Too Many Losing Heroines! V5 Chapter 4 & Epilogue

Chapter 4: Be Prepared to Let Go

Translator: Pingas

Editor: Suu

Tsuwabuki High School Open Day.

Right now, the clock is at 12:30 PM. There are 4 Literature Club members surrounding the table in the room.

The girls exchanged eye contact. Yakishio was the first one to take out a box.

“Well, I’ll go first! Please take a look. I’m really proud of this.”

With that, she opened the lid. There are loads of chocolates in various messed-up shapes.

Yanami and Komari looked at me silently.

Do they want me to be the one to give comments…?

“Ahh, it’s pretty good. Let me think. This should be the amoeba we learned in Biology class-”

“This is the flower of Tsuwabuki. That’s the leaf. …Nukkun, what did you just say?”

“Nothing at all. I get it. This is Tsuwabuki’s flower…”

“That’s the leaf.”

“Then this one is the flower?”

“That’s also a leaf.”

…Why is this so difficult? Is this one of those captchas on overseas websites?

Yakishio gave me a displeased look.

“Hey, Nukkun, you’ve been kind of impolite since then, you know?”

Indeed, I can give my feedback after trying these out. I took a very twisted solid and put it into my mouth.

The taste of sugar along with a crunchy sensation radiated through my tongue.

It tastes like a piece of chocolate that has been placed at the bottom of a school bag for half a year…

“Uh, yeah, …it’s delicious. I can sense a ripened taste.”

I formulated my words carefully and gave my comments. Yakishio took a bite of chocolate in disbelief.

“Really? I think it’s kind of bad. Nukkun, you sure have special tastes.”

Eh, how could that be? I think it’s pretty bad too.

Yanami’s interest seemed to have grown after hearing our conversation. She took a piece of chocolate and threw it into her mouth.

“Ohh, it’s a bit hard to describe this chocolate in words. The temperature isn’t quite there, but I feel like I’ll get addicted to it after eating. It’s kind of nostalgic as well. It’s like the dirt wall I’ve eaten before. I don’t really know how to put it…”

Chew, chew. Yanami is still chewing it. Why does this girl know how a dirt wall tastes…?

“U-Uh, I-I made this one.”

This time, Komari took out a bento box. It contains the chocolate she made at my house a few days ago.

There are the bitter one, the milk-flavored one, and the black currant one-

“Hmm? Where did the red heart-shaped one go?”

I said that calmly, yet Komari suddenly stopped moving.

“What’s wrong, Komari?”

“I-I only made one of that flavor! N-Not enough ingredients!”

I see. I think she used the remaining sauce in my house.

I understand, but why are you blushing so hard…?

Yanami already ate a huge portion of Yakishio’s chocolate. She now glanced at Komari’s chocolate.

“Yanami-san, we need to give these to visitors, right? Don’t eat all of them.”

“I know. Also, I also made my own chocolate too.”

“How’s Yana-chan’s chocolate?”

Yakishio ate Komari’s chocolate as she asked.

“I want to help everyone to achieve their dreams. That’s why I made the chocolate.”

It looks like it’s full of feelings.

Yanami took out a tall box and opened the lid carefully. I think it’s supposed to be a cake box.

“Tada, this is Yanami-chan’s special chocolate.”

There’s a baseball-sized spherical chocolate inside the box.

Including me, the three people present fell silent. So, I acted as the representative.

“Uh, …only this one?”

“Yeah, I had an idea and mixed all the ingredients into this chocolate. Yep, it’s not easy to make such a perfectly spherical chocolate.”

“So, how are we going to eat this?”

It was a serious question. Yanami tilted her head in confusion.

“Eh? You just take a bite out of it.”

Yanami took a bite of it after saying that. She then handed the chocolate ball to Yakishio.

Yakishio took a bite puzzledly, followed by Komari. At last, it’s in my hands right now.

Seeing the three teeth marks, I decided to take a small bite at the furthest side.

It- tastes like chocolate. Yep, it’s normal chocolate.

“...There’s no way we can give this to the visitors.”

Yanami gave me a displeased look after carefully putting her chocolate back into the box.

“Nukumizu-kun, if you’re going to point out other people’s faults, then shouldn’t you bring chocolate yourself too?”

“Eh? I have to prepare one too?”

“Of course. I told you before- even though I didn’t clarify, you need to consider the situation and other people’s feelings, etc. What are we going to do if you can’t even prepare something as simple as chocolate?”

Ehh, …Yanami is the last person I want to be my boss in the future. Ah, but-

“I did get chocolate before leaving. It’s not handmade, but please take it if you girls don’t mind.”

I took out a box of chocolate from my school bag. The three girls’ eyes bulged.

“W-Who gave i-it to you?”

“I bet Nukumizu-kun bought it himself, right? Did you buy it in Kalmia? There are a lot of delicacies there, you know?”

I feel like people are saying really mean things about me.

“No, I really got it from somebody else. I won’t make up a pathetic lie like that no matter what.”

Then, Yakishio took the box away from my hands.

“Heh, Nukkun sure is good. What kind of person is she?”

“What do you mean- I got this chocolate from Mom.”

Yanami and Komari sighed and sat back down while they were standing up.

“I-I knew it.”

“It’s Nukumizu-kun, after all. That’s normal.”

The girls opened the box and started eating the chocolate without my permission.

First of all, they took away my chocolate. Second of all, why am I getting taunted at?

“Mom told me I should bring some chocolate and share them before I left- but, Yanami-san, that doesn’t mean you can eat all of them. Are you listening to me?”

I took the chocolate box back while tidying today’s schedule in my mind.

-After this, everyone except Komari has to wait for the visitors at the gymnasium.

After the basic introduction is over, only the visitors get their free time. That’s why I’ll return to the club room at that time.

Komari will have to stand by in the club room from start to finish. If visitors show up before we’re back, she will be dealing with them alone. Yes, Komari is on her own-

“W-What? Why are you staring at me?”

“Uh, it’s nothing.”

Come to think of it, I haven’t told Komari I’ll be the tour guide for the visitors yet…

I looked at the document to avoid exchanging eye contact with her. After that, Yanami wiped her mouth and stood up.

“Remon-chan, Nukumizu-kun. It’s almost time. Let’s go.”

“Right. Hey, Nukkun, get up.”

I slowly stood up. Then, Komari’s eyes started shivering.

“Eh, …N-Nukumizu is going too?”

“Someone appointed me as the tour guide. I’ll be back later. Before that, though, I’ll leave it to you.”

I didn’t look at her. Komari grabbed my sleeve as I prepared to leave the classroom.

“B-But I can’t d-deal with them on my own…!”

“But I have to go. Yanami-sa-”

I turned around and asked for help. Yanami and Yakishio are already nowhere to be seen.

“These two ran away- hey, stop yanking my clothes!”

This is troublesome. I can’t get away. Then, I noticed a woman showing half of her face outside the opened door.

“Sensei!”

“Do you need my help?”

This lady leisurely entered the club room. She’s the Literature Club’s advisor and the school nurse, Sayo Konuki.

This person has all kinds of problems, but I should take the lighter toll of the two.

“You’re just in the right time. I have to be the visitors’ tour guide next. Can you please stay in the club room and welcome the crowd together with Komari?”

“Eek!?” Komari gasped quietly. She ran to the corner of the club room.

Konuki-sensei licked her lips and sat before Komari across the table.

“Leave it to me. Despite everything, sensei still knows I shouldn’t do bad things to middle school students.”

I understand. Glad to know that.

“Well, sensei, I’ll leave it to you. Komari, you should listen to sensei.”

“G-Go die…!”

I left the shivering Komari and exited the club room.

-Yesterday, Kaju made chocolates for Valentine’s Day.

If this chocolate isn’t for me, she’s giving it to somebody else today. That person is…

I shook my head self-mockingly. It has to be someone else.

Did Kaju and Tachibana-kun start going out already? Or is she confessing today…?

I patted my cheeks to cheer myself up before speeding toward the gymnasium.

No point in overthinking. Let’s just go with the flow.

*

A lively atmosphere surrounds the gymnasium.

I can see many students in their uniforms across middle schools in the city. We’re talking about a grade’s worth of people.

I wonder how many of them will become my kouhais.

Looking from the gymnasium's walls, the student council members seem to be lining up the visitors according to their schools.

Kaju appointed me to be her tour guide today.

Tachibana-kun is here too- perhaps Kaju is trying to introduce him to me.

Her friend Gondou is here as well. Maybe she can help to soothe things over if an argument happens. Suppose she’s on Kaju’s side, of course.

I fell into thoughts. Then, a flower scent gently comforts the inside of my nose.

A familiar prelude played in my mind.

“Nukumizu-kun, can I stand next to you?”

“Eh, sure.”

Karen Himemiya stood next to me. She’s the winning heroine who became Sosuke Hakamada’s girlfriend. Yanami views her as her rival in love.

Huh, come to think of it, that’s indeed the case-

“You’re not with Hakamada today?”

“Fufu, Sosuke will come to my house and cook for me today. He wants to give me a surprise.”

Is that the “something to do” Hakamada mentioned earlier?

“A surprise? …But Himemiya-san knows already.”

“He’s always so clumsy. I think this part of him is quite cute, though.”

Himemiya-san didn’t give a straight answer. She casually talked about her love before looking around leisurely.

“Nukumizu-kun, it’s Valentine’s Day. Did you get chocolates?”

…Huh? Is this how extroverts tease introverts?

I closed parts of my heart and answered at the same time.

“I got some from my mother this morning. It should count, right?”

“Oh, …did Anna not give you chocolates?”

“Ha. She didn’t give it to me specifically.”

The chocolate in the club room- isn’t for me.

…That’s weird. Himemiya-san seems to be disappointed.

Somehow, I can feel the volume of the BGM decreasing as well.

“I made chocolate with Anna in my house yesterday.”

Eh, I didn’t know she made that oopart-like chocolate in Himemiya-san’s house.

Himemiya-san revealed her shiny teeth and leaned toward me. She looked at my face.

“She put a lot of effort into it. That’s why I’m thinking whether she’s giving it to someone important to her.”

Someone important? In other words, does Himemiya-san think Yanami is the type who gives things to the boy she likes?

Of course, I’m not going to deny that. However, this is the only time I feel a little bad for her…

“Well, the Literature Club members all brought chocolates. We’re planning to let the visitors try them. The spherical one is the one she made, right?

“Oh, yeah. Wow, you guys are giving it to visitors.”

“How should I put it? …I tried it in the club room. We probably won’t give hers to them.”

“Eh, why?”

Himemiya-san’s head tilted cutely.

To say why- the three teeth marks appeared in my mind.

“I can’t let anyone else eat Yanami-san’s chocolate.”

Himemiya-san’s BGM started getting chaotic after I blurted that out subconsciously.

“Eh!? So, you’re saying…that?”

“...? Yeah, I mean that.”

I answered half-heartedly. Himemiya-san showed a bewildered expression.

“Oh, …Nukumizu-kun. I didn’t expect you to be so enthusiastic.”

“I don’t know whether it’s enthusiasm or responsibility. Uh, anyway, I feel like I’m the one responsible.”

I’m the president, after all. I can’t let others eat chocolate with high school girls' teeth marks.

Himemiya-san’s eyes bulged even harder after I said that.

“Responsible!? Nukumizu-kun, since when have you two gone that far!?”

Himemiya-san’s reaction is unusually exaggerated.

Obviously, that’s because she doesn’t know I’m the president of the Literature Club, but is it that shocking? …I’m a little startled.

“Eh, …uh, it’s been like this a long time ago.”

“O-Oh, …I see. …You two have been like this a long time ago.”

What’s with her reaction? Indeed, Himemiya-san and I never seem to be on the same wavelength when we’re having a conversation…

Himemiya-san is really excited. That’s why I have to spend this awkward moment with her.

During this time, Prez Hokobaru walked onto the stage with a microphone.

“Welcome to Tsuwabuki High School, everyone.”

The solemn voice immediately changed the atmosphere in the gymnasium within a second.

All of the cheering middle school students immediately went quiet. I couldn’t help but straighten my back as well.

After looking at the lined-up audience below the stage, Prez Hokobaru started speaking in a calm demeanor.

“I think many students have already chosen Tsuwabuki High School, while a huge chunk of students are still hesitating. However, I hope all of you can ignore all of that just for today. Just bring back the feelings you have after the visit. Also, if there are still students who are willing to pick Tsuwabuki- as part of our family, I’ll be incredibly honored.”

After the speech, Prez Hokobaru turned off the microphone and bowed to everyone respectfully.

Her elegant manners are alluring. I watched her dazedly. Then, Teiara-san’s crisp voice is heard throughout the entire gymnasium.

“Alright, all tour guides please greet our visitors!”

I know I have to go.

At first glance, the leading student at every line has a sheet of paper that says the name of their middle school.

I’m in charge of Class 3-5 of Momozono Middle School. That’s why Kaju should be there too…

I searched for the one-piece dress uniform among the crowd. Then, a familiar face appeared, a head taller than I remembered.

“You’re Nuku-chan’s brother, right? It’s been a long time.”

