Chapter 3: The change in "I love you”
Come to think of it, this is my first time going to a festival since I was a kid.
“Youhei-kun, there are so many people here,” Hime said, her eyes wide as she stood beside me, taking in the bustling crowd.
We had just arrived at the festival grounds. It was the day of the long-awaited festival we’d promised to attend together. Naturally, Sei-san and Mei-san were supposed to join us, but they were still making their way over from a distant parking lot. Hime and I had been dropped off near the venue and were waiting for them.
“Festivals are always like this,” I said. “There’s a fireworks display tonight, too, so for a city festival, it’s actually pretty big.”
“There are a lot of people wearing yukata, too,” Hime observed.
“Yeah, just like you.”
“…Do I blend in with the festival?” she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
“Blend in? Honestly, there’s hardly any girl here who radiates festival vibes more than you do.”
Today, Hime was dressed in a yukata, giving her a different air than usual. In her hand, she held a fan that had been handed out at the venue earlier.
“Your yukata looks great on you,” I added.
I’d been wanting to say it for a while now.
But with Sei-san around, I always felt a bit embarrassed to voice it. It’s strange how much easier it is to say something like that when it’s just the two of us.
“Ehehe. If Youhei-kun says so, I’m glad I chose this yukata.”
…Her genuine happiness makes me want to keep telling her how I feel.
Her innocent smile softened my own expression.
“By the way, Hime, have you ever seen fireworks?”
“From far away, yes. They were beautiful.”
“They’re even more amazing up close. They’ve got this… intensity.”
“Really? I’m looking forward to it, then.”
Hime was smiling as we talked. It was great to see her enjoying herself, but… there was one thing bothering me.
(She’s standing closer than usual.)
Hime was right next to me.
Not just close—there was practically no space between us. Every time we moved, I could feel her brushing against me.
At first, I thought I was the one standing too close, so I stepped back half a pace a few times. But each time, Hime closed the gap by half a step, keeping the distance the same.
“Do you watch fireworks often, Youhei-kun?” she asked.
“Nah, I saw them up close at festivals when I was a kid, but the past few years, I’ve only seen them from afar, like you.”
…Her change in demeanor was definitely on my mind.
But I hesitated to bring it up. It might be unconscious, and it wasn’t a big deal. Plus, it’s not like I minded, so I figured I’d just let it be.
We continued chatting while waiting, and after about fifteen minutes, Sei-san and Mei-san finally joined us.
“Hime-chan, Youhei, sorry for keeping you waiting!” Sei-san called out.
“…Sorry, you two,” Mei-san added. “The roads were crowded, so it took a while.”
Sei-san was also wearing a yukata today—a white one with a floral pattern similar to Hime’s. It suited her just as well.
“Ugh, it’s tight… Are yukata always this constricting?” Sei-san groaned.
Unlike Hime, she seemed to be struggling with movement.
Maybe the obi was too tight. As a guy, digging into this topic might lead to awkward talk about body shapes, so I decided to stay quiet.
“Mei-chan, can I take it off?”
“No way. You’d end up half-naked,”
“It’s fine! I’ll wear your maid outfit instead!”
“That’s not fine. If you wore it, it’d be so tight you’d look like some kind of perverted maid. Just stop.”
“Perverted!? My body’s not that indecent! …Wait, why are you wearing a maid outfit to a festival, Mei-chan?”
…As for Mei-san, she was, as usual, dressed in her maid outfit.
A maid at a festival definitely stood out. I could feel the curious glances from passersby.
It would’ve been nice if Mei-san had worn a yukata or even casual clothes.
“I’m wearing this because it makes me stand out in a crowd,” Mei-san explained. “This way, you won’t lose sight of me, right?”
So, there was a practical reason behind it.
True, even with Mei-san’s petite stature, her maid outfit made her easy to spot from a distance. The fact that we noticed their arrival right away was probably thanks to her outfit.
“…Fine, then I’ll swap with Youhei. Yukata for casual clothes, deal?”
“That’d just make me the pervert,” I shot back.
“Grr! I-I’m not struggling because I gained weight or anything!”
“I didn’t say anything.”
Also, I don’t think she’s gained weight. Maybe just… grown a bit in certain areas. Not that I could say that out loud, so I glanced at Hime instead.
Our eyes met.
“…? Is something wrong?” she asked.
“Huh? Oh, no, nothing.”
I didn’t have any particular reason to look at her. It was just a reflex.
But if our eyes met… does that mean Hime had been looking at me this whole time?
(Probably just a coincidence.)
Calm down. It could just be that she happened to look at me at the same moment I looked at her.
Still, Hime seemed a little different today.
“Youhei-kun, could you hold my hand?” she asked.
…See? I knew it.
“It’s crowded, so it’d be dangerous if I got lost.”
“Y-Yeah, gotta make sure you don’t get lost.”
