#121

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President called Kaede and Hino-kun over to her and asked them a favor.

 ”I forgot the equipment box in the student council room, I’d like you both to pick it up for me if you don’t mind.

  

“Okay.”

 

“Understood!”

 

After the two agreed, president handed Kaede the hoodie which she was wearing.

Although today was a holiday, walking in a swimsuit would be a problem.

 

Even without words, I could tell that she had taken this into consideration.

 

Kaede accepted it, gave a small bow, and then followed Hino-kun.

But from my point of view, I’m worried too.

 

Although we have only known each other for a short time, I understand that Hino-kun is not a bad junior.

However, my worries didn’t completely disappear.

 

As I looked at the president, she looked back at me and our eyes met.

She smiled as if to reassure me, “I know,” and gave instructions to a person.

 

“Miura, you follow them, and I’ll take over your part.”

 

She got down from the watchtower and took over her part. As Miura was instructed by the president, she started following the two of them without refusing.

 

Well, at least this way, Hino-kun won’t be able to do something strange.

 

Now that I had nothing to worry about, I resumed my part when I was called out from behind.

As far as I know, the number of people who talk to me is limited, but this time it was an unfamiliar voice.

 

“You have a good sister.”

 

“…yeah.”

 

The person who spoke to me was Koizumi.

He muttered it while looking in the direction in which the three went.

 

It is true that Kaede is excellent by everyone’s standards.

Not just in academics, but in socializing as well.

 

She knows exactly where she stands and doesn’t do anything out of line.

At the same time, she takes the initiative in her work.

 

She smiles at everyone and doesn’t make anyone feel uncomfortable, which makes her an excellent sister.

…But her brother at it.

 

“I’ve heard that she’s beautiful and has the top grades in her grade …in addition, she understands how to get along with people well.”

“…”

 

Koizumi’s words sounded as if he was comparing her to someone else.

It’s sounded not so much like a comparison but more like an overlap.

 

“Don’t you find it difficult as an older brother with such a younger sister?”

 

Koizumi said, as he asked a simple question.

Strangely enough, I didn’t even have to think about it, the answer came to me naturally.

 

“I’ve never felt that it’s hard because my sister is talented.”

There are many things that can be difficult for siblings, just because of the difference in gender.

 

However, if you ask me if it is difficult for me because my sister is superior, I would say no.

 

It is true that the superiority or inferiority of siblings can be seen clearly because they are close to each other.

My father often told me.

“Since your little sister is capable, why can’t you, as an older brother, work a little harder?”

I’m sure this is a common conversation not only in my family, but in any other family with siblings.

It’s only natural to be seen as an object of comparison just by being close to them.

 

In fact, if they don’t even compare us, we might feel neglected.

 

However, that does not mean that it is natural to have a hard time.

From here on, it varies from person to person, but as far as I’m concerned,

I’m used to such situations.

 

The girl I met before my sister was just as good, if not better.

The first male friend I ever made, could do anything.

 

More recently, the girl sitting beside me had the abilities which rivaled both of them.

 

In addition to that, there is a younger sister in the house who is so capable that it’s hard to believe we are actual siblings.

Wherever I went, I was surrounded by similar people.

 

Maybe that’s why I got used to them.

At the same time, I understood that my abilities were not that high.

 

The reason why we feel uncomfortable when we are compared to others is because we still have some expectations of ourselves.

We are sensitive to comparisons because we cannot give up the idea that we are better than them.

 

I gave up such faint expectations a long time ago.

I’ve decided that it’s better to do what’s right for my abilities from the beginning than to hope for the best and be disappointed.

 

Well, when you’re my age, you’ve been compared so much that you don’t even feel anything anymore.

 

Besides, my sister had always been fond of me, her brother.

She used to follow me around, and now she follows me side by side.

 

Now that my parents are working abroad, we are the only family members in the house.

 

I can’t say that it’s hard for me to have such a sister.

No matter how far I go, she will always be my cute little sister.

 

The only thing is that I feel bad that I can’t make her proud as an older brother, but I don’t think that’s an issue here.

 

 

That’s why my answer came out the moment I was asked.

Koizumi looked at me with a look of envy as I answered immediately.

 

“You’re amazing, Shinra-kun… I’ll never be able to give the same answer.”

 

“Do you have a younger sister too?”

 

For the first time, I talked to Koizumi about something other than school related.

It was the first time I had talked to Koizumi about something other than something official.

 

It was clear that even though we worked at the same place, we lacked communication.

Koizumi shook his head at my question.

 

“I’m an only child …But maybe I’m in a similar position to Shinra-kun.”

 

Koizumi’s gaze was not directed towards me, but towards a girl.

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