It’s a tall girl in a Momozono uniform. I think I’ve seen her several times back home.

“Ah, well, you’re-”

“I’m Gondou. Nice to meet you.”

“Ah, yes, nice to meet you.”

I answered nervously. A short boy- Tachibana-kun stood next to her.

“I’m Tachibana. I’ll be in your care-”

Tachibana-kun’s expression froze in the middle.

…Ah.

“Eh, …Watanabe-kun?”

“Ah! That’s-”

Shit, I can’t think of any excuses at all.

The two of us stood still. During this time, Kaju leaned on me and grabbed my arm tightly.

“Alright, that was actually a prank! What a success! Right, onii-sama?”

“Eh? What is- ouch!?”

Kaju pinched my back.

Tachibana-kun didn’t react. Kaju started speaking to him rapidly.

“With Tsuwabuki High School’s open day as an opportunity, my onii-sama wants to understand Tachibana-kun as a person. That’s why he came to check you out! Sheesh, onii-sama, didn’t I already tell you Tachibana-kun is a serious person?”

Even though I don’t really get it either, she seems to be covering for me. Fine, I’ll just do what I can.

“Y-You’re right. Sorry, Tachibana-kun. I was being impolite.”

Tachibana-kun lowered his head and approached us. He’s unable to hide his confusion.

“It’s fine. I was the one who brought up an unreasonable request. I’ll be in your care today.”

…Tachibana-kun is such a nice person. I’m also nice, even though I was a stalker.

Gondou-san looked at us dazedly. She then patted Kaju’s shoulder.

“What happened? Does your brother know Satoshi?”

“Well- I’ll explain it to you later. We don’t have much time right now! Let’s go!”

“Ah, hold on, Nuku-chan.”

Kaju and Gondou-san held hands as they stepped out.

After exchanging a glance, Tachibana-kun and I followed the two of them out of the gymnasium.

“Sorry, I just suddenly came here and caused you trouble.”

Tachibana-kun said that worriedly. I hastily shook my head.

“No, no, no, that’s not true. Uh, do you want to check out any places?”

I tried my best to say that in a cheerful tone. Then, Tachibana-kun fidgeted and took out the handbook for visitors.

“Uh, I want to join the public lesson in 1-C’s classroom.”

That’s my class, right? Even though Amanatsu-sensei likes to complain, she still does what she needs to do.

The handbook says, “Please observe what our classes are like normally”.

Although I don’t really want to show that lazy teacher to others, she only gets serious during class, so it should be fine for us to put her up there…

I spoke to the three people while on the corridor that connects both buildings.

“Well, we’ll join the public lesson later. There’s still some time before it starts. Are there any places you guys want to go?”

Kaju held Gondou-san’s hand as she turned around to look at me.

“Onii-sama, please bring us to places you usually go next!”

“Places I usually go? There’s no point in doing that, right?”

Kaju’s lips curled down as she threw a tantrum.

“It’s because Kaju wants to know what onii-sama is like normally. Onii-sama rarely talks about school with Kaju after getting into high school.”

It’s because I have nothing to say.

Aside from the classroom and the emergency stairs, the places I usually stay at are…

“Well, I’ll give you guys a tour of the water pipes in the school-”

“Onii-sama, are there any other places?”

Kaju interrupted.

“Eh, but the shape of the tap before the Arts Room changed.”

“Anything. Else. Onii-sama?”

Ehh, …I feel like Kaju is a bit scary. But how can there be anything else…?

“Well, the Literature Club’s room- you guys aren’t interested, right?”

I couldn’t think of anything else. That’s all I could say. After that, Kaju’s eyes brightened.

“I’m going! Actually, I’ve already prepared a draft to be brought to the Literature Club!”

A draft to be brought…? We don’t have such an option.

“Uh, why are you bringing that?”

“Kaju has thought about this before. It would be so good to publish my draft in the same edition of the club magazine with onii-sama. Seeing the siblings’ names on the menu is like we’re having a joint publication. It feels so good!”

“I don’t know that feeling, but we’re making a club magazine today. Let’s try putting it up there.”

“Really!? Hey, Gon-chan, Tachibana-kun, are you two coming as well?”

Gondou-san smiled and shrugged.

“I don’t mind. What about you, Satoshi?”

“There’s some time before the public lesson, anyway. I’ll go. Uh, I’m a little interested in the…Literature Club as well.”

Ah, this guy isn’t interested at all, right? Some of us can’t even tell the difference between the Gardening Club and the Literature Club. I’m so sorry to make all of you worry…

Right now, he’s more mature than I am. He’s more considerate, gentle, and handsome- but I’m taller and older than him. Also, my blood type is A. I have a bigger advantage during blood donation.

…Yep, this is a draw.

Tachibana-kun doesn’t know I’ve already started a match against him. Instead, he showed me a warm smile.

“I’ve heard that Nukumizu-san is already the president of the Literature Club, even though you’re just a first-year student. That’s so amazing.”

“Huh? Ahh, well, someone had to take the position, after all. In other words, I guess it’s a sense of responsibility.”

Tachibana-kun is such a nice person. I scratched my cheeks to cover my embarrassment.

I’m already starting to trust him. That’s why I relaxed my expression and walked into the building.

-But this doesn’t mean I’ve already acknowledged the relationship between Kaju and him, okay?

*

I reached my hand toward the club room’s door at the corner of the west building, yet I stopped just before touching the knob.

Right, Komari and Konuki-sensei are inside, I think…

“What’s wrong, onii-sama?”

Kaju glanced at my hand puzzledly.

“I have a question for you. Kaju, the two of them are in the same grade as you, right? Are they 14 years old?”

Inside here is the worst teacher in Tsuwabuki, in terms of education level, that is.

After seeing the nod of approval from them, I reached my hand toward the knob. Sensei, please…

“I’m Nukumizu. Here are the visitors.”

Clack. …I gently opened the door. Konuki-sensei faced me with her back while squatting down.

As for Komari, she’s curled up in the corner of the room with a chair as her shield. Sensei’s waving a cat wand at her.

“Good, good. Come out, Baby Komari.”

“Fuu!”

Komari hissed at her angrily.

Hmm, this is still SFW. It’s within my expectation. So, I waved at the three.

“Here, make yourselves at home. Sit anywhere you like. I’ll make some tea for you guys.”

“Ara, we have guests. Welcome.”

…Huh, everyone’s just standing at the door. They aren’t coming in. Kaju carefully asked.

“Uh, what is Komari-san…?”

Of course, she garnered much attention. I looked forward. Konuki-sensei nodded and started explaining.

“I’ll skip over the details. I wanted to get closer to her as an advisor, and this is how it turned out.”

I’m quite curious about the skipped parts, but if that’s the case, I can’t help it. Konuki-sensei is like that, after all.

The three visitors sat on the chairs confusedly. I gave them some tea and chocolate. Gondou-san looked around curiously and asked.

“What does the Literature Club usually do?”

“Writing novels mainly. We make club magazines and exchange our thoughts after reading a book together.”

“That’s why all the books.”

“Yep, exactly.”

…That’s all of the explanation.

I’m slowly losing faith. However, I’ve already prepared for such a situation.

“Uh, we have a self-introduction table here. How about you guys try filling it out? We can staple it together with the draft and make a club magazine out of them.”

I rapidly told them the lines I had prepared as I distributed the self-introduction tables to everyone.

Tachibana-kun looked at the paper and raised his head.

“I don’t really read novels. Can I fill in a magazine or manga?”

“Of course. You can even write about a movie, anime, or game. Write whatever you want.”

…Glad to see this. I don’t have to say anything when they are writing.

I thought about it. However, for some reason, instead of writing, Kaju just looked around.

“What’s wrong, Kaju? You don’t know what to write?”

“Uh, can I…give my draft to onii-sama?”

Come to think of it, I did say something like that.

I agreed. Then, Kaju lowered her head shyly and took out a piece of folded paper.

I took it. It’s a short novel. It has around 2 A4 papers’ worth of content.

“This is the first time I’ve heard Kaju writes novels. When did you start?”

“I suddenly had an idea after being too nervous to sleep yesterday. This is my first time writing one. It feels really embarrassing.”

She suddenly had an idea and then finished her very first novel in one night…?

The content is yet to be investigated, though. Despite my look, I actually have several months of writing experience under my belt.

I suppressed my nervousness and flipped open the paper-

*

Literature Club Report - Special Edition

<Like a Bad Japanese Movie> by Kaju Nukumizu

The gloomy kitchen is enveloped by cold silence. The scene before my eyes reminds me of a Japanese movie I’ve watched somewhere, even though I can’t remember the title.

I make breakfast here alone every day at 6 AM.

Crack. I tore off the head of a dried fish and took out its organs.

Crack. After repeating it 10 times, I poured the dried fish into a pot with water.

I only made one dish when the soup was boiling. I cut my brother’s favorite raw ginger into slices and mixed them with sesame and vegetable leaves for a simple meal.

My brother and I have been living together for 10 years. This is an incredible duration in my eyes.

I continued with my routine as usual this morning.

-Even though this is my last day to live with my brother.

The clock points at 6:30 AM. Usually, my brother will sit next to the table and start reading newspapers at this time.

I was worried. With a tinge of anxiety, I quietly came to the corridor.

After opening the bedroom's sliding door, I saw my brother standing at the center of the room.

He already got changed. There’s a suitcase next to his foot.

“Nii-san, it’s time for breakfast.”

He nodded, so I returned to the kitchen and twisted the knob of the stove.

My brother entered the room with a newspaper. He turned on the TV and sat before the dining table.

He watched the news on TV as he paid attention to the newspaper. It was almost like he was checking the answers.

I have to make the miso soup during this time. The ingredient is just sliced tofu. The broth is red Hatcho miso.

Then, at 7 AM, the two of us have breakfast together. This is a habit we have never dropped for 10 years.

Not even during New Year. The two of us think this is pretty laughable.

Oh, I think there’s one time when we broke the promise. That was the only day.

The first time when my brother and I woke up under the same blanket.

I acted like a spoiled child who didn’t want to leave her bed. Then, my brother became my chef with his usual expression.

I thought he would be more or less not used to it. However, unexpectedly, I couldn’t believe he made a successful bowl of miso soup. So, we still had our breakfast at 7. From that day on, I’ve never stopped doing this piece of chores even once.

I watched the blue flame on the stove as I carefully adjusted the knob.

The water in the pot must not boil after pouring the dried fish into it. The rich broth must be carefully prepared before the sliced tofu is added. I also need to pay attention to twisting the knob on the stove to avoid overcooking.

A bowl of miso soup is done after 30 minutes.

My brother loves to hear the noises from me preparing breakfast.

-I prepared to turn off the stove as usual after sensing the heat from the tofu, yet my hands twisted the knob in the opposite direction.

-The blue flame burnt the bottom of the pot. The boiled tofu is spinning around inside.

I’ve never let my brother cook during these 10 years. Right now, all the time has turned into ingredients and melted into the miso soup- it’s a complicated feeling.

I suddenly raised my head. My brother is doing the questions in the newspaper.

For some reason, I feel like a total idiot. I quickly turned off the stove and added the usual MSGs.

The clock pointed at 7.

My brother and I sat face to face and started greeting the ever-unbroken morning during these 10 years.

He changed into his usual leather shoes at the entrance and took the suitcase.

The suitcase contains the 10 years my brother has spent here. Everything else is left at home.

He probably won’t come back ever again after leaving, right?

-Perhaps it’s better for us to keep our distance for now.

I can’t believe I’m bidding farewell to him for such a vague reason. Those words have been dragging on until this day.

My brother broke his long-maintained silence by quietly mumbling, “Will she be alright alone?”

He’s such a bad brother. He always makes his own decisions no matter what I say.

This is the first time I’ve realized my anger. I stared at him furiously, yet I saw the anxiety in his eyes.

After taking a deep breath, I put my palm on the slightly enlarged spot below my belly button and stroked it gently.

“It’s fine. It’s because I’m not alone.”

My brother is shocked. To that, I answered him with an innocent smile.

-We’ll always be together, nii-san.

*

…I see. I put the draft on the table.

What kind of face should I make after my little sister requested me to read this novel…?

I felt frustrated. Kaju looked at me worriedly.

“How was it? Kaju still feels I’m a little childish compared to onii-sama.”

“No, it’s pretty good. Yep, it’s amazing how good this is for a first-timer.”

“Really!?”

Kaju’s face immediately brightened up.

“So, are you not using a pen name? You’re going to use your real name?”

“Yes!”

She’s going to publish it under her real name. I see…

Komari crawled out from nowhere and read her draft without any permission.

After reading it, Komari stared at me like a piece of garbage.

“...H-Hand yourself in to the police.”

“This isn’t an I-novel, okay!? There are no real-life elements.”

I took the draft back from Komari.

“Well, I need to print one out first. Hmm…”

It’s a bit of a walk from the closest convenience store. I want to use the printing room, but our club has no budget left.

I struggled for a solution. During this time, Konuki-sensei tidied her hair and stood up.

“Sensei can print it out in the teachers’ office. Lend me the draft.”

“Eh, are you sure?”

“Leave it to me. Despite my looks, sensei is the Literature Club’s advisor, okay? Do you still remember this setting?”

