CH 44

16-20 minutes 28.05.2023

(POV Kaito)

On this day, I rose from my sleep earlier than usual, approximately one hour and thirty minutes ahead of my typical routine. Two compelling reasons urged me to do so: One was that I had to make bento boxes. The other was to secure a good spot for the sports day viewing section.

Sports Day was also a battlefield for parents to secure their spots. It was all about finding the best vantage point and ensuring your cheers echoed loud and clear. If you arrived late to claim your spot, your territory would shrink, and you would end up in a less favorable position towards the back.

I didn’t want the girls to eat their bento lunch in an uncomfortable spot. That’s why I woke up early in the morning, got in the car, and headed to the school, planning to secure our territory with a blue sheet. However, I had to strike a balance and not take up too much space, as it would come off presumptuous. So, it was crucial to secure just the right amount of space, ensuring a sense of peace of mind.

This seemed to be a common practice or tradition among parents during sports days.

Even though the sun hadn’t fully risen, there were already a considerable number of people around the school’s track. This wouldn’t do. I had to find a spot as soon as possible.

I thought I would be the first one to arrive, but it seemed that there were plenty of adversaries.

I laid a blue sheet near the track and placed heavy stones on it to prevent it from being blown away by the wind.

Indeed, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the battle for securing a spot was the unofficial prelude to the sports day.

As I was laying out the sheet, one after another, other parents barged in. They claimed their spots, one after the other, and the prime positions in the front became scarce.

And those who arrived late wore a crestfallen expression as they made desperate phone calls.

“Sorry, couldn’t find a spot.”

“Sigh! I told you to wake up early and come, didn’t I?”

Why were there so many dads competing for spots? And why were they blamed by their wives when they couldn’t secure one? It was a bit pitiful.

Since I didn’t have a wife, I couldn’t quite understand, but it must have been a difficult feeling to explain.

As a victorious member of the “secured spot” group, I left those people behind and returned home for a while.

■

I coated the chicken thighs that I marinated yesterday with batter. Originally, I had planned to add plenty of garlic, but I thought the girl might be conscious about the food, so I decided to go easy on the garlic.

The four lunchbox staples—smiley potato fries, Tako-san wiener (octopus-shaped sausages), fried chicken, and tamagoyaki (rolled omelet)—were the requested lineup for the lunchbox draft. They were the ultimate classics, making it an all-star ensemble of lunchbox choices.

I felt like there wasa bit too much fried food, but it couldn’t be helped since it wa for the sports day. I planned to include boiled broccoli as a side dish.

As I efficiently worked in the kitchen, the living room door swung open.

“Kaito! Good morning!”

“Good morning.”

It was a common for children to wake up early for special events. I even remember myself being wide awake in the morning for school trips or sports festivals as well. It was a familiar experience.

Chiaki was likely experiencing the same sensation. She changed into her gym uniform, tidied up her appearance, and was the first to arrive in this room. Chiharu, Chinatsu, and Chifuyu followed suit as soon as Chiaki arrived. 

“Kaito, what’s for breakfast?”

“It’s the leftovers for your lunchbox. Expect treats like fried chicken and rolled omelet.”

“Ooooh!”

This was a familiar routine on sports days. Breakfast unexpectedly transformed into a lavish feast, featuring the remaining lunchbox contents. I carefully plated the food and arranged it on the table.

“Wow! Fried chicken for breakfast!” Chiaki exclaimed.

“Aki-nee, be careful not to eat too much and end up unable to move.” Chifuyu said.

“I know!”

It’s delightful to see them enjoy the food so much.

After finishing their meal, the four of them proceeded to brush their teeth at the washbasin again. They put on the cleaned red-white hats, hung pink water bottles from their shoulders, and were fully prepared.

It was the first time I bid farewell to the four of them in their gym uniforms, usually it was their school bag-clad figures that I saw off.

“Take care! I’ll be waiting for you!” Chiaki said.

