As months flowed by, Shii’s change in attitude became much more apparent.
It seemed that Shii was quite pleased with the image of a ‘mature younger sister.’ Well, thinking back on the story, Shii’s nature did seem to enjoy taking care of others, so I couldn’t say that the choice was entirely wrong.
Sota interacted with Shii very naturally, and Shii treated Sota just as naturally in return. They were both satisfied with their relationship as it was.
And then, at some point, I slipped into the mix.
It might be a bit ambiguous when we met, but in a sense, couldn’t I also be considered a childhood friend?
In the original work, there was a character named Nanami. She probably exists in this world too. The friend Sota had before going abroad.
That Nanami, and one senior character whose name I can’t quite recall.
Along with the tsundere main heroine, Yuuki Yuka. As a light novel serialized in the mid-2000s, that story was a typical harem genre of its time.
They’d probably only meet in high school.
I slurped down Shii’s delicate green tea while glancing at Sota and Shii sitting around the table.
Both of them were engrossed in a movie rented from a video store. It was the latest theatrical release of a manga series that everyone would likely recognize at the mere mention. …Well, it was technically quite old by my standards, but the atmosphere was nice nonetheless.
I used to do the same thing. Back when I was little, I’d go to the video store with the pocket money my brother and I got from Mom and Dad to rent the latest animated films, or sometimes rent a new movie to watch with them.
For some reason, it felt wasteful to only watch it once after renting it, so I’d rewind and watch the video countless times until returning it.
“……”
With one of the pastries that Shii had piled onto a tray in my mouth, I pondered once more.
Well, it is nice to create memories from childhood in its own way. It felt nice to slip into those memories of the past, and the anime was fun.
But why wasn’t Shii wary of me?
As a character of a mixed-blood younger sister, unless it was a work that blatantly targeted that premise, it’s not very common for someone to rise up as the main heroine, but typically, ‘younger sister characters’ are often classified as one of the heroines.
Even if there isn’t outright romantic sentiment, they might have that admiration nurtured from childhood for their older brother, and thus, overreact when that older brother dates someone else, feeling as though they’re losing him—yes, those kinds of characters that make someone who actually has a younger sister feel absurdly amused.
Well, if my younger sister acted like that, it would be a bit disgusting, but since she’s someone else’s younger sister, I understand their past, and I can somewhat grasp Shii’s fixation on Sota.
Maybe she doesn’t want to be abandoned again.
…….
It’s not really my place to say since I’m the one always pestering Kagami, but Shii’s beginning to show the attitude of an ‘ideal younger sister’ because she doesn’t want her older brother to leave her side.
If that happens, Shii would truly be left alone in the world.
So, if following the story, shouldn’t I, in a sense, be viewed as a rival?
Did I relax my stance on Sota so much that she thinks there’s even no possibility of ‘dating’? Well, if it’s the smart Shii, that could happen. The attitude I take towards Sota could suggest that, and Sota might have already ruled out such thoughts since our dad’s intimidating presence would prevent him from considering it.
Noticing me alternating my gaze between the two, Shii looked at me.
I hastily avoided her gaze and turned back to the TV.
At that moment, a funny scene played out, causing Sota and Shii to laugh together. I hurried to laugh along.
Well, it’s still quite enjoyable overall.
Honestly, as the mid-parts of the story came back slowly, I found myself itching to spill some spoilers.
*
Shii was sparkling her eyes in front of me.
One thing was clear: Shii was super comfortable around me.
It’s not that I’m against that. I don’t feel burdened at all. Sota and Shii are both quite important within my current relationships.
However, I wonder if there could be such a lack of distance as this?
They seemed to want to call me ‘senpai,’ but the way they acted felt more like a friend rather than someone older.
“So, in that case…”
I quickly organized my thoughts and recalled what Shii had said earlier.
“You want to go to the sea?”
“Yes!”
Considering she speaks so politely and properly in respectful language, perhaps she’s a bit influenced by Kagami?
