shoujosekaii

[shoujosekaii]

Onee-chan no Midori-kun (Midori Loves My Sister)

姐姐的翠君

お姉ちゃんの翠くん

Chapter 13

Sui narrates: Say, Midori-kun, why are you giving me such a lonely smile?

Midori immediately breaks out into a smile and says, "How about you just let me fix that geta strap of yours first?"

S: Hah? M: You can't walk like this, can you? S: No, I mean… M: Anyway, Sui-chan, where are the friends that you came with? You didn't come here alone, did you?

Sui gasps when she recalls, "Oh, right! Ayame…!"

M: Ah, I see, so you came here together with Ayame. S: Yes, I came with my friends from school, too. We just got separated, so I was planning to contact him…

Sui suddenly recalls the scene at the train station where Ayame had boldly declared to Midori: "I like Sui-chan." and Midori's surprised look. She thinks, 'I'm suddenly remembering that this is the first time I'm seeing Midori-kun after that happened…!! (How awkward!) …At that time, I didn't control myself and said those things.' (She's remembering how she said to Ayame, "Why did you have to mention this in front of Midori-kun?")

Sui continues thinking, 'I revealed completely what was on my mind. What should I do? If he takes this opportunity to tease me…'

However, Midori simply says, "Then, I'll fix your geta strap, and you can take this time to contact your buddies."

Sui widens her eyes in surprise and looks at Midori to see if he's serious. He looks at her expectantly, then teases, "What is it- You're staring at me. Am I that handsome? I look cool in my yukata, huh <3".

Sui gets taken aback, and answers, "Not. At. All! You're not handsome at all!"

Midori laments, "Eh- Midori-kun is hurt-"

Revealing a small smile, Sui thinks to herself, 'I see, you would pretend to be ignorant about it.'

The two of them begin to get up from squatting on the ground.

Midori says, "Alright. Anyway, there's just way too many people here, so let's find a place where we can sit down first. (It'll be dangerous if you knock into someone.)"

As Sui replies, "Ah, okay.", her foot slips out of her broken geta and she loses her balance, falling forward. She falls into Midori's chest and his arms catch her.

M: Ah, it's difficult for you to move, after all. S (blushing and backing off): I-I'm sorry! M: All good. Well, I'm very sorry, Sui-chan. S: Eh? M (putting his palms together in an apologetic manner): I'm doing this because there seems to be no better option. I'm apologizing in advance, so please don't mind me.

Midori puts his arms around Sui's waist and lifts her up off the ground, going, "Heave ho-". Sui is shocked, going, "Wha? Wait a minute! What?! Don't! Dummy! Gross!"

M: Okay, okay, okay- I'll put you down the moment we reach that (a low wall). Don't complain- S: I can walk by myself! M: You can't, not with the geta in that state. S: I can just hop on one foot! M: That's dangerous for the people around you, so that's not allowed- S: Then, I can just walk with one foot bare!

Midori glances at Sui and says to her, "It's just for a short while, so bear with it a little and hold onto me, okay?"

Sui blushes with a frown, but relents, and we see her put her hand on Midori's shoulder. She thinks, 'Dummy.', while looking at Midori's gentle smile.

Midori weaves through the crowd, going, "Excuse me, please let me through-", while carrying Sui.

Sui thinks to herself, 'Everyone is looking at us. It feels so embarrassing to be like this.'

Sui says to Midori, "…If I had known earlier that it'd be like this, I would have asked you to piggyback me instead."

Midori replies, "Even if I had bent over for you, you wouldn't have obediently climbed on, would you?"

Sui goes, "Uwuh-" in response, because she knows that Midori is right. Blushing in frustration, she thinks, 'I really hate this part of me that still finds my heart throbbing for Midori-kun no matter how much time passes, as well as this heart of mine.'

After a short while, we see Sui texting Ayame her location, while Midori holds up the fixed geta, going, "Look. Flawlessly completed."

S (amazed): Wah, it's really fixed…! (Thank you so much!) M: Amazing, right- The 50 yen coin does the trick. This is my granny's secret technique <3 S: Oh- (Sui thinks, 'I didn't expect to find out that he's a granny's boy…? That's kinda cute…') M: Anyway, Sui-chan. Why aren't you in your usual bunny ears today? (Your hair.)

Midori playfully puts his hands on his head to imitate a bunny and winks at Sui. She thinks, 'He actually called me a bunny! That's too adorable!'

Sui answers, "Well, I'm wearing a yukata today, so… Speaking of that, thankfully you were still able to recognize me. My hairstyle is different, but you were still able to tell that it was me."

Midori replies, "Ah- that's true. Regardless, it's Sui-chan, so it's a given that I'd be able to recognize you."

Sui looks at Midori's unteasing expression, then blushes to herself, thinking, 'What's with that.'

The two of them fall silent for a moment, and Sui glances over to look at Midori. He's facing forward, looking at the crowd with a neutral expression. After a moment, Sui begins, "Onee-chan wasn't able to come because of work, right?"

Midori turns his head to look at Sui, then turns forward again, answering, "…Yeah."

Midori elaborates, "Even so, you're not allowed to say things like being alone is pitiful, okay? Don't assume how I'm feeling just from how I look, because I'm actually having fun. For instance, I'm currently still considering what gift to get for Momo, who is working so hard- things like that."

Sui doesn't look too convinced. She goes, "…Hmm- Okay. If so, why did you have to make such a lonely expression?"

This comment surprises Midori.

M: …Eh, was my expression earlier that strange? S: Super strange! It was pretty unsettling, so don't be like that. If Midori-kun isn't smiling and laughing, it makes one feel anxious. Even I am at a loss of what to do. M (smiles): I see- Sui-chan, you're concerned about me, aren't you <3 S (triggered): What?! I am not concerned about you at all, okay?!

After a moment's pause, Sui continues, "…Regardless, I wish that the two of you will get along well. I wish for you to not make such strange expressions, but to smile from the bottom of your heart."

Midori's eyes widen at Sui's words.

Sui narrates: This is a matter that's between the two of them, so there isn't anything I can do. Neither do I have the right to do anything. Nonetheless, if it's just this, I suppose it'll be fine. This is just my selfishness.

The fireworks go off in the distance.

S: Ah, the fireworks…! (They've started.) M (looking downwards): …Hah. Sui-chan, you're truly kind.

Midori looks at Sui and gives her a pensive smile. Sui blushes from his gaze and answers, "I'm not."

M: Ah, speaking of that, Ayame-kun sure is taking a while. S: Oh no! He might have replied to my message!

Someone calls out, "Sui-chan…!"

It's Ayame, who is running towards them. Sui goes, "Ayame!"

Standing up to approach Ayame, Sui says, "I'm sorry, I got separated from you. As we walked along, my geta strap suddenly broke…"

Ayame doesn't answer, and glances over to Midori. Midori notices Ayame's gaze and both guys stare at each other silently.

Confused, Sui goes, "? Ayame?"

Ayame bows towards Midori, then swiftly grabs Sui's hand and turns to leave, saying, "Let's go, Sui-chan."

S: Eh, okay. Midori-kun, thank you for fixing my slipper…! M: Sure thing- Seeya- S: Hey, can you not tug me along so roughly? A: Ah, sorry.

Left alone, Midori thinks, '…Hah. I'm really no good. (I'm such an uncool adult…)'

Midori leans back a little and lifts his gaze to look at the fireworks in the sky. He recalls Sui's words, thinking, 'Wishing that I will smile from the bottom of my heart, huh-…'

We cut over to Momo, who hears the booming of the fireworks from her office. Her coworker remarks, "We can hear the fireworks even from over here, huh-"

Momo: Yeah, but it's difficult to see it. Coworker: I want to put on a yukata and attend so badly, too. Forcing me to work overtime for this impromptu task is simply unheard of. M: Alright, alright, I'll treat you to fruit juice after we knock off. C: Oh, that'll be great <3 Even so, Sanae-san, is it alright with you? Weren't you supposed to go to the festival with your boyfriend? M: Eh? I never said that I was going. C: Well, even if you didn't say it, I would know- What sort of person would have a boyfriend and not plan to attend the festival together? M (sweat-dropping): What kind of assumption is that? …Regardless, you hit the bullseye. C: Ah, so you really bailed on him. Your boyfriend is so pitiful- M: Uwuh- C: It's true that this job involves more sudden and unpredictable situations, so sometimes you can't help it, but if this goes on, are you really going to be fine?

Momo pauses for a moment and looks at her coworker. Then, she gives a wistful smile and says, "…Who knows. I'm putting in lots of effort, but I still bring him inconvenience and trouble him. He's a gentle person, too, so he would never blame me or pin the responsibility on me."

In response, Momo's coworker remarks, "…Somehow, I feel that you're having a really hard time, Sanae-san."

Momo's eyes widen in surprise. She goes, "Huh? Me?"

The coworker explains, "Yes- How do I put this? I'm not clear regarding the things going on between you and your boyfriend, so I'm not a good judge of this- But don't you feel that being like this is really tough for the two of you? Instead of calling this being overly caring, it's more like you're being overly considerate of each other- If the two of you continue like this without changing anything, I'm afraid that sooner or later, you'll have no choice but to part ways."

Momo remains silent while her coworker's words sink in. She unconsciously touches her ring while her coworker dismisses, "Well, I don't fully understand the details, so..."

We cut back to Sui and Ayame at the festival. Sui is frowning, quiet, and Ayame is also silent next to her, while the rest of the festival crowd is busy around them.

Sui begins, "…Say, Ayame. This should be enough already, right!? Can you let go of me already?!" (Ayame is gripping her hand.)

A: No. S: Wha- The fireworks have already ended! We should meet up with the others now- A: I'm such a loser. S (stunned): What? A (murmuring, depressed): I was so immersed in my fantasies of being able to increase your affection level for me today. My whole mind was filled with how the stalls around us had Mochi merchandise that even when your geta strap broke and you got separated from me, I didn't notice. With how it is, how am I expected to increase your affection level? Rather than increase, it's more likely that this date caused the level to drop instead.

Ayame then laments, "After all, there were things that were beyond my control…"

Sui tries to reassure him, saying, "Wasn't it pretty good? We still got to see the fireworks together."

Ayame answers, "Though that is the case, if I hadn't separated from you, it probably wouldn't have triggered the unexpected scenario of running into Midori-kun."

Holding Sui's hand more tightly, Ayame tilts his head, turning towards Sui and continues, "Under that circumstance, I managed to restrain myself, but I am actually very unwilling and extremely jealous!"

Sui blushes furiously from Ayame's words, telling him, "I get it! You don't need to emphasize it anymore…!"

Sui thinks, '…He's restraining himself?' She recalls the time when Ayame sat on her bed while she was huddled under her blanket. She continues thinking, 'So Ayame was also being considerate of me in his own way.'

Ayame then asks, "Well? What kind of secrets did you exchange with Midori-kun?"

S: Nothing much. We simply chatted about random everyday things while he was fixing my geta. A: You're definitely lying. S (irked): I'm not lying. We really didn't talk about anything important.

Looking up towards Ayame and smiling, Sui continues, "…I simply said that if onee-chan and Midori-kun can continue to be loving with each other, that would be nice."

Ayame asks, "What are you talking about?"

Sui quickly changes the subject by retorting, "Hey! I said for you to let go of my hand!" (But Ayame still refuses. :D)

Sui narrates: If the person we like can find happiness, and if we are able to be the one to give them happiness, that would be the best kind of ending. However, this isn't always going to be possible. Therefore, call me a busybody or even a hypocrite, but I simply wish for Midori-kun to be happy, and for him to have a smile on his face. This is what I think, from the bottom of my heart.

Meanwhile, we see Midori walking through the festival, alone and deep in thought.

[shoujosekaii]

Onee-chan no Midori-kun (Midori Loves My Sister)

姐姐的翠君

お姉ちゃんの翠くん

Extras 2

A side chapter with random shenanigans! This time, it's a series of Can They Do It?

1) Flirty Wink

Sui, Midori and Momo can all pull it off with ease! However, Ayame can't - he shut both eyes! LOL

2) Tongue Twister

Sui messes up and Midori laughs.

Midori also messes up. Sui huffs that his mistakes were more absurd than hers.

Momo also can't get it right. Midori remarks that it's a pity.

Ayame does it flawlessly and repeats it three times without breaking a sweat. Sui and Midori are impressed, commenting that Ayame looked like he was the one who was going to struggle with it most.

3) Whistle

Sui can't whistle, she just blows air. Midori laughs and says that she's cute, but Sui gets irritated.

Midori can whistle without a problem. Ayame remarks that he's good. Sui tells Midori to stop showing off and to not whistle while looking at her.

Momo can whistle well. Midori comments that she's talented.

Ayame can whistle well too and he imitates a bird's chirp. Sui says that Ayame's really good.

4) Tying a Cherry Stem Knot With One's Tongue

Sui can't do it at all.

Momo also can't.

We see Ayame still trying, while Midori triumphantly does it and takes the knotted cherry stem out of his mouth. He took only ten seconds!

Sui and Momo exclaim that Midori's really fast, and Midori says that he's always been good at it.

Ayame then adds that he also managed to do it.

[shoujosekaii]

Onee-chan no Midori-kun (Midori Loves My Sister)

姐姐的翠君

お姉ちゃんの翠くん

Chapter 12

Sui recalls her words to Ayame (from the previous chapter), "…Let's just go together, okay?". She narrates that she gave in and said that to Ayame all because he looked so forlorn.

Now, we see Sui and her two female friends, Yuzu and Kanon, all three dressed up prettily in their yukatas and cute hairdos.

The girls are greeted by Ayame and his two male friends (Saeki and Suzuki). All three boys are also dressed in yukatas.

Saeki and Suzuki remark that the girls' yukatas are very pretty - that girls really do look more eye-catching when they put on yukatas.

Pleased, Yuzu replies, "Right-? Sanana (her nickname for Sui)'s mother helped us to put them on~"

Sui notices Ayame staring at her and asks him, "…What's wrong?"

Ayame continues staring, then says to Sui (in front of Yuzu), "Sui-chan, you're so adorable. Your yukata style is impeccable." He gives her a thumbs up.

Sui gets embarrassed and blushes, blurting out a "Dummy…". However, before she can finish, Yuzu comments, "Eh, did he just say 'adorable'?!"

Saeki answers, "It must be your hallucination. Ayame has never shown any interest in real life girls, ever."

An annoyed Sui wrings Ayame's collar and whispers to him angrily, "Hey, you! Could you not say such things in front of everyone? (Dummy!!)"

Pouting, Ayame replies, "I'm just stating the truth."

Sui retorts, "That isn't the point!", but Ayame leans into Sui's ear in response, telling her, "I plan to use the festival today to make Sui-chan's affection level for me rapidly increase. Therefore, you had better prepare your heart for it."

When Sui hears Ayame's declaration, she is stunned for a moment, then she backs away, blushing and covering her ear, going, "What…?!". Ayame playfully sticks his tongue out at her.

The others then call out to Sui and Ayame, telling them to catch up. Sui thinks to herself, '…Thi-this guy's character change is just way too drastic…!'

Sui narrates: After that morning, a few things happened. (We see Yuzu telling Sui, "If that's the case, why don't we invite Saeki and Suzuki along as well?" and Sui agreeing.) Therefore, including Ayame's friends (who have also been my schoolmates since elementary school), it became the six of us going to the festival together. Ayame's mood became visibly better after that. (We see Ayame saying, "Wear a yukata, okay? I'll wear mine too.") Overall, even though this seems like a good plan, I'm wondering now if it was too early to invite him along…?

The group of six walk through the festival together and remark that it's really lively. Yuzu squeals that the festival's atmosphere is making her excited.

Sui thinks, '…If I think about it, even though I'm not here alone with Ayame, doing this might still raise Ayame's expectations and give him false hope…Even so, I just couldn't ignore how dejected Ayame looked…"

Some passers-by notice the group and comment, "Ah, look at those kids. Even the boys are wearing their yukatas-" "They're so cute~ (Boys in yukatas are great~" "Boys should put on yukatas more often!")

Sui listens to the comments and recalls her conversation with Momo: "Onee-chan, are you going to the summer festival?" "Yes, I'm going with Midori."

Sui wonders to herself if Midori is also now wearing a yukata. Ayame taps her shoulder and snaps Sui out of her thoughts, asking her, "Why are you spacing out? …Surely you're not thinking about Midori-kun…?"

Sui freezes at getting caught red-handed, but she tells Ayame (while not meeting his gaze), "What? I wasn't thinking of him at all."

Ayame simply continues looking at Sui and goes, "…Yeah, right."

Trying to look for an excuse for her spacing out, Sui spots a game stall in the direction of her gaze. She immediately points and goes, "Th-that…! I thought that the balloon looked a lot like Mochi, so I was just thinking that I really wanted it…!"

Looking over, Ayame agrees that the balloon looks like Mochi. He confidently tells Sui, "No problem. Leave it to me."

Ayame then informs the others that he'll go to the game stall to play. (The others go, "Huh, a toy balloon?).

Sui is surprised at Ayame's eagerness, thinking to herself, 'Eh, but I only said it to distract you…! (Though it's true that I do want it…!)'

Almost immediately, Ayame returns to Sui with the Mochi balloon in his arms. He goes, "See? I got it on my first attempt."

Sui is still stunned, while the others look on in amazement.

Sui: Even though you're usually so unlucky with your otaku merch… Ayame (lamenting): That's because my material desires interfered then, whereas this was a victory gained using the power of love.

The others are shocked at Ayame's statement.

Yuzu: Eh, did he just say 'love'?! Kanon: He did. Saeki: It's just your imagination. Ayame really has no interest in 3D girls at all.

Sui wrings Ayame's collar again and whispers to him angrily, "I already told you…! Don't say such weird things in front of everybody!"

Ayame brings the Mochi balloon to lightly bump noses with Sui and tells her, "Alright, calm down. Here, hug it."

Sui hugs the Mochi balloon and melts into an angry ball of happiness, going, "Uwuh!" She can't resist the cuteness of the balloon and is reminded of the other Mochi lookalike accessories she has - a handbag, pencil, pencil case and large soft toy.

While Sui is happily (aggressively) hugging the Mochi balloon, Ayame stands aside, watching her and trembling with joy, thinking to himself, 'Cute…'

Still trembling, Ayame tells Sui, "You can pretend it's me and treat it well. (You can pamper it too, okay?)"

Sui answers, "Huh? No way, I don't wanna."

Ayame takes a metaphorical stab from Sui's curt reply and gapes. Sui shyly adds, "…Nevertheless, I will treasure this."

Ayame's heart is shot by the cupid's arrow multiple times from Sui's tsundere attitude. We also see his affection meter go up while Sui also says, "So… um, thanks for this."

Ayame goes aside to recover from Sui's cuteness, thinking to himself, 'I love tsunderes so much tsunderes are just so wonderful I want to just shout out hooray for tsunderes tsunderes are the best tsunderes will heal this world tsunderes make the world go round-'

Sui looks at Ayame questioningly, going, "Ayame?"

Ayame mumbles to himself, "Haah… Sui-chan's existence is simply illegal… (You made my affection level for you go up yet again…)".

While Sui goes, "Huh? (What?)" in response to Ayame's mumbling, the others look on and comment on them.

Suzuki: Hm- They're completely in their own world. Saeki: Those two get along really well, huh- (All this time)

Sui: Say, I'm hungry! Ayame, hurry over! Let's get things to eat! Ayame: Ah. Okay. Kanon: Let's have the guys split up to buy the food then. (It's not a good idea to have so many of us queueing for food anyway.) Yuzu: Ah, that would be great! (How gentlemanly! <3) I want strawberry sticks and shaved ice! Kanon: I want taiyaki. Ayame: Sui-chan, what about you? Will grilled squid, yakisoba, chocolate banana, karaage and candied apples be okay? Sui: French fries, too. Yuzu: Sanana, your appetite is still so huge!

Sui opens her bag to look for her purse, going, "How much is all of that going to cost?"

However, Ayame coolly says to Sui, "Ah, there's no need. Today's my treat."

While walking away, Saeki nudges Ayame, asking, "Hey, treat me, too." and Ayame says, "Nope."

Sui watches them, speechless, thinking, '…What's with the "today's my treat"? What's that supposed to mean? Trying to act cool? He doesn't even usually say that.'

Yuzu and Kanon approach Sui from both sides with knowing smiles on their faces. Yuzu goes, "Sa-na-na-", and they both grab Sui, dragging her aside.

Sui is surprised, going, "Eh, what…?"

The three girls sit down on a low wall.

Sui: ? What's up? Yuzu: Sanana- Are you and Mizukawa dating? (Mizukawa is Ayame's last name) Sui (stunned): Hah?! Yuzu: I know that the two of you are childhood friends, but somehow I've been feeling that the atmosphere between the two of you has changed. Kanon: It's not the same~ S (vehemently): No! There's nothing at all! We're not dating, absolutely not…!! Y: Eh, is that true? Nevertheless, Mizukawa definitely likes Sanana. He even said things like 'you're adorable' and 'power of love' and stuff. (Even though Saeki said that those were my hallucinations.) S: Eh- K: The two of you are totally giving off those vibes. S (shyly): No, you're wrong. We're not like that. How do I put this… it's something like… teasing between childhood friends…? Y: What's with that? Could it be that he's confessed to you…?! (Just look at your reaction!) S (startled): ?! Wha-, no! K: Haha, look at you, it's written all over your face that Yuzu guessed right. S: Uwuh, no…

Yuzu and Kanon stick their faces next to Sui's, squishing Sui and going, "Sanana, you. are. so. adorable!!", while Sui answers, "Jus-just stop it already, you two…"

Sui thinks, '…What's with this situation? Why does it feel even more embarrassing than when Ayame confessed…?! (Anyway, why are we even talking about this…?!)'

