#light novel translations

[alicescaling]

Brothers Conflict DENGEKI Girl’s Style Premium Short Story

Masterlist.

This was originally published as a Dengeki Girls Style Premium Story, but was later included in the Brothers Conflict Decade & Love light novel (which is where I read/translated it). Please enjoy!

It won’t end with a summer romance.

It’s a cloudless, blue sky. The midsummer sun shines brilliantly. Before my eyes, the ocean glimmers brightly.

Tsubaki: “This suuuuuucks…”

No matter where I look, there are lovey-dovey couples everywhere. And yet, even when I look away…

Wataru: “Let’s goooo, Yuu-kun!”

Yuusuke: “Jeez! Wataru, you’re getting too worked up…”

They’re like kindergarteners in a sandbox. To make matters worse, that sand flies out towards the parasol that I’m sitting under and hits me.

Tsubaki: “Hey, Yuusuke. You mind taking that over to the ocean or something—?”

Yuusuke: “Whaa, no way. Playing in the water with a little brat’ll make me seem like some sorta desolate guy or something.”

What kind of pride does Yuusuke think he has..?

Tsubaki: “Got it, whaaatever.”

If these guys aren’t gonna move, then I’ll just have to move instead.

(I wish Azusa were here… or even just Natsume.)

I find an empty seat at the edge of a less crowded part of the beachside, at the clubhouse, and sit down.

(It wasn’t supposed to be like this at first, though…)

★☆★

Masaomi: “Hey, everyone. This weekend, would you like to go stay overnight at the ocean?”

After dinner, Masa-nii had said that the day before yesterday.

Ukyo: “This is terribly sudden. What brought this on, Masaomi-niisan?”

Masaomi: “Mmhm– the truth is, Mom’s the one who asked me. Here.”

Masa-nii takes out a tablet. Reflected on it is the home page for a resort hotel.

It’s a small, compact establishment that only has five rooms. On the other hand, though, all the rooms are concept rooms that were made by famous designers.

Tsubaki: “It’s in… Shonan, huh. Hmmm, not bad. We could also head to the beach. Right, Azusa?”

Azusa: “That’s true. It’s a little secluded, too, which means it’ll be quiet at night.”

Masaomi: “It seems that the owner is a friend of Mom’s…”

Originally, the day after, a party of tourists had reserved the entire place for themselves. Then, they suddenly cancelled. The owner, in a difficult position, said that they would book the place for a cheaper price if that worked.

Tsubaki: “Sounds good to me~ It’s pretty close by.”

Azusa: “It’d also be helping someone else out. I won’t be able to join until the second day, though. I have work the first day we’d be there.”

Kaname: “By the way, Masa-nii, what about Imouto-chan?”

Masaomi: “Ahh, a little while ago, she said she’d come.”

At that moment, the atmosphere in the room changed.

Kaname: “I see. In that case, I’ll come too. All the rooms are for two people, right? Haha, I’m looking forward to it.”

Wataru: “Kana-kana, there’s no waaaay I’ll–”

Ukyo: “..... Wataru. Don’t make such an unbecoming face. Kaname, our sister will be getting a room for herself. Naturally, of course.”

Yuusuke: “I-I wanna go too! Even if you say I can’t, I’m goin’ anyways.”

Wataru: “Me too! I can, right, Maa-kun?”

Suddenly, the room went loud and boisterous as everyone erupted into noise.

Azusa: “But if the hotel only has five two person rooms, then the max capacity is ten people. Is it alright if we all go?”

Masaomi: “Ah, that’s…”

Masa-nii explained that some of our brothers had already said they wouldn’t be going.

Louis: “Mmm, I can’t. I’m booked.”

Subaru: “I’ve got training camp starting the day after tomorrow.”

Iori: “You want me to go out with Kaname-niisan? … laughable.”

Masaomi: “And I also called the brothers outside the mansion, but…”

Fuuto: “Don’t ask me stupid questions. I already told you that I’m on location through next week.”

Natsume: “The sea? Hmmmm…. I’d like to go, but I have a business trip this weekend.”

Hikaru: “Yeaaaaah, sorry. I can’t go outside right now due to various circumstances. Please don’t come looking for me… ciao.”

Masaomi: “In which case, the ones who’ll be joining are…. Kaname, Tsubaki, Yuusuke, Wataru, and on the second day, Azusa, too. Ukyo, can you go? The truth is, I have a patient I’m worried about, so I’d like to stay.”

