CH 30

(POV Chiharu)

The winter break ended, and as soon as school started, there was a certain event. It was the jump rope record competition.

There were three types of jumps in this event: front jump, back jump, and double jump. Participants earned points for each type of jump, and the top three with the highest total points received prizes.

If someone could jump for five minutes in the front jump category, they would earn five points. The same goes for the back jump, and if someone could jump fifty times for the double jump, they would earn 5 points. However, for the front jump, if a participant could jump for five minutes and earn a perfect score in the front jump category, they still had the choice to continue jumping until the end of the allocated time. The individual who jumped the longest would receive an additional award.

Last year, there was apparently someone who jumped for an hour. I was sincerely impressed by that. However, there was one person who seemed like they could easily surpass that exceptional record.

“Hahahahaha, this is the true power of my whip,” 

During today’s PE class, students from the two classes, Class 1 and Class 2, were practicing for the jump rope record competition in the gymnasium. Among them was Chiaki, who clearly stood out as she jumped lightly and smoothly.

During the double jump category, no one could match Chiaki’s ability. She continued jumping even after surpassing fifty jumps, far exceeding her competitors.  Meanwhile, in the front jump category, Chiaki was forced to stop before reaching her full potential to avoid being late for the next class. After the PE class ended, the students lined up to say goodbye to the teacher. Chiaki’s forehead was slightly sweaty, but she was full of energy and spirit. Despite some students feeling embarrassed to put in their best effort at their age, Chiaki did her best and managed to achieve first place in the jump rope competition practice.

As was expected of Chiaki, she was a strong-willed girl who didn’t let others influence her.

“Chiaki, you’re amazing.”

“Well, it’s partly because of the power of this jump ro…..whip that Kaito bought for me,” Chiaki replied.

She held a pink jump rope in her hand, while Chinatsu and Chifuyu, who were standing a little further away in formation, also had ropes of the same color in their hands. Onii-san had bought them during our winter break, along with other necessary items.

He had bought all the necessary items we needed after reading our winter break letter. Hence, Chiaki seemed to want to give Onii-san some good news 

She was probably thinking about becoming the top scorer at the record competition, receiving praise, and having hamburgers for dinner.

“Chiaki-chan is amazing, isn’t she?” 

“Certainly,” 

“Wow, she’s so cool!” 

“Hmph, I can do that much too,” 

Many people around seem to be amazed at how amazing Chiaki is. On the other hand Nishino seems to have something on his mind, but it doesn’t matter.

Chinatsu, Chifuyu, and I put forth our best effort, but we couldn’t match up to Chiaki’s outstanding performance. Nonetheless, being her older sister, I must always be number one, so I vowed in my heart to practice harder.

But… I can’t help but worry about Chifuyu. It appeared that she struggled with sports and had difficulty jumping.  I also felt like she was concerned about it.

I want to talk to her about it as soon as possible…

◆◆

(POV Chifuyu)

“Ah… Aki jumped way too much. How much further does she need to jump to be satisfied?”

“….yeah”

As Natsu-nee changed from her gym clothes to regular clothes, she let out a sigh and complained in exasperation. She sat down and rested her chin on her hand, letting out another deep sigh.

“I couldn’t jump at all that well, compared to Aki.”

“Chifuyu couldn’t jump much either… Maybe just a single jump… and I couldn’t even do a double jump…” Chifuyu said.

“Oh, right… Yeah, I’m pretty much the same. Even if we’re not good at sports, that doesn’t mean we won’t have a future… So, cheer up, okay?”

Meanwhile, Chifuyu couldn’t jump at all. I was the first one to get caught in the rope, while everyone else jumped effortlessly. The disappointment and ridicule from my peers was evident, especially the laughter from the boys who were skilled in sports.

Even now, I could hear many voices praising my sister, Aki-nee.

“Chiaki-chan is amazing at jumping!”

“Yeah, I was surprised!”

“Her sister, Chiharu, was also jumping pretty well.”

“They’re sisters after all; one of them couldn’t jump at all, though.”