I nodded and didn’t hesitate to take her hand as she asked.
I tried to act composed, like the older senpai I am, but inside, I was a bit flustered.
(Hime’s definitely acting closer than usual today.)
Her attitude felt different from before.
It wasn’t just boldness—it was like she’d made up her mind about something, radiating a kind of unwavering determination.
(Okay, stay calm. What am I getting so worked up for?)
For now, I gripped her hand firmly.
The last thing I wanted was to get distracted, lose focus, and accidentally let go of her in the crowd. I steeled myself to stay sharp.
“Ehehe. Your hand’s so big, Youhei-kun.”
Ugh, her innocent expression almost made me let my guard down, but that aside…
As long as we were holding hands properly, we should be fine. I’d trust in that.
“Sei-ojousama, come on,” Mei-san said.
“Huh? What’s that?” Sei-san replied.
“Hold my hand. What if you get lost?”
“Oh, right! Mei-chan looks like a kid, so it’d be bad if she got lost.”
“Not me! I’m worried about you getting lost, Sei-ojousama!”
“What!? I look older than Mei-chan, you know!”
“You’re the most childish one here. Just hold my hand and don’t let go. Stay close, okay?”
They must’ve been watching our exchange.
Sei-san and Mei-san decided to hold hands too. Good. I was a little worried about Sei-san, so this way, no one should get lost.
And with that, our summer festival adventure began.
The fireworks were scheduled to start around 8:00 PM.
It was currently 6:30 PM, which meant we had about an hour and a half to explore the stalls.
“Mmm… nom nom. I see,” Hime mumbled, eating a candied apple as we walked. We’d bought it from a stall we passed earlier.
“It’s my first time eating one, but it’s delicious. The crisp apple flavor pairs perfectly with the sweet candy coating,” she said, chewing and sharing her thoughts.
Of course, we were still holding hands. I matched her small steps, walking slowly.
“The only issue is that it’s a bit big,” she added.
“If you can’t finish it, don’t force yourself,” I said. “I’m sure Sei-san would happily eat the rest.”
“Huh? Hime-chan, you’re not gonna finish it!?” Sei-san piped up. “Don’t worry, your big sister’s here to help in times of need!”
By the way, Sei-san had already finished her own candied apple.
Apparently, she’d skipped lunch to prepare for the festival and was starving. Her eyes were practically sparkling as she eyed Hime’s candied apple.
For the record, I didn’t buy one. I don’t dislike candied apples, but I’m not crazy about them either.
Grrrrrr…
A sound like a wild beast’s growl came from Sei-san’s stomach.
“I-It’s not me! It’s Mei-chan! It’s Mei-chan’s stomach!” Sei-san protested.
Her eyes were darting around, making it obvious she was lying.
“…Youhei-sama, I’m sorry,” Mei-san said. “Sei-ojousama’s being unladylike, so I’ll go buy some food from another stall. Could you wait around here?”
“Got it. Hime and I will wait,” I replied.
“I’ll grab something for you two as well. Sei-ojousama, let’s go.”
Unable to watch any longer, Mei-san dragged Sei-san toward another stall.
“I-I’m not even that hungry, okay? I’m not a glutton, and I haven’t gained weight, but if Mei-chan insists, I guess I have no choice!” Sei-san said, making excuses until the very end.
Whatever. Everyone knows she’s a big eater, so there’s no point hiding it now.
“I hope Onee-chan doesn’t overeat today,” Hime said.
“…Mei-san will probably stop her. Hopefully,” I replied.
She’s not the type to restrain her appetite on her own. We’d have to rely on Mei-san for that.
“I think I can eat about half of this, but the rest might be too much,” Hime said. “If I give it to Onee-chan, it might turn into extra calories and make her gain weight.”
With that, she held out her candied apple to me.
“So, Youhei-kun, could you help me finish it?”
Her innocent expression accompanied the candied apple she brought close to my mouth, like she was saying, “Say ahh.”
(I don’t mind eating it, but…)
That wasn’t the issue. The problem was the candied apple’s position—it was a bit low. Given Hime’s height, it made sense, but making her stretch up felt unfair. So, I bent down slightly and took a bite.
The taste was exactly as I expected—nothing particularly special.
But for some reason, it felt tastier than usual today.
“Ehe,” Hime giggled, looking delighted as she watched me eat.
Maybe that’s why it tasted so good.
Whether she was there or not—it changed the flavor entirely.
“Here, have some more,” she said, holding out the candied apple again once I’d swallowed.
She must’ve timed it perfectly. “I’m always the one being fed, so being on the other side feels kind of new. I think I understand how you feel a little better now, Youhei-kun.”
So that’s why she was enjoying this.
When we share snacks alone, Hime eats directly from my hand. Watching her chew always feels soothing.
Maybe she was feeling something similar now.
But with our height difference, it couldn’t be easy for her to feed me while we were both standing.