“Yeah, a little.”

Sensei suddenly turned around just as she prepared to leave the club room. She seemed to have recalled something.

“Don’t sneak out while I’m gone, okay? Sensei will be pretty sad if I come back and no one’s here.”

“Komari will be here. Please relax.”

“Good to know.”

Konuki-sensei winked at Komari before leaving.

“Alright, everyone’s self-introduction table- Komari, stop kicking me under the desk, alright?”

I let Komari kick me as I looked at the three people’s papers.

Uh, let’s see. …I didn’t know Gondou-san liked period dramas.

“You watch period novels too? By the way, the TV show <Furious Swordsmen> is adapted from a novel?”

“I started from the show as well. I collected the DVDs between 1978 and 1989, but I’m just halfway through.”

Gondou-san puffed up her chest proudly. This girl is a die-hard stan.

“Asami is Ken-sama’s biggest fan, after all.”

Tachibana-kun chuckled and spoke up.

Come to think of it, the protagonist of <Furious Swordsmen> is born in Toyohashi.

He’s an experienced actor who starred in many famous works. Aside from that, he always performs during the festivals in the city.

“The same goes for Satoshi, right? There was a Ghost Festival performance in the Children’s Club. You even performed your Ken-sama-style samba dance. I was the one who taught you when you kept forgetting the poses, okay?”

“Alright, alright, it’s embarrassing.”

Gondou-san said that in a mischievous tone. Tachibana-kun waved his arm shyly.

“Eh, are you two old friends already?”

The two glanced at each other after hearing my question.

“Asami and I were in the same class during elementary school.”

“Ken-sama came from our elementary school as well, you know?”

Oh, …are these two just like Yakishio and Ayano?

I observed the two excited students as I paid attention to Kaju.

Kaju doesn’t seem to mind. She’s writing something on the paper with a pencil- at least, that’s what it looks like.

…According to a certain girl, everyone aside from childhood friends are cheating cats.

Even so, if all they did was spend time in the same elementary school, that means they weren’t that much of childhood friends. It seems a bit too early to perceive that there’s a cheating cat in my house just because of that.

I referenced my experience in love (2D) as I became lost in thought. During this time, Kaju handed me her filled self-introduction table.

“Alright, onii-sama. I’m done.”

Right, what has Kaju been reading these days?

…Hmm, not just light novels too. There are shojo manga and romance novels as well.

“Ah, Kaju has read the <Lapis Lazuli Kingdom> series too? Did you borrow it from Momozono’s library?”

“Yeah, it’s because it’s a recommendation from the librarian.”

Upon a closer look, the table contains many books I borrowed in middle school.

…No, it’s not even “many”, don’t tell me these are all the books I borrowed in middle school.

If it wasn’t a coincidence, does that mean she checked all the borrowing cards in Momozono’s records?

“Uh, Kaju, these books, did you-”

“Yes, what’s wrong, onii-sama?”

Kaju tilted her head cutely.

“...Well, you have quite the taste.”

“Yes, Kaju agrees.”

Very well, let’s just skip the topic by saying BS.

After a while, everyone filled out their self-introduction table.

Komari silently placed the printed drafts on the desk.

“Stack the draft pages in order and staple them together. The self-introduction tables will be in the inner cover-”

“W-Where’s your little sister’s indictment?”

Komari gently pushed my arm. I forgot about it. Also, that’s a novel.

“Uh, then let’s put Kaju’s novel before mine, okay?”

“Is this Nukumizu-san’s novel?”

Tachibana-kun pointed at the title. It’s called <My Girlfriend Has a Boyfriend, But I Didn’t Expect That It Wasn’t Me>.

-I nodded. This is a vanilla novel I’ve been cooking for a long time. It has a rather high portion of NTR elements.

“Let’s put a sticky note up there first. I’ll put Kaju’s novel in later.”

Now I just need to wait for Kaju’s draft, and then we can start stapling them together.

…? Tachibana-kun has been looking around anxiously since then.

He looked at the clock on the wall. Right, I think he wants to join our class’s public lesson.

“Tachibana-kun, you still have to go to 1-C’s classroom, right? We can leave the club magazine for later. Just go.”

“Ah, yes! Thanks for the work!”

Tachibana freaked out and stood up. I wanted to follow him, yet Komari grabbed my shirt.

“Y-You won’t leave me here alone, right…?”

“Don’t worry. Konuki-sensei will be back right away.”

“I-I don’t want that either.”

I feel the same, but please bear with it.

I tried to convince her since Komari wouldn’t let go.

“Relax, Yanami-san will be here soon. Hmm, I think she said she will be here in a little bit.”

“L-Liar.”

How did you know? I looked away nervously. Komoar gave me a furious stare.

“Y-Your dead fish eyes turn really bright whenever y-you’re lying.”

I can’t help it if it’s exposed then. I decided to change my attitude.

“Komari, come over here. Don’t worry. I won’t do anything.”

“Ueh!? W-What are you doing…?”

I brought Komari to the corner of the club room.

“Listen up. The result of this open day directly influences the number of new members we get next year. That’s why welcoming Kaju and her friends is-”

“T-They are just second-year students. The year after this is when they get in, r-right?”

“...Yes.”

“A-Also, other people are about to come after visiting the Culture Club. That’s why we need to pay attention to welcoming them. Also, y-you’re too close to me. Go away.”

I see. That’s indeed the case. Our vice president is kind of reliable.

“But we can’t just ignore Kaju and her friends, you know? Let’s split into two groups and-”

“I-I told you. Y-You’re too close to me!”

Komari pushed my body away forcefully.

“My little sister will hear us. Be quiet, Komari.”

“E-Everyone left a-already!”

…Huh? I turned around. Those three already disappeared from the club room.

“Wait, where did everyone go?”

“Your little sister texted me and said she would be going.”

Komari showed me her phone screen for a glance. Right, Kaju said she also wanted to go to our class’s public lesson.

In other words, this means I just forced Komari to a corner and whispered to her. Doesn’t that make me a criminal?

At least Konuki-sensei didn’t see this- hmm?

I suddenly had a familiar feeling. I turned around. Konuki-sensei is peeking at us behind the slightly opened door.

“It’s fine. Sensei will be watching and making sure you don’t cross that line. So, please just follow your desire and challenge the limit.”

I don’t want to cross or challenge anything. I tidied my uniform after leaving Komari.

“Sensei, I still have to be the tour guide. I’ll leave the rest to you. Komari should also-”

Komari smacked my back with her phone furiously before I could even finish.

“Ouch, what are you doing?”

“T-That’s why I don’t like this part of yours!”

“I said it hurts. Sensei, please help me out.”

Sensei showed a pleased look after I requested help.

“That’s nice. Sensei will support you two developing such a hobby.”

…Please don’t, and also please help me.

*

That was a lot.

Even though it was my bad for scaring Komari, she didn’t need to be so pissed, right…?

I dashed out of the west building. Then, I saw the three of them walking toward the new building through the corridor.

“Sorry, everyone. I’m late.”

“Onii-sama, are you really leaving Komari-san behind?”

Kaju said that half-heartedly. She speedy-walked away before I could answer.

…I think even Kaju is mad as well.

I distanced myself from her a bit out of fear and came next to Tachibana-kun.

“Sorry, onii-san. You can go ahead first.”

“I’m the one who should apologize. We just had a little argument-”

…Eh? Did he just call me “onii-san”?

Eh, uh, don’t tell me the next scene is “please leave Kaju to me”.

My heart skipped a beat. After that, Tachibana-kun spoke up seriously.

“Thank you very much for giving us a tour today.”

I could only give him an “I mean” and a “well”. I didn’t even know what I should say. Kaju was in front, so I observed them at the same time.

The two girls are chatting as they are walking. They aren’t paying attention to me.

“Tachibana-kun, what do you-”

What do you think about Kaju? I decided to swallow my words before asking that.

“What’s wrong?”

“Uh, you want to get in Tsuwabuki, right?”

Unexpectedly, he gave me an awkward smile.

“Even though I really want to study at Tsuwabuki High School, I’m not as academically gifted as Asami or Kaju-san. My grades probably aren’t good enough to get into Tsuwabuki.”

Eh, he’s not planning to enroll in Tsuwabuki?

“Then why are you here for the tour today?”

Tachibana-kun lowered his head shyly.

“Uh, there’s something I want to talk to somebody no matter what.

…! I swallowed my saliva. Let’s just ask him.

“The thing you want to talk about- is it related to love?”

Tachibana-kun stopped in surprise after hearing that.

“Ah, did you ask Kaju-san already? Sigh, I told her to keep it a secret.”

“But you still have to say it today nonetheless, right?”

Tachibana-kun nodded.

“Indeed, I want to muster my courage today and convey my feelings.”

He still hasn’t confessed. I can sigh in relief, …but I don’t have the time to do that.

“It’s starting soon, you two-”

Kaju’s voice interrupted my thoughts.

We are already standing before 1-C’s classroom. Kaju and Gondou-san are waving at us.

Tachibana-kun nodded nervously. He raised his hand toward Kaju.

…Is that what he really means?

I’ve read many rom-coms, so I already know what he wants.

The two’s story is about to reach its climax. What’s awaiting them will be-

Confession.

*

Amanatsu-sensei’s public lesson has already begun.

The usual desks and chairs are placed in the corner of the room. The whiteboard is right next to the window. All the chairs are wheeled. Everyone can pick wherever they want to sit.

After seeing Kaju and her friends taking a seat, I decided to stand around the classroom entrance and listen to the lesson.

I remember public lessons are for visiting students to understand what classes are like, typically. I don’t think I’ve been to such a special lesson before, right…?

Amanatsu-sensei stepped before the whiteboard when the tens of visitors finally sat down.

“Well, I’m Amanatsu. I’m teaching World History in this school.”

Everyone looked at her. With that, she cleared her throat and grabbed the textbook.

Amanatsu-chan, you’re the teacher representative of Tsuwabuki High School. I’ll leave it to you.

“Some say there’s no point in remembering dates whenever it comes to history lessons and that they won’t get to use it after growing up. I think these people should just kill themselves.”

I’ll leave…it…to you…?

“Alright, I want to ask you people’s opinion on PE lessons. I know already. You brats want to say, ‘We’ll be adults then. Don’t tell us we have to make a living by jumping over boxes or splitting our legs and doing a front roll.’ But sensei is already an adult, so I’ll keep it brief. Okay, the lesson starts now.”

Chak. Amanatsu-sensei opened the marker’s cap.

The darkness in her heart seemed to have subsided. Now it’s time for a proper class-

“Huh, there’s the Literature Club president. Nukumizu!”

She suddenly dragged me in.

“Eh, how can I help you?”

“What’s the oldest novel you know?”

Everyone is looking at me. I’m startled. I scrambled my brain for an answer.

“Uh, <The Tale of Genji> for example…?”

Amanatsu-sensei nodded and started writing on the whiteboard.

“Indeed, the consensus is that <The Tale of Genji> is the oldest novel. It was written in the early 11th century. At the same time, the Byzantine Empire was in its golden era in Eastern Europe.”

Amanatsu-sensei continued without stopping at all.

“Meanwhile, Japan was in the Heian period. During that time, a palace servant wrote a slightly erotic novel. It got passed down to the entire palace, and even Emperor Ichijo read it too. On the other hand, the Byzantines won the Battle of Kleidion and took over 10,000 prisoners. The Eastern Romans scooped their eyes out and sent them back to the country-”

…It looks like she’s finally in her teacher mode.

After that, Amanatsu-sensei threw out some topics for the visitors to discuss. The lesson is going on orderly. The theme seems to be about the difference between mindsets and common knowledge for people in different periods and cultures.

The atmosphere lightened up a bit. During this time, Amanatsu-sensei split the visitors into two groups.

“Based on what you’ve heard, this group will be Paris residents living in the 14th century. The other one will be 21st-century Japanese people who went back in time. The two groups need to think of measures to alleviate the Black Death at the time.”

Amanatsu-sensei crossed her arms and stood between the two groups proudly.

“Sensei will be the host. Also, I’m born in the 23rd century. My character is a stubborn conspiracist.”

What’s with such a complicated setting?

However, the class is going very well. Amanatsu-sensei gave introverted students suitable topics and let them interact with each other. At the same time, she slowly guided everyone to make speeches. I’m very satisfied with sensei’s measures. However, during this time-

Chak. I suddenly heard the noise of a snap.

I turned around. Shikiya-san is standing next to me. She’s picking an angle to take a photo with her phone.

“Ah, Shikiya-senpai. The student council has to take pictures too?”

“Photo records, …report…”

Shikiya-san checked out the photos she got.

It seems that Shikiya-san is satisfied. She nodded and opened her white pupils to observe the situation in the classroom.

“Despite her look, …Amanatsu-sensei actually has a…pretty high reputation when it comes to class…”

“You’re right. It’s indeed true despite her look.”

“Yeah, despite her look…”

Shikiya-san stopped taking photos and stood next to me while wobbling instead.

The discussion in the classroom is gradually getting heated as we listen.