Y (excited): So, what are you two going to do? Will you date? S: Eh? No. I already turned him down… Y: What?! Why? Don't you like him? (Two of you get along so well…) S (shyly): To put it simply, of course I lik…like him as a childhood friend. However… there's someone else that I like. Y (excited): Eh! I see! Who is it? Is it someone we know?! K: Is he from our class? S: Wha…! N-no. He is……

Yuzu and Kanon look at Sui wordlessly, and seem to understand not to pursue that question.

Y: …So it was like that. You already have someone you like, it can't be helped- K: We will support and cheer for your love, Sanana. (Even though I will feel sorry for Mizukawa.) S: Ah, there's no need. The other party has already clearly turned me down. There was absolutely no chance for this romance to develop at all.

Yuzu and Kanon look surprised and remain silent. Sui then realizes the gravity of her words, thinking to herself, '…Ack, I said something so intriguing. Wouldn't it make them even more concerned…?! What on earth have I been saying, being so upfront and honest…!! (I'm so stupid!) Even if they try to pry deeper, I wouldn't be able to tell them.'

Sui blurts out, "I-I'm sorry for saying all these."

However, Yuzu and Kanon simply pat Sui's head gently, cooing, "I see- Sanana, you also have things that are hard to talk about-" "I'm sorry, we made you talk about something sad."

Sui is surprised at their reactions. She thinks, '…I thought that they were going to interrogate me. They're so kind…'

Yuzu continues, "…Um, nevertheless, if that's the case, there's no problem even if Sanana tries dating Mizukawa, right?"

S: What did you say? Y: There's nothing going on between you and the person you like anymore, right? Since that's the case, it's okay if you try developing the relationship between you and the person who likes you! S: Oh, but… I want to properly cherish these feelings until they naturally fade away… Yuzu, didn't you mention this before? That it was your one and only first love, so… (during our karaoke session). Y: ? Yes, I did say that. However, properly treasuring your feelings and starting a new love, do you feel that these two contradict each other? S (confused): ? ? ?

Kanon explains, "What Yuzu said about dating Mizukawa might be a little too extreme, but what she means is, even if your feelings for the person you like hasn't fully gone away, heart-throbbing feelings can still sprout from within you for other people. Do you understand?"

Sui takes a moment to let the words sink in, while Kanon continues, "You might treat Mizukawa simply as a childhood friend, but I can tell that you have good feelings about him. It's not impossible to imagine that these feelings might one day grow into love, right?"

Sui contemplates Kanon's words.

Y: She's right! Also, Sanana, summer festivals are key events in romance stories, you know? Even though I still like the teacher, it's still highly possible that my heart may throb for Saeki or Suzuki today! S: Eh?! K: Well, I'm not interested in Saeki nor Suzuki.

Just then, the boys come back with the food they've bought, going, "Ah, they're here. We've kept you waiting-"

Still thinking about her conversation with the girls, Sui glances at Ayame, and Ayame notices her gaze. Sui thinks, '…Is that so? From a throb of the heart, developing into love… I've never considered such things before, so I have absolutely no idea if it's possible.'

Ayame interrupts her thoughts by asking, "Why do you keep on staring at me?"

Looking away tsundere-style, Sui answers, "I wasn't staring at you."

Ayame responds (in his usual flirting manner), "Your sideways glance excites me."

Sui concludes to herself, 'Right now, if I think about it carefully, falling for Midori-kun was also something I deemed unimaginable….'

After a while, Saeki sighs with satisfaction, "Ah- that was delicious-"

Suzuki asks, "What shall we do next? There are a lot more people now, so shall we head to the fireworks viewing spot?"

Yuzu answers, "Yes, let's go!"

Kanon muses, "We're really looking forward to seeing the fireworks. Right, Sanana?"

Sui answers, "Yes."

However, Ayame suddenly says, "Everyone, I'm sorry. Can we split up from here? I want to see the fireworks alone with Sui-chan."

Ayame's words surprise everyone, including Sui. Saeki is in disbelief, going, "Hah-? Ayame, dude… just how much do you enjoy sticking to Sanae?"

Suzuki stops Saeki's teasing by patting his shoulder and nudging him away, going, "Alright, alright. We're just gonna step away for a while."

Saeki: Hah? Yuzu and Kanon (winking at Sui and leaving with the boys): We'll see you later, Sanana- Sui: Eh- Wait a second…

Sui and Ayame remain standing, watching the others leave. Then, Sui turns to Ayame and asks, "…Aren't you just troubling the others, being like this?"

Ayame simply looks at her and answers, "Heheh."

S: What are you "heheh"-ing about? I was supposed to come to this festival with Yuzu and Kanon, you know! A: It's because, even if it's just for a short while, I wanted to be alone with you.

Sui blushes from Ayame's earnest words. However, she blurts out, "You're such a willful imp!"

Ayame laughs, "That's a cute name."

Sui thinks to herself, 'I had that conversation with Yuzu and Kanon earlier, so I feel somewhat awkward right now… Here I go again. Just be normal, be normal…'

Just then, Ayame says, "Ah. Sui-chan, the stall over there also has a lot of things that resemble Mochi."

Sui perks up and asks, "Eh, where…", when the string on her geta snaps.

Ayame, who is walking ahead of Sui, doesn't notice when Sui stops. He continues saying, "We still have time now, so let's go and play at that stall. For Sui-chan, I will make sure to win all of them!"

Meanwhile, Sui panics in her thoughts, 'Ah, the geta string snapped! How unlucky!'. She looks up to say to Ayame, "Sorry, Ayame, wait for me…", but realizes that he is gone. She is stunned, thinking, 'We've been separated…! (I only looked away for a second…!!)'

Squatting down to examine her broken geta string, Sui wonders, 'Hmm, how do I fix this? Even if I want to look for Ayame, I can't walk like this…'

Then, Sui suddenly remembers that she can call Ayame. However, someone goes up to Sui and goes, "Sui-chan?"

Turning towards the voice, Sui sees that it is Midori, dressed in a yukata.

Midori goes, "Ah, it's really you."

Sui blushes from Midori's appearance, while Midori continues, "What's wrong? Why are you squatting here?"

Sui blushes even more from embarrassment, thinking to herself, 'Darn it! I was distracted by the sudden appearance of yukata Midori… I mustn't be fooled by his good looks!'. She replies, "It's noth-nothing. It's just that the string on my geta snapped…"

Midori goes over and squats down as well, to examine Sui's geta. He says, "Ah- it's true. (It's totally broken.)

Sui senses something amiss, thinking, '…That's strange.'

Just as Midori continues asking, "Are you alright? Did you get hurt?", Sui asks him, "Where's onee-chan?"

Midori is taken aback by Sui's question. Sui continues, "She said that she was going to come with you."

We see Midori's thoughts: A text message from Momo on his phone saying, "I'm sorry, I can't make it today anymore."

We also see a panel of Momo busy at work.

Midori gives Sui a weak smile, while Sui asks, "Midori-kun…?"

Sui narrates: Say, Midori-kun, why are you giving me such a lonely smile?

At the same time, we see Ayame turning around and realizing that Sui is not by his side.

[shoujosekaii]

Onee-chan no Midori-kun (Midori Loves My Sister)

姐姐的翠君

お姉ちゃんの翠くん

Chapter 11

Sui is at home, lying on her bed. She's kicked off her socks and taken off her uniform (she's wearing just a pair of short tights and a camisole).

Face down on her pillow, she groans, '…Ah- What did I just do…?! I…suddenly got mad, shouted some gibberish and stormed off… That was being way too dramatic!!!' (She shouted, "Ayame, you idiot!!" in the previous chapter.)

Sui rolls back and forth on her bed, covering her face in embarrassment and frustration. She continues thinking, '…Midori-kun would surely think that it's odd too.' She narrates: I previously told myself clearly that I would cherish these feelings until they faded away naturally. Also, I was determined to get along normally with Midori-kun and not let him notice anything out of the ordinary.

However, Sui recalls the scene at the train station with Ayame and Midori, Ayame declaring to Midori, "I like Sui-chan." She gets overcome with frustration again and sits up on her bed, shouting, "Ah- I'm so annoyed!!" when Ayame opens the door to her room, announcing, "Sui-chan, I'm coming in."

Sui turns to look at Ayame and they look at each other. Noticing the state that Sui is in, Ayame blushes as he continues staring. He remarks, "What a feast for the eyes."

Sui goes, "Eh…", then pauses to examine herself. Looking down, she realizes what she's wearing. Sui then proceeds to freak out and scream, waking up her dog, Mochi, who was napping by the edge of her bed.

Sui covers herself in her blanket, going, "You pervert! You good-for-nothing guy! You've got a screw loose!"

Scratching his head, Ayame sheepishly replies, "Ah, heheh, I guess I accidentally switched to the lucky wolf mode."

Sui retorts, "Don't lump real life in together with your 2D games, you dummy!!"

Sitting down on Sui's bed, Ayame responds, "Yeah. I'm sorry. For now and for earlier. I'm sorry. I keep doing things that make you angry."

Sui seems to calm down a little, but doesn't answer. Ayame continues, "Well, even though I say so, I still don't get what it was that made you angry earlier. If you could tell me the reason, I would really appreciate it. It's for future reference as well."

After a short moment of silence, Sui says, "…I don't really understand it myself."

Ayame: Eh, you don't even know why yourself, yet you still shouted at me. Sui: I don't know why, but! I just, felt that I really hated it. In front of the person I like… in front of Midori-kun, to be courted by someone else… or something. I simply didn't want him to see it. Also, knowing that even if Midori-kun saw it, he wouldn't have any particular thoughts about it… Wouldn't this just intensify my feelings of emptiness?

Ayame is silent, seeming to understand. Sui narrates: This is something that I decided for myself, yet I'm pushing the blame onto Ayame and wallowing in self-pity. Why? Why can't I have a better grasp of my own emotions? I'm truly hopeless.

Burrowing out from underneath her blanket, Sui says to Ayame, "I'm really sorry, too. I shouldn't have lashed out at you so carelessly."

Ayame gives her a thumbs up in response, saying, "Your expression right now is brilliant."

S (judging look): …Hah? A (muttering to himself quickly): It's still a patronizing sideways glance, yet it's different from the usual; it's an expression carrying some feelings of apology and delicacy; additionally, because of having been bundled up in the blanket, it's also accompanied with blushing red cheeks; having all of these packaged together is indeed beyond perfection; I give thanks for this godsend. S: HAH?! I am earnestly trying to apologize to you, you know. A: I am also earnestly responding to your apology. S: I can't tell- A: Nonetheless, Sui-chan, you don't need to apologize. After all, it's because I blindly took action without considering Sui-chan's feelings. Surprisingly, I still gained something out of this. So, just feel free to lash out at me. S: What are you talking about? A: Because I feel that having you angry at me is something to be happy about…? S (creeped out): Eh, what's wrong with you? Trying to be a M? (Scary…) A: You're just a pot calling the kettle black. Didn't you also throw yourself onto a barbed path? Of course I'm happy. It's because all of your different emotions and moods are privy to only me, aren't they? Sui-chan, you mentioned before that it's not simply pain that you're feeling. However, no matter what, as long as you still have feelings for Midori-kun, there will still be many occasions where you're left feeling helpless.

Ayame continues, taking Sui's ponytail into his hand gently and gazing into her eyes, "Pour out all of your feelings of helplessness and pain to me. I will properly use them to my advantage and conquer you."

Sui looks stunned, speechless. Ayame then gently smiles at her.

Sui narrates: What barbed path? Isn't Ayame the same as me?

Out of embarassment, Sui hides her face from Ayame. Ayame notices and asks, "Did your affection meter for me increase?"

Sui answers, "You wish!" She thinks to herself about Ayame, 'Say, aren't you a fool? You are such a fool. You, Ayame, and myself too.'

Ayame, remembering something, goes, "Ah, anyway, Sui-chan. Will you go to the summer festival with me? Let's go on a festival date."

Ayame continues rambling, "In bishoujo games, summer festivals are the best events to unlock special romantic CGs. If we go together, I'll surely be able to easily raise your affection meter for me. (It's a flawless plan.)"

Sui goes, "…Sorry. I've already made plans to go together with Yuzu and Kanon."

Ayame freezes up in response, going, "Eh? Darn it, I miscalculated… I assumed that since Satake-san got a boyfriend, I would be able to go with Sui-chan this year, just the two of us…" (Satake is their middle school friend, they used to go to such festivals together as a trio.)

S: Somehow I feel kinda sorry. A (disappointed): No, it's my bad… I got too caught up in my own plans.

Sui looks at Ayame, who clearly looks like a dejected puppy. She thinks to herself that she can see his drooping ears and sad tail. She also narrates: Even though we've always been together, the Ayame of late is always displaying a completely new side of himself which I have never known before.

We cut over to Midori, who is preparing dinner at the stove. He thinks, 'I kind of sensed something during the time we were playing with fireworks, but could it really be that Ayame-kun is…? I wonder if they'll be alright, Sui-chan and them. From the looks of it, Ayame-kun must have confessed or used some other method to court her after that day with the fireworks.' (He recalls how Sui had told him in the previous chapter that "a lot of things happened, though they weren't exactly a problem.")

Midori also recalls Sui's words: "Why did you have to mention this in front of Midori-kun?" and seems to think about something, but he scratches his head to dismiss the thought. He thinks, 'I'm concerned about it, but this isn't an issue that I should stick my nose into…'

Midori's doorbell rings. He narrates: …Furthermore, I have my own matters that need dealing with.

Momo enters the house, remarking with a tired smile, "I'm so tired-"

Mo: I'm sorry, I came later than I planned to. Mi: It's alright, I was busy until late today as well. Mo (handing Midori a box): Ah, here. A present for you. Midori, you mentioned before that you really wanted to eat this. The fruit tart from Onise. Mi: Eh, really?! They're always sold out, so I never got to buy it…! Momo-chan, could it be that you're a cake goddess? Mo (proudly): You are allowed to worship me, you know. Mi (squealing): Momo-sama <3

Midori says, "It must have been inconvenient for you, to specially make a trip to the shop after work."

Momo answers, "It's fine. If it makes you happy, then it's worth it. Heh, looks like the trip I made to the shop while I was doing a shoot outdoors wasn't made in vain."

Midori smiles happily to himself. He then says, "Alright then, hurry up and be seated. Today's dinner is beef stew with summer vegetables and omurice!"

Momo cheers, "That sounds amazing-"

The two of them enjoy the dinner together, talking and laughing.

After eating, Momo sighs with satisfaction, "Hah-… What a sumptuous feast… Your culinary skills have improved again."

Mi: Well, I've already been cooking for myself for 5 years, after all. Mo: I'll do the dishes, then. Mi: Ah, no need. Momo-chan, you just stay put comfortably and relax. Mo: But- Mi (smiling): Don't worry about it and leave it to me. Okay?

Momo looks at Midori and hesitates for a moment, then replies with a smile, "--…Then your wish is my command. I'll rest."

Midori answers with a smirk, "That's more like it." He then brings the dirty dishes to the kitchen to wash.

While Midori is in the kitchen doing the dishes, Momo remains in the living room, watching Midori's hamster.

Mi: Ah, I just remembered, are you free to go to the upcoming summer festival? (I'm not working part-time that day.) Mo: Ah, yes. If it's at night, it shouldn't be a problem for me. In a sense, it's something like our anniversary, isn't it?

Midori and Momo look at each other and smile.

Mi (reminiscing): You mean our first date at the summer festival, before we became a couple? Mo: Yes, yes, our first date at the summer festival before we became a couple. At the beginning, I had planned on going there with everyone, but Midori, you suddenly said, "Let's go with just the two of us." Mi: Kyaa, how forward of me <3 Mo: …How nostalgic it is.

Midori and Momo both reminisce fondly, with a smile on their faces.

Midori recalls his words to Ayame: "I had better learn from you." and as he finishes washing the dishes, he begins, "…Anyway, Momo. I have something to talk to you about…"

However, there is no response from Momo. Midori is confused, and returns to the living room, going, "Momo?"

Midori finds Momo sound asleep. He thinks, 'Ah, she fell asleep. (And I only looked away for three seconds…)'

Covering her with a blanket, Midori thinks, '…It feels like a long time since I've seen Momo's sleeping face.' He continues gazing at Momo for a while, then he gets a sneaky expression on his face.

Taking out his phone, Midori snaps a picture of Momo. Then, he stares at the picture of Momo on his phone screen. He suddenly blushes furiously, thinking to himself, 'I'm such a creep; I'm really such a creep…!!'

(There's a panel of Midori's hamster, P-chan, munching on his food and remarking, "What's that fella doing, being all squeamish and embarrassed by himself?")

Midori thinks to himself, 'I will delete this, I'm sorry, Momo-sama…'

Then, Midori suddenly notices that Momo has dark eye circles beneath her eyes. He recalls Momo's words: "Why don't we commit to a plan, that we must meet once a week?" "Even though I'm really happy in my job now, and indeed I would like to put my job as my top priority, I don't want to neglect your feelings because of it, Midori."

Midori narrates: I'm truly glad that Momo is, in her own way, doing what she can for our relationship. However…

Midori watches Momo's sleeping face and thinks, '…I originally intended to follow my heart and tell her about the things I've been keeping in my heart.'

We see Midori's finger hover over his phone's "Cancel delete" button of Momo's picture, while he continues thinking, 'But let's just forget about it for today-…'

Midori continues narrating: Sui-chan's frankness, as well as Ayame-kun's honesty and authenticity, to the current me, are way too brilliant and dazzling.

The next morning, we see Ayame letting out a huge sigh. Sui watches him and sweatdrops. She asks, "…Say, aren't you sighing way too much today? You've been constantly sighing since we boarded the train. Are you okay?"

Ayame stares at Sui for a second, then turns away and sighs again, saying dejectedly, "…It's nothing. It's totally not because I don't get to go to the summer festival with you…"

Sui goes, "Eh?" and thinks, shocked, 'He's still feeling down about that…?! (Even after an entire night…?!) …Just how much does he want to go with me…?'

Ayame lets out a huge, long sigh again, attracting even the attention of their schoolmates. Sui notices how forlorn Ayame seems.

Scrunching up her face in thought, Sui then says to Ayame, "Ah- fine, fine. I get it…! …Let's just go together, okay?"

Ayame responds, "…Eh?", and Sui elaborates, "I already have plans with other people, so it's unlikely that it'll just be the two of us. However, if Yuzu and Kanon don't mind, you… can join us, I guess."

Sui loudly adds, "I'm going to make this clear from the get-go; This is not a date, okay?! Don't go anticipating all sorts of stuff, got it?! (I'm sorry, but too bad!)"

Ayame stares at Sui with a blank expression, then a blush forms on his face. Grabbing her shoulders and leaning in towards her, he tells her, "I'll go…!"

Sui shouts, "You're too close!"

[shoujosekaii]

Onee-chan no Midori-kun (Midori Loves My Sister)

姐姐的翠君

お姉ちゃんの翠くん

Chapter 10

Continuing immediately from the previous chapter, Ayame goes, "…Eh, what did I just say?"

Sui looks at Ayame questioningly, answering, "You're asking me? You said something about 'just fall in love with me instead'."

In response, Ayame blushes from ear to ear. Sui asks, "Say, could you let go of my hand first?"

Ayame (letting go of Sui's wrist): I'm going home. Sui: Eh? A (scrambling to leave): Bye bye, thank you so much for today. See you tomorrow. S: Ah, Ayame…?!

Sui is left standing, watching Ayame leave. She asks herself, "Aren't the two of us neighbours?"

Later, back at home, Sui is in the bath. She thinks, '…Honestly, what was that supposed to mean…? No matter how I think about it, Ayame was being really strange since a while ago. (Even though he's always been kinda strange.)'

Sui ponders Ayame's words again: "Shouldn't you just forget about that person and fall in love with me instead?". She thinks, '…I don't think it's likely, but back then, when Ayame mentioned "that person" and "me", did he mean…? (Midori and Ayame respectively)'

Sui realizes what Ayame meant and drops her face into the water. She thinks, 'Nonono, it can't be. How could Ayame possibly like 3D people, and moreover, me? It's simply incomprehensible. Impossible.'

Getting out of the bath, Sui sees on her phone while drying her hair that Ayame texted her, asking for a chat outside their homes (they are next-door neighbours).

Sui thinks to herself, 'Please, no, it's too awkward. I was just done thinking about some confusing stuff…', but we see her telling her mum, "Mama, I'm going out for a moment to talk to Ayame. Just outside." and her mum gives consent.

At the hallway, Sui sees Momo dressed up and about to go out.

S: Oh, onee-chan, you're heading out? M: Yeah. I made plans with Midori. S: …I see. You're so busy, so this must be tough. You're even going out at this time, when you just came home a while ago. (It's almost 9pm). M: Well, Midori has classes and part-time too. I'm always unable to sync up with his free time. He's always the one accommodating to me. We've made going on a date every week as a target to meet, so I have to make use of whatever free time I have.

Sui remains silent. Momo then says, "I'll be off, then. Don't bolt up the door, okay?" and Sui replies, "Ah, okay. Take care."

Sui remains wordless for a while again, digesting Momo's words: "Dating target".

We then see Sui stepping out of her house to meet Ayame, who's sitting on the steps outside. She greets him, saying, "Ayame. Thanks for waiting." and he turns to face her.

Sui asks, "So, what's up? You even called me out specially for this."

Ayame replies, "Here, this is for you. Look."

Ayame holds up a packet of ice pop (the kind with two sticks, which two people can break off one half each to share).

Sui watches with some fascination while Ayame opens the packet and breaks the ice pop into two parts. He then hands one half to Sui, saying, "Here you go. Let's talk while eating this ice pop."

Sui holds the ice pop and remarks, "Wow, how nostalgic. Thank you."

A: Isn't it? I found it in my refrigerator so I brought one over for you. Back when we had to run errands for our families, we used to secretly use some of the remaining shopping money to buy ourselves ice pops. S: You could say that I even looked forward to run those errands, just so we could secretly buy the ice pops to enjoy.

