Gimai Seikatsu's

The End Chapter 4

The reason why I never mentioned my morning commute to school in my diary was simply because the scenery never changed, offering no interest that any reader could enjoy. In other words, if I mention my trip to school as I do now, then that means something is stimulating my memory to a level where I consider the incident to be important enough to write down.

—As you can guess, today such an event happened during my departure for school.

Usually, my method of going to school consists of two ways. That is, walking, or cycling. The walking distance from home to Suisei High School is not too far away, so I can still take the time to travel, but when there is work after school, I tend to use a bicycle. But there were exceptions, like in bad weather, and I decided to walk.

If there is a hurricane warning, a snowy day, a rainy season, or just a weather forecast saying it will rain, I don't push myself, and walk. There was a time when I chose to ride my bike even though it had rained for hours, as a result making me fall ill the next day. I won't make the same mistake twice. With this determination, I did not rely on my bike, and always carried an umbrella when it rained.

Today's weather forecast stated that the chance of rain was at a convincing rate of 60%, and under the overcast sky, I walked quickly, then my gaze stopped at one point. Amidst the people waiting at the crossroads of the red light, the glittering blonde hair instantly caught my attention — Ayase-san. I can even tell from his back.

He was wearing earphones, as the end of the cord went into his clothes. He may be listening to music through a smartphone in his pocket. He had a similar appearance during sports lessons, so maybe he just liked music? I think all living things called girls like to listen to music. They're like a different race than me, I don't know. What I'm sure of is that he won't listen to anime or western songs.

For a moment, I intended to greet him, but I immediately buried deep in that thought. The reason we left home at different times was to make sure that no strange rumors about our relationship would spread in school. This is to ensure that our normal lives are still the same as before our parents' official wedding. That's why I decided to abide by the deal, and didn't call him on the way to school, where other students might be able to see us.

However, the traffic lights turned green. People still haven't moved, and I'm standing still too. Only Ayase-san started walking forward.

“Ayase-san!”

“Eh?”

The sound of the engine running completely vanished from my head, as I completely forgot about the deal we had. I can't let myself be slow. If I am one second late, and something may happen — Even that thought comes to my mind only after I start acting.

“…!”

I violently pulled his arm, which made him stagger backwards. Since I wasn't specially trained in terms of brute strength, I couldn't bear the burden of a pubescent girl. As a result, Ayase-san and I both fell in the back, right in front of the pedestrian crossing. In front of our eyes, large cars passed by after being given a driving permit thanks to traffic lights. I saw his death happen before my eyes. Putting aside the name of the joke, if I was one second late, he would die.

“……”

“………”

Ayase-san and I exchanged glances, not saying a word. It felt like time was running slower than usual, as sweat was flowing from every pore of my body. As the others around us showed worried gazes, I stood up, and pulled Ayase-san's arm, forcefully making her stand up.

“Can you come with me for a minute?”

“Eh... ah.. yes.”.

We snuck past the other people around us, and entered a deserted alley. What I will do will be something embarrassing for Ayase-san. That was why I decided to speak in front of others, but rather in a secluded space. I looked left and right, made sure no one else was around, and faced Ayase-san when I finished.

“Newly.” I spoke calmly, but in a fairly clear tone.

I'm not his real brother, not in a position to nag like someone better than him. That's why, when I hear about her paid date rumors, or see her ditching, I don't warn her. I doubt he'll care, too. I think Ayase-san doesn't want such a relationship. But the incident was very different.

“I can't ignore the fact that you're going to die. Please, be more careful.”

“...Sorry.”

In front of my calm and logical statement, Ayase-san showed a troubled expression, her voice more calm than usual. Seeing that reaction, I gasped.

“Ah... I'm the same, sorry. I don't want to sound arrogant or anything like that.”

“T-No, that was obviously my fault, so it's okay.”

“Why are you walking down the street like that? The cars are speeding towards us with a loud bang, and no one around you is moving either.”

“I'm too focused on listening.. Sorry.”

“Listening? Ah, music? You've also done that before, yes ‘kan. It's not that I told you to stop, but I feel better holding it back at least when you leave for school. ” After everything I said, I still spoke in an admonishing tone.

Well, he almost got hit, so at least this much could be allowed.

“Music... well.. Ah.”.

There, Ayase-san seemed to realize something, as she placed one hand on her ear. Realizing that something was missing, he panicked and looked at her body. Through it, I also understood it. One head of the earphone was still in his ear, but the other dangled into his pocket. From the head of that earphone, I heard the music — Less precise. Instead, a foreign woman, speaking English phrases.