Kaju’s roleplaying as a 14th-century Paris citizen. She explains how herbs are a cure for poison. The students on the other side act as modern people. They seem pretty shocked by Kaju’s explanation. They even nodded frequently.

…Even I start to think Kaju’s right when I’m just listening.

“Can the Black Death really be cured by herbs…?”

“There’s no way, …right?”

Shikiya-san mumbled. She then took a photo of me.

“Why did you take a photo of me?”

“I feel like…somebody wants it…”

Shikiya-san said something weird before starting to type in her phone.

“That’s true for senpai’s photo, but nobody wants mine, right?”

I chuckled self-mockingly. Shikiya-san stopped.

“...Do you…want my photo?”

“Huh?”

Shikiya-san tilted her head. Her white pupils are vaguely reflecting my face.

“Uh, well, let me check if I have to reference how everyone thinks. Or I can see if anyone wants the photo-”

I began saying nonsense. Shikiya-san suddenly turned around and leaned onto me.

After that, she reached her hand out- chak. She pressed the selfie button.

“I’ll give this one to you. …Don’t…buy it from others, okay…?”

I received a text on my phone. She already sent me the photo.

“Eh, ah- is this photo for me?”

Shikiya-san nodded.

I looked back at the classroom in embarrassment. Amanatsu-sensei radiates a dark aura.

“Don’t show off here, you two. Go flirt somewhere else.”

Hold up, Amanatsu-chan. You’re saying that before middle school students.

Amanatsu-sensei recalibrated herself and continued the lesson after complaining viciously.

I sighed in relief. Then, Shikiya-san and I observed the class together.

…Right, we haven’t had a chance to talk alone ever since Christmas Eve.

That day, Shikiya-san was giving out a slightly different mood than usual.

Under the candlelights, Shikiya-san’s cheeks, along with the scent of makeup products and perfumes, were mixed together. They are deeply engraved into my memories.

That scene seems surreal. Sometimes I even revisit it in my dream.

We’ll wave at each other every time Shikiya-san and I meet. However- we aren’t actually friends yet. More than acquaintances, less than friends, …I guess?

“Uh, how are you doing?”

I stared forward and lowered my voice before asking her to avoid Amanatsu-sensei’s wrath.

“I’ve been studying and working. …No chance to play…”

Shikiya-san isn’t just a student council committee member. She’s an elite student as well. Even though she looks pretty chill (physically), she’s a busy girl.

I actually want to go to the board game cafe with everyone one more time, but I’m too embarrassed to invite others…

Shikiya-san mumbled after seeing me spending all day hesitating.

“You seem…to like board games, …so I bought it…”

Hmm? Did I let out my thoughts subconsciously?

“Eh, well, you’re talking about the board game cafe, right? I’ll bring everyone next-”

“That board game…is for 2 people only…”

…Then everyone can’t play together. For example, Yanami can’t wait to play her cards out in order.

“Well- the two of us can go next time.”

“Yes…”

Shikiya-san nodded slightly. I scratched my cheeks to cover my shyness.

…What’s with this weirdly peaceful atmosphere?

“My little sister was on the student council trip last year. Senpai, did you join as well?”

I changed the topic to avoid the awkwardness. Shikiya-san glanced at me.

“I did, …Kaju Nukumizu…looks…just like you…”

“No, no, we’ve been- ah, we look like each other!?”

I complained as I thought about what Shikiya-san said.

It’s oblivious. Kaju and I look just like each other. However, nobody told me this fact after all these years.

“Yeah, we’re siblings, after all.”

Tachibana-kun roleplays as a 21st-century citizen. He’s still making his speech.

He hypothesized the source of the disease with plant infections as an example. With all that, even the 14th-century Kaju nodded in agreement repeatedly.

Both sides kept giving their opinions. Class is about to end. After the discussion, Amanatsu-sensei started summarizing. Tachibana-kun paid full attention to her.

…He’s not a bad person, based on our conversations earlier.

No, it’s more like he’s a great guy.

-Kaju is still too young to have a boyfriend.

My feelings remain the same, but it’s far better than her being taken away by a weird guy…

Class ended as I was lost in thoughts.

Amanatsu-sensei cleaned the whiteboard.

“Remember, folks. Common knowledge varies in every period. Also, common sense won’t change even for people in different groups or stances. Even though something is wrong from a modern standpoint, you guys should think about how it turned out to be that way and why people at the time were doing those things. It’s best for all of you to have a basic understanding of history, so that you can quietly ponder about it in the future.”

Amanatsu-sensei wiped the last word off the whiteboard after saying all that solemnly. She then turned around.

“Well, that’s what I think about during class. I just give an ordinary lesson according to the study guide. Please take your studies seriously if you’re interested in getting into Tsuwabuki.”

Amanatsu-sensei finished class with one last round of random chattering.

At that moment, somebody clapped their hands. It was Kaju.

The other students followed and gave her a round of applause.

Even Amanatsu-sensei seemed a bit embarrassed as well. She turned around. “Alright, class is over. There’s nothing left to teach.” She said that as she pretended to clean the whiteboard.

…It’s time to bring the three of them back to the club room. I wonder if Komari is getting along with Konuki-sensei.

During this time, Amanatsu-sensei seemed to have noticed something. Her head turned.

“Oh, can someone help me move the whiteboard and chairs? I took these out of the conference room without permission. I’ll be scolded if I don’t return them.”

Tachibana-kun quickly raised his hand. I guess he’s thinking, “Oh, it looks like she wants my help.”

“Yes! I-I’ll help you.”

He’s still that praise-worthy young man. Very well, I’ll return to the club room first-

“Alright, give me a hand, too, Nukumizu. You have time to flirt, anyway.”

Amanatsu-sensei looked at me with eyes full of despise.

…Sigh, I knew it. I gave up on running away and nodded.

*

Social Studies Data Room. This is a small room with books and materials stacked like mountains inside.

Shikiya-san is already headed to the next photo location. As for the four of us, we finished moving stuff and soon surrounded the table in the center of the room.

“Thanks for the help, everyone. Have some tea while you’re here. We have desserts as well.”

Amanatsu-sensei closed the fridge with her foot and slammed down a 2L plastic bottle.

“I’ll pour it for everyone.”

I observed Kaju as I distributed the tea cups to everyone.

Normally, Kaju would be the first one to do things like this. However, right now, she’s holding her paper cup while looking around nervously.

Gondou-san lowered her head and stayed completely still. As for Tachibana-kun, he seems to be super sensitive right now. He will probably shiver from other people touching him.

Eh, hold on. Based on the current situation, don’t tell me he’s going to confess right here. I think I chose a weird command.

Amanatsu-sensei doesn’t care about this dangerous atmosphere at all. She started handing out Western desserts- Pyrenees cakes.

Pyrenees are very common Western desserts in Toyohashi. There’s cream wrapped around in a layer of sponge.

Honestly, I’m overjoyed. It’s because this is delicious.

“No need to hold back. Eat as much as you like. This is specifically prepared for you guys.”

This teacher can’t read the room as usual, but it’s quite reliable for her to treat us…

Very well. I’m going to stop his confession right now. I’m a man of my word.

“Thank you very much. Did you bring these just for today?”

“Well, I will hand them out during the conference a little later, but nobody will know if you guys don’t say anything, right?”

With that, Amanatsu-sensei took a bite of the cake.

…She’s letting us eat these? Amanatsu-sensei shoved the cake into her mouth and destroyed the evidence. After that, she wiped the corner of her mouth and glanced at Kaju’s side.

“You three are wearing Monozono’s uniform, right? That means you guys are my kouhais.”

“Eh? Sensei, you’re our senpai?”

I couldn’t help but interrupt. Sensei nodded forcefully.

“Yeah, I studied in Aoki Elementary School. You too, Nukumizu?”

“Uh, my little sister and I didn’t, but the two of them-”

I looked at Tachibana-kun. He nodded.

“Ah, yes! I studied in Aoki as well.”

“Oh, I see. Perhaps we went to school together once. I’m joking. Hahaha.”

I ignored Amanatsu-sensei's unfunny joke. During this time-

“...Yes, I remember you, sensei.”

Tachibana-kun spoke up. His tone is very serious.

“Did you visit Aoki for an education internship 6 years ago?”

“Yeah, it’s been that long already.”

Sip. Amanatsu-sensei took a sip of tea.

…Eh, I don’t think we’re fast-forwarding to the special event.

“I’m Tachibana. You taught our class before. I don’t think you remember me, though.”

Amanatsu-sensei suddenly stopped upon hearing that.

“Ah- …yep, I remember you. I remember you.”

“Eh? Really!?”

Tachibana-kun leaned forward with sparkling eyes.

“Of course, …hmm, …well, I feel like…”

She gradually lowered her voice and looked downward. I bet this person doesn’t remember.

…But does this mean any event is going to happen?

Gondou-san and he should also be in the same elementary school if they are talking about this. Then, just as I wanted to see her reaction, Gondou-san broke her long silence by suddenly standing up.

“I’m going to the toilet.”

Gondou-san glanced at Tachibana-kun and hastily dashed out of the room.

…Huh, one of the characters left. Why did Gondou-san suddenly do that?

Amanatsu-sensei dropped her jaw as she watched her leave. She then cheered herself up and cleared her throat.

“Anyway, Tachibana-kun. Are you in any clubs? Hmm?”

“Yes, I’m in the Gardening Club.”

She’s clearly trying to change the topic, yet Tachibana-kun answered her honestly.

“I’ve always loved plants. I used to tend to the plants in the classroom, and I grew a flower in the vase as well. Other people always tease me for being girly since I’m on the shorter side-”

Tachibana-kun tilted his head slightly and smiled in embarrassment.

“But Amanatsu-sensei kept helping me. I’m really happy.”

“Oh, did something like that happen too…?”

“Yes, I think sensei was really cool at that time. The same goes for when you’re teaching. Even though you’re short, you look very manly and handsome. That’s outstanding.”

“Outstanding!? Me!? However, a teacher’s responsibility is to help students develop things they are good at, I guess. Fuhehe, everyone actually says that to me all the time. Fuhehe.”

She must not be used to being praised, right? Amanatsu-sensei’s chuckles are a bit terrifying. She then clapped her hands.

“...Ah, I remember someone always having a flower on his desk? Was that you?”

“It’s me! You really do remember me!”

Tachibana-kun’s smile blossomed.

“That flower always withers quickly, and it was kind of depressing. But I’m satisfied if someone’s willing to see my flower.”

“Yeah, I used to look at it every morning. It’s beautiful, after all. I wanted to put it on the altar in my house, …no, never mind.”

-I finally understood what was happening.

“And then, two years ago, I found sensei’s name on the newspaper’s teacher list. I heard that Nukumizu-san’s brother is studying at this school. That’s why I begged him to let me come here just to see sensei.”

“Ha, why are you going so far for me?”

Amanatsu-sensei is holding a mug with a stunned expression.

Eh, is she okay? This person should be able to figure out what’s happening right now, right?

Aside from me, Kaju, Tachibana-kun, and Amanatsu-sensei are present.

There’s no skip button in reality. Things will go once they start happening.

Tachibana-kun suddenly stood up. His face is filled with determination.

That’s right. He’s not confessing to Kaju-

“I’ve always admired you, and I’ve always loved you!”

It’s Amanatsu-sensei instead.

This confession is way too straightforward and clumsy. After hearing that, Amanatsu-sensei’s reply is:

“Ha.”

Her voice is powerless.

Silence came as if time had stopped. I couldn’t bear it, so I spoke carefully to sensei.

“Hey, sensei, you should say something, right?”

“Hmm…? Eh? Me!?”

Yes, you.

Sensei finally realized what happened after dazing out for a while.

She stood up and approached Tachibana-kun.

“Ah- …you should be Satoshi Tachibana-kun, right?”

“Yes.”

“I truly appreciate your feelings. However, I’m a teacher. I can’t answer your feelings.”

“Yes, I’m already satisfied with being able to confess my feelings.”

“I see. I’m sorry.”

Amanatsu-sensei smiled warmly. The same smile appeared on Tachibana-kun’s face as well.

-I witnessed a young man’s hopeless love ending within moments.

Rather than depression, I feel more like a burden has been taken off me.

Amanatsu-sensei gently put her hand on Tachibana-kun’s shoulder.

“Also, if you have a brother who’s several years older-

“Sensei!? Don’t you have to go to a conference later?”

I immediately interrupted her. This person is always up to something when she talks.

“Ah, yeah. I have to go to the small conference room. There are 4 levels of stairs too.”

Amanatsu-sensei sighed deflatedly.

“Well, I’ll be leaving. I’ll leave the rest to you, Nukumizu.”

“Eh? Ah, yes.”

Sensei patted Tachibana-kun’s shoulder before leaving. “14 years old, …4 years left…” She mumbled and headed out of the Data Room. It looks like she’s imagining what’s going to happen 4 years down the line.

I remained on the spot after she left. Tachibana-kun remained still, so I talked to him.

“Uh, …Tachibana-kun, are you okay?”

“I’m fine. I’m really sorry. I messed up the tour.”

“No worries. The other two know about this too, right?”

Tachibana-kun nodded silently.

The ever-shrouding uncomfortableness slowly disappeared.