Ukyo: “Understood. I’ll go in your stead.”

Kaname: “So with Imouto-chan, that makes seven people going. Mhm, in which case, we should be fine. …. guess it’s decided, then.”

At that moment, a single aspiration– no, a single dream– was born in my heart.

The truth is, the results of an audition I’d had were due to come out the day after the next.

It’s for an anime adaptation of a really popular video game. Of course, I like it too, but above that, it’s for a game that she loves.

I’d gone for the lead role. I’d gotten a really good response, so I was super confident that I’d get it.

(A nice hotel, the summer seaside… that’s when I’ll reveal it to her. “I got the lead role for the anime based off that game”.)

It’d be a total win for me, wouldn’t it? Seems like the tides are turning my way, right?

The night before we headed out, my heart beat so fast in my chest I could barely sleep.

★☆★

— Then, the appointed day. That is to say, today.

The day that would be jam-packed with meaningful memories and milestones… at least, it was supposed to be.

The first incident of the day happened right as we were getting ready to leave.

Ukyo: “What’s wrong, why does your face seem red?”

She’d suddenly fallen ill with a fever. Like, seriously?!

Luckily, though, it seemed like her fever was already going down with a little bit of rest. That, at least, was a relief.

Ukyo: “We’ll wait and see how she’s feeling in a day. Kaname, you take everyone else and head on before us. We’ll join you tomorrow with Azusa.”

Kaname: “Got it. Sounds good. I’ll keep up appearances for Mom, since we already said we’ll be going. I’m trusting Imouto-chan with you, Kyo-nii.”

Ukyo: “Of course, please leave her to me.”

Kaname: “That being said, don’t let yourself get swayed by any wicked desires while you’re attending her, okay?”

Ukyo: “......... please don’t lump me in with the likes of you.”

I wonder how she’s doing? I’ll have to ask Azusa to keep a close eye on her later.

(Even so, she won’t be coming…..)

To be honest, I was a little disappointed. Still, her health takes priority.

I encouraged myself, getting into the car. We left Tokyo, my spirits lifting a bit once I started to smell the scent of the ocean.

Which leads us into the next incident.

���About that popular anime you auditioned for the other day…”

Once we got to the hotel, I’d received a call from my manager.

“You see, unfortunately, the lead role went to someone else.”

Eh—!!!!

“But that being said, the original author of the work was really impressed by your audition. So impressed that he’s offering you a different role.”

The role of the protagonist’s best friend. Of course, that isn’t bad at all. Any other day, and I’d have no objections. But…. but today of all days!

(Haah….)

She isn’t here. I didn’t get the lead role.

(What was even the point of coming all the way to Shonan, then!? If I know things’d be like this, I would’ve just stayed home and watched a bunch of anime in my room!)

I set my luggage down in my room, and by the time I got to the beach, my mental state was completely wrecked.

★☆★

Kaname: “Why’re you in a place like this?”

Suddenly, I hear a familiar voice call out from nearby.

Tsubaki: “Ah, Kana– huh?!”

Just as I thought, it was Kana-nii who’d called out to me. But he isn’t alone. There’s a woman hanging off of each of his shoulders.

Both of them are showing off their bodies, wearing tight, incredibly revealing swimsuits.

“Hey, who’s this kid?”

Kaname: “Ahhh, he’s my friend.”

“Ehhh~ He’s cute~ The two of you are really good looking~”

Kaname: “Thank you! Let’s all get along, okay?”

“‘Kaaaay~”

I’m pretty sure Kana-nii went off to go buy drinks about ten minutes ago.

And somehow, in only that amount of time, he’s managed to get us into this situation.

Tsubaki: “Kana-niiiii, you’re totally moving too fast.”

Kaname: “Hm? No I’m not. They’re the ones who asked “how about we play together”. Right?”

“Yuuuuuuup.”

“Right~”

Even though he says that, I’m pretty sure that he’s got an atmosphere about him that makes people wanna talk to him. Like some sorta pheromone.

“What’s he mean by “Kana-nii”? Do you two happen to be brothers~?”

Kaname: “Hm? Ahh, no, we aren’t. But he is like a little brother to me, though.”

Woooooah woah woah, we’re totally fully blood related.

Kaname: “My name’s Takanari. So he combines the second and third kana of my name to make “Kana-nii”.”

