alicescaling - Tumblr blog

alicescaling · 1 month ago

Text

Brothers Conflict Season 2 Volume 3 #031

(Sections 1-3)

<— Previous || Masterlist

#031 – Silence broken by a heartbeat.

“Fu, fu, fuuuuu~”

As soon as I enter the living room, I hear Juli’s voice, although it sounds off.

(W-What was that?)

Louis: “Oh, welcome back, Chii-chan.”

Next, I hear Louis-san’s voice.

(Oh.)

I look to see Louis-san lounging on the sofa, Juli laying on his back atop Louis-san’s lap.

“Ohh, Chii.”

Juli’s glazed eyes glance towards me.

“Looks like you’re home safe today. That’s good, that’s good.”

His voice seems oddly different than usual.

“Don’t let your guard down, though. This den of evil’s prowling with hungry wolves, waiting for their moment to strike– … fuuuuu~”

Louis: “This isn’t a den of evil.”

Louis-san continues brushing Juli with the comb he’s holding.

Louis: “And we aren’t wolves.”

“Keep… Keep going…”

It looks as if Louis-san is brushing Juli’s fur as he usually does. But for some reason, Juli’s reaction seems strange.

Louis: “And I’m not hungry…. I think. For the time being.”

“L-Louis! T-Today, the way you’re brushing… it’s amazing! The way you’re combing right there….. Fuuuuu~~!”

“Um, Louis-san.”

I instinctively speak up.

“Why does Juli seem so strange right now?”

Louis: “Today,”

Louis-san turns his face to me,

Louis: “Is special. That’s why.”

Louis-san lifts Juli up.

(Eh!?)

Juli’s whole body is sparkling brilliantly. The parts of his fur that were once grey are now shining with a beautiful silver luster.

Louis: “I did my best.”

Louis-san says with a hint of pride.

(Uwahh…. this is my first time seeing Juli look so gorgeous…)

I’m so entranced in taking in Juli’s new look that I even forget to thank him.

Then, Louis-san says,

Louis: “I’m going to France.”

“Eh?”

Those words pull me back to reality.

“F-France?”

Louis: “Yes.”

Louis-san nods as he sets Juli back on his lap.

Louis: “For training. At a beauty salon. The owner of the place I work at knows a famous person there, and insisted I go.”

“Wow, that’s amazing.”

Louis: “And while I’m at it, I’ll be seeing my father.”

“Eh? Uh, but–”

I’m about to bring up that Miwa-san’s previous husband has already passed, though, before I suddenly swallow my words and stop myself from continuing.

Louis: “....... thank you. You remembered, Chii-chan.”

Louis-san smiles kindly.

Louis: “Mhmm. I’m talking about my biological father.”

That’s right.

(Louis-san is adopted.)

Back when I was still in high school, Louis-san had taken me to Inokashira park and confided that in me.

Louis: “My father lives in France.”

There’s a sense of nostalgia in his voice.

Louis: “So it’s been a while.”

“Is that so?”

Despite knowing that Louis-san’s adopted, I have no idea about who his birth parents are.

(So that means Louis-san is half-Japanese? Or could both of his parents be foreigners?)

I lightly wonder to myself before Juli suddenly speaks up.

“Louie, how long will you be gone?”

Louis: “Mmm…. I’m not sure.”

Louis-san gives a small frown.

Louis: “But it’ll probably be for a while, I think. I’ve already explained the situation to the salon.”

“W-What–!”

Juli suddenly jumps up straight.

“What am I supposed to do with you gone?!”

Louis: “It’ll be alright.”

Louis-san smiles brilliantly.

Louis: “I’ve called for reinforcements.”

“Reinforcements?”

Louis: “Mhmm…. they should be here soon.”

Right as Louis-san says this, the front door opens, and someone walks into the living room.

Yuusuke: “Louie-nii, what’d you need me for?

It’s Yuusuke-kun.

Louis: “Perfect timing.”

Louis-san places Juli on top of the table, and turns towards me.

Louis: “Chii-chan, I’d like to introduce you to the newest member of the “Chii-chan Support Team”.”

“Eh?”

What’s with this all of the sudden?

Yuusuke: “Hah?”

Yuusuke-kun also looks confused.

Louis: “The “Chii-chan Support Team”,”

There’s a strength to Louis-san’s voice as he speaks,

Louis: “Is the successor to the “Chii-chan Defense Squad”. You wanted to join before. …. Do you remember, Yuusuke-kun?”

Yuusuke-kun folds his arms in thought.

Yuusuke: “Ah, now that you mention it, I think I’ve heard of somethin’ like that before….”

After a moment, a smile rises to Yuusuke-kun’s face.

Yuusuke: “Oh, I remember! …. but, Louie-nii, didn’t you say I couldn’t join before?”

Louis: “Not that you couldn’t. Just that it’d be a little complicated.”

Louis-san continues,

Louis: “But it’s alright now. So while I’m gone, I’d like for you to work together with Juli-san to protect Chii-chan.”

Yuusuke: “Huh?”

Louis-san places his hand on Yuusuke-kun’s shoulder.

Louis: “Look after Chii-chan.”

Yuusuke: “..... Louie-nii.”

Yuusuke-kun’s face shifts.

Yuusuke: “You’re seriously entrusting such an important duty…. to me?”

Louis: “Yes.”

Yuusuke: “..... okay. I understand.”

Yuusuke-kun nods slowly.

Yuusuke: “Thank you, Louie-nii. I’ll make sure to see this through no matter what.”

Yuusuke-kun clenches his fist tightly. His expression is serious.

Louis: “..... thank you.”

Louis-san makes a fist, too, his meeting Yuusuke-kun’s in a fist bump.

Louis: “Do your best, Yuusuke-kun.”

Yuusuke: “You can count on me, Louie-nii.”

Louis-san then crouches down to Juli’s level.

Louis: “Juli-san. This should be okay, right?”

“N-No, it isn’t! Not at all!!”

Juli-san immediately shouts.

Louis: “Eh?”

“Louie– Louie, you’re seriously gonna make me work with stupid, bumbling idiot Yuusuke?!?”

Louis-san tilts his head to the side.

“What the hell, Louie?!”

Louis: “Um, Juli-san.”

Louis-san responds in a gentle tone,

Louis: “But I’m talking about Chii-chan’s sake here.”

“What?”

Louis: “Could it be that you’re thinking about yourself right now, Juli-san?”

“Ack!”

Juli’s face visibly stiffens.

Louis: “Juli-san, are you more important than Chii-chan?”

“N-No, not at all!”

Louis: “But right now….”

“T-That isn’t what I meant! You’re misunderstanding, Louie.”

Louis: “Am I?”

“Y-Yeah, lemme say it now for you to get.”

Juli hits his chest.

“I’ll protect Chii while you’re gone, Louie. So you can go to France with peace of mind.”

Louis: “I’m not sure….”

“W-What’re you saying, Louie? Trust me here!”

Yuusuke: “H-Hey, Louie-nii.”

Yuusuke-kun cuts in.

Yuusuke: “Are you talkin’ to the squirrel right now?”

Louis: “Yes.”

Yuusuke: “U-Uhm, Louie-nii.”

Yuusuke-kun smiles gently,

Yuusuke: “Louie-nii, first of all, I’ve gotta let you know that I really respect you as my older brother.”

Louis: “..... thank you.”

Yuusuke: “But.”

Yuusuke-kun’s smile tightens.

Yuusuke: “You do know that squirrels don’t talk, right?”

Louis: “That’s right.”

Louis-san nods.

Louis: “Squirrels don’t talk. But Juli-san does.”

Yuusuke: “Nah, see, that’s the same thing though, Louie-nii.”