He knows Amanatsu-sensei is my class teacher. He came to the open day to convey his feelings that had been hidden for many years.

He can’t get into Tsukabuki. This is perhaps his only method.

But new questions soon surfaced in my heart.

How did Kaju feel when she came here with him?

Also, why did Gondou-san leave before Tachibana-kun’s confession…?

Right, Kaju has been pretty quiet. I looked at her seat.

-Kaju disappeared.

*

We talked about all sorts of things when I led Tachibana-kun to the school entrance.

Even so, it was more like him talking about his memories with Amanatsu-sensei.

In Tachibana-kun’s heart, Amanatsu-sensei is a free-spirited and determined person. Even though she’s a bit clumsy, she’s a sensitive woman. 

Unbelievably, the teacher we both know is the same person. However, the way he talks about her makes her seem pretty attractive.

“I feel…a bit disappointed. I’ve been overthinking this the entire time. I don’t even know what will happen when I wake up tomorrow.”

Tachibana-kun suddenly said his sincere words and lowered his head in embarrassment.

“Nukumizu-san must think this is just a child’s admiration from a high school student’s perspective, right?”

“That’s not true. I think it’s not necessary to draw such a clear line between love and admiration.”

“Is that- the case?”

His feeling of hesitating between love and admiration seems to be turning into a beautiful memory already.

This is for the best. Love at a young age is just an experience. He’ll find his true love one day.

I pondered these emotional questions for a long time. Tachibana-kun bowed to me deeply when we arrived at the east gate.

“Thank you very much for today.”

“It’s fine. Are you sure I don’t need to walk you to the station?”

“Yeah, it’s okay.”

His smile is very refreshing. It’s as if he has let go already.

“Well, onii-san, I’ll be leaving.”

“Hey, Tachibana-kun.”

I couldn’t help but call him. I continued in surprise.

“You- what do you think about Kaju?”

“You mean Kaju-san?”

Tachibana-kun stood still at the unexpected question. He seems confused.

“It’s because she’s very close to Asami-”

He seems to be formulating his words. His eyes floated around. He then looked at my pupils and spoke up.

“...I feel overjoyed whenever I see the two of them having a good time.”

My expression quickly relaxed upon hearing that innocent answer.

“I see. I’ll leave Kaju in your care in the future.”

If he’s the one Kaju likes-

I believe it will be something incredibly fortunate.

*

I walked toward the school building through the boulevard filled with tulip trees. On the way, I heard energetic and coarse voices from the sports clubs at the playground.

I glanced in that direction. Yakishio can be found within the Track and Field Club crowd. There are some Baseball Club and Football Club members there as well.

She was very sporty in Momozono, but she’s different right now. The girl is checking the visitors’ position. I can tell how serious she is from afar.

That girl will be the senpai in April, and she has to lead the kouhais, right?

I’ll also become a senpai- but we need to get new members into our club first.

However, there’s a problem I need to solve before that.

Kaju disappeared somehow, and Gondou-san left the scene in a blaze.

I don’t believe the two of them disappeared simultaneously out of coincidence.

They must be going for Tachibana-kun.

Even though it was probably a bit rude for me to interrupt, I still feel like I missed something-

“Isn’t this Nukumizu-kun? Did you split up with Imouto-chan and her friends?”

Yanami called me. She returned to the school building after leaving the shoe shelves.

“...Uh, I guess. Yanami-san, are you done with the tour guide stuff already?”

“I split up with the kouhais since they were going to the club activities. Right, Basori-san from the student council was looking for you just then.”

“Me? Why?”

…Did I do something that could get me scolded by her?

I kept thinking about it. Yanami shot mea supiscious stare.

“You’ve been very suspicious with Basori-san these days. What are you two doing? Did something happen between you two?”

“It’s nothing. It’s probably because we were talking about the open day.”

I did help her study sometimes, but it’s actually not like what Yanami and I said.

I pretended I didn’t know anything. Seeing my face, Yanami shrugged deflatedly.

“Let’s go to the club room if you have nothing to do. It’ll be bad if we leave Komari-chan and Konuki-sensei there any longer.”

Yanami said that as she took out a small box from her pocket.

“Is that chocolate? You’re giving them to someone?”

I said that nonchalantly. For some reason, Yanami actually started smiling. Her face looks so smug.

“You’re too naive, Nukumizu-kun. Valentine’s Day isn’t just for giving chocolates. It’s for buying chocolates as well.”

“Buying chocolates? Uh, you have to buy it if you want to give-”

“No, no.” Yanami shook her head and continued.

“The stores stock up on different products during this time. There will be limited stuff on sale as well. So, today is a day for buying chocolates for myself as well. This one on my hand is a rare find. You don’t get to taste these every day.”

Oh, I didn’t know that’s how foodies viewed Valentine’s Day.

Yanami opened the box, grabbed a piece of chocolate, and handed it to me.

“Alright, Nukumizu-kun can have one too. Here, try it.”

It will be troublesome if I reject her. I ignored the chocolate she handed to me and took one from the box.

This one is spherical. It’s almost as big as a 100-yen coin. There’s a layer of cocoa powder outside. This is standard truffle chocolate, but it doesn’t look as strange as I thought…

The taste of cocoa powder and chocolate immediately radiated in my mouth after I put it down the hatch.

Other tastes include- chocolate and, uh, it’s really chocolate. Yep, it’s chocolate-flavored.

“Thanks. …Yanami-san, what are you doing?”

Yanami remained in her pose with the chocolate in her hand as she stared at me ferociously.

“Didn’t you see this hand?”

“But there are things in your hand. I really wanted to say this back in the club room. It feels unhygienic to give something to someone after you touched another thing.”

“............”

Yanami put the chocolate into her mouth silently. She gave me a displeased look. What’s wrong with her…?

“Right, you should watch over the club room. Kaju disappeared. I have to find her.”

“You’re looking for Imouto-chan? Heh, so something did indeed happen.”

Yanami clicked her phone as she said that.

“What indeed- do you know something that I don’t?”

“Of course, I don’t. However, Tachibana-kun is in the same class as Imouto-chan. He should be the suspect, right? I can immediately tell something must have happened from Nukumizu-kun’s attitude.”

Yanami put away her phone and started glaring at me again.

“You dragged me into this, so I’m kind of responsible, right? How can I not care?”

“...Sorry, but I’m not sure what happened either. Anyway, right now, I want to confirm the situation first.”

I thought about how I should explain this to her. Then, a petite girl with swaying long hair dashed out from the depths of the corridor. She’s Asagumo-san.

“You’re here, Nukumizu-san. Here. Please take this.”

Asagumo-san took out a small and thin box. There’s even a ribbon on it.

I took the box subconsciously, and then my eyes bulged in surprise.

“Is this- don’t tell me it’s chocolate!?”

“Yes, it’s because I’m always in your care.”

Asagumo-san smiled and turned around with light steps.

“Well, I’ll be leaving. Mitsuki-san and I have to go on a date right now.”

“Huh? Ah, thanks…”

I looked at the chocolate in disbelief after Asagumo-san left.

Seriously? I already tried a bunch of chocolate in the club room. I wondered whether I should count them as obligatory chocolates, but there’s no need for that now. Even though it’s just obligatory chocolate, I, Kazuhiko Nukumizu, have finally received chocolate from an outsider at 16 years old-

“Hey.”

Bump. Yanami elbowed my side.

“Ouch! What do you want? That was such a good mood, you know?”

“By the way, I still haven’t heard your feedback for the chocolate just then.”

You’re interrupting me because of something like this?

I tried my best not to sigh and put the chocolate Asagumo-san gave me into my pocket.

“Uh, it’s very much chocolate. Yep, it tastes like chocolate.”

“...So, is it good?”

“Yeah, it’s okay. It’s chocolate, after all.”

“............”

Yanami elbowed my side again. She turned around displeased.

Ehh, …even though I praised her already.

I don’t understand why she’s suddenly mad. During this time, she raised her phone above her shoulders and started shaking it.

“I already helped you to find where Imouto-chan is. That’s not the attitude you should give me, right?”

“Huh? When did you find her?”

“I sent a text in our class’s Line group and got replies right away.”

I see. That’s a way to do it. Kaju indeed did come to prepare for Tsuwabuki Fest as well. There should be many people who know her.

Also, I’m not in that Line group yet.

“Thanks. Then, where is Kaju-”

I reached my hand out. Yanami took her phone far away quietly.

“Eh? Tell me where Kaju is.”

“Nukumizu-kun, there’s something you should say first, right?”

“Hmm? Didn’t I thank you already?”

Yanami’s face immediately changed as she turned her head angrily.

…What did I do?

I don’t remember whether I made Yanami mad, but I remember her being pissed of fat me constantly before.

Let’s start with what’s in front of me first-

“Uh, you mean I didn’t take Yanami-san’s chocolate?”

She reacted. Yanami’s eyebrows’ raised. It looks like I’m right.

“That’s not actually what I meant. Look, there’s a flu going on recently, right? Also, we have a bunch of foreign visitors today. I think we should take preventive measures.”

I observed Yanami’s reaction and continued explaining.

“In other words, this is to prevent infections. I’m not saying the resident flora on Yanami-san’s hand has any problems. Even though people are different, resident flora can actually prevent other bacteria from growing if the situation is stable. That’s why their presence is actually good for humans.”

“O-Oh, …I thought you were going to say something else.”

Yanami nodded. Her face looks like she’s observing some kind of rare bird.

“Nukumizu-kun, that’s not the answer I want to hear at all, but I have received your feelings already.”

I don’t know what feelings she received, but it’s good that she got them.

Yanami pointed outside the gate.

“I’ve heard that she’s at the archery range. She’s with a girl from the same school. How about you check out that side?”

“Thanks. I’ll go now.”

I turned around and prepared to leave after saying that, yet I stopped once more.

“Yanami-san. Can you give me another piece of chocolate?”

“Eh? Sure.”

Yanami chuckled and handed me the box of chocolate.

“You actually think it’s good, right?”

“Nope, but it’s addicting.”

I put another chocolate into my mouth and walked out the gate.

A girl from the same school, huh? Kaju should be with Gondou-san, then.

I’m relieved they are hanging out together, yet my anxiety still hasn’t disappeared.

What’s waiting for me in the future- may not be a happy ending.

*

The archery range is located in an even deeper corner of the old building. It’s surrounded by trees.

I nearly bumped into someone while I was walking down the emergency stairs to go to the range.

“Kya!”

“Sorry- oh, isn’t this Teiara-san?”

“What do you mean by that? Also, please don’t call me by my first name.”

Teiara-san sighed in relief. She tidied her bangs and pretended nothing had happened.

“You’re here at the right time. Can I take a moment of yours?”

“Sorry, can we talk about this later? I’m still searching for my little sister.”

I took a step forward after saying that. In the end, Teiara-san followed me as well.

“Ara, I want to talk to your little sister as well.”

“...Eh? With Kaju?”

What is it? I looked at Teiara-san cautiously, yet she just fiddled with her bangs on purpose.

“I met her during the summer. She said she was pretty interested in Tsuwabuki’s student council. That’s why I want to invite her on a tour.”

Oh, I didn’t know you girls met during that summer trip.

But I don’t have time right now. Can she talk about this another time…?

“Uh, excuse me-”

“She’s truly outstanding. That’s Prez’s opinion of her.”

“...Really?”

Teiara-san nodded. Whatever. Let’s hear her out.

“She was already acting as a good leader even though it was only her first time meeting everyone. She also took care of people who weren’t fond of groups. What a thoughtful girl. Her admiration for Tsuwabuki and the most important part-

Teiara-san paused for a moment at this point. A gentle smile appeared on her face.

“It’s her love for her older brother. I’m deeply impressed. However, I didn’t expect her older brother to be you.”

She’s praising Kaju. Why do I have to make myself pissed?

No wonder the student council wants her in. Everyone thinks of Kaju highly.

“But my little sister is 2 years younger. She probably can’t work with you, right?”

Teiara-san nodded. She then looked around.

“-I’m preparing to participate in next year’s student council president election.”

“Ha?”

“I’ll recommend your little sister when it’s time for the next student council handover.”

She smiled faintly after that.

“Of course, I have to get elected as the president first.”

I’m still worrying about what’s happening today and tomorrow, but I didn’t expect Teiara-san to be considering next year already.

She sure loves to worry…

But that’s all she wanted to talk about. I should let Teiara-san avoid seeing this, right? I’ll probably talk about relationships and love with Kaju, after all.

I can already see the archery range. I stopped and faced Teiara-san.

“Basori-san, can you wait for a moment? There’s something really important I want to talk about after this. You should…”

“Ha, something very important?”

I realized we were in a gloomy corner of the old building.

Teiara-san immediately blushed in embarrassment.

“What!? T-This is what you mean by s-something important!?”

“Uh, I don’t understand what you’re trying to say, but it’s not what you think.”

“Why won’t it be!?”

Why is she mad? Teiara-san always has such a unique personality. It’s startling me. During this time, I heard noises of girls arguing from the range.

One of the voices belongs to Kaju. I won’t get it wrong.

“Sorry, I’ll be leaving!”