“Oniisan, I’m off!” Chiharu said.

“Kaito-san, I’m off!” Chinatsu said

“Kaito-san, we’ll be waiting for you…” Chifuyu said.

The four of them dashed off energetically. Now, it was time for me to resume my tasks, which included preparing the camera, finalizing the lunchbox arrangements, and other necessary preparations.

I got back to work.

■

The schoolyard buzzed with excitement. I positioned myself at the very front, setting up the camera stand and making all the necessary preparations to capture video footage at any moment.

Indeed, this spot on the blue sheet I set up in the morning could be considered the optimal position. It offered a clear view and almost guaranteed stunning shots.

First up was the opening ceremony.

The students divided themselves into red and white teams, lining up in formation. Since Chiharu and the others were all on the red team and positioned nearby, I could capture the four of them in the frame.

Chiaki secretly waved her hand towards me. How cute. I waved back in return. Chifuyu also waved at me, so I waved while quickly taking a snapshot with my smartphone. Using both the video camera and my phone, I recorded this fleeting and precious moment.

As soon as the opening ceremony concluded, the competitions began immediately. The students gathered together and split into their respective teams, rallying their support for their own side.

Here, I could only watch from a distance, unable to reach or intervene. During events where the other students competed, I would focus my camera on the four girls as they cheered, and when it was time for the class competitions, I would capture the four of them in action.

That was all I could do. I would just cheer from this location, uncertain if my cheers would reach their intended recipients. Yet, it was strange how naturally I became anxious and felt my palms sweat.

After some time, it was Chiharu and the others’ turn to compete. However, Chifuyu dedicated herself to cheering from the sidelines.

Since injuring her leg, Chifuyu has refrained from strenuous activities. But just to be careful, she decided not to run this time. Taking into account that she was still recovering and considering the possibility of a delayed healing process, Chifuyu made her decision.

While her classmates and her sisters ran ahead, she alone couldn’t participate. It was her own choice not to run, but I wondered what thoughts were going through her mind right now.

I felt joy watching Chiharu and the others give their all in the relay race. However, I also longed to see Chifuyu run. I simply wanted to witness her determination, see her push through the race, and see her wear a refreshed smile, even if she ended up tired.

―What a shame.

That’s what I thought. Amidst the usual jumble of thoughts swirling in my mind, one particular thought naturally took precedence. There were plenty of other things to consider and obligations to attend to. However, they all seemed to fade away and vanish, leaving only that single thought lingering.

What a shame. That’s simply how I felt.

Now, Chiharu and the others were running in the sprint race. Once it was over, without thinking, I found myself standing up from the blue sheet. Then, instinctively, I moved away from that spot and headed towards the area where the cheering students were gathered.

I took a detour around the schoolyard, making my way towards Chifuyu. I felt like there was something I had to say to her.

With each step, I weaved my way through the dispersing crowd, as the fervor intensified with the commencement of the next grade’s competitions. Skillfully evading the multitude of people, I eventually reached the designated cheering section, where Chifuyu and the others were supposed to be. Yet, to my surprise, Chifuyu was nowhere to be found. 

Chiaki and the others are here, but Chifuyu is missing.

“Oh, Kaito! “

“Good job out there. Sorry to ask suddenly, but do you know where Chifuyu went?” 

“Hmm… Wait, she was here just a moment ago,” Chiaki responded.

“Do Chinatsu and Chiharu know anything?” I asked.

“I have no idea either. She was here until recently,” Chinatsu said.

“Me too…. I’ll go look for her right away,” Chiharu said.

“No I’ll go, you three should take a break. There are more events to come, right?”

The three of them nodded in agreement.

It hadn’t been much time since she went missing. Did she go to pick flowers or simply wander off? There were various possibilities, but for now, the most important thing was to find her.

◆◆

(POV Chifuyu)

Chifuyu stood just a little distance away from the cheering section, observing the bustling activity. 

