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alicescaling · 1 month ago

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Brothers Conflict Season 2 Volume 1 #024

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translator’s note: This is an English translation of chapter #024 of Brothers Conflict— aka, the entire first chapter of Season 2 (Volume 1). This is my first time translating a light novel chapter, so I hope it reads okay. Please enjoy! :D

#024 — Pretending you don’t have a special someone.

A whistle rings out.

“Great job, Asahina!”

A voice calls out from the bench, right before the audience erupts into loud cheers of joy.

— It’s been five months since I’ve been admitted to Meiji University.

After passing my initial entrance exam, I’ve somehow made it to my first ever summer vacation as a university student.

Still, being on vacation doesn’t mean I can just slack off and do nothing.

“High School is about studying what and when you’re told. University is about discovering and deciding for yourself what you’d like to study.”

I still remember the president of the university’s words from during his speech at the entrance ceremony.

Just like he said, my classes have been requiring me to write and submit weekly reports, each with a theme that I’ve needed to decide upon myself.

I’d never expected to be taking any classes like that during my first year, but it’s school policy for all business majors to take it.

After summer break’s over, I have more reports due that I’ll need to turn in as well. That’s why these days, I’ve been going to the library about once or twice a week.

Early this morning, I’d gone to the library to do some research and compile some notes, until I’d barely gotten to a point where I was comfortable enough to stop for a late lunch and finally start heading home.

When I get to the main entrance, I see a large announcement in the middle of the bulletin board that the school usually uses to advertise different things like groups and events.

“From our Meiji University, a pro athlete’s been born!”

… is what’s written at the top of the board in a large font. Underneath, the following is written.

“A member of our basketball team, Asahina Subaru (a 4th year business student) has been officially recruited to become a pro player. Asahina will be making an appearance at these upcoming games during these dates at our school gymnasium. This is your chance to see a pro athlete in action! Admission to enter is free of charge. We wish all visitors a warm welcome!”

After that, there’s a list of matches and their dates and times lined up. When I look through them, I realize that the very first listed match is today— they should already be playing by now.

(Ah… Subaru-san’s playing a match right now.)

Subaru-san didn’t mention anything about it to me, though. For a moment, I find myself at a loss for what to do.

(But it’s happening at my school, though…)

It’s one thing if I didn’t know it was going on, but to pretend I didn’t hear about it and not go anyways would be rude.

Despite the lingering doubt and worry in my mind about going, I still make my way in the direction of the school gymnasium.

The audience seating is on the second floor, so I climb up the stairs once I get to the entrance of the gymnasium.

The very moment that I step out the stairs, I’m immediately met with the sight of Subaru-san jumping up to make a shot.

All the doubts and worries about coming to watch clouding my mind are immediately blown away by the beauty and fluidity of the movement.

“Subaru-san!”

Without thinking, I run up to the railing and shout.

“Nice shot!”

There’s a strange look on Subaru-san’s face as he looks from across the court to the audience seating, his eyes scanning the stands as if looking for something.

It isn’t long until his gaze finally settles in my direction.

At first, upon seeing me, there’s a surprised expression on his face. Then, slowly, it starts to morph into a smile. But, the smile doesn’t last long.

The moment that the whistle rings out signaling that the match is about to resume, Subaru-san’s expression immediately tightens once again, completely serious.

As soon as the match resumes, he begins to move swiftly towards the ball.

(Woah…)

I’ve watched some of Subaru-san’s matches before, but right now, Subaru-san looks like a completely different person from back then. Even an ordinary person like me can see the complete difference in his movements from the others around him.

(Amazing…)

He runs through and around the court, weaving in and out of the other players with a sense of fluid, masterful control.

I had arrived at the game right at the start of the fourth quarter, meaning there’s only one quarter of the game left.

Until now, the match was close enough to be anyone’s game. But in just a few minutes, Subaru-san has managed to score shot after shot, changing the tides of the game completely in his team’s favor.

Ultimately, in the end, it’s a complete victory for Meiji University.

There’s a cacophony of cheers and applause as the audience erupts into joy. I join in, clapping my hands as well.

(Amazing! Subaru-san was great! He scored so many points!)

For a while, the cheers continue, and the players bow at the audience before leaving the court. Once the audience sees the players leaving, they too start to filter out of the gymnasium.

(I think I’ll wait a little bit before I leave.)

The entrance is jam packed with people trying to leave, so I decide to stay in my seat to wait out the crowd.

Once it’s calmed down, I make my way down the hall and to the entrance.

At that moment.

“Thank you for today.”

I hear a voice ring out from behind me. When I turn around to look, I’m met with the figure of a uniform-clad Subaru-san, a towel slung over his shoulders.

Subaru: “I wasn’t expecting you to come today… but I’m glad you did.”

“Great work out there.”

As I say that, I make my way towards Subaru-san.

“You played really well.”

Subaru: “I… guess so. But today was just a practice match. It doesn’t say much about how a real match against an opponent would go.”

Subaru-san’s words are completely calm, not a trace of embarrassment or bashfulness in them.

Subaru: “But…”

The tone of Subaru-san’s voice changes.

Subaru: “How did you know about today’s game? I’m pretty sure that I don’t remember telling you about it.”

“Oh, I saw the notice.”

Subaru: “Notice?”

As I tell him about the notice on the school bulletin board I saw earlier, Subaru-san’s face twitches.

Subaru: “Those guys… I told them not to go around doing stuff like that.”

“But isn’t it okay? I mean, the stuff written on there is true, after all.”

Subaru: “No, I’m not a pro yet. The offer’s still just tentative.”

Subaru-san’s voice is firm and resolute.

Subaru: “I’ll sign an official contract once I graduate. Until then, I can’t be considered a pro. Either way, my skills are still…”

Subaru-san’s face tenses.

Subaru: “I’m not worthy of being compared to a real pro.”

“Huh?”

Subaru: “When I went to Kyushu, I saw pros practicing. They’re on an entirely different level. A completely different level. To compare myself to them, as I am now… it wouldn’t even be a competition.”

There’s a bitter frustration in his tone. But then, it changes into something excited.

Subaru: “Even so, when I think about how I felt in the moment, at the idea of getting to play like that, I was really… really happy. I’m really grateful that I can continue playing basketball.”

When I see the genuine smile on Subaru-san’s face, I can’t help but break into a grin as well.

(Subaru-san… I’m really happy for you.)

Just as I think that, Subaru-san suddenly breaks out into a violent cough.

Subaru: “Nnnnnnn—!!!”

“Wh-what’s wrong?!”

Subaru: “Th-that… that… your smile… er, n-nevermind. I just… had something caught in my throat, is all.”

Subaru-san swallows slightly exaggeratedly before continuing.

Subaru: “To be honest, my teammates are probably waiting for me. I might need to get going.��

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to keep you.”

Subaru: “No, I’m the one that called out to you. …it’s my bad.”

After a beat, Subaru-san speaks up again.

Subaru: “Hey.”

“Yes?”

Subaru: “... will you come to my next match, too?”

“Of course! I’d already planned on going to your upcoming games.”

Subaru: “I-is that so!”

Subaru-san gives me a smile. There’s a sense of relief in his expression.

“Oh, that’s right. Do you think you could let me know the dates your next matches will be on?”

Subaru: “Oh, yeah. I’ll message them to you later.”

“Got it. In any case, congratulations on today again!”

Subaru: “Ah, be sure to stay safe on your way home.”

Lightly waving goodbye, I start to leave. As I do, I can hear Subaru-san mutter to himself in a quiet voice.

Subaru: “Thank god. …she doesn’t hate me after all…”

(Huh?)

