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

Chapter 41: Senpai The relentless rain pelts against the classroom windows. The belated arrival of the rainy season seems intent on making up for lost time with its relentless downpour. Amidst the sound of chalk tracing the blackboard and the raspy voice of the teacher, the heightened silence accentuates my resentful gaze toward the world beyond the window. Because of this rain, the usual rooftop spot isn’t an option, which means I won't be able to have lunch with Ren. Just the thought makes me feel depressed. It's surprising how just one day without seeing her can make me feel so down. I quickly try to reign in my emotions. It’s true that I can see her every day at home, we even sleep together at night. Missing just a brief moment during lunch shouldn't be a big deal. I attempt to lift my spirits, only to find them sinking again, and this cycle repeats several times. I ultimately blame it all on the rain as the bell signaling the end of class rings. As I sit idly at my desk, Yuka-chan approaches and calls out to me. "Hey there~. You know, classes before lunch are always so sleepy. Though, classes after lunch aren't any better." "True. Yuka-chan, aren't you having lunch with Shimamoto-san today?" "Yeah. We usually eat in the courtyard, but with this dreary weather, we decided to hold off for today. Texted her to let her know. Will you be eating in the classroom today too, Ai?" "Looks like it. With this weather, Ren will probably eat in her classroom as well." "Then how about we have lunch together, just like old times?" "Sure." After this brief exchange, Yuka-chan takes a seat in front of me. Our class hosts various groups that gather and seat themselves differently during lunch, making for a dynamic seating change. Coupled with a good number of students heading to the cafeteria, empty seats are noticeable. The person who sits beside me and the one diagonally in front of me both seemed to have found different places to eat. It's been a while since we'd last had lunch together. As we prepare for lunch, chatting away, the classroom door slides open with a rattling sound. Something unexpected, yet familiar, enters. Ren peers in from the front of the classroom, assessing the situation. The usual classroom chatter ensues. "Hey, isn't that your little sister?" "Yeah. I'll go see what's up." I hastily approach Ren. "Ren, what's going on?" "I was thinking we could eat lunch together." "I figured you wouldn't come because of the rain today." "Well, I thought maybe Onee-chan would feel lonely without me... Was I wrong?" Ren averts her gaze, a hint of embarrassment in her expression drawing out my genuine feelings. "No, you’re right. I was feeling lonely, so I'm happy you're here. Let’s eat together. Yuka-chan is here today too; is that alright?" "It's okay, I wanted to say hello." Ren nods, prompting me to return to my seat with her trailing behind, her natural beauty captivating those watching. The hustle and bustle in the classroom seems to have gotten even worse. Yuka-chan welcomes me and Ren with a warm smile. "Ren wants to join us for lunch. Is that okay?" "Of course, it’s fine! Have a seat!" Following Yuka-chan’s invitation, Ren settles beside me. She seems a bit out of her comfort zone, perhaps due to being naturally reserved. Yuka-chan gently strikes up a conversation. "You know, this might be our first time talking directly. I’m Ai’s friend, Takatsuki Yuka. Nice to meet you." "Nice to meet you too, Takatsuki-senpai. Thank you for looking after 'My' Onee-chan." Yuka-chan gave a wry smile at the overly formal, slightly awkward greeting. I watched the two of them — Yuka-chan and Ren — talking to each other, feeling strangely restless, as if the sight itself didn’t quite belong to reality. Additionally, another thought crosses my mind, bothering me enough to vocalize it. "It’s nice… being called senpai." "What do you mean?" Yuka-chan tilts her head at my sudden musing. Ren regards me with a blank stare. "Well, it’s refreshing hearing Ren call someone senpai. I’ve only ever been called Onee-chan by her. How about you call me senpai just this once, Ren?" "No." She denies it immediately. "Please?" I’m acting more spoiled than usual, my emotions possibly slightly off-kilter, as I plead with upturned eyes. Ren swallows hard and casts her gaze around, but eventually shakes her head. "No. Because Onee-chan is my Onee-chan." "Well, yes, but still..." "...You’re such a lovey-dovey pair." Yuka-chan mutters offhandedly. "We're not!" "It's not like that!" We both refute simultaneously, our voices perfectly in sync. "Haha. You two are so in sync. Truly sisters." Yuka-chan laughs, a smile on her face, while both Ren and I turn beet red, thoroughly defeated. Amidst this atmosphere, the classroom door opens again. At this unexpected visitor, Yuka-chan’s demeanor abruptly changes from amiable to surprised. Her eyes widen as she rises from her seat and makes a beeline in that direction. It was Shimamoto-san who appeared.