“Shut your mouth, you hopeless imbecile of a male! You sticking you nose into things’ll just make ‘em worse–!!”

The three of them all start talking over each other, the conversation now a jumble.

(Uhh, what should I do?)

I try, but can’t think of anything. No matter how hard I try, my mind feels heavy, and I can do nothing but stare blankly at the chaos before me.

Then, at that moment.

“Achoo!”

I let out a loud sneeze. At that moment, as if on cue, all three of them immediately stop arguing.

★☆★

Masaomi: “Mmm, it looks as if your fever’s gone down.”

Masaomi-san says as he presses his hand to my forehead.

Masaomi: “I’m glad the medicine worked.”

“..... I’m sorry for troubling you.”

For the last three days, I’ve been sick in bed with a cold. At one point, I’d had a really high fever, but after having Masaomi-san examine me, I’d taken the medicine he’d prescribed me and it’d gone down.

Masaomi: “How’s your throat feeling?”

“Okay. I’m able to eat and drink better now.”

Masaomi: “Does it still feel irritated?”

“Yes…. just a little, though.”

Masaomi: “Let me take a little look.”

I open my mouth. Masaomi-san tilts my chin up with his left hand.

Masaomi: “Sorry.”

Masaomi-san reaches his right hand out. His long, slender fingers brush against my lips before he presses down on my tongue.

Masaomi: “Hm….”

The light of the living room hits my throat, and Masaomi-san tilts his body towards me. His finger moves, slightly tickling the inside of my lip.

Masaomi: “The swelling has almost gone all the way down.”

Masaomi-san removes his finger, and gives me an encouraging smile.

Masaomi: “But it is still a bit swollen. Do you have any urgent plans today?”

“No.”

Masaomi: “Then I think one more day of rest here at home should be good.”

“Understood. I’ll do that then.”

Masaomi: “Mhm, in which case.”

Masaomi-san adjusts his suit.

Masaomi: “I should probably get going. I have a busy morning today.”

He then turns to the kitchen.

Masaomi: “Ukyo, I’ll be counting on you to take things from here.”

Ukyo: “Very well.”

Ukyo-san replies as he washes the dishes.

Ukyo: “More than anything, I’m grateful that her condition stabilized so quickly. As can be expected from you, Masaomi-niisan.”

Masaomi: “There’s a bad cold that’s been going around recently. I’m sorry to make you do the housework on your day off.”

Ukyo-san has the whole week off work.

Apparently he’s had a lot of back to back trials recently, which is why he’s decided to take some time off.

Ukyo: “It’s alright.”

Ukyo-san continues to wipe water off of a dish.

Ukyo: “I just wanted a bit of time to relax and rest up.”

“.... I’m sorry.”

Ukyo-san looks in my direction after I say this.

Ukyo: “Please, there’s no need to apologize. Moreover, this is actually quite good timing. The others always get fussy when there’s no one around to cook– I’m glad you don’t have to deal with that.”

He then smiles kindly.

Ukyo: “Since it’s alright for you to eat now, I’ll make you some porridge. Please, go up to your room and get some rest. I’ll bring it up to you once it’s finished.”

“Sorry…. for making you do everything.”

Masaomi: “Ah!”

Masaomi-san exclaims.

Masaomi: “It looks like I’m going to be late. I need to go now. Be sure to take care.”

Masaomi-san hurriedly makes his way to the front door.

“Have a nice day.”

Ukyo: “Be careful, Masaomi-niisan.”

After seeing Masaomi-san off, I decide to head to the bathroom to wash my mouth before going up to my room.

Ukyo: “Ah, wait a moment, please.”

Ukyo-san calls out to me.

Ukyo: “A letter’s arrived for you.”

“Eh?”

Ukyo: “It’s from Subaru.”

My heart jumps.

(From Subaru-san?)

He’s been in Miyazaki since joining a pro team there, and I haven’t had any contact with him since he’s left.

(..... I wonder how he’s doing.)

As I think this, Ukyo-san hands the letter to me. It’s the official envelope of the team that Subaru-san belongs to, decorated with the signature logo of a sun and palm trees.

When I take it into my hands, it’s surprisingly heavy. There seems to be a lot in it.

Ukyo: “It looks like it contains some sort of newsletter for fan club members.”

As Ukyo-san says, there’s text printed on the envelope that says “Thank you for your support”.

But that isn’t all. I can faintly see handwritten words through the envelope, too.

“I’ll rest for a while and then read it.”

I say.

Ukyo: “That should be for the best.”

Ukyo-san nods. Then, he slowly continues.

Ukyo: “I’m sure Subaru has his reasons for sending that to you. Please be sure to read it carefully when you’re feeling better.”

(.... eh?)

I stare at Ukyo-san despite myself. His gaze is set on the porridge, though, so I can’t see his expression.

(What did he mean by that?)

I’m curious about why Ukyo-san said that.

But for some reason, I find it difficult to bring myself to ask.

Ukyo: “I’ll bring this up to you when I’m finished.”

Ukyo-san says calmly without his gaze wavering.

★☆★

I return to my room, eat the porridge that Ukyo-san made for me, take my medicine, and then head to my bed.

I’d only planned on taking a short rest, but once I open my eyes again, I find that it’s already starting to get dark out.

(Eh? It’s this time already?!)

As soon as I jump out of bed, my eyes land on the envelope sitting atop my table.

It’s the mail Subaru-san sent me. Just like Ukyo-san said, inside is the team’s newsletter. There’s a report looking back on the team this season, accompanied by staff and player commentary.

But there’s also a handwritten letter inside, which reads as follows.

I’m sorry for not contacting you until now. Since I’ve come here, I’ve been really busy. But I also feel really fulfilled. All my teammates, and staff, and fans are great.

My desire to live up to their expectations grows stronger everyday. It might still be a while before I can see you again, but I’ll do my best, so please support me.

The image of Subaru-san giving it his all for basketball surfaces in my mind. I’m sure he’s very happy, working hard every day.

Suddenly, the idea to look up Subaru-san’s name crosses my mind. I grab my laptop and type in the keywords “Asahina Subaru”.

After a moment, countless search results light up my screen.

(Woah…. there are so many.)

This time, I decide to search Subaru-san’s name up alongside the name of the team he plays for. The amount of search results has gone down from before, but there are still a lot.

(He’s been attracting a lot of attention, huh.)

A lot of the articles have been written by fans of the team, with a support page posted up, too.

Apparently the team Subaru-san’s on didn’t do too well this season, so a lot of fans are posting about their hopes for next year, alongside a bunch of comments on Subaru-san.

The majority of these comments are positive, with stuff like, “I think that he has what it takes to be a top league player in the future”, and a bunch of others echoing the sentiment.

It also seems like a lot of his fans are female.

“I’ve had my eye on him ever since his Meiji Uni days (lol). I’m gonna keep going to cheer him on.”

And,

“I wish I’d noticed him back when he was a student. I’ll have to keep a closer eye on him from now on.”

And,

“If I get to see a hottie like that win, then that’s great. But since he’s so good looking, it’s still a win for me if they lose~”

And other stuff like that.

(...............................................)

I’m really happy that Subaru-san’s being praised by so many people. But at the same time, it somehow feels as if the distance between me and Subaru-san has grown.

……….. I’ve never felt this way before.

(But Subaru-san’s a pro athlete.)

Becoming a pro athlete’s the dream and aspiration for anyone who plays that sport, though. It’s only natural he’d grow a little distant after achieving that.

(...... yeah, that’s right.)

I think this to myself, convinced. The thought brings me some relief.

But at that moment, I suddenly realize something.

If becoming someone who people look up to makes you grow distant, then Subaru-san isn’t the only one.

