Uneasy daily life

【Huh? How could an older brother have those kinds of thoughts about his younger sister?】

"The point isn't whether you have it or not, but what she thinks," Bai Ying teased with interest. "Is it possible that she thinks you spoil your other sister too much?"

I think I'm just a pretty ordinary person when it comes to my younger sister, right?

"The human heart is such a subtle thing."

Bai Ying said in a condescending tone, "I suggest you tell your eldest sister directly, and have her reflect on her own problems. Is it because she's not as well-behaved as her younger sister that she's not favored..."

"No, please, have mercy on me. She finally calmed down, but didn't choose to tell on me directly." Sakuta Azusagawa rejected this terrible idea, then quipped, "Human nature is indeed a delicate thing; even Shiro (a character in a novel) will hesitate and consider things carefully."

Bai Ying slapped her thigh: "Who are you calling hesitant? I'm waiting to go up to A on Christmas Day the day after tomorrow!"

Are you sure you want to wait until Christmas? While using the holiday atmosphere as motivation is a good idea, who are you planning to invite to the party? Are you planning to spend it all together? That would probably make it feel more like family, and wouldn't have anything to do with romance or anything like that, right?

Sakuta Azusagawa, speaking with an air of indifference, said: "Don't bother choosing. Let's do it today. Before they can react, just pick target A and go for it! Then, when things unfold, you can enjoy the chaotic battlefield of multiple forces vying for power."

"Hehe..." the white figure said leisurely, "Sakuta, your younger sister is in her third year of junior high school this year, and she's also at the age of puberty. As the saying goes, when a young girl looks in the mirror, her heart begins to bud..."

Azusagawa Sakuta: [Brother-in-law. 】

"I've already sent it to your younger sister."

[Damn! You recorded my call, bro! Hey, Hua Feng, let me explain! Introduce your girlfriend to your parents and explain! Wait...]

Ha, little Sakuta, easy to handle.

Bai Ying hung up the phone and looked around the quiet, empty living room. To make up for not being able to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with her family, the brave man decided to go home and reunite with them early...

In other words, the fact that no one is home today, in a sense, does create a wonderfully unexpected gap in time, allowing me to sneakily post little notes like "I like White Shadow," "White Shadow is so handsome," "I'm so cute," "Let's first define who White Shadow is..." and "Touch his chest more often" in the corner of the hero's room...

STOP! Think about this seriously, White Shadow!

Bai Ying shook her leg as she pondered—actually, this gap wasn't so perfect! 9527 was at home, while Stickman and Brave Plus were busy in Yokohama and Tokyo respectively, so it was impossible to call them over with just one phone call!

That's right! So it won't work today. If you don't believe me, check your social media posts...

Bai Ying took out her phone and glanced at it.

Mai Sakurajima

[The commercial shoot is finally complete, time to take a break! Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas in advance!]

[Sakurajima Mai is the best: Hehe, I got the first reply! My work is temporarily finished, and it's time to prepare to celebrate Christmas with everyone.]

It's obvious that you two were in cahoots.

It's 7 o'clock now, and Tokyo and Yokohama aren't far from Chiba... 9527! 9527 lives with her parents, so she definitely can't come over!

Bai Ying decisively clicked on Angelina's account and found that this girl had also posted an update.

[Traveler]

[Night sky.jpg, forest.jpg, river.jpg, tent.jpg, fish swaying.jpg...]

The night sky was so clear that even the stars were clearly visible. One lamp was enough to illuminate the entire tent. Away from the hustle and bustle of people, there was a kind of liveliness that belonged only to me. Dinner was fish that had fallen from the river. I had already prepared the packets of seasoning and the grill. Tonight, we're having grilled fish!

[Bai Gen Bai Jingsan: The thin night washes away the starlight, a solitary lamp illuminates the bed. The heart is far removed from the vastness of heaven and earth, yet one step leads to the fall from the bustling world.]

[Bai Gen Bai Jingsan: Stop pretending, 9527! You're probably like a novice novelist right now, constantly checking for replies and data growth, all nervous and expectant, right?!]

[Traveler: Who are you?]

[Bai Gen Bai Jing San: Your ambitious travel plans are about to be put into action? You've planned quite a lot, haven't you? Camping kits, learning to cook, and stuff like that, but you forgot you should create a separate account for life and work—9527. You don't want others to know you have dreams, do you?]

[Traveler: (??へ??╬)! 】

[Bai Gen Bai Jing San: The framing is good, but the equipment is terrible, the image quality is very problematic, was it shot with a mobile phone? Also, if you don't want to show your face, you don't have to, but in terms of content entertainment value, you could at least film a video of yourself making grilled fish, right? And the written content is also quite mediocre.]

[Bai Gen and Bai Jingsan have been blocked by the travel blogger.]

happy.

It's funny how clumsy a newbie can be—as long as you're not the one mentoring them.

Looks like I need to keep a closer eye on the internet lately and try to dig up 9527's alternate account...

