Chapter 9 lie

"No... that's not it Mitsuko, I mean the same as you."

Mitsuko approached me, smiling evilly at me. Looks so scary.

"Huh? Really, Ahito?"

That laugh... and that tone. She clearly knew what clothes I was talking about.

"Come on... spare me Mitsuko. You still have to choose clothes."

She gave me a black t-shirt and a...?

"What is this, Mitsuko?"

"Did you see it for the first time? That's the Trench coat!"

Trend coat? What kind of shirt is that?

"You just call it a long coat, Ahito."

That's it, I've never seen a coat that reaches my knees like this.

She gave me an extra pair of black jeans. But the thing is, I haven't worn it yet, but touching it, it seems that the pants are a bit tight, and shorter than the others.

"Don't worry Ahito! You will go with Boots!"

So what's the difference between dressing in Western style? I don't have a grudge against western clothes but... I think a tenth grader like me doesn't fit well.

"Okay, let's try it quickly, Ahito!"

She threw all the things she had picked out for me to try on. Seriously, it's like I'm at a fashion show.

I tried on clothes for about eight minutes... looking in the mirror was cool too. All right, let's get out.

"Hey Mitsuko! Why do they look at me so much?"

Is my outfit wrong or funny? I'm so embarrassed that people keep staring.

"What's with that amused expression, Mitsuko?"

"Cool... super cool Ahito!"

I was a little shy but I felt very happy. So it's because I'm cool that people see it, ha ha. I think I'm handsome and cool wearing expensive clothes.

It must be Mitsuko's turn soon. While waiting for me, she already picked out her clothes.

Now wait and see what she will wear.

It's out, it's out. Finally she finished.

Too bright. What kind of light is this? It's like an angel descending to earth. Is this the beauty effect?

"THIS WINNER! Don't call a flashlight into your brother's eyes!"

I thought the effect was like a movie, but it turned out to be a scoundrel.

"I'm sorry!"

I just poked it lightly but it ran. I'll probably lower my voice next time, I'll be a bit too loud.

"Hey Ahito! What do you see?"

"T- So pretty, Mitsuko!"

I was bewildered by the outfit she chose.

Well, I don't know what she's wearing though. Mitsuko has a pretty good eye for taste. The clothes she chose were all beautiful.

Looking closely... her outfit is much simpler than mine, and it looks like Mitsuko is wearing a Korean style!

She wears a turtleneck sweater with a mini skirt, and white shoes. Looks like the coat she's wearing outside is the same type as mine.

Come to think of it, these clothes don't suit our school age very well. Before, I always wore a white t-shirt, then spread a shirt outside. Pants choose a pair of black pants.

I didn't notice until now, Mitsuko's clothes are quite fashionable and on-trend.

"Hey Mitsuko... I've worn it but haven't bought it, it's weird."

"Well then, let's pick a hat."

After listening to her, I could see it. The hats are probably cheap, too.

5500 yen? Joke each other. It's just a beanie... let alone my clothes cost ten times as much.

Accept it. Anyway, it's the last meal.

"Let's go, Mitsuko!"

We went to the counter to pay for the hat first. I put my hat on before I could speak when the lady at the counter interrupted

"You don't have to pay! A while ago a man in black said our father had swiped his card. Including the things on the two of us... it should be enough to buy another five sets."

I froze, not understanding who did this. They do it for a purpose or they pay us by mistake.

"Sister, where is that person?"

Definitely someone else. I know that my father is not this rich. According to what she said, that person left while I was staring at Mitsuko's beauty.

Ah... damn it, it'll be troublesome if they pay us wrong. And even bigger if they pay on purpose.

Mitsuko better not know so I lied that she was really my father.

I was worried about Mitsuko's safety so I took her out to eat and then left early.

For that amount of money, I let Mitsuko buy whatever she wants to buy. I've thought of someone who does this too, but I'm not sure yet. Mitsuko was a bit shy and refused but while eating I spent thirty minutes persuading, she finally agreed.

We were supposed to continue hanging out, but something unexpected happened so I took Mitsuko home.

Well... I guess I should prepare well for tomorrow too. They will come soon.

Let's see, I seem to have bought my sister an item just now. Here is it! A white stuffed rabbit.

Because I have to go tomorrow, and it will be a long time before I see Yumi again. Consider this as a gift I gave her instead of goodbye.

I knew she would be shocked if she found out her brother was in the game. I myself just want to live a happy life, but to protect my loved ones I have no other choice.

"Yumi-ah! Are you still awake?"

I knocked on the door three or four times but she still didn't answer. Must have really slept.

When I was about to turn around and go back to my room, she opened the door to look at me.

"What are you looking for now?"

"I have a present for you!"

I held the stuffed animal up in front of her. Out of all the animals, she likes rabbits the most, that's why I took the time to find her the most beautiful rabbit.

"Huh? Why did you give it to me all of a sudden?"

I don't know how to respond to her. If she told me she was going to join some killing game tomorrow, she probably wouldn't admit it.

"I went to the city center. Seeing that this rabbit is beautiful but the price is cheap, I bought it for her."

Yumi's expression was still a bit suspicious of me. I also know that I'm a terrible liar, so it's okay to be suspicious. I have to find some reason not to be interrogated by her.

"Have you ever given something like this before? I've been waiting for my birthday."

"But... this time is the exception. Don't think too much."

I opened my mouth to say it was given to her by Mitsuko when Yumi interrupted me.

"Well... thank you anyway!"

Yumi swooped in, her arms wrapped around my body. I was a little surprised and a little embarrassed. My brother and I have never hugged so tightly before.

"I'm sorry for avoiding you all this time! I shouldn't have been like that."

I raised my hand and gently patted her head.

"It's okay Yumi! You didn't notice."

I sensed that she wanted to send her thanks and apologies through this hug.

"Are you... are you hiding something from me, Ahito?"

Those words pierced right into my heart. It made me admit everything that I cheated on her. But this is not the time to be soft-hearted.

"Of course! I never lied!"