There’s Fuuto-kun, who’s an idol. And Iori-san, who’s an up and coming model.

And while his job is different than Fuuto-kun and Iori-san’s, there’s also Louis-san, too. His salon’s sending him to train in France, which undoubtedly means they have high expectations for him, too.

Counting Subaru-san, that means that all four of them have that in common.

None of them are in the mansion at the moment.

(That….)

Of course, Louis-san’s circumstances are different from the other three.

But he still said that he’d be staying in France for a while.

What if… what if he stays in France for a long time? What if he decides he’s going to stay and live there forever? His biological father lives there, so it’s possible that–

(No!)

I stand up and shake my head vigorously.

I then go to my window and open it up as wide as I can. Since I’ve been sick the past few days, I’ve been keeping it closed.

A cool breeze flows in from outside, which feels good.

(Alright!)

I begin to clean up my room in an attempt to cheer myself up. I make my bed, vacuum the floor, pick up all my laundry that’d been piling up, and even take a shower.

(..... alright.)

I nod at my reflection in the mirror. I feel much better than I did before.

(I shouldn’t be thinking about stupid things like that.)

I decide to go to the kitchen. It’s around time to make dinner. Since I’ve caused Ukyo-san so much trouble the past few days, I really want to help him with making it.

I think this to myself as I head out into the hallway.

“Woah!”

There’s someone at the door. Since I’m not expecting anyone to be there, I end up running into them while walking out of my room.

“What? What’s wrong?”

I hear someone’s voice above my head……

….. Natsume-san’s voice.

#brothers conflict #translations #brocon #brothers conflict translations #asahina louis #asahina yuusuke #asahina masaomi #asahina ukyo #asahina subaru #asahina ema #brothers conflict season 2 volume 3 #brothers conflict season 2

12 notes · View notes

alicescaling · 3 months ago

Text

Brothers Conflict Season 2 Volume 3 #030

<— Previous || Masterlist

#30 — No way of knowing what happens after you leave.

Wataru: “I’m gonna be a CEO.”

Wataru-kun suddenly says.

I’m sitting in the living room with him, helping Wataru-kun with his studies.

— Three days ago, Wataru-kun got a graded exam back.

Bright Centrair is a preparatory school, which means that all of its students, from junior to high school, are required to take mock examinations.

Wataru-kun had taken a mock exam back in January, too, the results released a few days ago.

Overall, Wataru-kun’s scores were excellent.

However, his math scores were a little bit lower than the rest of his scores. Even though they were still much higher than average, Wataru-kun wasn’t satisfied with them, and asked me to help tutor him. So, I promised to help him after I got off school today, which leads us to now– it being around two o’clock in the afternoon, and Wataru-kun and I working on mock exam questions together.

We’re sitting next to each other on the living room floor, me going over the questions that Wataru-kun can’t answer, one by one.

It’s after we just about finished up, taking a short break, that Wataru-kun starts suddenly talking about his future.

(What’s with this all of the sudden?)

With that question in mind, I decide to ask.

“CEO? Wataru-kun, do you want to start a company?”

Wataru-kun gives a strong nod.

Wataru: “Yup. That’s why I need to do my best at math. ‘Cause if I can’t do math, then my company’s gonna end up in the red.”

“I- I don’t think that’s how it works… but I guess being able to do math is better than not being able to.”

I answer with that for now, before asking another question.

“So, what type of company do you want to start?”

Wataru: “Uhhhhhhhmm…..”

Wataru-kun’s face dims a bit.

Wataru: “A profitable one.”

“Eh?”

Wataru: “I wanna be rich. I wanna make lots of money!”

I stare at Wataru-kun in shock.

I’m surprised to hear Wataru-kun talk about money like that.

Considering how old he is, I guess it wouldn’t be strange to hear complaints about pocket money or allowances. But I’ve never heard anything of the sort from him before.

Wataru-kun’s usually a very reasonable kid when it comes to money.

(So what happened to cause such a sudden change?)

A little bit concerned, I speak up.

“Why do you want to have lots of money?”

Wataru: “Because,”

Wataru-kun turns his whole body towards me,

Wataru: “I wanna make you happy, Onee-chan.”

His voice is strong and clear as he says this.

“Eh…”

Wataru: “I’m the youngest of all my brothers.”

Wataru-kun leans forward.

Wataru: “If I want Onee-chan to choose me, then I’ve gotta earn more than all my brothers, right?”

“W-Wataru-kun?!”

Wataru: “I’m gonna work really hard.”

Wataru-kun peers into my eyes. His pupils are sparkling, shining brightly.

Wataru: “I’ll sweep you off your feet once I’m super rich, Onee-chan. So please wait for me ‘till then.”

“.....”

I’m at a loss for words.

To be honest, the stuff that Wataru-kun’s saying is childish. Still, there’s no doubt that he’s trying his best, and I don’t want to just up and crush his determination.

But at the same time, I can’t say yes.

(What do I do….)

I think, troubled, before Wataru-kun abruptly speaks.

Wataru: “...... ‘m sorry.”

His expression turns sad, and he closes his eyes.

Wataru: “I’m troubling you, aren’t I, Onee-chan.”

He then wraps his arms around me, leaning into a hug.

Wataru: “I’m sorry for saying weird things. I won’t say that kind of stuff anymore.”

Wataru-kun’s arms squeeze me tight.

Wataru: “Please don’t hate me….. Onee-chan.”

At that moment.

Suddenly, Wataru-kun’s body breaks away from me.

(Eh….?)

“Ahhhh, c’mon, looks like I can’t be careless anymore.”

I hear a voice that sounds exasperated, but still somehow warm, say.

“Seriously, who do you take after? Well, I guess the fault’s in having so many bad examples.”

There’s a figure behind Wataru-kun, who looks unhappy about being held up by the scruff of his neck.

I see dyed golden blonde hair. I know that colour.

“Kaname-san!”

I instinctively stand up.

“You’re back home?”

Kaname: “Yeah…. ahh, right.”

Kaname-san gives a slightly bashful laugh, releasing his grip on Wataru.

Kaname: “I’m home.”

The instant I hear those words, a flash of joy, the fragment of a memory, surfaces in my mind.

(That’s right….)

I remember what Kaname-san told me a year ago, the day he left for his training.

“Welcome back home, Onii-chan,”

I say.

Kaname: “.......”

Kaname-san’s smile freezes. After several seconds, a much bigger, far gentler smile spreads across his face in its place.

Kaname: “I see. You remembered. Thank you….. Imouto-chan.”

★☆★

Tsubaki: “Uwah, Kana-niii—. What’s up with that kasaya?”

As soon as Kaname-san makes his way into the living room, Tsubaki-san exclaims.

Tsubaki: “Whaa, it’s even more gaudy than your old one, ain’t it?”

Kaname: “Hm… I guess so.”

Kaname-san’s lips curl up into a smile.

Kaname: “I have to admit that I quite like it myself, though.”

Azusa: “Still, it looks as if it was awfully expensive.”

Azusa-san adds in from where he’s sitting beside Tsubaki-san. Kaname-san gives a pleasant smile at his comment.

Kaname: “This was a present from a parishioner.”

He then folds his sleeves to the side, revealing incredibly beautiful, intricate looking embroidery.

Kaname: “She made it specifically for an event tomorrow.”

Ukyo: “Event?”

Ukyo-san asks as he works at cutting a jumbo-sized roast beef.

Kaname: “A special memorial service at the temple.”

Ukyo: “Ah, I see. So it’s something of dubious decency, as usual.”

A wry smile rises to Ukyo-san’s face.

Usually, when this topic comes up, Ukyo-san gets irritated. But his demeanor today is different.