“English conversation?”

“... Me-It's definitely wrong with that?” He covered his pocket, and looked at me bashfully.

For some reason, his face became a dead red.

“I don't think it's a big deal, but ... Are you feeling shy?”

“………”

I saw her shoulders tremble a little, then all the expressions vanished from her face. He walked out of the alley, carefully ascertaining his surroundings by looking left and right, then walking past the pedestrian crossing. He seemed to have calmed down, but his ears were still somewhat red.

“So, you want to practice English?”

“... Why do you follow me.”

“Because I will go to school too?”

Even without any ulterior motives, I needed to walk with him to go to school. Even so, I actually have an ulterior motive. Perhaps it was because he had narrowly avoided death, and my heart was still racing from reality, my ability to judge calmly was completely gone, but I can't help but want to see Ayase-san's expression. This might be the so-called hanging bridge effect, but I could not calm the turbulent curiosity within me.

While Ayase-san didn't seem to get in my way, she just said “Sure, do what you want” to do, and keep going at the prescribed speed.

“It was just one part of my study.”

“Eh, what are you talking about?”

“Aren't you asking about what I'm listening to? English conversation teaching materials.” He glared at me again.

I thought he would ignore me, but it turned out that he was more and more interested in talking about it.

“Learning for exams?”

“There's that reason too, but also thinking about the future, I guess?”

“Considering workplace in the future, yes.”

“Not mean you will always stay in your home country.”

If I say that, then Yomiuri-senpai will definitely tease me about it again, but when Ayase-san says it, it strangely sounds believable.

“But why are you so timid about it?”

“It's like I'm a goose trying to look dignified, but in fact doing my foot pedaling desperately under the surface of the water. Of course I'd be embarrassed. ”

“Ahh... so it's also in armament?”

“Ya.”

To become a strong girl who could live independently, she armed herself with the outer appearance of a mischievous-looking blonde girl. That's what he told me before. I think he listened to the same material during the hour of the sport. I mean, I don't like the idea of truancy, but in terms of grades and exam preparation, sports lessons are practically useless, and because she's also not very interested in sports festivals, either, participating might just be a waste of time for him.

Assessing all these factors, he uses his free time to learn more by using auditory teaching materials, all for the sake of being a perfect and strong man who excels in both work and academic science. The more I started to know about him, the more it felt like a puzzle was being put together, and I got a clearer picture.

We walked away from the main street, with rows of buildings behind us, as the school building we knew began to be seen. The number of parents or people in business suits around us is starting to dwindle, as a larger percentage are wearing school uniforms like us, marking the start of school rush. Although I was sure they did not know each other, with Ayase-san's striking appearance, many students from this prestigious high school set their eyes on us.

“Don't tell anyone, okay ..... See you.” Ayase-san warned, and started to walk faster.

Perhaps because the audience was increasing in number, or taking into account her good nature, she might not want to bother me in any way. Whatever it is, we will keep going as we promised. At school, we were like strangers.

“Yup, understand.” I replied towards Ayase-san's back.

I wasn't expecting a response. Sure, in a good way.

With all the events that happened in the morning, I was attacked by a feeling of exhaustion like I was enduring another day. Unfortunately, this is not a comfortable story, but a cruel reality. An author will surely notice that this incident is enough for one day, and quickly jump to the next day, but unfortunately, I have not been released. After the intense first incident earlier, the feelings of Ayase-san and I were completely ignored, as we were forced to approach each other once again.

It's time for sports hours. Today, during the first hour, we are training for a sports tournament again, on the same tennis court. However, there is one difference from before.

“Raaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

“Maaya, you hit it too high.”

From a nearby field, I heard Narasaka-san's high-pitched scream, along with a cold reply from a schoolgirl, only that this student had now turned into my step-sister whom I knew well. Compared to the previous one who only leaned against the iron fence while listening to — music or rather, the subject matter, Ayase-san is now in a match with Narasaka-san.

I don't know what triggers made him actually play with his friend, but he's now wearing a sports shirt, showing skillful play with his racket.

“——- yyyy ....... mura.”.

He had long blonde hair tied with a hairband, and his ponytail swayed left and right to follow all the rhythms of his movements. His white arms were clearly visible, as well as his thighs. His muscles stiffen with every lively movement, showing no unnecessary movement, as he replies to the ball with a sharp pass.

“—Heeeeeyyy.. What is.... samura.”.