Unconsciously, I stop in my tracks. I turn to look behind me, watching the back of Subaru-san’s figure as he makes his way towards the locker rooms.

(Subaru-san….?)

For a moment, I hesitate whether or not to call out to him. But a feeling that I can’t quite place wells up in me at seeing the back of his figure as he leaves, and in the end, I don’t say anything.

★☆★

“Hey, isn’t that Asakura Fuuto?”

While waiting for the train to arrive at Meiji University station, I hear the chattering voices of some high school girls.

“That’s a member of your favorite idol group or whatever, right? What were they called again? Corset?”

“That isn’t even close! They’re called Forttê!”

“Oooh, right. What’s that even mean, anyways?”

“What does it mean..? Hm. I’m pretty sure it’s supposed to be the first letters of all the member’s names arranged into one word.”

(So that’s what Forttê’s supposed to stand for.)

“The first letters of their names?”

“Yup. There’s Asakura Fuuto, Narimoto Osamu, Seike Ryou, Takesue Takuma, Morishima Towa, and Akaboshi Eiichiro…. so, Forttê!”

“Eh? … ohhhh, I see, you’re talking about their first names. For a sec I thought you meant their last names.”

“Haha– oh, right, didja know that Seike Ryou’s been seen around here?”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Apparently, he attends Meiji University.”

(Huh? Really? So a member of Forttê attends my university.)

Before I realize it, I’m listening intently to their conversation.

“A university student, huh–. Asakura Fuuto’s a student too, right?”

“Yup. He’s still a high school student. But why are you asking about Asakura Fuuto? Are you a fan of his?”

“Not really, I wouldn’t say that, but– hasn’t he been in a lot of dramas lately? I feel like I’ve been seeing a lot of him in different stuff. Don’t you think he’s pretty talented?”

(Wow– I’m sure Fuuto-kun would be glad to hear that.)

The truth is that these days, Fuuto-kun’s been getting a lot more acting jobs. Since he also has his idol work to juggle alongside his acting, he’s been so busy that whenever I catch a glimpse of him at home, I can’t help but feel like he must be working really hard to improve.

“Oh, yeah, that’s right. Uh huh… he’s been in a lot of dramas lately.”

“Huh? Why’s your voice sound all dark and gloomy like that? Did I say something weird?”

“Sorry. No, that isn’t it… it’s just that I heard that that member in particular has been causing some quarreling in the group lately.”

(Ehh?)

“Really?”

“Yeah… I heard a bunch of stuff about it on the internet.”

“What? Are you sure that it isn’t just meaningless gossip?”

“Well, that’s what I thought at first too… but the thing is, that was before I’d seen all the Forttê members appear on TV, and then—”

(And– and then what?!)

In the very next second, the sound of an announcement reverberates throughout the whole platform.

“The train is arriving! Please be sure to stay behind the yellow line!”

The sound of the announcement is so loud that the sound of the two girls’ conversation is lost in it, and I don’t get to hear what they say next.

(The members of Forttê are fighting? Because of Fuuto-kun appearing in dramas?)

Since it’s internet gossip, there isn’t any saying whether or not it’s true.

(...still.)

Fuuto-kun’s always had a rather condescending attitude. If he looks down on people or takes an attitude with them while he’s at work, it’s possible that that animosity could be affecting his relationship with his coworkers.

(Even though I know I shouldn’t, I can’t help but worry… maybe just a little bit of digging wouldn’t hurt.)

I bring my phone out, searching up the words “Forttê” and “quarrel”.

Several seconds later, I’m met with a display of search results. My eyes skim through them, but none of them seem to match up with what the girl from earlier mentioned.

Next, I decide to look up “Asakura Fuuto” and “gossip”.

I’m met with the same lack of results. Just like when I looked up “Forttê” and “quarrel”, I don’t find anything that mentions Fuuto-kun having any sort of disputes with the other members of Forttê.

(Whew… thank goodness.)

A let out a little sigh of relief.

– That is, until I see it.

An article titled “Asakura Fuuto– Siscon Allegations”.

(W-what’s this?!)

When I click to read the article, I find that it’s about some of the comments that Fuuto-kun made during his speech to me on the day that I’d graduated– the same speech that Fuuto-kun had made during a live TV broadcast.

(Uwah… u-ugh, this is because Fuuto-kun said all that weird stuff…)

There isn’t a total fuss being made about it, but when I dig a bit further, I find some more articles, all mentioning the declaration he’d made during the broadcast.

(The next time I get the opportunity, I’m going to have to have a talk with Fuuto-kun about this.)

I sigh to myself before exiting the search engine on my phone.

★☆★

As I get off at Kichijōji station and start heading towards the mansion, I find myself passing by an arcade near the station.

Since the street is lined end to end with shops, it’s always super busy and crowded. Of course, since it’s a summer afternoon and everyone’s on vacation, that rings true for today, too.

I do my best to try and wade my way through the waves of people flowing all around me.

“Onee-chan!”

I suddenly hear a loud voice call out.

(Huh? Right now, that voice…)

I see someone waving at me from the front of a nearby fast food restaurant.

I recognize the “BC” crest on the pocket of their white shirt as part of the Bright Centrair school uniform.

“Ah, Wataru-chan.”

Wataru: “... Wataru-chan?”

I look up from his uniform to see Wataru’s face clearly upset, his mouth twisted into a dissatisfied frown.

“Er, sorry– Wataru-kun.”

After I correct myself, Wataru’s expression goes back to his bright grin from before.

Wataru: “Thanks, Onee-chan!”

Wataru-chan– or, er, Wataru-kun– throws the paper cup he’s holding in the garbage, and approaches me.

Wataru: “Hey.”

I remember a conversation that Wataru-kun and I had back when he’d first started middle school.

Wataru: “I’d like it if you could change the way you call me from now on.”

“Hm?”

Wataru: “I’d like for you to stop calling me “-chan”, since I’m in middle school now.”

“Oh, I see. I guess that makes sense. A middle schooler wouldn’t want to be called “-chan” anymore, would they? … in that case, does “Wataru-kun” work?”

Wataru: “Yup, that works! It’s a promise, Onee-chan!”

Even though I said I’d stop doing it, there are times where I accidentally call Wataru-kun “Wataru-chan” by sheer force of habit. Every time I do, Wataru-kun gives me the same dissatisfied pout he did just now, but I’ve been making the mistake less and less recently.

Wataru: “Onee-chan, did you go somewhere today?”

“Yes. I went to my school to do some research. What about you, Wataru-kun?”

Wataru: “Me? I had a mock exam today.”

“Is that so? It must be difficult having to take exams during summer vacation.”

Bright Centrair is well-known for being a cramschool. Even the first year middle schoolers who attend are expected to go to prep classes and take national-level mock exams, so their students get less days off than those from other schools.

Wataru: “Yeah. But I think I did well, at least…. ehehe.”

The truth is that Wataru-kun gets really good grades. At the end of his first semester, I saw his report card, and he got much higher grades than I ever did when I was in middle school.

I never really see Wataru-kun studying at home, so I think that he’s just naturally very smart and gifted.

(It’s stuff like this that makes me remember that Wataru-kun really is Masaomi-san and Ukyo-san’s little brother.)

Wataru: “Onee-chan, are you headed back home right now? Or do you plan on going somewhere else?”

“I’m headed back home.”

Wataru: “Then is it okay if we go together?”

“Of course it’s okay.”

The two of us chat as we walk through the arcade together.

Wataru: “And then, my teacher–”

Maybe it’s because he doesn’t have any difficulty studying or with academics, but Wataru-kun’s school life sounds very fun. He has a lot of friends, and it seems like he’s very popular and well-liked by his class as well.