“Want me to eat it myself?” I offered, reaching for the candied apple.
I thought I was being considerate. It’d be more efficient, and she’d already fed me a few times, so she was probably satisfied.
Or so I thought.
“Can we keep doing it like this?” Hime asked, shaking her head.
Then, she firmly held out the candied apple again.
(Yeah… she’s definitely acting different today.)
The close proximity. The proactive attitude. The frequent eye contact.
Something about Hime was off—not in a bad way, but something had definitely changed.
“Hime, aren’t you tired from stretching up?”
“You’re bending down for me, so I’m fine.”
“Well, if you’re okay with it…”
“I’ll take your concern to heart. You’re so kind, Youhei-kun.”
She was picking up on my feelings perfectly.
I wasn’t refusing or disliking it.
As perceptive as ever. But that’s exactly why… her insistence on feeding me felt like it had some kind of intent behind it.
What kind of change had come over her?
I was dying to know.
By the time I finished the candied apple, Sei-san and Mei-san returned.
“We’re back! Hime-chan, Youhei, we bought tons of food!” Sei-san announced.
“Sorry for keeping you waiting,” Mei-san said. “We got some for you two as well. Shall we find a place to sit and eat?”
Both of them were carrying plastic bags filled with all sorts of food.
Whoa, that’s a lot. Could they even finish it all? Well, with Sei-san’s bottomless stomach, they probably could.
For now, we headed to a rest area in one corner of the festival grounds, where several simple benches without backrests were set up. It was crowded with people like us, but we got lucky and found an empty bench. Sei-san quickly claimed it.
“Mei-chan, here! You can sit!” she said.
“Geez… fine, stop pulling me,” Mei-san replied, sitting down.
Hime sat next to her, and I took the last spot, in that order.
(…She’s not sitting next to Sei-san.)
I felt a twinge of oddness about Hime’s position but quickly brushed it off. I was probably overthinking it.
No need to overanalyze. Let’s just enjoy the festival. That felt like the better approach, so I shifted my mindset.
“Hime-chan, want some takoyaki? Or maybe yakitori? We’ve got yakisoba and grilled squid too. What do you want? If picking’s too much hassle, you could just eat everything!” Sei-san offered.
“There’s so much,” Hime said. “I’ll have the takoyaki, please.”
“Got it!”
The menu was quite varied.
Sei-san was already holding a portion of yakisoba and started eating as soon as she handed Hime the takoyaki. She ate with such gusto.
“Youhei-sama, feel free to eat whatever you like,” Mei-san said.
“Oh, but… I’ll pay for my share,” I offered.
“I’m not taking money from a kid. Don’t hold back.”
She looked young, but Mei-san was definitely an adult.
Right. To adults, I’m still a kid. Thinking of it that way made me feel more at ease.
Guess I’ll take her up on the offer.
“Here, Youhei-kun,” Hime said, holding out a piece of takoyaki.
“…Thanks.”
And Hime’s “say ahh” attack continued.
She must really be into this. She casually pierced a takoyaki with a toothpick and offered it to me. Sitting down made it easier for her than before.
Still, Sei-san and Mei-san’s gazes were a bit embarrassing.
It’d be fine if it was just the two of us, but I couldn’t help feeling shy.
“This yakisoba is so good! Here, Mei-chan, try some!” Sei-san said.
“Just one bite… Hmm. Mine’s better,” Mei-san declared.
“M-Mei-chan? It’s a festival! The vibe’s part of the flavor, you know?”
“I’ll make some for you later. Try saying that again after you taste mine. I’ll leave you speechless.”
“Ugh, you’re scary, Mei-chan.”
They were busy feeding each other too.
Both were so absorbed in their food that they didn’t seem to notice us.
If they weren’t watching, I guess it was fine.
“Youhei-kun?” Hime prompted.
“Oh, sorry. Thanks,” I said, letting her feed me the takoyaki.
The flavor was strong, the texture soft, with a tiny piece of octopus—classic festival food.
“I’ll have some too… nom,” Hime said, popping a takoyaki into her mouth.
It must’ve been big for her small mouth. Her cheeks puffed out as she chewed, looking adorable.
“Mmm!”
Still chewing, Hime couldn’t speak.
But noticing my gaze, she held out another takoyaki.
…If only I had a toothpick or chopsticks, I wouldn’t need to rely on her.
(Oh well, this is fine.)
For some reason, I didn’t feel like saying it.
Mei-san would probably hand me one if I asked. But Hime looked like she was having fun, so I kept eating like this.
“Youhei, you eating?” Sei-san called out.
“Yeah, I’m eating.”
“Good! There’s plenty, so eat more!”
She caught me just as Hime fed me my third takoyaki.
…She probably noticed what was going on. Mei-san was focused on Sei-san, so she might not have, but Sei-san’s line of sight included us the whole time.
Yet she didn’t say anything or even act like she cared.