Everyone is running, and I understand that it can’t be helped. However, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of dissatisfaction.

I overheard it. A conversation among some kids.

“Chiaki-chan ran twice, so we won, right?”

I heard it. It was the voices of kids from another class and another grade. Chifuyu didn’t run, so it was decided that Chiaki would run twice.

It’s not like it’s an unavoidable situation. I understand, and it’s not entirely a bad thing. I’m aware that, regardless of how I feel, it can’t be helped. It’s an undeniable truth.

Ah, it’s frustrating.

Being spoken of like that makes me feel empty. To be thought of as someone unnecessary in this situation…

It was just a school sports competition, a trivial battle between the red and white teams.

If I could simply dismiss it as unimportant and insignificant, perhaps I could avoid feeling that sense of emptiness, too.

However, Chifuyu couldn’t bring herself to dismiss it that way, not when my sisters had worked so hard, striving to better themselves every day. It was impossible for me to belittle their efforts.

Chiduyu wouldn’t cry, it wasn’t worth shedding tears. But within my heart, a weariness swirled, even though I wasn’t physically exerting myself. Chifuyu felt like saying that it was all meaningless. I had heard that it was dangerous to start talking to oneself, as it could reflect a precarious state of mind, but what difference did it make?

Chifuyu was leaning against the school building, at the back of the school. The sound of cheers reached me from the schoolyard. It all seemed pointless, since I couldn’t participate anyway. I wondered if it was fine to just stay here and continue resting for a while before returning to the team’s camp.

I simply took a moment to calm my emotions and clear my thoughts.

“Chifuyu…”

A voice reached my ears, a comforting, deep voice. Despite the loud cheers that should have been coming from the large schoolyard, this particular voice resonated intensely in my eardrums.

“K-Kaito-san… W-Why are you here?”

“Huh? Um… I guess I just felt like it…”

“I-Is that so…”

I couldn’t help but feel taken aback by his unexpected approach and the ensuing conversation. It seemed that Kaito-san had come here on a whim, his furrowed brows hinting at his search for a plausible explanation. 

Kaito-san also leaned against the school building.

I felt as though the loud cheers were fading away. Here we were, leaning against the school building, secluded in the shade, with a sense of warmth that wasn’t chilly but rather made me suddenly feel a bit flushed.

In this situation, I didn’t want to be wearing a gym uniform. I wanted to wear fashionable clothes with earrings and maybe even a beret on my head.

“… K-Kaito-san, is it okay for you to not watch the copetition?”

“It’s fine for now. I didn’t come here for the sports day; I came to see Chiharu, Chinatsu, Chiaki, and Chifuyu. The rest doesn’t matter.”

“I-I see… I understand.”

“I don’t want you to misunderstand, but I’m disappointed.”

“Huh?”

“I wanted to see Chifuyu run, participate in the events… Seeing Chiharu and the others was great, but it just feels lacking without Chifuyu.”

“…”

“W-Well, it’s difficult for me to say these things, and it’s a little embarrassing… But your cheering was amazing. Not everyone can cheer for others who are doing their best, even when they can’t participate themselves.”

“…”

“I couldn’t do it. I mentioned it before when we talked about volleyball, but I had this habit of holding back my support when I saw others shining. I couldn’t cheer sincerely. But Chifuyu was different. Your cheering looked radiant.”

This person has given me so much. 

Not just clothes, food, baths, and a place to sleep, but also a sense of security, warmth, TV, the unknown, traveling… and feelings—it’s not just material things. I’ve been continuously receiving from this person.

I received love from this person. 

That’s why I fell in love with him.

“So, um… I don’t really know how to put it into words… It’s complicated. I’m disappointed that Chifuyu couldn’t participate, but at the same time, it was nice to see Chifuyu’s good qualities. I mean, it’s not something that can be summed up in a single phrase, but yeah, that’s the general feeling, I guess?” 

