◆ Chapter 3: “Please, Take Your Time,” Said the Little Sister

I quickly pulled back the finger I had extended toward the intercom.

Placing a hand over my pounding heart, I, Yunagi Shizuno, took a big, deep breath.

I hadn’t been able to stop grinning all morning.

But now that I am here, I suddenly became incredibly nervous.

“I should just have a date at Sakuraba-kun’s house!”

Sakuraba-kun had said no to a date because we would stand out.

Which meant it was fine as long as we didn’t stand out.

A date where we wouldn’t stand out. That had to mean an at-home date, right…!

Of course, I was half-joking when I suggested it.

So when Sakuraba-kun said okay, I really thought it was some kind of prank.

But of course, that wasn’t the case, and so here I was, having successfully secured a chance to be alone with Sakuraba-kun in a proper, couple-like way.

…Hee-hee-hee.

“Hah…! Whoa, close one. Drooling in front of someone’s house… I’m no better than a creep.”

But I think this is understandable.

Lately, my frustration has been at its max.

My friend-making strategy had gone so well, and I was finally able to be with Sakuraba-kun at school.

And yet, my lovey-dovey time with Sakuraba-kun is constantly being interrupted.

All sorts of people come to talk to me, so I can hardly ever speak with the one person I want to, Sakuraba-kun.

I mean, I’m grateful for it!

I like to chat, and normally I’d be happy about it!

And I feel bad for Kasumi, who’s helping me out!

But—just for that time, I want to talk to Sakuraba-kun.

Of course, the other kids don’t mean any harm. I know that.

…Well, except for her, maybe.

—…Aoto, for a second.

—Come here, I’ll teach you.

Yuno Tsubaki-san.

Sakuraba-kun’s childhood friend (a beautiful one at that).

She was the only one who seemed to be deliberately trying to keep Sakuraba-kun away from me.

…Or rather, I’m sure she likes Sakuraba-kun.

There’s no doubt about it. One hundred percent! As a fellow maiden in love, I can declare it with certainty.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t be so blatantly getting in the way.

And what’s more, Sakuraba-kun goes right along with her… Ugh.

Because of things like that, my pent-up frustration is at its limit.

Honestly, even though I know it’s wrong, I feel like I’m going to die from jealousy.

So today, for sure, I’m going to get all sweet with Sakuraba-kun.

And if I’m lucky, I’d be happy if our relationship progressed a little…

“…Alright.”

Taking another deep breath, I pressed the intercom in front of me firmly.

Immediately, the faint sound of a ding-dong came from inside the house.

My heart still pounds every time I meet Sakuraba-kun.

My chest aches just a little, and my heartbeat quickens.

But it’s not unpleasant at all; in fact, it’s rather comforting.

It makes me realize that I’m still hopelessly in love with him.

“Hey.”

The one who opened the door was Sakuraba-kun, dressed in cool-looking clothes.

His usual calm eyes found me right away.

Haaah… Sakuraba-kun in casual clothes is just too good… Of course, his uniform is nice, too.

“G-Good morning, Sakuraba-kun!”

“Morning. Did you find the house okay?”

“Y-Yeah! I was fine!”

I looked it up on Street View over and over yesterday.

Well, it took me a while after I actually arrived in front of the house, though.

“Well then, come on in.”

“Y-Yes! Excuse me for intruding!”

Sakuraba-kun gave a small beckoning gesture, and I finally stepped inside the Sakuraba residence.

But then, I noticed something was off.

What was it? It was like I was forgetting something…

“Ah…!!”

“…What is it?”

“I’m sorry! The sweets I was going to give your parents! I was planning to buy them, but I completely forgot!”

How could I!

Now Sakuraba-kun’s parents will think I’m some thoughtless little girl!

This is the worst… To think I’d make such a basic mistake, even if I was excited about our at-home date…!

“Wh-What should I do… Is there anything at the station? But something I can buy so close by isn’t really…”

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

“It’s not fine! First impressions are important for things like this!”

“You’re making a big deal out of just coming over to hang out. Besides, when it comes to first impressions, there’s no one better than you, Yunagi-san.”

“Eh… y-you think so? Hee-hee… That’s not the point! It’s not okay! I’m going to go buy something!”

