Watching the golden-haired girl disappear from view, I finally snapped out of my daze, shaking my head lightly.

Her sudden leap to fifty points in affection? I wasn’t entirely sure why...

Could it have been the body swap just moments before? That didn’t seem likely... Then it had to be the deep kiss we shared earlier? A kiss that could bump affection up this much—how bizarre! It seems I’ll need to do some research on this once I get home.

Returning my phone to my pocket, I quickly set off toward the Tsuchiya household.

When I arrived at Komari’s place, I first retrieved the Hong Kong Reporter drone nestled next to the trash pile before heading toward the two-story apartment building. A sign hung on the outer wall of the building, catching my attention.

“This Yoshiwara Apartment still has vacancy?”

Holding my chin thoughtfully, I scrutinized the details on the sign. If I were to conduct a complete strategy to win her over... renting a unit here might be a good idea. That way, I could establish a more direct connection with Komari.

After all, everyone has their own preferences. As long as I grasp hers, gaining her approval would be child’s play.

While I was still deliberating outside the apartment, I suddenly heard the sound of a door opening from the second floor. Tilting my head upward, I caught sight of Komari’s elder brother, Taihei, stepping out onto the landing.

His expression looked rather... defeated. I couldn’t help but wonder what had caused his mood to sour...

Ah, that spiky tuft of hair sticking up—it’s unintentionally hilarious.

No, no, that’s not important. What matters now is figuring out how to approach him.

Even though my aura of repelling the opposite gender doesn't affect fellow males, initiating contact with Komari’s brother—and potentially future brother-in-law?!—requires tact and caution.

Should I just strike up a conversation? But I doubt he even knows who I am. Doesn’t seem like the best approach right now...

Frowning, I found myself tangled in hesitation.

It was then that Taihei Tsuchiya came down the apartment stairs and spotted me standing by the sign.

“Um... judging by your uniform, are you one of Komari’s classmates?”

Caught mid-frown, I was pleasantly surprised by his proactive inquiry. I quickly nodded and turned around to face him.

“Yes! I’m indeed Komari’s classmate—actually, I sit right in front of her!”

“Oh, I see! You’re Komari’s classmate,” Taihei said, nodding his head in recognition. “So, what brings you here?”

“Excuse me, is there still a room available for rent in this apartment?” I gestured toward the nearby sign.

“You’re looking to rent a room here?” Taihei asked, his puzzled look growing as he studied me. I couldn’t blame him—it wasn’t as though I appeared ready for independent living.

“Indeed, though not for myself.” I nodded firmly. “A friend of mine might be returning to the area soon, and they’ve asked me to look for a place on their behalf.”

Like I was going to reveal my actual intentions—telling him I was considering renting a place to strategize my way into his sister’s life? That’d likely burn through the 30 affection points he’d just gained upon learning I was his sister’s classmate.

“Ah, I see!” Taihei’s expression cleared as realization struck. “In that case, let me give you the landlord’s phone number.”

“Thank you so much!” Quickly whipping out my phone, I jotted down the number Taihei recited before safely stowing it away. I extended my right hand formally, a businesslike smile on my face.

“By the way, I’m Kamidou Chiyo. Pleased to meet you, senpai.”

“Oh? I’m Komari’s elder brother, Taihei Tsuchiya. Pleased to meet you as well...”

Taihei hesitated for a moment, his expression one of mild embarrassment, as though unused to such formalities. He extended his hand in return, offering a quick, awkward shake.

Despite looking like your typical high schooler, I could tell from the way Taihei observed me that he found my demeanor strikingly mature—just like an office worker.

“Komari’s brother, you say? So the two of you live here together?”

I let my face display a hint of surprise, the timing perfectly calibrated to appear genuine.

“Yes, we do.”

“Having such a perfect and adorable little sister—I envy you!”

“...Er...”

Taihei’s expression froze instantly. There was a strange hesitation in his response, as though something wasn’t being said. It felt like there were hidden truths I had yet to uncover about their family dynamic.

“Senpai, where are you heading now?”

“To the supermarket... just picking up some groceries for dinner...”

Taihei’s voice faltered, his tone tinged with awkwardness as he started strolling down the street.

“So you’re cooking for your sibling? That’s impressive!”

Seizing this prime opportunity to boost affinity points, I walked briskly alongside him, matching his pace. Moments like these were golden—you could bet I wouldn’t let one slip by.

“Actually, my family has a pair of twins, older sister and younger brother, and I look after them daily. Honestly, I envy senior here for having such an obedient younger sister!”

Hearing my recount, Taihei froze mid-step. A flicker of something crossed his face, and the affection indicator floating above his head instantly surged to 50.

Turning toward me, Taihei’s gaze held a peculiar expression, one I couldn’t immediately decipher.

“So you're an older brother yourself, Chiyo-kun?”

“Yes, I am.” Nodding confidently, I met his eyes.

“And you’re even taking care of both siblings at the same time? As a high school student, that’s really commendable, Chiyo-kun!”

“Oh, I’m used to it. Honestly? Caring for them doesn’t feel like a chore at all.”

My words rang true—for me, sibling caregiving wasn’t the real headache...

“If senpai’s heading out to shop for groceries, why don’t I accompany you?”

And so, two beleaguered elder brothers found common ground—not “love at first sight,” nor “star-crossed destiny,” but a sincere camaraderie.

Isn’t that delightful? Truly delightful!

...

Inside the supermarket, after picking up the requisite ingredients, Taihei casually reached into the manga section while passing by, his fingers discreetly slipping a *Weekly Shonen Jump* magazine into his basket.

“Huh? So senpai enjoys reading manga too—even at your age?”

Startled by the sudden remark, Taihei froze in place, the magazine hovering mid-air in his grasp.

“Yes... I suppose I do...”

Taihei murmured, visibly uneasy, his expression betraying his flustered state.

“Don’t worry, senpai, I swear I won’t tell your little sister!”

I assured him with a sly smile, patting his shoulder lightly, before heading toward the checkout counters with my basket in tow.