CH 50

(POV Kaito)

I once heard that diligent studying from an early age would pave the way for future success for children. Similarly, it was believed that children born into wealthy families had a higher likelihood of achieving wealth themselves. Regardless, it was said that early education for gifted children was important. 

Okay, let’s invite Chiaki and Chinatsu to study together.

The day was a leisurely afternoon, and with a sense of contentment and positivity, I thought they might be interested in studying if I asked them.

Right, let’s go buy some new textbooks. It’s a common occurrence that having new study materials naturally boosts motivation.

In the living room, the four girls were watching a TV show where they appraised various things.  In that moment, almost speaking to myself, I murmured:

“Shall we go shopping…”

“What?! Where? Where are we going?”

The first one to respond was, unsurprisingly, Chiaki. She was always the one who accompanied me shopping and willingly offered her help.

Well, she might have been motivated by the prospect of enjoying herself too.

Chiaki often joined me on shopping trips alone. After purchasing vegetables, meat, and other items from the supermarket, we would linger for a while.

“Come this way, come over here,” she would say, pulling my hand and leading me to the game corner or the junk food area. Then, she would eagerly point at things, her face brimming with desire.

“Well, It can’t be helped…” I would say.

Eating potatoes and soft serve ice cream, exchanging 100 yen for 12 coins that can only be used in the supermarket area, and having fun like a child.

Well, even if all the sisters were present, I would still be dragged to the game corner and such.

“What are we going to buy? I’ll carry the bags!” Chiaki said.

“Is that so? That would be helpful… I was thinking of going to buy some study reference books today.”

“…I’ll be staying home today after all.”

A sudden chill filled the air. She sat on the sofa, disinterested, and turned her gaze back to the television. Chinatsu also looked away, avoiding eye contact.

Right, what should I do about finding something Chinatsu would enjoy? She mentioned being interested in volleyball, so maybe I should buy a coaching book for volleyball and look up videos on websites…

But is it okay for me to do everything? Maybe I should hand her my smartphone and let her do the research herself…?

My head started to ache… The gaze of Chiharu and Chifuyu questioning what’s going on with me made me feel even more pressure, but I pressed my hand against my temple and tried to speed up my thinking.

I also need to consider Chiharu and Chifuyu, who are in fifth grade now… Their future prospects in life…

“K-Kaito-san? Your eyes are spinning around. A-are you okay?”

“I’m fine… My brain just overheated.”

“I don’t think that’s okay, though…?”

Chifuyu was truly kind. She directed her caring gaze toward me and always carried the plates during dinner.

She massaged my shoulders, suspecting that they might have been stiff.

Chiharu also helped by washing the bath, and occasionally applying pressure to specific points on my head. They were such good kids.

That’s why I want them to be happy. So, perhaps they should focus on their studies… 

It felt like my mind was caught in an endless cycle, with similar thoughts spinning relentlessly. Progress seemed impossible in this state. I didn’t want to push them too hard, yet I couldn’t help but hesitate about not pushing them enough. Was parenting truly this challenging?

Let’s take a moment to calm down. I need to approach this step by step and carefully consider my options. Sipping a cup of coffee, I pondered the matter slowly and thoughtfully. 

◆◆

(POV Kaito)

I pondered for a day, but couldn’t come up with any ideas. The surroundings grew dark, and I entered the bath and lay down in bed. It was supposed to be a precious holiday, yet I couldn’t do anything out of the ordinary. The four of them were enjoying their break, watching TV and playing cards.

While I searched for various hobbies and activities on my smartphone, someone knocked on the door. Was it Chiharu, Chinatsu, Chiaki, or Chifuyu? Who could it be?

“Come in,” I said.

“Fufufu, I have entered the room!”

It was Chiaki. She had a cheerful smile on her face, wearing her pajamas. She looked adorable.

Alright, let’s follow her lead.

“What’s the password?” I asked.

“Protein!” she replied.

“Very well.”

I wasn’t quite sure what was so “very well” about the situation, but sometimes it’s necessary to go with the flow of the moment. She hopped onto my bed with a thud.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“I wanted to talk! Just the two of us!”