As I think this while listening to him, Wataru-kun suddenly interrupts himself.

Wataru: “Onee-chan, am I boring you?”

“Eh?! I don’t feel that way at all, why would you think that?”

Wataru: “Well, it’s just that you’re going “uh-huh, uh-huh” and nodding along a lot. Isn’t that how people tune out stuff they aren’t interested in talking about or listening to?”

“That– that isn’t it at all.”

I reply, confused.

“You’re a very skilled storyteller, so I was just listening really intently.”

Wataru: “It’s okay, you don’t have to force yourself to lie to me.”

Wataru-kun’s face goes gloomy.

Wataru: “If I’m boring you, I want you to tell me. Because if you don’t… I won’t be able to fix it.”

“Like I said, that isn’t it at all.”

My voice is earnest as I speak.

“While it’s true that people tend to nod and hum and reply absentmindedly to try and feign paying attention, that isn’t what I was doing right now at all.”

Wataru-kun stares intently at my face before replying.

Wataru: “... okay, I understand.”

He bows his head down at me.

Wataru: “Onee-chan, what I said just now was kinda weird, right? I’m sorry about that.”

“I don’t mind at all– here, lift your face back up. Won’t you tell me the rest of your story?”

At that, Wataru-kun’s smile finally returns, and he finishes telling me the rest of his story.

“At any rate...”

As our conversation dies down, I mutter to myself without realizing it.

“Wataru-kun, you’ve really grown up, huh.”

Wataru: “Me? Grown up?”

“Yeah. I feel like you’ve matured a lot.”

Wataru: “Hmmmm…”

Wataru-kun stops walking, folding his arms as if in deep thought.

“What’s wrong?”

Wataru: “I’ve… grown up… an adult…”

After a moment of silence, Wataru-kun abruptly speaks up again.

Wataru: “No, that isn’t true. I’m not an adult yet.”

“Eh?”

Wataru: “Well, you still don’t want to be my girlfriend, right, Onee-chan?”

“W-Wataru-kun?!”

The two of us are still in the middle of the arcade. Since it’s an afternoon during summer break, there’s a large amount of people crowding the arcade.

“Huuuuuh, that kid just confessed his love for his big sister.”

“Amazing isn’t it, the fact that he did it in front of a crowd, too. Talk about a public confession.”

“Welllll, since it was cute, I’ll forgive it~”

People start to erupt into whispers all around us.

Wataru: “If I were really an adult, then you’d see me as a grown man– a member of the opposite gender, right? But you don’t see me that way. You still see me as a little kid–”

“H-hey, Wataru-kun!!”

I forcibly interrupt Wataru-kun.

“Let’s get heading home! It’s really hot out today and I feel like I might collapse if I stay out for much longer. So, uhm, let’s hurry and get going!”

I blurt out a bunch of babble that I don’t really even understand myself, grabbing Wataru-kun’s hand and dragging him away from the scene.

★☆★

Once we get to the mansion, Wataru-kun and I go our separate ways. I stop to pick up the mail before heading up to the fifth floor.

All of the Asahina family’s mail is always delivered to the first floor. Usually, someone will pick it all up from downstairs, and then bring it up to the fifth floor to sort through by address. Then, they’ll leave the sorted piles on the living room table.

Today, Masaomi-san and Ukyo-san both had received a few magazines addressed to them, so the pile’s rather heavy.

Since it would be difficult to sort through the mail while holding it all, I place the pile down on the table before beginning to sort through it.

In the middle of the pile, I see an envelope that’s addressed to me.

(Ah, that’s–)

The envelope looks official, a bit like the type that a company would use. Once I catch a glimpse of the cooperation that it’s direct mail from, I get an idea of who sent it.

It’s the name of the game company that Natsume-san works for.

Without thinking, my hand stops.

I look around for a moment in worry. It’s only once I’m sure that there’s no one else in the living room that I finally open the envelope.

Inside is an announcement for a new game that’s coming out. Natsume-san sometimes sends me lists of things like upcoming games and the stores they’re being sold at. They’re usually pretty simple and easy to understand, but also very impersonal.

But today’s list is different. A single title on the list is highlighted in bright ink, with the following written beside it.

This is a game that I helped make. There have been plenty of difficulties, but it’s finally complete. I think it turned out pretty well, so please give it a try!

(That’s right… it’s finally being released.)

Ever since he changed departments this spring, Natsume-san’s been really busy every day. Sometimes, he’ll send short messages about how his work’s increased so much that he’s been having to stay up all night in the office working, and I can tell that he’s been exhausted lately.

The past few months, we haven’t spoken or met up much since I can see how rough he has it and I haven’t wanted to bother him.

(But now he can finally take a breather again.)

At the thought, I can’t help but feel a little bit uneasy.

Now that he has the time, Natsume-san might visit the mansion. No– it’s his family’s home, so it’s only natural that he’ll visit eventually.

… when he does, how should I act with him?

Natsume: “Just as ordinary siblings. … no, I can’t.”

I remember the words that he’d muttered in my ear the night of my high school graduation party. And I remember the warm sensation at the nape of my neck as he—

(... – wait a minute!)

I try to calm the pounding of my heart down. I take a deep breath, breathing in and out until the warmth of the memory starts to clear from my mind.

(I can’t just be thinking about Natsume-san.)

I’m grateful for Natsume-san’s feelings for me.

But it isn’t right for me to be thinking only of him.

Because Natsume-san isn’t the only one who has confessed to having feelings for me.

(In any case, I should head back to my room.)

As soon as I finish hurriedly sorting through the rest of the mail, I leave the living room, Natsume-san’s letter in hand.

Once I get to the hall, I glance in the direction of the stairs. My room’s on the fourth floor. It’d probably be faster to head down the stairs instead of waiting for the elevator since it’s only a floor down.

I swiftly make my way down the stairs. My steps begin to gradually grow faster, and by the time I reach the landing, I’m practically running.

And then.

I see someone emerge from the elevator hall on the fourth floor.

There are two figures, the both of them resembling each other.

Azusa: “Huh?”

Tsubaki: “Oh, perfect!”

(Tsubaki-san and— Azusa-san?!)

Seeing the two of them come out of nowhere throws me off guard.

So much so that I lose my footing. I tumble over a step, and I’m suddenly sent flying, my body hurling forwards through the air as I trip and fall.

Azusa: “Watch out!”

Azusa-san yells.

When I look down, I realize that my body’s rapidly approaching the concrete floor.

(Ahhhh–!!)

I close my eyes as I brace myself.

Tsubaki: “G-guh!”

There’s a thud as my body crashes into something. But the impact isn’t as painful as I’d thought it’d be at all. Actually, it’s rather warm.

Tsubaki: “Oww…”

I hear a voice groan in my ear.

(R-right now–)

Gingerly, I open my eyes. I’m met with wide, uniquely glowing pupils obscuring my vision.

They’re eyes that I’ve gazed into countless times before– the brilliant gleam in them familiar.

“Tsu- Tsubaki-san?”

Tsubaki-san’s face is squished up close to mine.

His eyes are wide open, and his pupils almost look as if they’re trembling as they stare at me.

He’s so close that I can feel the warmth of his breath on my lips.

Tsubaki: “Ah…”

I can feel the heat of Tsubaki-san’s arms wrapped around me. We’re pressed together so tightly that I can feel the steady thrum of his heartbeat from through my own chest.

We’re both ice still, as if time has frozen in place.

After a moment, Tsubaki-san’s body finally moves, and he turns his face slightly away from me, breaking our stare.

Once he does, it feels as if time begins to gradually move again.

And I find myself finally beginning to register our position.