“I said you don’t have to… Besides, my parents aren’t even home today.”

“…Feh?”

…?

Sakuraba-kun… what did he just say?

“Hurry up and come in. Don’t just stand in the doorway.”

With that, Sakuraba-kun quickly disappeared beyond the door.

A soft thud echoed, and I hurried after him.

…Eh?

His parents… are both out…?

Which means… which means… eh?!

“…”

Wh-What do I do… I didn’t come here prepared for this…?!

“Just sit wherever.”

Urging me to do so, Sakuraba-kun moved the only cushion aside and sat on the carpet.

He said “wherever,” but he subtly indicated a place for me to sit.

Even in these small things, Sakuraba-kun is so kind.

Well, his usual slightly cold side is nice, too.

As I sat on the cushion, I secretly looked around the room.

It was less cluttered than I’d imagined and very tidy.

The furniture had a subdued design, giving the whole room a somewhat chic feel.

However, the large bookshelf along the wall and the TV stand were packed pretty tight.

Sakuraba-kun likes movies and books, so this was probably his hobby zone.

The TV was big, and there were two separate speakers. As expected, he really cares about the details.

I mean… the bed.

Sakuraba-kun sleeps there every day…

I want to sit on it. And if possible, I’d like to take a little sniff, too…

“What are you looking at?”

“Eh! N-Nothing! Just thinking how clean your room is!”

“…You think so? It’s boring, though, there’s nothing interesting here. That’s why I said you shouldn’t come.”

“Th-That’s not true! I’m happy because I feel like I’ve gotten to know you better, Sakuraba-kun. Besides, just being with you is enough to make me happy!”

“W-Well, if you say so. But Yunagi-san, you seem quieter than usual, don’t you?”

“Eh… M-Maybe it’s just your imagination? I think I’m acting normal…”

Of course I’m going to be nervous when you say something like that right after I get here!

You idiot, Sakuraba-kun! Moron! I love you!

“A-Anyway! Thank you, Sakuraba-kun. Even though I was being unreasonable, asking to come to your house…”

“No… it’s fine. It does make sense, logically.”

As he spoke, Sakuraba-kun placed his smartphone by his pillow.

The wireless charger lit up with a small glow and made a quiet ping.

“Besides, circumstances are what they are, but we are technically a couple. I think we should get to know each other better. The good parts, and the bad.”

“S-Sakuraba-kun…!”

To think he felt that way…!

Sakuraba-kun really is wonderful.

Even though he’s usually all prickly, he’s thinking seriously about our relationship like this.

At first, it was because he helped me.

But now, I find myself more and more drawn to this side of him…

Sakuraba-kun…!

“Well, if you were going to apologize, I would’ve preferred you just gave up sooner… Hm? Wh-What is it? What’s with that look…?”

…This is bad.

Just me and Sakuraba-kun, all alone.

Of course, no one is watching.

In fact, no one is even home.

Right now… maybe it’s okay… to at least hug him?

“Y-Yunagi-san…? Your eyes are a little scary…”

“…Sakuraba-kun!”

I couldn’t hold back.

I leaned my body and moved closer to Sakuraba-kun, as if to fall against him.

He’ll surely forgive me.

Even as I acknowledged this sly thought, I could no longer stop my affection for him.

Come to think of it, there was no way I could be okay being alone in a room with the person I love this much.

Ah, I am such a shameless woman…

Knock, knock.

“Eh…”

…A knock?

But… no one’s supposed to be here…

Then, why…?

I didn’t have time to think any further.

My momentum couldn’t be stopped.

As the door slowly opened with a metallic click, all I could do was watch as I tumbled toward Sakuraba-kun.

My body pressed against Sakuraba-kun’s.

I could feel the places we touched grow warm.

But even as I felt that blissful warmth, my gaze was fixed on the door.

What do I do… Did Sakuraba-kun’s parents come back…?!

“Nii-san, I brought some snacks and tea for you… ah…”

I cautiously opened my eyes, which I had squeezed shut without realizing.

Beyond the door stood a girl holding a tray.

She was petite, with her black hair tied in a ponytail, and sharp eyes.

Who… is this?

Wait, did she just say, “Nii-san”…?

