Volume 1 - CH 11

I don’t get it. I don’t get it at all. Wataru, myself, and everybody else. Why do I have to feel this irritated and gloomy? It’s all that guy’s fault.

We switched seats in the classroom. I ended up a seat behind me, and that guy ended up in the very front, the seat right next to the hallway. I was happy and relieved to know that things would be a bit more quiet now, and I was looking forward to him being called out by the teacher more.

So, why? Why does it feel so uncomfortable? I’m sitting on my seat, not bothering anybody. I talk with people if I feel like it, and am alone when I feel like it. I’m doing exactly as I please, and yet…?

Kei ended up right behind that guy, and from day one, she started talking more and more with him. When I saw him getting annoyed, I realized that he really treated me in a special way. But, that was only the case in the beginning.

He’s got someone he knows close to him. That’s why it makes sense that they would talk more frequently, and get along. However, I don’t have anybody like that around me. That’s why Kei would often make time to talk to me. Especially during recess, which brightens up my mood a lot. There’s even other people slowly starting to talk to me. At the same time, that guy started talking to me less.

One day when I was walking to school, he happened to be in front of me. Out of a whim, I called out to him. I panicked, but he kept walking on ahead almost like he didn’t hear me. I got a bit annoyed at that, and grabbed him by the collar, only for his face to appear right in front of me. I mean, who wouldn’t be surprised at that? I happened to shove my bag onto him because I didn’t know how else to react.

‘What a harsh way of showing your affection…

‘W-What are you talking about!? There’s no way that—’

We finally talked again. Wataru’s idiotic comments and words had me speak more sharply as well. This exchange felt warm and comfortable, and even as I was insulting him, I felt my mouth slowly change shape into a smile. And yet, Wataru turned his back towards me, almost as if to forcefully break up the conversation.

Wait.

I could have just said that, and yet whenever I’m dealing with Wataru, I end up doing everything much more forcefully. There, for the first time, I saw something like anger in his expression. Since this never happened before, I grew scared, and could only respond in a quiet voice. We did walk to school together after that, but we barely spoke anything…and for some reason, I couldn’t really motivate myself to do anything that day.

A few days later, there were some suspicious seniors on my way to school. They stood on both sides of the street, which left me too scared to walk past them, when that guy and his older sister appeared. Unlike him, she’s actually calm and very cool…For a second, I doubted if they were actually related by blood, but seeing that guy’s tactless attitude, it felt like really were brother and sister. I wouldn’t want it to escalate like that, but maybe I could build up a relationship similar to it with Airi as well.

Because of that odd situation, we just somehow ended up walking to school together, but it’s been a few days since I actually talked to that guy. Like our previous conversation had been a lie, it was the same usual Wataru. But, why would he act like I was some cold-hearted girl…There’s no way I’d just leave him behind mid-way on our way to the classroom. And, even if my face might be cool and attractive, I don’t think people would fall in love with me that easily…P-Probably.

I got a bit angry at that guy, and walked to the classroom, when Kei practically leaped at me. She talked about the public morals committee president Shinomiya-senpai being angry or something…W-What did you do now, Wataru?

Apparently, he gave Shinomiya-senpai a wrong name when she asked for his. Not to mention ‘Yamazaki’…did he do that on purpose because we have Yamazaki-kun in our class? Why is he just using other people’s names…

As for Shinomiya-senpai, she’s known as a reliable and attractive girl. Even Kei was staring at Senpai with hearts in her eyes. At the same time, second-year Inatomi-senpai was with her as well. I don’t know if I should be saying that as someone younger as her, but she really is cute. It makes me want to hug her, and pat her on the head.

Wataru made a promise to meet up with the Senpais during lunch break, and when that time rolled around, he really left the classroom, albeit looking not exactly excited about it. Our other classmates saw him off with a round of laughter…H-Hm, doesn’t seem like anything that guy would enjoy…Maybe he’ll get an earful for giving Senpai a wrong name…But, why were they even looking for him in the first place?

