CH 43

15-18 minutes 28.05.2023

(POV Kaito)

My body felt light and fluffy, almost weightless. 

I found myself standing in front of the entrance of a house, completely oblivious to how I got there. The sky above was bathed in a soft pink hue, and whimsical bubbles danced in the air around me. What was this? It was as if I had stumbled into some bizarre fairyland from an anime or something…..

Anyway, I decided to go inside my house that was right in front of me. I unlocked the door and stepped inside.

“Welcome back! Kaito!”

“Welcome home, Kaito-san.”

“Welcome back, Kaito-san.”

“Welcome back, Onii-san.”

As I entered the house, Chiharu and the others greeted me warmly. It made me really happy, but I couldn’t help but wonder why they were all wearing gym clothes. They had short-sleeved shirts and shorts dominated by red, which seemed comfortable for moving around. It felt like I had worn similar clothes in the past.

“Kaito! You must be tired! Would you like dinner? Would you like a bath? Or perhaps….. would you like me (ware ka)?” Chiaki said

“Where did you learn that? You’re still too young for that…”

“Wait, I’m the one who will be comforting Kaito-san!” Chinatsu interjected.

“No, it’s Chifuyu!” Chifuyu added.

“Alright then, let’s compromise and choose me.” Chiharu chimed in.

What is this place? Am I dreaming? This light and fluffy sensation, the pink ambiance all around, and the soap bubbles. It must be a dream.

A dreamy performance.

“Kaito! Choose me, and you’ll experience pure bliss!”

“I think it’s better if you choose me, Kaito-san.”

“Chifuyu would be really happy….if you chose me.”

“Onii-san…”

“Hey, hey! Today, it’s me!”

“What? It’s me!”

“Lately, Chifuyu hasn’t had many turns.”

“…Let’s compromise and choose me.”

Am I somehow responsible for having such a dream?

“Hey! Kaito! Choose me!”

Chiaki exclaimed. In her hand, she held a melon soda. Surprisingly, she had a tasuki (a sash) over her gym uniform, on which was written:

“Personification of Melon Soda.”

With her usual smile, she attempted to hand me the melon soda with a thumbs-up. However, Chiaki was being interrupted by Chinatsu… or rather…

“Personification of Lemon Sour.”

“What are you talking about? Kaito-san’s mood today is Lemon Sour!” Chinatsu retorted.

Just like Chiaki, Chinatsu also had a tasuki (a sash), displaying the words “Personification of Lemon Sour.” She reached out her hand, holding a Lemon Sour, towards me. Perhaps she wanted me to take it.

“T-take Chifuyu’s…”

Suddenly, I realized that beside Chinatsu, or rather, the Personification of Lemon Sour, was Chifuyu… or rather…

“Personification of Kyoho Wine.”

She was diligently pouring wine into a glass and offering it to me with a determined look on her face.

“Kaito-san… This…”

“Ah, thank you…”

“Huh? Kaito, you’re choosing wine? Not me?”

“No, Chiaki… I mean, no, Personification of Melon Soda. That’s not what I meant.”

“Huh? K-Kaito-san?”

P-Please don’t look at me like that, Chifuyu… No, I mean, the Personification of Kyoho Wine. Especially recently… I can’t help but worry…

“Onii-san, you’ll choose me, right?”

“C-Chiharu…”

In her gym uniform, Chiharu also had a tasuki, displaying the familiar words “Personification of Peach Chuhai.”

“Shall we have a sip, mouth-to-mouth?”

“N-No, it’s fine to drink it normally…”

“I see. Then, go ahead and take a big gulp.”

“W-Well…”

“Huh? You will drink it, won’t you?”

“H-Hold on a moment…”

Even if they say it so casually, I can’t drink something I can’t drink. What is this? This dream… It’s starting to feel tense, with a rather strained atmosphere between the sisters. I don’t want to see such things, even in a dream.

This must be dream; please wake me up.

