Too Many Losing Heroines! - Volume 7 - Chapter SS2

Animate Special

Intermission: The Cat VS Dog War at the Nukumizu Household

*The following short story contains spoilers, so please read it after the main story.

Leisurely moments at home.

Sometimes, it's nice to just lounge around in front of the TV in the living room, casually watching evening news programs.

The right amount of boredom can be relaxing.

Right now, the TV is showing a video of a little kitten falling asleep while eating.

This sense of relaxation perfectly encapsulates that sweet spot of boredom.

"Prez, isn't it adorable? Look, the little kitten is so sleepy its head is bobbing up and down."

"Hmm? Oh, yeah, kittens are pretty cute."

Riko Shiratama, sitting beside me, clasped her hands together and smiled as she spoke.

Even though the temporary suspension crisis for the Literature Club has been resolved, why is she still hanging around?

I'm not really sure why, but she's been pretty gentle and cute lately, so I guess it's fine…

"I'm so happy. I didn't know you like cats, Prez."

"Huh? Well, I mean, most people probably like cats, right?"

"But aren't most guys dog lovers? Or could it be that you like dogs too, Prez?"

"Uh, if I had to pick one…"

Shiratama-san's eyes sparkled as she looked at me expectantly.

"...I like cats."

"Wow, just like me! Hehe, it feels like fate."

Shiratama-san nearly leaped with joy.

Of course, I'm not lying. I just like cats more right now.

"...Eh? Didn't onii-sama say he likes dogs more?"

A sweet, innocent voice called out from behind me.

My little sister Kaju approached with a tea tray. She set the tea down in front of us and asked curiously.

"Uh, well, I've been thinking about switching to liking cats more lately…"

I mumbled, trying to dodge the question, and picked up my teacup.

"Hmm, so Prez actually likes dogs. That means we'll definitely get along well!"

"What?" (x2)

Shiratama-san giggled as my little sister and I both voiced our surprise in unison.

"Actually, people often tell me I'm like a puppy. Prez, wouldn't you like to keep a puppy like me?"

With that, Shiratama-san playfully struck a growling pose.

Growling is something lions do, but she sounded cute, so I guess it's fine…

…No, it's not fine. Kaju seems to be radiating some sort of ominous aura.

"Unfortunately, pets are banned in our house since our father is allergic to them."

Kaju smiled as she held her teacup, sitting across from Shiratama-san.

"Yes, that's unfortunate. So, Prez, should we visit that cat café again? This time, I won't do anything like last time."

"Uh, w-well…"

I sneaked a glance at Kaju, who nodded with a smile.

"It's fine, onii-sama. You can go. No problem at all."

"...Really? Is it really okay for me to go?"

"Of course, maintaining such fragile and fleeting relationships is important too. You might not even remember them after graduation."

…Slurp. Kaju sipped her tea leisurely after delivering this statement.

Shiratama-san nodded slightly with her usual smile.

"I understand that too. Siblings can't always be together, right? You should cherish new encounters as well, Prez."

Clink. Kaju gently set down her teacup.

"Shiratama-senpai is right. But the bond between siblings is one that lasts a lifetime. It's a bit different compared to those fleeting and overwhelming connections."

"Hehe, the broom might break under the weight if there are too many."

"Indeed, at that point, you would just have to pick it up and toss it away."

…Hehehehehehe. The two of them exchanged cheerful smiles.

This…isn't some kind of showdown, is it? Why do I have to think about such awkward things while stuck between my little sister and a girl who doesn't like me…?

The TV is now showing a segment on the latest dessert craze in Tokyo.

I sipped the now cold tea, wondering what significance there was in learning about Tokyo's latest dessert trend while living in Toyohashi-