Bai Ying pondered for a moment, then suddenly realized something was wrong. Wait a minute! 9527 just happened to choose today to try camping and photography? That means… wait a minute! The Brave One! The Brave One is going home today, so it's definitely impossible for her to ask him out, so…

Forget it, this reason doesn't convince me, let's try another one!

9528! That's right, the situation with 9528 is still uncertain, and it's not certain that we can get in touch. Even if we do get in touch, we might not be able to meet today, so...

No! How can I be so conflicted? Didn't I promise myself I'd be a carefree person?!

It's a dilemma. Honestly, even if all five of us are available, we still have to choose one, right? Are we supposed to roll the dice? That seems a bit absurd! Besides, we're all young and should be focusing on our dreams and careers, on realizing our self-worth. What's the point of indulging in sweet romance?

Shut up! You white shadow, you keep finding excuses, but you're taking less and less action!

Shut up, you damned second son! Do you even know what true love is?! Love! So many desires have taken its name for you! Love isn't about doing anything; it's about the fulfilling and joyful experience of hearts communicating and connecting! Isn't it good enough as it is now?!

Stop talking nonsense! You just don't dare to take that step. Your conservative and naive values ​​mean that taking that step means you'll be burdened with the other person's life forever! You've been a husband, a son, and a father, so you're exhausted and even disgusted by those experiences. You know things are different, and you want to break free from that feeling, which is why you hesitate and look for reasons to give up!

You can passively accept liking, sincerely express liking, and get along harmoniously and peacefully, but only you know what's hidden in your heart!

Meow! Meow!

Bai Ying snapped out of his daze, glanced disapprovingly at Knight and King who were jumping on the sofa, reached into the bag, grabbed a handful of cat food, and stuffed it into his mouth: "What are you looking at? Haven't you ever seen someone eat before? Go away."

The black and white cats meowed even louder—that's our food!

"How dare you! Two mere cats dare to comment on the Supreme Emperor! So what if I'm a coward? So what if I want to not be a coward? So what if I'm a coward but don't want to be a coward? How dare you question my actions throughout my life?!" The white figure snorted coldly, munching on cat food. "You two, learn from your master and come over here with disgusted looks to rub against me. If I'm happy, you can have your meal."

The black and white cats meowed at the bully, the white cat, who couldn't stand it any longer and climbed over to force the white cat to eat.

The white shadow looked down at it from above.

"Wow, it seems you've made your choice."

The next second, the white figure caught the white cat with lightning speed, then slapped it against his face and rubbed it rapidly. The cackling laughter and mournful meows filled the living room.

The black cat, which had intended to go forward to share the food, was so frightened by what it saw that it took several steps back.

"Hoo hoo hoo! You come too, tonight I'm going to grind my teeth together—"

A white figure reached out its sinister left hand towards the black cat. Sensing danger, the black cat jumped off the sofa and hurriedly dodged the two legs blocking its way. Following the slippers upwards, the cat's straight calves were bound by white cotton knee-high socks, its knees hidden beneath a white lace-trimmed skirt. A belt cinched its slender waist, highlighting the buttons concealed in the lace trim at its chest. The lace trim continued upwards along the neckline...

Yukino looked at the white figure with a subtle expression.

……

There are three things that a person will hate in their lifetime.

The first type is aversion to the flaws of parents and family.

The second type is a defect of aversion to society and the environment.

The third type is loathing one's own flaws.

Overcoming the first kind of aversion requires rebellious courage to overthrow what's imposed upon you; overcoming the second kind requires the courage to persevere to calmly face those rough, unsightly marks. Overcoming the third kind of aversion…

Yukinoshita felt it was very difficult.

"I go first."

Yukino Yukinoshita said with a smile, "I'll be busy on Christmas Day, and Shizuka will be all alone, so I'll keep her company today."

“It’s fine to spend Christmas at home…” Yukino’s father muttered under his breath.

The mother simply nodded slightly.

Yukino Yukinoshita didn't react much, but instead played with the cats in the house, looking completely absorbed in petting them.

This is a lie, but Xiao Yang is a master liar. This is an amazing acting skill that has allowed him to pretend to be a good child for twenty years and never have any conflicts with his family!

I'm going to raid that bastard!

Yukino changed her shoes at the door, subconsciously glancing back at her younger sister playing with the cat. Suddenly, she thought of saying, "Actually, I was going to visit that lonely rascal~"... Yukino would probably panic, her mind filled with suspicion, stammering as she tried to go back, but she'd have to watch her father and mother's expressions. Her father would definitely be flustered, and her mother's situation was less certain...

Swallow it back, and don't say anything!

Yukino quickly left her house, went out onto the street, put her hands on her hips, took a few breaths, and patted her cheeks.

Yes, what I just said definitely fits my playful and teasing nature, but... that was absolutely just an excuse I made up to abandon the plan.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and the day after tomorrow is Christmas Day, which is a rather special time. While others might gather together, today is a free day—Yukino-chan even went home to stay, leaving a huge loophole!

Tonight is the decisive night at the Battle of the Okema!

Ah... thinking about it carefully, there really wasn't a need to rush, right? We promised to give that jerk another surprise for Christmas last year, so I'm keeping my promise...