I feel like it’s been a long time since Wataru was actually the center of attention in class. It seemed like he had calmed down a bit as of late, but maybe not really. That’s what Shirai-san commented at least. Really, whatever that guy does, it never ends well.

Right as that guy came up as a topic, a few girls of the class came talking to me.

“So…Natsukawa-san. Sajou-kun isn’t talking to you much as of late, did something happen?”

“Eh…” I was baffled.

For a second, I thought they were asking me a question along the lines of what Kei did to Aizawa-san, but thinking about it, we weren’t even going out, and the fact that that guy has feelings for me is no secret either. I shouldn’t think about it too deeply, I don’t think Shirai-san asked it with any deeper implications either.

“N-Nothing, really. He seemed to be busy as of late, and we also ended up further away because of the seat change.”

“Ah… I see. I’m glad. So you’re not fighting, right…?”

Urk, so dazzling…I can tell that Shirai-san was earnestly worried about me and that guy. Why can she worry about others like this…It’s not like that guy and me aren’t even that close.

“T-That’s right. I’m also busy taking care of my little sister.”

“Waahh…Natsukawa-san, you have a little sister? How old is she? Do you have any other siblings?”

“Urk…”

For some reason, the topic at handed switched drastically, and now Shirai-san plus some other girls were asking me even more questions. I-I’m not used to this…What am I supposed to do!? In a panic, I took out my smartphone, opened up my secret Airi folder, and showed it to the girls. Looking at this, the girls’ eyes started sparkling in excitement, chanting ‘Cute cute cute’, agonizing over it. D-Don’t scream like that, the other boys are still here…!

Until Kei came to provide support, this continued. Thanks to Airi as the trigger, I became able to talk with the people around me. Shirai-san actually had a younger brother, who would always go to tease her.

When I said ‘Shirai-san is really kind, so if you were my older sister, I’d imagine you would forgive me anything’, she let out a flustered laugh. She’s so cute…But, talking about siblings, I was reminded of Wataru’s older sister. She seemed very stylish and cool, and pretty kind…but I don’t know if she’d be the type to enjoy pranks.

Sasaki-kun from the soccer club has a little sister as well. Despite her being in middle school, she would still sometimes sleep in the same bed as him, with no rebellious phase in sight. Isn’t it better if that phase never comes? Then again, Sasaki-kun is pretty good-looking and reliable, so I can see why his little sister would like him that much. I’d love an Onii-san like him. Wataru…probably not.

*

Lunch break came around. As of late, it sort-of became the normality for me to eat lunch with the other girls around. It feels much more comfortable than being pressed down one-sidedly by that guy. Thanks to him, I even know which angle would show me best during a picture…N-Not like I’m thankful or anything!

As always, the conversation would revolve around my little sister Airi. They’d urge me to show more pictures, and since I didn’t mind it at all, I swiftly took out my smartphone and showed them my folder. I was practically bragging about my little sister, only to realize that more and more people filled my surroundings…Eh, hold on, isn’t this too many?

My smartphone was being handed around to everybody who wanted to take a look, like they were lining up to watch a movie. Ah, I’m not too comfortable with the boys…! Don’t touch it in any weird way! And keep the folder safe!

I felt a bit anxious, when Shirai-san seemed like she couldn’t hold back any longer, and directly approached me.

“Having a cute little sister must be great…Hey Natsukawa-san, can I come meet her?”

“E-Ehh!? Y-You wanna visit my place…!?”

Out of shock, I blurted this out with a loud voice. The only people that visited my home before were Kei and other members of the volleyball club. Since I only barely started talking to them, I didn’t even think of inviting them over. Not knowing what to do, I subconsciously started looking for Kei. H-Huh…? She was with me just a second ago…Where is she now? Ah, she’s holding my phone, walking towards…Eh, Wataru?

