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Chapter 223. [Independence Day]

In the darkness of the night, I got huddled over Ah-nee.

"Um, is something wrong?"

"Idiot! Don't raise your head!"

She still seemed unaware that her life was in danger.

I firmly pressed her unprotected body back to the ground, preventing her from getting up.

Her reaction got dulled, seemingly not fully grasping the imminent danger.

I couldn't blame her. When I first encountered gunfire in Japan, my reaction was just as muted.

Living in Japan makes the fear of guns 'normal' for us.

"Ah-nee, do as I say. Got it?"

"...Y-yes."

I stared straight at Ah-nee from close range and spoke.

No matter what happens to me, I will protect my 'crush'.

Even if the situation is unclear, such a sincere feeling seems to get through to her.

She nodded reluctantly.

Relieved, I let out a small smile.

"Thank you. I'll make sure to protect you, Ah-nee."

"!"

For some reason, my sister's body jolted nervously.

But more importantly, think.

From which direction did the gunshot come?

No, I can't remember. I let my guard down completely.

What happened to the idea that this area is supposed to be safe?

What's the shooter's objective?

Is the assailant still nearby?

"We need to buy some time."

We only need a few minutes. Once we overcome this, the Secret Service waiting nearby should handle it.

So, the crucial thing is what to do now.

I listen carefully.

No more gunshots, and no footsteps around.

I made a decision.

"Ah-nee, when I give the signal, move."

"O-Okay."

"3... 2... 1... Now! This way!"

I pulled Ah-nee up, and we ran together, slipping into the shadows of the building.

"Hah, hah..."

Breathing heavily, I pushed Ah-nee against the wall and crouched, keeping our bodies close together.

I wanted to shield her, ensuring that, if there were more gunshots, they wouldn't hit her.

But the difference in our sizes was evident. At times like this, I cursed my small stature.

"Um, about that Iroha-chan."

"Be quiet. Stay still and keep quiet."

"Hehe..."

Suppressing our breath, I tensed my nerves.

And then.

-Bang!

The second sound came from behind us.

Simultaneously, a flash of light, probably a muzzle flash, flickered.

"Oh no...!?"

It seemed I intended to escape from the perpetrator, but I ended up getting closer.

I turned around, looking at the source of the noise.

In the night sky, a single flower was blooming.

Or rather, it was a firework.

I realized that I had been staring at it, dumbfounded.

"Huh? Hnnn!? All the way to here..."

Wait, could it be? I misunderstood!?

No, but I've never seen fireworks in America before!?

Everyone would mistake this for gunfire, for sure.

At this point, even the Secret Service should be in a panic...

However, no one was coming, no matter how long I waited.

Could it be, really...?

"Ah!"

No way, is that it?

Was Angu Ogu saying something about "doing something only today"?

Could it be that today, on Independence Day, fireworks are allowed just for this occasion!?

Listening carefully, I heard the daughter's giggles.

<<Hey, you. Have you started already?>>

<<Ah, sorry. She really insisted on doing it a bit early.>>

<<Iroha-chan and the others haven't returned yet, right? Don't spoil them.>>

I heard the conversation between the parents.

Meanwhile, small fireworks intermittently bloomed in the night sky.

Come to think of it, are handheld fireworks unique to Japan?

I heard that even when individuals set off fireworks abroad, aerial fireworks are the norm.

"Haa, what the heck! Sorry, Ah-nee. It seems I misunderstood..."

I only realized it when I turned to face her.

My sister was looking at me with teary eyes.

She was holding onto the hem of my clothes tightly, her shoulders trembling.

Take a moment and assess the situation. I was pinning Ah-nee against the wall, covering her. So she couldn't escape.

It looked like I was forcing a kiss on her.

"W-Wait! I didn't mean it like that, Ah-nee!?"

I hurriedly tried to distance myself, but Ah-nee's hand tightly grasped the hem of my clothes.

She looked up at me while I was in a half-crouch.

"It's... okay. If it's Iroha-chan..."

"Huh?"

Saying that, my sister slowly closed her eyes.

Her cheeks were flushed, and her pouting lips seemed to be begging.

The hand not holding onto the hem of my clothes gently rested on my chest.

It's warm. Her body warmth was transmitted through that touch.

A firework went off with a pop.

The bright light illuminated my sister's blushing face.

"...Ah-nee."

Ah-nee was surprisingly beautiful and endearing.

My own breathing and the sound of my heartbeat became annoyingly loud.