(We see a thumbnail of younger Sui and Ayame carrying shopping bags and eating half an ice pop each. Young Sui is telling Young Ayame to stay silent about the ice pop to his mother, but little do they know that the adults totally know about their little stunt)

Sui takes a bite from the ice pop and goes, "! It's so yummy." Ayame looks at Sui and blushes a little from seeing her happy expression.

Ayame begins, "…Sui-chan. What do you think about dating me?"

Ayame's question stuns Sui and she pauses from eating her ice pop, mouth open, to look over at him. Ayame continues eating his ice pop.

S: Hah? A: Ah, I asked, what do you think about dating me? In other words, how about you try being my girlfriend? (Also, I don't mean just having you accompany me to go to places.) S: You don't need to elaborate, I understand what you are saying… A: …About earlier in the evening as well, even though I was also shocked by my own words and frantically left to return home, it was all genuinely from my heart.

Sui and Ayame look at each other. Ayame moves closer to Sui, saying, "I think that I've actually fallen for Sui-chan since a long time ago."

After a moment's pause, Sui suddenly jerks back and exclaims, "Even if you suddenly say such things, I still cannot keep up with your train of thought, you know…?!"

Ayame answers, "Yeah, well, I guess you were really shocked, huh. I was shocked myself, too. Because of this issue, I even came down with a fever."

At that response, Sui's eyes widen. She recalls Ayame's behaviour from 2 chapters ago (him suddenly holding her hair and blushing a lot), thinking, '…Eh, then does it mean that when those things happened, and when Ayame was acting strangely, it wasn't because he was feeling unwell, but because he li…likes me?'

Upon making that realization, Sui blushes and looks troubled. She narrates: What's with this situation? All along, I never noticed a shred of that kind of atmosphere. She begins, "…All this time, you were so calm and patient when listening to me talk about Midori-kun."

Ayame replies, "Uh, at that time, I hadn't realized… Therefore, thinking back on it now, my jealousy makes me feel even more upset about it instead." He frowns and take a big bite off his ice pop.

Ayame's words hang in the air for Sui: "Jealousy" "Upset". She narrates: The present version of Ayame is just too different from the Ayame I knew. This is unsettling…

Ayame asks, "Well? How about it? Even if it's just to forget about that person, do you want to try dating me? It's only going to prolong your pain if you continue liking him. I feel that my suggestion will kill two birds with one stone."

Sui looks at Ayame, then turns to face the front, answering, "I won't date you. How could I possibly date you?"

We see Ayame's spirits drop. Trembling, he says, "You're so blunt…"

Sui continues, "That's because, if I dated you with that kind of half-baked reason, what would happen if I'm unable to fall for you? It would feel like I was… taking advantage of you, Ayame."

Frowning, Sui says, "I would never want to do that sort of thing."

Ayame looks at Sui, surprised. Sui continues, too embarrassed to look at him, "…Furthermore, you are my important childhood friend, you know."

Ayame's heart is metaphorically pierced by an arrow at these words.

Sui explains further, "Also, it's not simply pain I'm feeling. I one-sidedly fell for someone I shouldn't have fallen for. Even though I don't know when I can completely get over him, while he's still in my heart, I want to cherish these feelings."

Laughing painfully, Sui says, "I'm such a fool, aren't I?"

Ayame is silent for a moment, then answers, "Is that so."

S: I'm sorry, Ayame. A: Don't worry, I understand. Then, I will begin my attempts to one-sidedly conquer Sui-chan in my own way. Just like in my bishoujo games.

Sui looks at Ayame with dead eyes, going, "What?"

Ayame confidently answers, "It's kinda sly of me, but you're in your most vulnerable state now, so this is the most opportune moment for me to launch my full head-on attack."

Sui says, "No, even if it's just like your games, I…" she gets distracted by the melted ice pop dripping onto her finger. She goes, "Ah, oh no, the ice pop is melting."

Ayame leans in towards her and holds her wrist while replying, "…I'm the same. I want to properly cherish these feelings. It's fine if I'm just your childhood friend right now."

Licking the melted ice pop off Sui's finger, Ayame gazes upwards at her and says, "I will do my best to make you see me as a man."

Sui blushes furiously and goes, "What- just what- are you- doing…!", while Ayame playfully licks his lips.

S: What did you just do?! That was so gross! (That's lowly of you…!!) A: Your heart meter for me just rose, didn't it? There's a similar scenario to this in the game True Love. (kissing the cream off her face <3) S: How could it possibly rise!

Sui narrates that Ayame's personality change is way too much for her to handle. (A thumbnail of Ayame says of himself that he seems to be the type of guy to actively initiate interactions and attacks. He has become awakened.)

It's now after school, on another day. Sui is at the train station, and she's thinking to herself that she's exhausted. She narrates that after that night, she was relentlessly attacked by Ayame, every single day.

Scene 1 - Ayame holding Sui's ponytail and complimenting her, "You look really adorable today as well. This tsundere pigtails style is simply the best." Sui goes, "Hah?!" Scene 2 - Ayame holding a hand out towards Sui, going, "Let's hold hands. (Just like last time.)" Sui replies, "No way!" Scene 3 - Ayame sitting extremely close to Sui on the train, to the extent an onlooker thinks that the two of them get along really well. Sui is huffing under her breath that he's being too close.

Sui thinks to herself, '…Honestly, it's like I don't even know him anymore. All along, we were childhood friends. We were just like siblings, and there weren't any complicated feelings between us at all.' (There's a small scene of young Sui and young Ayame in winter, Sui wrapping her scarf around Ayame and nagging him for forgetting his scarf.)

Frowning to herself, Sui continues thinking, 'This is really unsettling. Without realizing it, I just ran home. (Ayame's on cleaning duty so he's still in school.)'

Someone goes, "Oh, it's Sui-chan."

It's Midori. Sui goes, "Midori-kun.", and he chirps back, "Hello-"

M: Just finished school? S: Yeah. M: I'm headed for my part-time work~ S (looking away tsundere style): Is that so. I didn't even ask. (I'm not interested.) M: Sure, sure. Tsundere today, as always, huh-

Sui tugs on her ponytails, blushing, while thinking to herself, '…This is the first time we've met since the barbeque party.'

Suddenly recalling something, Sui goes, "Ah."

Sui says to Midori, "That reminds me, Midori-kun, you're currently working on meeting onee-chan every week as a target, aren't you?"

Teasingly, Sui continues, "Isn't this wonderful? With this, you won't feel lonely anymore."

M (looking awkward): Ah- Yeah. Uwuh- That's true, I guess- S: What, is there still something you're not content with? (You're way too scared of being alone!) M: No, no, there's nothing I'm discontented with. I'm concerned if she might be overworking herself and making herself exhausted.

Sui notices Midori's helpless expression, and says, "Midori-kun-", but Midori claps and cuts her off, going, "Okay, okay, let's not talk about my issues anymore. (End of conversation.)"

Midori asks, "Sui-chan, how have you been lately? School life is fun, isn't it?"

S (triggered because she's suddenly reminded of Ayame): Eh? Ah, yes. It's pretty fun… but a lot of things happened… it's not exactly a problem, but how do I put this… M: Oh-ho? If there's anything troubling you, do you want this onii-chan to lend you a listening ear-? S: No! There's no need! M: Instant rejection~

Sui thinks to herself, '…It's because I somehow feel like I don't want Midori-kun to know about this…'

Just as Sui's thinking to herself, Ayame suddenly appears behind her, holding her pigtails and asking, "Why did you leave without waiting for me?"

Ayame's appearance stuns Sui, and she thinks, 'Ayame…! Why did you have to appear now…!', while he folds his arms, saying, "I already told you to wait for me to finish cleaning."

S: …Ah- I'm sorry. There was a movie that I wanted to watch, so… A: Enough. Stop lying. I know why.

Ayame, still holding both of Sui's pigtails, brings his face very close to Sui, saying while looking into her eyes, "You just wanted to escape, right? From me."

Sui blushes and goes, "Hold up- I told you to do it in moderation…! Just stop it already, for today." She pushes Ayame's hands away.

Confused, Ayame asks, "Why are you emphasizing today…", when he realizes that Midori is standing right in front of them.

Sui narrates: Truthfully, this issue has got nothing to do with Midori-kun. Also, it's not like Ayame has done anything wrong. Despite so, I still don't want Midori-kun to see this.

Midori and Ayame exchange looks. Ayame then steps forward to get between Midori and Sui, saying to Midori, "I like Sui-chan, so from now on, please don't worry about anything and just go be lovey-dovey with Momo-nee-chan."

M: Eh, ah- A: Well, this is what I wanted to say. Let's go home, Sui-chan.

Sui begins, "…Why? Why did you have to mention this in front of Midori-kun?". She has a blush on her face and looks embarrassed.

Ayame goes, "Eh…", but before he can continue, Sui bursts out, "Ayame, you idiot! (I'm going home myself!!)" and she runs off, leaving Ayame flabbergasted.

Witnessing the whole thing, Midori awkwardly scratches his head and says, "…Ah- It might be a little weird for me to say this, but…"

A: What is it? (Do you have something to share?) M: No, not like that. Earlier, you were being a little… insensitive of a maiden's heart.

Still awkwardly scratching himself, Midori repeats, "Geez, having me say such a thing really feels kinda weird… (Hahaha…)"

Ayame remains silent, then asks, "What are you talking about…", but Midori cuts in, "Nonetheless, I'm somewhat envious of you."

Midori explains, "Just like that, without trying to conceal your inner thoughts, honestly expressing your truest feelings."

Ayame looks at Midori, not seeming to comprehend. He asks Midori, "Eh, are you treating me like a fool?"

Midori waves his hand to deny, saying, "Not at all, not at all, I'm complimenting you, it's a compliment."

Midori gives Ayame a small smile, then says, "I had better learn from you."

[shoujosekaii]

Onee-chan no Midori-kun (Midori Loves My Sister)

姐姐的翠君

お姉ちゃんの翠くん

Chapter 9

This chapter is mostly from Ayame's perspective and his thoughts!

Ayame narrates: For as long as I can remember, she has been my neighbour. To me, Sui-chan is not just a childhood friend but also family. We're as close as siblings, and all this time, she's always been special to me.

There's a flashback to Ayame's memories of kindergarten. A game character called Misaki says on Ayame's gaming console screen, "This is a secret between Ayame-kun and I, okay? <3".

Ayame blushes lightly upon seeing the dialogue and thinks to himself, 'A secret between the two of us… Misaki is such a tease~~ (I like her so much…!!)'. He trembles in exhilaration.

Two of Ayame's classmates notice him and one of them goes, "Ah, Mizukawa, you're playing games again."

Ayame (looking up from his game): Saeki, Satake. Saeki: What are you playing? Ayame (holding up his gaming console): It's 'Unending Love - The Promise We Made Under The Tree". Saeki, Satake: Huh? What's that? Ayame: It's a bishoujo game. Satake: Bishoujo…? Ayame: It's a game where you can date adorable girls and at the end, promise to love each other forever. A game where one can simulate being in love. Even though it's called a bishoujo game, the game has many educational concepts about life too, not just on love - I really enjoy the love stories, though. Saeki/ Satake: Gross. Ayame: …Eh? Saeki: Why would anyone date girls in games? That's ridiculous. (Games like Fortnite are much more interesting.) Satake: Girls in real life are much cuter anyway, don't you think?

Ayame looks at Misaki in his game console and thinks about what his classmates said: Gross.

A while later (we're still in Ayame's memories), Sui goes, "Somehow, it feels as if you're listless today, Ayame."

A: Really? S: Yeah. It's unusual that you haven't touched your games even once. Usually, you'd be so quick to throw your homework aside and start playing your games. A: …It's nothing. It's not that I'm feeling listless. It's just, am I gross? S: What? (What's with that?) A: …At the kindergarten yesterday, when I was playing Unending Love, Saeki said that I was gross. I'd never given these things much thought before, so now I think that if there are people who find it gross, maybe it'd be better if I hide the fact that I enjoy playing bishoujo games.

Shaking with dismay, Ayame continues, "It's all my fault. Not only did I get belittled by them, my beloved character got insulted as well…!"

S: That's gross! A (staring at Sui blankly): Indeed, Sui-chan also thinks this way, huh… (You just kept mum about it all this time…) S: No, I'm not saying that you liking bishoujo games is gross. I'm saying that you thinking that way is gross. A: Eh… S: If your liking bishoujo games causes great inconvenience for others, that would be bad indeed, but Ayame, you don't do anything of that sort. Even if others speak ill of it, you should proudly enjoy what you like. Doing this is more like Ayame's style.

Ayame looks at Sui, touched by her words. Sui angrily huffs and continues, "Anyway, you don't need to bother yourself with the words from a classmate like Saeki, whom you're not even that close to. Even though it's normal that not everyone understands this hobby, he is even more gross for being so nosy and disparaging it to the person's face!"

Ayame blushes lightly and says, "…Sui-chan, you really like me, huh. You got so mad on my behalf."

S: Huh?! Ewww! No way! I just don't like Saeki! It's not because I was doing it for you! Don't get me wrong! (I just really dislike that kind of person!) A: Oh---? S (tugging on her ponytail shyly): Also, we're childhood friends, aren't we? Isn't it to be expected that I'd take your side?

Ayame remains silent but blushes more as he looks at Sui being shy. She angrily cries, "Anyway! I'm mad, not because I like you or anything, got it?! (Don't you overthink it!!)".

Ayame thinks to himself, 'Tsundere…' and a metaphorical arrow shoots through his heart (he loves it).

Ayame narrates: Come to think of it, it most likely started from then. He recalls his younger brother's comments: "Say, onii-chan, why do you like tsundere types so much? You weren't like this last time."

Ayame thinks to himself, 'The type I like isn't tsundere; instead, it's…'

We come back to the present. Ayame opens his eyes. He's on his bed. He sees Sui's back, and goes, "…Sui-chan?"

S: Ah, sorry, did I wake you up? A (sitting up on his bed): Why are you here? S: I'm visiting you since you're ill. (Aoi opened the door for me.)

Ayame looks at the clock and it says 5.23pm. He thinks, 'Eh, it's already evening. I slept for so long… and I dreamt about stuff when we were young.' He removes the fever tab on his forehead.

S: How are you feeling? A: Ah- I'm fine. I slept a lot, so I'm feeling alright now (my fever has subsided too). S: That's good, then. However- If you weren't feeling well yesterday, you should have just told me straightaway. I got such a shock when I saw your text this morning. (To think that full-attendance-Ayame would call in sick.)

We see Ayame's text to Sui earlier this morning saying: "I've got a fever. Gonna call in sick."

A: Yesterday? S: When we were having the barbeque, I felt that you were being strange, Ayame. Your face was red too when we were playing with the fireworks. You were already having a fever since then, weren't you?

Ayame pauses for a moment, looking at Sui as she folds her arms at him. He then answers, "Yes, that's right. It's exactly as you said."

Sui sighs and huffs, "Why didn't you say so, then? (Well, it's good that you're better now, though.)"

We see Ayame's thoughts: …Truthfully, it's not that I fell sick or anything. This feverish heat that I'm experiencing was most likely caused by yesterday's shock and confusion - a teething fever of sorts.

We see Ayame and Sui's interaction from the fireworks: Ayame saying that it's nothing and saying to Sui to just play with the fireworks. Later that night, Ayame lay in bed thinking about it so much that he got brain-fried and developed a fever.

Ayame thinks while recalling his actions from the fireworks yesterday (in particular him suddenly holding her ponytail), 'Thank goodness she was somehow able to justify my strange behaviour yesterday all by herself. Back then, my body simply acted on its own before my brain could react. I also noticed that my face had become very red and heat up.'

Ayame narrates: All this time, I've always thought of you as special. However, I never imagined that these feelings would subconsciously develop and change, such that I no longer want to be just childhood friends.

Ayame continues thinking to himself, '…It should be fine, right? To comprehend these feelings in this manner.' His heart is pounding quickly as he ponders, 'I don't have any experience with 3d girls so I don't have any assurances, but this should be correct, I hope??'

Meanwhile, Sui is calling out repeatedly to get Ayame's attention: "…Ayame! Ayame!" She has climbed onto his bed in front of him, surprising him. She says, "You're actually still having a fever, aren't you? I called out to you several times but you continued to just stare into space."

Ayame weakly denies it while thinking, 'She's so near.'

Sui reaches a hand out, goes close to Ayame and places it on his forehead to check his temperature. She asks, "Ah, are you still having a fever? Your face is red too."

Ayame is blushing from the close proximity to Sui, but he answers (while tucking himself back under the blanket), "Uwh--- …Yeah, I think I feel the fever coming back. I'll sleep a bit more."

Sui replies, "That's good, that's good. (I'll go back home, then.)"

Ayame thinks to himself, '……Yup, I can't deny it anymore. This is, for sure, a 3d romance…!' His heart is beating quickly as he continues blushing to himself. 'My heart meter for Sui is definitely already full.'

Suddenly, Sui asks, "Oh, right, since you're like this, shall we cancel our weekend plan to visit that themed cafe?"

Ayame's eyes widen upon hearing that. Sui continues, "Well, I guess it's better for me if we cancelled it."

We see a little thumbnail flashback of Ayame telling Sui, "I want the Rika coasters, so go with me to the themed cafe next week. (There'll be maid cosplays for a limited time!)" and Sui responding with, "Tsk, again?"

Ayame instantly sits up. He tells Sui firmly, "We must go! Leave it to me, I will make sure that I'm fully recovered by the weekend."

Sui gives a sideways glance and replies, "Eh- I thought that I could skip out on something troublesome."

Lightening up, Ayame thinks to himself, 'Wait a minute, isn't this skipping to the date scene?"

It's the weekend and we see Sui and Ayame at the themed cafe. It's filled with guys. There's a voice in the background saying, "Thank you very much for visiting us today <3 Love <3 Cafe! I'm not that happy about it, ok!?"

Ayame (trembling with happiness): Rika… Sui: Every time we come, I feel like I don't belong. (So awkward.) Anyway, which character's coaster design do you hope to get the most? A: I'll be happy with any character, but getting Rika will be the best! (Rika is his favourite character in his games - Tsundere underclassman, Kusumi Rika.)

Ayame seriously explains, "I hope to set aside my part-time job earnings for next week's figurines, so hopefully I can get the coaster on my first try… in the worst case scenario, I at least hope to get it on my second try."

Sui answers, "We've already ordered 2 dishes and 3 drinks. This should be good enough, right?"

Thumping the table with his fist, Ayame exclaims, "You're too naive! This time, they're giving out the portrait and cutie versions of each of the five members. In total, there are 10 types of coasters possible to obtain. If I use that kind of flippant attitude, Rika will never come to me…!"

Sui blankly replies, "Ah- I see. Well, if we have to order another 2 drinks, I can still finish them. In any case, just hurry up and satisfy that consumerist side of you." She confidently says, "I still have some celebratory money from my aunts for getting into high school, so I still have deep pockets."

A: Eh? Usually, you'd always say to stop because whatever would be fine. What's with you today? (Not that I intend for you to help me, though.) S (looking away in embarrassment): Nothing much- After all, you've been patient with me and listened to so much of my problems regarding Midori-kun. Therefore, I don't mind doing more for you this time.

Ayame is surprised into silence upon hearing Sui's words. He thinks, '…Ah, really?'.

The moment is interrupted by the waiter, who has brought over their drinks. "Thank you for waiting~ May I know who ordered 'Rika's Tsundere Lemongrass Drink'~?"

Ayame answers that both glasses of the same drink are his. The waiter then serves Sui's drink, saying, "As for you, this is 'Himeno's Little Devil Chocolate Milk Tea'. Here you go~"

Sui wonders to herself if the waiter is a closet otaku while she thanks him for the drinks. The waiter also serves the coasters and then leaves. Meanwhile, Ayame is observing Sui and thinking, 'Even though realizing my feelings has made me beside myself with excitement, this romance has been over since the beginning.'

Reaching out to the coasters (which are currently face-down), Sui says, "Alright, Ayame.", causing him to snap out of his thoughts.

Sui asks, "Let's flip them together on three?".

Ayame tells himself that he needs to focus, while responding, "Ah, yes."

A: Are you ready? S: Yup. A, S: One, two, flip!

The two coasters are exactly what Ayame wanted! Both Sui and Ayame's eyes widen in surprise, and they both look at each other, exclaiming, "Rika!"

A (happy): Eh, my Rika set is complete…! S: Isn't this great? All in one go! A (trembling with excitement): Wah~ S: I don't have an interest in this, but this still makes me happy, getting what Ayame wants…

Ayame gazes at Sui. When she notices, she blushes instantly and immediately gets embarrassed, saying, "Ah! W-well, it's lucky that I don't have to spend any more money on this kind of thing!"

Upon witnessing Sui's tsundere behavior, we see Ayame's heart meter shoot through the roof. He trembles with emotion, thinking, 'Sui-channnnnnn, ahhhhhhhh, this reaction is simply too wonderful…!!'

Sneaking a peek at Sui, who has embarrassedly decided to start sipping on her drink, Ayame thinks, '…After realizing my feelings, I now understand that it's not just the tsundere part that's special. The way she has no interest and outwardly shows reluctance, yet is still willing to accompany me… when I'm together with her, I feel really happy. It's simply not enough to assign just one love meter to represent my feelings.'

Still blushing and looking at Sui, Ayame thinks, 'If I were a character in my games, I'd be so easily conquered by Sui…'.

Sui notices his gaze and asks, "What? Do you have any complaints?"

Ayame's heart meter fills up all the way again. He tells Sui, "Don't look at me with that sideways glance anymore. (My heart can't handle it.)", to which Sui answers, "What?".