“Chifuyu couldn’t even do one double jump. Are they really sisters? It doesn’t seem like that at all!”

As sisters, we have similar faces and the same last name, making comparisons easy.

“What’s with them? Comparing us like that.” Chinatsu said

“It can’t be helped… That’s what being sisters is all about.”

“Maybe so, but…”

Getting compared to my sisters—even I myself did that before. People around us won’t stop comparing us. 

I knew it already. This is how the world works.

“Don’t worry too much about it, okay?”

“Of course…”

Natsu-nee’s words were meant to reassure me, but I can’t seem to shake off these thoughts. It’s difficult for me to come to terms with the fact that I may not have any exceptional qualities like my sisters do. I often feel quite isolated when others, and even myself, highlight the differences between us.

I was the worst at jumping. It’s hard to bear being doubted by others about my talent and the connection between me and my sisters.

I, once again, started to desire being special. Though Kaito-san did tell me that simply existing makes me unique, I can’t help but question the validity of that statement.

Isn’t a truly special person someone who possesses an overwhelmingly unique quality that no one else has? Just being there, existing, doesn’t make someone special, does it? Perhaps, people around me don’t think that just existing is enough to make me special.

As I thought about it again, I couldn’t help but wonder if I was incompetent. Was I the only one among my sisters who wasn’t special?

“Fuyu, are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” I replied.

No, I didn’t want to think that way. I didn’t want to feel like the odd one out, alienated from my sisters and those around me. I didn’t want to be judged or excluded, not by others or even by myself. There was still some time left until the jump rope record event.

I want to be in line with Aki-nee…with Haru-nee, and with Natsu-nee. I knew that I could never beat them in sports, but I wanted to at least come a little closer. But the truth remains: I had never beaten Aki-nee in sports.

And I had never beaten Haru-nee in studying either….

I felt strongly that I could not….do anything or surpass….anyone, and when I thought about that, I couldn’t help but feel weak and helpless once again.

◆◆

(POV Kaito)

As I was diligently working at my desk, Miyamoto-san approached me and struck up a conversation. I couldn’t help but feel grateful for her continuous kindness and consideration towards me.

“Kaito-kun, how have the four sisters been faring lately?”

“They’re all wonderful kids. In fact, they also take care of me…”

“Oh, didn’t you mention that one of the children felt inferior to her sisters?”

“Yes, that’s correct. However, it seems like she has since reconciled with her feelings.”

“But you know, both children and adults often grapple with similar worries multiple times. That’s why it’s advisable to communicate with them if you’re concerned, as there’s only so much you can do by yourself.” Miyamoto san explained.

“Thank you very much,”

Having said that, Miyamoto-san bid farewell and left. She was absolutely right. The four sisters appeared to have become more composed compared to before, and they lived joyfully day after day. Nevertheless, this did not necessarily imply that they wouldn’t encounter the same concerns as they did in the past.

That child still hadn’t resolved her troubles. The words I spoke to her before were nothing but empty platitudes that only helped prolong her struggles. I simply helped her to stand up, as she had been hesitant to climb the wall right in front of her.

To be honest, it would be a lie to say that just being born is enough to make someone special. 

Although I wanted it to be true, and perhaps it was, it wasn’t the case for those around me. They were always comparing people’s talents and achievements and evaluating them accordingly.

When I realized this, my words became unavoidably thin. People care about their surroundings. They care about society. 

And sometimes, unconsciously, those concerns turn into evaluations of themselves.

Should I say something to Chifuyu? But what if it upsets her or stirs up some trouble that had previously been settled? That wouldn’t be good…

Things have been going well, both during the winter break and up until now. Maybe that’s enough?

…And what can I even say? I have no assurance that my words, as flimsy as they were before, will have any impact this time.

Chifuyu is gradually opening up to me. I would honestly hate to do something that would push her away.

We’re becoming closer and closer, and we’ve almost became a family. I don’t want to break the harmony we’ve established.