“…Am I interrupting something? My apologies. Please, take your time.”

“Hey, Aina. Don’t close the door.”

“No. I wouldn’t want to get in the way of you two.”

“That’s not… It’s a misunderstanding.”

“But you are embracing, are you not?”

At the words of the girl, who seemed to be named Aina-san, Sakuraba-kun let out a startled sound and pushed me back.

Too bad… wait, that’s not it!

This girl… could she be…!

“Ah, right. Yunagi-san, this is my little sister, Aina. Aina, this is Yunagi Shizuno-san. She’s a… friend from school.”

“…Is that so? It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Sakuraba Aina. My brother is always in your care.”

He has a little sister—!!

I didn’t know… And she’s cute, and looks a little like Sakuraba-kun.

Ah… which means this girl is my future sister-in-law!

Th-This is… an encounter with a super important person…!

“I’m Yunagi Shizuno! I’m sorry for barging in like this, okay?”

“Not at all. Rather, it seems I was the one who was intruding.”

“Aina, you don’t have to say unnecessary things…”

After placing the tray on the table, Aina-chan stared at me intently.

I’ve experienced this many times in my life, so I know.

This gaze is probably—

“…You’re incredibly beautiful. You’re too good for my brother.”

“Hey, Aina, you’ll make Yunagi-san uncomfortable. And besides, she’s a friend.”

“No, I’m happy. Thanks, Aina-chan.”

“A friend… you say?”

Aina-chan still had a surprised look on her face.

It seems Sakuraba-kun plans to keep our relationship a secret from Aina-chan, too.

It’s a little sad… but maybe it can’t be helped.

“How many years apart are you and Sakuraba-kun?”

“I’m in my third year of middle school, so two years.”

“Wow! Then you have entrance exams. I’m sure it’s tough, but do your best. I can help you study anytime.”

“Thank you very much.”

“Aina, thanks for the snacks and tea. Sorry, but could you just stay downstairs and be quiet for today?”

“…Understood.”

Aina-chan replied, stood up, and slowly walked toward the door again.

Her tied-up hair swayed quietly, and she was, again, super cute. I want to pat her head.

“I’ll be going out to buy groceries for dinner soon, so please take your time while I’m gone.”

As she left, Aina-chan said that and quickly closed the door.

Remembering what just happened, my face grew hot again.

“While I’m gone.”

I see… so this time, we’ll really be alone…

“Hah… Sorry about that, Yunagi-san. She’s a weird little sister. I wasn’t planning on you meeting her, so I didn’t say anything.”

“N-No, not at all! I’m glad I got to meet her! If she’s your sister, Sakuraba-kun, then I want to be friends with her!”

When I said that, Sakuraba-kun seemed to relax and smiled just a little.

A rare smile from Sakuraba-kun… So cool… and cute!

Haaah… I’m so glad I came today.

“…Are you lost in thought again?”

“Eh?! N-No, it’s nothing! M-More importantly, Sakuraba-kun, what do you usually do at home?”

“Hm… Well, I either watch movies or read books.”

“I see, so you really like them? Your bookshelf and everything is amazing.”

“Well, yeah. In fact, I don’t really do much else.”

Sakuraba-kun turned to face the bookshelf and TV stand. “And I’ve already gotten rid of a lot of them,” he said, looking somewhat sad.

“I have a ton of manga that keeps piling up, too. I can never bring myself to throw them away.”

“It’s endless if you keep buying more, so lately I’ve been trying to stick to digital or streaming. Even so, there are more and more things I want to watch and read, and honestly, I can’t keep up.”

Sakuraba-kun stood up and traced the spine of a book on the shelf with his finger.

He didn’t seem to mind, so I stood next to him and looked at the book titles.

“You want to savor the good ones over and over, and there’s no end to the new ones. There’s never enough time. That’s why, I…”

Sakuraba-kun cut himself off there.

I felt like I understood the rest of his sentence.

But Sakuraba-kun didn’t continue, and just let out a single sigh.

“For now, let’s have some snacks.”

“Ah, yeah. Let’s do that. Thanks for the food.”

For the first time today, I forced a smile.

A fun date. I don’t know what Sakuraba-kun thinks, but for me, at least, it’s a very happy time. I didn’t want to feel sad.