Kei and Wataru exchanged a few works, and walked towards me. He seemed pretty interested. I think this might be the first time I’ve seen such a curious expression on him.

“We’re all talking about visiting Aichi’s place sometime!”

“I don’t think my level is high enough for that.”

“Natsukawa-san’s place isn’t some dungeon…”

That’s right, what kind of place do you think my home is? Even Sasaki-kun retorted on that nonsense…Maybe that guy really isn’t normal. With these thoughts in mind, I observed my surroundings, and caught onto one thing. Everybody was around me. Even Kei…and Wataru.

“…Ah…”

I could tell that my chest started to warm up. I’m being surrounded by everyone. It felt comfortable, and made me wish that this would continue forever. Because I was feeling this gleeful, I must have gotten careless.

“With these numbers?

“H-Hmpf…! I’m not letting you get close to anywhere near Airi, otherwise she might be negatively influenced in some way!”

The same as always. That was the intention I had when talking to Wataru, but for some reason the people around us started to laugh. H-Hey…we’re not some comedic couple. This isn’t what it seems…! Wataru must have felt the same way, as he let out a faint snicker. That’s right, this is something like a greeting for us—

“Haha, you’re probably right.”

“Eh…”

……What? In shock, I looked at Wataru. Why…Why do you make it sound like it’s the most natural thing in the world? Why did you just accept my words like that…? You didn’t do that before, right. As I was thinking that, Wataru turned his back towards me, returning to his seat.

Wait.

I found myself with the urge to stop him. However, right as I stood up, my smartphone came back to me. Kawai-san, a fellow member of the volleyball club like Kei, talked to me.

“Don’t worry! I made sure that the boys weren’t doing anything weird with it!”

Seeing Airi reflected on the screen, I finally came back to my senses. Even so, I was spacing out until the end of the lunch break.

*

During class, I realized that the other classmates made a new group in the messaging app we use, and invited me.

‘Strongest Girls of 2C’

…S-Strongest? I guess this is the class group? And, probably limited to only the girls. Hm…Wait, I don’t see Murata-san from the basketball club, or Koga-san from the tennis club…Now that I look at it, there’s no sports-type girls here…But, Kei is here at least…What kind of composition is this?

‘We’re not adding any vulgar girls.’

Um…that’s some severe thinking, dear class representative Iihoshi-san. Though, the girls who aren’t in here tend to use rather…well, vulgar language despite being girls, and even I feel a bit annoyed, but…

Despite us being in class, more and more messages came in. Since my phone continued vibrating on and on, I turned off that setting. Tell me that earlier, the teacher will realize…

‘Um…Would that be okay, Natsukawa-san?’

Okay…Eh, what? When I looked up, several girls looked over at me. Gazing down at my phone screen again, a few of the girls, including Shirai-san, were talking about wanting to visit Airi…Ah, that continuation from before. There’s girls who have club duties today after school, so only those who have time would be stopping by. Um…Since the volleyball club doesn’t have practice today, Kei can join as well. That would make it four people…Yeah, that much should be enough. I don’t want Airi to get scared after all.

‘Yes, that would be okay.’

‘I’m going to quit the club, so could I come with you…?’

E-Eh, quit your club? For something like this? Do you want to meet Airi that badly?

‘Calm down, Maichi.’

‘……Yeah.’

Saitou-san from the tea ceremony club…Why does it feel like she only reluctantly gave up on her idea? Also, when I looked up at her, sitting in the class, she gazed at me with teary eyes. What would have happened if Kei didn’t calm her down?

‘Um…I’m sorry, Sasaki-kun wants to come as well. The soccer club seems to have no training tomorrow…’

Eh? S-Sasaki-kun…? Sasaki-kun…Well, he seems like the proper type of boy, so maybe that should be fine. Since there’s four other girls with us, nothing dangerous should happen. Maybe Airi will even see him like a kind and gentle Onii-san…That’s right, a kind Onii-san…

“……”

In the corner of my field of view, there was a single boy sitting in the front row at the hallway’s side, almost blending into the view…Will that guy come? He was clinging to me like crazy before…Maybe he wants to…tag along…after all…?