If that’s the case, then…but is running away really the answer? But…

I found myself unable to make any progress with my thoughts. I had no idea how to approach the situation and simply went about my work in a daze, not comprehending anything.

As I remained trapped in my thoughts, before I knew it, it was already time for me to leave and head home.

◆◆

(POV Chinatsu)

Aki and I covertly monitored our younger sister Fuyu’s activities from the second-floor balcony. While I concealed myself, Aki provided me with updates on what was happening below. It appeared that Haru was also present, silently observing from nearby.

Down below, Fuyu was fervently attempting to perfect her double jumping technique, but her efforts were hindered by the rope repeatedly catching on her legs.

“Hey, what is Fuyu up to?”

“She’s been practicing her jump rope skills non-stop….” Aki responded.

“I see….Aki, what are your thoughts on this?”

“I don’t know. If my jumping rope is the cause, then…but apologizing will only make things more awkward. Even if I slack off on jumping rope next time, it’ll be the same…so I don’t know what to do.”

“Yeah…in times like this, even Haru tries not to say anything that may hurt her and ends up not being able to do anything.”

…My words wouldn’t reach Fuyu either. There were various reasons for that; after all, I also had superpowers, but the main reason was that I didn’t have much trouble connecting with my sisters.

Pretending to understand Fuyu’s emotions deeply, when I really didn’t, was the most dangerous thing I could do.

What do you know about my feelings? 

Is what she might ask. And it’s true, there are things that only those who have experienced something similar or have been in a similar situation can understand.

If someone dared to assert that having superpowers would make no difference to Chifuyu, I’d likely react by grabbing them by the collar on the spot.

I believe that this is something that my sisters, Aki and Haru, and I can’t do anything about. If there is a way to break through this situation and guide Fuyu in a positive direction, it’s likely that Kaito-san has the best chance of doing so.

It was the same during the previous test. That person must have said something; I’m sure of it.

There was something different about that person, who had no relation to us sisters. No, it wasn’t just that. There must have been something that shook Fuyu’s heart.

It wasn’t just words. There was something about Fuyu’s struggles with her talents that Kaito-san perfectly matched. There must have been a reason for this too.

So, I couldn’t help but hope that somehow he would come through for us again this time.

Outside, it gradually grew dark. The sound of Fuyu’s rope spinning could be heard throughout. Occasional words of concern from Haru could be heard as well.

Aki didn’t know what to do either. Just watching, you could feel the frustration and helplessness hung in the air.

However, if we just stayed hidden and did nothing, the sound of a car engine would soon be audible. The gentle voice that was always part of our daily routine, parking the car and blending into the background.

“I’m back… are you practicing jump rope?”

“Yes, because we have a jump rope record competition coming up soon.”

“Ah, right… Did something happen?”

Kaito-san questioned Fuyu as if sensing something.

“Kaito-san, can I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

“Is it normal to be compared to your siblings?”

“Well, it’s not just siblings, I think most people in the world are compared to others. Did someone at school say something to you? Or maybe you heard people around you comparing each other?”

“Yes…”

Fuyu, who would have previously played dumb, now approached Kaito-san with questions and concerns. Surely, she wanted to hear his advice. She had been practicing outside not just for the sake of the upcoming competition, but also to meet with him and talk to him as soon as possible.

“I see. So you felt like you were nothing special and felt empty again, huh?”

“….Yes.”

“I don’t think that’s true, but everyone has their own way of feeling. I want to say something encouraging, but let me ask you….do you remember what I told you before?”

“I remember…”

“…I see. You remember it. Well the reality is that, sometimes, the opinions of those around us may largely change the way we think…”

As I listened to Kaito-san’s heavy words, I felt a sense of unease. It wasn’t just me; I knew my sisters had felt the same way.

His words sounded like they came from his own experiences.

“Have you experienced something like that too, Kaito-san?”

“Huh? Why do you ask?”

“Just a feeling…”

“I see. Well, you got it right… But I don’t think my situation is comparable to yours, Chifuyu. You probably have it harder than me.”