We’re both on the floor, at the bottom of the stairs, Tsubaki-san’s knees on the ground. He’s pressed up back-against the wall, with me on top of him.

I’m squished against him, the whole of my weight leaning on him as he holds me tight in his arms.

(That’s right..)

I begin to gradually get a grip of what happened.

I had tripped and fallen down the stairs. And Tsubaki-san caught me before I could hit the floor, crashing against the wall with me in his arms in his attempt to save me.

(... oh.)

My body suddenly shoots up as I register the situation.

“I– I’m sorry!”

I shout out as I straighten myself.

As I attempt to get up, I feel Tsubaki-san’s grip on me tighten.

Tsubaki: “Hold on… stay like this for just a bit longer.”

His voice is a soft, gentle murmur.

Tsubaki: “I don’t want you to hurt yourself. Wait a moment.”

I can feel someone’s presence beside me. Azusa carefully looks over my form.

Azusa: “Alright, it looks like she’s fine, Tsubaki.”

Azusa-san’s voice is calm.

Tsubaki: “Really? …. thank god.”

Tsubaki-san moves his arm away from me, letting me out of his hold.

Azusa: “Can you stand?”

As he asks me this, Azusa-san holds a hand out to me.

“Oh… yes.”

I take Azusa-san’s hand and stand up.

Tsubaki: “Whew, that was really surprising.”

Tsubaki-san braces himself on the wall behind him with his hand and stands up as well.

“I’m so sorry! … uhm, Tsubaki-san, are you okay?”

Tsubaki: “Huh, me? Eh, I’m totally fine.”

Even though he says he’s fine, Tsubaki-san’s grimacing.

“But…”

Tsubaki: “Like I said, I’m okay. A little crash like that’s nothing– I’m a guy, after all.”

Azusa: “That’s right. He’s just got a little bump right here.”

Tsubaki: “Owwwww!! Don’t touch it, Azusaaaa!”

“Er, um… are you sure you’re really okay?”

Azusa: “Don’t worry about it. I’ll be sure to take a look at it later.”

Azusa-san cracks a smile as he reassures me. Knowing him, I trust him to keep his word and handle it.

“Alright… but, really, thank you very much for saving me!”

I give the two of them a deep bow as I thank them.

Afterwards, Azusa-san holds something out to me.

Azusa: “Here.”

“... ah.”

In his hand is the envelope that Natsume-san sent to me.

Azusa: “You dropped this on the floor when you fell.”

“... I’m sorry.”

He hands the envelope to me.

(Did he notice that it’s from Natsume-san?)

Since the envelope has Natsume-san’s company’s logo on it, he likely did. However, Azusa-san doesn’t mention it.

(I’m curious, but if he isn’t going to mention it or ask about it, I won’t, either.)

Either way, I should probably get to leaving as soon as possible.

“Thank you again, Tsubaki-san, Azusa-san. Um, I’m going to head to my room now.”

As I thank them, I move to leave.

Tsubaki: “Ah, wait a sec.”

Tsubaki-san calls out to me.

Tsubaki: “The thing is, we were actually looking for you earlier.”

“Huh?”

I instinctively turn around to see Tsubaki-san pull something out from his pocket.

Tsubaki: “Here… this is for you.”

It’s a ticket to an upcoming event.

The title of an anime that Tsubaki-san’s the leading voice actor for and a large number ‘20’ are both written on it in a large font.

“What’s this?”

Tsubaki: “The anime that I’m in originally came out 20 years ago. So, they’re having an anniversary event. I’d really like it if you’d come.”

“An… event, huh.”

For a moment, I hesitate to accept the invitation.

I feel a bit overwhelmed as I remember Tsubaki-san’s previous confession.

“Even so– I still love you.”

The words that Tsubaki-san said to me that night at the theme park, after I had told him I can’t return his feelings, surface in my mind.

(What should I do..?)

If I accept, I might cause a misunderstanding. But since it’s clearly something that’s important to him, I need to think carefully about how to reply.

Azusa: “I understand what you’re probably thinking.”

Azusa-san interrupts my thoughts.

Azusa: “But this is different.”

Azusa-san looks at Tsubaki-san before turning towards me.

Azusa: “Tsubaki wants you to come see because this is a special, important occasion for him. As a voice actor.”

“As a… voice actor?”

Tsubaki: “Hey, uh, Azusa.”

Tsubaki’s voice cuts in.

Tsubaki: “I’m grateful for you trying to help me out, but I think that this is something that I would rather do myself, you know?”

Azusa: “Sorry, Tsubaki.”

Azusa-san’s attention turns back towards Tsubaki-san.

Azusa: “I just thought that it might be a little strange if you said it yourself.”

Tsubaki: “Ah– …. Well– … okay, yeah. I guess it would sound kinda weird coming from me, huh.”

Tsubaki-san goes silent at that.

After a moment, he opens his mouth again.

Tsubaki: “Still, I wanna at least say this.”

He looks at me.

Tsubaki: “This role is really, really important to me. And this event is really, really important to me, too, which is why it would mean a lot to me if you came to watch.”

He holds the invitation out to me once more.

Tsubaki: “So? Will you come?”

“.... yes.”

I give him my answer.

“I’ll go. Thank you very much.”

Tsubaki: “Thanks!”

Tsubaki-san’s face breaks into a bright grin.

Tsubaki: “Woah… I’m happy. I’m super, super happy.”

He lets out a sigh of relief.

Azusa: “Well, in that case, isn’t it about time that we get going, Tsubaki?”

Tsubaki: “Oh, yeah, you’re right.”

“Where are you two headed?”

Azusa: “We’ve still got some recording to finish up.”

Azusa-san replies.

Azusa: “We stopped by since we had a little time before we needed to head out.”

Tsubaki: “We’d planned on giving you the ticket real quick first. I mean, wouldn’t it have sucked if you’d made plans for that day before we could invite you?”

“That’s why?”

Tsubaki: “Yeah. I mean, like I said, this event is super important.”

He flashes me a smile.

Tsubaki: “I really, reaaaaaaaally want you to come since it means a lot to me. That’s why we went looking for you.”

With that, he and Azusa-san leave to return to work.

(An important event…)

I stare at the invitation in my hand. As I do, I can understand how an event like this would mean a lot to Tsubaki-san as a voice actor.

(But, is that really…?)

My heart starts to waver, and I can’t help but suddenly feel a sense of doubt rush over me.

My thoughts swirl through my head.

I only find myself becoming more and more worried. I can tell that being alone in my room will just make my anxiety worse.

(T-That’d be no good.)

I place both the invitation that Tsubaki-san gave me and the envelope from Natsume-san in the mailbox in front of my room and leave without heading inside.

★☆★

As I head down the stairs, I find myself still in deep thought.

But I haven’t managed to reach an answer at all yet.

Before I know it, I’ve already made my way to the first floor.

It’s already starting to get dark outside.

For a moment, I start to doubt whether or not I should go out. But I don’t really want to head back to my room right now, either.

(But it hasn’t gone completely dark, yet.)

As I think this, I begin to make my way to the front door.

“Chii-chan, wait a moment.”

I hear someone call out to me. I turn my head to see Louis-san in the hallway.

“Oh… hi.”

Louis: “Mmhmm, good evening.”

“Did you just get back home?”

Louis: “Yes, I got off a little bit early today.”

He gives me a gentle smile.

Louis: “Hmm?”

Suddenly, his smile is replaced with a worried expression.

Louis: “What’s wrong?”

“Umm…”

I do my best to shake away my inner thoughts and reply.

“It’s nothing.”

Louis: “Chii-chan.”

Louis-san’s voice is a bit stern.

