CH 17

Chapter 17: - June 13 (Saturday): On The Train Back Home

After parting ways with Otozui, I boarded the train to return home.

The location was still the same as usual, at the front of the first car.

I guess it was a habit of mine to stand here, even when I was alone.

Then someone called out to me.

“Hello, Onii-San.”

“Yo, Yuika Yuibana.”

“We see each other a lot today.”

“Yeah.”

I didn’t get a good look at her earlier, but now I see that Yuika was also dressed up properly.

I found the length of her flared skirt to be exquisitely cute.

“You look great in that dress.”

“Wow. Onii-San complimented someone so naturally.”

“That’s because I have improved my ability to give compliments.”

“And you said the same thing to your junior. I’m not impressed.”

“… No, I couldn’t have said it better myself.”

“That’s no good.”

Praising was more difficult than I thought it would be.

However, Otozui was in a good mood today, and for the time being, I was able to avoid a red mark. (T/N: red mark=failure)

I remembered what happened at the park.

“I only saw her for a little while, but your senior seems to be a solid person.”

“Yes. She’s a college student now, but she was the head of our school club last year and she’s really good at drawing.”

She was the head of the club last year, which meant she was a freshman in college and nineteen years old.

She looked more mature for it, though. …

“Are you in the art club, Yuika?”

“No, I’m in the computer graphics club.”

“Really? So you’re doing digital illustrations?”

“I do sketches and stuff, so it’s similar to what I do.”

Yuika took out her smartphone and showed an illustration.

The image on it was of a cute mascot character.

I was also interested in design, as I worked at an advertising agency doing flyers and campaigns.

Although I couldn’t draw…

”But you are good at socializing. Your senior suddenly asked you out.” 

“Yes. We were talking about movies, and suddenly she suggested we go to the outlet mall. It’s always like this.”

“That’s tough.”

“I don’t think so. … I have a habit of going along with others, so I admire people like you.”

Then Yuika’s expression shadowed her usual dull face.

The change was so slight that any other person would have overlooked it.

I must have been able to notice that Yuika was depressed because we talked a lot.

“The fact that you can fit in with others means that you have good communication skills. Isn’t that a good thing?”

“Communicative power is not something that makes you an accessory to others.”

“… I don’t think so.”

“Onii-San wouldn’t understand.’

Yuika looked down at me.

I would envy her high level of communicative ability, but apparently Yuika does not.

However, everyone’s problems were different.

I’ll give you a little encouragement with my cool words.

“Hmmm… …Well, it’s … …”

“I’m trying to say something nice, but you’re coughing like an old man.”

""

“Shut up.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

I turned my head around to talk to her again.

“I … that … that’s right …”

“Keep your conclusions short.”

“I know. Don’t tease me.”

“I’ll do my best.”

I finally gathered up what I wanted to say and continued.

“Well, … that … I’m grateful to Yuika.”

I tried my best to choose the right words, but she didn’t say anything, just stared at my face.

“Say something. Y-You’re embarrassing me.”

“I’m sorry. I just thought Onii-San has grown-up.”

“You’re looking down on me.”

“Well, physically, from below.”

That’s right. She is always so cocky.

But I was relieved to hear the usual way Yuika spoke.

–Muni~

Yuika grabbed my arm.

So even if it was not morning, I was still a stanchion pole.

“Hey. Did it go well with your junior?”

Talking casually, Yuika squeezed my arm.

This was different from her usual rubbing gesture, but I didn’t care and answered her question.

“Our struggle is just beginning.”

“Yeah. I understand.”

Yuika rubbed my arm as if to encourage me.

I got muni’d three times in a row, the most I ever had.

When I looked at her, her face showed a gentle expression

I wonder if my words  relieved her anxiety.

I didn’t think my words had any effect on her, but I wanted her to stay as normal as possible, so I was happy about that.

Then she suddenly pulled out her phone.

“Hey, let’s exchange LINE.”

■――Afterword――■

Next time, the second half of the climax will be from Yuika’s point of view.