vol. 3 ch. 4.1

It's been 3 days since Tsuwabuki Fest ended.

The aftertaste of the festival has disappeared completely as well. You can get a subtle feel of winter after school.

Right now, I'm facing Komari in the club room.

"Well, Komari. Let's try it from the start one more time, alright?"

Komari nodded and started reading from the notes on her phone.

"I-I-I! I-I'm the p-president of the Literature Club, …K-Komari!"

She finally finished reading it. Komari wiped the sweat off her forehead and showed a cheerful smile.

"I-I finally managed to s-say it properly!"

Does this count as saying it properly…?

I swallowed what I was about to say back down.

In situations like this, accumulating small successful experiences is essential.

"Yeah, I can feel that you're getting better. I guess you'll be fine at the president's meeting this weekend, right?"

I said that irresponsibly before sitting on a chair and opening my book.

"B-But I-I'm still not c-confident enough to s-speak when others are l-looking."

Is she not satisfied? Komari mumbled quietly. I closed the book after shoving a bookmark in it.

…Komari has been practicing her self-introduction for the president's meeting this weekend.

Unfortunately, this week is also the Literature Club's turn for an activity report.

"I can go in your place if you don't want to."

"Y-You can't!"

Komari lowered her head. It's like she was surprised by how loud her voice was.

"I-I have to go, so…"

Komari repeatedly quietly before dropping herself on the chair.

…Objectively, Komari is extremely bad at talking to an unfamiliar person.

Also, the presidents there will mostly be second-year students. I don't think Komari can speak normally around a bunch of older, unfamiliar students.

"Then, at least let me do the activity report."

"T-This will be meaningless if you do that."

We repeated the same conversation several times.

Accepting the position equals preparing yourself to be on the stage, right? However-

"The meeting will be in this weekend. It's fine for me to go in your place for once, right?"

With a stiff face, Komari attempted to retort. Then, at that moment, the club room's door was slammed open.

"-Stop fighting, you two. I've heard everything."

Yanami appeared. She sat on the chair after putting her school bag on the table.

"Yanami-san, did you hear everything?"

"Oh, sorry. I just said that because the mood felt like it. What were you two talking about?"

Ah, sheesh, stop causing more trouble.

I quickly explained what had happened.

"Hmm, practice then."

Straightforward.

"We are practicing. But social anxiety can't be cured suddenly. That's what I want to go-"

"This is why I don't like this part of you, Nukumizu-kun."

Yanami shrugged dumbfoundedly.

"The new president is already trying so hard. Why are you saying that? Right, Komari-chan?"

Komari repeatedly nodded as if she deeply understood.

'F-Forgive him. N-Nukumizu is a man of t-this level, after all."

When did these girls get so close?

Yanami leaned toward Komari.

"Well, let's practice in front of other people. We'll train you until you're used to it. How about Toyohashi Station in the evening?"

You think this is Sparta or what?

"I-If we can find a place that no one can see."

Komari rivaled Yanami by saying comparably utter nonsense as well. During this time, Yanami clapped her hands.

"We have a day off tomorrow because of Tsuwabuki Fest, right? I have an idea. How about the three of us go out together?"

"I-Idea…?"

Komari grew cautious. She curled her back like a hamster.

"Hmm, even though I haven't figured out the details yet, leave it to me."

Yanami said that quickly and started humming. She's on her phone now.

Eh, …although I'm not really interested, I don't think I can sit this one out.

It's a rare day off, after all. This is such a pain, but I guess it can't be helped if it's for the Literature Club.

"Uh, if Komari looks so excited, then…"

Ah, Komari is glaring at me with a very, very disgusted expression. She's staring daggers at me.

In other words, she doesn't want to go, right? However, Yanami is very troublesome at times like this…

"Oh, the weather will be nice too. Well, you two, make yourselves free tomorrow morning."

"Ah, sure. Got it."

I decided to obey her.

…So, please stop glaring at me like this, Komari.

*

Herds of clouds can be seen in the blue sky upon raising your head.

Yanami, Komari, and I utilized the day off for Tsuwabuki Fest. We're at Toyohashi City Zoo and Botanical Park.