“Ah, hold on, Nukumizu-san!”

I dashed in the voices direction after leaving Teiara-san.

I ran into the woods and immediately saw two girls. They are Kaju and Gondou-san.

I don’t know what they are discussing, but they still seem to be arguing. The two of them are in a heated debate.

So, I dashed before the two of them-

*

Just as Nukumizu is being tangled by a very troublesome girl-

In a quiet corner near the archery range, there are trees everywhere.

Asami Gondou, a second-year student at Momozono Middle School, is standing there silently.

… Bowstring noises can be heard from time to time. A deep sound resonates subtly when the arrow hits its target.

A breeze flew across the woods. Asami shivered.

She turned around and looked upward at Tsuwabuki High School’s building.

She just dashed out of the room with a heavy heart. Then, she soon heard footsteps approaching her.

That’s the vice president of Monozono Middle School’s student council, Kaju Nukumizu.

Good grades and very popular among boys. The only thing she's not good at is running.

It sounds like a joke, but she really does have a fan club.

Kaju nearly tripped over while running in the forest. She stopped before Asami.

“Gon…-chan, …you’re here.”

Kaju put her hands before her chest and slowly adjusted her breathing.

“How did you know I was here, Nuku-chan?”

“I know Gon-chan likes to stay in quiet places. There are even trees as well.”

Kaju wanted to show a smile, but she couldn’t hide her sadness.

“Hey, Tachibana-kun just told sensei-”

“I’ll go join a club after getting into high school.”

Asami interrupted Kaju. She raised her head and looked at the archery range’s wall.

“Archery seems pretty nice, right? The arrow flies out. Whoosh. Sounds cool from just thinking about it-”

“Listen to me, Gon-chan! Uh…”

“-Did Satoshi get rejected?”

Asami said nonchalantly.

Kaju hesitated to speak up several times. She nodded in the end.

“...Tachibana-kun mustered up his courage and confessed to Amanatsu-sensei.”

“I know.”

Kaju pouted after hearing that cold answer.

“Gon-chan, you just ran away at that time.”

“What if I didn’t run away and Satoshi confessed anyway?”

“Yes…”

Asami’s expression is kind of smug and lonely at the same time.

Kaju doesn’t seem to understand her look. She slowly shook her head.

“Hey, shouldn’t you go and stay with Tachibana-kun?”

“...Leave him alone.”

“But Gon-chan has always been into Tachibana-kun-”

“Stop, alright?”

Asami made it clear this time.

“You’re making it sound like I’m just waiting for Satoshi to be rejected and use the opportunity to approach him-”

Asami turned her back to Kaju and mumbled.

“-Do you think I’m so miserable?”

The branches whistled in the wind. Her helpless words are blown away by the breeze.

Kaju stared at her for a while. She then carefully formulated her words.

“That’s not what Tachibana-kun thinks, right?”

“I know. This is my problem.”

Asami seems to have noticed her tone was a bit too strong.

She raised her head slightly and showed more of her side profile before whispering.

“..I didn’t say I want to be with Satoshi.”

“Really? But Tachibana-kun is such a nice person.”

“I feel like our current relationship is already good enough. I won’t mind if he has a girlfriend.”

“...Then why did you run out of the room?”

“That’s because…”

Asami turned around to face her.

She wanted to say something, yet nothing came to her mind. In the end, she just remained there silently.

“You don’t want to stay there because you know Tachibana-kun will be rejected by sensei, right?”

Asami didn’t answer. Kaju approached her.

“He’ll get taken away by someone if you do nothing. You know that, right? Also, you two are aiming for different schools! The two of you can’t always be together! Do you really think that’s good?”

Asami finally spoke up under Kaju’s pressure.

“I want to participate in club activities with him and chat about the weather together. That’s all I want.”

“You can’t do it.”

“...Eh?”

Kaju held Asami’s hands.

“Tachibana-kun can’t hang out with Gon-chan if he has a girlfriend. What if that girl is in a club as well? What if she’s also a member of the Gardening Club?”

Kaju sighed for a long while after saying that.

She wanted to say something else, yet Asami pulled a fast one.

“...You’re talking about your older brother, right?”

Kaju was the one who held her breath this time.

“Nuku-chan, didn’t you say this before? Your brother probably has a girlfriend. You can only stay with him for another year even if you get into Tsuwabuki. The two of you will go on separate paths eventually.”

“...Yeah.”

Kaju lowered her head. She held Asami’s hands even tighter.

“That’s why I don’t want Gon-chan to regret it. You two won’t be in the same high school. There’s a year left until graduation. I hope you can live through this time without any regrets.”

“...Nuku-chan, everything you said is just what you’re trying to force onto me, right?”

Kaju’s shoulders shivered after hearing that.

“You’re worried, so you’re trying to force me into worrying like you, right? You actually don’t want your older brother to have a girlfriend. Instead, you want to make him your own, right!?”

“That’s-”

Asami observed Kaju’s eyes from above.

“Nuku-chan, you’ve always loved your brother, right!? But you’ve never said it!”

“How can I say it!? Kaju is the little sister!”

Kaju let go of Asami’s hand and backed out.

“We can’t be together forever! Siblings will separate one day! Onii-sama will definitely meet a brilliant lover and spend the rest of his life with her!”

Her big eyes are flooded with tears. She seems to be talking to herself.

“But I know there’s nothing I can do! Kaju is satisfied as long as onii-sama is still next to me!”

“I’m the same, too! Nuku-chan, why can’t you just tell your brother how you’re feeling!?”

“I’ll just be bothering him with that! Onii-sama just thinks of Kaju as a little sister. He’s just spoiling his little sister!”

“No way you know that!”

“Kaju knows! It’s because onii-sama has a crush on-”

Kaju put her hands before her chest and took a deep breath.

“ A man!”

*

…Eh?

I ran before the two of them. That shocking reveal made me stand still.

I only heard the last sentence- but I actually have a crush on someone, and that person is a man as well?

I’ve never experienced these things firsthand before. That’s why I’m surprised to hear all that. Kaju soon noticed me. Her face went pale.

“O-Onii-sama!? W-When did you start listening to us!?”

“Huh? Uh, I want to ask about the love and hate thing you talked about in the beginning. …What does that mean?”

My brain is filled with 100% purity question marks. Then-

“Weel, u-uh- I forgot to turn off the stove back home. I’ll be leaving!”

“Eh!? Hold on.”

Uh, my head can’t follow the situation.

I found Kaju and saw her arguing with Gondou-san.

Then I found out I actually fell in love with a dude, and Kaju just went home in the end.

Also, what do I have to do with the three of them…?

I remained at the spot, not knowing what to do. Teiara-san chased me all the way here. She covered her mouth with a handkerchief and squatted down.

“What’s wrong, Teiara-san?”

“No, uh, n-nose bleed…”

…Why?

“Uh, are you alright?”

“I-I’m fine! Don’t worry about me!”

Even so, Teiara-san’s face looks really pale.

“Hey, Gondou-san. Sorry, this person-”

I turned around. She already disappeared. So, in other words…

Only Teiara-san and I remained in the woods behind the old building. Her nose is bleeding.

…What’s going on?

“Can you stand up? I can walk you back to the school.”

“I-I’m fine. Go after your little sister. Don’t worry about me.”

“No way I can leave you alone. It’s fine. My little sister should be home already.”

I reached my hand out to Teiara-san. She held it, yet her own hand shivered.

Even though Teiara-san has already been a rigid and stubborn girl, she’s very tame this time.

…If only she’s always like this.

*

I sent Teiara-san back to the student council office. It took way longer than I expected. The sun had already set when I got home.

I told the Literature Club people I would be going home on Line, but then I got text bombed by Komari. It looked like there were a lot she wanted to complain about. How about I just not show up to the club room tomorrow…?

I sighed and looked at the sky. The faint dusk has painted the horizon and is silently bearing with a stroke of dark blue. It’s almost like it’s in a rush to go home.

Ka-cha. I stood before the door. The sensor detected me, and the lights switched on.

I opened the lock as I thought about what I should tell Kaju.

-This story starts with Tachibana-kun’s hopeless feelings for Amanatsu-sensei.

Then the next part is about Kaju, Gondou-san, and Tachibana-kun. The story should revolve around the three of them.

Why did Kaju bring me up, then?

In other words, I just perceived these things as a story between the three people.

There must be a purer answer-

I immediately started worrying. After opening the door, I saw Kaju’s shoes placed tidily on the ground.

There seems to be no one on the first floor. Mom and Dad aren’t home yet, I guess.

I mentally prepared myself and walked up the stairs. I came to Kaju’s room door.

I knocked, but nobody answered. I opened it after a moment of hesitation. It’s very dark inside.

The lights in the hallway trickle into the room. Her room uses pink as the base color. It’s very girly. There’s even a poster of me on the wall. I think she got a new one…

Kaju sat on the floor and leaned on the side of the bed. She’s sleeping.

I finally sighed in relief after seeing her adorable sleeping face.

Right, she said she couldn’t sleep yesterday.

I turned on the lights in the dark and saw an album before Kaju.

The opened pages contain photos of Kaju and me. We were very young at the time.

…Oh, this was taken during Shichi-Go-San. I wore a hakama while Kaju was in a kimono. Both of us stood there with bright smiles.

I ate a lot of chitose ame and got tooth decay. I remember Kaju was really worried about me at the time. She roleplayed as a dentist. It was a lively day in the house. [TL: Chitose ame is a popular candy during Shichi-Go-San. It signifies healthy growth and long life.]

In my heart, Kaju hasn’t changed a lot. She’s still my cute little sister.

However, Kaju had slowly grown up before I knew it.

From now on, this album will have more photos of Kaju without me.

I hope Kaju can still smile inside the photos. However, she probably can’t hold her tears back off-camera, right?

The day when she cries in somebody else's arms instead of mine isn’t far away.

I think true family members are people who are willing to support me unconditionally whenever I want to stop and take a break.

I gently flipped through the album with my finger, yet I accidentally dropped several photos. A “sha” noise is made.

“Ugh, …ugh…”

This string of noises seems to be the last thing needed to wake her up.

A faint voice trailed out of Kaju’s lips. Her eyebrows twitched for a moment.

“Kaju, are you awake?”

“Onii-sama…?”

Kaju doesn’t seem to understand what’s happening. She rubbed her sleepy eyes.

“Kaju fell asleep, …ah, onii-sama!?”

Kaju seemed shocked for a moment. She then suddenly showed a disheartened look and grabbed my clothes.

“Onii-sama! I-In the school! When did you start listening to us!?”

“Eh? Ahh, I think it was from you said the person I loved was a man.”

“What about the part before that!? Did you hear what we said before that too!?”

“Hmm? I didn’t.”

“You didn’t…? Phew, …glad to hear that.”

Kaju sighed in relief.

Wait, if she could let me eavesdrop on something like that, don’t tell me there’s something bigger secret…?

“Right, Kaju. You said I’ve fallen in love with a man. What’s going on?”

Kaju pouted as she threw a fit.

“Please don’t play dumb. Kaju’s talking about the man who hung out with onii-sama during Christmas’s Eve.”

…? What is she talking about? Shikiya-san looks like a girl, no matter what-

“Did you see onii-chan meeting with that male senpai?”

“Yes. Both of you shared the same drink. You two looked so intimate.”

Kaju turned her head around.

“That senpai wanted dinner initially, but he got ghosted, so I just ate with him. There wasn’t anything else.”

“Then what’s with that couple’s straw?”

“That’s- think about it. It just happened like that. Kaju must have experienced it as well, right?”

“Nope.”

Yeah, I guess.

“Anyway, that senpai already has a girlfriend. They are so lovey-dovey. I’m just a replacement.”

“...Really?”

“Yes.”

Kaju stared at my face for a while. She sighed in satisfaction, yet she still had this complicated look.

“Right, Kaju. I want to talk about Tachibana-kun.”

“...Yes, that was unfortunate.”

Seeing the person she loves getting rejected makes her even more worried about him. This is the kind of girl Kaju is like.

However, the uncomfortableness of this is still at the bottom of my heart.

Kaju wasn’t the only one in the woods behind the school. Gondou-san was there too.

-Asami Gondou.

She’s a good friend of Kaju, and she seems to be an old acquaintance of Tachibana-kun as well.

Her alone is enough to take up my entire brain from all these complicated thoughts.

She ran away when Tachibana-kun confessed, and then she had a big argument with Kaju. It ended with Kaju being the one to run away from the scene.

She’s a character in this story as well.

I know- there’s a tinge of sadness in her eyes, and stubbornness, too.

“Sorry, onii-chan misunderstood you.”

I suddenly said that. Kaju shook her head.

“No, onii-sama isn’t at fault-”

“I thought Kaju was in love with Tachibana-kun, but I was wrong.”

Kaju’s head shivered a bit.

She hesitated to speak, so I reached my hand out and interrupted her before continuing.

“Gondou-san likes Tachibana-kun. I know that much. Kaju can understand what I understand as well. That’s why I think Kaju is really weird today.”

“...Weird?”

Kaju repeated in confusion. I nodded at her peacefully.