I sensed a change in Sei-san too. Back at the pool, she seemed like she wanted to say something, but today, her expression was bright and clear.
She looked… relieved. Combined with Hime’s behavior, something felt off today.
It was probably a good change, but I was completely out of the loop, which left me slightly unsettled.
Something might happen today.
That premonition made me restless.
After eating for a while, once we were mostly full, Hime tapped my arm lightly.
“Youhei-kun, I want to check out the stalls.”
She was munching on cotton candy and pointing in a certain direction, where several stalls were lined up. I could see goldfish scooping and a shooting gallery from here. There were probably more.
“I’m done with food for now, so I’d like to play a bit.”
“Sure, let’s go.”
It was a festival, after all. For Hime, a lot of this was probably a first. I wanted her to make good memories, so I was happy to tag along.
“What about Onee-chan and Mei-san? We’re heading to those stalls,” Hime said.
“Huh? Oh, really? Hmm, I’ve still got some shaved ice, so I’ll pass,” Sei-san replied.
“…I’m staying because I’m worried about Sei-ojousama,” Mei-san said. “Hime-ojousama will be fine with Youhei-sama, but I’m more concerned about her.”
“Worried about what!? Mei-chan, you’re totally treating me like a kid!” Sei-san protested.
“You are a kid. You’re too restless to be left alone. So, I’ll babysit. Go have fun. Call if anything comes up.”
And so, Hime and I headed off together.
Babysitting, huh… Sei-san doesn’t seem that young, but if Mei-san’s worried, fair enough.
Maybe they think Hime’s more reliable?
“In case we get lost, my phone has GPS, so Mei-san can find us. As long as I have my phone, we’re safe,” Hime said.
“That’s reassuring.”
“But Onee-chan might lose her phone, so that’s probably why Mei-san’s concerned.”
“…Makes sense.”
As we talked, Hime gently took my hand.
With so many people, it was to avoid getting lost.
Recalling her earlier words, I silently squeezed her hand back.
“Nom. Youhei-kun, cotton candy is so good,” Hime said. “It’s my first time, but… it’s sweet and fluffy. Like eating a cloud.”
One hand held mine, the other a stick of cotton candy.
She seemed to love it, nibbling away bit by bit.
“Here, Youhei-kun, have some.”
Every so often, she’d offer it to me, and I’d take a bite.
I was getting used to her “say ahh” routine, losing any embarrassment or resistance. To passersby, we probably looked like close siblings. Some even smiled warmly at us.
I’d grown accustomed to their gazes. Hand in hand, we headed to the stalls.
“I want to try that,” Hime said.
“That… the shooting gallery?”
Her eyes were fixed on a stall where you aimed a toy gun at targets. If you hit and knocked over a prize, you got to keep it.
“It’s called a shooting gallery? Want to try it together?”
“Sure. It’s been since I was a kid, so it’s practically a first for me too.”
I barely remembered it. I couldn’t recall if I hit anything—just that I’d done it. So, it was almost like a fresh experience for me too, just like for Hime.
“I want that bunny doll,” Hime said. “I think it’d look great next to the bear you got me from the claw machine.”
The bunny… oh, that one.
On the top shelf of the target display sat a pure white bunny plush.
It was about two sizes smaller than the bear from the claw machine. But its shape—thick with a wide base—didn’t look easy to knock over.
“Given the gun’s power, it seems tough to topple, but… I want to give it a try,” Hime said.
“Yeah, let’s do it.”
She understood the challenge but wanted to experience the festival game. Enjoying it was more important than winning.
Even if we didn’t get it, a fun time would be enough.
That’s what I thought as we prepared to play.
“That was shocking. I got it in one shot,” Hime said.
“…Your talent’s kinda scary,” I replied.
Even the stall owner was floored.
Hime had nailed the bunny plush with a single shot. Meanwhile, I was so rattled by her success that I missed every shot. I wanted to look cool in front of her, but too bad. I’d played plenty of online shooting games, too.
“Ehehe. Now my bed will be even livelier,” Hime said, hugging the bunny plush, cotton candy in one hand, and my hand in the other. It looked tricky to walk, but she was in high spirits, so it was fine.
“Youhei-kun, I want to try that next.”
Still eager to play, Hime started toward another stall, pulling me along by the hand.
We spent a while visiting various stalls after that.
The cotton candy she’d been slowly eating was finally gone. In its place, we were carrying several bags filled with prizes.
There were ring toss, lotteries, shape-cutting games, and ball-throwing stalls. Hime didn’t do well with the lottery, but she excelled at skill-based games, winning quite a few prizes.
Most were candy assortments, but she seemed thrilled.
“Thanks for carrying them. As thanks, please take half,” she said.
“Nah, that feels wrong. You won them all.”
For the record, I was a complete flop.
No matter what I tried, I was too tense and couldn’t get it right.