According to Yanami's "idea", getting used to people means starting with animals. Her plan is for Komari to practice reading to animals first.

After going around the zoo, we're at the feeding area.

A herd of sheep is stocking around. This place is filled with realism. I can really feel myself belonging in this place.

The sheep leisurely ate the hay I handed over. Everything is so real.

"Oh, Nukumizu-kun. The sheep like you."

Yanami kept her distance from the herd as she took photo after photo.

"This is just because I'm feeding them. Look, that's what we call being brutally loved by animals."

I pointed at Komari. Sheep are surrounding her.

Also, there's no way for her to break out of the encirclement.

"Nukumizu-kun, aren't you going to help her?"

"These sheep are huge. I get nervous from watching them. Also, their pitch-black pupils are rectangular."

"Well, it's a zoo, after all."

Yanami slowly approached a sheep and buried her hand into the fur.

"Uwah, sheep fur feels warm."

"Hey, does this still count as practicing? I feel like we're just here to have fun."

We were watching a family of elephants and red pandas standing up. No training was done at all.

Ignoring my worries, Yanami chuckled refreshingly.

"Komari-chan has been very nervous, right? Isn't it nice to change the mood and go to another place?"

"I think staying home is a better option for her."

"Being alone makes you overthink when troubled. Komari-chan is a sensitive girl like I do."

A sensitive girl. …Is she trying to make me diss her on purpose?

The herd went to Komari's side when I hesitated.

"Komari-chan will be fine, right? The sheep won't squeeze her into a corner, right?"

"Komari said she wanted to touch cute little animals. That's why we brought her to the feeding area. We shouldn't bother her."

I snapped out of it. All of the sheep have gathered around Komari.

Komari raised her hand and attempted to escape from the herd fighting over food.

-This is a terrible reaction. The herd will only be more intense if you don't feed them quickly.

"Little animals. …Doesn't Komari-chan want to touch things like rabbits and guinea pigs? There's a feeding area for rabbits nearby."

Oh, there is? I looked at the map again. Indeed, the rabbit feeding area is right next to us.

…I see. I messed up.

After looking up from the map, Komari is about to be swallowed by the sea of fluffy sheep.

This girl's moans are as adorable as always. I thought about that as I promptly headed there to save Komari.

*

Komari's mood didn't improve even after I saved her from the herd of sheep.

"Y-You cold-hearted guy. Y-You just left me to die there…

"I can't help it. Their dark eyes are rectangular, you know?"

Also, I was the one who saved you in the end. You should appreciate me.

Well, but today is a reward for Komari, I guess. We comforted her as we observed cute animals. Her mood gradually turned better.

Yanami walked between Komari and me as she opened the map.

"Seeing sun bears really makes me excited and nervous, you know? Well, where are we going next?"

We have conquered the ostrich zone and the small-clawed otter zone. Hmm, the only one left is-

"How about the nocturnal zone? Forest dormice are cute, hmm?"

"W-We have to check out anteaters there. Y-You're so tasteless."

Yeah, my hobbies don't match this girl at all.

Yanami swayed her fingers before me chicly. "Tch, tch."

"Nukumizu-kun, ladies go first in this case. Komari-chan, where do you actually want to go?"

"Eh? F-For me, …I want to go to the b-botanical park."

Yanami tilted her head confusedly.

"The botanical park? But you can't eat any fruit there, you know? Are you sure it's fine?"

It's fine.

Komari and I nodded silently yet forcefully.

*

The botanical section is located at the northwestern corner of the park.

Komari looked around as we strolled on the outdoor promenade.

"B-By the way, where did Yanami go?"

"Yanami said she's getting snacks to lose weight."

"Heh? W-What does that mean?"

"Eating more means going thinner for her. Don't worry about her reasoning behind it."

"A-Ah, …I-I see."

That's right. I'm so glad that you understand.

I raised my head. A Japanese tit is flying around in the forest.

"I don't really come here since I used to visit the greenhouses in the past, but this feels peaceful."

"I-I like here more too. The botanical park is tranquil outside."

It's November. The warm sunlight is pleasing.

Komari is stepping on the stone stairs. She's secretly making rhythms with her feet.

"Camellias are blossoming? Aren't those supposed to blossom during winter?"