He says this all as naturally as breathing. And what’s with the fake name?

Kaname: “And over here is…. Tarou.”

What’s up with that random name?

Maybe my irritation is starting to show on my face. Kana-nii slips his hand away from where it was holding one of the girls’, and he whispers to me.

Kaname: “Please put up with it. Who knows what kind of articles the press would come out with if they found out a famous voice actor was flirting around.”

Tsubaki: “I’ve got nothing to do with this. I don’t even wanna flirt with these girls anyways.”

Kaname: “....... huh.”

A slightly mischievous smile rises to Kana-nii’s face.

Kaname: “Sorry, do you mind waiting here for a moment? I need to talk to Tarou about something real quick.”

We move a little bit away from the women, somewhere out of view.

Kaname: “Hey, could this attitude be spurred on by your feelings for Imouto-chan?”

Tsubaki: “Whaddya mean by “spurred on”? I dunno what you mean, I just don’t feel like playing around with girls I don’t know.”

Kaname: “You’re devoted, huh. Of course, I’m not going to force you if you don’t want to. But I do want you to hear me out. …. life is short and fleeting.”

Hah?

Kaname: “That’s why it’s so important to bring color to your life. And the thing that brings you color is called “fate”.”

Tsubaki: “The hell’re you on about?”

Kaname: ““Fate” is what brings about the ties that connect people to each other. It brings people who previously did not know each other together. And from that, new possibilities are born.”

I have no idea what he’s talking about…. But for some reason, I find myself lost in his words.

Kaname: “Life is full of wonderful connections. You could even say that they’re what enrich our lives. However, they’re hard to come by. That’s why we need to take an active role in seeking them out.”

Kana-nii’s voice is slow, the certainty in his voice seeping into my chest.

Kaname: “Maybe the best time to make those connections is now, the opportunity right before your eyes. And if you miss it, you might not get a second chance. Who knows– maybe one of those girls could be one of those connections. Are you willing to let this chance go?”

Kana-nii smiles kindly.

Kaname: “I think that your devotion is wonderful. But I also think that that devotion can wait until you’re dating.”

At first, I thought he was going on about something crazy. But the more I listen to him, the more my head’s completely absorbed in his speech…

(I guess that maybe…. you could say that…)

I find myself maybe agreeing with Kana-nii’s words. Or maybe I’m just being brainwashed.

Kaname: “C’mon, let’s head back.”

Kana-nii suddenly begins moving. I see the women’s forms. Unconsciously, I take a step forward.

Tsubaki: “Tarou here~ Nice to meetcha!”

★☆★

I don’t really remember what happened after that. We ate a lot of different things, and talked about a lot of different things. I think we even had some alcohol, too.

I realize that there are now six women here.

(Huh…. it’s been a while. Since I’ve felt like this.)

Once upon a time, I used to sometimes pass the time like this. I remember it being fun.

(I haven’t done it since she came along, though….)

…. She?

I suddenly find the face of my little stepsister floating to my mind.

(Is it alright for me to be doing this?)

“Hey~ Tarou. Let’s head to the water.”

Someone tugs on my hand. It’s one of the first girls I’d talked to. I recognize her by her hair, which is styled half-up.

“C’mon, let’s go~”

My chest feels hazy, alcohol still flowing through my body. I go to stand up.

“Kyahh!”

At that moment, the woman’s body suddenly tilts. I see her foot get stuck in a cavity in the sand.

Without thinking, I reach my hand out. I wrap it around her waist, propping her up.

Tsubaki: “Are you alright?”

“Ah, yeah.”

Tsubaki: “Can you stand? Your foot isn’t sprained, is it? …. you’re fine, thank god.”

“Thank you…..”

She lets out a large breath. Her face looks like it’s flushed.

“Tarou, you have a great voice.”

Tsubaki: “...... really?”

“Mmhmm. I think you’d make a really good voice actor~”

…. I already am, though.

Still, it makes me happy to hear my voice be praised. A laugh slips out of me despite myself.

Tsubaki: “Sorry, I’m a bit drunk. I shouldn’t head to the water.”

“That so? ‘Kay….. I won’t either, then.”

I drop down to sit on the sand. When I do, she follows suit, sitting down beside me.

Kana-nii looks out at us from over by the water’s edge.

★☆★

As the sun moves through the sky, the sea begins to stain a deep crimson.

