CH#318
＃318
Opening the door to my home after parting ways with Shizuku and Kirasaka, I step inside. Warm air and familiar scents greeted me as I entered my home.
It may seem like a small obstacle to others, but for me, it’s a significant step forward. A sigh of relief escapes from the depths of my heart at having overcome it.
Being true to myself, just as I am. The person called Shinra Minato, whom Shizuku and Kirasaka affirmed and who I now need. Two out of the three of us are willing to cooperate.
As for the last person, it’s none other than Yuuto, but he can wait until tomorrow. It’s already nearing 8 p.m., and calling him out now would likely be inconvenient for him.
Above all, today has been truly exhausting. Undoubtedly, it’s been mentally draining.
After taking a bath and eating the dinner my mother has prepared, I’ll sleep early. And before that, there’s the blissful prospect of enjoying a full massage course from my sister.
For that to happen, I need to stimulate Kaede’s sisterly instincts. There are several ways to do it, but I’d prefer to ask in a way that makes it seem like I, who usually pampered wants to be pampered.
As I ponder these thoughts, I place my hand on the living room door. Instantly, the image of the three of us standing under a streetlight flashes through my mind.
Did I say embarrassing things with that kind of smile? The more I think back, the more my face heats up.
Embarrassing… What kind of face should I make when I see them tomorrow?
Kirasaka will definitely tease me about it. I can picture Shizuku smiling with affection.
Suppressing the urge to scream and roll around in passionate turmoil, I open the door, and warm air and light envelop me.
“Yo, welcome back.”
“Thanks… Why are you sitting here and eating rice crackers in someone else’s house without a care in the world?”
The first thing that catches my eye in the living room is Yuuto sitting on the sofa, munching on seaweed rice crackers. His natural posture almost makes me blurt out a casual response, but I manage to hold myself back and restrain my urge to flow along.
Praise is what helps people grow. Now is the time.
Covering my face with one hand, I let out a sigh. Why do talented people always do unexpected things?
Is it because they’re talented that they’re unexpected, or is there some correlation? I’ll submit an essay on the subject later.
However, now is not the time to discuss such matters. As I engage my brain in understanding the situation, I hear footsteps approaching from the kitchen.
“‘I guess it’s probably my turn next to have something to do, so I came by earlier’ is what he said when he came.”
“Kaede…”
Was it out of consideration for the snacks being rice crackers that she prepared freshly brewed tea on a tray? With practiced movements, she places the tea in front of Yuuto, who, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, thanks her.
…Little sister, didn’t you learn not to let suspicious people into the house? No, you did, but he was too suspicious not to let in. I should kick him out as an older brother.
…That’s what I would have done if it were my usual self, but this time, I must thank him for his keen intuition.
As I sit down next to Yuuto, I reach for the rice crackers on the table. Taking a big bite and savouring the taste, a small laugh escape from beside me.
“Did you manage to talk things out with them?”
“Yeah…”
“I’m glad.”
Yuuto murmurs as if truly relieved.
Next will be my turn… that’s right. Maybe it’s just my speculation, but perhaps Yuuto is waiting for simple words.
Because we’re guys, because we’re friends, we understand each other with simple words.
So, after washing down the rice crackers in my mouth with tea, I speak up.
“Can you help me out? Let’s meet up tomorrow after school. Counting on you.”
For a moment, a small smile appears on his face as we face each other. It doesn’t sound like a request, it’s simple and one-sided. But I can tell from his expression that those were the words he was waiting for.
“Seriously, you’re cold for not even telling me the reason.”
“No time, short-staffed, just two guys.”
“You don’t have to list it out like that…”
As Yuuto interjects with a small retort, he doesn’t say anything further.
He sits back deeply and sips the tea with relish. There’s no sign of refusal, no sign that he ever intended to refuse in the first place, making me wonder what kind of question he couldn’t ask the two women.
“I’ve been wanting to ask for a while… Why do people cherish the real me even though I’m criticized because of others?”
Seated deeply like before, I ask, facing forward. My tone of voice hasn’t changed.
It’s not a question born out of pessimism or any such emotion. I’m genuinely curious. Why do they cherish someone like me, who has nothing to offer in return?
Even though there’s no benefit in staying by my side when everyone around me is speaking ill of me. It’s a relationship where we understand each other beyond the opposite sex, so I want honest words.
In response to my question, Yuuto fell silent for a moment. After thinking, his answer is also simple.
“Because you can be yourself the most.”
Yuuto explains, voicing a sentiment he would never usually express, sounding genuinely troubled.
“People tend to be calculating even in conversations and games between friends, insist on a particular seating order, and come up with answers that don’t match my intentions.”
“…You’re probably having a hard time too.”
“Not as much as those two, but yeah. That’s why I can be my original self when you are yourself. Bring on the gossip and backbiting.”
With a confident pat on his chest, Yuuto expresses what he wants to say and then stands up, picking up his belongings.
After thanking Kaede with a few words, he heads alone towards the living room door.
“Alright, see you after school tomorrow.”
“Thanks, I appreciate it.”
Our gazes meet, and we both smile faintly as Yuuto leaves the Shinra residence. In the suddenly quiet living room, Kaede holds the coffee cup in her palm and speaks up.
“Is this what they call boys’ youth?”
“Noisy imouto-san, I was hoping you’d let that slide.”
Since Kaede teased me a bit, I sandwich her cheeks with my cold hands.
She was being quite adorable while pretending to be cold, so I’m quite satisfied as her big brother.
The next day, relieved that there was no teasing from Shizuku or Kirasaka, I spend the school day in genuine peace of mind until after school arrives.
Since it’s my and Yuuto’s turn for classroom cleanup duty, I ask the girls to move to the classroom first while Yuuto and I head to the student council room last.
As I opened the classroom door and step inside first, all eyes focus on me.
I wonder if they’ve already been informed that Shizuku and Kirasaka will be joining us, as the two of them have already chosen their seats and are sitting there.
With Shiraishi, Hino-kun, and Nakayama preparing to start their activities, I’ll be the one who brings up the rear.
“Hey, everyone! I’m joining the team from today, so let’s work together!”
“Eh, Ogiwara-kun? Seriously? Th… this is seriously awesome!”
The most excited reaction comes from Nakayama, just as I expected, or rather, as planned.
I thought it would be great if she could serve as a mood booster, so I guess you could say this is a success.
…By the way, I wonder which part is seriously awesome. It would be really helpful if you could explain it in an easy-to-understand way for Minato-kun.
Is it not a bit too much to rely too heavily on phrases like ‘seriously’ and ‘awesome’, which are understood universally?
But, with this, our group is finally complete.
Now, we need to discuss our vague plans and turn them into something concrete together.
From here on out, it’s a battle of time, action, and… well, stamina.
“…Well then, shall we begin today’s activities?”
After scanning everyone’s faces from the teacher’s desk, I brought up the topic.