Since he always sat next to me, I could never get a good look at it. Not to mention that he would always approach me immediately, so there was no need for me to even question that. Yet, right now…What’s that complicated face for? What are you thinking about? That’s not like you.

Is it because of what I said…? Is that why you won’t talk to me anymore…? What’s with that…Constantly clinging to me, only to leave me alone like that. How selfish can you be? In the end, all you do is trouble me. Playing around with other people’s hearts, don’t think I’ll give you any more attention.

*

My angry emotions remained even until all classes for the day ended. It really felt like I could say whatever I want without showing any restraint. After the final roll call ended, I walked towards that guy, who prepared to head home quickly, and stopped him.

“H-Hey…”

“…Oh, yeah what’s up?” That guy turned towards me.

When he looked at my face, that complicated expression he had earlier changed immediately, and was replaced by a faint sense of relief, as he responded with a bright and calm voice—H-Hey, what’s that…What’s that face…You never showed me that kind of expression before!

“Um, Natsukawa? What’s wrong? Why’re you panicking?”

“I-I’m not panicking or anything!”

“Ohhhokay…”

I subconsciously panicked, so I raised my voice to cover that up. J-Just get to the point already! You want to see my little sister, right! Go on, I’m giving you permission to say it!

“S-Say…are you really not coming…?”

Ugh…I’m not getting it across at all. That’s almost like I want him to come over! What will happen if he starts getting on a high horse again!

“Coming…? What are you—”

“Would you look at that, your final roll call ended already.”

“Huh…?”

Right as he was mid-sentence, the door to the classroom opened, and Shinomiya-senpai showed her face. Everyone looked at her in surprise—Except Kei, who stood frozen in shock, just watching Shinomiya-senpai walk towards Wataru.

“Hey there. I know that it must have been a rough day, but can I borrow Sajou for a bit longer?”

“P-P-P-Please go ahead! Boil him, burn him, expose him on social networks, do however you please!”

“Ashidaaaa!”

Shinomiya-senpai has business with Wataru——Eh? After school? How I see things, she didn’t come here as the public morals committee president. D-Do they have some kind of special relationship…? Do these two…?

“Sorry about that. What were you saying, Natsukawa?”

“N-Nothing at all! Just go already!”

“Your wish is my command!”

What are you, some soldier!? What kind of response was that! See, Shinomiya-senpai is looking at us like we’re weirdos! What if she gets the wrong idea!? And why do you seem so happy!? Wataru walked away like he got kicked by me, reaching Shinomiya-senpai. She advised him to change the location, and that’s the last I saw of that guy today.

*

Some classmates came over. Airi was happy that things grew more noisy, and being hugged and doted on by everybody made her smile like a blooming flower. Watching her like that, I was happy myself. Guess it was a good idea to bring them with me.

“Airi-chan, my name is Takaaki. Ta-ka-a-ki~”

“Takaki!”

“Ahahaha, Takaki! What’s up, Takaki-kun!”

“I-It’s Takaaki!”

They were all trying to have Airi remember their names. They won’t be meeting that frequently…So they’d probably be delighted if she remembered their names in case they ran into each other outside.

“So cute, I wanna take her home!”

“Eh, y-you can’t!”

“Then I’ll take Aichi!”

“What are you talking about…” I stopped Kei who closed in on me.

Failing to catch me, she instead pressed her cheek against me, which had me burst out laughing.

“Ta-ka-a-ki!”

“T-T-Takaaki!”

“That’s right! Takaaki!”

“Takaaki!”

“Ohh! Now you remembered all our names!”

“Amazing!”

With Sasaki-kun being the last one, Airi managed to remember all of the people’s names. As everyone else raised happy cheers, Airi looked at Shirai-san and Okamoto-san’s faces, and her smile grew stiff. A-Ah, she must have forgotten their names already.