The women from earlier are also gone. Yuusuke and the others went back to the hotel a little while ago, leaving just me and Kana-nii left on the shore.

Kaname: “Hey, Tsuba-chan, about that woman with her hair half-up.”

Tsubaki: “Yeah?”

Kaname: “She seemed to have a nice atmosphere about her. Did you two manage to connect?”

Tsubaki: “I’m not sure. But you’re amazing, Kana-nii. You really got me in the mood. As expected from the number two at Club Buddha.”

Kaname: “You’re giving me too much credit. I’m not number one, I’m number two.”

Kana-nii gives me a bitter smile.

Kaname: “But to be honest, I think that this was good for you, Tsuba-chan.”

Tsubaki: “Huh?”

Kaname: “You were in a pretty bad mood today, Tsuba-chan. You seemed irritated.”

Tsubaki: “Kana-nii….”

Kaname: “It might sound strange for me to say this, since I’m still young and inexperienced, but I think that people shine best when they carry themselves with confidence.”

Kana-nii stares heavily at the horizon, the sun submerging behind it.

Kaname: “Hey, Tsuba-chan.”

Somehow, the feeling in his tone changes.

Kaname: “We’ve changed since Imouto-chan’s come into our lives. Of course, many of those changes have been good ones. But I think that we’ve also changed in negative ways, too.”

Negative ways? What’s that supposed to mean?

Kaname: “To tell the truth, we’ve been blessed in many ways. And thanks to that, well…. we’re rather popular. And for a man, popularity is one of the things that gives us confidence, above all else.”

Tsubaki: “..... I mean, I can’t really deny that.”

Kaname: “But that’s where Imouto-chan differs. No matter what any of us do, not one of us has managed to make her look our way. …. which, naturally, is a shock.”

Tsubaki: “..... yeah.”

Kaname: “But that’s because our little sister is a wonderful person. The type of person who doesn’t judge others by their wealth, or pedigree. Much less their appearance.”

Kana-nii turns his gaze to me.

Kaname: “Imouto-chan truly cares about us from the bottom of her heart. …. As family.”

I don’t know why, but Kana-nii’s eyes are tinged with melancholy.

Kaname: “That’s why we shouldn’t lose our confidence. You learned that today, didn’t you?”

Eh?

(Kana-nii could it be, you know about my audition…?)

No, I didn’t realize up until this point. But he must have noticed that something was wrong with me. And he must have surmised the general gist of why. He’s really got incredible powers of observation.

Kaname: “Your voice, too.”

Kana-nii smiles.

Kaname: “That girl praised it, didn’t she? No matter what role you play, I’m sure you’ll always be able to shine the brightest, Tsuba-chan. I’m sure Imouto-chan would tell you the same thing.”

(.... that’s right.)

It never had to be the main role.

Tsubaki: “Hey, Kana-nii–”

Kaname: “Hm?”

Tsubaki: “I was super happy getting my voice praised. But that’s kinda obvious for a voice actor. All of us give our best to try and have everyone hear our best voices possible.”

Ahh, right now, I can feel that I’m smiling.

Tsubaki: “She sees and understands that effort. On top of that, she commends me for it. That’s what’s so amazing about her.”

Kaname: “...... that’s right.”

Kana-nii closes his eyes.

Kaname: “Our little sister really is amazing.”

I wanna hear her voice so much.

(Maybe I should call her. I also want to know if she’s feeling better. …. No, I shouldn’t. I don’t want to trouble her.)

At that moment.

“Ah, they’re here~”

“Takanari~ Tarou~”

Two of the women from earlier rush towards us.

Tsubaki: “Huh, what is it?”

“We saw that you guys were still out by the shore.”

“Hey~ Let’s chat some more.”

Tsubaki: “Ahh… but we were just talking about heading back soon.”

“Then how about we join you?”

“Where are you two staying? I wanna see your room~”

The girl with her hair half-up looks intently at me. …. At which,

Kaname: “Sorry.”

Kana-nii wraps his arm around my shoulder, squeezing me against him.

Kaname: “Our room’s only got one double bed.”

Hah….? What’s this guy on about right now?

…… A few minutes later.

Tsubaki: “Don’t mess with me like that! They totally misunderstood! They thought that we’re a couple!”

Kaname: “It couldn’t be helped. There’s no way we were bringing them back with us.”

Tsubaki: “Like I said! Those girls got totally pissed. I’ve never even heard some of the words they used in any of my scripts before!”