“But I can’t eat this much, and if I bring it home, Onee-chan might sneak some and gain weight.”
“…That’d be a problem.”
Sei-san’s limitless stomach was a real concern.
She’d eaten a ton today. Even Mei-san was exasperated by her appetite, so any more was worrying.
“Guess I’ll take some home, then.”
“Yes, please do… Oh, Youhei-kun, over here.”
I was about to suggest heading back when Hime suddenly stopped.
“I want to try goldfish scooping.”
Maybe she’d had her eye on it for a while.
Her eyes sparkled brighter than ever as she gazed at the goldfish.
“You like goldfish?” I asked.
“Yes. I love fish… or rather, all animals, really.”
That explains her love for stuffed animals.
In that case, we had to catch at least one.
“Let’s give it a try.”
“I’ll do my best.”
I paid the stall owner, grabbed a poi and a container, and handed them to Hime. Randomly noting that festival stalls always seem run by older guys, I watched as she crouched down and started trying.
“…Muu.”
Unfortunately, the results were disappointing.
Given Hime’s success at other stalls, it was a bit surprising.
“It’s hard… I can’t predict the goldfish’s movements, and I can’t get the strength right,” she said, sighing as she stared at the torn poi.
She’s smart, so she probably realized this game wasn’t her forte.
“Want to try again?” I was about to suggest, but she didn’t seem eager.
Still, she clearly loved goldfish. She gazed longingly at the tank.
…This might be my chance to redeem myself.
“Hime, mind if I try?”
“Of course. Oh, but… do you want to keep a goldfish too, Youhei-kun?”
“Nah, it’s to give to you.”
I knew she’d be hesitant.
Before, I might’ve been more subtle about offering a gift.
But now, our relationship’s different.
With this closeness… I thought she’d accept it without holding back, so I said it outright.
“A gift?” she said, hesitating for a moment.
But she swallowed whatever she was about to say, and instead, she whispered:
“I want it.”
Her true feelings, plain and simple.
“If it’s a gift from you, Youhei-kun, I’d be so happy. Every time I see the goldfish, I’ll feel joyful. So, um, I know it’s a burden… no, you wouldn’t think it’s a burden, so, anyway—”
Even then, she tucked away her refined hesitation.
“Please, I’d love it. I’ll let myself rely on your kindness.”
Hime was relying on me.
…When we first met, I thought she was a special girl who wouldn’t open up to anyone.
That genius girl was not only warming up to me but relying on me.
How could I not be thrilled?
“Leave it to me.”
I nodded firmly and handed the stall owner more money.
Taking a new poi and container, I crouched down, bringing my face close to the tank to search for an easy-to-catch goldfish.
Would a slower one be better? With that in mind, I targeted a goldfish swimming leisurely nearby. Ideally, I’d wait for it to come closer, but it started turning away, so I hurriedly moved the poi to scoop it up.
However, the goldfish was more agile than I’d expected. Perhaps sensing the vibration of the poi entering the water, it darted away with surprising speed, and my attempt ended in a miss.
“…Tore a hole, huh?”
A small hole had formed near the center of the poi, likely from the water’s resistance.
The edges were still intact, so I could keep trying. But with the poi in this state, my odds weren’t great. Should I give up on this one and get a new one?
…No, I’d rather avoid that if possible.
Hime might feel guilty if I did. Since I’d said I wanted to give her a gift, I was naturally covering the costs. Spending more would make her worry.
So, if I could, I wanted to catch one with this poi.
“Youhei-kun, do your best,” Hime said softly, standing close by my side as she watched.
Her body was practically pressed against mine, and I could feel her warmth.
(If possible, I want to show her something cool.)
Feeling her presence, my determination suddenly surged.
My scattered focus sharpened. The anxiety I’d felt earlier faded, and I grew calm.
(…That small one might work.)
My eyes caught a tiny goldfish swimming along the tank’s edge.
It moved quickly, but the edge would limit its range.
Learning from my earlier failure, I moved the poi carefully this time. I didn’t forget to fill the container with water and hold it near the surface, either.
I slid the poi into the water with minimal ripples, then scooped upward, slicing through the water toward the goldfish.
“Ah!” Hime gasped.
At the same moment, the targeted goldfish plopped into the container.
Success.
“Phew…”
I wiped the sweat from my brow and let out a breath.
Good. It worked.
“Youhei-kun, that was amazing!” Hime exclaimed, leaning forward with excitement. She placed her hands on my knee, staring intently at the goldfish swimming in the container.
“Wow…!”
She looked so happy.
Her body swayed slightly, her emotions radiating strongly.
(…The poi’s still holding up. Should I try for another?)
It was a whim.
She’d been so thrilled with one goldfish—what would her reaction be to two? Curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to try again.
Since I’d already caught one, I was less tense this time. Plus, having succeeded once, I’d gained some confidence and a sense of the technique.
