Chapter 20: He Came, He Stole My Room, He Left
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My brother was finally leaving. Not that I was excited or anything. I just happened to be standing by the front door at 6:00 a.m., carrying his suitcase before he even woke up.
"Wow," he muttered, rubbing his eyes. "You’re really up early, huh?"
"Oh, just doing my civic duty. Helping my guest leave. Like a responsible host. Who still doesn’t have a bed."
He smirked. "The couch looks good on you."
I twitched.
Behind us, the girls were gathered like they were sending off royalty. Elira had baked him cookies. Sora had packed snacks. Akane handed him a handmade bracelet. Mei even gave him a hoodie she claimed "didn’t fit anymore" (lies). And Ayame...
Ayame hugged him.
She hugged him.
> [System Notification]
"Warning: Jealousy levels rising. Hormonal Overload in 3... 2... 1..."
I felt something shift inside me. Was it rage? Was it heartbreak? No. It was worse.
It was the sound of my harem giggling at someone else’s jokes.
He waved and got into the cab like some cool anime senpai, giving me one final smirk.
"Later, lil’ bro. Try not to die on the couch."
"I hope your seatbelt malfunctions," I whispered.
The cab pulled away. The girls waved. I didn’t.
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Back inside the mansion, I made a bold move. I walked straight up the stairs. Past the kitchen. Past the hallway. Right to my room.
I opened the door...
And paused.
It was sparkling clean.
Scented candles were lit.
A note was taped to the headboard.
"You may reclaim the room. Use this chance wisely. – Ayame"
> [System Notification]
"Quest Completed: ’Survive Brother Arc’
Reward: Your bed, dignity (partial), and possibly... forgiveness?"
I dropped onto the bed and inhaled.
Freedom.
Comfort.
Victory.
Then I heard it.
Ayame’s voice, from the hallway.
"Don’t get too comfortable. You’re still on probation."
I smiled.
Still worth it.
---
The war had ended. The enemy—my brother—was gone.
But the land remained scorched.
Yes, I had my bed back. Yes, I could sleep without my spine folding into origami.
But the girls...
They were still distant. Still sharp. Still—ugh—cold.
Except Ayame. She was a different kind of cruel.
Smiling at me sweetly in public...
Calling me "sofa king" under her breath.
I was losing this war.
> [System Notification]
"Host emotional status: Miserable. Romantic stats: Dangerously low.
Suggestion: Deploy Poetic Redemption Protocol."
"Would you like to initiate: Apology in Rhyme.exe?"
"...You’re suggesting I write a poem?"
> "Yes. Like a Shakespeare with simps. Or a Dr. Seuss with regrets."
"Warning: This may result in heavy cringe and emotional exposure."
I cracked my knuckles.
"Challenge accepted."
---
That night, I called all of them into the living room. Lights dimmed. Candles lit. I even wore a suit jacket over pajamas for that dramatic flair. They walked in suspiciously, expecting chaos.
Ayame crossed her arms.
Sora raised a brow.
Elira had her phone ready to record.
Mei was already giggling.
Akane whispered, "What now..."
I cleared my throat.
"Ladies... I’ve made many mistakes. I know that. So, instead of another dumb speech, I... wrote you this."
Ahem.
> Roses are red, violets are blue,
I was dumb, and a bit of a fool too.
You gave me your warmth, I repaid it with drama,
If apologies were currency, I’d clear all your trauma.
> Sora, I’m sorry I called your dumplings ’mild’.
They were perfect. I just didn’t want to cry like a child.
Akane, you’re not ’too scary’, you’re strong and divine—
My ego just cracked every time you outshined.
> Elira, your paintings make the Louvre look sad—
Please stop using my toothbrush, but your art’s not half-bad.
Mei, I never should’ve blamed you for the missing cake—
Even though the crumbs led directly to your face.
> And Ayame...
I can’t rhyme you.
Because every word falls short.
You’ve haunted my thoughts, my couch dreams, and my court.
So just... forgive this idiot.
Who may be a clown... but your clown, maybe?
Eventually?
Silence.
Utter silence.
Then—
Pfft.
Elira snorted.
Akane turned away, shoulders shaking.
Sora whispered, "That was so bad..."
Ayame tilted her head.
"...Your rhythm was off. But your courage?" She walked up to me, smirking. "Kinda sexy."
Mei clapped. "That was the most romantic trainwreck I’ve ever seen."
> [System Notification]
"Congratulations. Forgiveness Level: 85%
Relationship Status: ’We’ll Think About It’
Mood Boost Unlocked."
Ayame poked my forehead.
"You’re not off the hook, Ren. But..."
She leaned close.
"...Nice poem."
And just like that...
Peace returned.
For now.
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