"Those are sasanqua."

Eh, are they different flowers? Komari looked at me dumbfoundedly.

"T-Totally different. L-Look at the shape of the leaves and the structure of the pedals."

I don't get it at all. I'm pretty confident in identifying hamsters, though…

We continued walking dazedly along the promenade decorated with autumn roses. Komari suddenly stopped.

"H-Hey, …c-can you practice with me for a bit?"

"Here?"

"Y-Yeah, …I-I want to raise the difficulty a little since we are always in the club room."

Komari pointed at a bench next to the tree roots.

She's right. The botanical park isn't a crowded place. It's okay for her to practice here.

I promptly sat down. Komari took out a piece of crumbled paper from her pocket.

"W-Well, I-I'll start."

Komari stood before me and coughed.

"I-I'm the n-new president of the L-Literature Club, C-Chika Komari. N-Nice to meet you!"

She's running out of breath at the end there.

"H-How did I do…?"

"Eh? Yeah, it's much better than before."

"I-I see."

Komari is overjoyed. She sat on the other side of the bench.

"I-I'll take a short break."

…Indeed, it's much better than before. While that's good-

"Komari can speak normally to Yanami-san and me, right? How come you start stuttering during practice?"

"I-It's because there will be a lot of p-people I don't know. I-I'm about to faint just from imagining it…."

Komari held the paper tightly. She quickly snapped out of it and tried to smoothen the wrinkles.

"T-There's also the activity report. S-So, I have to keep it up."

Komari started reading from the draft in her hand quietly.

…Next to her, I looked at the leaves above my head.

Peeking from the foliage, the sky above is endless with thin pieces of clouds. Summer has passed without a trace.

The third-year senpais have departed. They left four first-year kouhais in the club.

Even though this still doesn't feel realistic, honestly, I'm anxious.

-Sha. The tree branches are shaking in the wind.

Birds are gently chirping as if they are answering Komari's voice.

The atmosphere is unusually tranquil. I saw Komari's struggling side profile.

Come to think of it, this is the only expression Komari has displayed recently.

The senpais entrusted the Literature Club to Komari.

Then, they entrusted the responsibility of supporting Komari to me. Yet, I wasn't able to do anything until Komari fainted.

-Komari tiptoed and reached her hand out in the evening classroom.

That image blew across my brain for some reason.

Komari has always been alone in my memory.

Even though she knows she can't reach it, she's still trying her best to reach her hand out.

"...Alright, please let me do the activity report, okay?"

I said it.

Komari raised her head tremblingly.

"I-I told you I w-would do it…"

"The meeting is the day after tomorrow, right?"

Frustration mounted.

But this isn't because of Komari, instead-

"I-I know, b-but…"

"This won't work out in the end. I'm not good at doing things like this either, but can't you let me do something for you?"

Komari hesitated to speak up. I continued before she could.

"The activity report is just reading from the draft. Don't push yourself. Leave it to me-"

At this point, I finally realized I had made a mistake.

Komari's eyes turned gloomy.

"P-Pushing yourself, …w-why do you always say things l-like that?"

Komari glared at the paper. She tried her best to muster her voice.

"No, that's not what I meant…"

"I-I know this is easy for Nukumizu, b-but I've been trying my best to practice j-just to say it bit by bit."

Her petite body is shivering.

"I'm not rejecting everything Komari has ever done. I know Komari has been working hard to become a proper president too, but at least let me-"

"I-I don't want to be the president at all!"

Komari sprung up.

"I-I've always been calling Tamaki-senpai as Prez. E-Even though I did everything I could to let them become memories. B-But, r-right now, m-my brain feels dizzy whenever people call me Prez…"

Komari's tears fell next to her legs.

I get the hallucination that Komari's body is slowly growing smaller and smaller with every drop of tears.

"...Komari. We can discuss this with everyone if you think being the president is too much of a burden."

"I-I'm the only one who can do it, right!?"

She cried.

I was speechless after hearing her heartbreaking voice.

Her shoulders are trembling. Komari took several deep breaths before turning around and leaving.

I stood up and tried to follow her. Komari yelled without turning her back.

"D-Don't follow me!"