She had an untroubled smile on her face. The room was enveloped in the warm glow of the dimmed lights. It was a bit difficult to see, but her smile sparkled within it.

“Talk…?”

“Yeah, lately, I’ve noticed your eyebrows raising like this!” She mimicked me, using both hands to lift the corners of her eyes, resembling a fox. It brought about a heartwarming feeling, and I became happy that she had come all the way here because she was concerned about me.

“I see. Thank you for caring…”

“What’s bothering you? I’m here to listen and give advice!”

“Is that so? Well, actually, I was thinking maybe it would be better to encourage Chiaki to study.”

“…”

“Just kidding. I don’t think that far. I was contemplating how I should interact with Chiaki and the others from now on.”

“I-I see… I was surprised…”

“Well, I do want you guys to study, though…”

“…”

Was studying really that detestable? Chiaki’s expression was one of disbelief, her mouth hanging open.

“Do you really hate studying that much?” 

“I don’t like it…” she replied.

“Well, it’s not exactly fun. But when I think about the future, I do want you to study a little,”

“The future…?” 

“Yes, that’s right. We don’t know what the future holds, but eventually, even if you leave the nest, whatever you choose to do…” 

Just as I was about to continue, Chiaki took hold of my hand.

“Don’t talk about leaving the nest…” she said.

“I’m sorry if it sounded strange. Don’t worry. It’s not something that will happen right away, and I have no intention of abandoning you or anything like that.”

“No… I don’t want it, even if it’s not right away. I want to be with Kaito and my sisters in this house forever!”

I had been thoughtless. I shouldn’t have casually mentioned things like the future, parting ways, or leaving the nest. I shouldn’t have said those things. These children are sensitive to such matters. I shouldn’t have engaged in discussions about intangible, anxiety-inducing topics.

“I’m sorry, that’s not what I meant. Please, trust me. I’ll keep my promise to always be together…”

“Really?”

“Of course.”

“I see… Well, that’s good… I was really surprised!”

“I’m sorry…”

“Well… then, can we… hug?”

“…Sure.”

Chiaki had tears welling up in her eyes. She easily gets teary-eyed. Once again, I felt the fragility of these children, who can become unstable in an instant. I gently embraced her and stroked her head with my right hand.

“Ehehe… Actually, I came here because I wanted to do this…”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah, it’s true that I was worried, but… when I mentioned going to get a hug from Kaito, Chifuyu stopped me and said it’s not appropriate to say things like that…”

“I see…”

Chiaki entrusted her weight to me, wrapping her short arms around my back, holding onto me as tightly as possible, unwilling to let go.

“Kaito, you know… I enjoy being able to express my selfishness every day. Having meals and baths is wonderful, but being able to speak my mind and dislike things openly brings me immense happiness…”

“I see…”

“You know… our birthdays are coming up soon…”

“I know. I saw it on the calendar.”

“Oh, right…”

“Let’s celebrate it grandly.”

“Yeah… thank you…”

Chiaki had calmed down completely, in stark contrast to earlier. I felt enveloped in her tranquility.

“Lately, when I think about you, Kaito, my heart feels a strange sensation…”

“Is that so?”

“It’s something I’ve never experienced before… but it’s too faint to understand clearly… However, it feels like there’s something as small as the sound of a bell ringing there.”

“I see…”

“But I have a feeling that if we stay together, I’ll eventually understand its true nature.”

“I see…”

“That’s why I want to be with you, to learn more and more… Promise me again!”

“Yes, we’ll be together. Promise.”

“Ehehe, I did it…”

She pressed her head firmly against my chest, nuzzling and embracing me with even greater force than before. After a few minutes, seemingly satisfied, she released her hold on me.

“Well, I should go back to my room soon! Chifuyu will get mad if I don’t!”

“R-Right. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight!”

She left the room with her usual high energy. She’s cute, honest, and pure, yet there’s a fragility and a sense of maturity about her. That’s just who she is.

I want to protect that smile…

Lying down, lost in such thoughts, the night grew late, and before I knew it, I had fallen asleep…

****************

TN: I forgot to say that according to the comments I would continue translating Chifuyu’s POVs like I always did