(He’s happy that Kaname-san’s back home, after all.)

Kaname-san continues speaking, his voice bright.

Kaname: “‘Club Buddha presents this special event in commemoration of Younin’s return. Limited to only the first 50 guests.’ …. ah, sorry, Kyo-nii. ‘M afraid it already happens to be all booked.”

Ukyo: “I wouldn’t go even if you begged me.”

Ukyo-san places a portion of roast beef onto a small dish.

Ukyo: “That aside, you’ve finally returned. I’m impressed– you must have taken your taken your ascetic practices rather seriously.”

Kaname: “Mmmm. Well.”

Kaname-san hesitates a bit.

Kaname: “In a way, if I could for a little longer–”

“Uwaaaaah–!”

Right as he starts to speak, Kaname-san’s words are drowned out by the sound of Wataru-kun’s voice as he bounds into the living room.

Wataru: “Amaaaazing, Kana-Kana. You look even cooler than before!”

He wraps his arms around Kaname-san and hugs him.

Kaname: “You think so? Thanks, Wata.”

Yuusuke: “Uhhh, more like he’s just gotten more an’ more like a host, hasn’t he?”

Yuusuke-kun says as he brings a large bowl of salad from the kitchen to the dining table.

Yuusuke: “Careful. If ya stick around him too much, you’ll become a womanizer just like your big bro, Wataru.”

Wataru: “You don’t get it, Yuu-kun.”

Wataru-kun’s mouth twists into a pout.

Wataru: “I’d be really happy to be like Kana-Kana.”

Yuusuke: “Hah?”

Wataru: “‘Cause Kana-Kana’s super popular with the ladies, and I wanna be, too.”

Yuusuke: “Uhhh….”

Wataru: “Besides.”

Wataru-kun sticks his tongue out at Yuusuke-kun.

Wataru: “Someone unpopular with girls like you talking bad about Kana-Kana— it just makes you sound jealouuuusss. Bleh—!”

Yuusuke: “The hell, you lil’ brat!”

Yuusuke-kun nabs up the large fork and knife he’d set down for serving the salad.

Yuusuke: “Don’t you move!”

Wataru: “Gyahhh—! Help meeee! I’m gonna get eaten—!”

Yuusuke: “Take this!”

Yuusuke-kun closes in on Wataru-kun.

Subaru: “Quit it, you two.”

Subaru says, exasperated.

Subaru: “Kana-nii’s just got back home and you’re already going at it.”

Kaname: “It’s okay, Suba-chan.”

Kaname-san cuts in.

Kaname: “I don’t mind. Besides, it makes me happy to see everyone messing around again after being away for so long.”

Yuusuke: “I ain’t really messing around—”

Masaomi-san’s voice rings out, interrupting Yuusuke-kun’s words.

Masaomi: “Alright, everyone, hurry up to your seats. The food will go cold, so let’s start, shall we?”

At that, everyone heads to the table.

Today, the Asahina family’s come together to throw Kaname-san a(n admittedly rushed) welcome home party. There are eight people present, not counting myself— Masaomi-san, Ukyo-san, Tsubaki-san, Azusa-san, Subaru-san, Yuusuke-kun, Wataru-kun, and Kaname-san himself.

Since it was rather sudden, getting everyone together was difficult. But with Yuusuke-kun’s help, we managed to gather over half our siblings here for the occasion.

“You’re forgetting about me, Chii!!”

— Ahh, sorry.

That’s right. Juli’s here, too, sitting at the end of the table. He’s sitting happily on a cushion that Louis-san handmade for him.

The moment anyone gets anywhere near me, though, he jumps up and starts making a horrible face.

(….. I really, really hope he doesn’t cause a big scene.)

Whenever Juli gets heated up, he tends to get out of hand. Since Louis-san isn’t here today, I’m worried about there not being anyone to help calm him down.

Tsubaki: “Hey, Kana-nii. Let’s drink this today, yeah?”

Tsubaki-san’s holding a bottle of wine with a questionable label.

Kaname: “Oh, nice, Tsuba-chan. How thoughtful—.”

Tsubaki: “I bought it~. Azusa’s the one that picked it out, though.”

Azusa: “..... I just thought it would be nice if everyone could have fun together.”

Ukyo: “Kaname. Just to be sure, you do still have your monk’s qualifications, do you not? You didn’t return home only after being excommunicated?”

Ukyo-san’s voice takes on a slightly sharper tone. Masaomi-san then speaks up again.

Masaomi: “Everyone, let’s leave the chitchat for later. Here, your glass…. Alright, then, welcome back, Kaname!”

And thus the party officially starts.

At first, everyone had been silent while cooking– probably because the circumstances and reasoning behind Kaname-san’s sudden return are unknown.

But with enough time, alcohol starts to take its effect on everyone, loosening them up as the atmosphere grows more relaxed.

Tsubaki: “Woooww, this wine’s suuuuuper good–. Hey, hey, wanna try some, Azusa?”

Azusa: “Tsubaki, didn’t you buy this wine as a gift for Kana-nii?”

Tsubaki: “It’s alriiiiight, it’s just a little bit. I’m the one who paid for it, after all~. ….. C’mon, have some!”

Azusa: “Okay…. Oh, wow, it really is good.”

Tsubaki: “Right? Alright, alright, let’s drink up, drink up~.”

Ukyo: “So, you want to start a company? First, I’d highly recommend finding a competent lawyer. One like me, for example.”

Wataru: “I don’t want someone scary like you, though, Kyo-tan. I’d rather have a pretty girl.”

Ukyo: “Why is that? You shouldn’t let yourself be fooled by one’s looks. Even the most beautiful of roses has thorns– you’d do well to remember that. You shouldn’t let yourself be fooled–”

Wataru: “Waaahh, Kyo-tan’s eyes are scary~”

Masaomi: “Ukyo, are you drunk? You keep repeating the same thing over and over again…”

Yuusuke: “Hey, you, you’ve only been filling up other people’s plates. Lemme return the favour, eat up a bit. Here, let’s getcha some salad, some— owww! The hell’s up with this squirrel!”

“Get away from Chii!! You never know when to give up, even after getting rejected thousands of times, you damn male!”

….. It doesn’t feel exactly peaceful, though.

I suddenly spot Subaru-san leaving the living room, and realize that he’s heading to the front terrence.

(Huh? I wonder what that’s about.)

Kaname: “Hey, Imouto-chan.”

At that moment, Kaname-san calls out to me.

“Yes…. what is it?”

Kaname: “Well, it’s…”

Kaname-san lowers his voice.

Kaname: “I think that Suba-chan might be a little drunk.”

“Eh?”

Kaname: “If you don’t mind, do you think you could bring him some water?”

“Oh, I understand. Of course.”

Kaname: “It’d be a huge help.”

Kaname-san gives me a smile.

Kaname: “Thank you, Imouto-chan.”

At that smile, the feeling that something’s off wells up in me.

– Kaname-san’s smile.

There’s a smile that he wears when he wants to hide his true feelings. And right now, the way he’s smiling– so overwhelmingly gentle– that’s the smile that he’s giving me.

(But if that’s the case, what feelings are he trying to hide….?)

I think on it for a moment, but nothing comes to mind.

(Hmmm… I guess it can’t be helped. More importantly, I want to bring Subaru-san some water as soon as possible.)

I fill a cup up with water, and hurry out to the terrace.

(Uwaah, it’s cold.)

It isn’t windy, but the air’s still chilly. Compared to the heated living room, it feels like a freezer outside.

I see Subaru-san basking in the cold air, his body leaning over the terrence’s railing.

“Um, Subaru-san.”

I call out as I approach him. Subaru-san slowly straightens his body up.