So I indulged in Sakuraba-kun’s gesture of changing the subject.

The reason Sakuraba-kun said he didn’t want to date me, or anyone.

Sooner or later, I would have to face it head-on.

But not yet. Not today.

I just wanted to savor this fun, loving, heart-pounding time.

◆ ◆ ◆

There were two reasons I agreed to have Yunagi-san come over.

One was that I accepted her reasoning.

The reason I first refused her invitation for a date was because I didn’t want to be seen by people.

However, her suggestion to “come to my house” was a solution that addressed my point. If I were to refuse this as well, it would be proper to offer a valid counterargument.

Given that we were, for all intents and purposes, dating, it wouldn’t be fair to refuse a date simply because I didn’t feel like it.

And I couldn’t come up with a good reason.

Then there was the second reason.

Simply put, it was because I thought we should spend more time together.

My goal was to have Yunagi-san change her mind—in other words, to have her get tired of me.

But as things stood, her feelings wouldn’t change. Change requires a catalyst.

Spend more time together, let her get to know me.

If I didn’t do that, there was no way she would understand what a boring guy I am.

To move the situation forward, I had to act. Nothing would happen if I just maintained the status quo.

And so, today, Yunagi-san was in my room.

But of course, I would act as I always do.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to correctly understand what kind of person I am.

After Aina left, I read the book I had been in the middle of.

Meanwhile, Yunagi-san worked on her school assignments and occasionally glanced at my bookshelf and movie discs.

There was no conversation, no fun events. It wasn’t like a date at all.

But this was fine. This was who I was.

I needed Yunagi-san to fully understand what it meant to be dating me.

Some time passed like this, and as the sun began to set.

“The Sakuraba family special hamburg steak, Shizuno-san helper version. Please, enjoy.”

On the living room table, colorful plates were lined up, featuring a thick hamburg steak gleaming with demi-glace sauce as the main dish.

When Aina came home, Yunagi-san had enthusiastically helped her make dinner.

Thanks to her help, Aina, dressed in an apron, worked in the kitchen with even more skill than usual, and dinner was ready in no time.

“Yay! The presentation is beautiful!”

“It’s my masterpiece. Thanks to Shizuno-san, of course.”

Aina said, puffing out her chest with a straight face.

She looked genuinely satisfied. As she appeared, she had a craftsman’s temperament, taking pride in her work.

“Itadakimasu.”

The three of us sat at the table and put our hands together.

Aina’s cooking was always impeccably delicious.

On top of that, there was this confidence today. Honestly, I knew what I would think of it before even taking a bite.

“Delicious! It tastes just as good as it looks!”

“I’m glad it suits your palate.”

“It’s really delicious! You’re amazing, Aina-chan!”

Yunagi-san clapped her hands in admiration.

I think it was probably as good as anything you’d get in a restaurant. Even for a light eater like me, my chopsticks moved effortlessly.

“Even with the same recipe, the quality is mysteriously higher when you make it, Aina.”

“Yes. Because I make it with sincerity.”

“Don’t say it like I don’t put any sincerity into it.”

I was praising her, but somehow I ended up getting dissed.

I think it wasn’t a matter of feeling, but simply a difference in effort and talent.

Yunagi-san, eating her salad, covered her mouth elegantly and giggled.

“But you cook too, Sakuraba-kun. That’s surprising.”

“Well, a little. My parents both work, so Aina and I take turns.”

“Nii-san often forgets, even on his assigned days.”

“Sometimes, just sometimes. When I get into a good book, time just flies by on its own.”

“Time is always on its own. It’s your own responsibility if you lose track of it.”

Aina was being strict with me again.

But I had no reply, so I stayed quiet.

I wish she’d show some of that sincerity when dealing with her older brother.

“Hee-hee. You two get along so well. I’m an only child, so I’m kind of envious.”

Yunagi-san looked back and forth between us and said happily.

I wasn’t very aware of it, but we’d actually been told the same thing often.

Both Aina and I are, without a doubt, oddballs. Despite that, we generally get along well, of course.

“I guess it’s thanks to me, the older brother.”

“That may be so, but there are many instances where I am the one helping.”