Louis: “Lying is bad.”

“R-really, I’m–”

As I scramble for words, I meet Louis-san’s eyes.

There’s an earnest glimmer in them that robs me of my strength to keep speaking.

“... I’m sorry.”

I apologize in a small voice, looking down at the floor.

Immediately afterwards, I feel the air suddenly clear up, and I’m overwhelmed with a refreshing fragrance.

(What… is this?)

The refreshing fragrance grows stronger as a hand gently moves to caress my cheek.

It gingerly lifts my head back up, and I’m met with the sight of Louis-san’s kind, smiling face.

Louis: “... Chii-chan.”

Louis-san’s voice is soft.

“Yes?”

Louis: “Let’s go out and eat.”

“.... okay?”

– 20 minutes later.

We’re at a very fashionable restaurant inside Inokashira Park.

The building faces the park’s pond, which gives me a good view of the water, street, and the rest of the park right outside.

Even though it’s still a bit early for dinner, the restaurant is reasonably crowded. So much so that I’m a bit worried about whether or not we’ll be able to get a seat without a reservation. In the end, though, we’re quickly led to a table in the back with a very soothing atmosphere.

Louis: “The owner is a client of mine.”

Louis-san explains as he sits down beside me.

I’m slightly confused for a moment, but then I realize that the shop owner must be a regular of Louis-san’s. That must be why he seems so familiar with this place.

Louis: “The Japanese food here is yummy.”

Louis-san holds the menu between the two of us.

Our seats are close together, and I realize that this is meant to be some sort of couple’s seating.

They aren’t connected, but they’re so close together that you would only have to reach your arm out a little bit to wrap it around or touch the person beside you.

Louis: “Chii-chan, which would you like to eat?”

“Oh, um, I…”

I can’t help but feel uneasy about our seating. I wouldn’t mind regular seats, but these ones… I do mind.

Of course, Louis-san is different from Natsume-san and Tsubaki-san. But that doesn’t change the fact that he’s one of the Asahina siblings… and a man.

“I’m not really hungry right now. Plus, we have dinner soon, and…”

As I tell Louis-san this, I begin to stand up from my seat.

But as I do, Louis-san looks at me and suddenly hits his palm with his fist.

Louis: “Ah, that’s right.”

“Huh?”

Unprepared for the sudden gesture, I sit back down after losing my chance to flee.

Louis: “Dinner… mmhmm, dinner.”

Louis-san brings his phone out, and calls someone.

Louis: “Hello. … ah, Ukyo-niisan.”

(..... huh?!)

Louis: “Mmhmm, it’s Louis. You see, today, Chii-chan and I are going to be having dinner out together.”

(L-Louis-san?!)

Louis: “It’s alright, we won’t stay out late. … mmhmm… alright. Bye-bye, then.”

Louis-san hangs up with a pleased smile.

Louis: “Don’t worry about preparing dinner today, alright?”

“But…”

Louis: “Chii-chan.”

Louis-san stops me from finishing my sentence with a gentle smile.

Louis: “You don’t want to go back home… right?”

“Er…”

I find myself shocked at how suddenly Louis-san had pointed out my thoughts.

(But how did he know? I didn’t say anything about it…)

Louis: “Your eyes.”

His voice is calm as he explains himself.

Louis: “Your eyes give you away. If I couldn’t read your expression, I wouldn’t be able to call myself a beautician.”

“...”

Louis: “Everyday, I get a lot of customers.”

Louis-san looks upwards.

Louis: “They all have their own reasons for coming to my shop. Their own important, unique reasons.”

His gaze goes to me again.

Louis: “So it’s important for me to observe them, to understand them. Their hands, their shoulders, their legs… every little movement, every little gesture. Their faces are important to observe as well. But the most important are… their eyes.”

As he says this Louis-san’s eyes stare directly into mine.

Louis: “So I understand. What people wish for… and what they don’t.”

“Louis-san…”

It’s a strange feeling. Louis-san’s eyes are completely earnest, and yet, there isn’t a bit of strain or tension in them.

Rather, it feels like there are invisible arms that are wrapping me up in a comforting embrace.

(Ah…)

While I bask in the sensation, Louis-san breaks through my thoughts by speaking again.

Louis: “Chii-chan, could it be that you’re worrying about Natsume-niisan?”

“Huh?”

I’m stunned in shock.

I bring my hand to my mouth in an attempt to keep myself from yelling out in surprise.

Louis: “Or maybe you’re worrying about Tsubaki-niiisan and Azusa-niisan?”

“Um, um…”

Louis: “If not them, maybe it’s Subaru-kun you’re worrying about?”

“W-wait… hold on a second.”

I manage to squeeze out the words in a strangled voice.

“Why did you specifically name those four?”

Louis: “Oh, I heard.”

“Wh– … heard?”

Louis: “Juli-san let me know what’s been going on with them.”

“Eeehhh?!”

(H-how does Juli know about what’s been going on between us…??)

Louis: “I’m sorry for surprising you.”

Louis-san’s face clouds over slightly.

Louis: “But, you see, the two of us are the “Chii-chan Defense Squad”.”

Louis-san places his hand over mine.

Louis: “Juli-san’s been doing some investigating. For your benefit. And he’s been telling me about his findings, because you’re someone that we care about.”

(T-that’s…)

I’m overcome with a sudden realization.

Back when I was in high school, Juli spent the majority of his time in my room.

But after I’d started attending university, that’s changed– actually, I’d say that Juli rarely ever spends much time in my room anymore.

(So that’s what he’s been doing…)

I feel irritation starting to well up in me towards Juli.

I have no idea what exactly Juli’s “investigations” have been entailing, but the two of us are going to have to have a long talk about the meaning of personal privacy.

(I’ll have to grill Juli about this later.)

Louis-san’s voice interrupts my thoughts.

Louis: “Please don’t be upset with Juli-san. He’s just worried about you. And I’ve already requested that he stop.”

His face is still cloudy as he continues.

Louis: “I also don’t like the fact that he’s been investigating our brothers.”

“Ah… that’s right. I’m sorry for Juli’s actions.”

I bow my head down in apology. Once I do, I feel Louis-san move his hand from where it had been settled over mine, as he brings his fingers to the bottom of my chin.

Slowly, his fingers lift my head up.

Louis: “Maybe it’s this.”

“Huh?”

I have no idea what Louis-san is talking about, so I look at Louis-san in confusion.

“What do you mean?”

Louis: “What Natsume-niisan, Tsubaki-niisan, and Azusa-niisan, and Subaru-kun… and everyone else, feel for you.”

“Eh? Eh?”

Louis: “Chii-chan, you’re always so honest. You’re always so genuine and up-front.”

Louis-san brings his face close to mine.

Louis: “That’s why we all love you.”

“L-Louis-san…”

Louis: “We’re brothers. But as we’ve grown older, we’ve also gradually grown distant. By distancing ourselves from each other, we’ve become less likely to collide and get into conflicts.”

“....”

Louis: “While I don’t think it’s necessarily a bad thing, because of it, we’re not very good at some things.”

“What kind of things?”

Louis: “Being our true selves around each other.”

Louis-san’s face grows sad and regretful.

Louis: “Whenever we show our true selves around each other, we’re more likely to fight, and it’s very painful. That’s why we’ve stopped.”

Louis-san closes his eyes. I listen and wait until he opens them again.

When he does, he’s smiling again.

Louis: “Then you came, Chii-chan. You’re someone who we can be ourselves around, someone who sees us for who we really are. That’s why everyone’s so captivated by you.”

“...”

Louis: “Hey, Chii-chan.”

Louis-san whispers softly to me.

“What is it?”

Louis: “I think we should probably order soon.”