Kaname: “It really was some rather cutthroat, abusive language.”

Tsubaki: “Don’t say it so calmly!! What kinda “connection” was that. It was the worst thing ever, for me and those girls.”

That night, for the first time in a while, I drink like crazy. I drink as much as I can, if only so I can forget everything that’s happened.

★☆★

When I open my eyes, it’s already nearly eleven.

(No way… I slept in waaaay too much. I wonder what everyone else’s doing.)

Trying to ignore the way my head’s throbbing, I head to the lobby. When I get there, I see the back of someone’s figure sitting at one of the sofas.

Tsubaki: “Ah! You came!”

They turn around to look at me. Of course, it’s our little sister.

Tsubaki: “You must be feeling better, then. Thank god.”

“I’m sorry for making you worry.”

She bows her head. I don’t need her to do that at all!

“I’m glad for you, too, Tsubaki-san.”

Tsubaki: “Eh?”

“About yesterday. I heard you were really popular.”

Tsubaki: “Ehhhhh……”

H-how does she…. how does she know?!

Azusa: “You seem surprised, Tsubaki.”

From out of nowhere, I suddenly realize that Azusa’s standing right next to her.

Tsubaki: “A-Azusa….”

Azusa: “Wataru informed us. Yuusuke had some things to add, as well.”

Tsubaki: “No, that’s….”

Azusa: “I thought that they might be lying.”

Azusa’s gaze hurts. It stings. His eyes look dead.

Azusa: “........... how deplorable.”

Azusa turns his back to me, and walks away. That prompts our sister to stand up.

“Um, please excuse me. I’m going to go for a walk with Azusa-san.”

Tsubaki: “Ah, no, uhm…..”

“Will you be heading to the beach, Tsubaki-san?”

She smiles.

“It looks like there are some wonderful people there today, too. …. I’ll be heading off, then.”

At that, she disappears, too.

(Wait a minute……..)

That smiling face. There wasn’t a speck of anger in it– it was a perfectly genuine smile. It’s as if….

“I have nothing to do with who you decide to date, Tsubaki-san. It doesn’t matter to me.”

It’s as if she said that.

(You’ve gotta be kidding me!!)

I look for Kana-nii. If I think back to the root of everything, that man’s the main culprit.

But no matter where I look, I can’t find him anywhere. I knock on his room’s door countless times, but there’s no reply.

Yuusuke: “Shut uuuup, the hell’s the problem?”

The adjacent room’s door opens, and Yuusuke comes out.

Tsubaki: “Yuusuke! D’ya know where Kana-nii is?”

Yuusuke: “What’s this alluva sudden? … Kana-nii left back home earlier.”

Tsubaki: “Hah?!”

Yuusuke: “Think he said he had some sorta urgent business, or something…. Guhh! Tsuba-nii, my neck– stop squeezin’ my neck!!”

— And so, the weekend ended on a terrible note.

Even though she’d finally, finally arrived, I found myself unable to so much as look her in the eyes, let alone talk to her.

No matter how much I tried to consult with Azusa, it’s like he wouldn’t speak to me. Things continued this way for the next few days, even after we returned home.

(No way I’m ever wavering again.)

I make a heartfelt pledge to myself.

(From now on, she’s my one and only. After all, loyalty is always best!)

[kunikiiida-kuuun]

Sharing the link to Untold Origins of the Detective Agency Chapter 1 English translation because I don't want anyone to miss this masterpiece > Link

Everyone go say thank you to @ darkestjay868 and @bsd_edits on twitter!!!

[hopeymchope]

The entire "Danganronpa Kirigiri" series is now available in English.

I don't do Reddit much, which is probably why I only just learned yesterday (courtesy of @vampietears) that Danganronpa Kirigiri Volumes 1-7 have all been translated into English and made available as PDF versions in the past year.

I searched Tumblr for any mention of this and found absolutely none, so I feel confident that I'm far from the only person who didn't know these were available.

CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULES, DR fans! It's definitely going to take me some time to work through the whole series, but I hope (eh? eeeehhh?) to enjoy the process.

[sinisteredgirl]

Reminder that while Jinshi rants to Maomao about problems in his office, she also rants to him about her problems at work:

[kyupidos]

nobody understands my love for the yuus. novel yuu, manga yuus, in game yuu, every single one of them holds a space dear to my heart and the fact we’ll likely never see how the manga yuus’ stories end since we get a new yuu for every book makes me wanna die inside.