Ayame thinks to himself, 'Even though this romance has been over since the beginning, this feeling of love can't be changed, after all. Why wasn't I able to realize my feelings for Sui-chan earlier?'

Later, Sui and Ayame are on their way home and Ayame is glowing from happiness and satisfaction. He says, "Ah- I never thought that I would be able to get Rika in one try. Both her portrait and cutie versions, too. I'm so lucky."

Looking over at Sui, Ayame continues, "It's all thanks to Sui-chan for accompanying me that I was so successful."

Sui looks at Ayame, then folds her arms and looks away, saying, "What's with that. Even if you butter me up, you won't get anything out of it."

A: Yes, yes. Even so, with this, I can save some more money for the figurines next week. S: Yeah, yeah, that's great…

Sui trails off as she gets distracted by something, and stops in her tracks. Ayame notices, and asks her what she's looking at.

Following Sui's gaze, we see that it's someone whose profile looks like Midori, across the street. Ayame watches Sui as she looks at the person.

Then, Ayame covers Sui's eyes with his hand, telling her, "It's not Midori-kun, you know. That person."

S: Ah, what? I know. (Take your hand off.) A: Then why were you staring and standing still? S (swiping Ayame's hand away): I wasn't staring, okay? (You're annoying.) A: You were. S: I wasn't. A (firmly): You were. You were looking.

Sui looks at Ayame painfully, then relents and admits, "…I just thought that his profile looked a little like Midori-kun. That's all."

Ayame falls silent and narrates: …You're right here with me, and Midori-kun isn't even here. Yet, your thoughts are filled with Midori-kun. No matter how much you think about him, it will only bring you pain.

Ayame painfully thinks, '…Really now. Why wasn't I able to realize my feelings sooner? If I had realized my feelings earlier, perhaps I might have been able-…'

Ayame reaches out and grabs Sui's wrist, surprising her. She asks, "Ayame?"

Looking seriously at Sui, Ayame says, "…Shouldn't you just forget about that person and fall in love with me instead?"

Sui and Ayame gaze at each other, Sui with a surprised expression and Ayame with a serious one.

Breaking the tension, Sui goes, "What did you say?"

Snapping to his senses, Ayame goes, "……Weird."

They continue looking at each other awkwardly, and one of them goes, "Eh?"

[shoujosekaii]

Futari de Koi wo Suru Riyuu

两个人相恋的理由

ふたりで恋をする理由

Chapter 72 (Final chapter)

There will still be an extra, but this is the end of the story!

The chapter starts with us greeted with a sight of Misono with a baby carrier, and a baby with him. The baby is babbling and Misono is cooing, "What's the matter, Nao? Are you still sleepy after all? (Hush, hush.)". Someone calls out to him, "Jun!"

It's Urara, dressed up cutely to meet Misono.

U: Thank you for waiting! M: We just arrived, too. Nao: making baby noises U (looking at Nao): Oh? Are you unhappy? M (referring to Nao): Yeah, he seems a little sleepy.

A couple of elderly women pass by and see Misono and Urara with the baby. They cheerily remark, "Awww~ what an adorable husband and wife~" "Having a child at such a young age, how impressive~"

Misono and Urara sweatdrop and laugh awkwardly, while Misono mutters, "…This is my little brother."

Urara narrates that last autumn, Misono's family safely delivered a new member into their family, and his name is Nao. Misono and Urara are mesmerized by cherryblossom petals dancing in the wind around them.

M: Look, Nao. It's sakura. U: Nao-kun, the sakura petals are dancing~ It's pretty~ M: Sa-ku-ra. Nao: baby noises U: Haha, he still doesn't understand, huh.

Urara narrates: The seasons are slowly progressing. This is the second spring that Misono and I are welcoming together.

In the next scene, we see Aiji, who's greeting them, "Jun! Andou-san!" Greeting the baby as well, Aiji goes, "Nao came as well, eh~~"

M: You were the one who requested for me to bring him, Aiji. A: Well, that's because I won't be able to see him for a while after this. U: Senpai, this is a farewell gift for you. A: Awww, you didn't have to. Thank you both.

Urara's narration explains that Aiji is about to enter college and will be living on his own starting this spring. He is moving out today.

M: Aiji, are you able to cook for yourself? A: Eh? (Of course I can't <3) Jun, come over and cook for me <3 M: Hah--? Why me? Shouldn't you ask your girlfriend instead? A: Ah--… Ugh, um, well… we're still not officially together. M: HAH?! Are you two still not dating?! U: Is that true?!

Aiji shrinks away and whimpers in fear at Misono and Urara's shock.

M (judging look): Oi oi, what's wrong with you? That's really lame. (How is this even possible?) U (judging look): Senpai, I'm honestly kind of disappointed in you… (How is this even possible?) A (looking back at them): Really, do you guys have to say that--

Aiji indignantly explains, "You two don't even know the slightest bit how difficult that person is to deal with, that's why you're able to say such things! (Even if I make the smallest error in judgment, she immediately withdraws away and puts distance between us!)"

We see a small panel of someone who looks like Arisaka Maaya, growling from behind a brick wall that's labelled as "emotional barrier".

Misono and Urara remain indifferent, while Aiji continues explaining (looking somewhat proud of himself), "But it's precisely because I'm sincere with her, that she's become so cautious…"

Urara whispers to Misono, "With senpai's qualities, all of the world's ladies are at his disposal. Why is he choosing to take the thorny path?"

Misono whispers back, "Who knows? Maybe because he's a M?"

Aside, Aiji cries, "Will you two please stop bullying me already?! (I can hear you, you know!)"

Aiji's father calls for Aiji to set off. Aiji then says to Misono and Urara, "Alright then, I'll be going now. Thank you both for coming to see me off."

M: Remember to properly eat nutritious food, got it? Also, don't let your dirty laundry pile up; don't forget to take out the trash, and ah, be careful using the stove; remember to lock your doors- A: I know, I know~

Aside, Urara chuckles.

Waving and smiling, Aiji bids goodbye: "You guys should come over to hang out too, alright? See you!"

The narration reads: Spring is a season of departures.

Later, we see Urara and Misono hand-in-hand, crossing an overhead bridge. Urara says, "Nao-kun fell asleep immediately after he was handed to your mother, eh."

Misono replies, "He was already very tired. I was the one who forcibly brought him over. (I've been cruel.)"

U: That said, now that Aiji-senpai has moved away, won't you be lonely, Jun? M (blushing): Huh?! I'm not lonely at all! U (teasing): There you go again~ Putting up a strong front~ M: I'm telling the truth!

Someone sees the couple chatting happily from under the bridge. It's Obi. He pauses and goes, "Eh."

Obi's friend, Maki, notices Obi pause and asks, "Hm? Obi, what's wrong?"

O: …Earlier, I saw Andou-san and her boyfriend together. M: Eh?! (For real?) …Then…you…are you okay…? O: Yup. I felt a sting in my heart, but surprisingly I'm fine. M: …Really? You're not pushing yourself? O: It's true, because Andou-san was smiling very happily-- With that, I feel reassured that I was not mistaken back then. So it's fine.

Patting Obi's shoulder, Maki says, "Obi, you're a great guy indeed."

However, Maki squirms and continues, "Ah- I've really been worried about you, you know, because after that, you were confessed to by so many people, but you rejected all of them~ (I thought that you hadn't gotten over it.)"

Obi explains, "I turned them down simply because I didn't have feelings for them. If we started dating just like that, it would be too disrespectful to the other party."

Smiling contentedly, Maki replies, "Then, it seems that even after today, many things will still happen. It's spring, after all. It's a new season."

Obi looks at his friend, then breaks into a small smile. He says, "Anyway, we have to prepare for college entrance exams this year-- (do we even have leisure time--?)"

Covering his ears, Maki whines, "Ahhh, I didn't hear that--".

Going back to Urara and Misono, we now see them under a large tree, having a picnic. Urara remarks that the weather is warm and comfortable.

Misono asks, "Your birthday request was a 'picnic'. Is this really good enough?"

Urara is busy chewing her food and quickly swallows to answer, "Eh? Yes! Why do you ask?"

M: That's because I felt that we should have… gone to a fancier place… or something. Furthermore, we didn't even celebrate your birthday last year. I wanted to make up for it with this year's… U (whining): Under those circumstances last year, I couldn't care less about my birthday! I already told you not to be bothered by it~

A box explains that during Urara's birthday last year, she was preoccupied with Misono's going-to-New York crisis, so even she forgot about her own birthday.

Urara smiles and continues, "Moreover, my boyfriend has prepared such a delicious spread for me. There's nothing more blissful than this."

Misono skeptically goes, "Blissful… That's got to be an exaggeration, right…?"

Urara replies, "I'm not exaggerating at all. The weather is great; the food is so yummy, and the person I love is next to me. This is bliss, isn't it? It's not an exaggeration at all."

Misono looks at Urara's happy, smiling face. He then says, "…Urara, could you hold your hands out for a bit?" while he looks for something in his bag.

Putting her hands out, palms up, Urara goes, "Eh? My hands? (Like this?)"

Misono places a small gift box into Urara's hands. He says, "This is for you… a birthday gift."

U (surprised): Eh… eh?! A gift?! But you already promised me a picnic…! M: I wanted to give you something that you could keep… U: Th-thank you…! Can I open it?! M: Yup. U: …A necklace? It's a horseshoe… M: Ah, Urara, you know about it? The name of this shape. U: Eh, ah, yeah, I think I heard about it somewhere before, so I knew. M (blushing): I didn't know about it myself…

We then see a flashback of Misono's shopping process.

Misono spots the horseshoe necklace in the display and is instantly interested. He thinks, 'Ah! That shape! It's the U in Urara!' and nervously asks the staff, "Excuse me! Please let me have a closer look at that necklace with the letter U on it!"

The staff answers, "Certainly… however, I'm really sorry, this isn't an alphabet character. This was designed after the shape of the horseshoe…"

Embarrassedly, Misono goes, "Ah… (I see…)".

The staff continues explaining, "Nevertheless, this shape has historically been regarded as an amulet for bringing good luck. It's well-loved by people and is a timeless design. The U-shaped part-"

Misono continues the explanation to Urara, "I heard that the U-shaped part is where it 'receives happiness', so I chose this as a gift…"

Urara looks at the horseshoe necklace and thinks to herself, 'I'm already very thankful to receive a birthday gift, but I never imagined that this gift also had such a meaning to it. I'm just so happy.'

Blushing with gratitude and delight, Urara says, "I feel like I'm always receiving things from you."

Misono answers, "That's not the case." He continues while looking up at the cherryblossoms, "I've… never really liked spring, because when I was young, it was spring when my mother left for America. My granny also passed away in spring, when the sakura were blooming… However, when I think about the fact that spring is the season when Urara was born, I become able to like it."

Smiling gently while looking into Urara's eyes, Misono says, "If I'm with you, the world seems to become filled with more and more things for me to love. Urara, I'm really glad that you were born into this world. Happy birthday."

Urara tears up with joy while gazing back at Misono, and they share a kiss.

The narration reads: Whenever you gift me with something, I will always return you a larger portion. With that, you will also always return an even larger portion back to me. This lovely repetition cannot be accomplished with just one person. It's only possible because there's two of us. It's only possible because I'm with you. I want to be in love with you forever, until the end of our lives.

Urara and Misono break the kiss and gaze lovingly into each other's eyes, then both of them break into happy smiles.

U: Say! Can I put on the necklace right now? M: Shall I put it on for you? U: I'm never taking this off! M: (Never, you say…) But school is almost starting again, you know. (Uniform inspection and all.) U: Ah---!! (cries) M: Hahaha!

[shoujosekaii]

Onee-chan no Midori-kun (Midori Loves My Sister)

姐姐的翠君

お姉ちゃんの翠くん

Chapter 8

In the previous chapter, Sui had urged Midori to go to Momo. We see Sui’s words from the previous chapter: “You should use the time now, even if it’s short, to be with her.” Midori opens the door to the house and calls out to Momo.

Closing the door behind him, Midori says to Momo, "I thought that it would be better if I provided you with an extra pair of hands."

Momo looks at him and goes, "Eh, what's the matter all of a sudden?"

Midori (smiling): I thought that Momo might be tired since you're alone. Momo: It's alright, there isn't a lot to do so I'm not tired. Midori: Okay, okay, don't need to be courteous.

Midori washes his hands and continues, "To be honest, it's because Sui-chan was worried about the two of us. She said that even though the time is short, I should take the opportunity to be with you."

His hands dripping wet, Midori laughs, saying, "Therefore, I obeyed her command <3"

Momo answers, "I got it, I got it, stop acting like a goody-two-shoes already. (By the way, the hand towel is over there.)"

Momo uncomfortably thinks to herself, '…Despite this, it feels really awkward to have us suddenly be alone together, Sui-chan~~". Aside, Sui sneezes.

Midori looks at a pot of cooked rice and asks Momo if he should help with making riceballs. Momo answers, "Eh, ah-- I'll leave it to you, then."

The two of them then proceed to work silently, next to each other.

Momo (visibly awkward): …Ah-- Say, um, it's great, huh. Today's weather is so good. Midori (glances at Momo): Hm? Yeah. Momo: Also, it's not too warm. It's wonderful, huh. It certainly is a perfect day for a barbeque.

Midori has a knowing smile on his face.

Midori (teasingly): What's with this standard conversational topic, sounding as if you're in a matchmaking session? Momo: Is it? Am I not the same as usual? Midori: Nonono, I mean that we've never really talked about topics such as the weather… Momo-- You're still bothered by the last time you bailed on me, aren't you?

Momo stiffens as Midori has hit the bullseye.

Midori: Even though you are able to act normal with Sui-chan and the others, when it's just the two of us, I can still feel some awkwardness about you. Momo: Eh- Midori: I can sense that you're a little nervous. Momo: Ack-

Sighing, Momo says, "…I can't help it. Of course I would be bothered. I did such a thing after all."

Midori glances at her and smiles gently, teasing, "What shall I do with you? Momo is just always so serious <3"

Momo: Hey, you- Midori: I already said that it's fine, that I don't mind. Hence, you don't need to feel so guilty about it.

Momo looks at Midori and recalls his words from before (Chapter 4): "I really don't mind such things happening." and thinks to herself, '…You're saying such things again.'

Midori continues, telling Momo, "I know very clearly how important your job is to you, Momo."

We see a flashback of high school Midori and Momo conversing.

Midori: TV station? Momo: Yeah. Midori: You want to be something like an announcer? Momo: No, not that. I mean backstage work. I want to be working at the filming scenes of TV dramas. Midori: Ah-- I remember you mentioning that before. That since young, you've been an avid TV drama viewer. Momo: That's right! Ever since I was young, I've thought about being involved in the production of TV dramas, and perhaps even immerse myself in the world of drama-- Midori: Aww, that's so adorable. Momo: This is just a dream of mine, but Dad was really supportive of me, so I've decided that I must achieve it. I hope that with this, my father in heaven will be able to see that I am continually working hard to achieve my dreams. Midori: What's with that, it's so tear-jerking. (What a touching story!) Momo (teasing): You say that but you're not crying. Midori: Regardless, for real, I will also always be supporting you.

End flashback.

In the present, we see Momo silent, reminiscing. She then sighs, saying, "…Hah-- I'm such a burden. I've made Midori and Sui-chan worry about me."

Midori replies, "Well, I'm your boyfriend, so feel free to make me worry about you."

However, after a pause, Midori asks, "…Hold on, Sui-chan, too?"

Momo looks at Midori and gives him a small smile. She says, "It was Sui-chan who suggested that I should invite you over today."

Midori's eyes widen a little upon hearing that and he remains silent. Sighing, Momo continues, "She noticed that I was feeling troubled about this. It's so embarrassing to have my sibling who's 7 years younger, worry about me."

Midori also thinks about how Sui had egged him on earlier and smiles gently while looking at Momo. He thinks, 'That child, is really…'

Momo then says, "…Say, Midori. I've given it some thought. Why don't we commit to a plan, that we must meet once a week?"

Midori is surprised and goes, "Eh? Hold on, what? (Why are you suddenly saying this?)"

Momo: That's because if I don't do this, I'm afraid that I will use my work as an excuse and take advantage of Midori's generous, big heart, for my own selfish needs. Midori: …It's fine, I won't mind. Furthermore, when filming starts, you're just going to be even more busy, aren't you? You don't have to push yourself like this. Momo: It's not pushing myself at all. I want to do this. Even though I'm really happy in my job now, and indeed I would like to put my job as my top priority, I don't want to neglect your feelings because of it, Midori.

Midori still looks surprised and he begins, "Ah, but-", but Momo cuts in, asking, "What, you're not willing to?"

Midori uncomfortably says, "…Ah, not that. I'm indeed very happy… but…"

Momo then claps her hands and goes, "That's good! Then it's decided-- Alright, let's bring the food out. (I'm so hungry--)", while Midori lamely responds, "Eh, ah-- okay." He has a somewhat concerned expression on his face.

Sui narrates: I wonder if onee-chan and Midori-kun were able to open their hearts and communicate.

Later, everyone is sitting around enjoying the barbeque. Sui and Momo's mother encourages Midori to eat, handing him a plate of food and telling him there's no need to be courteous. Midori politely accepts the food, but Ayame's father pops up next to him, going, "Midori-kun. How about we drink this next?"

Ayame's father is holding a whiskey bottle.

Midori: Eh- Ayame dad: It's not satisfying to just drink that one made for kids, is it? It's definitely not satisfying, am I right? Midori: Ah, it's not. Ayame dad (pouring the whiskey into a glass): Okay, drink up then, drink up. (I absolutely recommend this brand.) Midori (uncomfortable): Um, ah, then I'll graciously accept.

Momo suddenly comes in and takes the glass of whiskey away, going, "Alright, that's enough-- Midori is a lightweight, you know. If he drinks this whiskey, who knows what madness will befall us."

Ayame's dad looks bummed out as he responds, "Eh, a lightweight, huh…"

Flustered, Midori answers, "Ah, but if it's just a little bit, it should be alright.". However, Momo tells Midori, "It's fine, you don't need to pacify him."

The mothers watch from aside in amusement. Ayame's mother says that if her husband were to continue drinking, he would be badly hungover the next day. She also remarks that Momo is very mature and reliable.

We see Ayame's dad still not letting go of Midori, saying, "Well, when we're having barbeque, you simply have to drink, then it will be enjoyable, right? Midori-kun, what say you?", while Midori awkwardly goes, "Eh, ah-- yes, you're right."

Sui, Ayame's brother (his name is Aoi) and his girlfriend are also watching from aside. Aoi remarks, "There he goes again-- Dad has drunk too much and is bothering other people now."

Sui silently thinks to herself while chewing her food, 'Somehow, seeing Midori-kun squirming like that… (it's refreshing). He totally looks like someone who can handle his liquor, but who knew that he was actually a lightweight? What's with this gap moe? It's kinda adorable… he's so weak.' We see that Sui is quietly very entertained by it.

Sui then looks at Momo and Midori, thinking to herself, '…Ah, regardless, it's great to see that they've got a good vibe going.'

Sui turns to Ayame, who's sitting near her, asking if he's eaten yet. However, he's busy playing games on his console and wearing headphones so he doesn't respond to her. Sui then proceeds to remove Ayame's headphones and go, "Hey. At such a time, can't you take a break from your games? (You're such a handful.)"

Ayame looks at Sui blankly and answers flatly, "No."

Sui: Why? Ayame: Somehow, I'm feeling distressed and I can't seem to calm down.

Sui looks concerned and asks, "What's wrong? You're a bit strange today, Ayame.", but her words are overshadowed by Aoi bursting in, asking, "Ah, onii-chan, you're going after the tsunderes againnn?"

We see what's on Ayame's game screen: There's a girl, blushing and pouting, saying, "No…no way! I'm not complimenting you, got it?!"

Aoi remarks, "The characters that onii-chan likes to chase are always the tsundere types."

Turning to his girlfriend, Aoi continues, saying, "But well, I prefer the candid types--" and his girlfriend asks, "I'm candid?".

Aoi affectionately answers, "Haru-chan, you're graceful and candid!"

Watching the young couple, Sui thinks to herself that they're so lovey dovey, she can see hearts floating about them.

Sighing, Ayame remarks that Aoi is still young, so he doesn't understand the appeal of the tsundere types.

Aoi asks, "Say, onii-chan, why do you like tsundere types so much? You weren't like this last time."

Sui agrees, saying, "…Ah-- That's true. If I think back, Ayame used to go for more diverse types."

Ayame begins, "…Asking why, huh."

Getting fired up, Ayame points to his eye and says, "Firstly, it's in the eyes."

The super otaku Ayame starts explaining, "Tsundere types typically have particularly upturned eyes. There's simply nothing more adorable than that. The way they line their words with thorns just so they can hide their shyness is also wonderful. I also love how they like to put up a strong front. Most importantly, when they unexpectedly act cute, their cuteness just hits me like a bomb and my heart squeezes with adoration. Also-"

Sui interrupts him by going, "That's enough. (And I don't even get it.)", but Ayame retorts that he's just begun explaining.

Aoi looks at the two of them knowingly and goes, "…Uh-huh.". Sui notices and asks Aoi what's wrong. However, Aoi doesn't reply to Sui and turns to Haru, going, "Ah, that's right. Haru-chan, we have bubble toys. Let's go over there and blow some bubbles." Haru readily agrees, while Sui is slightly irked at Aoi ignoring her.

Before leaving, Aoi turns back to say, "Onii-chan, you're so simple and easy to read."

Ayame simply looks at his younger brother silently as Aoi walks away, while Sui looks at him. Ayame then turns to Sui and asks, "Eh, which part of me is easy to read?"

Sui answers flatly, "I don't know."

Ayame remains silent, looking deep in thought, while Sui watches him. She thinks to herself that Ayame is truly being odd.

Later, it's dark and they take out the (handheld) fireworks. Aoi and Haru are excited to play with them. Aoi excitedly asks Ayame to quickly light the fireworks, but Ayame says that the lighter seems faulty.