“Eh… Well, that’s true. It’s a matter of the right person for the right job.”

I had said it mostly as a joke, but surprisingly, Aina didn’t deny it.

A little thrown off, I half-escaped by putting a large piece of hamburg steak into my mouth.

It’s delicious. Still, she’s being awfully agreeable today, that Aina.

“…Hm?”

I suddenly noticed Yunagi-san staring at me, her eyes narrowed in a soft expression.

And I thought her cheeks were faintly red, too.

“…Is something the matter, Yunagi-san?”

“Eh! N-No! It’s nothing! Nothing at all!”

She said in a fluster, shaking her head and hands at the same time.

She was clearly flustered. As proof, Yunagi-san, just like me, stuffed a large piece of hamburg steak into her mouth.

Well, she’s a rather strange person herself, so maybe I shouldn’t worry about it too much.

“By the way, Nii-san, Shizuno-san.”

When everyone was nearly finished eating and our plates were almost empty.

Aina put down her chopsticks and began to speak with a renewed seriousness.

“Are you two really not dating?”

Aina’s tone was less of a question and more of a statement, as if she was already certain of the answer.

My whole body stiffened instinctively, and I couldn’t move.

I looked over and saw Yunagi-san also had a tense expression, her eyes darting all over the place.

I had intended to keep our complicated relationship a secret from Aina.

There was no need to tell her, and no benefit in doing so.

But, given the situation…

“Why are you so suspicious? Do you really think I, of all people, could get a girlfriend?”

“No. But if you’re going to say that, then I never thought you, Nii-san, of all people, would bring a girl other than Tsubaki-san home. Unless she was someone very special.”

“…Seriously, that’s all?”

“Yes. That alone is sufficient grounds.”

“…”

Aina stared straight at me.

We’ve known each other for a long time… for fourteen years since I was born, so I know.

There was no escaping this.

No, perhaps it was a mistake to think I could hide it from her in the first place.

“…Hah. I surrender. Well, I had a feeling this would happen.”

I said, raising my hands in a small gesture of defeat.

I thought I saw Aina’s sharp eyes widen just a little.

◆ ◆ ◆

“I’m sorry I can’t walk you home.”

Sakuraba-kun said to me in front of the entrance door.

Dinner was over, and it was time for me to leave.

I was sad and lonely and wanted to stay with him longer, but it couldn’t be helped.

“No, it’s okay. We can’t let anyone see us, right? Thank you so much for today. I’m sorry for the intrusion.”

Sakuraba-kun gave a small, sharp nod.

He looked a little worried, and then apologetic, which made me love him even more.

I was planning on leaving, but when he makes a face like that…

“Well then, see you. Be careful.”

“…Yeah. See you.”

Shaking off my lingering reluctance, I left through the gate of the Sakuraba house.

But I couldn’t help but glance back at him, and my heart ached again.

I wanted to run right back to Sakuraba-kun, who was waving at me.

…This is impossible.

Suppressing my pathetic feelings, I walked on with purpose.

Forward, forward. If I stop, it’ll be hard to start walking again.

I turned a corner and felt a little more at ease. I could still go back, but it felt like I had cleared a hurdle.

But after walking for a while, the wave of loneliness returned.

Aah, Sakuraba-kun, I want to see you again already. Waaah.

“…Hah.”

Truly pathetic. I, too, have become a complete maiden in love.

Do all the girls in the world fall in love with feelings like these?

To be so happy, yet so pained.

If I’m like this now, what would happen to me if I were to have my heart broken?

“…Heartbreak, huh.”

What does heartbreak mean to me right now?

Sakuraba-kun said he didn’t want to date me. And that he didn’t even like me.

I pushed past that… and had him, almost by force, make me his girlfriend.

Because I was scared of having my heart broken right then and there.

I wanted to leave even a little bit of hope, and I thought I could wait for as long as it took.

…But.

“Am I… really not heartbroken yet…?”

It was something I had been thinking in a corner of my heart all along.

To have Sakuraba-kun fall for me from now on.

Is that possibility really there?

Am I just taking advantage of his kindness, just postponing the end?

If that’s the case, then I… my love is—

“Shizuno-san.”

Suddenly, my name was called from behind.

A calm, cool voice I had heard many times today.