“Oh…”

I tear my eyes away from Louis-san’s face.

Louis: “What would you like to eat?”

“Um, um… whatever you like. I trust your judgement.”

Louis: “Mm, alright.”

Louis-san opens the menu again before speaking up, as if he’d just remembered something.

Louis: “Ah, Chii-chan, one more thing.”

“Yes?”

Louis: “There’s another reason why we all love you.”

My whole body suddenly goes still.

“Wha-what… what is it?”

I timidly ask Louis-san what he means, and he replies.

Louis: “... because you’re cute.”

“Eh…”

Louis: “Everybody also loves you because of how cute you are, Chii-chan.”

Louis-san’s smile is earnest as he says this to me.

★☆★

After Louis-san and I are done eating, we go back home to the mansion together, and I head to the fifth floor.

Since I’d saddled Ukyo-san with preparing dinner all by himself today by going out to eat with Louis-san, I figure that the least I can do is help with tidying up.

“I’m sorry, I’m back.”

I apologize as I move to enter the living room. In my hurry, I accidentally bump into someone while going through the front door.

“Oh–”

I feel a hand hold my shoulder to keep me steady.

Ukyo: “Are you alright?”

“... Ukyo-san. I’m sorry.”

Ukyo: “Welcome back home. Please, don’t worry about it.”

Ukyo-san’s holding a bottle of something in his left hand.

Ukyo: “It’s brandy.”

At seeing the direction of my gaze, Ukyo-san answers my unasked question.

Ukyo: “I thought we might drink some.”

Ukyo-san looks in the direction of the living room.

When he does, I realize that there’s another figure in the room.

Masaomi: “Ah, welcome home.”

Masaomi-san is sitting down on the sofa.

Masaomi: “You went out to eat with Louis, didn’t you? How was it?”

“Oh… it was really yummy.”

Masaomi: “I see, that’s good.”

Masaomi-san gives me a kind, gentle smile, and then turns towards Ukyo-san.

Masaomi: “Ukyo. Since it concerns her, don’t you think we should include her in our conversation?”

Ukyo-san sets the bottle of brandy he’s holding on the table next to two glasses.

Ukyo: “Do you happen to have time to spare at the moment?”

“Yes, I do.”

Ukyo: “Then, please take a seat.”

I do as he says and sit down on the sofa. Masaomi-san picks up the bottle of brandy and pours some into the two glasses.

Masaomi: “Since you’re still a bit young to drink alcohol, would you like me to get you something else to drink?”

“No thank you, I’m alright. I’m still full from dinner.”

Masaomi: “Alright. Forgive us for indulging a little bit, then.”

After he says this, Masaomi-san hands one of the now-filled glasses of brandy to Ukyo-san.

The amber liquid in their glasses swirls a little as they lift them up, bring them to their lips, and take a drink.

Ukyo: “Mmm.”

Masaomi: “Un… it’s a little strong. But still good, I think.”

The two of them sigh. Suddenly, I realize that they’re both still wearing suits.

Ukyo: “Masaomi-niisan and I both only got back home recently.”

Masaomi: “Maybe it’s a little more accurate to say that we’d been talking outside for a while.”

Masaomi-san gives me a pained smile.

Masaomi: “But haven’t quite managed to reach a conclusion yet. So, we decided to come home and continue our discussion here.”

“I see.”

I can’t help but wonder what kind of conversation Masaomi-san and Ukyo-san would have that would need to continue this late into the night. It must be important.

Ukyo: “Louis called me earlier telling me that you wouldn’t be able to help with preparing dinner today, but we actually ordered out tonight.”

“Eh?”

Masaomi: “Ah, don’t worry about it. Since you and Louis went out for dinner, Yuusuke and Wataru were the only other brothers left home. Wataru was actually rather excited to order whatever he wanted.”

As Masaomi-san says this, he goes to refill his now-empty glass of brandy.

Masaomi: “Well then… let me catch you up on what we’ve been talking about.”

Masaomi-san’s tone changes. He looks at Ukyo-san, as if requesting permission for something. Slowly, Ukyo-san nods at him.

Masaomi: “We were wondering whether or not you’d managed to get in contact with Iori recently.”

“Iori-san?”

Ukyo: “You see, pertaining to Iori…”

Ukyo-san speaks up.

Ukyo: “Since Iori left home, we haven’t heard anything from him.”

“Ah…”

Ukyo: “Furthermore, his bank account has no record of any recent activity or withdrawals.”

“Ehh?!”

Masaomi: “Iori’s a very bright kid.”

Masaomi-san enters into the conversation.

Masaomi: “So I’m sure that he’s managing to do well… but we can’t help but worry for him, at least a bit.”

“…”

We fall into a heavy silence.

Then, as if in an attempt to break it, Ukyo-san pours some more brandy into his glass. The sound is awfully loud.

Ukyo: “And so, we were wondering… if, perchance, you’d had any contact with Iori recently.”

“... me?”

Masaomi: “You see, Iori’s never been the type to talk to us much.”

Masaomi-san lifts his glass up, but doesn’t bring it to his lips.

Masaomi: “Since we’re brothers, you’d think that’s a little strange, right? But although we’re brothers, we’re also all very different people. Because we’re always together, there are some things that we can’t talk about with each other.”

Those are the same sentiments that Louis-san had expressed to me earlier.

Ukyo: “To be quite frank, we think that Iori has opened his heart to you more than he ever has to any of us. And so, we’d like it if you could tell us whether he’s said anything to you.”

“... I see.”

I answer in a small voice.

“He hasn’t made any contact with me at all.”

Masaomi-san and Ukyo-san watch me intently as I continue.

“No letters, no messages, nothing.”

The three of us are enveloped in silence again.

Masaomi: “... I see.”

This time, Masaomi-san is the one to break it.

Masaomi: “I understand. Thank you for your honesty.”

Ukyo: “Our apologies for suddenly questioning you about this.”

Ukyo-san adds in.

I understand that this is their way of saying that “I can leave now”, and yet, I find myself unable to stand up from the sofa.

Masaomi: “What’s wrong?”

Masaomi-san asks me when I continue to stay seated.

…. I’m still lost in doubt.

(I still feel as if I don’t understand my brothers as well as they do each other.)

I mean, they’ve known each other for their whole lives. I’ve only been part of their family for about two years.

That’s why I’ve always sort of thought that I don’t have much of a right to say anything about them to each other.

(However.)

Maybe I've been thinking about it wrong this whole time.

Over the past six months or so, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I really know about my brothers. About who they really are.

And that’s why I feel like maybe, just maybe, it’s okay for me to say my piece as well.

I’m a member of the Asahina family, too, after all.

“Um.”

As I think this, I instinctively open my mouth.

“I feel like there’s no need to worry about Iori-san.”

Masaomi-san and Ukyo-san carefully bring their attention towards me.

Ukyo: “Oh?”

Masaomi: “Is there a specific reason you think so?”

“Yes.”

I take a moment to gather my thoughts and think about how to best continue.

“Because Iori-san told me he would. Be okay, I mean.”

Ukyo-san’s doubtful expression grows puzzled.

Ukyo: “And when did this exchange with him occur?”

“The day of my high school graduation ceremony.”

Ukyo: “.... the same day that Iori left the mansion.”

“Yes. After Iori-san left the mansion, he visited my school, and we talked.”

Ukyo: “And Iori said this to you directly?”

“Yes. He’d congratulated me on graduating. Then, he told me that “I finally found the courage to fix things after this”.”

For the third time this conversation, we fall into silence.

But this time, the silence feels different. It isn’t as heavy as before.

Ukyo: “... I see.”

