My Enigmatic Life

    I reach for the doorknob of Oji's front door, but before I even get half-way, it's flung open. 

"Welcome back, Aniki."

Yoko? How did she know that I was here? Nevermind that for now, I need to talk with her. 

"Thanks for the warm welcome."

I pat her head as I cross the threshold. 

"We need to talk privately for a bit, Yoko."

"Alright.", she nods.

She and I enter the guest room that I'm staying in, and I lock the door behind her. Okay, here goes.

"You may want to sit down for this."

Yoko blinks at me, looking a bit confused, but alas she sits on the bed.  Steeling myself, I look her straight in the eyes, and tell her the truth. 

"I'm going to be taking Akane out on a date after-school tomorrow.", I say slowly. 

Yoko pauses, staring at me with momentary disbelief. Then her expression changes into a glum, weary looking smile. 

"That's..great to hear, Aniki. I'm happy for you."

"I-"

She unsteadily rises to her feet, still wearing that heart-broken smile. 

"I'm glad that I got to tell you my feelings, at least.", Yoko continues, "But if they aren't mutual, that's fine. All I want is for you to be happy."

She's putting on a brave face, but it's not working. Seeing her like this makes me feel horrible, I'd better say my half before she sinks too deep into the mire.

"I'll be taking you out on a date too."

"...Eh?"

"I'll be taking you out on a date.", I repeat, "It'll be this Saturday, so-WOAH!"

I'm interrupted by Yoko flinging herself into my arms, nearly knocking me off balance. 

"You do love me! Oh, I should have never doubted you, Aniki! I'm sorry!"

Yoko happily apologises to me as she hugs onto with an iron grip. I can feel her 'assets' pressing against me.

"There's no need for that.", I say with a crooked smile. 

Lord have mercy, I'm actually taking my cousin out on a date. I'm an actual societal deviant. 

Wonderful.