For an amateur like me, I couldn't even tell if he was at the entry level, or entering the professional world, but he did garner a lot of attention from the surrounding audience. Of course, since I was staring at him myself, I wasn't the person to talk to, but I think you need to do something about boys and girls following the sports hours together, she said, that's very distracting. I tried to take my eyes off, but the game was so mesmerizing that I could only stare at—

“Hei, Asamura!”

“Eh? … Whoa! ”

Together with the angry voice of my friend, I saw a round shadow approaching from the corner of my eye, and as I prepared the racket in front of my face, the ball flew over, parried, and struck right on my forehead.

“Where are you looking at? It's not a baseball, getting hit by that ball is still pretty dangerous. ”

The student who came running towards me — my friend Maru Tomokazu, took the ball at my feet, and gently patted the shoulder with his racket. He's acting cool again, you son of a bitch.

If you're wondering why Maru could be here even if he's done other sports before, then it's just because the football player and the training ground have a promise to use the field, he said, so once out of the two times, Maru came to play here. Of course, He is limited to what He can play here, but instead of not training at all, that's why he's happy to be here.

“Sorry, I was daydreaming.”

“Acharmed by it, yes ‘kan?”

“You will be hated if you keep being so outspoken.”

“Maybe, but that's life. I don't care about those who are bothered by it.”

Cacther baseball club is different, he gives a strong impression. Maru looked towards the girls playing tennis, at one person specifically.

“Ayase? I told you to give up, ‘kan ..”

“Not it.”

It is true that I saw Ayase-san, but she is my step-sister. I said these words in a way that she wasn't someone I was interested in, or even put feelings for her, but it seems Maru misunderstood about it.

“So Narasaka, yes. Arguably, not bad either.”

“One more time, that's not what happened.”

“Don't worry, son Asamura. I recommend Narasaka. He has a cheerful personality, is accepted in the eyes of the public, has good grades, and can easily get into Waseda*. As a human being, he is very valuable.” (TN: Superior university in japan)

“Don't you have too much information?”

“I got a lot of information about him, although in a different way compared to Ayase. If there was one problematic part here, it might have been too many shooting at him so you might not have a chance at all.”

Is this just my imagination, or is Maru blabbing fast enough when talking about Narasaska-san? I really can't read her honest feelings hidden behind those glasses. For a moment, I thought he was appraising Narasaska-san, but I really couldn't imagine himself trying to seduce a woman, so I stopped considering it.

“I really don't look at it that way, but even if I see it, I really don't think I can win that war”

“Haha, maybe.”

“Even no support from a friend?”

“Narasaka is good at taking care of others. I mean, he even played tennis with Ayase.”

“It feels like he will be interested in a diligent and reliable type.”

“Well, quite the opposite. He'll be interested in the useless guy out there.”

“So you mean I still have a chance?”

“... Are you serious now?” Maru looked at me with great doubt.

I thought I was being honest with myself, so I don't know why he reacted that way.

“Asamura.you are not the man you thought you were.”

“So I'm even worse than I thought?”

“Basic pessimistic bastard ..”

Maru sighed loudly in front of my wry smile. What happens next is an expression you hear from a concerned housewife.

“Considering your age, you are clearly more prominent in terms of intelligence. Got intelligence too.”

“H-Huh, it feels disgusting if praised directly like that.”

“Do not worry. I already told you the reason why Narasaka would not bother looking at you. If anything, I insult you.”

“Can you try an approach that is not praise or insult?”

I've always appreciated Maru's straightforward way of saying things, but there are times when she doesn't hold back a bit. Not to mention the opportunity I had with Narasaka-san was not even important to me, because I was not interested at all.

“.............

My eyes stared at the two girls we were talking about. Ayase-san apparently noticed my gaze, and looked at me from a distance. However it only happened for a moment, as he quickly turned his face away again. Very clever indeed, long-term eye contact would arouse suspicion with the other students, so he tried to the minimum. However, there was one person who was aware of this faint moment. Yes, Narasaka Maaya.

I understand how she would be good at taking care of others. The root of it is his ability to read moods. Even in the corner of her eyes, she caught Ayase-san's action, traced it, and saw me staring at them. After which, he gently tilted his head, like he was questioning something. Yes, I can understand how cute she is. It made sense why Maru praised him so much.

But I can't keep seeing it. I ruined the attention Ayase-san gave me here. Panicking, I looked in the opposite direction.

“Who said you didn't see it that way?”

“Serious, stop it.”

“Hmm, well, you're also a guy, yes ‘kan, Asamura.”

“I feel the way you express such a thing will invite many misunderstandings.”

“Incomplicated worldly passions of SMA guys.”