I quickly wiped my eyes before turning around.

There, Aina-chan, who I had just parted with, was running toward me.

“I’m glad. I caught up.”

“Aina-chan… what’s wrong?”

“This, you forgot it.”

What Aina-chan held out was the handkerchief that should have been in my pocket.

It seems I had used it during dinner and left it on the table.

“Whoa, I’m sorry! You came all this way to give it to me? Thanks!”

“No, please don’t worry about it.”

I took the handkerchief from Aina-chan and put it in my bag.

I feel bad for making her chase after me on this dark road.

“Would it have been better if I had Nii-san deliver it?”

“Eh…! Um…”

“My apologies, that was a joke.”

I thought I saw Aina-chan’s lips curve into a slight smile.

“Are you two really not dating?”

When we were eating hamburg steak for dinner, Aina-chan had asked me and Sakuraba-kun that.

After that, Sakuraba-kun, as if resigned, explained our relationship to her.

There’s no hiding it. That’s what Sakuraba-kun seemed to think.

Aina-chan listened to the story in silence the whole time.

She only nodded occasionally, without looking surprised or puzzled.

She seems delicate, but this girl is probably a force to be reckoned with.

“Shizuno-san.”

Returning to her usual expressionless face, Aina-chan began.

A person on a bicycle glided past us as we stood facing each other.

“I was actually lying.”

“Eh… Lying? …What do you mean?”

“About the reason I realized you two weren’t just friends. I said earlier that if you were just friends, my brother wouldn’t have invited you over.”

“Y-Yeah.”

“The truth is, that wasn’t all. It was because the way you looked at my brother, Shizuno-san, was so cute. That’s why I thought, this person must be in love.”

Aina-chan’s voice was completely serious.

What I had been thinking just now came rushing back to my mind, and I felt my chest tighten again.

Then, I felt embarrassed, but also a little relieved.

“What kind of big brother is Sakuraba-kun at home?”

“He’s laid-back. Very much so. But to me, he’s kind, I think.”

“…I see. Hee-hee, I get it.”

So, he’s the same as he is at school.

For some reason, that makes me happy.

“…Shizuno-san. It pains me to say this, but…”

“…What is it?”

For the first time today, something like guilt appeared on Aina-chan’s face.

For a moment, a wave of anxiety washed over me.

But I didn’t have the courage to stop her, so I stayed silent and waited for her to continue.

“I don’t recommend my brother.”

“…Eh.”

Her voice was subdued.

But she didn’t look like she regretted what she had said.

“He’s not a bad person, but I think he’s a little… difficult.”

“Difficult… I see. But, I—”

“However.”

Aina-chan cut me off.

It seemed like it could have been an accidental overlap, or it could have been intentional.

“However… if you still love him despite that. I can’t take sides, but I will cheer for you.”

“…Yeah. Thank you. I’ll do my best.”

When I said that, Aina-chan’s eyes widened slightly.

Then, she looked straight at my face and gave a small, sharp nod.

I thought that this gesture was just like Sakuraba-kun’s.

“Shall we exchange contact information?”

“Eh, really? Let’s, let’s!”

We both took out our phones and added each other on a messaging app.

Now I can chat with Aina-chan whenever I want.

What with her words just now, she’s an incredibly reliable ally.

“I apologize for my impertinent remarks. Please don’t let this discourage you from visiting again. Well then, please be careful.”

“Not impertinent at all! Thank you so much for today! See you again!”

After bowing her head neatly, Aina-chan trotted back the way she came.

I watched her until she turned the corner, then headed for the station again.

I felt like my steps were lighter than before.

Piron.

“Oh.”

A notification sound came from the phone I had just put away.

Who could it be? I thought as I looked at the screen, and it was a message from Aina-chan.

Aina-chan sent an image.

An image?

I unlocked my phone and opened the chat screen.

And there…

“Th-This is…!!”

“As an apology, please accept this photo of my brother from last year. It’s nothing special, but…”

“Hyaaaaaa!!”

Displayed on the screen was a solo picture of Sakuraba-kun, wearing a navy blue yukata with a sullen expression.

Bathed in the lights of the festival stalls at night, he looked incredibly good.

