Starting With The Sefirah Castle In The Anime World

Yoko Okino led the two into the study.

It wasn't completely soundproof, but it had the best insulation in the entire apartment. This made it the most suitable place for a private conversation.

Yoko Okino gestured for them to sit on the soft sofa in front of her, then sat across from them.

"I know he's been bottling up his emotions for a long time. Last night was just the trigger that made it all come pouring out."

"He actually woke up around ten this morning, but it seems he still wants to rest quietly for a while longer."

Only then did the two girls understand what had happened the night before.

Sonoko bowed slightly to express her gratitude.

"Thank you for taking care of Ren, Miss Okino~."

Yoko Okino smiled and shook her head.

"There's no need to thank me. Actually... I want quite a lot."

Sonoko took a deep breath. She could tell that there were plenty of people interested in Ren, and she also knew the identity of one of his other girlfriends.

"I can tell. But Miss Okino, would you mind telling us everything honestly?"

"Of course not."

Yoko Okino calmly explained her story and how she became involved with Ren.

What she said matched almost exactly what Sonoko had uncovered during her investigation.

She had already known that a female celebrity lived next door to Ren and that this woman had survived a dangerous incident thanks to Ren's help.

Sonoko hadn't imagined she'd have a dramatic rescue story of her own, but it wasn't too surprising that others might.

It just so happened that Yoko Okino lived next door, and something happened, and Ren—being his usual nosy self—stepped in. That was its own kind of fate.

Still, Sonoko figured that no one would want to go through a near-strangling more than once.

"That kind of connection between Ren and Miss Okino… I didn't expect it."

Sonoko thought back. That incident must have happened right around the time they had first started interacting with Ren. Her expression turned emotional—but also slightly jealous.

"I was the one who said I wanted to be his girlfriend first… but Miss Okino's bond with him is so deep."

Hearing her boyfriend's girlfriend say that made Yoko Okino feel a little awkward.

"Miss Okino… do you know some of Ren's secrets?"

Yoko Okino nodded slightly.

"I know a little. I just guessed that my brother has some secrets. He seems to have some special abilities. And he knows people with influence. I ran into trouble at work once, and he was the one who advised me to leave the company, start my own studio, and even helped me find someone to support me."

"Eh?"

Sonoko blinked in surprise. She didn't remember that happening.

"So who did Ren ask for help? That icy Shinomiya?"

At that time, there weren't many people who could resolve a celebrity's career crisis. Sonoko didn't know, and Sanzenin or Saginomiya probably didn't either. They were still too young. Ren definitely wouldn't have gone to them for this.

That left only Shinomiya Kaguya.

"Tch. Why didn't Ren ask me for help? I could've handled it."

Sonoko's tone was sour at the thought of Kaguya being involved before she was.

Ran, sitting next to her, thought about the differences between Sonoko and Shinomiya, and then it clicked.

"Sonoko, wasn't Shinomiya already in control of her family back then?"

"…That's true."

She recalled how quickly the ice queen had seized control of the Shinomiya family. Sonoko quickly realized something else.

"So Ren didn't ask me because he didn't want me to bother my parents. But if he went to Shinomiya, she could help directly?"

"Yeah, I think that was it."

"Hmm… That makes sense. No wonder he didn't come to me."

Sonoko reflected and found the reasoning solid.

Since she'd gotten involved in the occult and mysteries, she hadn't touched the family business. If Ren had asked her for help, she would've had to go to her parents. Shinomiya Kaguya, on the other hand, could deal with it independently and faster.

Now that she understood the situation more clearly, Sonoko's expression softened.

"So, Miss Okino, you actually don't know much about his real situation?"

"Correct."

Yoko Okino nodded.

"Then allow me to ask something directly. Miss Okino, your sudden interest in Ren… it wasn't because of his money or status, was it?"

Sonoko's question was blunt, even bordering on rude.

"Well… Honestly, I don't blame you for thinking that. But no, that's not my reason."

Yoko Okino remained calm and candid. She understood that it was hard to explain this sort of thing.

It wasn't her fault, but rather an unfortunate truth about the entertainment industry and her position in it.

"When I first got involved with Ren, I just saw that he was always alone. So I made some food to express my thanks and thought we could eat together."

"I figured he must be struggling, living on his own. As a neighbor and a big sister, I thought I could support him."

"But in the end, I was the one who got taken care of."

She lowered her head with a faint smile, a bit frustrated but also nostalgic as she remembered those days.

She touched her neck gently.

"Back then, I couldn't return to work because of the bruises on my neck. So I had a lot of free time. I spent most of that time with him. Every day after he got home, I'd make something and we'd eat together."

"At first, I thought I was being a considerate older sister. But he treated me more like a little sister."

"And before I knew it, I'd fallen for him. About a month in."

"I got used to eating with him. Got used to how he always looked out for me. He was so mature—it didn't feel like he was younger than me."

"Sometimes I tried to act like a big sister, but things always ended up the opposite. But last night… he finally dropped the act of being the strong 'older brother.' And I was finally able to fulfill the role of a real sister."

"I see."

Sonoko stopped scrutinizing her and sighed softly.

"No wonder the two of you are so close."

"I understand now. Miss Okino really isn't involved with Ren for fame or money. Sorry for my earlier tone. It was a bit much."

"It's fine."

Yoko Okino smiled and shook her head.

"I understand. The entertainment world is full of people like that. It's no wonder people assume female celebrities are always chasing fame or fortune."

Sonoko nodded slightly and didn't push the topic further. Instead, she extended her hand.

"Miss Okino, let me formally introduce myself. Suzuki Sonoko. Please give me your guidance from now on."

"Okino Yoko. I look forward to working with you."

After shaking hands with Sonoko, Yoko Okino turned to the girl beside her.

"This young lady is…?"

Sonoko smiled and nudged Ran with her elbow.

Ran, who had just snapped out of her daze, quickly shook the extended hand.

"Mouri Ran. Miss Okino, please take care of me."

(To be continued.)

***

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