“…..Waah.” She teared up.

“Airi, come here.”

“Okay…”

When I called out to her, Airi quickly walked towards me. I put her up on my lap, and gently rubbed her head, to which she narrowed her eyes in a happy way. Yep, she really is cute. No matter what, I will protect her.

“See, that must have been too much for Airi-chan!”

“Guess that’s as far as we can take it~”

“Her worried expression is cute as well.”

“Hey.”

Well, four people at once might be too much for her. Even I wouldn’t be able to remember all of these names. When Kei and I first met, it was associated with the volleyball club, but since she immediately named herself, I could remember her name fairly easily. When she first came here, it was the same with Airi…I guess Kei is just pretty good at that.

“You remembered lots of them huh, Airi.”

“Yup…!”

“Ugh…!”

When Airi showed a bright smile, Okamoto-san collapsed to the ground. She kept saying ‘How great, how great’ with tears in her eyes, only to get a wry smile from Shirai-san. Then again, I can’t blame her, I had a similar reaction when Airi was still young.

“……Ah…”

I felt the weight in my arms grow heavier. Together with Kei’s voice, I realized that Airi had gotten sleepy. She played around lots today, so she must be exhausted much earlier than usual. I put down Airi at a safe place, and we disbanded for the day. Standing at the entrance, I saw everyone off.

“Thanks a lot for today, Natsukawa.”

“Airi-chan was even more cute than in the pictures!”

“Fufu, right?”

“You’re cute as well, Aichi!”

“I’m tired of that stick, Kei.”

Everyone gave their impressions of my cute little sister. Of course, of course, you can never get tired of her. And don’t you worry, I’ll be enjoying her sleeping face later as well…!

“Ah, but. Bringing someone else over would be difficult for a while~”

“…Eh?”

“We had her remember too much today after all.”

“It’s four of us in the end. Even if Natsukawa-san might be okay with it, I wouldn’t want to force Airi-chan.”

Yeah…When Shirai-san introduced herself first, Airi tried her best to remember her name. If I brought even more people to visit Airi, her head might burst from all the overflowing information. I guess they were all being considerate of Airi after all…

“…Tha…”

“Hm…?”

“…T-Thanks…”

“~~~! Aichiiiii!”

“Kya…W-What are you doing!”

How long has it been since I earnestly thanked someone outside my family…Thanks to that, and me being flustered, Kei clung to me.

“So cute…! You’re too cute…Aichi…!”

“K-Kei…!?”

“…Woah…”

“Ah, no! Sasaki-kun, no looking! You can’t look!”

“W-Why!?”

Right as I was busy pulling away Kei, I saw Okamoto-san and the others covering Sasaki-kun’s eyes. Seems like us playing around might have looked a bit suggestive. Learning of this, I grew even more desperate to push Kei away from me.

“C-Come on…where did that come from!”

“S-Sorry…I just couldn’t hold it down anymore…”

“What exactly!?”

“M-My libido~”

“The heck is up with that…”

Even if I’m thankful, that doesn’t mean you get a free pass to do everything you want…W-Where are you burying your face…!

As we were talking at the entrance, the sun started to set. Summer season was starting after all. And, with the sun this low, it was time after all.

“Airi likes it when it’s noisy. I’m sure she’ll be the one who wants to meet you all again, so I’ll let you know.”

“Yay…! We can meet her again!”

“No, next time it’s Shiori and the others, right?”

“Ehhh?”

Everyone’s excited. But, that definitely isn’t a bad thing. I could watch them with a gentle emotion filling me. But, these feelings were all blown away when Airi suddenly appeared.

“—Mmm…Takaaki…”

“!”

“Eh…? Airi-chan?”

Airi arrived at the entrance, clinging to Sasaki-kun’s leg. Almost like a little sister being spoiled by her big brother.