“…Onii-san, you won’t choose anyone, huh?”

“What a shame. It’s a freshly bought, refreshing Lemon Sour from the convenience store.”

“Kaito… We promised to drink Melon Soda together every day.”

“Wine is the elixir of kings, you know.”

Somehow, the atmosphere among the four sisters grew increasingly somber. As a consequence, the once vibrant pink ambiance in the room faded away, and the soap bubbles began to vanish, one by one.

Then, with a sudden thud, the floor at the entrance vanished, revealing a dark abyss that sent shivers down my spine.

“Eeeek?!” 

I let out an inarticulate scream as I found myself plunging into the void. Down and down I went, feeling a strange sensation of weightlessness in my lower back, reminiscent of a roller coaster ride.

“Uaaaahhhhh!!!” 

I screamed once more as a sharp pain shot through my back. In that moment, I snapped back to consciousness, bewildered. I glanced around, confirming my own disheveled appearance, as I realized I was still in my pajamas, back in the familiar confines of my own room. It seemed like I had fallen off the bed.

When I checked the time, it was exactly my usual waking hour, so I opened the curtains and let the sunlight pour in. And then, I started reflecting back on my dream.

What a dream it was…

“K-Kaito-san?” 

“Uh, Wine… no, I mean Chifuyu. Good morning,” I replied.

“Um, good morning… Wi-wine?” she questioned.

“Yeah, sorry. Just slipped out. Don’t mind me. By the way, you’re up early today. Impressive,” 

“N-No, it’s not like I…,” 

It seemed that she had come into the room because she heard the sound of me falling off the bed. I appreciated her concern. Chifuyu was truly amazing and diligent. She looked well-groomed, with her eyes wide open. She was such a hardworking and straightforward girl.

“Don’t push yourself too hard, okay?” I advised.

“A-alright” 

“Alright then, I’ll do my best as well and go make breakfast.”

Saying that, I straightened my back ever so slightly. Chifuyu gave me a concerned look, as if asking if my back was okay. She truly was a kind-hearted girl.

To have such a kind-hearted daughter…

…I wonder if it’s not good to keep pretending not to notice forever.

I couldn’t help but think that for a moment, but I realized that I couldn’t say anything. Therefore, I chose not to acknowledge it.

…I’m sorry.

I simply didn’t have the courage or qualifications to step into that territory.

◆◆

(POV Chiharu)

“Are you okay? Chifuyu?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

Currently, our physical education class was in full swing as we prepared for the upcoming individual track and field race in the sports festival. The sports festival encompassed class competitions, individual competitions, and even parent-child competitions.

In the class competition, we had a relay race, and in the individual competition, we had a track race. The distance for both races was the same, with the only difference being the presence or absence of a baton.

It was simply running around the track. The parent-child competition was the same, where parents and children held hands and ran around the track. I felt like there were not many options, but apparently these were traditional events for fifth graders.

Unfortunately, Chifuyu couldn’t actively participate in the practice due to a strained leg muscle. Nevertheless, she changed into her gym uniform and stood in line with the rest of the students, observing their running. I wished to advise her not to overexert herself, but knowing Chifuyu’s diligent nature, I intentionally held back from uttering those words. 

At this moment, Chiaki and Chinatsu were running on the track. Chiaki was far ahead. Chinatsu was putting in effort but was running a little behind. She swung her arms with all her might.

“It’s impressive how fast she is, as always.” Chifuyu said.

“Yeah, you’re right.”

“Natsu-nee also has great determination.”

“And Chifuyu is so diligent and cute.”

“Thnx…”

Chifuyu gave out a wry smile, perhaps feeling embarrassed by the compliment.

“…I actually wanted to win the race and receive praise from Kaito-san.”

“If it’s Oniisan, I think he’ll praise your efforts.”

“True, but…”

The process and the outcome are both important. That much is clear. Onii-san always acknowledges our hard work, and it used to be enough for her. However, now it seems like she wants to be recognized for achieving exceptional results.

