Popular High School Student Goes Home

“…….because I am, me?”

“Yes. Not Masato-senpai, they like you because Onii-chan is Onii-chan you know.”

Misaki says that to me while staring straight into my eyes.

“……but, why…….”

“Even if you wonder why, isn’t it just because Onii-chan is a person who deserved their love…..? I don’t have anything to back this up though.”

‘But this situation should be proof enough to you right’, Misaki continued with a grin. 

I don’t really doubt that but if I do, Suzuka and Reika……-san’s feelings should be proof enough for me huh.

“In the end, it’s up to Onii-chan right? Annnd, got it!”

“Ah, Oi! I bought that as a souvenir, you know?”

“Don’t be so strict! Here, I will share it with you.”

“Nnm…..Haa, even if you shared it, I was the one who bought that though…….”

I sighed after swallowing the sweets Misaki stuck in my mouth.

I mean, I understand what she is trying to do.

She probably tried to dispel the awkwardness and act like the talk’s finished.

While pretending to not notice her poor attempt at being considerate, I quietly whisper my gratitude.

“Thanks, Misaki.”

“Hmm? Did you say something?”

“No, I was just saying that it’s been a long time since my last visit.”

“Hmm, I think you definitely said something different but…..well, whatever.”

Maybe she heard it. Thinking so, I shyly looked out the window.

When the train exited the tunnel, I saw some trees with yellowish leaves on the mountain outside the window. It’s the signal that the season is changing.

Maybe autumn might come early.

Autumn.

Autumn of reading.

Autumn of exercises.

………Autumn of changes.

——

Approximately two hours after we were rocked by the bus, a familiar view finally spread out before me.

“It’s been only a few months but it sure feels nostalgic to be back huh……”

“What are you saying…….? Self monologue?”

“……aren’t you being kinda harsh?”

Misaki got off first.

This is the final stop and we are the last to get off the bus so we are not bothering anyone……we shouldn’t. Well, we bought package tickets instead of the one-off type so there really is no problem though.

Of the 6 tickets I bought, I rip out two and inserted them for the payment. Even though they always recommend us to pay with an IC card, I wonder why they don’t offer any discount for it at all.

While having such questions in my mind, I got off the bus.

“Hm? I thought that they said they would wait for us here though…..

Misaki says while looking around.

Our parents are supposed to pick us up here at the station. However, I found the answer to Misaki’s question when I looked at my smartphone.

“It seems that they are waiting for us near the boarding station instead. So……over there right?”

“Hmm….Ah, that’s right! Let’s go! Onii-chan!”