Slowly, Ukyo-san nods.

Masaomi: “Ah. So that’s what happened.”

Masaomi-san lets out a sigh.

“I trust Iori-san.”

I say.

“I think that we should have faith in him.”

I try to speak my mind as straight-forwardly as possible. Masaomi-san and Ukyo-san both exchange glances with each other.

Slowly, both of their faces begin to shift into their own unique versions of a slight smile.

Masaomi: “I’m sure that’s true… I’m sure that you’re right.”

Ukyo: “I’m of the same opinion.”

Masaomi-san sinks into the couch, leaning to look up at the ceiling.

Masaomi: “Hah… I’m a horrible big brother, aren’t I? I don’t even understand my own little brothers.”

Ukyo: “I’m no different. However, I believe that we’re starting to understand them better than before. We have someone here to teach us how, now, after all.”

Ukyo-san picks the bottle of brandy and both him and Masaomi-san’s glasses up as he rises to stand.

Ukyo: “Masaomi-niisan, I believe it’s about time we get some rest, don’t you think?”

Masaomi: “Mm, I guess you’re right… but I feel a little light right now. I think I drank a bit too much.”

“Um, in that case, I can handle cleaning up.”

Ukyo: “It’s alright. There’s no need for you to do that, I’ll handle it.”

“But…”

Ukyo: “Today, you’ve managed to ease a rather large worry of ours. It would be far exceeding overstepping to ask anything else of you.”

As he says this, he heads in the direction of the kitchen.

Masaomi: “Ahh, that’s right. I’d almost forgotten.”

Masaomi-san pulls something out from inside his pocket.

Masaomi: “Here you go. A letter from Kaname came for you.”

“From Kaname-san?”

Masaomi-san hands me a sealed envelope. It’s addressed to “Imouto-chan”.

Masaomi: “Kaname occasionally sends letters to me, keeping me updated on how he’s doing. Whenever he needs anything from any of our other brothers, he’ll send separate envelopes addressed to them inside of the larger envelope he sends to me, since the temple he’s currently at has a limit on how much mail he’s allowed to send out.”

“Huh, really?”

Ukyo: “Since he sends Masaomi-niisan all the letters that are addressed to those in our family, I can’t help but wonder who he’s sending the remaining of his allotted letters to.”

As he washes the glasses, Ukyo-san cuts in.

Masaomi: “Mmm, well, in any case… if you’d like to send him a reply, feel free to let me know, alright?”

“Alright, I will.”

Once I get back to my room, I open the envelope and pull the letter out from inside. Maybe it’s a little rude of me, but I can’t help but think that Kaname-san’s handwriting is unexpectedly neat.

— Dear Imouto-chan.

Has university been going well for you?

It looks like I’ll be staying here for a little while longer. I’m sorry that I can’t be there for you. However, I’ll do my best to come back home as soon as possible.

When that day comes, I hope that you’ll welcome me back home with a kiss.

Since it’s a special occasion, a kiss on the cheek should be permissible, don’t you think?

(Ahahaha…)

I can’t help but smile despite myself.

(However.)

I know that this isn’t all there is to it.

(I won’t let myself be deceived again, Kaname-san.)

Kaname-san lies sometimes. When he lies, he doesn’t do it to hurt people– he does it to protect them.

But I won’t let myself be fooled.

I can tell that Kaname-san didn’t write to me because he’s worried about me. There isn’t a trace of concern in his writing.

Rather, I can tell that Kaname-san wrote to me because he genuinely cares about me.

And that makes me really happy.

– At that moment.

(... ah.)

I begin to realize something.

(I think that I’m starting to understand my brothers more…)

Iori-san…

Kaname-san…

There are certain things I understand about them that Masaomi-san and Ukyo-san don’t.

Of course, it isn’t as if I understand everything about them. But I do think that I’m starting to learn more and more about them as people as time goes on.

(It’s… a nice feeling.)

I go on to read the second page of Kaname-san’s letter.

PS,

Imouto-chan.

If there ever comes a time where you find yourself lost, or you feel as if you’ve lost your way, I want you to believe in the path that you’ve paved for yourself. Don’t let others sway your heart. No matter which path you may tread, if it’s you who has chosen to walk it, I have faith that it’s the right one.

That’s the end of the letter.

(Kaname-san…)

At that moment, I feel a warmth rise up in my chest.

★☆★

(Alright!)

I check my reflection in my mirror one last time before exiting my room.

It’s been pretty rainy lately, but luckily, it seems like today’s gonna be sunny out.

(It might be hot out, but being hot’s better than getting wet!)

The anniversary event for the anime Tsubaki-san invited me to is today.

In order to make sure that I had suitable clothes for the occasion, I went and bought a new outfit to wear today.

The truth is, usually, Louis-san helps me with coordinating my outfits for stuff like this. Maybe it would have been better if I’d gone to him for help, but I figured that it would be a bit rude to expect him to help all the time, so I decided to pick everything for today out myself.

I wait for the elevator and head up to the fifth floor.

I’d already prepared a light meal to eat before I go. Yesterday, I’d made a sandwich and put it in the fridge to save for today.

When I head to the kitchen, though, an unexpected scene is waiting for me.

“Oh, good morning. … whew.”

Hikaru-san gives me a large, sleepy yawn.

He’s holding the sandwich I’d made the night before in his hands.

“Hikaru-san?!”

Hikaru: “Ah… D’you mind keeping your voice down a little bit? I might’ve drank a little too much yesterday.”

Hikaru-san is wearing a luxurious looking suit.

I get the feeling that he probably just got back home this morning.

“What were you doing?”

Hikaru: “Interview.”

As Hikaru-san off-handedly answers me, he casually throws the last bite of my sandwich into his mouth.

As the last bite disappears into his mouth, all the preparations I’d made yesterday disappear alongside it.

Hikaru: “Hm? Did I do something?”

Hikaru-san gives me an amused laugh.

“I planned on eating that sandwich for breakfast this morning.”

Hikaru: “Hm? I’d assumed that it was just leftovers from yesterday. You made it for breakfast?”

After a moment, Hikaru-san’s expression changes.

Hikaru: “Ahh, that’s right. Today’s that event, isn’t it. … I see. Ohhh, I see.”

Hikaru-san gets up from where he was sitting and stretches.

A strange stench emits from his suit and hair and through the kitchen. He smells of strong perfume, tobacco, alcohol, and something else I can’t quite put my finger on, all mixed together.

Hikaru: “So, given any mind to who you’ll choose?”

“Huh?”

Hikaru: “Hmmm.”

Hikaru-san laughs, amused.

Morning rays filter through the kitchen window and hit Hikaru-san, giving his face a sense of shadowy depth.

Hikaru: “It’s one of those three, then?”

“I don’t think I understand what you’re getting at?”

Hikaru: “Ahaha, even if you lie– … hm? Your face… you really, genuinely don’t have any idea what I’m talking about, do you? I guess they wouldn’t have mentioned it, huh.”

Hikaru-san’s smiling face reminds me of the joker in a deck of cards.

Hikaru: “Natsume will be attending today’s event, too.”

“Eh?!”

Hikaru: “The company that Natsume works for will be adapting the anime the event’s for into a game. So, he’ll be there too.”

“How do you know that?”

Hikaru: “Hm, I wonder?”

Hikaru-san shrugs his shoulders exaggeratedly.

Hikaru: “But what does him being there mean to you? Is it a bad thing? I wonder, what ever will you do with this love square you’ve found yourself entangled in?”

Hikaru-san takes a single step towards me.

Hikaru: “You always hear about love triangles, but love squares are a rather novel thing, aren’t they? … ahaha. Let’s see what you’ve got, then.”