“I can absolutely tell something isn’t right if my little sister and her friend have fallen in love with the same person. She must be frustrated and upset. In the end, she will be the only one who gets hurt.”

I gently stroked Kaju’s head with my hand.

“So, if Gondou-san is in love with him, Kaju won’t have a crush on him. How was it? Onii-chan’s logic is pretty clear, right?”

“...Yes.”

Kaju looked like a child who just got caught pulling a prank. She plopped her head down in embarrassment.

“Kaju really just thinks of Tachibana-kun as a friend. I don’t like him romantically.”

“Yes, I know. It has nothing to do with Valentine’s Day when you invited Tachibana-kun today. You two had been talking about the open day in the beginning.”

Kaju nodded shamefully.

“What about that date in Toyokawa Inari then?”

“The two of us promised to go with Gon-chan before. A senpai was preparing for the exam. We wanted to get her a charm.”

I’ve been overthinking since the beginning.

I couldn’t help but give a wry smile.

“Then why did you say those things that were prone to over-imagination?”

“It’s because-”

Kaju lowered her head and pondered about it for a moment. She made up her mind and spoke up.

“Tachibana-kun called me when I was making chocolate that day. Onii-sama should know that, right?”

“Onii-sama had been suspecting the relationship between Kaju and him since then- so Kaju had a bad idea. I wanted onii-sama to keep misunderstanding.”

Kaju looked away awkwardly.

“Onii-sama doesn’t have friends, right? Kaju has been staying with onii-sama every day since we were little. Is onii-sama friendless because of Kaju?”

“I’m 100% at fault for why I’m friendless, right?”

She seemed to have treated my honest thought as a joke. She chuckled helplessly.

“That’s why Kaju is pleased when onii-sama got into high school, joined the Literature Club, and made many friends. Kaju probably doesn’t need to take care of onii-sama anymore if you can get a brilliant girlfriend, right? …Kaju is very worried whenever I think about this.”

Kaju flipped the album as she said.

“Kaju has been with onii-sama ever since I remember. Onii-sama has always been next to Kaju, whether I’m happy or sad. It’s natural to stay with your family, after all.”

Kaju peeled open the layer of the album and took a photo.

That was during the entrance ceremony of my elementary school. I stood before the school gate worriedly. The 4-year-old Kaju was crying with red eyes next to me.

Come to think of it- Kaju chuckled.

“Kaju thought onii-sama would never come home after getting into elementary school. I kept crying during the entrance ceremony.”

“I remembered. Kaju wouldn’t let me go that night.”

Kaju put the photo back and started turning the pages again.

She stopped her finger at the next photo. This one should be from around 3 years ago.

We took that while our family went to the beach.

The photo shows Kaju chasing after me with a starfish in her hand. I was running away with my pretty serious look.

“...Weren’t you too mean, Kaju?”

“Onii-sama really liked power rangers, so Kaju thought onii-sama would like starfishes.”

It does look like a weapon.

Kaju pointed at another photo. That was when Kaju first wore the uniform of Momozono Middle School. She took it with me as mementos.

Kaju hugged my arms with a bright smile while I looked pretty upset.

“Do you still remember? Onii-sama even argued with me since you didn’t want to be in the photo with Kaju.”

I remember it clearly.

I didn’t mind not having friends in middle school at all, yet I didn’t want Kaju to see me like that.

That’s why I couldn’t sincerely congratulate Kaju for being in the same middle school as me.

“...I was a brat before.”

I mumbled self-mockingly.

“Kaju is just a child as well. Kaju can see onii-sama slowly changing, so I’m overjoyed, but I feel a bit lonely too.”

Kaju put her head on my shoulder.

“That’s why Kaju wants- onii-sama to pay more attention to Kaju.”

Kaju’s silky black hair slid down. It’s tingling the back of my hand.

The weight on my shoulder has never changed.

Kaju has always been taking the same steps as me as we grow up.

However, from now on, we must go at our own paces as we become adults.

“...Oh, Kaju. What about Gondou-san?”

“What about her…?”

We solved a thing for now. Even though I wanted to say that, something else must be taken care of.

“Did she also support Tachibana-kun’s confession?”

“Not really, right? But-”

Kaju stuttered. I continued.

“She also knew Tachibana-kun would confess, right? Tachibana-kun couldn’t avoid falling in love with someone, but you shouldn’t ask her to help with the confession, okay?”

“But Tachibana-kun likes sensei. Amanatsu-sensei is a serious person. She would definitely reject him. Kaju did this because I knew that.”

…No, that person is way too dangerous. Tachibana-kun would be dead if he confessed 4 years later.

“Gon-chan said it’s okay to keep things as they are. She even said she didn’t want to confess to Tachibana-kun even though there are other girls who like him too.”

Anxiety. It’s not like I can’t understand how she feels.

But why did Kaju spend so much effort intervening in someone else's relationship to the point of ignoring their wishes?

“She already agrees with keeping things as they are. This is a yes, right?”

“Really? Is that what onii-sama thinks?”

I nodded silently. Kaju’s eyes started floating around out of nervousness.

“Kaju and them will be in our 3rd year in April. The entrance exam is right around the corner. Everyone will bid farewell after getting into high school-”

Kaju crossed her fingers and held them tightly.

“Gon-chan will definitely regret it if she doesn’t make a move. The two of them will be in different high schools. They will see each other less and less. Many people eventually break up even when they go out. If this continues…”

I stroked Kaju’s head as I asked her gently.

“-So, you let Gondou-san into this plan to stimulate her?”

Kaju’s shoulders suddenly trembled.

“Kaju…doesn’t want to see Gon-chan being upset. They can’t be together if this keeps up, and they won’t talk to each other anymore- it scares me from just thinking about it.”

I finally realized it after seeing Kaju’s anxious look.

-Kaju projected our relationship to the two of them.

The Kaju in my eyes. The “me” in Kaju’s eyes.

Our parents have to work. That’s why I’m the one who has spent the longest time with Kaju.

However, my ranking will definitely drop from now on.

Who will be with Kaju at the time? I don’t know, but I would be lying if I said I wouldn’t feel lonely.

“...Is Kaju worried as well?”

“...Yes.”

I patted my kneecaps silently.

Kaju immediately sat on my lap in excitement.

“A lot of things will gradually change in the future, and I’m also worried. I want to keep things as they are with Kaju if you wish to as well.”

“...Really?”

I patted Kaju’s head instead of answering.

“But Kaju has been born for 14 years. The times that Kaju and I’ve spent together will never change, right?”

Kaju raised her head and looked at my face quietly.

“For example, I’m patting Kaju’s head right now. This will become the past in the next second. That’s why it’s something nobody can touch nor change.”

I stroked Kaju’s head gently once more.

“Don’t worry about it. There are many memories between us siblings, and nobody can touch them. This won’t change even if we aren’t together in the future- even if you have found that special someone.”

“...Yes.”

Kaju nodded helplessly.

“Perhaps there are a lot of memories between Gondou-san and Tachibana-kun that only they can talk about. No one else can make a decision for her.”

“But, onii-sama, won’t Gon-chan regret it if this goes on?”

I shook my head. There’s no correct answer in interpersonal relationships.

We make mistakes and keep them as memories. Sometimes, we forgive each other, and other times we don’t.

I think this process should continue.

“Maybe Kaju is right. Maybe Gondou-san will regret it one day- however, just because it’s right doesn’t mean it’s the correct answer.”

Kaju tried to say something, but I interrupted her and pressed on.

“She’s your best friend, right? It’s best for you to have a nice, long talk with her.”

“...Yes, Kaju will go to school and talk to her tomorrow.”

Finally, Kaju cleared her thoughts and leaned on my shoulder.

“Please hold Kaju like when we were little, onii-sama.”

Eh, have I done something like that before?

I can’t remember- now’s not the time to talk about that. So, I hugged Kaju from behind.

Kaju pressed her palm against mine as she chuckled gently. She looks like a child.

…I felt the warmth on my kneecaps, and yet another question came to mind.

“Come to think of it, where’s your chocolate? You spent so much effort on it. So, you’re giving it to someone instead of me, right-”

“Onii-sama already got a bunch of chocolate in school even if Kaju didn’t give you any, right?”

Kaju’s cheeks pouted like a pufferfish. She elbowed me.

“If onii-sama has received so many honmei chocolates already, it would be miserable for Kaju to give you another one. Kaju has a girl’s self-esteem too.”

“Wait, I didn’t get any honmei chocolate.”

Kaju overestimated me, as usual. I couldn’t help but smile bitterly.

“...Onii-sama didn’t get any chocolate? Not even from Komari-san?”

Kaju’s eyes bulged in disbelief.

“Everyone brought chocolate. It was for the visitors, but that was all. I did get an obligatory chocolate-”

“You got it!? From who!?”

Kaju dashed toward me in excitement. I pushed her away forcefully.

“It’s from Asagumo-san. She has a boyfriend, so this is a 99.9% obligatory chocolate.”

“...It’s not 100%?”

“When you buy a lottery ticket, you will wonder how you’re going to spend the money after winning, right? This is as important as that 0.1% possibility. For example, what if the person who gave me chocolate was Asagumo-san’s twin sister? It’s just that I don’t know her. Think about this setting, okay?”

“I…see?”

Kaju rubbed the spot between her eyes with her fingers. However, she doesn’t seem to want to ponder about it any longer.

She wobbled as she stood up and took out something from the desk’s drawer.

She hid it behind her and sat down in front of me.

“Hmm, …onii-sama, I’ll confirm it for the last time. Onii-sama didn’t receive any honmei chocolate, right?”

“Yeah, I didn’t.”

Kaju fidgeted as she lowered her hand and handed out a small bag. The package looks very cute.

“This is honmei little sister chocolate! Please take it!”

I took the bag puzzledly. The transparent bag is filled with Kaju’s chocolates.

“...Are these for me? Didn’t you say you weren’t giving them to onii-chan?”

“It’s because onii-sama didn’t receive any honmei chocolate, right? That means onii-sama has accepted Kaju for giving you honmei little sister chocolate this year!”

I see. It would be unreasonable for me to try and be logical before a concept as mysterious as little sister chocolate.

Kaju blushed really hard. I gently stroked her head.

“Thank you. I’ll try them out with my heart.”

“Okay, onii-sama!”

Kaju’s energetic voice echoed through the room.

-During this time, a familiar car engine noise can be heard outside the window.

“Dad and Mom are back.”

“Yeah, I need to make dinner.”

Kaju held my hand tightly as she stood up.

We finally got the most urgent things out of the way now. Tachibana-kun’s love is over. Kaju is smiling. Amanatsu-sensei is now a bit popular.

Even though the Valentine’s Day incident is over, it’s still lurking in our daily lives.

I followed Kaju as we prepared to leave the room. Kaju held the handle, yet she stopped.

“What’s wrong, Kaju? Are we not going out?”

“Onii-sama just said Kaju should give the chance to them if Kaju has fallen in love with the same person as my friend, right?”

Kaju mumbled quietly as she faced me with her back.

“Eh? Yeah, I did.”

“...It’s probably a little different.”

Hmm? What is she talking about?

Kaju turned around and straightened her back-

She gave me a kiss on my cheeks.

“Hey!? What are you doing, Kaju!?”

Kaju immediately backed away from me. She pointed at her face.

“There’s some chocolate on onii-sama’s cheeks. Kaju helped you wipe it off.”

“Ehhhh, you’re overstepping your bounds.”

“Hehe, make sure to keep it a secret from Mom, you know?”

Kaju said that as her smile blossomed.

I silently shook my head.

-I can only admit defeat if she’s already smiling so much.

*

The next day is a Monday. The west winds are unexpectedly quiet today.

The northern sky has several stratus clouds floating around.

Municipal Momozno Middle School. The pure morning sunlight is beaming into the Gardening Club’s greenhouse from the ceiling. Asami Gondou- Gon-chan is facing a pot under the sun.

Ka-chak. A pleasing noise can be heard from the gardening scissors.

Gon-chan stared at the branch for a while. She made up her mind and reached her scissors out again.

Creak. The old door of the greenhouse is opened. It’s making noises.

The person who poked her head behind the door is- Kaju Nukumizu.

“Gon-chan, can you hear Kaju out…?”

“There’s fertilizer over the ground there. Watch out.”

Kaju nodded silently. She avoided the bag next to her foot and approached Gon-chan.

“Hey, Gon-chan…”

“Bonsai is all about imitating the scenes in nature inside a pot. Check it out from this side.”

Gon-chan suddenly said that before waving toward Kaju and asking her to come here.

Kaju approached her in confusion. Her eyes squinted as she looked at the plant.

“Scenes- it feels like a miniature model.”

Gon-chan raised her head. She seems to be formulating her words.

“Very close, but there are some differences. A bonsai requires time to care for its trunk, branches, and leaves. These things will slowly turn into a scenery at last.”

Gon-chan looked at the horizontally-growing branches and mumbled to herself.

“...This bonsai is as old as us.”

“Has it lived for 14 years already?”

Gon-chan nodded in agreement.

How long has it been? Not even Gon-chan and Kaju know. However, to them, this period is enough to cover everything they ever have.