He seemed to be sweating a little, and his hair was stuck to his cheek, which was somehow very…

“…”

With the fastest finger-work of my entire life, I saved the photo to a folder.

I put a password on it so no one could see it.

Then, I also sent it to my email on my home computer.

“…Thank you, Aina-chan!!”

I thanked the goddess, looking up at the moon in the sky.

Then, I started walking again.

On the way, I would occasionally look at Sakuraba-kun’s picture, and each time, I would writhe in silent agony. Repeating this, I arrived at my house before I knew it.

I got a little emotional at the end.

But, Yunagi Shizuno, with this, I can still keep going!

◆ ◆ ◆

The night after, Yunagi-san came over to my house.

“Thank you very much.”

I watched from behind the counter as the last customer left the shop.

A franchise bakery-café in an alley near the station. That’s where I work part-time.

Reading books and watching movies, unfortunately, costs money.

And since I consume a lot of both, raising funds through a part-time job is essential.

“Well then.”

It was closing time, so my shift was over.

One of my seniors was scheduled to handle the remaining closing tasks alone.

“Yo, Saku-chan, good work.”

“Good work, senpai.”

I replied to the male university student senior who called out to me.

He was a caring person who had taught me the ropes when I first started.

“Heading home?”

“Of course.”

“I see. By the way, Saku-chan.”

“What is it?”

“The other day, you were with a girl at the bookstore nearby, right? Is that your girlfriend?”

The senior said, his eyes narrowing in a grin.

I searched my memory. The person the senior saw was probably, that one.

“No, you’re mistaken.”

“Really? No secrets from me, Saku-chan.”

“It’s true. But I do have secrets, as a general rule.”

When I said that, the senior laughed with a light voice. He was basically a goofy person.

After chatting with my senior a little more, I went back to the back room.

I took off my apron, gathered my things, and left the shop.

There were several reasons I chose this place for my part-time job.

The bread and drinks are a bit pricey, so the clientele is good.

The hourly wage is decent, and they hire high school students.

And, most importantly.

“Now then, let’s see what new releases there are.”

There was a large bookstore nearby.

Checking for new releases on my way home after my shift. That, for me, was part of the job.

The bookstore where my senior said he saw me was probably this one.

“Hmm. …Oh, nice cover.”

I scanned the books displayed with their covers out, picking out the ones I hadn’t seen before.

I come here two or three times a week, so I recognize many of the works.

If something catches my eye, I buy it on the spot, and even if not, books are enjoyable just to look at. It’s the perfect place to soothe a mind tired from classes and work.

“Aoto.”

Suddenly, a voice came from next to me.

I looked over and saw my childhood friend, Yuno Tsubaki, standing there, dressed immaculately in her uniform.

“Hey, Tsubaki. We meet often.”

“What a coincidence.”

Meeting Tsubaki here at this time had become a regular occurrence.

The girl my senior had seen me with was undoubtedly Tsubaki.

“It’s my post-work routine.”

“Mine, too. On my way back from cram school.”

Tsubaki was being brusque for some reason. Well, that was normal for her.

We continued to browse the paperback and hardcover sections together.

Though not as much as me, Tsubaki also reads. We used to lend each other books sometimes.

“…The other day, a friend from cram school…”

Tsubaki said, flipping through the pages of a book with a wraparound band that read, “Over 300,000 copies sold!!”

That book had good reviews, but it wasn’t for me.

“They said they saw me here with you. They asked if you were my boyfriend.”

“Oh, what a coincidence. The same thing happened to me just a little while ago. I cleared up the misunderstanding, though.”

“…Hmm.”

Even though she brought it up, Tsubaki’s voice sounded uninterested.

Lately, there were times when I couldn’t quite read what Tsubaki was thinking.

She was usually a pretty easy person to understand, so it threw me off.

Well, she has a personality that seems prone to worrying, so maybe it couldn’t be helped.

After that, Tsubaki bought one novel, and I bought two.

Another book Tsubaki wanted was one I owned, so I promised to lend it to her.

“When should I give it to you?”

“Whenever. Just bring it to school when you remember.”

“Okay. It’s nice that we can lend things to each other in high school.”

I said, suddenly remembering the past.

In elementary school, I was lending a DVD to a friend when Tsubaki found us.