( i’m at least thankful we get to stick with yuuya bc he’s like my favorite yuu, but i can’t find where the translations are since the most i’ve gotten is right where book 1 starts..if anyone knows where to get more I WILL BE INDEBTED )

like?? you can’t leave me hanging on this with yuuken and koito 😕

WE’RE GOING TO GET MORE ABOUT ALL THE YUUS GUYS TRUST ME ( manifesting )

[ruanbaijie]

谢谢你，成为我长夜中的……[一轮月。] Thank you for being, in my long night, a shining moon.

SNOWFALL 冰雪谣 (2024) 1.15

[fishing-lesbian-catgirl]

I’ve read this series so many times in so many mediums but I still have to ask

What did she mean by this?

[astranauticus]

inspired by this post by tumblr user @orphiclovers. the lines are direct quotes from the novel but the scene itself isnt a redraw of any specific novel scene, i just really wanted to draw black coat 1863 x white coat 1864 HSY lol

[brynnewithane]

Kaiju No. 8 Light Novel: Closely Observed! Unit 3 [Translate]

This is an UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION of the Light Novel Kaiju No. 8. The translation and proofreading were done by me. Since my bias is Hoshina, I only plan to translate his story.

Hoshina's chapter is split into six parts. The following post includes my translation of parts 1 and 2.

***The translation that follows is not translated from the original Japanese, but rather from Vietnamese to English. Since this is my first attempt translating literature and English is not my first language, if there are any parts that seem unnatural or out-of-place please feel free to point them out. I’m open for feedback!👾 ***There are some segments that I've referenced from the translation of Kaiju No. 8: B-Side posted on the Mangaplus website. ***Word count: 2725

Chapter 3: Vice-captain Soshiro Hoshina

[PART 1/6]

“Phew, alright…”

With a soft thud, Hoshina set the stack of papers down on the table and took a deep breath. In his hand was the report on Kikoru’s match from the day before. He was evaluating it, through the lens of a vice-captain.

“Who would’ve thought it’d take this long, huh.”

Finishing off the last sip of his now-cold coffee, Hoshina made his way out of the room. Although work hours were over, he still had other plans await. As he strode down the corridor, he spotted the Metro TV crew heading towards him.

“Director! How’s the filming coming along?

The director nodded in return, “It went pretty well, everyone has been very cooperative after all. Mr. Hoshina, would you mind if we get a few words from you?”

“Me? But I’ve already been around the block though.”

“Ha ha ha. No, I just wanted to ask about the rookies. All of the officers this year are really something. The performance that Officer Shinomiya did yesterday was truly remarkable.”

“Well, that’s ‘cause the West Tokyo entry exam was way tougher this year, probably the hardest we’ve ever had. Plus, there were way more standout talents than usual this time around."

“I see. But now I’m more curious.”

“Curious ‘bout what?”

“It’s about Officer Kafka Hibino. Compared to the others, his basic physical strength seems pretty lacking. Would you mind telling us why he’s accepted to the Defense Force?”

The director couldn't help but wonder; it was no surprise at all. For days Kafka had shown no significant improvement to the crew. Whether it was marksmanship or obstacle courses, he consistently ranked last.

“Of course, we don’t just recruit folks based on combat abilities, y’know? We take a lot of other factors into account too. One of the reasons we accepted Kafka Hibino is…

“Is…?”

“Comic relief!” Hoshina smirked.

“C, comic relief, sir?” Hearing such a response, the director’s eyes widened.

“Novelty, y’know? He’s entertaining does he not? The impulsiveness and silliness and all. I’ve never seen anyone with an unleashed combat power of 0% before, and despite being physically weak, he’s bursting with energy. Not to mention he’s completely oblivious to his true potential, so he kept ended up running around like a headless chicken on the field.”

“T, That’s quite the harsh evaluation…”

“But I don’t dislike dummies like him.”

“And why is that?”

“Back in the day…” Hoshina scratched his cheek. "I met someone who was just like that. This idiot was constantly told to give up on bein’ a member of the Defense Force, yet he just kept throwin’ himself into it, no matter what.”

“So there really was a recruit like that? What’s that officer doing now?”

“Beats me. He’s likely assigned to some other unit.” Hoshina flashed a brief smile as he started to walk off. “Oh right, I’m about to hold a private training session at the dojo. The rookies will be there too, you could drop by if you’re interested.”