“….If it’s okay with you, could you tell me about it…..”

“You want to hear about it?”

“…”

“I see. Well, I don’t think it will change anything…but if it can be a catalyst for something, then why not…”

I couldn’t see Fuyu’s response since I was hiding, but I’m pretty sure she nodded in agreement. She probably wanted to empathize with him and feel like she wasn’t the only one with those feelings. Sensing this, Kaito-san started talking nonchalantly as if it were no big deal.

“A long time ago, I used to play volleyball when I was in middle school.”

“…I see…”

“Yeah, I really wanted to be a regular player at the time, so I practiced hard every day. I even asked the advisor and the principal to let me practice at night, and I did that until around 9 p.m. every day. I also worked on my core strength and watched videos of skilled players on websites. But even with all that, I couldn’t make it as a regular player.”

“Huh? But you worked so hard…”

“Yeah. Whenever I played in games, I would get nervous, and I didn’t have much talent to begin with, so I just couldn’t become a regular. Meanwhile, there were guys who didn’t practice as much as me but had natural talent, and they became regulars.”

“…”

“And you know what people around me said? They said I had no talent, so all my practice was meaningless. They said other guys were better, even though I practiced harder than them.”

“…”

“Well, after that, various things happened, and I quit the volleyball club. Then in high school, I decided to give volleyball another try, but I messed up during the first official match and that was the end of it. That’s the story, in short. I skipped some parts, but basically, I gave up at that time. I saw myself as an ordinary person surrounded by talented individuals. I felt like everything I had done so far was meaningless.”

“…I’m sorry for making you say this.”

“No, don’t worry about it. I brought it up. And well, our circumstances are different, but I can say one thing. You will always be compared to others as you go on with your life. Each time, I believe you will face a wall. Isn’t that the case now? You keep encountering the same obstacles over and over.”

“…Yes.”

“…But remember this. Someone is watching your efforts, Chifuyu. And I think you’re special for that. I believe you have talents that can rival your sisters.”

“Huh…?”

“The determination to keep trying, to get back up even when you’re troubled, that’s not something everyone can do. I’ve noticed how you take care of cleaning and tidying up since we started living together. You study more than anyone else. You wake up early in the morning and study regularly, right? You make vocabulary flashcards and study English words on your own at night. You borrow various study books from the library too.”

“…”

“Successful people say they have a habit of doing various things in the morning. It’s amazing to continue making efforts and coming up with ideas. I don’t hear about many people who can do that. You’re doing things that Chiharu, Chinatsu, and Chiaki aren’t doing. If that’s not special, then what is?”

“…”

Right then, I heard a gasp escape from Fuyu’s lips. This was something she had been yearning for more than anything else: someone to recognize her individuality. And it was all mixed within a casual conversation.

“If you still think you’re inferior, try surpassing Chiharu in studies. Try jumping rope better than Chiaki.”

“I couldn’t possibly…do that…”

“I understand feeling discouraged, but the reason you’re working hard right now is because you have a desire to be the best at something. I get that feeling too, even if it’s just for a moment. Like when the team roster is announced, I can’t help but wonder if I’ll make the cut. We all have expectations, even if we know it’s impossible.”

“….But what if it’s impossible? In real life, there are always walls that you just can’t overcome.”

“When you’re a child, you should hold on to your dreams and keep moving forward. You have plenty of time to face the harsh reality of a dreamless life when you become an adult. Chiufyu, you’re an amazing girl with special talents. You’re capable of anything if you put your mind to it!”

“…”

“…”

“…”

“Um, if you don’t say something, I don’t know what to do either…”

“Oh, sorry. I was just a little happy.”

“I see… that’s good.”

“Yes… you made me feel like I could do my best, like I wasn’t alone, and like we were all in it together.”

“I see… well, that’s good. Actually, I didn’t know what I was talking about halfway through, but… if that’s the case, then it’s good.”

“Huh?”

“Just kidding. I had a proper plan as a papa to tell my daughter what she needed to hear… Yeah. Anyway, this is a good opportunity. Let’s practice jumping rope.”