“Oh, got it.”
I scooped up another goldfish I’d spotted, and it worked.
This one was a bit bigger. As a result, the poi’s net tore completely, rendering it unusable.
But now, we had two goldfish.
“…Youhei-kun, your talent’s scary,” Hime said.
“Hey, that’s what I said earlier,” I replied.
“It made me so happy when you said it, so I’m returning the favor.”
Hime’s rare playful remark.
It was probably a sign of how excited she was.
“Hang on a sec. I’ll have the owner put them in a bag.”
“Okay!”
I told the stall owner about our catch, and he put the two goldfish into a clear plastic bag, adding oxygen to keep them safe until we got home.
“Here. A gift for you, Hime.”
As promised, I held out the bag with the two goldfish.
“—Thank you so much.”
But before taking it, she suddenly hugged me tightly.
Her arms wrapped around my waist, and she looked up at me with those crimson eyes, gazing straight into mine.
“H-Hime?”
Of course, I was startled.
This was the first time Hime had hugged me. Between this and her hand-holding, she was definitely acting differently today.
It’d be a lie to say I wasn’t curious about what had changed in her.
But I couldn’t bring myself to ask.
“Ehehe.”
Because Hime was smiling so innocently.
She looked genuinely happy, rubbing her cheek against my stomach with her eyes closed.
There was no doubt some emotional shift at play.
But with her clinging to me so sweetly, this change couldn’t possibly be bad.
If anything, it was the opposite. Hime was being even more affectionate toward me than usual.
So, I didn’t need to ask anything. Her actions didn’t seem driven by logic, reasons, or goals.
In that case, I’d follow my feelings too… and gently patted her head.
There was no intent behind it. I just felt like doing it.
“Mmm.”
Hime let out a contented sound, pressing her head closer.
As if asking for more.
As if she still wasn’t satisfied.
“Oh, Youhei-kun. Mei-san just sent an urgent message.”
After the goldfish scooping was done, Hime didn’t cling to me for too long—perhaps aware that lingering might inconvenience the stall.
After I patted her head a few times, she quickly took my hand again, and we started walking.
I figured we’d regroup with Sei-san and the others… but on the way, Hime’s phone pinged with a message.
“It seems Onee-chan got a stomachache from eating shaved ice. The nearby restrooms are crowded, so they’re heading to a supermarket a bit farther away.”
“Shaved ice… maybe it chilled her stomach.”
Good thing Mei-san was with her.
Sei-san should be fine in her care.
“They’ll be back in about thirty minutes.”
“I see… will they make it for the fireworks?”
Ten minutes from now, it’d be 8:00 PM, when the fireworks were set to start.
…They might miss it.
“Hime, let’s take pictures of the fireworks for them.”
“That’s a great idea. But my phone’s camera isn’t very good.”
“I’ll use mine. We can share them via messaging app later, so don’t worry.”
“You can do that? I see… Then, please do. I want Onee-chan and Mei-san to see the fireworks too.”
“Since we’re at it, let’s move to a spot with a better view.”
The stalls around here were blocking our line of sight.
So, Hime and I moved a bit. We couldn’t find an empty hidden gem of a spot, and there wasn’t time to search too far.
“This looks like a good place,” Hime said.
“Yeah, perfect.”
We arrived at the plaza where the fireworks would be launched.
It was crowded, but the open space meant we’d have a clear view.
The lighting was dimmed for better visibility, making the area quite dark. If I lost Hime here, finding her would be tough… That thought made me grip her hand more tightly without realizing it.
“…Mmm.”
Maybe my feelings reached her.
She squeezed my hand back, as if to say, I’m right here.
As we stood there, the time for the fireworks approached.
“Youhei-kun, it’s about to start,” Hime said.
A festival official announced the fireworks’ launch over a speaker.
After a countdown of three, two, one—
BOOM!!
With a deep, resonant blast, multiple fireworks shot into the sky, one after another.
“…Wow.”
Almost directly overhead, vibrant fireworks bloomed in every color.
The heavy thud of the launch, the high-pitched whistle as they soared, and the loud crackle of the explosions filled the air with overwhelming intensity.
But it wasn’t just the sound. Being close to the launch site, we could smell the gunpowder, and the dazzling sparks danced before our eyes.
They were far more spectacular up close.
…I was genuinely glad I could show her this.
“Pretty amazing, right, Hime?”
“Yes… it’s incredible.”
Hime was awestruck, her eyes fixed on the sky. Maybe I should let her enjoy the fireworks without interrupting.
(Oh, right. I should take some pictures.)
I was getting caught up in the display myself, so before I forgot, I pulled out my phone and aimed it at the sky.
I snapped a few shots and checked them. Good, they came out nicely… I could share them with Sei-san later via the app.
That took care of my task.
Now, I could fully enjoy the fireworks with Hime.
“…”
We watched in silence for a while.