⁂ ⁂ ⁂

“Yaaaah!”

The soldiers’ exhort resonated throughout the wooden dojo. Apart from the outdoor training area, the Defense Force base also featured an indoor training room. Many officers would come here to train after dinner.

“My, my... It’s so crowded even during break time.” The director mumbled in admiration.

“This year’s rookies are really proactive.”

Hoshina was scanning around the dojo when he saw two individuals, both wearing armour(1), fighting intensely near the entrance. One of them caught an opening and leaped forward, swinging his bamboo sword(2) and striking his opponent. The victor removed his mask, revealing none other than Haruichi Izumo.

“Not bad Reno. Have you done kendo before?”

“I picked up a bit during middle school… But I couldn’t see that last strike of yours coming at all.” Reno, Haruichi’s opponent, also lifted off his mask and let out a sigh.

“Nah, you almost had me there too, man.” Haruichi smiled gently.

Nearby, a match took place between two individuals with distinctly different builds. One was a kendo expert senior, yet he was outmatched by his bulkier opponent who launched many heavy knocks from overhead.

“Woah that officer is really impressive. Is he a rookie too?”

“Maybe it’s hard for you to tell with a mask on like that, but it’s ‘she,’ not ‘he’, and yes she’s a rookie, her name is Hakua Igarashi.” Hoshina shook his head and replied to the director.

“Igarashi�� Oh, is she the younger sister of Officer Jura from the Second Division?”

Igarashi Hakua is a promising rookie and Kikoru’s close friend.

As Hoshina looked around, a male officer approached. This young man had a muscular physique, piercing eyes, and tanned skin. He’s Aoi Kaguragi, a former member of Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.

“Vice-captain Hoshina, would you mind having a sparring match with me?”

“Sure thing, let’s have a match.”

Once clad in his armour, Hoshina got into a ready stance, facing Aoi. As the referee signalled to start the match, a palpable tension filled the air. Others instinctively paused, as their attention was drawn to the two of them as well.

The fight began with two swords sharply clashing. Attacking first was Aoi.

“Ha-yaaa!” Aoi shouted as he charged forward, instantly closing the gap. He moved with a speed that left amateurs struggling to keep pace.

Hoshina skillfully parried with his bamboo sword and countered back. Aoi’s attack was neutralised. The two returned to a standoff, maintaining their distance once again.

Hoshina took the initiative this time. In response, Aoi swung his sword, attempting to strike first. Seizing the opportunity, Hoshina deftly flicked Aoi's sword upward, breaching his defence. A loud “thud” rang out as Hoshina landed a perfect hit onto Aoi’s mask.

“Men strike! (3)” (Face hit)

The referee’s voice rang out. The two exchanged bows at each other as the match ended. Once their mask was removed, Aoi’s face was glistening with sweat, in stark contrast to Hoshina, who remained calm and composed.

“Thank you, sir… I will strive to improve even more.” Aoi said, earnestly bowing his head.

“Nah, you did great! You’ve got some serious talent, y’know.” Hoshina complimented. Aoi was a rising star in the Ground Self-Defense Force, with relatively good kendo skills; he could even be ranked among the top in the Third Division.

(The rookies this year sure are outstanding.)

Applause sprang out as people enjoyed the duel between two formidable figures. Meanwhile, at the dojo entrance, an entirely different kind of match was unfolding.

“Heeeyaaah!!”

A man stumbled forward, ferociously swinging his bamboo sword. His wide, sweeping motions were all over the place, making it easy for his opponent to dodge, counter, and raise his sword high before slamming it down with force.

“Gack!!??”

The hit landed with such power that the mask seemed as though it was about to shatter. The man dropped to one knee on the floor.

“Sure-kill attack: Iharu Blade! How’d you like the power of my strike, old man!?”

“W, why you! Take it easy on me, won’t ya!?” Kafka stood up, removing his mask.

“That was me going easy. Seriously, why are you so ‘green,’ old man?” Iharu tilted his head.

“Well duh, I’ve never practised kendo once in my entire life. So, everyone else has, even Ichikawa huh… I guess all the Defense Force recruits are pros at this stuff…”

“Since you have zero experience in kendo, I assume you chose judo instead, yes?” Reno approached, striking up a conversation with Kafka.

“Hm? Nope, I don’t know judo either.”

“Huh? You weren’t required to take any martial arts class?”