Well, there's no need to keep the promise. After all, no one gave prior notice, and that jerk might be out somewhere else, not necessarily at Yukino's house...

No way! He's not at Yukino's house, so I'll find out where he is and then go after him!

Ugh! This is so annoying! I'm such a conflicted person!

Never mind, let's raid Yukino's house first!

With a sense of self-abandonment, Yukinoshita Haruno rushed to Yukinoshita's apartment with lightning speed. She originally wanted to take the train, but ended up ordering a taxi to take her to the apartment. Then she walked into the apartment, her steps quickening but not in a hurry, as if she wanted to walk faster so that she couldn't keep up.

The more sincere I am, the more I can't help but hide things, hesitate, and look back...

Therefore, in order to overcome my weakness, I should carefully plan... Bah! I will use facts, actions, and irrefutable past tense to completely resolve this annoying feeling of weakness!

Yukino took the elevator to her floor, opened the door with slightly trembling hands, and stepped inside. She saw the living room lights on, and a white figure sitting on the sofa, lost in thought.

I inexplicably sensed a similar feeling in him.

……

In a strange and unspoken atmosphere, the two sat facing each other at the table.

Bai Ying poured two glasses of water: "What brings 9528 here?"

"Well..." Yukino Yukinoshita took a sip of water and blinked. "You rascal, you're almost graduating from high school. If you don't hurry up, your big sister won't have time to break the law."

Bai Ying's eyes twitched slightly as she leaned back and said, "Just as I predicted, your Christmas surprise last year..."

"Yes, it's a pleasant surprise, isn't it? But there are so many people at Christmas, it's not easy to get a chance." Yukino Yukinoshita put down her water glass, smiled, and rested her chin on her hand. "In short, we..."

Bai Ying: "Do it."

"..." Yukino's lips twitched slightly, and she mumbled, "Huh? You really came? You idiot, have you forgotten your promise to your mother? Knowing you as I do, breaking a promise like that..."

"You've convinced Auntie, haven't you? It seems like it was a year ago? Heh." Bai Ying smiled. "How adorable."

How did you know...? You actually knew? Then...

Yukino's mind raced, and she suppressed her surging emotions, grinning as she said, "After all, I don't like feeling restricted, especially when I like having to restrict everything... Isn't that jerk a bit ulterior-motive? Going to Mother to break off the agreement, is he trying to unleash his lust on Yukino-chan?"

"Oh dear, it's just the woes of teenage boys," Bai Ying waved her hand and said. "Given our relationship and what's happened, why dwell on what we did or didn't do? Right?"

“Yeah, yeah, if something unexpected happens, that would be a real problem.” Yukino Haruno chimed in, mimicking the situation perfectly. “What if she wins the lottery? What about the other person’s dreams and aspirations? It’s so irresponsible to welcome a child unprepared! It’s for her own good that we can’t—that jerk loves being someone else’s dad so much, that’s probably what he’s thinking, right?”

Bai Ying's eyes twitched, and she smiled coldly: "I am not the same as before. I am the embodiment of desire, so I will not be too entangled! On the contrary, 9528, you are wearing a matching set and looking for me alone in the middle of the night. It's like your intentions are written all over your face. Yet you are pulling and tugging at me here. It's really... Heh."

"Does this kind of thing mean the girl has to take the initiative? Tsk tsk, what a jerk..." Yukino Haruno clicked her tongue and mocked, "Are you even capable?"

Bai Ying chuckled and said, "I'll let you be on top the first time, are you up to it?"

Yukinoshita: "Will you lie still obediently?"

Bai Ying: "Will you obediently stay put and not run away?"

The dialogue was extremely chaotic, with both sides engaging in a back-and-forth struggle, each advancing and retreating, mocking the other while remaining unmoved, frantically trying to provoke the other into making a move, and desperately shifting blame to show that they were not cowards.

Damn it! Are you going to get in or not? The atmosphere's gotten weird! ×2!

"Enough! Cast aside the red tape and the timid tugging!"

Bai Ying suddenly tossed out a sentence, turned around, and ran straight back to her room. Yukino Yukinoshita was stunned. Should she follow him in? Or should she wait for that jerk to call her?

Damn it, how come that jerk suddenly became so brave...?

Before Yukino could figure it out, the white figure had already returned. He was arrogant and domineering, like a fearless general. He carried a long string of unopened boxes in his right hand and a plastic bottle of indescribable liquid in his left hand. He sat back down heavily in his original position.

"9528! With my logistical preparations so thorough, do you really dare to fight me?!"

Yukino took a slight breath, smiled, picked up the set, and tossed it aside.

"Xiaoyang thinks this is unnecessary."

"hiss--!"

"What?! 9528, think! Use your brain and think! The dream of debuting as a guitarist, the frustration of not being able to travel all year, the horror of losing shape and becoming ugly, the cost of going back and forth to the hospital for check-ups, the cost of formula and baby supplies, the various expenses of preschool, elementary school, middle school, high school, and university, the expenses of having to find private tutors, the worries about the child's future, the troubles of the child's rebellion, how to educate the child to guide him to maturity and survival in this society..."

The white figure was afraid!