For a city festival, the scale was impressive, and the fireworks showed no sign of stopping. There were plenty, and they were captivating—a great festival.
I owed Hoshimiya-san for tipping me off about this. The leisure pool had been well-equipped too. As expected of the newspaper club—she was well-informed.
“…Since meeting you, Youhei-kun, I’ve experienced so many firsts,” Hime murmured, gazing at the fireworks.
Her voice was soft, but somehow, I could hear it clearly.
“Thank you for everything. Because of you, my days are so fulfilling.”
Her gratitude warmed my heart.
Seeing her so happy made me want to keep spending time with her.
“I’m having fun being with you too, Hime. Thank you.”
I felt the same.
Holding her hand, I conveyed my gratitude firmly.
That’s when it happened.
“…Oh. I don’t think I can hold back anymore.”
Hime’s fingers tightened around my hand with even more strength.
What was wrong? I turned my gaze from the fireworks to her.
Our eyes met.
“…”
Hime was looking at me, silent.
She wasn’t watching the fireworks anymore.
Throughout the festival, every time I looked at her, our eyes met.
If our gazes locked the moment I turned to her… that meant she’d been watching me the whole time.
“…Hime? What can’t you hold back?”
“I can’t control it. My feelings are overflowing, and I can’t rein them in… This feeling—it’s my first time, and it makes my heart race.”
She was definitely acting off.
Her usual calm was gone.
Right now, she was visibly exhilarated.
With every firework’s burst, her cheeks flushed red, and her crimson eyes shone brighter than ever.
“I tried to hold it in all day, in my own way. But it’s no use… Every time I talk to you, Youhei-kun, my feelings grow stronger, and I can’t stop them.”
I’d noticed it all along—Hime was different today.
But it’d be a lie to say I had no guesses about why.
(The way Hime and I are with each other… it’s not like siblings.)
I wasn’t certain of the reason, but her words just now made it impossible to play dumb anymore.
Pretending not to understand would be disrespectful to her.
So, there was only one thing I could do.
Face her feelings head-on.
“It seems… I’m in love with you, Youhei-kun.”
Of course, I didn’t pretend not to hear.
Even amidst the festival’s noise and the fireworks’ booms, her voice was crystal clear.
I didn’t misunderstand her feelings, either.
“Not as a brother. As a boy, I’ve fallen in love with you.”
…Maybe I’d sensed it from her behavior.
Her confession didn’t surprise me as much as I’d expected.
“Looking back, I think I was aware of you from the moment we met.”
“When we first met…?”
Not when I gave her snacks in the classroom.
The first time Hime and I noticed each other was even earlier.
“On entrance ceremony day. I was lost near the garbage dump, and you spoke to me… Ever since then, I’ve been thinking about you.”
She remembered.
I was surprised, first, that I’d stayed in her memory.
With her ability to never forget what she sees or hears, she wouldn’t have forgotten that moment, of course.
But knowing she’d thought about me so much—that made me happy.
I remembered it vividly too.
When I saw Hime that day… I thought she was adorable.
“My first time at school. A transfer student who stood out, unsociable and expressionless. That’s who I was. Besides you, a few others came to the dump, but they all walked away awkwardly. Not because they were unkind—it’s just that I was too unusual.”
She understood her own quirks.
That’s probably why she didn’t react when I approached the dump. She’d assumed no one would talk to her.
So, when I did, maybe that’s why she noticed me so strongly.
“Still, I wasn’t without anxiety. I felt uneasy… And that’s when you spoke to me, Youhei-kun.”
I didn’t have any ulterior motive.
I didn’t think I did anything special.
I was just worried about a young girl sitting alone. That’s all. In a similar situation, plenty of people would’ve done the same.
But Hime seemed to treasure that moment.
“I was so grateful. Your tone was gentle, considerate… You even matched my pace as we walked. You noticed I was shy and didn’t force conversation, just stayed by my side… I thought, ‘He’s such a kind person.’”
This girl is too perceptive.
She’d seen through even my small gestures, and I felt a bit embarrassed.
“It wasn’t a big deal. I just didn’t want you to feel bad.”
“…That’s exactly why—because you’re so naturally kind—I thought, ‘What a wonderful person.’”
Just as I’d seen Hime as a cute, lovable girl, she’d formed a similar positive impression of me.
“But I couldn’t bring myself to talk to you… We were in different classes, so I could only watch you from afar. When we ended up in the same class in our second year, I was thrilled.”
“I was happy too. I didn’t think we’d talk, but just being near you felt special.”
“You’re giving me too much credit. But if you thought about me even a little, that makes me really happy.”
Even in the same class, we didn’t speak for two months.
But one day, by chance, we were alone in the classroom after school. Hime’s stomach growled, I gave her snacks, we got closer… and here we are.
“As I got to know you, my feelings grew… At first, I thought it’d be enough to be like a little sister to you. If you married Onee-chan, I’d be happy and content.”