Meanwhile, Sui walks towards Midori and Momo, handing them the fireworks. Momo thanks her and Midori seems happy to see the fireworks.

Midori: I haven't played with handheld fireworks for so long. Momo: There isn't much occasion to play, after all-- Sui: We play every year, though.

We see Aoi and Haru having fun, when Momo's cellphone suddenly rings. She excuses herself to answer the call inside the house.

Midori smiles and waves as Momo leaves, while Sui just stands and looks at her sister. Sui then says, "Well, I'm sorry that you have to be stuck with me."

Midori answers, "Why are you saying such things again--"

Sui: Regardless, it's great. Onee-chan wasn't called away to work at all. Midori: That's right- It must be because I accumulated good karma <3 Sui: You're annoying. …Anyway, so? How was it, having some time to be alone together? (Cut the crap and report to me truthfully.) Midori: Eh. (What barbed words.) Sui: We're all present, you know. You didn't stick to onee-chan doing sneaky things, did you? Midori: What kind of guy do you think I am? Sui: A frivolous, good-for-nothing bum.

Midori is momentarily stunned, while Sui continues, "So, did the two of you have a good talk?"

Midori looks at Sui and recalls Momo's comment: "It was Sui-chan who suggested that I should invite you over today." He smiles a little and answers, "Yeah. Even though there's a bit that I'm still concerned about."

Sui looks at Midori, confused, but he continues, "Despite that, I can feel that Momo is doing her best to think about us."

Satisfied, Sui smiles and goes, "Well-- It can't be helped. (Okay, come on, let's play with fireworks. Hurry up.)"

Sighing, Midori says, "…Hah-- Anyway, about that, you're such a good kid, Sui-chan. You're so thoughtful that it's even making me feel troubled. How on earth does one nurture a kid to be like Sui-chan? (Won't you tell this brother?)"

Sui looks unimpressed and just goes, "Hah? What?"

Midori responds, "It was Sui-chan who suggested to Momo to invite me to the barbeque today, right?"

Sui is stunned upon hearing those words, then she screams in her head, 'Onee-channn---- (you didn't have to tell him…!!)', while Momo sneezes.

Turning her head away embarrassedly, Sui says, "I didn't do this for you, Midori-kun."

Midori: Yeah yeah yeah, I understand <3 Sui: Don't give me that smirk. Midori (smiling weakly): Right. Regardless, truly, thank you, Sui-chan. Be it concern or tolerance, it seems like I'm always on the receiving end from Sui-chan.

Sui gazes at the fireworks while she thinks, 'What a dummy you are. I am the one who's received a lot from you.'

Sui has a light blush and a tiny smile on her face, which Ayame notices from aside.

Waving her extinguished sparkler at Midori, she chides, "Midori-kun, you're such a dummy. (A huge one.)", while Midori answers, "Eh, insulting me all of a sudden." Ayame watches the exchange silently.

Ayame thinks to himself while watching Sui and Midori, '…That's odd. Just what is this feeling? …I'm starting to feel restless again…'

Ayame notices Sui blushing. He then suddenly walks over to Sui and holds her ponytail loosely. Midori looks at him, and Sui also notices what Ayame is doing.

Sui turns her head to look at Ayame, going, "Eh?" while Midori looks surprised.

However, Ayame looks to be in a daze and doesn't say anything. Sui repeats with a hint of annoyance, "Hey, what's the matter, Ayame?"

Ayame replies, "Sui-chan. Play the fireworks with me."

Sui looks at Ayame, annoyed and confused, going, "Huh?"

Ayame stares at Sui and recalls his own words: "Firstly, it's in the eyes." "Tsundere types typically have particularly upturned eyes." "The way they line their words with thorns just so they can hide their shyness is also wonderful." "I also love how they like to put up a strong front." "Most importantly, when they unexpectedly act cute, their cuteness just hits me like a bomb and my heart squeezes with adoration."

We see a collection of Ayame's interactions with Sui and how Sui's behaviour exactly matches Ayame's description of the tsundere personality that he loves.

Letting go of Sui's ponytail, he thinks, '…Strange.'

Sui looks concernedly at Ayame and goes, "…Ayame?"

We see that Ayame has a blush on his face as he recalls Sui's words: "Even if you don't want to show it, you can't help but reveal on your face what you're feeling in your heart." "That's what love is like, you know." and realizes to himself, 'Haven't I just been describing Sui-chan the whole time?'

[shoujosekaii]

Futari de Koi wo Suru Riyuu

两个人相恋的理由

ふたりで恋をする理由

Chapter 71

Continuing from the previous chapter, Misono had said to Urara while taking her hand, “Come here.”

Urara and Misono gaze at each other, blushing, their hearts pounding loudly. Urara puts the teddy bear back down on the chair and turns to face Misono, and he gazes up at her, taking both of her hands in his.

Urara breaks the silence with, “How should we cuddle?”

Misono (blushing awkwardly): Um… How…? I guess you can just sit on my lap… or something?

Urara (blushing panickedly): I… I really want to do that too, (but I mentioned this earlier already), I’m very heavy! I might hurt Misono’s legs! [unable to get over her shyness]

Misono: You won’t… Then, why don’t you sit on the bed, then put your legs on my lap…

Urara: Eh… What kind of position is that…? Like this…?

Misono: Yeah, then just put your legs on here–

After some rustling and adjusting, we see Urara and Misono blushing furiously in their final position - Urara sitting between Misono’s legs, facing perpendicular to him, and her legs bent over his left leg.

Urara is freaking out, thinking, ‘Oh my… oh my— What is this, what is this?! Even though we’ve had multiple close interactions, somehow… this is completely different! This must be the distance between lovers…! We…we’ve cuddled now, but what’s next…?! (panicking)’

Urara has a hand on Misono’s chest, and through her hand, she can feel his heart racing. She thinks, ‘Misono-kun’s heartbeat… it’s loud and fast…’

Urara shyly glances up at Misono, who is blushing hard, stiffly, trying not to move. She thinks, ‘It’s true. We are having the same kind of feelings, be it nervousness or anxiousness. Right now, Misono-kun is experiencing the same feelings as I am. This is what his heartbeat is telling me. ’

Leaning her head into Misono’s chest, Urara continues thinking, ‘Misono-kun’s chest is so warm… and there’s a nice smell too.’

Closing her eyes and sniffing, Urara thinks, ‘I love this smell…’. Her hair tickles Misono’s neck, which causes him to stiffen and flinch, blushing furiously. Urara curiously looks up at him and asks, “…Eh? Misono-kun? What’s the matter–”

We see Misono looking hot and bothered, blushing, and touching a spot on his neck. He then proceeds to playfully bite Urara’s neck, going, "Ah-um."

Urara’s eyes widen and she goes, “--Eh… Eh?! Did you just… bite me?! Did you bite my neck?!”

Misono: That’s because Andou tickled my neck. Urara: Eh?! I didn’t tickle you! Misono: You did. Urara: I didn’t!

The couple sulk and pout at each other while blushing. Misono then continues playfully biting various parts of Urara’s face, while she flails around in his embrace, going, “Kya, kyaa— Stop! Stop stop stop!”

Urara’s sweater is falling off her shoulders when she breathlessly puts a hand to Misono’s lips to stop him. She says, “Geez, Misono-kun…”

Misono stares hard at Urara, then hugs her tightly. He says, “--My name.”

Urara: Eh? Misono: Will you say my name?

Urara blushes furiously, but responds in a spoiled manner, “But… but Misono-kun, you’re also just calling me by my family name–”

Misono interrupts her with a, “Urara.”

Breaking off his hug and looking straight into Urara’s eyes, Misono repeats, “Urara.”

Urara answers, “…Jun- Jun-kun.”

Misono: Just ‘Jun’ is enough. Urara: …Jun.

Upon calling his name, Misono leans in to give Urara a deep kiss, their fingers intertwined.

Misono then breathlessly asks again, “My name. Say it again.”

When Urara replies with, “…Jun.”, they kiss again. For the third time, Misono requests, “One more time.”, and Urara obediently says, “Jun.” Urara has her arms around Misono’s neck when they kiss deeply for the third time.

Urara falls down onto Misono’s bed with him bending over her, and they gaze at each other impassionedly. She thinks, ‘Your name, voice and warmth leave me completely helpless.’

Misono begins to shower Urara with kisses, and Urara lets out a moan. Suddenly, she realizes with a jolt at the sound she just made, thinking, ‘Eh… Earlier, was that me…? Ahhh, this is terrible, I made a weird sound— Uwah—’

Misono also seems to have realized the same and stopped. He then falls face-first onto his bed, next to Urara. He turns his head to look at her and says, “…I’m sorry.”

Urara: Eh… What do you mean by sorry? Misono: Um… well… I was being too greedy.

Urara seems a little bewildered at the statement. She comments, “I’m surprised to hear that from you, Misono-kun.”

Misono: What are you referring to by ‘that’? Urara: I mean, having you say you’re ‘too greedy’. Misono: Why?

Pinching Urara’s lips, Misono leans in close to her and states, “I’m a guy too, you know.” Urara blushes instantly from Misono’s words.

Misono continues, “I also think about… taking it further with you, Andou. However, not now. At least, not until we’ve graduated from high school… Therefore, I won’t go further than this, because you are more important than anything, Andou. I want to cherish you.”

Urara shyly replies, “I, I also want to take our relationship a step further and be even closer, but I think that I’m not prepared for it yet - or perhaps it’s still a little too early for me… I’m very glad that we can talk about this properly with each other. Thank you.”

Misono smiles fondly at Urara and answers, “Yeah.”

Urara narrates: In order to continue standing by your side in the future, we should always reaffirm each of our paces. Let us move forward, together.

[shoujosekaii]

Futari de Koi wo Suru Riyuu

两个人相恋的理由

ふたりで恋をする理由

Chapter 70

The chapter starts off on a new day at school. Urara spots Misono at the shoe lockers while he’s looking at something on his right. We see her inner thoughts - she brightens up gleefully at the sight of him.

Walking over happily to greet him, she goes, “Misono-kun, good morn–” when she sees Aiji step into view next to Misono, and they both glance at her. She gets momentarily starstruck.

Misono and Aiji greet Urara: “Good morning.” “Andou-san, good morning.”, and she stammers, “Good…good morning…”

Aiji then says to them, “I’ll go this way, then.” and Misono answers, “Okay, see you.”

Urara and Misono watch as Aiji walks away, then Urara turns to Misono excitedly, going, “Misono-kun, have you made up with Aiji-senpai?!”

Misono replies, “Eh, didn’t I tell you over LINE yesterday?”, and Urara explains, “But, but! Learning about it through text and seeing it for real feels completely different!”

Urara looks very moved and relieved as she says, “That’s wonderful~…” and Misono blushes a little looking at her expression. Starting to walk away, he says with a tiny blush, “It was thanks to Andou.”

Urara goes, “Huh?! But I didn’t even do anything?!”, but Misono insists, “I said that it’s thanks to you, okay?”, while Urara continues going, “Eh—??”

We see that Aiji is watching them from a distance, and upon seeing the happy couple interacting, he smiles a little to himself, then walks away looking content.

On another day, we see that Urara is visiting Misono.

Urara: Hello~~ Here’s a little something for you. (She brought him some drinks as a greeting gift). It’s nothing fancy, but if you get thirsty, do remember to drink it!

Misono: Eh, you didn’t have to. Thank you.

Urara narrates that Misono is moving to live in a new home together with his parents and incoming baby sibling. The moving date has been set to be next week, so he is packing and cleaning his current apartment today.

Urara goes, “Oh right, before we begin packing-” and heads over to the altar room in Misono’s apartment, saying, “Misono-kun’s granny, how do you do? I’m Andou, sorry for intruding~ In a moment, we’ll begin packing and cleaning, so it might get messy. Apologies in advance~~"

Urara lights an incense joss stick while thinking to herself, ‘It feels just like yesterday when I first came to Misono-kun’s house and lit the incense. At that time, I never imagined that things would develop this way. Not even in my dreams did I expect to experience such blissful, dreamlike days–.’

Urara closes her eyes with a small smile while in a praying posture, and Misono watches her with a tiny blush on his face. He begins, “Come to think of it…”

Urara: Hm?

Misono: When Andou first came to my house, I watched you offer an incense joss stick just like this. Perhaps that was the moment I fell for you, Andou.

Urara (blushing): Eh?! You- you’re lying! Misono-kun was soooo antagonistic towards me back then! Have you forgotten?! Were your memories tampered with?!

Misono (sweatdropping): Tampered with… Isn’t there any other way to put it…? Well, that day… When you offered the joss stick, what I felt wasn’t happiness… I thought that the way you sat upright with your palms together was really pretty. It was my first time finding anyone pretty…

Blushing some more and looking shyly away, Misono continues, “Of course, the me that day wasn’t self-aware enough to realize that I had come to like you, but I believe it all began in that moment… Though I’m only reminded of it now.”

Urara blushes while listening to Misono and answers, “…G-geez~ Suddenly saying such things…! I feel so shy now! I never thought that Misono would become such a candid person!”

Misono replies, “That’s because I’ve learnt the meaning of ‘if I don’t say it, I can’t express it’.”

Urara blushes wordlessly, then changes the topic and asks, “How many years have you stayed here?”

M: About 12 years, I guess. U: Then, you must have a lot of memories here. It’ll feel lonely once you move away. M: That’s right.

Urara holds Misono’s hand and turns towards him, asking, “On your moving day, can I come and help out too?”

M: Eh… of course you can, but on that day, the moving company will be here to do the work, so there isn’t actually much to do, you know? U: Even though there won’t be much to do, on that day– no, not just that day. I want to be together with Misono-kun on all of the days that are important to you.

Misono smiles gently at Urara and replies, “Okay. Stay by my side, then.”

Later, we see Urara packing bowls into a box. She calls out to Misono to ask if the bowls should all be packed (since he might still need some to use before moving out). Misono answers from somewhere else in the house that it’s fine to pack everything because he’s already set aside the ones that he needs to use, and Urara acknowledges.

Urara needs to reach for stuff on top of the cabinet behind her and thinks to herself that she needs something to step on. She spots a stool by a corner and decides to use it. However, when she steps onto the stool, it feels shaky. Just as she’s thinking to herself that the stool isn’t stable, Misono walks by and notices her. He warns, “Andou, that stool…”

Urara loses her balance, but Misono catches her as she falls. He says, “Sorry, that stool’s leg was a little loose… (That was dangerous, I’m so sorry.)”

U: Oh, I see. Wah– thank you for catching me. M: Are you able to step off the stool? U: Yes.

The two of them remain in an embrace, blushing and hearts racing.

A moment later, Misono breaks off the “hug”, still blushing, patting her head shyly and going, “Um… leave the stuff on the cabinet to me. Andou, I’ll leave the things below to you.”

Misono goes over to reach for the things on the cabinet while Urara looks at his back longingly (still blushing too), answering, “Okay…”. She thinks, ‘If I said that I wanted to hug him for a while longer, would Misono-kun feel troubled…?’

Urara watches Misono work and continues thinking, ‘Cuz, cuz, every time I’m near him or in contact with him, I will feel like he’s so different from me… I will think, wow, he’s really a guy… and my heart starts to race. Whenever there’s an opportunity, I feel myself driven by an urge to be close to him. Geez– just watching him being pumped up like this already makes my heart pound! (Ahhhh–)’

Urara suddenly recalls their conversation during their movie date: “What? Andou also wants to be hugged?” “Y-yes…” “Soon, okay?”, and continues thinking to herself, ‘I’ve also been patiently waiting for this “soon” moment that he mentioned.’

A while later, we see Urara calling out that she’s back from taking out the trash. Misono says thanks from his bedroom, and Urara peeks into his bedroom from the ajar door. She asks if he’s already done packing all of the stuff in the living room, and Misono answers yes. Now he’s left with packing his bedroom, so he tells Urara that she can rest.

Urara notices the teddy bear that she won from the arcade sitting on Misono’s chair. She goes over to greet and hug it lovingly, going, “Long time no see~ How are you?"

We see from a mini flashback which explains that Urara had decided to let Misono take the teddy bear home after their date, as a memorabilia of their first date. (Misono was thinking to himself, ‘Where should I put the soft toy…?’)

Urara asks, “Do you always let the teddy bear sit on this chair?”

M (sitting on his bed while sorting through his belongings): Um– it doesn’t have a fixed position. It’s been in various places, like on the chair, or on the shelf… or by my pillow.

Urara is stunned when she hears “my pillow”. She glares at the teddy bear and thinks, ‘Te-teddy, you’ve slept with Misono-kun…?! What- what the heck… Ugh, I’m so jealous~~’

Pouting, Urara mumbles, “I’ve also made a promise with Misono-kun for that, ‘soon’, you know.”

Hearing Urara, Misono asks, “Huh? What do you mean by ‘soon’-” and Urara jolts a little in realization. Seeing her response, Misono blushes, suddenly understanding what she meant. Meanwhile, Urara is freaking out at herself for blurting out whatever was on her mind.

Misono gazes at Urara’s blushing profile wordlessly. Then, he adjusts into an open position, facing her and asking, “Want it?”

Urara glances at him, going, “Eh…” and proceeds to jump out of her skin, going, “N-now?!”. She babbles, “Er, um, ah… well…uh, I’m really heavy! I might hurt Misono-kun’s legs! Ah, I need to lose some weight first-”

Misono grabs Urara’s hand and looks at her, and Urara stops talking. She blushes when she sees Misono’s earnest, blushing expression, saying to her, “Come here.”

[shoujosekaii]

Onee-chan no Midori-kun (Midori Loves My Sister)

姐姐的翠君

お姉ちゃんの翠くん

Chapter 7

The narration reads: It sprouted unconsciously. These feelings, which were bound to come to nothing, were brought to a real closure without a single warning. This is truly an underwhelming first love.

Sui’s narration reads: After that, a month or so passed. What happened felt like an illusion. Just like that, I didn’t meet Midori-kun after that incident. Before I realized it, it was already the start of summer.

We see Momo eating a slice of toast and looking dazed. She sighs, and Sui looks at her. Sui asks, “What’s wrong? Sighing so loudly, early in the morning.”

Momo: Eh? It can’t be. I actually sighed?

Sui: Yup, a big one at that. Did something happen?

M: …Ah– it's nothing much. I’m really glad that I can be part of [Kazuya and Miwa] now (this is the drama that Momo is assigned to now and has been following on TV), but the job of an AD is much tougher than I thought. Processes such as applications and negotiations hardly go smoothly for me.

[Explanation on AD: It’s short for Assistant Director. When shooting outdoors, they need to obtain various authorizations, carry out negotiations on the film subject, distribute lunchboxes and prepare the equipment needed for filming… All in all, having to take care of so many errands and tasks makes it a very challenging job!]

Chuckling painfully, Momo says, “That’s why, I’m kinda drained now. (Haha)”.

Sui simply looks at her sister and gives a cynical, “...Huh– Yeah.”

Momo: Eh, why do you look so unconvinced-

Sui: You’re a liar.

Momo: Hm?

Sui: Yes, your work is indeed really tough, but you’re always full of energy every day, onee-chan. I know it better than anyone.

Sui asks, “After what happened previously, you didn’t meet with that person at all, did you?”

Momo looks surprised, and Sui continues, “With just one look, I can tell; It’s absolutely not work problems, but relationship problems.”

Momo is taken aback and then teasingly replies, “...Hah, as expected of you. About what’s on my mind, shall I proceed to confide in Sui-chan, who loves her older sister the most–?”

Sui is startled by Momo’s words, blushing and pouting, “Wha… No one said anything about loving you.”

Chuckling happily and patting Sui’s head, Momo answers, “Yes, yes, you adorable kiddo.” Sui embarrassedly goes, “Hey!” in response. She is reminded of how Midori used to tease her.

Momo begins, “...On the day Sui-chan fell ill and was resting, not only did I forget about the appointment I made with Midori, I also gave him a rude reply.” (We see Momo’s text to Midori: What do you mean you’re here?)

M: After that incident, I one-sidedly became awkward around him.

S: Eh? Didn’t Midori-kun say that he didn’t mind?

M: Oh? Did I tell Sui-chan about it?

S: Ah! No. I just happened to overhear Midori-kun talking on the phone with onee-chan. That time, I collapsed, so he brought me back to my room.

M: …Ah. Come to think of it, he did kind of mention that…

We see a recap of Momo’s memory: Midori was on the phone with Momo, telling her, “Sui-chan collapsed, so I brought her back to her bedroom. I’m sorry for entering without permission."

Facepalming, Momo chides herself, saying, “No, why am I saying ‘kind of’...? Man, I’m really unforgivable, aren’t I? (Sigh–...)”

Momo continues, “...Ever since I started working, my whole mind has been filled with work. Be it my own words or things that Midori said, I seem to have become more absent-minded about them. Even though he said that he doesn’t mind, I know clearly that I’ve troubled Midori. All this time, we’d never encountered anything like this, so I think I’m at a loss right now…”

Sui looks at her sister giving a pained smile and is reminded of Midori’s similar expression.

Momo further laments, “In the end, we couldn’t match our timings to meet up at all; And because I get too tired, I only reply to his messages the next day. I really hate myself to death.”

Sui is speechless for a moment, then says, “...Say, onee-chan. You’ve scheduled your work so that it won’t clash with our family’s barbeque session with Ayame’s family, right?”

Momo answers, “Eh, yes. I think something might crop up at work, but my afternoon on that day is still available. It’s an activity that our families have done together for 10 years in a row after all, I definitely have to be there. (This year, we will be the ones hosting it, right?)”

Sui suggests, “Then, on that day, why don’t you invite Midori-kun along?”

The sister exchange glances.

In the next scene, we see Sui and Ayame chatting in school. Ayame goes, “What? Oh– So it’s developed such that Midori-kun is also joining the barbeque.”