Her clear rejection petrified my legs.

I stood still until Komari disappeared before me.

"Thanks for the wait. You're here, Nukumizu-kun."

The usual cheerful voice pulled me back to reality.

I looked at Yanami's face as if I had just woken up.

"Yanami-san. A-Actually…"

"Eh, where did Komari-chan go?"

Yanami looked around with fritters in her hand.

"...Sorry, I messed up."

I collapsed onto the bench helplessly and lowered my head.

Yanami gave me a confused look and sat next to me.

"It looks like a big deal."

Yanami chewed her fritters as she looked up to the sky. Her eyes squinted.

"No, well, …sorry, I…"

"You don't have to say it, you know? Is there anything I can do?"

I just shook my head silently.

Yanami mumbled, "I see." She took another bite.

…I wonder how much time has passed.

I slowly opened my eyes to escape from my abyssal thoughts.

The sky is still bright. The sunlight permeates through the peaceful forest.

Yanami must have left, right?

I looked next to me with that in mind. Yanami is still sitting on the bench silently.

She noticed me looking at her. Her usual smile appeared.

For some reason, my eyes seem a bit moist.

*

It's the day after we visited the zoo and botanical park.

The class ended successfully. It's assembly time.

Amanatsu-sensei wiped the chalk dust from her hands as she yelled.

"Alright, that's all. Look at sensei. I can't go back without working late. You guys need to treasure the after-school freedom you have. Alright, disbanded!"

The classmates chatted as they left in groups.

I remained in my seat as I pondered.

Going to the club room with what happened yesterday will be awkward. Even so, burying my head in the sand solves nothing.

I'm trapped in an endless maze of thoughts. Suddenly, a flower-like scent surrounds me.

A familiar BGM played in my head.

"Nukumizu-kun, you seem to be troubled?"

It's Karen Himemiya. I didn't expect her to talk to me.

She's as glamorous as usual. My eyes squinted upon seeing such dazzling lights.

"Eh, …what…?"

"It's okay even if you don't tell me. Let your friend Karen Himemiya make a guess, alright?"

Himemiya-san put her finger on her forehead and pretended to be thinking.

"Well, it's nothing."

After that, Himemiya-san's big eyes sparkled and pointed at me.

"Tada, I bet you're hungry!"

"No, I'm not…"

"Huh? I'm always right whenever it's Anna."

Being lumped with Yanami, this is one of the darkest moments in my life.

"Hmm, …Himemiya-san, is something the matter?"

She bent down and put her elbows on my table.

"I'm searching for the common points between Nukumizu-kun and Anna. Why did the two of you become friends?"

At this time, Yanami is nowhere to be seen in the classroom.

Why did Himemiya-san ask me such a question? Honestly, I don't feel like dealing with her right now…

I tried to think of a respectable way to answer her.

"That's probably because we're both in the Literature Club, right?"

"Really? But I can sense that you and Anna already know each other before she has even joined the Literature Club, you know?"

Himemiya-san leaned her body on the table. She looked up to me.

"I'll go ahead and say this is just my opinion. I can feel that girl's emotions are connected with yours."

I think people will misunderstand what she just said.

"It's just a coincidence. Also, why do you care about that?"

"Anna seems a bit strange today. I definitely want to know the reason if something is on my dear friend's mind, right?"

Yanami's strangeness must be because she's worried about what happened yesterday, right?

Also, now I knew the dear friend setting wasn't just Yanami's fantasy…

"Anna's novel in the club magazine is about you as well, right?"

"Eh, what does that mean?"

How come our conversation is suddenly taking off at jet speed?

How does Yanami's eating-at-convenience-store novel relate to me in any way?

"All of the characters in her novel are classmates, you know? Anna must be writing those I-novels, right?"

"That's from a first-person perspective, but it has nothing to do with reality."

"Really?"

If it's really like what Himemiya-san mentioned, if that I-novel is really the author's personal experience, then I should be a very popular guy. [TL: I've added an explanation below if you're confused about this part.]

…At least I won't hurt my club partner and get kicked out of the scene.

I hesitated to come out with an explanation. Then-

"Thanks for waiting, Karen-chan."