I fell in love with this person, who is clumsy and fumbling, but always there for me.

“I understand what you’re trying to say, Kaito-san… Thank you very much.”

“I-I see.”

As if the emotions from earlier had been washed away, I no longer felt overwhelmed by those indescribable feelings.

I… I had thought about various things, but now I’ve forgotten them.

“Um… You know, for the parent-child event, would it be okay if we did it with me carrying Chifuyu on my back?”

“Huh?”

“Well, if we’re supposed to hold hands and go around the track, then carrying on the back should be the same, right? I mean, unless you don’t want to attract attention. But if Chifuyu wants to participate in some event, I think that could be an option.”

“I’m not sure… It might be a bit much for Chifuyu.”

“Should we ask the school about it? They probably won’t refuse outright, so if they say it’s okay, what will you do?”

“…”

…I had a desire to participate in the events. I didn’t want to stay in the shadows forever.

So…

◆◆

(POV Chifuyu)

“K-Kaito-san…”

“Y-yes, it’s a bit embarrassing…”

I waited atop Kaito-san’s back for the next parent-child pair to arrive on the relay race track. The fierce battle between the red and white teams continued.

Currently, Chifuyu and the others on the red team were slightly ahead in this event. Nonetheless, arrying someone on your back clearly attracted attention. It was quite embarrassing…

“Oooh! Kaito, Chifuyu, do your best!” Chiaki cheered.

“I never expected such a hidden move…” Chinatsu said.

“Oniisan, you have a broad perspective… and I’m quite envious of the piggyback ride…” Chiharu added.

My sisters were cheering us on. M-Maybe I should have declined after all. If he thinks I’m heavy or something, I’ll probably die of embarrassment.

“K-Kaito-san, um, am I… not too heavy?”

“You’re lighter than cotton candy, so don’t worry.”

What a gentleman… He must think I’m a little heavy, even though he said that.

“When the baton comes, Chifuyu, please take it.”

“Y-Yes!”

The sun’s light poured down, and the schoolyard buzzed with excitement. Despite all the noise, it felt like we were in our own little world.

I received the baton, and Kaito-san started running. I held onto his shoulders, making sure not to fall. The voices around us, the whispers, and the judgments—none of it mattered in this moment.

I could see this person running his hardest from a closer distance than anyone else. That was all I needed.

“Huff… huff… Well done, Chifuyu.”

“Kaito-san, great job…”

“Heh, as expected of Kaito! I shall perform seppuku (suicide)!” Chiaki said.

“What you want to say is kanpuku (admiration).” Chinatsu corrected her.

“Great job to both Chifuyu and Oniisan.”

After finishing the run, Kaito-san was catching his breath with me still on his shoulders when Aki-nee, Natsu-nee, and Haru-nee approached. Carrying a child while running had surely exhausted him.

I wanted to say something more, but I couldn’t say it here.

“Kaito! I want to ride in the Kaito-vehicle too!” Chiaki said.

“…O-Of course, that’s fine.” Kaitosan replied.

“Yay!”

“Hey, Aki, don’t ask for unreasonable things.” Chinatsu reproached.

“Chi-Chinatsu, I’ll be fine…”

They were going to run three more times, but I wondered if Kaito-san would be okay. I’ll cheer him on with all my might. Kaito-san, along with Aki-nee, headed back to the starting point.

I won’t forget the expression he had just now. I won’t forget his words either.

It was a story he had never told anyone before, except to Chifuyu. It was Kaito-san’s story, something only for Chifuyu.

Kaito-san said not being able to cheer was his flaw, but that was surely just a normal thing. Everyone is like that, everyone has flaws.

Chifuyu is the same. There was a part of me that couldn’t fully support other people.

I want to know more about your flaws and secrets.

And I want it to be something only for Chifuyu… I struggled in my head while thinking such embarrassing thoughts like that.