Perhaps she had arrived at the same memory, as she said spitefully, “You’d do it even if it was forbidden.”

“It’s easier to do it openly. I don’t have to get yelled at by a certain someone.”

“I didn’t get mad, did I?”

“Oh, really?”

Honestly, I don’t remember the details.

I feel like something else happened that day, but I’ve forgotten that, too.

“But you’ve changed, Tsubaki. You used to be much more prickly.”

“Th-That’s not true, not really.”

“It’s a good change. You don’t seem to be fighting with the boys lately, either. At least, not that I know of.”

“That’s… I’m not a child anymore. Neither am I, nor are the people around me.”

Being able to say that was, indeed, a good change.

Tsubaki, who was proper, strong, and couldn’t leave people alone.

I respected her for that, and I still do.

But because of it, she often got hurt herself, and that worried me a little.

The Tsubaki now, I think, is just right. She hasn’t lost her good qualities, and she’s able to take care of herself.

“What about you, Aoto?”

“Eh…”

“…Have you changed, Aoto?”

Tsubaki, beside me, was looking at me.

Through the gaps in her bangs, swaying in the night breeze, her eyes, holding a deep brilliance, peeked out.

Me.

“Well… I wonder. I don’t think I’ve changed much. I’ve always been like this.”

“…I see. Well, maybe so.”

Tsubaki said nothing more.

Pretending not to notice the relief I felt for some reason, I walked on.

Unchanging. For the most part, I’ve always been the same.

People change for a reason.

And if there is a reason, then that change is surely the right thing.

◆ ◆ ◆

For me, love was something that was more related to others than to myself.

My brother, despite being careless and laid-back, has always been a little popular with girls.

And when I say a little, I mean just a little.

About once every few years, I would sense that a girl had taken a liking to my brother.

I’ve thought about the reason, but as his sister, I don’t really understand it.

I do feel that he is kind, though. It might be what you call a tsundere.

My brother had a female childhood friend.

Yuno Tsubaki-san. She is responsible, smart, and beautiful.

And Tsubaki-san was one of the people who held affection for my brother.

“Tsubaki-san, you have rather peculiar taste.”

One day, when we were alone, I said this to Tsubaki-san.

“As his sister, I’m very happy, though.”

Tsubaki-san seemed to understand from my words.

That I had noticed her feelings.

Tsubaki-san’s eyes widened in surprise, and then she slowly let out a moist breath.

“…Right. Well, I can’t deny that.”

“Since when did you feel that way?”

“Ugh… You’re really pushing, aren’t you, Aina-chan?”

“I just got curious. If you don’t want to answer, please don’t.”

Even I thought it was a mean thing to say.

But Tsubaki-san let out a small sigh and then told me.

“From the first day we really talked.”

“That’s…”

That would be what you call love at first sight.

“Fourth grade of elementary school. Before that, I didn’t really know Aoto. I knew his face and name, but that was it. But that day…”

When I heard about that incident from Tsubaki-san, I thought it was so very like him.

But while she was telling the story, Tsubaki-san looked very happy, her cheeks faintly flushed, and she was incredibly cute.

Ah, so this is the face of someone in love, I thought.

“I’ll cheer for you.”

Before I knew it, I had said it.

“I can’t take sides. But I am cheering for you, Tsubaki-san.”

“What’s the difference?”

“If another person who likes my brother appears before me, besides you, Tsubaki-san. I probably wouldn’t be able to get in their way, or act in a way that only favors you.”

“Ah… I see.”

“Yes. But I hope that your love will come to fruition. For your sake, and for my brother’s sake.”

“…Thanks. But Aina-chan, you really are like Aoto. That, strangely fair part of you.”

Tsubaki-san said with a smile.

I didn’t really understand, but if she said so, I thought it must be true.

“However, I think it would be better not to be too cautious. There’s no guarantee a rival won’t appear. And that man is surely weak to being pushed.”

That was one of the few pieces of advice I could offer.

My brother, for all his appearances, is a kind person, so being forceful should be effective.

But Tsubaki-san—

“I wonder if I can… do it.”

“…Honestly, it might be difficult. You’re kind, too, Tsubaki-san.”

“I’m… just not brave enough.”