SS-Days without brother-2

I prepared a single lunchbox and shared lunchtime in the classroom with my classmates. Although lunchtime is usually a time for fun, today, I couldn’t muster the enthusiasm because my dear brother wasn’t at home, a thought that unconsciously crossed my mind.

Even so, I acted as usual so that the people around me wouldn’t notice. There’s a part of me that feels embarrassed that even though I’m in high school, it’s well known that I haven’t been able to leave my brother’s side.

Afternoon classes passed in the usual manner, just mindlessly copying the information from the blackboard into my notebook. And when final chime rang, I exchanged greetings with nearby students and left my seat.

I retrieved my school-designated shoes from my shoe locker and head out of the building. As I passed through the front gate, I noticed a commotion among the students nearby.

I can’t help but wonder what’s going on as I tiptoe to get a better look. Beyond the front gate, I spot someone in brother’s school uniform who was carrying herself with a sense of authority, even in front of students from another school.

It’s Hiiragi Akane-senpai.

With her chestnut-coloured hair billowing. The female students from the other school, who were loudly gossiping, suddenly quiet down.

It’s true; she does have quite a commanding presence, fitting for my brother’s school. But why is she here?

My thoughts are quickly interrupted by my realization that she’s here to pick me up, just as my brother had asked her to in the morning.

Reluctantly, I accept this arrangement, although it’s not exactly what I’d prefer. We’ve already met during the matchmaking process, so it’s not like we’re complete strangers.

I walk in the gap between students, approaching the gate to meet Hiiragi-senpai.

“Akane-senpai.”

“Kaede-chan. Good work today.”

She wore a gentle smile and waved to me as she approached. The students from the girls’ academy who had gathered around us to see what was going on soon dispersed and returned to their way home.

With fewer eyes on us, Akane-san then explained her purpose.

“Let me walk you home. It’s still bright outside, so I might be overthinking it, but it’s just a small gesture.”

“Thank you very much. In that case, I’d like to walk you home as well.”

Akane-san’s presence was captivating. If she were to escort me home, I couldn’t help but worry about her safety.

We exchanged a knowing smile, then walked side by side.

It felt a bit strange to walk home with a senior student two years older than me, especially since Shizuku-san felt like an older sister from my childhood, and I had grown accustomed to her.

As we walked, both of us slightly reserved, president broke the silence.

“I wonder if Shinra and the others are heading to their accommodations by now.”

She glanced at the cute wristwatch on her arm which was different from what I expected it to be as she spoke. Indeed, if everything was going according to the schedule mentioned in pamphlet brother had brought, they might be arriving at their lodgings by this moment.

Yuuto-san was in the same group, so I couldn’t help but imagine if they were perhaps squabbling over a place to sleep.

No, if it were my brother, he would probably find a quiet spot near the corner. I just hope Shizuku-san and Rei-san aren’t up to anything strange… With these minor worries in my mind, I nodded and replied.

“As long as they’re enjoying themselves.”

“Given his personality, I doubt he can fully enjoy in all the commotion.”

“He fundamentally dislikes group activities…”

Inwardly, I offered a brief apology to my brother’s friends who weren’t here. Even with Shizuku-san, Rei-san, and Yuuto-san around, brother would probably feel uncomfortable…

He’s more observant of his surroundings than anyone else and quite sensitive to the atmosphere. Just walking near the popular students in this unique setting of the school trip would be tiring for him.

The irony is, he understands group psychology better than anyone, but precisely because he understands, he dislikes it. Losing his sense of self is more painful for him.

During these two days without my brother, with the weekend in between, there’s not much to do at home. Perhaps it’s for that reason, or maybe it’s without much thought that I presented a suggestion to the senpai beside me.

“Akane-senpai, would you like to stay over at my place?”

The two of us returned to the Shinra residence, and then headed to the Hiiragi household.

Since Akane-senpai had her own preparations for her stay, I passed the time by shopping for dinner at a nearby supermarket.

Today’s menu was my brother’s favorite dishes. He generally loves the kind of food that children enjoy. Curry, omelet rice, hamburgers, and fried chicken.

I smiled fondly as I carefully selected the ingredients. I’d love to treat him to his absolute favorite, fried chicken, but it takes a while to prepare. So today, I’ll make omelet rice and a salad with okra.

As I mentally assembled the recipe, I placed the appropriate ingredients into my shopping basket. Since I was familiar with the measurements, cooking would be a breeze.

After completing the purchase, when I stepped outside, I happened to meet Akane-senpai who had changed into a white dress.

Her clean attire gave her a different impression from her usual dignified self.

With her taste in delicate things, like the watch, I wondered if she secretly liked cute items. I looked forward to tonight as we divided the shopping bags and walked towards my house.

Dinner was planned before the bath, and I politely declined her offer to help with the dinner.

This is my family and, moreover, my brother’s favorite food, so it’s my job to treat everyone. In the following days, I’ll do my best to cook so my brother won’t feel embarrassed.

“You’re quite skillful. It’s clear you’ve been in the kitchen regularly.”

“My brother is terrible at all household chores.”

“But you’re able to get along so well without any complaints because you’re kind.”

Kind… Is that so?

Is it natural since it’s housework? Or perhaps our good relationship is due to my kindness.

It was a lovely compliment, but there was one more thing to add.

“It’s also because my brother is very kind as well.”

I muttered softly, pausing my hands as I plated the salad.

My brother’s kindness is not easily conveyed to others.

He likely does this because he wants to hide it in inconspicuous ways. It’s typical of my brother, as he dislikes standing out.

Even though I understand his personality better than anyone, there’s a part of me that wants those around him to acknowledge him just a little bit. But this is my desire, not my brother’s.

However, the woman in front of me seemed to have had similar feelings, and she wore a complex smile.

“People often find it hard to understand, but he’s actually quite simple. He only protects what’s within his reach and spread his arms wide, unlike our current classmates.”

Her manner of enjoying her coffee was natural, and her words didn’t feel insincere. She genuinely appreciated him and recognized him for who he was.

…She’s a woman, which bothered me a bit.

Nevertheless, I felt joy in the fact that many people shared the same thoughts.

At the same time, I wanted to show some dignity as his little sister to Senpai, who acted as if she were the person who understood him the best. So, I made a somewhat joking remark.

“Shall we talk about my brother today?”

“Haha… I won’t chew him up or anything, but it sounds like an interesting proposal.”

The woman with chestnut-coloured hair responded with a mischievous smile, clasping her hands together. My brother probably didn’t anticipate this kind of development.

I held the completed salad in both hands and sat across from her. From then until the rice was ready and well into the night, the Shinra family’s living room echoed with a different kind of conversation.

ToC

Archived Comments

Mirilu (on 2023-10-08 22:15:40):

I’m Team Akane.