“The teacher who left this to me once said you could never get a good look if you tried to trim trees into the shape you wanted. However, those unexpected branches- turn into beautiful scenery sometimes.”

Ka-chak. Gon-chan cut off the tip of the branch.

She stared at the cut briefly before gently putting down the scissors.

“...I would be pretty sad if Satoshi got a girlfriend.”

“Yeah, so-”

“However, you would be wrong to say I wanted to go out with him right now.”

Kaju wanted to say something, yet she kept her mouth shut.

Gon-chan slowly shook her head.

“The Satoshi next to me has always liked a teacher since he was young. This guy is such an idiot. He’s very loyal. If I confess to Satoshi and he changes his mind because of this, he won’t be the Satoshi I know, right?”

“So, …you mean Kaju misunderstood you?”

Gon-chan couldn’t stop her lips from curling up after hearing the unexpected words.

“Perhaps. So, I’ll be very glad if you can pretend you didn’t see anything.”

“...Yeah, sorry, Gon-chan.”

“I should be the one to apologize. Sorry to make you worry about me.”

The sun is already up before they know it. The whole greenhouse is really bright.

Kaju looked around before taking a step toward Gon-chan.

“...Hey, Gon-chan. Can you hear me out?”

Gon-chan agreed. Kaju took out a delicately-decorated small pink box.

“Kaju made friendship chocolate. Gon-chan, can you take it?”

“For me? Are you sure?”

“Yes, Kaju hopes Gon-chan can take it.”

Gon-chan took her chocolate and handed the gardening scissors to Kaju in return.

“Try to use it and trim these branches.”

“Eh? Can Kaju do it?”

Kaju took the scissors carefully.

“It’s okay. It doesn’t matter, even if it doesn’t look good. As long as you have fun.”

Kaju seemed startled. Gon-chan then gently stroked her head.

She stood before the pot nervously.

“There are iron wires on these branches. What are they for?”

“Adjusting the shape of the branches. The branches will get more sunlight that way. It’s good for ventilation as well. The trees hibernate during the winter, and that’s when we use the wires.”

“You install iron wires every year? This must be why the bonsai looks like this right now.”

Gon-chan nodded and touched the branches gently.

“But its shape can’t be changed easily even with the wires.”

“Really?”

Gon-chan stared at the rough trunk lovingly.

“It will slowly grow up with time. Sometimes it makes the owner satisfied, and other times it's unexpected. It only has its current form after a lengthy trial of time.”

“After a lengthy trial of time-”

Kaju realized it after hearing that.

No matter how the future turns out to be, it requires a lengthy trial of time.

Her brother’s future. Her own future. The siblings will eventually go on separate paths.

But these are strongly connected to the times the two of them have spent together.

“...Bonsai is kind of interesting.”

“Really? I can teach Nuku-chan anytime if Nuku-chan is into it.”

Gon-chan’s eyes are sparkling. Kaju nodded and grabbed the scissors again.

“Well, can I cut this part off?”

Asami quickly reached her hand out when Kaju put the scissors on the branch.

“Can you raise the scissors higher?”

“This should be okay, right?”

“Ah, move it a little over to that side of the branch-”

Gon-chan couldn’t help but intervene. So, Kaju’s lips curled down. She put her hands on her waist.

“Sheesh, Gon-chan said I could do it myself.”

Indeed.

Even though she may regret it. Even though she may cry.

She should tread every step determinedly as long as it’s the path she has chosen. This is what she has decided.

“Sorry.”

Gon-chan gave a wry smile. She raised her hands and surrendered.

“-The result is fine no matter how it grows, right?”

Epilogue: The Past and the Future

The second day of the open day is a Monday. I repeat. It’s a Monday.

I missed an excellent opportunity to rest during the weekend, and now I have to endure a whole week of school. I feel very pissed on a Monday morning. Perhaps this is why Amanatsu-sensei’s personality is like this…

I put my hand on my chin as I became lost in thought during homeroom.

“Alright, that’s all of the notice.”

Amanatsu-sensei’s crisp voice dragged me back to reality.

I sat upright to avoid her calling my name. However, sensei is in a very good mood today.

“We had the open day yesterday. Many students look like they will have a bright future.”

Sensei smiled nonchalantly as she leaned forward on the podium.

“I mean, a teacher will bump into all kinds of things. Yep, they are mature women, right? Anyway, their bodies are radiating with attraction to those puberty boys. Yep, I know what they are thinking.”

…Don’t tell me she’s talking about Tachibana-kun.

However, I don’t think she has encountered such a situation before. I guess she couldn’t help but feel a little excited.

“You guys should’ve admired a beautiful onee-san before, but sensei probably won’t say yes. Ahaha.”

Amanatsu-sensei didn’t care about the dead atmosphere in the classroom at all. She kept talking about love (?).

I don’t want to hear the story about how sensei was once popular at all. So, I ignored her and thought about the Valentine’s Day that just passed by.

…I finally got chocolate this year.

Even though it’s just a single one, and it’s also an obligatory chocolate, I can’t doubt it, this is already a big step in progress.

I didn’t receive any chocolates from the Literature Club members, but it would be troublesome to give them something back. It’s not ridiculous to say it’s better for me to have not gotten anything. I’m serious.

“-Anyway, you guys are about to be second-year students. The split into science subjects and literature subjects is about to happen, and all of you will be in different classes as well. Don’t think you still have a lot of time before graduation. There’s only one shot as a first-year and second-year student. Treasure the moment. Don’t regret it like sensei.”

I then realized sensei suddenly drove the conversation toward depression.

The story where sensei was once popular is emptier than expected.

She cheered herself up and slammed the attendance table on the podium.

“Alright, cheer up for this week as well, folks!”

*

Club room, after school.

The three girls in the Literature Club looked at each other and dropped their jaws after hearing what happened yesterday.

“I didn’t expect Tachibana-kun to be into Amanatsu-sensei. …I see. …I feel bad for him…”

Yanami mumbled deeply as she chewed kaki no tane. [TL: Small, crescent-shaped rice crackers.]

“Tachibana-kun is that boy who went on a walk with Nukkun in the boulevard, right? You can never judge a book by its cover.”

Yakishio nodded with a gripper in her hand.

Komari looked at the two of them and showed a worried expression.

“I-Is that teacher that scary…?”

“Amanatsu-chan is a good teacher. It’s just that she’s a bit…”

Yanami seemed to have noticed my glance. She shook her bag of kaki no tane. It made a “sha sha” noise.

“Nukumizu-kun wants some too?”

“Ah, no thanks. Right, are you sure you’re fine after eating so many sweets yesterday? Didn’t you say you were going to start losing weight?”

“I’ve already started losing weight.”

Yanami said that as she kept sending kaki no tane into her mouth.

Is this girl trying to change the concept of losing weight again?

“Also, I ate nothing in the morning and noon yesterday. It’s okay.”

“But it’s pointless when you ate so many sweets, right…?’

My point hits the mark. Yanami shrugged helplessly.

“Sigh, alright, Nukumizu-kun doesn’t know anything about losing weight, after all. How about I teach you?”

“...Well, if you say so, go ahead and teach me.”

Yanami answered my dazed look with a smug face.

“The truth about losing weight is tricking your body.”

She said something strange, as expected.

“It means you have to trick your body by not giving it a chance to be fat. The body will lower its guard without any proper meals. That’s when you can eat snacks. Snacks contain less sugar than actual meals. It’s the same as fasting.”

…I feel like her theories are getting more supernatural by the day.

“Uh, the burnt calories aren’t that different, right? Such irregular eating habits will lower the rate of metabolism. It’s going to make losing weight even harder, right?”

“It’s really fine. I’ve tried this method 5 times, and it worked twice.”

The probability of failure is even higher.

In the end, she just wants to treasure this precious success. I should stop complaining.

“N-Nukumizu-kun, here’s your l-little sister’s club magazine.”

Komari handed me the three club magazines Kaju and her friends forgot to take.

Come to think of it, the three of them went home without coming back to the club room.

I tried to take the magazine, but Komari didn’t let go.

“Eh, what’s wrong?”

“...D-Did something happen between you and your little sister?

“Didn’t I just tell you before? I said she helped Tachibana-kun to meet Amanatsu-sensei.”

I used the opportunity to take the club magazine.

Yanami and the girls still don’t know I argued with Kaju.

I don’t expect other people to understand this. I don’t have to tell anyone, anyway.

“Nukkun, your little sister doesn’t have a crush, you know? But you don’t seem too happy about it.”

“Yeah, I guess…”

I looked away from Yakishio’s eyes and opened the club magazine.

It’s the page that contains Kaju’s novel.

The siblings still go their separate ways at the end of the story, but the time they spend together will never disappear.

The brother heads to a new world, while the little sister is left in her daily life.

I wonder how Kaju felt when she wrote this novel-

The club room’s door opened as if it was to interrupt my thoughts.

“Onii-sama, Kaju is here!”

Huh!? I immediately dropped my jaws. Kaju- dashed onto my lap right away.

She sat on my lap and hugged my neck with both of her hands.

“Wait, why are you here!? Also, don’t you have to go to class?”

Kaju didn’t flinch at my questions at all. She showed the ID beneath her chest.

“Hehe, please look at this.”

There’s an ID hanging on Kaju’s neck. The word “Temporary Entry” is printed above.

Then, the issuer is- the student council.

“Student council…? Kaju, why do you have this?”

“Tsuwabuki High School’s student council allowed me to watch their duties up close.”

“Uh, …it should be just for today, right?”

Kaju smiled and hugged my neck tightly.

“Prez really likes Kaju. She said Kaju can come whenever I want.”

…In other words-

“I’ll be in your care from now on, onii-sama.”

With that, Kaju rubbed my cheeks with her head.

Ah, …is she going to come in and out of Tsuwabuki from now on?

“Hold on, calm down.”

I pulled Kaju away.

“Kaju is pretty calm, you know?”

“Then listen to me. You’re still busy with the student council work in your middle school, right?”

“Yes, I’ll do my best to balance both sides.”

…Oh, she’ll do her best?

Kaju poked her head out and stared into my eyes just as I struggled to think of a way to convince her.

“Kaju understood something after hearing onii-sama out yesterday.”

“Understood something?”

“Yes, Kaju understood it completely. It’s torturous to not be willing to face the present out of fear of what’s going to happen in the future. The memories in the past are what made us where we are right now. That’s why Kaju has decided to experience as many beautiful histories as we can with onii-sama.”

“It looks like you have already made up your mind.”

“Yes, Kaju has already made up my mind.”

…This will be tough.

I stared around for help. The three girls gave me a dumbfounded look.

“Nukumizu-kun, we’re in the club room right now. Can you hold yourself back?”

“Uh, congrats.”

“G-Go die.”

…Yep, I didn’t expect them to say anything good, anyway.

I’m a bit hopeless. Kaju answered them with a smile.

“Right, I baked some madeleine cakes for everyone.”

“Welcome, Imouto-chan!”

Yanami has immediately fallen.

“Komari-san, you can come to our house to play any time as well! I’ve already prepared a new bath agent.”

“Really!? T-Then- I-I got it.”

Komari lowered her head sheepishly.

Yanami immediately showed a serious look after hearing that.

“Bath agent…? Komari-chan, can you tell us more about this?”

“Eek!? N-No! N-Nukumizu was the one who filled the tub-”

“Huh?”

What’s with this lethal ball pass?

Yakishio was the one who stared at me displeasedly this time.

“...Nukkun, what did you do to Komari-chan?”

“This is a misunderstanding! Kaju, help me explain as well!”

Kaju smiled and nodded. Great, I’ll leave it to you-

“Kaju will support whatever onii-sama does! Please go ahead and be wild!

“What the hell did you do!?” (x2)

Yanami and Yakishio yelled at the same time.

I didn’t do anything. I don’t deserve this.

…………

…Yeah, exactly. I didn’t do anything wrong at all.

I hugged Kaju and stood up.

“That’s not important. Let’s put that aside and start today’s club activities! First of all, let’s summarize yesterday’s tour.”

“What do you mean by putting that aside…?”

Yanami took a bite of the madeleine cake and gave me a ferocious stare.

It’s pretty scary, but I’ve anticipated all of this.

I thought Komari would continue and skip over the bath incident.

I can immediately talk about the activity after she took over, and then we can forget-

“N-Not important…? G-Go die!”

“I’m disappointed in you, Nukkun!”

…My plan has been foiled. Even Yakishio is looking at me like I’m a criminal, not to mention Komari.

How did this happen? I didn’t do anything, right…?

I faced the three girls’ scolding and looked up at the ceiling. During this time, Kaju whispered something next to my ear.

“We’ll always be together from now on- onii-sama.”

[TL: This is the end of Vol.5. There’s no news about Vol.6 yet, but the author tweeted about Makeine getting an official English release. The date and publisher aren’t confirmed yet. However, generally, fan translations stop when a light novel gets licensed. We’ll keep going if Vol.6 is out before the English version is officially announced. In the meantime, there are a ton of special intermissions peppered between Vol.4 and Vol.5. We’ll do those while continuing the manga scanlations. Don’t expect them to be as frequent as before, though. I graduated, and now I need to find a job, lol. See you soon, hopefully.]

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