“That word choice makes it worse!”

“Tever thought you were filled with so much lust, but don't worry. As long as you keep it inside your own head, I won't judge you.”

He originally understood and only teased me about it, yes ‘kan.

“Alright fine. Thank you for resolving the misunderstanding, really.” I sighed, and shrugged my shoulders.

After all, the two girls caught my attention, so I couldn't even argue.

“You're done now?”

“Ah, yes, let's practice.”

I somehow managed to get back on track, and used the rest of the time to focus on my training. Considering their time to change clothes, the class for the girls ended a little early, and the next time I looked towards the tennis court, all that was left was one yellow tennis ball.

Along with the clanking sound, as if the sky could not hold it any longer, small droplets of water flushed across the field and quickly soaked the ground in a different brownish color.

“Seriously? Hey, let's run, Asamura. ” Maru called me.

“What do you mean by 'serious'? It's not like the weather forecast said 60% this morning, so it's not too surprising.”

Even so, I didn't want to get soaked either, so I replied as I ran to the school building.

“40% is more than enough to bet! How many 40% of baseball bats in the world do you think !? ”

“I feel that logic does not apply here.”

Or, is he talking about baseball clubs making bets during games? So, maybe the math is the same, but the sense of value can differ completely depending on the point of view.

“Asamura, let's hurry! It's getting faster!”

Just before the rain started to fall more and more, we managed to get inside the school building. Maru turned around, looking up at the sky.

“Until it can be this fast. I think this will be a muscle workout for today ..” He breathed, then sneezed after.

The ground around the school building had already turned a dark brown color, as it rained down mercilessly. The sound of rain hitting the window grew louder and louder.

“Already in June, yes.”

“Although it is rainy season now, 40% is still 40%. I want to keep hitting some. ”

“Already, already, just miss it for today.”

I saw Maru complaining even though this was something beyond her reach. Honestly, I'm so glad I didn't forget to bring an umbrella, I should be able to go home without getting soaked.

—That's what I was thinking at the time.

School hours are over, but of course, the rain has not stopped. It's already in my estimation. Of course, I don't feel happy in the slightest, but whenever you want your gut feeling wrong, it almost always happens. The world is full of Murphy's Law. (TN: An explanation of Murphy's Law can be read here)

Luckily, I work today on vacation, so I don't have to go to Shibuya. It seems like going straight home without a detour is probably the best idea. I was deciding that while walking towards the shoe locker, and saw a figure I knew. There was a girl who was alone staring at the rain sky. As he stood under the gray sky, his bright hair color grew more and more prominent.

That's Ayase-san, ‘kan... Did she forget to bring her umbrella? Where possible, he said there is a 60% chance of rain today. Was he also part of the 40% chance faction%? Wait, she left the house first, so when I saw the weather forecast, she just came out. I looked at him from afar, and thought about what I should do. I looked left and right, and made sure that no one. It seems like everyone decided to leave as soon as possible. Very clever.

I opened my school bag, and took out a folding umbrella. Because it was just that type of umbrella, it easily fit into my school bag, and I was able to comfortably choose whether I wanted to carry it or not, as it barely took up space. Life is a continuous chain of choices — someone has said so before.

In order not to surprise her, I approached her with even harsher footsteps. About three steps away from him, I stopped. This distance should be pretty safe, right? I didn't have the courage to pat her on the shoulder. Because I'm not a girl, so can I touch her? If she screams, my High School life will be over. I pretended to cough, and opened my mouth.

“If you forgot to take your umbrella, how about sharing an umbrella with me?”

His shoulders moved a little. When he turned around, his golden hair swayed in the wind. Through the rare sunlight piercing through the overcast sky, his piercings shone brightly for a moment. His eyes slowly moved towards my face. It was like a PC that booted slowly, when an expression appeared on Ayase-san's face.

“Eh?” His eyes are wide open.

Why are you so surprised?

“Have you forgotten me or something?”

“What are you talking about..”

“It was precisely me who asked that.” I was really worried for a moment.

“So, what's up? I didn't expect you to call me at school again.”

“Ahh, well, you know.”

I know he's not angry. If anything, he seemed somewhat doubtful. Thanks to the past few days of dealing with Ayase-san, I started to become more skilled in understanding what her expression meant, or lack thereof. Of course, I intend to keep my promise to act like a stranger at school, but that doesn't mean I can just ignore it in the rain like that. We are still brothers in the end.

But, well, he's smart too, so he should be aware of that.

“So, what's up?”

