#266

Dad handed his luggage to Kaede at the entrance and then made his way smoothly into the living room. Usually, it’s customary for him to engage in somewhat eccentric displays of affection towards Kaede right in front of the entrance, but today, there was none of that.

He must be tired, but the atmosphere he exuded was undeniably serious.

Both my father and mother had returned home for an important discussion, something that Kaede had also sensed. I watched their actions without meeting my father’s gaze.

He placed his luggage by the entrance, took off his coat, and sat down next to the chair where my mother was seated. Kaede took a seat next to me in my place.

The exchange between them was indeed very brief.

“Have you talked?”

“No, please talk, Otou-san…”

My mother’s response to my father’s question was somewhat cold. While they rarely displayed the affectionate behavior of a lovey-dovey couple in front of us, their relationship had never taken on a hostile or confrontational tone.

They always seemed to understand and respect each other, so there was no need for more words than necessary. However, this time was different.

Kaede must have sensed this as well because she gently squeezed my sleeve under the table, out of their sight.

“It’ll be alright…”

“Yes…”

She must have felt anxious as she looked up at me, but I smiled and reassured her that things would work out. I had to keep that ‘everything will be okay’ mindset, and this time would probably be no different.

Dad, taking a moment to collect his thoughts, directed his gaze at us to begin the conversation. Well, to be precise, he directed it at Kaede, who was sitting beside me.

“Today, I returned home with a proposal.”

“A proposal…?”

“Yes, please listen carefully.”

Having said that, dad turned his gaze toward mother. She nodded, then retrieved a file from under the table and placed it on the desk.

Kaede and I leaned forward to get a better look at the file.
Kaede stiffened and seemed to be at a loss for words.

[ Study Abroad Program for Kikyo Jogakuin - New Zealand Sister School ]

That was the title of the document.

Study abroad… in New Zealand.

Kaede hesitantly took the document and began to check its contents with trembling hands. This was a sudden proposal, an unexpected discussion.

Naturally, I couldn’t help but widen my eyes as I double-checked the contents of the document my father had provided. He had introduced quite a significant issue out of the blue.

It wasn’t exactly the kind of surprise present you could laugh off.

Kaede had been at Kikyo Jogakuin for less than a year. Moreover, I distinctly recalled that it was my father who had strongly recommended the girls’ academy when she expressed a desire to attend Sakuranoaka Academy, the same school as me.

So, how had the idea of studying abroad, a seemingly preposterous suggestion, suddenly come up? As I contemplated this situation with limited information by my side, Kaede must have been going through the same thought process.

In this day and age, studying abroad wasn’t unusual. It was natural to consider stepping up overseas when a diverse range of skills was required, as long as the necessary conditions were met.

However, one had to be someone who met those conditions: academic ability, adaptability, family environment, and financial resources.

…Certainly, based on Kaede’s academic performance, the school might approve her participation in a study abroad program. I seem to recall hearing about some students at her age level who planned to study languages abroad during casual conversations.

I don’t know if Kaede has such intentions. At the time, it wasn’t even a serious discussion. Information about such students, including those who considered studying abroad, was shared as part of casual conversation. I never imagined that it would become a reality.

Even so, if study abroad were indeed on the table, this conversation shouldn’t be so serious. Family should provide more encouragement and support.

As I was about to voice this thought to Kaede, I reconsidered. Several things struck me as unusual.

First, the fact that Mom hadn’t voiced any objections. Given the potential hardships of her daughter moving abroad, it should have been Mom who was initially against it. However, this time, there was no sign of her opposition.

Then, Kaede. Naturally, she should have been consulted from the beginning. Starting something like study abroad without her consent was out of the question. However, her expression was one of shock, not one of anticipation.

What was certain, though, was that mom was more displeased than anyone else. It was clear she was angry about something, and most likely, it was directed at Dad. Since neither of them showed any sign of initiating the conversation, I decided to speak up.

“Kaede’s intentions were considered first, right? You haven’t been proceeding with this on your own, have you?”

I questioned Dad, but he didn’t respond. His silence indicated that I should listen without interruption. Despite the situation, he was so calm which I found to be disgusting.

My brain was working overtime, analyzing dad’s words, replaying them in my mind, and forming various hypotheses to make sense of the discrepancies I had noticed.

Kaede’s academic performance was not a concern. There should be a base for us overseas in Dad’s residence. Financially, while there might be some difficulties, it shouldn’t be a major issue.

On the other hand, I had more problems. Educationally, it was likely that enrolling in a foreign high school now would be challenging, and I might not pass the entrance exams.

Adapting to the environment was also an issue. But as her older brother, I didn’t want to let her study abroad without supporting her.

Then there were the matter of this house and the people we’re friends with. Had they considered all these aspects?

As I pondered these questions, Kaede spoke up. Her trembling hands gripped the paper as if she could tear it apart.

“When is the proposed start date for this study abroad?”

“Beginning of the new year.”

He responded briefly. It was mid-November now, and with the new year approaching, there wasn’t much time left. It’s not a story that can come up just yesterday, it must have been going on within dad’s mind for quite some time.

However, he didn’t share it his children. The timing is too late for one to object. If he intentionally told it at such a time, it’s not just a sign of bad character.

Frowning upon my father’s tactics, I realized it was a dirty move. But I wasn’t met with any eye contact from him.  It was evident this was Kaede’s matter, and it was none of my business.

He acted as if this was about Kaede and had nothing to do with me, I clenched my fists so tightly that my hand which was hidden under the table, became bloodshot.

“Brother…”

“…”

Kaede murmured with a trembling voice as if asking for help. I gently patted her head, hoping it would give her some comfort.