No, wasn’t the original Shii like this too?
I held up the photo that Shii had shown me.
That photo was… indeed, the sea. But it wasn’t the typical beach you’d visit during ‘summer vacation.’ Hmm, it’s a place only for someone living outside of Tokyo to visit.
“Odaiba?”
I asked seriously.
“Is this place called Odaiba?”
Shii, with her sparkling eyes, answered.
Odaiba Beach is right in front of Tokyo Bay. It’s so close that it’s practically attached to Minato Ward, where I used to live. Technically, part of it falls under Minato Ward’s jurisdiction, but still, it’s all in the same area.
When going out to have fun, wouldn’t one usually think of a more special place? A little further away—a tranquil spot where you hardly hear car sounds, away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. Well, those places generally have noise from people instead of car sounds.
“You can also get there by subway. You can leave today if you want.”
I replied while handing the photo back to Shii.
“Oh, is that so?”
“Yeah.”
I’ve already been there. It would be strange not to, considering how close it is to home.
It’s a pretty place, with lots of people, and it has a somewhat touristy feel, but… I don’t know; maybe because it’s my old neighborhood?
“I thought it was really far…”
Shii muttered with a hint of shock as she received the photo.
Since it wasn’t a book, newspaper, or magazine but a photo, it seemed like it might be one she took herself. Although Shii and Sota weren’t in it.
The backside of the photo was slightly yellowed. It must have been taken some time ago.
“What were you talking about?”
Sota asked while coming down from his bag. Just as he entered the house, he had been conversing with us without putting his bag in the room, and now he was rushing down after seeing Shii glare at him.
“Shii is—”
“Aaah!”
As I was about to say something, Shii hurriedly waved her hands. From the redness on her face, it seemed like there was something she didn’t want to say to Sota.
Why?
I had a moment of questioning that, but I figured there was no need to embarrass Shii.
Noticing Shii quickly putting the photo into her pocket, I changed the subject.
“I want to go to Odaiba with Shii.”
“Odaiba?”
Sota blinked in surprise.
Hmm, thinking about it, perhaps Shii was a little taken aback that she didn’t realize it was so nearby.
Even if you learn about it at school, you don’t exactly scrutinize all the photographs in the textbooks one by one. Moreover, Shii hadn’t been able to attend school properly in the middle, nor had she been in an environment conducive to studying.
“Yeah, well, it is close.”
Thinking about it, if I were to take Sota along, it wouldn’t be great to go too far. Among the people living in the same area, it’s just Sota and Dad left. Sota still feels awkward around Dad, and Dad is super cautious about Sota.
Honestly, I think that caution is unnecessary. If even Shii is not keeping her guard up around me…
…Anyway.
It is a bit odd to go and leave only Dad behind, and it feels a bit awkward just to take Shii along by herself. Taking Sota’s friend would be even more awkward.
Maybe if we’ve known each other for a few more years and have grown completely comfortable, it might be something to consider then.
“Odaiba…”
Sota glanced over at Shii. Even though I changed the subject in the middle, it felt like Sota instantly caught on that this was Shii’s idea.
Well, is this expected? Shii was so flustered, and her face is still red.
…….
At this point, I can somewhat understand it.
Shii follows Sota like he’s her own parent. Sota cherishes Shii deeply. They are the only two beings within a family that genuinely care for each other.
However, even so, there must have been times when both of them were genuinely happy. The family had moments of happiness when everyone was still together.
This photo might have been taken during one of those happy times together.
If I asked Mom, she probably would detest going there that it’s too far, and she wouldn’t have permitted Dad to keep a photo with just him and his son.
So, in the end, all that’s left is this.
“Let’s go. It might be a bit difficult to do it today, but when we have some time together.”
“Yeah, that sounds good.”
Sota nodded and replied.
I looked over at Shii.
Although her face was still blushing, Shii was grinning broadly.
Could it be that great?
…….
Well, I suppose I also enjoy hanging out with Kagami.
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