Is it really that great to be number one?

I know that Chifuyu is conscious of Onii-san. However, I started to question whether that’s such a good thing. Onii-san is a good person, but I’ve never felt the desire to be the best or to be treated as something special by him.

I have a Mama side to me after all.

“I’m going to ask Mom to buy me something as a reward if I come in first in the race.”

“Oh, really? What are you going to ask for?”

“The Gourmet Spizer (toy).”

“Oh, I see.”

I couldn’t help but overhear the conversation from beside me. It seemed like Chifuyu didn’t really want materialistic things from Oniisan like the other children. Maybe it was about the feeling… Is this what they call growing up—wanting things like that?

“Hey!”

Chiaki, who had finished running, dashed towards us. She had a cheerful smile on her face, trying to uplift Chifuyu, who couldn’t run.

“Jajajaan! The Red-White Man!”

Chiaki raised her red and white hat, positioning the brim to point towards the sky. Then she placed it on her head, looking just like some kind of hero.

I speculate that Chiaki is doing this to uplift Chifuyu’s spirits as her older sister.

“Fu, it’s a bit funny, you know.” Chifuyu said.

“Huh? Really!?”

“Just a bit, though.”

“Yay!”

As the three of us gathered together, Chinatsu, panting heavily and swaying, approached us.

“I-it’s tough… This Rising-Sun is tough.” Chinatsu said.

“You’ve worked hard… Natsu-nee.” Chifuyu added.

“Fuh, thank you for cheering me on… Thanks to that, I was able to give it my all… Huff, huff.”

“No need to thank me. I want you to rest… Here, lean on my shoulder.”

“It’s fine, you, um, you injured your leg, right?”

“You actually look more seriously injured than Chifuyu…”

Chifuyu had been cheering for Chinatsu the whole time, which is admirable. It’s also admirable that Chinatsu noticed and thanked Chifuyu properly. Chiaki is cute and admirable too, and Chiftsu is admirable too. I feel like I could keep praising them endlessly, so let’s stop here.

“Here, let me lend you my shoulder,” I said.

“Ah, thank you. But you don’t have to go to such lengths,” Chinatsu replied.

Chinatsu stood up on her own. She really struggled with the sun, but she didn’t want to show her sloppy side as an older sister in front of Chifuyu.

“Chifuyu, let’s play that game,” Chiaki exclaimed.

“…Akinee gets upset when she loses,” Chifuyu hesitated.

“That won’t happen! That won’t happen!”

“Well, then… just a little bit,” Chifuyu finally agreed.

Chiaki was making sure that Chifuyu wasn’t bored being alone… I’m going to cry. Chiaki then, clenched her fists and held them up, mimicking a crab’s shell. She wanted to play the game where you say numbers and simultaneously raise your thumbs (a game called Isse-no).

Indeed, it was the perfect game, combining a pastime effect and moving the body without exerting too much effort.

“Ah! One more time!”

“Ah, okay…”

“Mmm! One more time!”

“…”

“Just now, you intentionally lost! As the Oneechan here, I can see that!” Chiaki said.

“S-Sorry…” Chifuyu apologized.

“One more time!”

“Stop it, it’s embarrassing. You won’t be able to beat Fuyu no matter how many times you try.” Chinatsu suddenly interjected.

“Huh?”

“Fuyu, I’ll be your opponent.”

Saying that, Chinatsu clasped her hands together, forming a shape resembling a crab’s shell. Perhaps she wanted to join in on the fun she saw the two of them having, or maybe she simply wanted to interact with Chifuyu. Or maybe it was a combination of those feelings and her consideration for Chifuyu.

“Hehe, brace yourself. Aki is the weakest among us four sisters. You’ll regret it if you underestimate me,” Chinatsu said mysteriously, extending her hand.

Chifuyu also extended her hand, forming a shape like a crab’s shell.