Kaede had her own friends, her life, and this change threatened to disrupt it all. It left me with many unanswered questions.

“Duration…”

“They replied that if the person wishes, they can stay enrolled until graduation.”

“Are they suggesting living alone?”

“Both your mother and I currently reside in New Zealand, so she can live with us.”

Father responded to my questions in a straightforward manner. Mother, seated next to him, looked at him without uttering a word. Her typically gentle eyes now displayed a resolute determination.

I let out a sigh and thought about it. There were people she deeply cared about, and she couldn’t easily sever those connections.

“That’s too sudden… I don’t know what father is thinking, but I think it’s normal to ask about one’s wishes beforehand.”

“…Originally, I wanted to take you guys with me when I was originally posted overseas, but you I had to leave this house behind because of your selfishness. Be careful with your words.”

Father, unusually tense, replied with a veiled warning, and quietly waited for Kaede’s response.

Caught in the middle, Kaede appeared unsure of how to respond, her gaze darting around nervously.

It was clear they needed time to think. Such a sudden revelation couldn’t be instantly comprehended.

If my parents were currently residing in New Zealand, Kaede could live under the same roof as them.

She’s at that age, and surely, it must be a source of comfort. This isn’t just a suggestion; it feels more like a finalized decision or a post-factum report, considering the oppressive atmosphere between their parents. That might explain why Mother and Father couldn’t meet each other’s gazes.

If Kaede showed even a slightly positive attitude, Father would undoubtedly proceed with the conversation today, given his usual doting nature. Considering the extent of his affection, it was easy to imagine.

So, I also needed to think about it to leave some room for consideration. I needed to choose my words carefully and craft my response.

“Father might not remember, but I was also chosen for the student council. I can’t leave this town now, and I have important people here.”

The images of Shizuku, Kirasaka, and Yuuto, along with the student council president, provided support as my voice grew stronger, and my eyes, more determined.

I had managed to gain some significance in my life, even if it was just an example. There were people who gave meaning to my existence.

Therefore, I had to express my own intentions regarding Kaede’s language study abroad. My intention had to be clear so Kaede could observe it and decide her own answer.

He nodded several times after hearing my words. It seemed that there was room for consideration.

Observing this, he began to speak.

“Minato… There’s something I’d like to discuss. I think you should continue your studies at a university here in Japan.”

“…”

His voice was the gentlest it had been today, and his eyes were surprisingly calm. However, I couldn’t hide my confusion.

Was he suggesting that I didn’t need to accompany them? It felt like he was saying that I shouldn’t follow along.

I had already been grappling with the fact that I might not join them, and that was the only thought filling my mind.

“It’s too late now. It would take you a lot of time to adapt, and it’s not a wise decision for you to start this late in your academic career.”

“…”

I couldn’t help but find his words persuasive. For me, it was just not the right time. If I moved abroad with them, I’d struggle with language barriers, and my high school life would end without me knowing much.

However, my father’s words sounded different to me.

It was as if he was saying, ‘You are not needed.’

Kaede could do it, but I couldn’t. It had been a common theme for us.

My sister, blessed with talent, and me, without it. Naturally, the priorities of our parents were directed towards my sister. I didn’t hold any grudges or complaints about it.

The world was not equal.

Those with talent rose, and those without barely managed to scrape by.

Thinking of my sister’s future, it made sense for her to engage in a language exchange program and experience a different culture.

However, I still thought that they would ask me to come with them.

I understood in my head that I wouldn’t adjust to life abroad, as my father described, and it was unlikely I’d be ready to decide between further education and a job within a year.

What was important was that Kaede was going to a sister school, not the whole family living together. So, I thought I would be alone in this house… Just when I was thinking that, my father continued speaking.

“When Kaede decides to study abroad, we will sell this house. At first, you’ll stay at Grandpa’s place, and once we find a property with suitable conditions, you can move there.”

After finishing his statement, my father placed his hands on the table and stood up.

With that, he indicated the end of the conversation.

Kaede, who had been looking at me with a worried expression while my father was talking, turned her strong gaze towards our father as he rose.

“I will… never leave brother!”

“…”

I fell silent. This was Kaede’s first response.

Dad let out a small sigh and spoke in a gentle, soothing tone.

“Kaede… it’s time you leave your brother.”

With these brief words, my father returned to his room. Perhaps his tiredness from his work due to the time difference had caught up with him, and he needed to take a nap.

As my father’s figure disappeared, I turned to my mother, who was sitting across from me.

“How long will you two be here?”

“Three days. That’s why we need to give an answer to this proposal in the day after tomorrow and communicate it to the other party.”

We only have three days, and today it seems like we won’t have a proper conversation, so effectively, we have just one full day left before the final day. Time and information are limited. What should we do?

I can’t remember when my mind last worked so poorly. As I looked up at the ceiling, Kaede hugged me tightly with her small arms.

“I’ll… stay with brother.”

Hearing her lonely words, I gently ran my left hand through her hair. First, I need to understand how Kaede perceives the idea of studying abroad.

Then, we can proceed. It felt like the decision, which had come right after our school trip, was one of the most critical choices the Shinra family had ever faced.

Archived Comments

Mirilu (on 2023-10-11 22:14:07):

This is such a title-worthy moment. “Ordinary I and Extraordinary Them”. It’d be so satisfying if he used to Rei’s powers to say F YOU to his dad but probably won’t. Have the feeling that Kaede will leave for sure, giving her truly a losing heroine position or something. Minato being by himself will then experience some character development. This is just a guess though, I’d prefer much more Minato learning to step over this self-imposed line after truly getting closer with his friends.