Yanami appeared. She looks as relaxed as usual. Himemiya-san chuckled and stood up.

"I've waited so long, you know. I'm about to become a ghost if I wait any longer."

"Sorry, sorry. …By the way, Nukumizu-kun, aren't you going to the Literature Club today?"

"Well…"

Yanami looked at me seriously when I remained silent.

"Sorry, Karen-chan. You should go shopping with Sosuke alone today."

Himemiya-san looks surprised. She looked at Yanami and me.

"I can wait until Nukumizu-kun and you are finished if there's something between you two, okay?"

"We'll be fine. Relax. It's just that it may take longer."

"Sure. Well, see you tomorrow."

Himemiya-san and Yanami high-fived. She then winked at me before leaving the classroom.

…I feel like the progress seems a bit lackluster.

Yanami put her hands on her waist while I silently observed all this. She spoke up.

"Nukumizu-kun, can you come with me?"

*

Literature Club Report - Autumn Edition

by Anna Yanami

I'm a bit different this morning. I've formulated the perfect plan to say "good morning" to him.

I headed out home slightly earlier. On my way to school, I got a good position in the 7-Eleven convenience store's eating corner. I'm trying to order more snacks at the cashier. If I choose a hotdog, he will leave before the staff member can finish heating it.

That's why my conclusion is to buy riceball takoyaki.

Riceball takoyaki can be immediately consumed right after purchase. This way, I can immediately chase after him upon sight.

The roasted takoyaki with salty and sweet sauce and mayo is absolutely perfect. It tastes as good without heating.

Also, the milk foam of the hot latte I ordered tastes very good too. I've been completely attracted to it recently.

Someone seemed to have lined up behind me while I was listening to the coffee machine grinding the beans.

"Eh, Ako-san? I didn't know you would drink something other than sweetened juice."

The person who talks to me is my classmate XX-kun.

His mouth is ass. He always says things that piss me off.

He's holding a cup of iced coffee. Poor guy. He probably still doesn't know how good a latte is, right?

I ignored XX-kun and looked outside the window.

I jolted. "He" and his friends are already waiting for the traffic lights at the crossroad.

I was utterly unaware because I thought I would be safe by heading out earlier.

I hastily tried to open the coffee machine's lid, yet I couldn't. It was automatically locked for safety purposes.

I could only stomp my feet around as I waited anxiously. At this time, I heard a "dododo" sound. The latte is finally ready.

Open the lid, pour the coffee, and close the lid. Done.

The traffic lights at the crossroad coincidentally turned green. I can still probably catch up if I'm quick.

I hastily dashed out of the automatic doors, but then I quickly headed back inside.

Indeed, I just remembered that I needed to add sugar.

During this time, XX-kun threw a pack of something at me. I caught it mid-air. It's sugar. He must have noticed that I forgot to put it in, right?

However, I still returned to the eating corner like this.

"Ako-san, don't you need sugar?"

I didn't say anything and continued opening the coffee cup's lid.

XX-kun, you won't understand, anyway.

My principle is to put two packs of sugar in my latte…

[TL: Nukumizu and Himemiya's conversation is a bit confusing. Nukumizu has read the Summer Edition of Yanami's novel. He thinks the MC is the guy with his friends. Meanwhile, Himemiya has read the Autumn Edition. She thinks the MC is XX-kun, who's based on Nukumizu. That's why when Himemiya says it's about Nukumizu. He thinks he can't be the popular guy in the novel, so he doesn't think Yanami's writing an I-novel. If you have no idea what I'm talking about here, read Vol.2 Epilogue first.]

*

The fried udon put before me is steaming.

Yanami and I are sitting next to each other on the counter seat. We are in an udon shop near the school.

"Why are we ordering fried udon here…?"

I thought she would scold me when she asked me to come with her. In the end, she brought me to an udon shop.

My question is justified, yet Yanami's answer is, "Let's eat."

"Ah, yes, let's eat."

"Before enjoying our meals, I actually have something important that I want to tell Nukumizu-kun."

Yanami stabbed the chopsticks into the plate and pinched the noodles with bold manners.

"You know, I've lost two kilograms in these two months.

"Ha, you're lying, right?"

The faster I complain, the better.

