My Seatmate is Apparently My Wife from My Past Life; She Still Loves Me in This Life as Well

The words “coming home,” once my favorite, now felt so heavy. Until a year ago, I would never have imagined feeling this way. If you told middle school me this, I would have laughed it off.

I always considered my home an irreplaceable sanctuary, and it truly was. Yet now, I find myself avoiding it. Life is unpredictable.

…Really, you never know what might happen. Things rarely go as planned, and unexpected events always seem to leave me overwhelmed.

Would it hurt if the world were a bit kinder to me? With such thoughts, I walked home, reaching it quickly. The Aimoto house and Kamidama’s rented room weren’t far apart, after all.

Lost in thought, the ten-minute walk passed in no time. By now, many houses had their lights off, making the residential area feel deserted.

If this were a mystery or horror story, I’d be attacked by now. But reality is reality. It’s not a romantic comedy or fantasy, so nothing happens. I quietly unlocked and opened the door.

“I’m home…”

I whispered, receiving no reply. It wasn’t unusual.

Sanae and Asahi usually go to bed before midnight, as does Aika. Her being out so late was surprising.

Still, I hoped she wouldn’t wander alone at this hour. Perhaps it’s overly protective, but I’ve known her since she was small. Aika was once a frail girl.

Now she’s robust, practicing martial arts. Was it Aikido? She could likely toss me around if I picked a fight.

If I can’t win with words or actions, there’s no dignity left as a brother—or even as family. Aika calls me “brother,” but have I ever seen her as a sister?

No, I haven’t. Without questioning myself, I know it’s never happened.

To me, she’s an extension of a friend or relative.

I’ve always seen her that way and thought it was fine… but now, I’m not so sure. Relationships rely on mutual understanding and feelings—they’re not one-sided decisions.

Kamidama’s words to me earlier—telling me to see Aika properly—meant just that. Aika, who calls me brother, deserves to be seen as family, as a sister.

But frankly, Kamidama’s advice felt like meddling.

After all, what could a person, barely a friend, someone who’s only been around for a week, possibly know about me? Kamidama, who knows no boundaries and comes on strong, couldn’t understand.

This is my problem, not Kamidama’s. There’s no reason for her to interfere—or so I thought. Yet Kamidama’s words had an irresistible force.

It felt akin to being scolded by family—an unseen, unyielding pressure. Perhaps it was simply a matter of exposing something I had been avoiding.

Everyone has their own circumstances and ways of being siblings. But if we’re siblings before anything else…

I must establish a proper relationship with Aika as her brother, no matter the distance between us. Swallowing a sigh and steadying my pounding heart, I took a deep breath.

After several moments, I knocked on the door labeled “Aika’s Room” with a cute nameplate. Inside, I heard footsteps, and the door opened seconds later.

Her long black hair swayed, and familiar black eyes looked at me.

“How unusual… no, it’s the first time you’ve sought me out, brother. Is there something you need?”

“Uh, well, I was thinking of making a late-night snack and wondered if you would like to join me…?”

“…Heh, haha, what is that?”

“Don’t laugh too much. It took a lot of courage to ask…”