The reason he still asked like that was probably because of what happened in the morning, and showed that he still felt a bit awkward. At least that's what I want to think.

“Lupa brought your umbrella?” I asked him once again.

“Ah, yes... Of course.”

“half 40%, yes.”

“Eh? What?” Ayase-san tilted her head, but forgot about it and directed her gaze to the umbrella in my hand.

“We have to go back to the same place, so I thought.”

Ayase-san listened to me, and showed a complicated expression.

“Then ...” I interrupted him. “Just use this. If I go home with a run, I will make it up without getting soaked.”

—I don't need an umbrella, maybe that's what she wants to say, but I just pushed my umbrella into her hands, put on shoes, and jumped in the rain.

I think I've been interfering too much. Maybe he thinks I'm a bitch now. I mean, he said he was waiting for his friend. Maybe they'll share an umbrella. But, they may still get wet in the process. After all, the umbrella of a girl is usually quite small.

Ayase-san's face as I pushed the umbrella at her came to my mind. He looked shocked, as if he had not expected that. There I was, thinking that my intervention was worth it because I could see that expression. It was another face from Ayase-san that I had never seen before.

Maybe that's how we slowly begin to become brothers, overlapping with our own personal views, fitting in with each other. That's what I thought when I ran through the rain.

The heavy rain in June quickly soaked my uniform. A cold liquid that was different from sweat ran down my back, then entered my shoes, which made me feel heavy, and every time I stepped onto the ground, a damp sensation responded. Behind the silver gray curtains, I was finally able to see my apartment building, and made me sigh in relief.

I unlocked, walked through the janitor's office, and took the elevator to the third floor. Walking down the hallway as water came down from all over my body, I finally saw the door of our familiar apartment. I opened it, walked inside, and turned on the light. The area around me was filled with orange, as I finally muttered.

“I'm home ... Yes, it's only natural.”

Of course, no one answered. Instead, a painful silence scratched my ears. I mean, I already know this, but neither my father nor Akiko-san are usually home at the moment. I think I'm used to it, but here I am, feeling contradicted. I realized that I felt lonely because no one responded to my greeting.

I put my bag on the dinner table, and immediately went to take a shower. Turning the tap, hot water comes right out. I waited for about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, I put my uniform on the hanger, and put my wet clothes in the washing machine. I added detergent and fabric conditioner, and let the machine do its job. I heard the sound of water running inside, and the engine started rumbling.

“Oh, almost forgetfulness.”

I have to prepare some underwear, otherwise I have to walk back to my room with just a towel on my waist. Usually such small details are not important, but now I need to pay attention to them. I feel how the siblings feel about it. Do they care about that? No, they probably care about it. Surely care about it... ‘kan?

I waited until about half of the bathtub was filled with hot water, and soaked in it. I remained soaking for a few more minutes, daydreaming, and turning off the tap as soon as the water reached my shoulder limit. My skin is a little sore because the water is still very hot, probably because I ran in the cold rain.

In a daze, I started thinking about Ayase-san's request. High-paying part-time work, yes. Since I was already willing to make breakfast and dinner, based on the principle of reciprocity, I needed to find a job for him as well.

—When talking about reciprocity, it is my policy to be a more giving party.

Ayase-san's words were ringing in my head. Now that I've heard this, I can't just rely on it. I can sympathize with Ayase-san over there. That's why I need to find something quickly.

“Hmmmm...” I put one of my hands on the forehead, and thought about it again.

In this day and age, starting a new business may be a good starting point. Rather than being used, using it for anything else is the most profitable — that's what I've read in books. So basically, something like a youtuber or a mukbang…! No, it doesn't sound reasonable. Relax, myself. Not to mention, as a learner, no idea comes to mind when thinking of 'starting a new business'. I don't know anything about social society.

“Know about the community, know about the market, yes.”.

Just like Maru said. There are too many things I don't know. I felt like finding a job for him under these circumstances was impossible. But because of that, I can't just ask Ayase-san to continue making food for me, because that would make things unfair.

Of course, I can't cook like him. That's why I remember his appearance when wearing an apron. The emotion I felt when I saw her — She was cute and beautiful. No it's not that. Not a joy either. If anything, that feeling is perfect. Yeah, there he is.

The blond hair that he tied with a string up to his neck, his gaze focused on the work in front of him, as his knife rose up and down rhythmically. Every now and then, he would fix his hair, pulling it behind his ears. His repetitive movements of elegance would tell a story. In reality, she must have gotten used to cooking at home, where I would just go to the convenience store to buy bento. And, I don't think it's for her own sake.

