39 Marriage - My Little Sister Is Only Ever Cold to Me, Yet Recently She’s Been Strangely Clingy

Chapter 39: Marriage I gradually open my eyes, feeling a warmth that isn’t my own. In the haze of my half-awake mind, I realize it’s Ren’s. Normally, she’s always up before me, but perhaps due to the exhaustion from yesterday’s match, she’s still sound asleep today. She’s clinging to my body as if seeking comfort. Ren's sleeping face is a stark contrast to her cool demeanor during the day, appearing more childlike. Her serene expression hasn’t changed at all since we were kids. "Onee-chan." Ren’s lips move subtly. It seems that I’m featuring in her dreams. Realizing this brings a ticklish feeling to my heart. Without even thinking, I gently stroke Ren's head, just like I used to. In the morning, my hazy mind sometimes takes me on a journey to the past. Enveloped in the faint blue light of morning, the familiar warmth of Ren's body temperature brings back memories. ◇◇◇ "Onee-chan!" My little sister, Ren, who is a year younger than me, is always following me around. She’s tiny, a crybaby, and innocent, but shy. She can’t do anything without me. I can't help but find my little sister irresistibly adorable. Whenever Ren seeks my affection, I scoop her up in a tight embrace and stroke her head. When she’s bullied into tears, I dash over to scold the offending boys. "Were you scared? It's okay now." "...Yeah." "When Ren's in trouble, Onee-chan will always protect you." "Thank you. I love you, Onee-chan." Saying that, Ren smiles through her tear-streaked face. My little sister, so small, fragile, cute, and a crybaby. I’ll absolutely protect her, no matter what. As young children, we always spent every moment together. Whether reading picture books, playing house, or having fun at the park, we were inseparable. "When I grow up, I’ll marry Onee-chan!" At some point, Ren started saying this quite often. And not just to me directly but even at the dinner table. "Mom, Dad, you know, when Ren grows up, I'm going to marry Onee-chan!" She would declare it with such enthusiasm. "Oh, is that so? I can't wait for your wedding," our cheeky father would laugh. He was tall, good at sports, and often gave me piggyback rides on his shoulders. I loved seeing the world from that height — a view so much higher than my own. He was kind, funny, and someone I’m proud to call my dad. Beside him, my mom smiled softly too. I love these moments, these scenes. I love Mom and Dad. Of course, I love my family — including Ren — with all my heart. As Ren's older sister, I knew that sisters couldn’t marry each other. Still, if it were possible, it might not be so bad, I thought. Because if Ren and I got married, the four of us would live together forever. That would surely be a wonderful thing. There’s nothing better than having our current happiness continue forever. I once thought this so innocently.