Yanami opened her mouth and glared at me.

"I've dropped two of the three kilograms I've picked up during the summer, okay? Isn't this amazing?"

She still grew fatter in the end.

"Even though it's incredible, how come you managed to lose weight with that eating habit of yours? Should you go to the hospital?"

"It's because I've been paying much attention to my meals. I don't ask for extra rice or bigger bowls. Right now, I'm living a life of temperance with that in my mind, you know?"

After that, she started slurping the noodles with wild manners.

If she can lose weight with a method like this, how much did she eat at this point…?

We just ate udon silently for a while after that. Yanami put down her chopsticks halfway through.

"Well, did you talk to Komari-chan after that?"

"...No."

I'm prepared to be scolded. Yet, Yanami just said "hmm" gently and took a sip of water.

"Nothing at all?"

"Nothing at all. Also, you're here to scold me, right?"

I couldn't continue for the time being. Yanami slammed her cup down.

"Wanting to feel lighter after being scolded, you can't be like this, Nukumizu-kun."

"...Maybe."

She has finally brought this up. I shoved some fried udon into my mouth.

"The Nukumizu-kun I know always likes taking the worst of the lot. You should just face this in your own way."

I don't take them because I like them.

"I said something very mean to Komari yesterday. I've been reflecting on myself too."

"Ah, then that's Nukumizu-kun's fault. You don't understand a girl's heart at all."

Yanami picked up her chopsticks again.

"You can't just keep talking on your own, right? Have you properly chatted with Komari-chan?"

"Properly chatted…"

I stopped my hand from reaching the glass.

I was just pushing my thoughts onto Komari.

How much do I understand Komari's feelings?

"Sending your thoughts alone doesn't count as a conversation. You have to lead out that person's feelings and words too."

"Feelings and words…"

That's something I'm not good at. In this web of interpersonal relationships where everyone is constantly putting up an act, I've hurt Komari.

I pretended I didn't see what I did with "reflecting on myself" as an excuse. I'm such a coward.

My train of thought is taking me away again. Yanami's smile dragged me back to reality.

"Well, no use in overthinking it. You should just chill and follow your heart."

"Look at where I ended up when I followed my so-called heart."

"This is just one of your lowest points in life. Leave it to me if you want to know how to climb back up, okay?"

Leave it to Yanami…? But isn't this girl still at her lowest point, …I guess?

Even so, people say that every cloud always has a silver lining.

"With the rare opportunity, please tell me, alright?"

"She hates you, right? Let's figure out Komari-chan's feelings first and have a proper chat with her. Finally, as usual, you can just stick your nose into her business."

"I may think things even worse if I do that."

Yanami's plate is empty. She smiled. There's still skipjack powder on her lips.

"Don't worry about it. Just go. I'll deal with the aftermath."

…She's saying that like I won't come back.

I decided to slurp the remaining fried udon ravenously with a momentum comparable to that of Yanami.

*

I looked outside the window dazedly at the train.

What Yanami said was right.

I stopped my helping hand midway and even tried to take it back due to unsuccessful progress.

I've never considered the person's feelings. I always only realize my mistakes after hurting them.

The street is growing darker and darker. Drops of water begin spreading throughout the glass pane.

At the next moment, the street is covered by the sudden rainfall.

I didn't have an umbrella. Should I run back from the station to my house, get soaked, or just walk and get wet?

"I'm getting wet, anyway. I should just walk…"

I made up my mind as I exited the train. However, the rain seems to be impatient. It's getting worse.

I thought about running back for a split second. Then, an umbrella appeared above my head.

I stopped in surprise. Kaju appeared with a smile.

For some reason, I wanted to avoid her bright eyes. I looked away.

"Are you here for me?"

"Yes, Kaju was worried."

I took the umbrella she handed to me.

"Eh, there's only one?"

"Well, Kaju forgot to take mine since I was in a rush."

Kaju knocked her head. She's careless as usual.

We siblings cuddled as we walked home under the same umbrella.

"How did you know which train I was on?"

"Hehe, it's the power of love."

I ignored Kaju's joke. Instead, I just looked at the blurry rainy scenes.