Neither my father nor I can cook. That's why I never felt the need to learn it. But, the same cannot be said about Akiko-san. Looking at the food she made on the first day of living with us, I got a clear picture that she always made food for her family. I don't comment on it for good or bad, I just see it as his personality. Even if Akiko-san has the personality to not make any food, I won't care either.

However, if, because of that personality, Ayase-san had to buy food purchased from the store, I feel that Akiko-san would make food for her no matter what. Not wanting to trouble her busy mother, Ayase-san learns to cook by herself. Maybe for that reason.

Observation and thought process. Overlapping this factor, you are able to understand anyone quite well. Of course, if you consider it necessary.

“Guns, yes ..”

When I ran away, he kept fighting.

“I really want to find a high-paying part-time job for him ..”

My mind finally returned to that topic, but I still had no plans for future action. If anything, my head starts to get hot because of all that complicated thinking. I feel dizzy.

That's why I got out of the bath. Wash my wet hair with shampoo, wash my whole body, and leave the bathroom. The washing machine is currently in drying mode. I just let it rumble for now.

I put on the t-shirt I prepared, and decided to leave my worries for now. I stepped out into the hallway, and the fresh air from the AC hit my steamy body. My mood increased rapidly, and I even hummed as I walked into the living room, when I finally realized I didn't even turn on the AC when I got home.

Two girls were present in the living room, turning towards me. One of them is Ayase-san, and the other one... Narasaka-san? Why is he here?

For a moment, my mind went blank. Wait, it wasn't me. Oh no, I was humming, right in front of them! Shame struck me, but my defense operation did not work out in time, because my whole head was burning. I may blush with a red blush. Not to mention it's not just Ayase-san. There was a very foreign person, Narasaka-san, looking at me like that. Oh, my God, I just want to die. Please kill me. My feet froze on the ground, and could not move.

At the same time, Ayase-san's mouth opened wide, letting out an unexpected 'Ah.

“Sorry. Maaya suddenly said 'I want to stop by Saki's place to play'. I want to discuss it with you, but I don't have your LINE ID, Asamura-kun. ”

That's why he couldn't warn me, yeah. Ayase-san walked towards me, clapping her hands while apologizing. What a rare sight. Maybe it was because he was in front of his best friend. Narasaka-san looked quite surprised as well, but his face started to smile back.

“Ohh, so you're the rumored Onii-san! You really are Asamura-kun from the next class! ” What an energetic voice. “Hey, hey, do you know about me? Have you heard of me from Saki? ”

“Eh.. Alright.” How should I respond to this? “I heard you guys were good friends.”

For the time being, I gave a rather honest response. A second after hearing my words, the color of Narasaka-san's eyes changed. I felt as if he was saying something like 'Ah, good friends, yes' in a very quiet voice. I just saw his mouth move. Looks like a serious face, like he's in trouble? I don't think Ayase-san can see it. However, this expression immediately disappeared, as his usual smile returned.

“It's true ~! We are so close! Hence, let's make friends as well, Asamura-kun! ”

“Oke. So, did you guys get home safely? ”

Looking outwards, the rain was still pouring down. Although not like a storm, but raindrops flowing along the window glass.

“We are fine! We both have umbrellas! ”

“So yes.”

“Ski Saki said she forgot to bring it.”

“I've kept it in my bag, I just forgot it.”

It seems he decided that. I'm glad it's just an ordinary folding umbrella, don't know if it belongs to a man or a woman.

“Basic girl clumsy!”

“Hearing that from you makes me dizzy from a psychogenic reaction.”

“Why do you use complicated words, anyway! And also are you even using that phrase right now? ”

“What is this weird?”

“Iya weird! But, whatever.” Narasaka-san jumped onto the sofa.

Because of that sudden movement, her skirt lifted, and Ayase-san sighed.

“Maaya. Your snitch looks.”

“Ah!” Narasaka-san frantically fixed the position of her skirt.

After that, he looked at me. I didn't see anything, okay.

“Saki's. This house. Very dangerous.”

“Why are you suddenly talking like a robot?”

“Because there are guys!”

“Asamura-kun does not look like a girl, okay.”

“There's guys! I said there's a guy!”

“There is indeed a problem with that?”

“It's dangerous! You cannot walk with just a pair of bras and ******!”

“After all I won't walk like that. Did you do it in your house? ”

“Of course not! Anyway, I'm a woman.” He boasted in a real confident tone. “Stay only, so you also say it.”

“A-What exactly?”