S: That’s right.

A: Aoi also said that he’d bring his girlfriend over, so I don’t think that it’s an issue.

S: About that, why does an elementary schooler have a girlfriend? Are they all like this now?

A: I’m not sure myself, but Aoi is indeed really good at such stuff.

[We see a picture of Aoi, who is Ayame’s younger brother. Mizukawa Aoi, 6th grade. Has a refreshing and outgoing personality.]

Ayame: Let’s not talk about that. Sui-chan, are you fine with this?

Sui: ? What?

A: The things you’re doing now seem to me like you’re trying to pick at the scab of your heartbreak.

S: Eh…

A: Even though it’s been more than a month, won’t you feel sad if you see them together?

Ayame looks genuinely concerned, and Sui looks at him.

Ayame continues, suddenly tearing up, “For me, when I’m pursuing other story routes, it kills me to see my close friend (in his Bishoujo game) and my favourite character acting all lovey-dovey together in the background… (but I want to complete all of the story routes…)”

Looking somewhat disturbed, Sui remarks, “Could you not mix me in with those game characters?”

Sui continues, looking away, “Regardless, don’t worry about me. Forgetting about that person was much easier than I thought. Now, I have ab-so-lu-tely no feelings for Midori-kun anymore.”

Fiddling with her feet, Sui says, “...Rather than that, if onee-chan and him continue being like this, I will get worried.”

Huffing crossly all of a sudden, Sui tells Ayame, “I know that there are many inconveniences that come with being an adult, but even if they are awkward about it, they should make time to talk it out clearly and all will be fine, right?!”

Ayame glances at Sui while she sighs, “I know I’m just being nosy.” He recalls his conversation with Sui in his room.

[Sui: Anyway, I was rejected by Midori-kun.

Ayame: Eh? That’s sudden.

S: It’s kind of a long story… but basically, under various circumstances that were beyond my control, things progressed naturally and turned out like that. Well, rather than the time I was desperately trying to hide my feelings, I now feel much more relaxed. It went a totally different direction from the plan that you came up with (recall their ‘Operation-Forget-Our-Troubles-With-An-Enriching-High-School-Life’ from Chapter 4)... but, how should I say it? I still want to thank you.

Sui is holding onto her long ponytails, looking away from Ayame and blushing lightly. Ayame looks at her and goes, “Eh, you suddenly got shy.”

Sui vehemently retorts, “I’m not being shy!”.

Sui recalls Ayame’s words to her: ‘At least, I wouldn’t think that way about you.’ and she continues shyly, “...Anyway, I mean it. Ayame’s words really helped me to remain grounded. So thank you, Ayame.”]

We see Ayame being wordless, just uttering a “Oh—...” in response.

Later, we see Sui at home, looking at the card case that Midori gave to her. She narrates: Actually, saying that ‘I have no feelings for him anymore’ was a complete lie. However, somehow, I just don’t want to see Midori-kun looking lonely.

It’s now the day of the combined family barbeque. Mochi is looking around dazedly while Aoi and his girlfriend are fascinated with it.

Girlfriend: So cute…

Aoi: Yeah, Mochi’s adorable, right? (It looks like it’s spacing out.)

Girlfriend: Its name is Mochi? (That’s cute.)

Aoi: Yes, because it’s really soft to the touch. Sui-chan named it.

Girlfriend (touches Mochi): It’s true! So soft and bouncy.

Aoi: Yeah–

Sui and Ayame watch the little couple having fun and Sui comments, “What’s up with that fuzzy atmosphere over there? (It’s very cute, though.)”

Ayame replies, “I feel like I have no words for it.”

Sui (teasingly): Eh, what? Are you feeling indignant that your little brother got himself a girlfriend ahead of you?

Ayame: Nope. In fact, I’m currently dating more than 30 ladies. I’ve also given away my first kiss.

Sui (rolling her eyes): Are you adding those girls from your Bishoujo games into the count? Ayame, you should occasionally also show some interest in real people too.

Ayame (glancing at Sui): Real people, huh…

Sui (teasing): Then again– if Ayame really started liking 3D girls, I think pigs would start flying.

Someone calls out to Sui. It’s Midori, going, “Sui-chan. Hello there– Long time no see.” Sui looks over at him, blushing lightly and is dazed for a moment. He asks her if he can enter their yard through the gate, to which she confirms after being brought back to her senses. Ayame watches silently.

Sui thinks to herself with a blush, ‘I’m sure it’s not because we haven’t seen each other for so long that my heart’s beating faster.’ She also notes to herself that Midori's hair has grown a little longer.

Midori and Ayame greet each other. Mochi runs up to Midori to welcome him, and Midori also greets Mochi fondly. Aoi asks Ayame who Midori is and Ayame explains that Midori is Momo’s boyfriend.

Watching Midori, Sui recalls her last conversation with him: “The next time we meet, we will still interact as usual!” with a pinky promise. She thinks, ‘This is good, he’s properly keeping our promise.’

Midori then goes, “Ah, I just remembered.” He holds out a cake box to Sui, telling her that he brought over a small gift for everyone to share (it’s from his favourite cake shop).

M: It’s cake.

S: Wow, acting all courteous to win us over, huh.

M: What’s wrong with that? I was invited to your family’s gathering, so bringing a small gift is very normal, isn’t it? Kids who say such things won’t get to eat cake later, you know <3

Sui: Ack-

The door to the house opens, and Momo steps out. She sees Midori and goes, “Oh, Midori, you’re already here.”

Midori: Momo. (Hello–)

Momo: I’m sorry I didn’t notice, I was in the house preparing the ingredients.

Midori: It’s fine, I also just arrived.

Sui goes up to Momo to show her the cake box that Midori gave, saying, “Onee-chan, this is a gift that Midori-kun brought over.”

Momo recognizes the cake box, going, “Ah, ONiSE���s cake? I was just thinking about eating it.” Momo’s eyes sparkle with delight.

Midori answers, “Oh, yeah?”. His gaze softens as he says to Momo, “I guessed as much.” Sui notices the expression on Midori’s face.

Momo says that she will put the cake into the fridge and Midori asks her if he can help with anything. Momo says, “Ah– then, could you help to start the fire? I still have things to prepare indoors. (The rest of the adults are not around.)”

[Momo and Sui’s mother will be working until evening time, Ayame’s parents are out buying groceries.]

Midori replies, “Okay, gotcha–”, and Momo returns indoors.

Sui, who was watching Midori and Momo’s interaction, teases, “Look at you– Happy is written all over your face.”

M: …What? What are you saying?

S: You haven’t seen onee-chan for so long, that you revealed an expression that shows how unabashedly happy you are.

M (blushes): Eh- No no no, I didn’t make that kind of face–

S: You did, you totally did–

M: I didn’t.

S: You did.

M: I said I didn’t, so I didn’t.

S: I said you did, so you did.

M: Ah– Geez.

(Ayame watches this entire exchange silently.)

Blushing and scratching his neck shyly, Midori insists, “I already said I didn’t.” Sui gives him a small smile, while Ayame watches.

Sui tells Midori teasingly, “Stop acting cool already and just admit it honestly. Tell her, ‘I’m rea—lly happy to see you <3’.”

Flustered, Midori responds, “Hey, you. Even if it’s me, I wouldn’t say such things, okay? Especially not in front of you, Sui-chan.”

He laughs awkwardly and says, “Also, I don’t want Momo to think that I’m being passive-aggressive. (Haha…)”

Hearing that, Sui thinks to herself, ‘...What a fool you are. It’s already come to this; clearly you don’t have to be so considerate of my feelings.’

Sui says to Midori, “Gross. To think that Midori-kun is still being considerate of my feelings. That’s so gross.”

In defence, Midori asks, “Oh? Are you trying to pick a fight with me?”

Sui says, “...Midori-kun, you should go in and help onee-chan. Ayame and I can handle the fire-starting by ourselves.”

Both Ayame and Midori go, “Eh?” in response. Sui explains, “Even though onee-chan isn’t doing much now, she mentioned that she might get called to work anytime. Time is very precious, so you should use the time now, even if it’s short, to be with her.”

Midori looks surprised, and says, “But-”, however he is interrupted by Sui going, “Right, Ayame?! You’re good at fire-starting, aren’t you!”

Ayame simply replies, “Eh? Yeah.”

Sui declares to Midori, “I’ll say this again. If you act considerate of my feelings one more time, I’m going to punch you!”

Midori looks at Sui, speechless, while she shakes her fist at him. He then sighs and says, “You win, you win. Why is Sui-chan such a good kid? (While I am so lame—).”

Sui answers harshly, “I’m not. It’s just that Midori-kun doesn’t seem like the type who knows how to start fires, so you’d just be a nuisance here.”

Resigned, Midori asks Sui, “Is it really fine? I’ll obey your orders then.”

Sui replies, “I approve!”, and Midori reveals a small smile.

Sui narrates: Ayame was right. I’m picking on the scabs of my heartbreak with my own hands. This is really foolish of me, but despite that, I can’t help finding Midori-kun, who immediately becomes shy when it comes to onee-chan and gets unusually tongue-tied and clumsy, adorable. I have undoubtedly become incurably blind.

Midori says, “Alright, then I’ll take my leave for a moment.”. Shooing him, Sui says, “Okay, please hurry up and leave.”

Midori reaches a hand out to pat Sui’s head, going, “Thank you so much, Sui-ch…”, however he stops his hand before it makes contact with her head. Sui looks up at him with a small frown.

Withdrawing his hand, Midori says, “...Ah. Sorry, I keep doing that.” and backs away.

Sui claps her hands, saying, “Well done realizing it yourself. (You earned the praise!) Even though I mentioned that we should interact as usual, you should still stop doing that.”

Midori replies, “I got it. (I’m really sorry.)”

Walking away, Midori thinks to himself, ‘I’m really so lame—...’. Sui watches Midori’s back and recalls the times he had patted her head. Blushing a little, she thinks, ‘I was the one who brought it up, but in my heart, I still feel a slight loneliness…’

Ayame comes up to Sui and remarks, “Sui-chan, you’re a liar. So much for saying that you have no feelings anymore; it’s obviously all a lie.”

S (pouting): What are you talking about?

A: Well, that guy was in the wrong as well. Even though Sui-chan was the one who started the topic, wasn’t it inappropriate for him to have shown that kind of expression? (Being all shy). I understand that he was being considerate of your feelings, but he clearly knows how you feel about him, so shouldn’t he have tried harder to cover up his expression?

Confused, Sui looks at Ayame and asks him, “Eh? Are you angry?”

Ayame is mildly stunned by her question, getting confused himself. He asks, “Eh, am I being angry?”

Sui answers that she doesn’t know, and the two of them stare at each other for a moment. Ayame remains confused, but Sui explains while tending to the barbeque bit, “Well, that expression simply proves how much Midori-kun loves onee-chan. Even if he doesn’t want to show it, he can’t help himself but reveal on his face what he feels in his heart.”

Turning to look at Ayame, Sui says, “That’s what love is like, you know.”

Ayame looks at Sui with a serious and thoughtful expression, leading Sui to suddenly feel shy and blush, going, “Ack, don’t make me say such things! It’s so corny…! (We’re ending this conversation here!!)”

Ayame silently continues looking at Sui, then wonders to himself, ‘...What’s happening? Somehow, I feel really anxious.’

[shoujosekaii]

Futari de Koi wo Suru Riyuu

两个人相恋的理由

ふたりで恋をする理由

Chapter 69

Urara recalls Misono’s words: “I’ve also been thinking that I can’t keep going on like this.” “I will do my best to talk to him.”. She narrates: When Misono-kun said those words, I could feel him trembling.

We see Urara reach home, and her older sister welcomes her back. Her older sister smiles warmly and goes, “You’re a little late today, did you go somewhere?”

Urara stares at her sister and thinks, ‘That’s right… to Misono-kun, Aiji-senpai is just like what onee-chan is to me. If I quarrelled with onee-chan and didn’t speak to her for months, would we still be able to make up?’

‘That’s way too scary.’

Urara goes up to her older sister and gives her a hug, while her sister is surprised, asking, “Wah, Urara, what’s wrong?”

Urara narrates: I hope that Misono-kun and Senpai can talk it out smoothly, even if it’s just a little bit of progress.

Meanwhile, we see Aiji and Misono in a park. Aiji reminisces out loud, “This is the park where I first met you huh, Jun?”

Misono goes, “...Yeah.” and Aiji continues, “Back then, you had just moved here, and you were sitting on that bench…”

We see a flashback of when Aiji and Misono were children. Young Aiji is holding a ball and notices young Misono, sitting on the bench looking somber. Young Aiji thinks, ‘A kid I’ve never met before… So pretty… (A boy? But he looks kinda down…?)”

Young Aiji calls out, “Hello!”, catching young Misono’s attention. However, young Misono simply gazes at young Aiji, then haughtily turns his head away with a “hmph”. This shocks young Aiji. End flashback.

Aiji brightly says, “That was the first time in my entire life experiencing ‘being ignored’! (I was so hurt!)”. Misono sweatdrops and answers, “You should just forget about that.”

Aiji continues reminiscing, asking, “How many years ago was that?” and Misono replies, “11 years…? Or 12…”. Aiji goes, “It’s been so long, huh– so, now what… this time, you’re going to move away from here?”

Aiji looks at Misono and asks, “Why? Are you going to live with your father after all?”

Misono goes, “That’s because—...”, and we can assume that Misono explains to Aiji everything about his family.

Aiji is extremely shocked at the news, going, “Eh?! For real?! You’re going to have a little brother or sister?! Re-marriage?!” while Misono mutters in response, “Your voice is so loud…”

Sighing, Aiji says, “So, that time I couldn’t contact you, was because you were in New York, huh…”

Misono: Eh?

Aiji: Nothing, it’s no longer important.

Aiji then asks, “You didn’t know about the pregnancy before you went to New York, right? Only that your mother wasn’t feeling well. And you went to America just like that?”

Misono answers, “...That’s because– back then, with granny, my parents and granny simply told me ‘it’s fine, don’t worry’, and never told me the truth until she passed away. So, I…—”

Aiji replies, “...I see. It was like that… I’m sorry.”

Misono remains painfully silent for a moment, and Aiji suddenly gets up. He asks if they should take a walk.

We see them walking on a path next to a sloped riverbank. Misono is walking behind Aiji, thinking, ‘We said to [talk it all out], but where should we begin…’, while Aiji breaks the silence by saying, “Beating about the bush is no good, so I’ll just go straight to the point and ask.”

Turning around to meet Misono’s gaze, Aiji asks, “I was really absurd, right?”

Misono: —Absurd… what do you mean…

Aiji: What, you ask… well– in various ways. Like how I keep acting cool in front of you, when I’m really not the kind of person you imagined me to be. You realized it during the Halloween bazaar that day, right?

Misono: I… never thought of it that way. I just felt that I was too childish. Back then, Aiji-kun, you asked me, ‘What does it mean to take care of her’, and I said things like, ‘not letting her feel worried’ and ‘to always make her happy’... but the me back then knew nothing about love or liking other people, yet I still acted like a know-it-all–

Interrupting Misono, Aiji says, “It’s true. You hadn’t dated anyone before, so you could easily talk about such idealistic things. However, at the same time, I thought that such idealistic outcomes were probably possible if it were you, Jun.”

Aiji continues, “If it’s you, you wouldn’t play push and pull with the person you like; you wouldn’t test her feelings and then regret doing it; you wouldn’t inflate your ego and be all self-important. I… want that too.”

Looking Misono squarely in the eyes, Aiji cries out, “I– I want to be like you, Jun! From back then till now, you’ve always been so dazzling to me!”

Misono pauses for a moment, then answers, “You- what are you talking about? I’m the one who wants to become like Aiji-kun. I’ve always thought that since I was young. You’re well-liked; you’re so dazzling even just by standing there; you’re always surrounded by people.”

Misono narrates that no one epitomizes the word ‘dazzling’ more than Aiji. He continues, saying, “At that park, when I first met Aiji-kun, my parents had just divorced and my mother left to go overseas. I felt abandoned.”

We see a flashback of young Aiji approaching young Misono and pulling his hand to go play, while Misono continues saying, “I was actually feeling very lonely. Aiji-kun, you kept trying to talk to me, when I was too proud to be honest with my feelings, even though you could have just left someone like me alone. I felt rescued by you. To me, Aiji-kun, your existence is like that of a hero.”

Tearing up, Misono says, “That sense of admiration has always limited me. I finally understand now that it was because of me that Aiji-kun kept playing that role. I’m sorry!”. Misono also narrates: I clearly knew that you were the kind of person who would fulfil my wishes, the ideals that I myself imagined.

Wiping away his tears, Misono continues, “After we entered middle school and high school, you clearly had so many other friends, but you still hung out with someone like me—...”

Misono then suddenly pauses as he recalls something. He asks, “Anyway, why Arisaka Maaya?”

Aiji is stunned, going, “Hah? Oi, earlier you were still saying such heartwarming things. Why did you suddenly change the topic? (You scared me.)”

Misono answers, “That’s because there were plenty of girls who liked you, weren’t there? Why were you so fixated on that person, who seems so hard to get along with?”

Looking ashamed, Aiji tearfully replies, “...I– I DON’T KNOW—”

Aiji rambles on, “You’re right, just why? That’s a question I want to ask myself, too. She’s so hard to read; there’s nothing cute about her except her face; she doesn't trust in my feelings, yet keeps her own heart closed; she clearly has no self-confidence, yet she’s so proud; she gets hurt so easily… yet she… would never let herself show any weakness… So, when I met Andou-san who was the complete opposite of Arisaka, I thought that it would be great if I could fall for someone like that. That’s what I thought…” (Misono thinks to himself about Aiji and Arisaka, ‘Oh, so you thought that her face was cute.’)

Aiji sadly continues, “Why is it that my feelings are my own, yet they won’t do as I wish? Towards Andou-san, I really did something unforgivable…”

Misono looks at Aiji and tells him, “It…it’s okay– If it’s Andou, I will… make her happy.”

Blushing and looking aside, Misono continues, “You can be rest assured of that… (don’t worry.)”

Aiji realizes with surprise what Misono is saying and excitedly holds Misono’s head, going, “Eh…?! Could it be that you two are dating…?!”. Misono fumbles out, “Uh, yes.”, and Aiji hysterically goes, “Eh?! You… Is that for real?! Since when?!”

Misono asks him to let go, but he loses his footing, and both boys fall and roll down the grassy slope.

Gazing up towards the sky while lying on the grass, Aiji says, “Well, now I see… You’ve got a girlfriend, and soon you’ll even have a real brother or sister. To Jun, I’m no longer needed, huh.”

Misono glances at Aiji and answers, “What are you talking about? Even if I have a girlfriend or a blood-related sibling, no one can replace Aiji-kun’s existence.”

Turning his head to look at Aiji, Misono asks, “Isn’t that so?”

The narration reads: We won’t always stay in the same place. After this, there will surely be even more changes, but being by your side, I understand that there are still some things that will never change.

Aiji: Awww~ What to do~~ Jun, you really can’t do without me~~~

Misono: ……On second thoughts, let’s not reconcile…

Aiji: Eh, why?! Jun?! Oi– Jun?!

[shoujosekaii]

Just wanna put a note here to myself - my prediction for this manga is that Midori will remain steadfast in his feelings for Sui's older sister, Momo. I really believe that he will never, at no point in the manga at all, develop any sort of romantic feelings for Sui, or even feel or show any hint of confusion about his romantic feelings.

Yes, his relationship with Momo may run into problems. Yes, they may argue, fight, yell at each other and fall out of love, but I believe that Midori will never show any romantic interest in Sui for the entirety of this manga.

Midori so far has been a real gem of a guy - he might be avoiding confrontation a little too much or enduring too much for his own good right now, but I believe in him. He won't fall for Sui just because of any relationship problems with Momo.

I also believe that Midori will fully encourage and support Sui and Ayame's growing relationship when he sees the potential in it. I truly doubt Midori will be the kind to somehow get jealous or try to interfere in their relationship in any way. I see Midori as the caring big brother who will be there to support Sui's romantic developments with Ayame (like maybe give Ayame the push he needs to make Sui look at Ayame in a romantic light). He will be overjoyed and excited to see his "little sis" Sui fall in love (with another guy and not himself hahaha).

Going to leave this little essay here to ferment and come back to this after the series comes to an end, to see if I was right :D

Onee-chan no Midori-kun (Midori Loves My Sister)

姐姐的翠君

お姉ちゃんの翠くん

Chapter 6

A quick recap from the end of the last chapter: Midori told Sui, “I have something to say to you.”

We see the two of them now at a playground, sitting on the swings. Both of them are silent.

Sui twitches her eyebrow uncomfortably, looking at Midori, wondering to herself, ‘...You suddenly said that you had something to say to me, so I thought something was up. Why am I just sitting here leisurely on a swing with you…?!’

We see what happened 10 minutes earlier: Midori asked Sui if they could talk in the park, because he wanted to sit on the swings. Sui replies with surprise, “What?”.

Sui eyes Midori some more and thinks, ‘...Anyway, somehow, Midori-kun seems a little different from usual…’

Midori begins, “Say, Sui-chan–”, startling Sui. He grins and asks her what she enjoys playing when at the playground.

S: Hah?

M: As for me– Of course I like the swing a lot. When I was young, I also liked that thing. (He points at a spring rider)

S (imagines current Midori riding on the spring rider): Eh? It doesn’t suit you. (Also, adults can’t ride on it.)

M: Heh- If it were the young and little me, it would have been such an adorable sight to see me playing on it, for sure-

Sui imagines a young Midori riding on the spring rider and reluctantly thinks to herself with a blush that it indeed would be pretty cute. However, one moment later, Sui snaps herself back to focus and thinks, ‘No, I didn’t just think that he was cute…!’

Sui huffs and asks, “Anyway, you said you had something to say - surely it’s not just this?”