With that, Kaito-san hurried into the house to get his workout clothes.

“Oh! Chiharu, you’re here. Welcome home,” he said as he walked in.

“Welcome back, Onii-san… and thank you.”

“No problem. I’m just trying to give off a fatherly vibe, that’s all.”

Haru expressed her gratitude to Kaito-san.

“Kaito is really a good guy and an amazing person. My eyes didn’t deceive me.” Aki said to me.

“Yes… He’s an exceptional person, maybe a bit unusual.”

“Hey, ‘unusual’ isn’t necessary.”

“I’m praising him.”

“Oh, I see!”

Kaito-san was an exceptional and unusual person, in a good way. I genuinely believed that. Nowadays, there aren’t many people who can speak their minds like he does.

Is this…what a father is supposed to be like…?

◆◆

(POV Chifuyu)

Chifuyu had been longing for someone to recognize her as special and was eagerly waiting for someone to discover her unique qualities.

That person was surprisingly close by.

Yes… he made me feel like I could do my best, like I wasn’t alone, and like we were all in it together.

I was so happy to know that Kaito-san was the same as me, and he even helped me recognize how I stood out from my sisters.

Chifuyu had made a decision. I would strive for greater heights, excel in my studies and sports, and become so incredible that I wouldn’t be outdone by Haru-nee, Natsu-nee, or Aki-nee.

“Alright, Chifuyu, let’s begin training right away,” 

Kaito-san said, emerging from the house in his workout clothes, holding a jump rope. Even though it was already dark outside, he seemed willing to accompany Chifuyu.

“First, show me a double jump,” Kaito-san said.

“Y-yesi!” 

Kaito-san was quick to act. He immediately began the special training, and Chifuyu started jumping rope. However, I heard a loud thud as the rope snagged on a large concrete block, and I couldn’t jump even once.

“I see. I’ve got the gist of it,” Kaito-san said.

“Huh?”

“Chifuyu, when you double jump, you’re hitting the bottom of both feet on the ground. That’s why you can’t jump when the next rope comes around. Try to jump repeatedly on the balls of your feet instead. Also, your rope spinning is fine for a few jumps, but then it loses momentum. You need to spin it at a consistent pace. “

“I-is that so?”

“Lastly, the rest is simply a lack of imagination. This applies to sports in general; imagination is crucial. You’ve heard people say they imagine themselves as their strongest selves, right?”

“That…is so?”

“Hmm? You didn’t? Anyway, it’s all about imagination. So, I’ve prepared a handle without a rope.”

Kaito-san had two ropeless handles in his hands. He spun them around with his left and right hands and jumped repeatedly on the balls of his feet.

“Listen, from here on, imagine yourself going ‘hyu hyu hyun, hyu hyu hyun, hyu hyu hyun’ and jump repeatedly,” he said.

“Y-Yes!” 

“Hehehe, What’s that person doing?”

“He’s so funny! hah!”

“”…””

The atmosphere between Chifuyu and Kaito-san became slightly awkward as we were observed by what appeared to be passing high school girls.

“W-well, anyway, it’s all about imagination. For now, let’s try it with that rhythm I just used. Once you have the image in your mind, practice with a regular rope. If you repeat it with that image, you’ll eventually get the hang of it,” Kaito-san said.

“Y-Yes!” 

Chifuyu immediately took the handles and began spinning them with fervor. Imagination, imagination. Jump repeatedly on your toes, like in the rhythm you were taught earlier. Just like Aki-nee…

While I was doing my practical mental training, I glanced at Kaito-san.

Kaito-san actually has a pretty cool face…

I wonder if Kaito-san has someone he likes… If he does, I will feel a little uncomfortable. If he doesn’t, I will… wait, what am I thinking? I shouldn’t think that way. There’s no way that…

…no, that’s not it. I shouldn’t have feelings for him…

My heart was racing, and I couldn’t help but feel curious about him. That’s what I felt at this time.