Subaru: “..... oh, it’s you.”

“Um, are you doing alright?”

Subaru: “Yeah. What’s up?”

Subaru-san’s face looks puzzled. I explain,

“Um, well, you had some alcohol, and…. Kaname-san asked me to bring some water to you.”

Subaru: “Ah…. ah, I see.”

Subaru-san turns towards me.

Subaru: “No, I did get carried away drinking while talking to Kana-nii. Sorry for worrying you.”

“Oh, not at all. But wouldn’t you rather head back inside? It’s pretty cold out here.”

Subaru: “Ah… nah, I wanna stay out here a little longer. Cool my head.”

After he says this, Subaru-san takes the glass of water from me and drinks it all in one big gulp.

Subaru: “Thanks.”

Subaru-san lets out a big sigh as he hands the glass back to me.

“Are you okay?”

Subaru: “....... yeah.”

“Well, make sure not to stay out here for too long. I don’t want you to catch a cold.”

Once I say this, I go to head back inside.

Subaru: “Wait up.”

Subaru-san says.

Subaru: “I’ve got something I wanna say.”

“Eh?”

I turn around and see Subaru-san now standing away from the railing.

Subaru: “It’ll be short. I won’t keep you long.”

“That’s okay, but…?”

Subaru: “Alright. Thanks. Hear me out, then.”

Subaru-san’s standing in a spot that the light that shines through from the living room doesn’t quite reach.

His figure looks like a thin outline in the darkness.

Subaru: “I’ll be heading to Miyazaki soon.”

“Oh, that’s right.”

The professional basketball team that Subaru-san’s set to join is based in Miyazaki, Kyushu. Since joining the team means a lot more responsibilities, Subaru-san plans on moving there before graduation to get used to things.

Subaru: “Before that, I want to spend a day out, relaxing with you.”

(Eh…?)

Subaru-san’s expression is obscured by the darkness.

But I can feel his gaze on me all the same.

Subaru: “So, would you be okay with that?”

His voice isn’t loud. But I can hear it clearly all the same. It’s clear, direct.

….. Spending a day together.

(That…. That sounds like it would be a date, wouldn’t it….)

I don’t give an immediate reply.

I know that in this sort of situation, the best thing to do is reply right away.

But Subaru-san confessed to me back when I was still in high school, and I’ve yet to give an answer to his feelings.

Considering, how am I supposed to react to him asking me out on a date?

(...... but….)

If he wanted an answer, he’d ask for it.

I don’t think that has to do with what Subaru-san’s asking right now.

(In which case…..)

Subaru-san’s words echo in my mind.

“I want to spend a day out, relaxing with you.”

(That…. what does he mean by that?)

At that moment, I come to a realization.

Subaru-san’s been super busy with graduation coming up and prepping for going pro.

Because of this, I haven’t been able to have a proper, calm conversation with him in a while.

And when he moves to Kyushu, the chances for us to spend time together will be even fewer and more far between.

(..... that’s right.)

I finally find myself understanding the meaning behind Subaru-san’s words. And I realize that they’re important for me, as well.

I haven’t given him an answer yet. But I can’t just keep on like this forever.

And for things to change….. I think that I need to start to get knowing everyone more.

Not just as family– but as members of the opposite sex.

Otherwise, how else am I ever supposed to come up with an answer for them?

Furthermore, Subaru-san is going to be moving away soon. It would be rude to miss out on an opportunity to get to spend time with him, to get to know him more, knowing that.

Having thought on it, I give my answer.

“Understood. Yes, I accept.”

I say. Then, there’s a moment of silence before Subaru-san responds,

Subaru: “Great. Thanks.”

His voice sounds truly, genuinely happy. I can’t help the smile that spreads across my cheeks.

“No, thank you for inviting me. I’m looking forward to it.”

Subaru: “Oh, no need to be so formal. Makes me kinda nervous.”

Subaru-san leans back against the railing again.

Subaru: “So, got anywhere specific you wanna go?”

As soon as the words come out of his mouth, a cold wind blows towards the terrace, making my hair sway with the force of it.

Subaru: “No, we can figure that out later. Right now, it’s probably best that you head back in. It’s getting real cold now.”

“Right.”

At Subaru-san’s insistence, I return to the living room first.

After a little longer, Subaru-san joins me.

Subaru: “I’m gonna head back up to my room. We can talk more about where we wanna go tomorrow.”

“Got it.”

Subaru: “..... see you, then.”

With that, Subaru-san exits the living room and leaves down the hallway.

★☆★

After seeing Subaru-san off, I make my way into the kitchen.

I still need to clean up after the party.

Once I enter, though, I’m met with the majority of the plates and silverware having already been washed.

(Huh? Who did this?)

Right as I think this, the door to the hallway opens.

Yuusuke: “Oh, it’s you.”

“Yuusuke-kun?!”

I notice that there are splashes of water on his clothes.

“Yuusuke-kun, are you by chance the one who cleaned up here?”

Yuusuke: “Yeah. I’m almost done with washing all the dishes. The trash was full, so I just finished throwing it out.”

“You did this all by yourself?”

Yuusuke: “Can’t be helped.”

Yuusuke-kun gives a suffering smile.

Yuusuke: “Everyone else’s already left.”

Yuusuke-kun counts on his fingers as he speaks,

Yuusuke: “Masa-nii, Kyo-nii, and Kana-nii’re all out drinking. Tsuba-nii and Azu-nii’re both in their rooms. And Wataru snatched up your pet squirrel and went off who knows where. Probably his own room, now that I think about it. So, yeah.”

Yuusuke-kun points to the pile of dishes.

Yuusuke: “That means you’d have to clean up all by yourself when you got back. I thought that’d be pretty difficult, so I figured I’d lend a hand.”

“Really?! Wow, sorry. Thank you.”

At this, Yuusuke-kun gives a slightly embarrassed grin.

Yuusuke: “‘s no biggie. I’m free today anyways.”

Yuusuke-kun heads back over to the pile of dishes and grabs a nearby washcloth.

Yuusuke: “More importantly, where’d ya head off to so suddenly?”

“Oh, I was chatting with Subaru-san for a bit on the terrace."

Yuusuke: “With Suba-nii?”

Yuusuke-kun’s face shifts a bit.

Yuusuke: “You were chattin’ out in the cold? What, were you two talking about some sorta super secret date or something?”

“Well… not quite.”

Yuusuke: “Not quite?”

Yuusuke-kun reaches for a plate– the giant one that the roast beef was served on.

“He invited me to go out somewhere with him.”

Yuusuke: “Eh?”

Yuusuke-kun suddenly turns around. The moment he does, the platter he was holding slips from his fingers.

“Yuusuke-kun!”

Yuusuke: “..... woah!”

The second before the plate’s about to hit the floor, Yuusuke-kun manages to grab a hold of it.

Yuusuke: “Haaaah, man, that was close, real close.”

Yuusuke-kun takes hold of the plate again, and begins to wipe it down with the dishcloth.

Yuusuke: “So, didja say yes?”

“Mhm. Subaru-san’s gonna be leaving for Kyushu soon. I think it’ll be nice to get to spend some time with him before then.”

Yuusuke: “Ah, right. …. yeah, that’s right.”

Once Yuusuke-kun is done cleaning the dish, he sets it back down on the counter.

Yuusuke: “Well, make sure you have fun then, yeah?”

“..... yeah, okay.”

I nod. Then, I add,

“Thank you.”

Yuusuke: “.... ‘course.”

After that, there’s a short pause. During which, Yuusuke-kun silently cleans up more dishes and utensils.

I realize that I’ve just been letting Yuusuke-kun do all the work.

“Ah, I can take it from here.”