“”Isseeno!””

And so, the competition between the two began.

“Fu, not bad. But this will be a best out of three.”

“Yes, understood.”

“…The number three is unlucky. Let’s make it a five-round match.”

“…”

“You intentionally lost just now, didn’t you? I know it!”

“S-Sorry…”

Chinatsu’s admirable qualities of being competitive and honest shone through. It’s easy to interact with her because she takes things seriously, and it’s heartwarming to watch her and be around her. Chifuyu’s smile is gradually returning as well.

“Well then, shall we have a final match with Oneechan?” I suggested.

“With Haru-nee…?” 

“Yes. Don’t worry, it’ll just be one round,” I reassured.

“Let’s go.”

Chifuyu and I didn’t usually compete against each other, except when it came to studying. However, recently Chifuyu hadn’t been paying much attention to my scores.

I didn’t bring it up since she didn’t seem to care, but I had been losing quite frequently. As the eldest sister, I made a conscious effort not to show that I was falling behind because it was my responsibility.

With tests already causing me to lag behind, I couldn’t afford to lose this one.

“”Isseeno!””

And so, an intense psychological battle began. But, I’m sorry.

“Huh? D-Did I lose?” Chifuyu said.

“It was a close one.”

“Can we play again!?”

“Of course.”

There was a surefire strategy for this match. It’s because I’ve been observing my sister’s behavior as an older sister, so I can more or less anticipate her thoughts. Of course, I don’t know everything, but in games like this, I have almost absolute confidence that I won’t lose.

“Um, H-how come…” Chifuyu mumbled.

“Haru is good at keeping a poker face, just like me.” Chinatsu said.

“No, it’s not like Chinatsu, it’s more like me.” Chiaki interjected.

“No, I can figure you out in seconds.” Chinatsu added

–In conclusion, all the sisters in our family were sore losers.

It’s natural for siblings to have similarities in their thoughts, preferences, and even their personalities. Like the way we all have those stubborn morning bedhead hair or the same fiery competitive nature.

It’s not that I dislike it, actually. I quite like it.

“Haru-nee is too strong…”

“Well, I’m the Oneechan. It’s only natural.”

“Can we play one more time!”

“Alright.”

“I’ll join the battle too!”

“Then count me in as well.”

“Alright.”

Oh, right, this was during our physical education class. I completely forgot about that. Well, it’s fine. It’s okay to skip it occasionally, right…..

◆◆

(POV Kaito)

During my lunch break at work, while I was engrossed in reading a book about delicious bento boxes that remain tasty even when cold, Sasaki approached me and started talking.

“What are you looking at?”

“I’m planning the bentos I’ll make for the sports day (sports festival).”

“Once again, indulging in your ‘sugar daddy’ tendencies, huh?”

“…Hey, cut it out with that kind of language.”

“I mean it in a good way, though.”

“Just because you add ‘in a good way’ doesn’t mean you can say anything, you know.”

Choosing to disregard Sasaki’s remark, I focused my attention on the task at hand–selecting the most enticing recipe from the vast array of options available.

However, there might be no need to force myself to choose from the book. After all, there were classic options that could be recreated by drawing inspiration from them.

Karaage (Japanese fried chicken), tamagoyaki (rolled omelette), asparagus bacon rolls, and tako-san wiener (octopus-shaped sausages).

As I browsed through the book, I couldn’t help but be intrigued by how various dishes, not mentioned in its pages, came to mind. It was intriguing how I was being influenced by the book, and yet, it’s possible that my own preferences and desires are also reflected in these ideas.

Perhaps it would be better to have the opinions of the four girls to decide what they wanted to eat. 

***********

TN: for anime lovers, most would know this but in the “Would you like dinner? Would you like a bath? Or perhaps….. would you like me” expression that Chiaki says, It normally ends with Watashi? Which means me but since Chiaki is a Chuunibyu she said Wareka? Which also means me.