“Refer me with 'You'.” Narasaka-san said with a smile. (TN : 'Anta', short for 'Anata', which is an informal and not very polite version of the formal word 'Anata'. 'The second 'You' are the normal version of 'Anata'.It feels a bit difficult to translate to Indo )

“!!!” Ayase-san closed her mouth, but it was too late.

He actually lowered his vigilance, and started to blush.

“Huh, hmm, I mean, your father is very happy.”

“You are not my father, okay!” Ayase-san replied with all her might.

I see, so he usually calls her with a normal 'You', right.

“It took some time for you to call me like that ~”

“Masa?”

“Indeed ~”

“But I don't remember it.”

“I really remember!”

“You can forget about it.”

“No want!” He said with pleasure.

I don't think he was happy because of the way he was called, but since he caught a glimpse of what was inside Ayase-san, I'm sure of that. In this world, there are people who mistake the phenomenon of being closer is the same as being comfortable with someone, and start calling others by a rude name to show how close they are. However, that rude way of calling someone else is still rude no matter how much you change it.

Since we called each other Ayase-san and Asamura-kun, we both agreed to it subconsciously. This way, we won't insult each other, and it allows for a more relaxed conversation. At the same time, Narasaka-san doesn't seem to be the type of person to make that mistake. Or is it like that? I'm not close to him to be able to confirm or deny that.

Only, if Narasaka-san is that type of person, I really doubt Ayase-san would invite him to her house. That's how I judged that he was a trustworthy person. Observation and thought process, if combined will be the strongest weapon.

“More important! Onii-chanan Saki!”

“O-Onii-chan?”

Didn't he just call me 'Onii-san' and 'Asamura-kun'? I feel like retracting my previous statement.

“Why are you so shy, Onii-chan!”

“First of all, I am not your brother, Narasaka-san.

“Come, we're good friends, so just call me Maaya.”

“I don't want to! After all, you and I are still strangers, right? ”

“Don't bother with trivia, Onii-chan! You must be happy because I called you like this yes ‘kan, Onii-chan! ”

“Not the least.”

I think people who really enjoy it do exist, but I don't feel anything special. Although, Narasaka-san looks like a small animal, asking for attention. Besides, I didn't expect Narasaksa-san to be so pushy. He doesn't seem to have a personality that sucks towards his friend's older brother.

“...Stop...”

I can hear a faint voice. Ayase-san lowered her face, as she muttered.

“Hm? What's going on, Saki? ”

“... lukan.”

“I can't hear you ~”

“It feels embarrassing, so stop! Every time I hear you say 'Onii-chan', I can feel my back shivering! I beg you, please stop!”

“Yeah, so you've given up first.”

Ah, I came to understand the purpose behind the action.

“So basically, you want to tease me, and make Ayase-san feel embarrassed too, ‘kan?”

“A-Ahahaha.. True!”

“Do not say 'True!' as good as jidatmu.”

Don't point at me like that. Or rather, don't point at people in general.

“Well, I guess I can stop playing with you for now, Onii-chan.”

“For forever, please.”

“It would be useless. Hey, Saki, let's try calling her 'Onii-chan' together, okay. Come, one, two—! ”

“No want!”

“When will this be the best opportunity to really get close to him? You are not using your changes properly!”

“Can't you categorize one's life as entertainment? … What are you doing?”

Narasaka-san opened his gym bag under the table, and pulled out something.

“Come play with this!”

“Consoles games?”

“Narasaka-san, bring the game to that school..”.

“Not banned. You're just not allowed to play.”

Isn't that pretty much the same? But, when I asked him, he stated that as long as you don't play during lesson time, you can bring him. Even playing between classes is something that happens often, as long as there is someone on guard. As for the game console it carries, it's a popular kosnol that just came out.

“Saki, you said you don't have this one, ‘kan?”

“Yup, does not have.”

“I want to play together. So, can I connect this to the TV? ” He said while pointing to a 50-inch TV screen overlooking the sofa.

“...Sure.”

“I have some games we can play together. Do you have internet here? ” Narasaka-san looks at me.

I think he asked me for a wifi password. Since handing over a wifi password was standard enough when visiting someone else's home, I did not hesitate, and gave my consent. Ayase-san handed the memo with the password to her, and after arranging everything, Narasaka-san returned to the sofa, as she looked at me.

“You play with us, Asamura-kun?” Take it, and pull out the game console.

Let alone two, he was actually setting up three game consoles. What's the other one for me? I think this is how his personality shines. As Maru said, she was very good at reading the atmosphere, and was attentive. He probably planned to invite me to join in from the beginning. I glanced at Ayase-san again, asking what she should do through eye contact.