Yuusuke: “Hm? Nah, it’s cool, there’s only a little bit left. I’ve got the rest.”

“No way.”

Yuusuke: “Huh….. alright then.”

Yuusuke-kun says,

Yuusuke: “Let’s do it together. I can do the washing, and you can wipe everything down. That way we can finish up fast.”

As he says this, Yuusuke-kun hands me the dishcloth he’s holding and turns back to the sink.

★☆★

Subaru: “This is my first time eating something like this.”

Subaru-san looks down at the crepe in his hand as he speaks.

“Me too. Pumpkin and strawberry’s kind of a weird combination for a jam, don’t you think?”

Subaru: “No, that’s not what I meant.”

Subaru-san’s face looks troubled.

Subaru: “This is my first time eating this sort of thing in general.”

“Eh, really?”

Subaru: “Guys don’t really eat crepes. Especially not out.”

“...... is that so.”

Subaru: “But it’s really good. Sweet.”

“Oh, hold on. If you eat it like that, the cream’ll spill– it’s best to hold it from the bottom, like this.”

Subaru: “Oops.”

Subaru-san sidesteps the cream that was about to spill onto his clothes.

(Woah, that was fast.)

Subaru: “This is hard to eat. No need to be so shocked, I dunno how to really eat it ‘cause I haven’t had it before.”

“Ah, that isn’t it. It’s just that you dodged that cream so fast….”

Subaru: “Huh? Cream? What’re you talking about?”

Suddenly, I hear the sound of people giggling nearby.

(...... ah.)

There are people passing by, looking at us with fond eyes.

Subaru: “You wanna go somewhere else?”

“S-Sure.”

We break away from the crowd and head towards the edge of the plaza.

“The sea is beautiful, isn’t it.”

Subaru: “Yeah. The weather’s nice, too.”

We ended up agreeing to go to Yokohama this weekend.

At first we talked about going somewhere in Kichijōji, but Subaru-san offered to drive, so we decided to take a bit of a trip.

We’d parked a little ways away, then walked to the Red Brick Warehouse. The weather this weekend is nice, so there are a lot of other people here.

We’ve been strolling around the harbour for about an hour.

We’ve been chatting while ambling along side by side– mostly about trivial things, like the jam we had earlier– just spending our time taking it slow and relaxing together.

(I’d really glad I decided to come.)

Subaru: “Come to think of it, Natsu-nii took me to Yokohama before, a long time ago.”

(...... eh?)

Upon hearing his words, memories of the time Natsume-san took me to Yokohama resurface in my mind.

He’d taken me here to celebrate and eat and play a game in early release, right after I’d graduated from high school.

(What a strange coincidence.)

Subaru-san continues.

Subaru: “I don’t really remember why he brought me, but I do remember getting my train ticket and being told not to lose it, or else I wouldn’t be able to get back home. This was back in elementary school– I must’ve been in around first or second grade, I think.”

“I’m guessing he just barely had enough money for the train fare home.”

Subaru: “I guess so. ….. But,”

Subaru-san gives a wry smile,

Subaru: “I ended up clutching onto it way too tightly. It got all wrinkled, and the ticket gate couldn’t read it. Freaked Natsu-nii out real bad.”

“Really? Were you two okay?”

Subaru: “I don’t really remember what happened after that, but I do know that the two of us got back home in the end. How, though, remains a mystery.”

“Ahaha!”

I laugh without thinking. At this, Subaru-san’s expression shifts.

“Ah, sorry. I didn’t mean to laugh.”

Subaru: “Huh? Oh, no, I don’t mind. It’s just that your laugh, it…”

“Yes?”

Subaru: “No, nevermind. It’s nothing.”

Subaru-san looks up at the sky.

Subaru: “Anyways,”

His voice is small,

Subaru: “That kind big brother, I…. I ended up hitting him.”

Subaru-san chews at his lip. At that moment,

“Huh? Asahina-san, ‘s that you!?”

I hear a voice call out, and look to see a man rushing up towards us.

“It’s been a while! I’m Sugimoto, from Senshu University!”

The man bows deeply at Subaru-san.

Subaru: “Huh? …. Ohh! What’re you doing here?”

“Ah, well, I was here with my girlfriend, but we kinda got into a bit of a fight. I called her cell, but she hasn’t been answering, so I’m looking for her.”

Subaru: “You alright?”

“Well, if it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out, I guess. There’s a limit to someone like me’s charm with women.”

Sugimoto-san turns towards me.

“It’s nice to meet you. You must be Asahina-san’s girlfriend, right?”

Subaru: “Eh?”

“Eh?”

“Hi, I’m Sugimoto from Senshu University! I’m always so grateful for Asahina-san’s help.”

After saying this, he bows deeply again. At my confusion, Subaru-san explains,

Subaru: “He’s one of my juniors in basketball. We go to different schools, but we’re in the same league, and we both play the same position. We practice together sometimes.”

“Oh, really?”

Subaru: “Sugimoto’s a regular on Senshu’s team even though he’s still a second year. He’s a good player.”

“Please, stop that.”

Sugimoto-san waves his hand exaggeratedly.

“Asahina-san, I’ll die of embarrassment if you say stuff like that.”

Subaru: “Now you’re the one exaggerating.”

“No, I’m not!”

Sugimoto-san’s tone changes.

“I’ll never forget my first game against Asahina-san. It was a total defeat on my team’s end, but I remember thinking about how amazing Asahina-san is– thinking that he could definitely go pro one day. And that’s what ended up happening!”

Subaru: “I-I guess.”

(Wow…. Sugimoto-san really respects Subaru-san, huh.)

Sugimoto-san must be very skilled in order to be a regular player on the team in just his second year. Still, he has nothing but admiration for Subaru-san.

I think that goes to show just how good of a player Subaru-san is.

“By the way, Asahina-san,”

Sugimoto-san says,

“You’re heading to Miyazaki soon, right?”

Subaru: “Yeah.”

“Then that means that your girlfriend’ll be going with you too, right?”

Subaru: “O-Oi,”

Subaru-san speaks in a flustered rush,

Subaru: “What’s with this all of a sudden? No, she’s….”

“Hey, no need to be embarrassed, Asahina-san. You two seem to really go well together. The perfect star couple!”

Subaru: “Sugimoto!”

Subaru-san shouts out. At that moment, Sugimoto-san’s cellphone rings.

“Oh, sorry, it’s my girl. Well then, Miss Girlfriend, sorry for bothering you. You too, Subaru-san. Have a good one!”

And with that, Sugimoto-san runs off.

Subaru-san sighs.

Subaru: “Seriously, that guy.”

He then looks at me.

Subaru: “Sorry about that. Sugimoto’s a good guy, but he can be a lot at times.”

“Oh, no…. Don’t worry about it.”

After I say that, I’m left no denying the fact that the atmosphere’s gone awkward.

Subaru: “H-Hey.”

Subaru-san suddenly speaks up.

Subaru: “Do you like ferris wheels?”

“Ferris wheels?”

Subaru: “Look, over there.”

Subaru-san points behind me. When I turn around, I’m met with the sight of a giant ferris wheel. I recognize it as the Cosmo Clock 21, a famous ferris wheel in Yokohama that’s often depicted in TV.

Subaru: “Since we’re already here, how about we go ride it?”

“Ah, sure.”

I reply, eager to try and escape the awkward silence.

Subaru: “Cool. Let’s go, then.”

Subaru-san starts walking towards it. I follow him, a step behind.

★☆★

Once we get to the ferris wheel, we need to present our tickets to ride. As we do, the attendant says,

“Alright, line up here, please. I’ll take a special photo to commemorate your date~.”

“Eh?”

Subaru: “.....”