“Ahaha…now that I think about it, Sasaki-kun is an actual older brother, right.”

“Isn’t your little sister going to get jealous about this?”

“Yuki was cute like this as well…”

“Ahhh! You should have said ‘Is still cute’ there! I feel bad for your little sis!”

Sasaki-kun gently caressed Airi’s head, with the face of a real older brother. Airi herself gave in to that, and showed a tired face, about to fall asleep.

“……Come on, Airi.”

“Mmm…? Onee-chan…?”

When I called out to her, Airi staggered towards me. I picked her up like that, and this time she rested her body against me. Children fall asleep quickly after all. But, since she immediately gave in to her slumber made me realize that she probably trusted me a lot, which had me a bit happy inside.

“…Aichi?”

“…She fell asleep. Sorry about that, Sasaki-kun.”

“It’s fine. It just reminded me of a long time ago, which got me a bit nostalgic.”

“I see…”

And with that, we disbanded for good. Everyone walked away, waving at me with smiles on their faces, until they fully disappeared.

“…Are you not going home?”

“Ehehe…Aichiiii, let me stay over—”

“Go home.”

“Bleeeeh!”

As cunning as always, that Kei. She’s still wearing her uniform, with no other change of clothes at her disposal. I could maybe lend her something, but the size…I didn’t want her to complain about it being too tight, so no can do. Nor do I want her to think it’s too loose since she’s in a sports club…Then again, I doubt she’s too serious about staying over either.

After seeing her off, I returned inside my home. Since we didn’t even finish dinner yet, I couldn’t let Airi sleep like this. When I gently tapped her on the head as I put her down on the living room sofa, she slowly opened her eyes.

“Mmm…?”

“Come on, Airi.”

“Ah, did your friends go home?”

“Yup.”

Mom was preparing the dinner in the kitchen, as she looked at me with a smile. She might have been a bit happy because I rarely brought friends home with me. It felt a bit embarrassing to be honest…Just as it became a bit uncomfortable, Airi spoke up.

“…Where’s Takaaki…”

“Airi.”

“Waahh…”

I don’t know why, but my voice sounded oddly devoid of emotion. Airi must have thought that I had been angry, which is why she looked at me in uneasiness. I acted like that didn’t happen, and instead put her on my lap, gently embracing her. That must have reassured her, as she gave in, and leaned against me as she looked up.

“Did you have fun, Airi?”

“Yup, it was lots of fun…!”

“I see, I’m glad to hear that.”

Letting her hop up and down on my lap must have woken Airi up completely, as a certain level of energy returned to her voice. I guess that children really get tired as quickly as they recover. I’m honestly worried if she can properly sleep tonight.

“Airi, do you remember everyone.”

“Yup! Remember them!”

“I see…Then, who do you remember the most?”

“Takaaki!”

“I see…So, listen…”

Listen…? What was I about to say? Isn’t it fine? Sasaki-kun has an actual little sister, and he was really kind towards Airi. There’s nothing weird about this.

‘You remembered lots of them huh, Airi.’

‘We had her memorize too much today after all.’

‘It’s four of us in the end.’

“………”

Airi had fun on her own, and tried her best to remember everyone. It was a fresh experience that will surely influence her down the line. Getting attention from kind people like that…I’m sure this must have been a great influence for Airi. And yet…even that being the case…why do I feel so gloomy and hazy deep inside my chest?

“Airi.”

“Whaaat?”

“Don’t…get too clingy to other people, okay.”

“Okaaay~”

She showed me a gentle smile, and I think I said it in a kind way. But, if I didn’t say what I wanted to, I wouldn’t be able to rest easily.

“Say, Airi.”

“Hmmm?”

What am I thinking? This isn’t like me. I should have hated it. I didn’t want Airi to be influenced negatively. That’s why I tried and decided for that guy not to meet her. Yet—

“—Can you maybe memorize one more person?”

“Ehhhh?”