Midori jolts a little and answers, “Hm? Ah- no.”

After scratching his neck uncomfortably, Midori asks, “...Sui-chan, do you still remember what happened when I went to your house while you were ill?”

Sui goes, “Eh?”, and she recalls how Midori carried her princess-style. She immediately blushes and answers, “I-I-I totally have no recollection…! (None at all!!)”.

Midori glances at Sui and smirks, inferring from her reaction that she actually remembers well. He thinks worriedly, ‘I was still hoping for a slim chance that it was just Sui-chan talking gibberish in her dreams.’ He recalls Sui’s words: “It’s precisely because you’re always so kind to me, that I’m growing to like you more.” “You don’t need to treat me so kindly anymore.”

Midori thinks, ‘Because of me, you said things that you never planned to say, and because of me, you even had to say that.’

Looking at Sui’s blushing profile, Midori thinks, ‘I seem to always be causing you agony.’. Midori has a somber look. He gets up from his swing, attracting Sui’s attention.

Midori squats down in front of Sui, who asks him what’s wrong. Midori says, “I’m sorry, Sui-chan.”

“I am unable to respond to the feelings that Sui-chan has for me.”

Sui goes, “...Eh?”, but Midori continues, “I’m sorry. I didn’t consider Sui-chan’s feelings towards me, and did so many things to make you frustrated and anxious.”

Sui simply stares at Midori in confusion. She thinks, ‘...Eh, wait a minute. What feelings? Sorry for what? Why? What is he saying…?’. She suddenly recalls Ayame telling her that when she’s ill, she gets lapses in memory.

Gripping the swing handle tightly, Sui asks, “...Did I say something strange…?” Midori replies, “Eh? No, it wasn’t anything strange. You said that it was because I was always so kind to you, that you were growing to like me more, something like that…Huh?”

Midori sees Sui’s troubled, blushing face and is confused. He asks, “Could it be that Sui-chan, you don’t remember that…?”

Before Midori can react, Sui gets up from the swing and dashes away. Midori calls out after her, asking her to wait, but Sui is panicking in her mind. She thinks, ‘This is the worst. I was never supposed to say it. I was absolutely not supposed to reveal these feelings. Why did it turn out like this?’

Sui unfortunately trips over and falls face down onto the ground. Midori, who was running after her, is shocked. He concernedly asks if Sui is alright, but Sui remains silent and continues lying on the ground. She thinks, ‘With this, haven’t I lost all opportunities of smoking my way out?’

Midori calls out to Sui, but a passing mother and child notice them. The child remarks, “Mama- There’s someone sleeping outside.” Midori hears the child.

The child continues to ask, “Is she pretending to be a caterpillar?” and the mother asks where. Sui narrates that the situation is simply horrible in every way. Midori squats next to Sui, asking if she can get up.

However, Midori sees that Sui is trembling from embarrassment. He decides to lie down next to Sui and says, “Two caterpillars.” This surprises the mother and child, who comment while walking away, “It’s true, they are playing as caterpillars.” “I want to play, too.” “Let’s play at home, then.” “Will Papa play, too?” “He will.”

(The mother thinks to herself that it’s an odd game.)

When the mother and child leave, Midori gets up and asks Sui again if she can stand up. Sui is embarrassedly thinking to herself about Midori, ‘You didn’t have to embarrass yourself along with me.’

A short while later, we see Sui seated on a bench, her knees lightly scratched. Midori tells her that he will wet his handkerchief and asks her to wait. Sui says that there’s no need for him to go to the trouble, adding, “Didn’t I already mention it before? Don’t be kind to me.”

Midori goes, “...Ah-” in realization, but answers, “Okay, but this is just a small thing not worth mentioning, so let me do it.”

While Midori is away, Sui thinks, ‘...Somehow, thanks to me tripping over, I was able to somewhat calm down a little. Right now, I seem to only recall my anxious and conflicting feelings from back then. Other than that, I don’t remember anything else.’

Looking down, Sui thinks, ‘Without realizing it, I verbalized my true feelings. I didn’t realize that I had fallen this deep.’

Midori comes back with a wetted handkerchief and hands it to Sui, who thanks him. He tells her to properly disinfect her wounds when she gets home later. Sui turns away, thinking to herself that he’s being naggy, but Midori continues, “...Anyway, I’m sorry, Sui-chan.”

Sui turns to look at Midori, who has his head hung low. He dejectedly says, “Earlier, I assumed that you still remembered, and it ended up with things turning out this way.”

Sui answers, “You are absolutely right…!!”

Sui (huffing): Thanks to you, I got rejected even though I never planned to say it. I even fell down. It’s all Midori-kun’s fault! Today has been such a disastrous day!

M (depressed): Urk- You’re right… But don’t assume that I’ve always been this relaxed about it - actually I also agonized over this for really long. I even had trouble eating and sleeping.

Midori explains that he forgot to update his Instagram account for his hamster, smashed laboratory test tubes because he was spacing out, got chided by his friends for sighing, and even walked into a lamp post.

Glancing at Sui resignedly, Midori says, “My brain got hardwired to Sui-chan mode.”

However, Midori suddenly realizes something and corrects himself, “Ah– I’m really sorry. Clearly Sui-chan has had it even harder than I have, plus I was the culprit - I really shouldn’t have said all that.”

Sighing to himself, Midori continues, “It feels like whenever I’m with Sui-chan, my thought processes and behaviour all become that of a spoilt brat. Therefore, it’s your turn now, Sui-chan.”

Midori looks at Sui and gives her a thumbs up, saying, “Any complaints or scoldings you have, no matter how many there are, I’ll accept them all.”

Sui pauses for a moment, then smiles to herself. She thinks, ‘Indeed, this person is a fool.’

Sui begins, “I’m super pissed off. You’ve got a screw loose, always looking down on others, treating me like a kid even though you don’t even act like an adult yourself - you’re already an adult but you’re so tactless, just giving that jolly smiley face all the time - it makes me so pissed off.”

Sui’s verbal assault stabs Midori metaphorically multiple times, having him reply, “Eh, um, Sui-chan, do you really like me…”

Sui continues, “Just because of my gibberish dream talk, you end up worrying until you lose sleep and can’t eat properly. You even went to think so seriously about how to handle this. You’re such a fool.”

Standing up and walking away a little, Sui tells Midori, “...I really hate you, Midori-kun.”

Turning to face Midori, Sui repeats while blushing and smiling painfully, “I hate you the most!”

Midori looks at Sui with a pained expression. 

Sui narrates: Liking, loving, it’s something that can’t be controlled. It’s an emotion that I will never be able to admit to myself. 

Midori also stands up and approaches Sui, saying, “...Yes. I’m sorry. Thank you, Sui-chan.”. They smile at each other, Sui with tears forming in her eyes.

Sui continues to narrate: However, I don’t know why, but today is the first time I’ve felt so thoroughly at peace ever since I fell for Midori-kun.

Sui answers, “Dum-my.”

A short while later, we see Midori asking Sui if she can still make it for the train, and she answers that she will if she leaves now. Sui smiles up at Midori.

Suddenly, Sui remembers something and goes, “Ah, that’s right.”. She sticks out her pinky finger to Midori, who goes, “Hm?”

Sui explains, “Let’s take what happened today to our graves. This is a pinky promise that the next time we meet, we will still interact as usual!”

“Even though I feel bad towards onee-chan for hiding this from her, it will only add unnecessary stress to her if we tell her about it. Also, I know that onee-chan won’t fault me for it, but the fact that she won’t will make me feel worse than if she would.”

Midori continues to look at Sui, who continues, “...Regardless, the bottom line is that I simply don’t want onee-chan to know about this! This is my own selfish request!”

“When we meet again next time, if you behave strangely, you’ll have to swallow a thousand needles!” (This is just a figure of speech)

Midori looks reassured and convinced, hooking his own pinky with Sui’s to seal the promise.

Sui narrates: Even though this love was doomed from the start, will I still be able to convert these feelings into a precious memory?

Sui recalls Yuzu’s words at karaoke: “It’s my one and only first love after all. Before I forget about him, I want to at least treasure these feelings—”

Sui smiles with her tears flowing down her cheeks. She thinks, ‘Ah, my eyes. My nose is running.’

Sui narrates that she wants to cherish these feelings.

Later, Sui returns home and Mochi welcomes her home cutely. Momo runs towards Sui, calling out to her. Sui remarks that Momo is home early today, while Momo informs her, “I’ve been chosen to be part of the production team for the TV series, ‘Kazuya and Miwa’...!”

Sui is amazed and goes, “Eh, that’s amazing! Congratulations…!”. Momo replies that it feels like a dream, as she will be able to be part of the production process for the TV drama that she enjoys so much.

Sui asks if this means that Momo will be even busier from now on, and Momo says, “Yes, I will– I’m still at the lowest position after all.”

Sui pauses for a moment, then says, “...Um– Say, onee-chan. You should occasionally remember to show some concern to that Midori-kun too, you know.”

Momo goes, “Hm?”, and Sui continues, “Even though it can’t be helped when you’re so busy with work, Midori-kun really, truly loves onee-chan, so if you neglect him for too long, he will get really lonely and cry, you know. (Snicker)”.

Momo looks at Sui and answers with a small smile, “...Yeah. You’re right.”

[shoujosekaii]

Pink to Habanero

粉色与哈瓦那辣椒

ピンクとハバネロ

Chapter 21

It’s another day in school! Miyao and the gang are having lunch break in the classroom. Io remarks to Miyao that it’s great she was able to recover from using the crutches so soon. Miyao happily agrees, adding that there’s only 5 more days until their camp. Sakutarou laughs.

Miyao thinks to herself that she didn’t want to cause trouble for the rest, in particular Maasa. She glances at Maasa, who is laughing cheerily among her group of friends.

Looking at Maasa, Miyao thinks, ‘...She really has a lot of friends. (How nice.)’

Maasa’s friends suggest going out to the yard to have their lunch. However, Maasa flatly rejects them, saying, “It’s too hot. I’ll pass. (You guys go ahead!)”

Witnessing this, Miyao thinks, ‘...She really is so cool…! If it were me, I would have just gone with the flow and followed them…’

Miyao turns to look at Kurose, who’s chatting with Sakutarou. She thinks to herself that Kurose is also the same - straightforward, blunt, going at his own pace - while she, a troublesome and withdrawn girl, can only yearn to be like them.

Glancing at Maasa eating alone, Miyao thinks, ‘...Even though I was rejected by her previously, somehow… I still want to talk with her…!!’. We see Miyao stand up.

In the next scene, we see Maasa thanking Miyao for inviting her to eat together, and Miyao saying “Don’t mention it.” There seems to be a nice mood between the two of them, and the boys eye them from the side.

Io asks Miyao, “Did the two of you always get along so well?”, and Miyao answers, “No… I was the one who approached her one-sidedly!”

Realizing something, Miyao turns to Maasa and goes, “...Ah, I’m sorry if I caused you any inconvenience… Maasa-chan.”. Maasa smiles and replies, “Nope. We’re all classmates after all, so I’m very glad for this.” Miyao blushes and smiles contentedly.

However, Maasa continues, “...Nevertheless, I was a little surprised that you’d actually invite me to lunch together.”

Miyao asks why, and Maasa explains, “How do I say this… I always thought that Miyao-san was the type to only hang out with boys.”

Miyao is stunned to hear that. Maasa continues, saying, “Well, look. You’re always hanging out with Kurose-kun and them. I just assumed that you didn’t have any interest in us girls–”

Miyao thinks with horror, ‘Eh? …Somehow… this kinda feels like… it sounds like… I’m a pants-chaser??!!”

Maasa dismisses it a little, saying, “Anyhow, that’s not bad. Each to his own, right? Aren’t there those kinds of girls, too?”

Horrified, Miyao trembles, thinking, ‘Bitch…? Is she referring to bitches…?!!’. We see Sakutarou and Io looking at each other uncomfortably (we can assume they overheard the conversation), while Miyao thinks, ‘You’re lying! No way!! Is that how everyone has been seeing me—?!! That…that’s terrible—!!!’

Miyao uncomfortably glances towards Kurose, who notices her gaze. He asks with a smirk, “...What? Are you bothered by that?”

Miyao jolts at his question and denies, “Of… of course not!”. Kurose asks if that’s true and Miyao insists, “It’s true!”

Kurose leans forward to look at Miyao’s expression, surprising her. Smirking again, Kurose goes, “Reeeeeally?” Miyao blushes but feels indignant, because she realizes that Kurose can see through her words.

Miyao hesitantly asks, “...Re-regardless… is that really how I look…? Do I really give off that vibe…”

Kurose nonchalantly answers, “If someone else says so, then isn’t it so? (Though I don’t really get it myself.)”. Miyao is horrified.

We see that Miyao has a sleepless night that day from the shock of being thought of as a bitch. The next day, Miyao enters her classroom to a normal scene (classmates chatting among themselves), but due to Miyao’s insecurity, she feels as if everyone’s gaze is judging her, as if saying, “Look- she’s hanging out with guys today again as well—”

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Miyao freaks out about how she’s starting to hallucinate because of her anxiety.

Kurose comes up to Miyao to ask, “Hey. We’ve decided to make Saku our group leader. That’s fine with you, right?”

Miyao, still worried about her image among their classmates, replies brokenly, “Eh… ah… yeah…”, while thinking to herself, ‘How… did I usually respond…?’

Later, Io notices Maasa having lunch in the classroom and asks if she’s alone, to which Maasa confirms so, explaining that the others went outside to eat again. Io invites her to join them. Miyao notices this exchange and gets up, running away, saying, “Sorry, today’s a little…!”. She thinks to herself, ‘I can’t do it! Now, even Maasa-chan is scary to me!! She might say something about me again!’

A short while later, sitting on a bench in the yard, Miyao thinks, ‘Haah… I just want to be alone right now… That was embarrassing, just dashing away like that…’

However, Maasa suddenly appears next to her, going, “Hey—”. This causes Miyao to choke and cough, going, “Maasa-chan?!”

Maasa asks Miyao why she isn’t eating together with the rest. Miyao fakes a smile, awkwardly answering, “It…it’s because the weather is fine! It’s nice to be alone once in a while.”

Eyeing Miyao, Maasa remarks while walking away, “...Somehow, I feel as if Miyao-san talks about wanting to be friends, but isn’t willing to open up.”

Miyao is stunned at Maasa’s words, thinking, ‘...Hah? Whaaaaat??! Those things you said… it’s because of those things Maasa-chan said… that’s why I…!!!’.

Steeling herself, Miyao continues thinking, ‘The camp is almost here. I don’t want to spoil our relationship…’, and she says, “...I truly want to be friends with Maasa-chan!”. Maasa pauses and turns back.

Maasa asks, “...You say that, but your actions are the complete opposite, you know? If you wanted to build a relationship, you would have invited everyone outside to eat together, right?”

Miyao goes, “...Urgh, well, that…”, and thinks to herself, ‘That’s because I didn’t want to be labelled as someone who likes clinging to guys. If I were to tell her the truth… she’ll find me annoying, right? And I’ll be told again that I’m being overly heavy… But…but!’

Miyao blurts out, “...I…I…I’m not a bitch…! Because…”

Miyao thinks, ‘This is bad. I never planned to mention this, but…’, she tells Maasa, “The truth is, I recently confessed to Kurose-kun, but was rejected!”

It’s Maasa’s turn to be stunned. Miyao continues, “Originally, those 3 guys were the only ones that I could get along with, but Ueki-kun and Nikaidou-kun are considered more of Kurose-kun’s friends rather than my friends!”

Miyao uncomfortably shares, “Ever since starting school, even though I did try to talk to everyone in class… I wasn’t very successful.”

“To be honest, I haven’t made many friends! In other words, what I’m trying to say is, I’m not well-liked by humans at all—!!! It must be because I’m so uncool—!!”

Maasa remains speechless. Miyao hangs her head low and says, “...Therefore, I’m definitely not a bitch. I also don’t want to become someone that detestful…”

Miyao suddenly cries out, “But, you talked about me like that, so it had a really huge impact on me, you know!!! (Even though it’s because I’m so useless!!) Why did it have to be you who said it, the one I look up to, Maasa-chan—?!! (My heart is shattered—!!)”

Maasa begins, “...Somehow, I feel… really bad for you…”, and Miyao responds, “Bad?! I’m sorry!!”. 

Maasa continues, saying, “...I think I somewhat understand Miyao-san better now.”

“I’m sorry. I’m really sorry for saying those sorts of things in front of the person you like! It was my fault for being dull!”

“I had assumed that Miyao-san wasn’t interested in girls, so I thought that you had ulterior motives when you said you wanted to be my friend… That’s why I said those things… I’m sorry. (I didn’t have any ill intentions.)”

Smiling guiltily, Maasa says, “I hardly even know you… It was really terrible of me to do that.”

Miyao gets what Maasa is saying and thinks, ‘So it was like that…’.

Then, Maasa suddenly holds Miyao’s shoulders and tells her, “I’m going to reflect on myself.” When Miyao goes, “Eh?”, Maasa runs off, telling her, “I’m going to run 10 laps around the school! Call me if you need anything!”

Miyao, unable to stop her, thinks, ‘Eh—?!! …Unexpectedly, she’s the athletic type, huh… Somehow, in various ways, she’s truly a straightforward person.’

Sitting back down on the bench, Miyao heaves a huge sigh. She thinks, ‘...I’m exhausted…’ and says out loud to herself, “I said so many crazy things…”

Chuckling to herself, Miyao says, “‘Not well-liked by humans!’... (What was I saying?!)”. Miyao thinks to herself that she feels much more refreshed now.

Then, three girls suddenly approach Miyao, going, “Ah, isn’t this Miyao-san—”. Miyao recognizes them as the girls that Maasa usually hangs out with. She goes, “...Hello there…?”

[shoujosekaii]

Onee-chan no Midori-kun (Midori Loves My Sister)

姐姐的翠君

お姉ちゃんの翠くん

Chapter 6

A quick recap from the end of the last chapter: Midori told Sui, “I have something to say to you.”

We see the two of them now at a playground, sitting on the swings. Both of them are silent.

Sui twitches her eyebrow uncomfortably, looking at Midori, wondering to herself, ‘...You suddenly said that you had something to say to me, so I thought something was up. Why am I just sitting here leisurely on a swing with you…?!’

We see what happened 10 minutes earlier: Midori asked Sui if they could talk in the park, because he wanted to sit on the swings. Sui replies with surprise, “What?”.

Sui eyes Midori some more and thinks, ‘...Anyway, somehow, Midori-kun seems a little different from usual…’

Midori begins, “Say, Sui-chan–”, startling Sui. He grins and asks her what she enjoys playing when at the playground.

S: Hah?

M: As for me– Of course I like the swing a lot. When I was young, I also liked that thing. (He points at a spring rider)

S (imagines current Midori riding on the spring rider): Eh? It doesn’t suit you. (Also, adults can’t ride on it.)

M: Heh- If it were the young and little me, it would have been such an adorable sight to see me playing on it, for sure-

Sui imagines a young Midori riding on the spring rider and reluctantly thinks to herself with a blush that it indeed would be pretty cute. However, one moment later, Sui snaps herself back to focus and thinks, ‘No, I didn’t just think that he was cute…!’

Sui huffs and asks, “Anyway, you said you had something to say - surely it’s not just this?”

Midori jolts a little and answers, “Hm? Ah- no.”

After scratching his neck uncomfortably, Midori asks, “...Sui-chan, do you still remember what happened when I went to your house while you were ill?”

Sui goes, “Eh?”, and she recalls how Midori carried her princess-style. She immediately blushes and answers, “I-I-I totally have no recollection…! (None at all!!)”.

Midori glances at Sui and smirks, inferring from her reaction that she actually remembers well. He thinks worriedly, ‘I was still hoping for a slim chance that it was just Sui-chan talking gibberish in her dreams.’ He recalls Sui’s words: “It’s precisely because you’re always so kind to me, that I’m growing to like you more.” “You don’t need to treat me so kindly anymore.”

Midori thinks, ‘Because of me, you said things that you never planned to say, and because of me, you even had to say that.’

Looking at Sui’s blushing profile, Midori thinks, ‘I seem to always be causing you agony.’. Midori has a somber look. He gets up from his swing, attracting Sui’s attention.

Midori squats down in front of Sui, who asks him what’s wrong. Midori says, “I’m sorry, Sui-chan.”

“I am unable to respond to the feelings that Sui-chan has for me.”

Sui goes, “...Eh?”, but Midori continues, “I’m sorry. I didn’t consider Sui-chan’s feelings towards me, and did so many things to make you frustrated and anxious.”

Sui simply stares at Midori in confusion. She thinks, ‘...Eh, wait a minute. What feelings? Sorry for what? Why? What is he saying…?’. She suddenly recalls Ayame telling her that when she’s ill, she gets lapses in memory.

Gripping the swing handle tightly, Sui asks, “...Did I say something strange…?” Midori replies, “Eh? No, it wasn’t anything strange. You said that it was because I was always so kind to you, that you were growing to like me more, something like that…Huh?”

Midori sees Sui’s troubled, blushing face and is confused. He asks, “Could it be that Sui-chan, you don’t remember that…?”

Before Midori can react, Sui gets up from the swing and dashes away. Midori calls out after her, asking her to wait, but Sui is panicking in her mind. She thinks, ‘This is the worst. I was never supposed to say it. I was absolutely not supposed to reveal these feelings. Why did it turn out like this?’

Sui unfortunately trips over and falls face down onto the ground. Midori, who was running after her, is shocked. He concernedly asks if Sui is alright, but Sui remains silent and continues lying on the ground. She thinks, ‘With this, haven’t I lost all opportunities of smoking my way out?’

Midori calls out to Sui, but a passing mother and child notice them. The child remarks, “Mama- There’s someone sleeping outside.” Midori hears the child.