“…But now, it’s different?”
“Yes. Onee-chan scolded me. She said, ‘I don’t want to take the person Hime-chan loves.’ She was very clear.”
“That sounds like Sei-san.”
“It was so like her—kind. Thanks to her, I realized my feelings. I love you so much, Youhei-kun, that being a sister isn’t enough anymore.”
Once more, Hime shared her feelings.
I accepted her words of love fully.
Strangely, I wasn’t shaken.
Thanks to that, I didn’t stumble or look uncool.
“…I’m happy. I love you too, Hime.”
I spoke my honest feelings.
I truly cared for her deeply.
But… whether my “love” was the same as hers was a different matter.
“I know. I understand that you see me as a sister, not as a girl,” she said.
“Of course, I’d never dislike you. My love for you is real…”
“I know. I can feel how much you care for me. That’s more than enough to make me happy.”
She was too good at reading me.
She understood my feelings perfectly, without any misunderstanding.
“Ehehe. I finally said it.”
Hime was smiling.
Innocently, happily… naturally, as always.
Her adorable smile was directed at me.
“I know I shouldn’t have said it. It troubles you, Youhei-kun, and saying this won’t change our relationship.”
She didn’t want to change our relationship.
Part of me felt relieved at that.
(Is that really okay?)
If I cared about her feelings, shouldn’t I give her a proper answer?
Being vague wasn’t good. So… I started to waver.
“Hime, I—”
My feelings weren’t sorted out yet.
But a sense of urgency pushed me to respond, even though I didn’t know what I was about to say.
I wasn’t thinking clearly. Answering now might lead to regret—I knew that, but I couldn’t stop myself.
“It’s okay,” Hime said, cutting me off.
“—!”
“You don’t have to say anything. This is just my selfishness.”
Her gentle voice stopped me.
Thanks to her, I closed my mouth without saying a word.
“In fact, I don’t want an answer right now. You don’t see me as a girl yet, so the real challenge starts now. Being cherished as a sister makes me so happy… but from now on, I’ll work hard to be seen as a girl.”
“Hime…”
I wanted to say sorry, but she interrupted again.
“Please don’t apologize. I just couldn’t hold my feelings back. If anything, I’m sorry for unsettling you.”
“No! Don’t apologize either, Hime!”
That would only make my chest ache with guilt.
If I were more decisive, I could answer her without making her wait.
(I love Hime. But what kind of ‘love’ is it?)
Was it, as she said, the love of a brother for a sister?
Or was it something else entirely?
Pathetically, I wasn’t sure.
As the older one, I felt ashamed.
I couldn’t help but blame myself. But Hime wouldn’t want that.
“Please don’t worry, Youhei-kun. You don’t need to feel guilty, ashamed, or inadequate. Don’t think you’re being unfair to me… Or rather, if you do feel that way, I’d be happy if you just treated me like always.”
She was only sharing her overflowing feelings, not trying to push our relationship further. That’s what she meant.
“If my selfishness makes things awkward between us… that’d be the saddest thing.”
That was probably her greatest fear.
Her bright expression suddenly dimmed.
She lowered her gaze, and her grip on my hand weakened.
(Oh, no.)
I realized suddenly.
If I overthought this and started avoiding her… it would hurt her.
That was the one thing I absolutely couldn’t let happen.
“—My love for you is real, Hime.”
So, to reassure her, I gently patted her head.
“Sorry… no, scratch that. I don’t mean to apologize. It’s just… hearing your feelings, I want us to keep being close. My emotions aren’t sorted out yet, but that much I know for sure.”
I held back the urge to apologize.
I told her clearly that I wanted to stay close, just like before.
“…Ehehe. That’s good, then.”
Hime smiled again.
Her expression softened with relief.
With just one sentence, she trusted me completely, without a hint of doubt.
Seeing her face, so full of faith and ease, I couldn’t help but smile too.
Our relationship wouldn’t change.
As long as we could stay close, that was enough.
(…Is that really enough?)
I ignored the voice echoing in my heart.
Hime and I looked up at the sky again.
The fireworks continued.
Colorful flowers bloomed in the pitch-black night.
As beautiful as ever—so captivating I could watch forever.
But a few minutes later, the fireworks display ended.
Everything has an end. All that remained was the smell of gunpowder and the crowd’s chatter.
“Youhei-kun, Mei-san messaged. They’re back, but Onee-chan’s stomach is still upset, so they want to head home right away.”
“Got it. Let’s go, then.”
And so, we prepared to leave.
It had been an eventful day, but Hime acted the same as always… At first, I stumbled over my words a bit, but soon, I was back to my usual self.
(Was this okay?)
Yet, a voice still lingered in my heart.
Was this really fine? Part of me kept questioning.
Facing that voice felt like it might break my bond with Hime… so I pretended not to hear it, as always—
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