Chapter 4: My Little Sister and Me (Alicia)

◇My Little Sister and Me (Alicia)

"So, you're sharing a body with someone named Alicia, right?"

"Yeah, that's right. Why do you ask?"

"It's a bit late, but I just thought I should properly say hello... I'm Yuna, your little sister. Alicia-san, thank you for helping my big brother."

『I’m Alicia. I’ve received a great deal of help from Ikuto-san. The pleasure is mine—thank you.』

Of course, Alicia’s voice couldn’t be heard by Yuna.

So I got down from the chair, turned to face her, and mimicked Alicia’s tone as best I could, repeating exactly what she had said.

Getting carried away, I even pinched the hem of my robe and gave a small bow like she always did.

It actually felt like I pulled it off pretty well... Maybe my body remembers the gestures?

"Wait, was that... Alicia-san?"

"No, I’m the only one who can hear her. I just repeated what she said."

"Wait... are you an angel?"

My sister glitched out.

"No way, what do I do... Now that I’m looking closely, you’re seriously adorable, big brother!"

With that, Yuna began squirming on her own.

...Come to think of it, she’s always had a soft spot for cute things.

"Hey, Alicia-san!"

『Y-Yes? What is it?』

"Can I hug you, just for a little bit?"

"Denied."

"I wasn’t asking you. What does Alicia-san say?"

『I-I mean... I don’t really mind...』

"She says it’d be troubling. Calm down a little, would you?"

"Nooo..."

Yuna exaggeratedly slumped with disappointment.

"...Then, can I hug just my big brother?"

"That’s the same thing, isn’t it?"

"It’s not! It’s just normal sibling affection! You're so cold, big brother... Your poor little sister’s been lonely for a whole year, and now she’s just trying to be close to her beloved brother, and you brush her off like this..."

That’s a low blow. I’m weak to that kind of guilt trip.

『Alicia, would it be okay...?』

『Y-Yes! I’m fine with it.』

"...Alright. Do what you want."

"Really!? Yay, I love you, big brother!"

Yuna practically kicked the chair away as she launched herself at me in a hug.

"S-So soft... and smooth..."

『...Sorry about this.』

Letting Yuna manhandle me however she pleased, I apologized to Alicia while escaping into mental denial.

『No, this is actually the first time someone’s reacted to me like this. It feels... really fresh. And I’m happy. That Yuna-san accepts me.』

『...Alicia, you’re a good person. My parents will like you right away too.』

It took over ten minutes for Yuna to be satisfied and finally let go of me—us.

"So, what should we do after this? Should we let Dad and Mom know and have them come over?"

"I want to talk with Mom slowly after she finishes work and comes back... Since I look like this, I don’t want to confuse her by telling her halfway through. Dad’s probably overseas anyway, right? So first, I’ll consult Mom."

"Yeah, that sounds best to me too."

"Besides, I’m pretty tired from everything. I want to rest a bit and change my clothes."

"Then, how about taking a bath?"

Baths were one of the top three things I missed most from the other world. The last time I soaked slowly in hot water was in a natural sulfur spring in the Valley of the Flame Dragon. It had been ages since a proper bath.

"Ah, a bath. Sounds great..."

That’s why the words came out naturally.

"Okay, I’ll start filling the tub... and get things ready."

My sister eagerly began preparing the bath, and only then did it hit me—taking a bath like this in my current body. I was inwardly cringing at the thought.

『Having a bath at home is amazing. I’m really looking forward to it♪』

Alicia was in high spirits, so I felt a little reluctant to take back what I just said.

Besides, since it’s something inevitable sooner or later, I knew I had to brace myself somewhere along the way.

...But before that, I wanted to confirm something with Alicia.

『Alicia, don’t you mind me seeing you naked?』

After a brief pause, Alicia responded.

『Ikuto-san doesn’t have any particular likes or dislikes about seeing his own form. Of course, since it’s originally my body, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t at least a little embarrassing...』

Hmm, my body, huh...

I still can’t quite wrap my head around it, but I understand I can’t keep avoiding this forever.

『Besides, since it’s Ikuto-san who’s seeing me, it’s okay. Even back when this was my body, I didn’t mind... well, not with Ikuto-san anyway...』

At Alicia’s words, I felt blood rushing to my head.

...I’m pretty sure my face is burning red right now.

Thanks to her consideration, I finally gathered the courage to take a bath.