“Move a little bit closer~. There we go, that’s good. Wooow, the two of you make such a cute couple~.”

Going with the flow, the two of us decide to take a commemorative photo together. As we do, I notice Subaru-san growing more and more flustered.

Shortly after, the gondola reaches the floor and its doors open for us to enter.

“Let’s go, Subaru-san.”

Subaru: “O-Okay…”

The inside of the gondola is pleasantly spacious. There’s enough space for the both of us to sit opposite of each other, face to face, with no problems.

Even after we settle inside, though, Subaru-san’s face remains flustered.

Subaru: “...... ‘m gonna die.”

He says this softly under his breath before going silent.

Eventually, the gondola starts to move, and the Yokohama landscape is spread out beneath us.

I’m looking out at it when Subaru-san suddenly speaks up.

Subaru: “I’m really happy we came here today.”

Subaru-san looks at me.

Subaru: “I said it before, but I really wanted to spend more time with you before moving to Kyushu.”

“Yeah. I was thinking the same thing.”

I answer.

“Which is why I’m happy we came here together, too.”

Subaru: “I see. Thank you.”

After that, there’s a short lull in the conversation.

Subaru: “But the truth is,”

Subaru-san glances outside,

Subaru: “I had other reasons, too.”

His gaze shifts back to me.

Subaru: “I’ve been wondering about what you think of me, lately.”

“?”

Subaru: “You’ve been worried a lot recently, right?”

Subaru-san leans forward a bit.

Subaru: “The first time was that night you came back home with Yuusuke.”

“Oh….”

Subaru: “And then there was that time when I went to your room to give you my notes.”

“..... right.”

Subaru: “Both times, you were struggling with something you couldn’t tell me about.”

“Oh, uhm, that’s….”

I struggle to come up with an explanation. Before I can, though, Subaru-san says,

Subaru: “No, I’m not trying to criticize you or anything. ‘S the opposite, really.”

“The opposite?”

Subaru: “You were struggling, and I couldn’t help you. I felt so pathetic.”

Subaru-san stares at the floor.

Subaru: “You couldn’t trust me enough to depend on me. I thought that maybe you thought I was unreliable.”

“I don’t think that at all.”

Subaru: “..... yeah.”

Subaru-san nods.

Subaru: “I know. You aren’t that type of person. But at the time, I couldn’t stop thinking about it that way. Looking back, I was being stupid.”

Subaru-san lifts his head.

Subaru: “I finally,”

As the words fall from his mouth, strength gradually starts to return to Subaru-san’s voice,

Subaru: “Finally realized that today. When I saw you laugh.”

Subaru-san sits up.

Subaru: “Your laugh was such… such a relief.”

“Eh?”

Subaru: “If that were really the case, you wouldn’t be laughing so cheerfully like that.”

“.....”

Subaru: “You’re capable of handling your own problems. Whenever I face any difficulties or troubles, I…. I get through them, but sometimes I can’t help but wonder if I’m doing it right. If maybe things would be better if I asked someone else for help or advice.”

The metal pole of the gondola obscures the sunlight, leaving Subaru-san’s face shadowed over.

Subaru: “So whenever I see someone struggling, I jump to the conclusion that they need help.”

“Subaru-san….”

Subaru: “Of course,”

Subaru-san keeps speaking, cutting me off,

Subaru: “There are times where you need help, too. But that isn’t something that I can force on you. The best I can do is answer when you need me, come when I’m called.”

The shadow over Subaru-san’s face disappears as it’s replaced with bright light instead, revealing his embarrassed expression.

Subaru: “At first, I wanted to come here with you to make some good memories before moving to Kyushu. But I ended up learning something important today, too. I really am glad that we came here.”

“...... Subaru-san.”

My heart fills with joy.

(The same goes for me, Subaru-san.)

Getting to know someone can be difficult. But it’s important, too– and I think I learned a little more about that today.

“Thank you, t–”

Just as I’m about to respond to Subaru-san, the gondola comes to a sudden stop.

Subaru: “Huh?”

“What happened?”

The gondola we’re in just so happens to be at the highest point of the wheel at the moment, swaying heavily along with the wind.

“T-This is normal, right?”

Subaru: “It should be okay—”

Right as Subaru-san goes to speak, a strong wind hits the gondola, causing it to rock violently.

“Kyah!”

Instinctively, out of fear, I jolt up.

Subaru: “Don’t stand up!”

(...... eh?)

The next few moments seem to play out in almost slow motion.

Subaru-san stands up from where he was sitting across from me, and starts to slowly move towards me. Despite the rocking of the gondola, his steps are steady.

Subaru: “It’s alright.”

Subaru-san sits down next to me. He wraps an arm around my back, supporting me.

Subaru: “It’ll just be a little while longer. Then we’ll start moving again. Everything’s going to be okay.”

Subaru-san’s voice is strong. He speaks with a firm certainty. And I’m sure that a bit of rocking is hardly going to break the gondola, or blow it away.

…. but even though I might know that logically, it doesn’t stop the illogical fear I feel. Yet another strong wind blows against the gondola, sending it rocking in a different direction this time.

“Ah!”

I move on reflex.

Before I realize it, I’m clinging to Subaru-san’s body.

(Ah…..)

I hurriedly go to pull away from him when,

Subaru: “Why….. does it always happen like this.”

His voice comes out strangled. The next moment, Subaru-san’s arms are wrapped around me, squeezing me into a tight embrace.

(Eh…..?)

I hear Subaru-san’s voice.

Subaru: “Hey… do you remember going to the vacation home in Nagano?”

His voice sounds somehow pained.

Subaru: “I feel the same way about you as I did back then.”

(...... ah.)

That’s right. It’d been getting dark out, so I was rushing back home when I slipped on a rock.

If Subaru-san hadn’t saved me, I’d have either fallen into the river or hurt myself on the rocks.

Subaru: “And at the flower viewing, too.”

“......”

Subaru: “When you came to my match at Yoyogi… back at my 20th birthday party…. and every other time with you.”

An emotion that wasn’t there before seeps into Subaru-san’s voice.

Subaru: “I haven’t forgotten any of them.”

Subaru-san’s arms tighten.

Subaru: “I told myself I’d wait for you. That no matter how far away we are from each other, I’d wait for your answer.”

Subaru-san’s hand brushes against the back of my head.

He guides my head away from his chest.

And I’m met with the sight of Subaru-san’s face in front of me.

Subaru: “Today…. I just thought of today as a way of making new memories together. But I learned even more and more about you, which… and….”

His rambles trail off. There’s a slight pause before I hear his voice again. And when I do, it’s far clearer than before.

Subaru: “I love you.”

Subaru-san hugs me.

“Su….. Subaru…. san…”

Subaru: “At this rate, I won’t be able to go to Kyushu. Not like this. …… which is why I’m begging you,”

There’s a short silence before Subaru-san says,

Subaru: “Let me kiss you.”

My heart is pounding, my chest tight.

Subaru-san looks at me. I feel his hold on me grow stronger.

At that moment, there’s a sudden jolt, and the gondola begins to move again, no longer stationary.

After passing the top of the ferris wheel, the gondola slowly starts to descend again.

(I….. I……)

★☆★

It’s a little after 11pm. I’m alone in the living room playing some video games when I hear the sound of the door to the hallway open.

Kaname: “Ah, I guess I didn’t make it in time after all.”

“Welcome back home, Kaname-san.”

I press the pause button on my game and stand up from the sofa.

“You must be tired. Would you like me to get you something to eat?”

Kaname: “No thanks, I already ate with some parishioners. If it isn’t much trouble, could I have some tea, though?”

“Of course.”

I head to the kitchen, and return with some tea.

“Here you go.”