A group of middle school girls forgot their umbrellas. They ran past us while screaming cheerfully.

My eyes subconsciously chased after them. During this time, Kaju put both hands on my cheeks and forced me to turn to her.

"Onii-sama, what happened yesterday?"

"Eh, …that's sudden."

"You seem absent-minded ever since you have come back. Kaju is very worried about you."

Even though I had already attempted to conceal my emotions, Kaju still picked it up and got worried.

"It's because I angered an acquaintance…"

…No, that's not it. The correct answer should be I've hurt her.

I'm still trying to make excuses even at this moment. Guilt and regret are drowning me.

I continued walking without saying a single word. Kaju slightly picked up the pace and walked next to me.

I subconsciously walked faster. Then, I snapped out of it and quickly slowed down. Kaju started chuckling.

"Onii-sama loves Kaju the most, right?"

Eh? That's unexpected. I couldn't help but stop.

It's more like Kaju is more of a brocon, right…?

"Even so, this is just within the limit of siblings, you know?"

"Really? Onii-sama always worried about whether Kaju would fall when Kaju barely knew how to walk. You've always been protecting Kaju. For a time, Kaju even thought onii-sama was my father."

I think Kaju is assigning more importance to this than necessary.

"Right, Kaju was a year old when you started walking, right? How can you remember that?"

"Indeed, all of my memories are fresh as long as it's related to onii-sama."

Kaju always guarantees that this is natural.

"It's the same in the kindergarten. Onii-sama immediately came over whenever Kaju cried."

"I'm your brother, after all. This is normal, right?"

"Indeed, this is very normal between onii-sama and Kaju."

Kaju strolled around cheerfully. I reached out my arm with the umbrella and quickly chased after her.

"A lot has happened in elementary school too. Onii-sama had always stayed next to Kaju instead of playing with friends."

That's because I don't have friends.

"You were still worried about Kaju after getting into middle school and taught Kaju many things. Remember that hand-drawn map of the school's water tap location? Kaju is still keeping it in a plastic film."

Did I give you something like that?

Black history is causing a tsunami in my head. Kaju quietly grabbed my hand.

"Onii-sama is always worried about Kaju. You sometimes scold Kaju too. However, you have never tried to force your ideals onto Kaju."

"...It's because I hope Kaju can always be yourself."

With that, Kaju chuckled mischievously.

"But Kaju doesn't mind being stained with onii-sama's color, you know?"

"Please don't."

I couldn't hold my laughter in.

"Onii-sama is finally laughing."

Kaju continued with a smile several times more charming than mine.

Come to think of it, I've been carrying such a gloomy expression since yesterday. Yanami, she was actually willing to stay with such a depressed guy.

I showed a bitter smile. Kaju looked at me and continued warmly.

"Kaju hopes that onii-sama can always smile. Then, staying next to onii-sama when you're smiling is Kaju's wish."

"Always smile, right? That's a bit much."

"It's because Kaju is very greedy. …Well, what's onii-sama's wish then?"

I stopped again upon hearing that question.

Kaju looked at me seriously.

"Onii-sama told Kaju that you want Kaju to be me. Well, as for the person who onii-sama has hurt, what does onii-sama want her to be?"

"That's…"

The image of Komari's petite body in the botanical park surfaced in my mind. She had rejected everything around her.

At that time, what I said was definitely correct.

However, at that time, I just chose the quickest shortcut for myself. That's all.

Perhaps I indeed wanted to change Komari's thoughts.

That was simply selfishness.

If I'm going to be selfish, what I should really do is-

I looked away and scratched my nose to cover up my embarrassment.

"...Thanks."

"Did Kaju help onii-sama?"

"Yes, I think I understand what I want to do."

"Glad to hear that. Kaju hopes things go well between you and her."

"I'll do everything I can."

The rain had stopped before I even knew it.

I put away the umbrella. The bright and elegant moon is visible between the cracking clouds.

"Onii-sama, the moon is beautiful."

Kaju whispered before running away.

…Ah, come to think of it.

"When did I say she was a girl?"

Kaju stopped. After that, she glanced at me. Her eyes look like she's throwing a tantrum. Kaju rolled out her tongue cutely.

"It's a woman's instinct."

*