“Haa... Well, because the rain has not stopped, so join us, Asamura-kun.” Ayase-san shifted to the corner of the sofa, giving it a little space.

“Ohh, so you want your Onii-chan next to you, so apparently.”

“As far as you are. Can you slide a little there? ” He moved his waist back to the previous position.

“Sit alone among us! Asamura-kun, come on, there are two school prima donna in both hands, as the saying goes! ”

“I'd rather be cornered ..”

“Cannot. I won't let you off the hook!”

“Why are you acting like our sofa is suddenly yours, Maaya?” Ayase-san sighed towards Narasaka-san, who was clinging to the sofa.

“Iya, yes, I understand, I will sit there.”

Seeing that there was no other choice, I sat down in the middle of the sofa. Keep in mind that only my father and I lived here before. Therefore, this sofa is not too big. The two girls, to my left and right, were practically inches away from my body. How can I stay calm like this? There's gotta be a limit, okay.

“You are very fragrant, Asamura-kun. So this is the scent of Asamura Family shampoo, yes. That means, Saki too. ”.

“Which way we might use the same shampoo. General knowledge, have you never heard of it?”

So that should be general knowledge, yes. I never thought about using a shampoo and bath soap that was different from my father's. I guess I should remember that when I go shopping later.

“I bought my own things. Anyway, I'm still a high school girl.” Ayase-san said, as if she could read my mind.

“Then, let's start ~!” Narasaka-san said excitedly, and operated the game console.

Cheerful music played, as I focused on the screen. Although this sofa is no stranger to me, it must be the most uncomfortable experience I have had so far. At the same time as I thought that, I remembered Ayase-san's words. 'Our sofa' said. These words make me a little happy.

The TV screen changed. It looks like it's looking for the latest patch of the game. But, there was nothing to be found, and the game began.

“What is this... that is scary?” Ayase-san asked, her voice a little tense.

“Not at all scary ~ That's funny! Like puzzle! You control this flappy creature, and while holding hands, you must reach the goal.”

Narisaka-san pointed at the screen, especially at the characters who looked to have no bones. By operating the console, Narasaka-san's character was thrown into the air, turned around, and landed on a nail placed on the ground. Blood gushed from the body, as the characters fell into the depths of the map with screams.

“See, this is how they die.”

“So this horror game.”

“One more time, no! You can really complete this stage. It's just scary if you fail. Come on, Asamura-kun, hold this. ”

“O-OK.” I was given a game controller.

“Listen. We have to work together here. This will be our first joint operation!”

“I don't understand at all.”

“Forget that! Let's do!”

We died a thousand times. This was my first time playing that game, so where could I possibly be an expert. However, Narasaka-san always cheers whenever my character falls dead. He even punched me on the shoulder in an attempt to comfort me, and tried to make me fail even more. It was scary how close he was. She feels more like my step-sister than my real step-sister.

“Haaaa, it's fun!”

By the time we finished, the rain had stopped, and Narasaka-san went home with a satisfied face.

“Sorry he is so annoying.” Ayase-san returned after driving her away at the entrance of the apartment, and said so.

“No, I don't mind.”

“Um ..” He seemed hesitant with his words, it made me a little nervous. “Can I... request your LINE ID? To make sure such an unfortunate thing that happened before does not happen again?”

“A-Ah, yes, sure.”

I don't mind that. Indeed, it was all to avoid any misfortune that might occur. We are family, not at all strange. When I opened my list of friends, I saw the icon of Ayase-san. He used a stylish tea cup as his iconic image. Just from that alone, you can't be sure if it's a man or a woman, who looks a lot like her.

“This term is also weaponry.”.

“What did you say something ~?” After we finished exchanging contacts, Ayase-san went to the kitchen, from where she now called out to me.

The sound of the kitchen knife hitting the cutting board paused for a moment.

“No, it's nothing.”

“Oke ~ Dinner will be ready soon.”

“Oke.”

The sound of the kitchen knife continued, as the soft aroma of miso soup tickled my nose. I remember everything that happened today. The fact that today started with me meeting Ayase-san during my departure for school, today is full of various events.

I saw Ayase-san during training, when she made fun of Narasaka-san. Even though I brought an umbrella, I got soaked in the rain. The moment where these two girls heard my singing must have been the worst experience today, and even after that, when we played games together, I would have a hard time finding something valuable there.

However, strangely enough, I was satisfied when I turned off my smartphone screen, just like what I experienced today.

The End Chapter 4.