The child continues to ask, “Is she pretending to be a caterpillar?” and the mother asks where. Sui narrates that the situation is simply horrible in every way. Midori squats next to Sui, asking if she can get up.

However, Midori sees that Sui is trembling from embarrassment. He decides to lie down next to Sui and says, “Two caterpillars.” This surprises the mother and child, who comment while walking away, “It’s true, they are playing as caterpillars.” “I want to play, too.” “Let’s play at home, then.” “Will Papa play, too?” “He will.”

(The mother thinks to herself that it’s an odd game.)

When the mother and child leave, Midori gets up and asks Sui again if she can stand up. Sui is embarrassedly thinking to herself about Midori, ‘You didn’t have to embarrass yourself along with me.’

A short while later, we see Sui seated on a bench, her knees lightly scratched. Midori tells her that he will wet his handkerchief and asks her to wait. Sui says that there’s no need for him to go to the trouble, adding, “Didn’t I already mention it before? Don’t be kind to me.”

Midori goes, “...Ah-” in realization, but answers, “Okay, but this is just a small thing not worth mentioning, so let me do it.”

While Midori is away, Sui thinks, ‘...Somehow, thanks to me tripping over, I was able to somewhat calm down a little. Right now, I seem to only recall my anxious and conflicting feelings from back then. Other than that, I don’t remember anything else.’

Looking down, Sui thinks, ‘Without realizing it, I verbalized my true feelings. I didn’t realize that I had fallen this deep.’

Midori comes back with a wetted handkerchief and hands it to Sui, who thanks him. He tells her to properly disinfect her wounds when she gets home later. Sui turns away, thinking to herself that he’s being naggy, but Midori continues, “...Anyway, I’m sorry, Sui-chan.”

Sui turns to look at Midori, who has his head hung low. He dejectedly says, “Earlier, I assumed that you still remembered, and it ended up with things turning out this way.”

Sui answers, “You are absolutely right…!!”

Sui (huffing): Thanks to you, I got rejected even though I never planned to say it. I even fell down. It’s all Midori-kun’s fault! Today has been such a disastrous day!

M (depressed): Urk- You’re right… But don’t assume that I’ve always been this relaxed about it - actually I also agonized over this for really long. I even had trouble eating and sleeping.

Midori explains that he forgot to update his Instagram account for his hamster, smashed laboratory test tubes because he was spacing out, got chided by his friends for sighing, and even walked into a lamp post.

Glancing at Sui resignedly, Midori says, “My brain got hardwired to Sui-chan mode.”

However, Midori suddenly realizes something and corrects himself, “Ah– I’m really sorry. Clearly Sui-chan has had it even harder than I have, plus I was the culprit - I really shouldn’t have said all that.”

Sighing to himself, Midori continues, “It feels like whenever I’m with Sui-chan, my thought processes and behaviour all become that of a spoilt brat. Therefore, it’s your turn now, Sui-chan.”

Midori looks at Sui and gives her a thumbs up, saying, “Any complaints or scoldings you have, no matter how many there are, I’ll accept them all.”

Sui pauses for a moment, then smiles to herself. She thinks, ‘Indeed, this person is a fool.’

Sui begins, “I’m super pissed off. You’ve got a screw loose, always looking down on others, treating me like a kid even though you don’t even act like an adult yourself - you’re already an adult but you’re so tactless, just giving that jolly smiley face all the time - it makes me so pissed off.”

Sui’s verbal assault stabs Midori metaphorically multiple times, having him reply, “Eh, um, Sui-chan, do you really like me…”

Sui continues, “Just because of my gibberish dream talk, you end up worrying until you lose sleep and can’t eat properly. You even went to think so seriously about how to handle this. You’re such a fool.”

Standing up and walking away a little, Sui tells Midori, “...I really hate you, Midori-kun.”

Turning to face Midori, Sui repeats while blushing and smiling painfully, “I hate you the most!”

Midori looks at Sui with a pained expression. 

Sui narrates: Liking, loving, it’s something that can’t be controlled. It’s an emotion that I will never be able to admit to myself. 

Midori also stands up and approaches Sui, saying, “...Yes. I’m sorry. Thank you, Sui-chan.”. They smile at each other, Sui with tears forming in her eyes.

Sui continues to narrate: However, I don’t know why, but today is the first time I’ve felt so thoroughly at peace ever since I fell for Midori-kun.

Sui answers, “Dum-my.”

A short while later, we see Midori asking Sui if she can still make it for the train, and she answers that she will if she leaves now. Sui smiles up at Midori.

Suddenly, Sui remembers something and goes, “Ah, that’s right.”. She sticks out her pinky finger to Midori, who goes, “Hm?”

Sui explains, “Let’s take what happened today to our graves. This is a pinky promise that the next time we meet, we will still interact as usual!”

“Even though I feel bad towards onee-chan for hiding this from her, it will only add unnecessary stress to her if we tell her about it. Also, I know that onee-chan won’t fault me for it, but the fact that she won’t will make me feel worse than if she would.”

Midori continues to look at Sui, who continues, “...Regardless, the bottom line is that I simply don’t want onee-chan to know about this! This is my own selfish request!”

“When we meet again next time, if you behave strangely, you’ll have to swallow a thousand needles!” (This is just a figure of speech)

Midori looks reassured and convinced, hooking his own pinky with Sui’s to seal the promise.

Sui narrates: Even though this love was doomed from the start, will I still be able to convert these feelings into a precious memory?

Sui recalls Yuzu’s words at karaoke: “It’s my one and only first love after all. Before I forget about him, I want to at least treasure these feelings—”

Sui smiles with her tears flowing down her cheeks. She thinks, ‘Ah, my eyes. My nose is running.’

Sui narrates that she wants to cherish these feelings.

Later, Sui returns home and Mochi welcomes her home cutely. Momo runs towards Sui, calling out to her. Sui remarks that Momo is home early today, while Momo informs her, “I’ve been chosen to be part of the production team for the TV series, ‘Kazuya and Miwa’...!”

Sui is amazed and goes, “Eh, that’s amazing! Congratulations…!”. Momo replies that it feels like a dream, as she will be able to be part of the production process for the TV drama that she enjoys so much.

Sui asks if this means that Momo will be even busier from now on, and Momo says, “Yes, I will– I’m still at the lowest position after all.”

Sui pauses for a moment, then says, “...Um– Say, onee-chan. You should occasionally remember to show some concern to that Midori-kun too, you know.”

Momo goes, “Hm?”, and Sui continues, “Even though it can’t be helped when you’re so busy with work, Midori-kun really, truly loves onee-chan, so if you neglect him for too long, he will get really lonely and cry, you know. (Snicker)”.

Momo looks at Sui and answers with a small smile, “...Yeah. You’re right.”

[shoujosekaii]

Futari de Koi wo Suru Riyuu

两个人相恋的理由

ふたりで恋をする理由

Chapter 68

Urara narrates: “Aiji.” A pair of friends who used to be as close as brothers, always together - after that fateful day, Misono-kun unexpectedly never mentioned Senpai’s name anymore… The reason Misono-kun has become like this… is… me, right…? 

Urara thinks, ‘I haven’t told Misono-kun about the fact that I talked to Senpai before spring break. Is it really good to hide it like this…?’. She recalls her promise with Misono “not to hide anything and to talk about everything”. Hence, she calls out to Misono.

Urara begins, “Misono-kun, when you were in New York, I met Aiji-senpai.” Misono looks surprised and goes, “Huh?”

In the next scene, we see Misono and Urara outside, on an overhead bridge, talking. Urara explains, “Misono-kun, when I heard you say that you might go over to your mother’s place to live, I wondered if going overseas in such a hurry would truly make you happy.”

“That’s because I didn’t understand anything about Misono-kun’s family at all.”

“After that, I happened to run into Aiji-senpai on the streets and could not help but approach him to ask… I thought, would I be able to find out more about Misono-kun’s family situation…?”

“Digging out information about people from others is something I know Misono-kun hates… so I’m sorry…”

Misono replies, “Eh… no, it’s because I caused you to worry back then.”

Urara pauses a little before continuing, “I heard about it from Senpai - that Misono-kun, you haven’t spoken even a single word to Senpai ever since that Halloween festival…”

“This was all caused by me, right…?”

Misono retorts, “No. It wasn’t Andou’s fault. Definitely not. Absolutely not.”

“I’ve been by Aiji-kun’s side for too long and so I overlooked some things. I was too childish and didn’t understand many things, but now I finally do.”

“Therefore, even if Andou’s situation didn’t happen, there would still have been some day when he and I would clash like this.”

Urara recalls Aiji’s words to her: “I knew it would happen sooner or later.” “It just happened to be that day.”

Urara asks, “...But, Misono-kun, after that day, you never mentioned Aiji-senpai’s name anymore. Wasn’t this because you were trying to be considerate of my feelings?”

Misono looks at her wordlessly, seeming to be holding back his words, and Urara is confused upon seeing his reaction. Flustered, she adds, “You- you don’t need to be so mindful of my feelings anymore, you know?!”

Misono simply looks at Urara while she continues, saying, “I told Aiji-senpai too, about reconciling… it sounds a little exaggerated, but I said what I wanted to say.”

“Aiji-senpai also seemed somewhat clumsy… So, about Aiji-senpai-”

Misono suddenly goes up behind Urara and puts his hand over her mouth, shutting her up. Blushing, he says next to her ear, “Stop it with the ‘Aiji-senpai, Aiji-senpai’ already.”

Urara blushes in response and asks if she mentioned Aiji’s name that many times. Misono replies, “Four or five times… no, maybe it was three or four times…”

“Regardless, I didn’t mention Aiji-kun’s name, because at the start, I didn’t want Andou to be reminded of your unhappy memories and get hurt again.”

Pressing in close to Urara from behind, Misono continues, “Eventually… my reasons became less pure. I didn’t want to let Andou think of Aiji-kun. Not even for a moment.”

Urara turns to look at Misono and answers, “N-nevertheless… not just…Senpai; no matter who it is, they would never be able to come between us. My heart only has Misono-kun, you know…!”

Misono gets very shy and blushes furiously upon hearing Urara’s words. He says, “E-even if it’s like that, I’ll always be jealous that Andou has liked other guys before, because,”

“Andou is my… my first love.”

Urara looks mesmerized by Misono’s honesty and blushing face. Embarrassed, Misono turns away, saying, “I said something really uncool, sorr-” but Urara gives him a peck on the cheek, catching him by surprise.

Urara then proceeds to bury her face in Misono’s chest and hugs him tightly. She says, “Just now, I finally understood that I definitely like Misono-kun more."

Misono becomes shocked, replying, “Huh?! There’s no such thing! It’s I who-”, but Urara insists, “It is! It definitely is.”

Urara narrates: I thought that I couldn’t love you any more than this, but in the next moment, I fell even deeper in love. This is because love really knows no boundaries. This is what you taught me.

Urara tells Misono, “Misono-kun, if you won’t hate it, I feel that it would be better if you and Aiji-senpai reconciled.”

Misono goes, “Eh?”, and Urara explains, “I wish for the people and things that Misono-kun loves and treasures to always be by your side.”

Looking up at Misono, Urara says, “I’m sure that to Misono-kun, Senpai must be a really important existen–” 

Urara doesn’t finish her sentence because Misono suddenly hugs her tightly.

While hugging her, Misono says, “--I think that falling for Andou is such a wonderful thing. I’m thinking this once again.”

“I’ve also been thinking that I can’t keep going on like this, but I just couldn’t take that step forward… so thank you. I will do my best to talk to him.”

Urara acknowledges Misono’s words with a reassuring, “Okay.”

Later, back at home, Misono thinks to himself, ‘Even though I said that… what should I do to reconcile…? Till today, even when the two of us quarrelled, the next morning…’

Misono has a flashback of Aiji in their middle school days, greeting him as usual, “Morning, Jun.”

Misono thinks, ‘It was always something like that. As if nothing happened, we just went back to normal–’

Misono stomps out of his house, thinking, ‘No, I’ll never have any result if I just keep on thinking like this. During such a time, I should look for him directly to talk…!’

Misono reaches the lift lobby, but hesitates. He thinks, ‘Wait a minute. He might be at his part-time job today. It’ll be better to ask him if he’s at home first.’

Whipping out his phone, Misono types a message to Aiji: “I want to talk to you, are you at home?”. We see in Misono's text history with Aiji that Aiji had previously sent but deleted two text messages to Misono.

Misono recalls his last words to Aiji: “I won’t forgive anyone who makes her cry like that.”

Misono thinks, ‘That said… when I went to New York, it seemed like he tried to contact me. What was that about? I said all that to him, but now I’m saying that I want to talk. Will he want to see me…?’

While Misono is lost in his thoughts, the lift door opens and Aiji is there. Both boys are surprised to see each other.

After an awkward pause, Aiji breaks the silence by going, “Yo, Jun. Are you going out?”

A little shy, Misono looks away and says, “No… I… what about you? Where are you going?”

Aiji answers, “I was planning to go to your place.”

Misono jolts in surprise at Aiji’s words and his thumb presses “Send” on his phone. He goes, “Ah!” at his unintentional action, while Aiji receives the text message.

When Aiji sees what Misono sent him (I want to talk to you, are you at home?), he comments, “Well, well- we’re pretty telepathic, aren’t we?"

Both boys look at each other somewhat uneasily. Aiji says, “Let’s talk it all out today, then.”

[shoujosekaii]

Pink to Habanero

粉色与哈瓦那辣椒

ピンクとハバネロ

Chapter 20

The chapter starts off with Miyao updating Riri on what’s happened so far, and Riri’s reaction is, “You…confessed?!!”, and Miyao awkwardly answers, “Yeah, without thinking, I just…”

Riri is confused and agitated, going, “That said, why?! He already said ‘I might see you as more than a friend’, so why aren’t you dating yet?!! (I don’t understand!)”

Miyao (chuckling): I still haven’t gotten him to like me.

Riri (getting mad): …Isn’t Kurose-kun just toying with you…?!! (Are you getting tricked by him?!)

Miyao: He isn’t that kind of person! He only says what he truly thinks!

Riri looks concerned and ponders for a moment, before continuing to ask, “Regardless… You guys are already like this. Isn’t it painful for you that you’re still not dating? If it were me, I’d feel hurt… (You even got yourself into crutches for it–)”.

Miyao looks thoughtful, and answers, “...Is that so… is that how it is? …However, how should I say it… I…”. Miyao suddenly recalls Kurose’s declaration, “I definitely don’t like you, got that?!” and chuckles to herself.

Riri is confused and asks Miyao if she recalled something sweet. Miyao blushes a little and answers that even though she was told that she wouldn’t be liked, she still wants to do her best. She laughs, saying, “I’m weird, right?”

Riri gazes at Miyao and sighs with a smile on her face.

Riri (muttering softly): Perhaps this is what he likes about you, Mugi-chan.

Miyao: Huh, what?

Riri: Nothing— …Anyway! Do your best, then! I’m sure you’re just lacking some encouragement!

Miyao: How… do you think I should proceed to do my best? I… I want to become an exceptional girl, just like Riri-chan…

Riri suddenly answers darkly, “Eh? I’m no exceptional girl, you know. Yesterday, I got cheated on. I’m currently in a huge mess.” Miyao is shocked, going, “HAH?! (Your eyes are scary!!)”.

However, Riri replies that she still forgave her boyfriend, and Miyao looks extremely concerned - we see her thinking, ‘Riri-chan… is that really okay? Will you be happy?!’

Riri concludes by saying, “...To sum it up, you can’t take me as a reference! Because I am the clingy type! An exceptional girl needs to be independent!”

Miyao thinks to herself, ‘Independent… huh. That’s difficult…’

On another day in school, we see Miyao, still in crutches, at the shoe lockers. Tossing her indoor shoes onto the floor to wear them, Miyao thinks to herself, ‘As expected, the words of someone who’s experienced being in love are different…”

A schoolmate approaches Miyao and asks what happened to her and if she is injured. Miyao answers that she accidentally fell down. The schoolmate goes, “Oh dear, please take care~~”

A short while later, Miyao tries to pick up her school shoes, but realizes that she can’t reach them. The crutch slips on the floor and Miyao loses her balance, but Kurose appears and catches her fall!

Kurose asks, “Are you trying to break more bones?”. Miyao is flustered, thinking, ‘Uwuh…. uwah~~~!!!’.

Kurose picks up her school shoes for her and puts them in her shoe locker, while Miyao thanks him for his help. Miyao is too shy to meet Kurose’s gaze, thinking, ‘Ah… this is the first time we’re meeting after my confession…Oh no… I’m starting to get nervous…!’

Miyao blushes and shyly says, “Um… somehow, I- I feel really shy…”. Kurose looks at Miyao, then turns to walk away, replying, “Saying that you’re feeling shy, now that’s something to be shy about.”

Miyao is slightly taken aback by Kurose’s curt words, but thinks to herself, ‘That’s right… This is not the time to feel shy. I want to be close to you! I gotta work harder! If not, I’ll never be able to get you to fall for me!!’.

In class, the teacher points to a poster and announces that they’ll be having their school’s annual summer camp soon. The teacher excitedly says that they’ll be camping overnight for 1 day, and the class gets riled up. Miyao thinks to herself, ‘One night… that means, I can be together with Kurose-kun for the entire day…!!!’. She brightens up at the thought.

The teacher announces that they will now decide on the groupings for the camp. He asks everyone to split into groups of 5 with boys and girls together, and to write their names on a piece of paper.

Miyao thinks, ‘...Ah, what to do… My injury… even though I’ll probably be a lot better by the time of the camp, will my groupmates find me troublesome if I’m with them…?’. Miyao looks insecure amidst the chatter of her classmates, who are excitedly forming groups. We also see that Kurose’s two friends have gathered around him. 

Miyao thinks, ‘...Regardless, regardless…!’ and we see her walking towards Kurose. Her heart thumping loudly, she holds up a piece of paper, saying, “Um…”, and Kurose looks at her. She thinks panickily, ‘If I tell them that I want to group with them, it’ll be a bother, right?! I might be turned down~~~!!’

Miyao goes again, saying, “Um…”, but before she can say anything, Kurose sighs, snatches the paper from Miyao’s hand, writes on the paper with a pen and throws the pen down on the table with a frown. Miyao is confused, but sees on the paper that Kurose has written all four of their names down - showing that Kurose is willing to form a group with her.

Miyao blushes and says, “...Thank you!”. Io laughs and tells Miyao that they were in fact planning to ask her along. However, they are still missing one member, so Io asks Miyao to find one more.

Miyao thinks, ‘Even though I get along with my classmates, there isn’t anyone that I can really consider myself close to…! What to do…?’.

Meanwhile, Miyao overhears another group of classmates asking aloud, “What are we going to do—? Aren’t we a 6-man group now?” “What to do–” “Should we decide by scissors-paper-rock?” “Eh, no!”

Miyao thinks to herself, ‘Having too many people is a pain too, huh.’, when someone from the group says, “...Ah, don’t, it’s fine! I will back out.”

Miyao notices the person who offered to back out - it’s a female classmate. The other girls in the group go, “Eh… Maasa-chan, is that really okay?” “Aren’t you going to feel left out?”

Maasa answers with a smile and a wink, “I don’t mind at all! Enjoy the camp!”. Miyao looks and is amazed at how cool Maasa is. Just as Maasa stands up to walk away, Miyao blurts out, “Excuse me!”, getting her attention.

Miyao asks Maasa, “If… if you’re fine with it, can we form a group…?!”. Kurose and his two friends watch and Io comments, “Oh, Akiyama? She’s one of our class reps along with Saku, right?”. Sakutarou confirms so.

Miyao panickily thinks, ‘I was too sudden. She must be surprised…’, but Maasa asks, “Can I?”.

Miyao brightens up and immediately answers, “Of… of course!!”. Maasa smiles and replies, “Then, I’ll be in your care.” Miyao is delighted.

Later, at the vending machine, Miyao thinks to herself, ‘Akiyama Maasa-san… is someone like her considered independent?’

Miyao drops a coin that she was trying to put back in her wallet and struggles to reach for it. Someone comes and picks up the coin for her - it’s Maasa. She hands Miyao the coin, going, “Here.”

Miyao is surprised and says, “Thank you, Akiyama-san!”. Maasa responds, “Just call me Maasa.”

Miyao thinks to herself that she’s really happy, and she begins, “...Say, earlier, you were really cool!”

Maasa: Eh?

Miyao: If it were me, I would definitely not be able to do that kind of thing. You even smiled while saying that… You’re really amazing.

Miyao continues, saying to Maasa enthusiastically, “Even though it’s really strange to say this to a fellow girl… I think it’s love at first sight!!! Will you be my friend?!”

Maasa looks unfazed and answers, “Ah— about that, I’m sorry.” Miyao looks frozen in shock.

Maasa explains, “I’m very happy to hear you say that you want to be my friend, but I still don’t really understand you, Miyao-san…”

Miyao responds, “Ah, you’re right! I’m sorry…!!” while thinking to herself, ‘Ah… I messed up again. The pain—!!! How embarrassing!! Ahhh–’

Maasa adds, “Also, being friends isn’t something that happens just by saying okay, you know?”, and walks away, leaving Miyao to process her words.

Miyao remains stunned for a moment and thinks, ‘...Hm? Was I… rejected…? Yet, somehow… how do I say this… I don’t feel resentful at all. Rather than that, I feel even more refreshed!!’

Miyao recalls Kurose’s curt words: “That’s heavy.” “It’s exhausting.” “The type that I can’t handle the most.” and narrates: …I also want to become a cool and hearty person!

Miyao watches as Maasa walks away and exclaims to herself, “Akiyama-san… is my mentor!!!”

Kurose, Io and Sakutarou suddenly appear behind Miyao with vending machine drinks, going, “Mentor?”, surprising Miyao, who asks in a flustered manner, “Uwah! Why are you guys here?!”