Kaname: “Ah, thank you. So, how was Suba-chan’s farewell party?”

“It was lively. Not as wild as your coming home party, though, Kaname-san.”

Kaname: “I see.”

Kaname-san takes a sip of tea.

Kaname: “Mn, delicious. As expected from Imouto-san’s tea.”

“Thank you.”

Kaname: “Suba-chan’ll have to leave early in the morning, won’t he?”

“Yes. Apparently he has to go somewhere before catching his plane. And since the first train of the day won’t get him there in time, he’ll have to take a taxi.”

Kaname: “Hmmm. That’s going to be rough.”

Kaname-san sets his teacup down on the table.

Kaname: “By the way, Imouto-chan.”

“Yes?”

Kaname: “You don’t happen to plan on staying up until then, do you?”

“What?”

Kaname: “As in,”

Kaname-san smiles,

Kaname: “So that you can see Suba-chan off.”

“Kaname-san…..”

Kaname: “Perhaps Suba-chan’s the one who asked you to. And you, of course, agreed to, Imouto-chan.”

“.......”

I’m unable to hide my surprise.

A week has passed since our trip to Yokohama, meaning Subaru-san’s finally going to be heading off to Miyazaki tomorrow.

Since he has to leave early tomorrow morning, we held his farewell party this evening. After it ended, Subaru-san had requested something of me.

Subaru: “I know it’s gonna be really early, but could you see me off?”

And I’d said okay.

…. In other words, what Kaname-san’d said was spot on.

But I haven’t told anyone about Subaru-san asking me to see him off. So how does Kaname-san know that was the case?

“Um, Kaname-san.”

I say.

Kaname: “Yes?”

“How’d you know about Subaru-san?”

Kaname: “Ahh, you see.”

Kaname-san laughs slightly awkwardly.

Kaname: “You went to Yokohama with Suba-chan recently, right, Imouto-chan?”

“Um…. yes.”

Kaname: “Well, the day I came back home, before my welcome party, he asked me for some advice. Suba-chan, I mean.”

“Eh?! Why, about what?”

Kaname: “It’s alright, it’s alright.”

Kaname-san lightly raises his hand up.

Kaname: “I didn’t tell him to do anything. Suba-chan wanted to ask advice on what’s to come.”

“What’s to come?”

Kaname: “That’s right. With Suba-chan going away, he’s been worried about a lot of things.”

Subaru-san feeling worried? ….. that’s the first time I’m hearing about this.

Kaname: “Distance can be daunting, after all.”

Kaname-san slowly leans against the sofa.

Kaname: “Let me give you a hypothetical.”

Kaname-san continues, his gaze fixed on the ceiling,

Kaname: “For example, let’s say you like someone, and you confess to them. But you haven’t gotten an answer from them yet.”

“O-Okay.”

Kaname: “And let’s say you still haven’t when you end up moving far away, somewhere like… America, maybe.”

Kaname-san closes his eyes.

Kaname: “Of course, cellphones and the internet exist. But even they have their limits. They’re no replacement to being with someone face to face. So, with that in mind, what do you think would happen?”

Kaname-san opens his eyes, his gaze moving to me.

Kaname: “You still haven’t received a reply yet– the relationship between the two of you left off on an unknown. So, if there’s ever a time for any reason that you go a while– maybe a week, maybe more– without contact, wouldn’t you start to get nervous? Wondering if maybe they ended up choosing someone else?”

“Well, I guess it would be hard not to.”

Kaname: “Exactly. It would, wouldn’t it?”

Kaname-san slowly stands up.

Kaname: “And when you’re feeling anxious about whether or not you’ll be chosen, someone else suddenly comes up and confesses to them. How would you feel if that happened?”

“I-I…. I’d start to wonder if they wouldn’t choose me, if they’d choose them instead.”

Kaname: “Right.”

Kaname-san smiles.

Kaname: “The human heart is a complex, delicate thing. It can be just as strong as it can be weak. You never know which it’ll decide to be, when.”

Kaname-san’s gaze softens.

Kaname: “When you’re close to someone, you can recognize the slightest of differences in them. But when you’re far away from them, you can’t even notice the biggest of changes.”

Kaname-san closes his eyes again.

Kaname: “That’s what it means to leave.”

We fall into silence. Kaname-san’s face is calm, but it also seems solemn in a way that I can’t quite place.

Finally, he slowly opens his eyes again.

Kaname: “I’m sorry, that conversation took a bit of a weird turn.”

Kaname-san stands up.

Kaname: “Today was rather tiring, so I’m gonna go get some rest. Thanks again for the tea.”

Kaname-san leaves the living room.

(What he was saying just now….?)

I feel as if my mind’s in a haze.

I think I understand what Kaname-san was saying. It’s only natural you’d have anxieties over leaving the person you love behind.

I understand why Subaru-san decided to ask Kaname-san for advice.

But somehow, something’s still bothering me. Nagging at my mind.

I’m not sure what, though.

I glance at the time.

There’s still around four hours until Subaru-san’ll be leaving.

(I still feel wide awake. I guess there’s no helping it– I’ll just have to stay up.)

I pick my controller back up and unpause my game. But it’s only a few minutes before I stop playing again.

I can’t concentrate, not with Kaname-san’s words still playing over again in my head.

(Kaname-san, why’d you suddenly decide to bring that up?)

★☆★

Subaru: “Sorry again that it’s so early.”

Subaru-san says.

It’s just before four am, and it’s still pitch dark outside.

Subaru-san’s luggage is already loaded into the taxi. All that’s left is for him to get in, too.

“No, it’s alright. Don’t worry about it.”

Subaru: “If you’re sure, then. Thanks.”

The conversation breaks off. Subaru-san lightly clears his throat. Then, he says,

Subaru: “Yokohama was really fun. I had a good time.”

“Yeah, me too.”

Subaru: “I wanna go again. I mean, not anytime soon, of course.”

“Right.”

Subaru: “But sometime. …. Sometime, eventually, for sure.”

The conversation trails off again. Subaru-san doesn’t say anything else. He just stares at me, instead.

I’m not sure how long it’s for, but soon enough, the taxi lets out a brief honk.

Subaru: “I’ve gotta get going.”

Subaru-san climbs into the taxi.

“Safe travels.”

I reply right as the door closes.

The taxi then drives off. It’s only a matter of seconds before it drives out of sight.

For a moment, I stand in place, motionless.

(Subaru-san’s gone.)

My mind feels stuck on this fact.

I can feel my fingertips start to go numb. Since it’s still early in the morning, it’s cold outside.

(...... I should head back inside.)

I go back into the first floor, and wait for the elevator to arrive before stepping in.

(Yokohama, huh.)

Memories from a week ago, when we went, resurface in my mind. Despite the fear I’d felt on the gondola, it’d been a fun day.

(I’d like to go again someday.)

Right when I think this.

(...... hm?)

A question pops into my mind.

(Someday, when I get the chance…. but when will I get the chance?)

Subaru-san isn’t here anymore.

So there’s no saying when exactly the next chance to go will be.

Until today, we’d lived under the same roof– I could see him whenever I wanted.

But that isn’t the case anymore.

I suddenly feel a sense of anxiety well up in my mind.

It’s an unfamiliar feeling. One that I didn't feel when Kaname-san, or Iori-san, or Fuuto-kun left.

Maybe it’s because when they left, I’d clung onto a subconscious thought in my mind.

– That one day, they’d come back.

We’re family, after all.

But the anxiety I’m feeling now feels somehow different.

For some reason, the emotions I’m feeling right now– the word “family” doesn’t quite encompass them.

It’s the first time I’ve ever felt them before.

(Just…. what in the world is this?)

19 notes · View notes