lips.
"So pretty…"
It might sound like self-praise, but without exaggeration, the snow-spirit-like girl in the mirror was the most beautiful one Fujiwara Shirayuki had ever seen.
Her carefully brushed hair flowed like silk, shimmering under the light. The subtle eyeshadow made her blue eyes look misty and soft, yet still clear. With lip balm applied, her naturally pink lips looked even more vivid and moist.
Her overly refined beauty almost felt unreal, like a perfectly illustrated character.
Is this really me?
Shirayuki couldn't help but doubt it.
She had been an Uma Musume for a while now and had gradually gotten used to a girl's daily routine. She brushed her hair and tail every day, and even if she didn't focus much on appearance, she still did what was expected.
But today, after Mejiro Dober's careful styling, she felt like a completely different person.
Beautiful and cute all at once.
Shirayuki stared at her reflection, unable to look away.
"That's because you're already beautiful. You just don't take care of yourself much. Honestly, watching you handle your hair so roughly every day hurts me a little."
Mejiro Dober gently played with Shirayuki's hair, the soft strands slipping through her fingers.
"From now on, let me help you take care of it."
"Wouldn't that be too much trouble for you, senpai?"
"Not at all. I actually enjoy doing this."
Mejiro Dober had always wanted to become someone reliable. At home, she was the youngest, always the one being taken care of. At school, because of her personality, she rarely interacted with others, often finding herself alone.
Because of that, her wish had been delayed again and again.
Now, she finally had someone like a little sister, and she wanted to pour all her care into her.
Watching Mejiro Dober smooth out her clothes and adjust her hair, Fujiwara Shirayuki spoke without thinking.
"It kind of feels like Dober-senpai has become my older sister."
"Si-sister…"
"Yeah."
A faint memory surfaced in Shirayuki's mind.
It felt like, long ago, someone had taken care of her too. But it was too distant to recall clearly. Sometimes a voice or a gesture would stir those old memories.
Did I have someone like that when I was younger?
Maybe. But there was no point dwelling on something so far in the past.
"Sister…"
Mejiro Dober repeated the word.
"Shirayuki… could you call me that once?"
"Hm?"
"I mean… I want to know what it feels like to be called 'big sister'…" Mejiro Dober's fingers intertwined nervously, her voice shy.
"Dober onee-chan?"
Thump!
The moment those words left her mouth, Mejiro Dober's heart pounded violently. Her head felt dizzy.
She suddenly understood why Fujiwara Chiya had that expression when Rice called him "Onii-sama." These words carried a strange power. Once spoken, they invaded your thoughts.
Looking at the Shirayuki sitting in the chair, Mejiro Dober reached out and patted her head.
"Say it again."
"Dober onee-chan."
I can't…
Her mind stopped working entirely.
That clear, sweet voice echoed in her head, filling her with a dreamlike sense of happiness.
"From now on, call me that, alright?"
"If Dober-sen… Dober onee-chan doesn't mind."
Shirayuki quietly touched the ring on her finger.
"Of course I don't mind. Not at all."
Even though it was just a change in address, Mejiro Dober felt their relationship had become something just below family. From today onward, Fujiwara Shirayuki was her little sister!
"Oh right, I have some clothes that might suit you."
Fully embracing her new role, Mejiro Dober turned to her wardrobe.
"This one looks good… this one too…"
She pulled out a pile of expensive-looking outfits.
"That's not necessary. I can just wear my usual clothes."
"No, Shirayuki. Your outfits are far too casual. They don't bring out your cuteness at all."
For once, Mejiro Dober firmly rejected her.
All the care she had wanted to give someone finally poured out at once.
After more than half an hour of trying outfits, Mejiro Dober nodded in satisfaction.
"This one. It suits you best."
A blue-purple dress with flowing patterns, the soft fabric draping like light silk.
So cute!
Seeing Shirayuki standing in front of the mirror, curiously examining herself, completely hit Mejiro Dober's weak spot.
Reliable when needed, adorable when it counted. Was there any better little sister than this?
Gently touching Shirayuki's soft cheek, Mejiro Dober completely lost herself in the moment.