“Our– our relationship is nothing like that.”

I reply.

“I’m just going to an event. It has nothing to do with anyone’s feelings.”

As I tell Hikaru-san that, I move to exit the kitchen.

– At that moment.

Hikaru: “You may say that– and you may feel that way– but is that how they think of it?”

Hikaru-san catches my hand.

“Hi-Hikaru-san–”

Hikaru: “Here.”

Hikaru-san picks his bag up with his other hand, and leads me to the bathroom.

Hikaru: “Did you really plan on going looking this plain? This isn’t anything to write home about at all.”

Hikaru-san points a finger at my clothes as he speaks.

Hikaru: “Here, you can consider this a thank you for the sandwich.”

As he says this, he opens his bag and brings out a small pouch. Inside are a bunch of different cosmetics and makeup tools.

Hikaru: “This may not be my best work ever, but… mmm, it should do the trick, at least. Don’t move unless I tell you to… got it?”

While I’m busy being taken aback at what he just said, Hikaru-san’s hands start moving with lightning speed, until my reflection in the mirror looks completely different.

(... ah.)

I’m left sitting in astonishment.

Hikaru: “Clothes are clothes, so there’s a limit to what I can do about them. Ah, it should be fine. Those three’ve never been a fan of the glitzy look, anyhow.”

Hikaru-san comes up from behind me, his body brushing up against my shoulders.

Hikaru: “So? What do you think?”

“Pretty…”

It’s the only answer I can think of.

Hikaru: “Good. … now, time for the finishing touch.”

Suddenly, Hikaru-san brings his arm around my body, before wrapping around it just below my chest.

“Eh???”

Hikaru: “Don’t move!”

In Hikaru-san’s other hand, he’s holding a pearl pink lipstick.

Hikaru-san twists the tube until a bit of it is sticking out, before smearing a bit of it onto the tip of his finger. He then sets the lipstick down, before bringing his finger to my lips.

His touch is tender and meticulous as he traces my lips.

Each time his body brushes up against my back as he moves, I can feel a rush of electricity jolt through me.

Hikaru: “Alright, all done.”

At that, he finally drops his finger from my lips, before resting his chin on my right shoulder.

Hikaru: “I wonder how they’ll react when they see you?”

Hikaru-san brings his fingertip to his lips, before licking the remaining lipstick off it with his tongue.

Hikaru: “Ahaha— ahahaha!”

Hikaru-san’s laugh echoes in my ears, both as beautiful as the delicate sway of a chime and as grating as the crash of a cracked bell.

Hikaru: “And with that, I bid you farewell, Imouto-san.”

As he says this, Hikaru-san grabs my shoulders and spins me around, pushing me away.

Before I know it, I’m sent stumbling out of the bathroom door.

★☆★

I’m on the first floor before I even realize it. I’d practically sprinted down the stairs of the mansion, frantic.

I lean against the wall at the front entrance, hunched over as I attempt to catch my breath. No matter how hard I try, though, I can’t seem to get myself to calm down.

It’s a while before I’m finally able to so much as walk again.

(I’m gonna miss the train at this rate!)

The event’s at Makuhari Messe, which is about an hour and a half away from the mansion.

In order to get there, I need to transfer trains, which means that if I miss one of them, I won’t be able to make it to the event in time.

But the outfit I’m wearing isn’t really made for physical activity, so it isn’t like I can run there.

(What should I do…)

I think worriedly.

“... get in.”

Suddenly, a car comes up next to me.

“Yu– Yuusuke-kun!?”

The car is one of the three that the Asahina family owns.

And sitting in the driver’s seat is Yuusuke-kun.

Yuusuke: “You’re headin’ to that event, right? I’ll drive.”

“Um… but…”

Yuusuke: “If you keep hesitating, we won’t make it in time.”

“Ah… you’re right. Thank you!”

I go to climb into the passenger’s seat. Once he sees that I’m inside, Yuusuke-kun steps on the accelerator.

Yuusuke: “This thing’s at Makuhari Messe, yeah?”

“Um, yeah.”

For the first time since I’d run all the way out of the mansion, I’m finally able to properly catch my breath.

“But why are you driving me?”

Yuusuke: “Might as well.”

Yusuke-kun replies while looking ahead.

Yuusuke: “I was already on my way to school, anyways.”

“Huh? But our school’s in Meiji, though? Makuhari Messi’s in Chiba!”

Yuusuke: “It’s cool. It’s still a while before I’ve gotta be there. I should be good enough on time to drive you before.”

“B-but, Meiji and Chiba are really far away from each other, aren’t they?! It’s gonna be a long drive back– this is a complete detour.”

Yuusuke: “... I mean, yeah. I guess.”

The car slows to a stop at a red light.

Yuusuke-kun turns his gaze toward me.

Yuusuke: “‘s only natural I’d offer to take you.”

“.... eh?”

Yuusuke: “Didn’t you go shopping for new clothes for today? It would suck pretty damn bad if something happened to them while on your way to something you’ve been looking forward to, right? If some idiot got your clothes dirty, or something else happened, you’d feel awful about it.”

“That’s true, but… still, why go to the trouble..?”

Yuusuke: “Would it be bad if I said it’s ‘cause I want to?”

After Yuusuke-kun says this, the traffic light turns green.

Yuusuke-kun turns his gaze ahead of him again.

Yuusuke-kun doesn’t say anything else. I’m unable to come up with a reply, so we’re left sitting in silence for a while.

Then, finally, I hear Yuusuke-kun mutter something.

Yuusuke: “It’s cool. Who cares what the reason is?”

(Yuusuke-kun…)

Yuusuke: “And anyways.”

Yuusuke-kun’s voice goes quiet as he whispers in a different tone.

Yuusuke: “The way you look today… is really dangerous. The hell am I supposed to do if you start attracting even more rivals..?”

(Eh?!)

I turn away from Yuusuke-kun as I exclaim to myself.

Yuusuke-kun doesn’t look or turn towards me, his focus not leaving the road ahead of him.

We don’t say anything else, and I’m left at a complete loss.

(Yuusuke-kun… what I heard him say just now…)

Before long, we’re entering the highway. When we do, Yuusuke-kun abruptly speaks to me in a serious voice.

Yuusuke: “Hey.”

“Wh-what is it?”

My voice comes out shrill.

Yuusuke: “I have something important I need to confess.”

As he says this, Yuusuke-kun’s face tightens. There’s an underlying sense of nervousness in his tension.

Yuusuke: “When I tell you this, I need you to stay calm. I need you to stay composed.”

“O-okay, yeah.”

Yuusuke: “You see, the truth is.”

Yuusuke-kun lets out a long, heavy sigh.

Yuusuke: “I only just got my license the day before yesterday. You’re the first passenger I’ve ever had.”

Complete silence.

“Eh— EHHHHHHH?!”

I scream out without thinking.

“I-I’ll be getting out now!”

Yuusuke: “It’s fine!”

“Nope, I’m good, it’s good, let’s stop!”

Yuusuke: “The hell we will! We’re already on the highway, we can’t just leave! ‘Sides, my instructor was always praising me for my driving and stuff. Don’t even worry about it!”

Yuusuke-kun’s voice echos from inside the car.

Despite the loud commotion of me and Yuusuke-kun inside the car, the summer sun shines brilliantly outside.

#brothers conflict #brocon #brothers conflict translations #translations #otome #otome game #light novel #brothers conflict season 2 #asahina subaru #asahina wataru #asahina tsubaki #asahina azusa #asahina louis #asahina ukyo #asahina masaomi #asahina hikaru #asahina yuusuke #asahina ema #brothers conflict season 2 volume 1

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