“What martial arts?”

“Didn’t they require you to take either judo or kendo in middle school?”

“What’re you talking about?”

As the conversation drifted off course, Hoshina tucked his mask under his arm and walked toward them.

“Martial arts were made mandatory after the curriculum reform, which is why y’see nearly all of our rookies this year have some sort of experience—except you, Kafka.

“What, is that how it is!? Grk, even this has a generation gap!” Kafka stood up abruptly, clenching his fists. “Damn it, that means I need to train way harder. Vice-captain Hoshina, could you please instruct me as well? Let’s have a match!”

“Vice-captain, could I request the same for myself?”

“Hey Reno! Tryin’ to one-up me, aren’t ya!? Count me in too, sir!”

“Iharu, that wasn’t my intention.”

Seeing the rookies got all excited, Hoshina nodded, “Alright then. I’ll take y’all on—line up!”

A sharp "Thwack!" echoed through the air.

“Gack!”

A sharp "Thwack!" echoed through the air.

“Gurk!”

A sharp "Thwack!" echoed through the air.

“Agh!”

“All righty practice over. Y’all need to work on your basic skills.”

Upon the dojo floor, three members of Kafka lay scattered, their skill levels markedly inferior to Hoshina’s. After a lengthy observation of the scene, the director made his way toward them.

“Impressive! It’s clear that no one can even come close to your skill with the blade, sir. I wouldn’t expect anything less from someone hailing from one of the most renowned kaiju-slaying families in Kansai. Speaking of which, when you first enlisted, you weren’t here, were you? You were in Kansai, right sir?”

“Yeah, I got promoted by Captain Ashiro and transferred here.”

“I see! You must have been making a name for yourself since your early days then.”

“... That’s not the case at all.” Hoshina chuckled, looking a bit flustered.

This hesitancy of his somewhat confused the director.

“Vice-captain Hoshina.”

Hoshina shifted his attention when he heard a voice ring behind him. Kikoru stood there in her armour, her stern gaze peering through the mask.

“May I spar with you next, sir?”

“... ‘course.”

Raising her sword, Kikoru formed a ready stance. Judging by her form, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that her kendo technique was exceptionally polished. One could confidently assert that her skill was on par with Aoi’s.

(She's skilled in both firearms and swordplay. Truly astounding—a complete contrast from me.)

As Hoshina gazed at the rookies before him, memories of his own early days came flooding back—days before he joined the Third Division.

❅───✧❅✦❅✧───❅••❅───✧❅

*NOTE:

(1) Here, they are wearing a type of protective gear specifically used in kendo known as bōgu (防具) or kendōgu (剣道具). Since I saw most Western websites tend to use the terms “bogu” or “kendo armour,” I decided to simply use the word “armour” here for a smoother reading.

(2) Similar to that, I’ve chosen to use the “bamboo sword” here to make it easier to understand even though the proper term for it is shinai (竹刀).

(3) Men strike (面打ち) in Kendo is one of the most fundamental and commonly used attacks aimed at the opponent’s head. Other primary strikes include kote (wrist), dō (torso), and tsuki (throat thrust).

❅───✧❅✦❅✧───❅••❅───✧❅

[PART 2/6]

Hoshina was usually stationed in Kansai. However, on that day, he travelled to Tokyo for a meeting about a friendly kendo match with the Third Division, which was set to occur in a month. The kendo instructor of the Third Division was someone his father greatly respected, and a figure Hoshina had known since childhood.

“Sir, I’m glad to see you’re still doing well.”

“Not at all! I’m not as sharp as I used to be nowadays. I’ve been planning on stepping down as an instructor soon. So what do you say, Soshiro? Do you want to come and carry on my work?”

“Ha ha ha, I’ll consider it, sir.” Hoshina chuckled, quickly changing the subject.

Hoshina had received countless recommendations to become an instructor. Everyone in the Defense Force recognised his exceptional swordsmanship, yet they all believed it wasn’t suitable for practical combat. His father, superiors—everyone urged him to take on the role of a kendo instructor, suggesting he withdraw from the battlefield. Despite this, he still longed to remain on the front lines.

(I’m well aware… that my desires are selfish and stubborn.)

The meeting ended, and just as Hoshina was about to leave, he received a call from the general affairs office, informing him that the captain of the Third Division wanted to see him in the office.

(The captain? Wants to meet me?)

Even though Hoshina was completely perplexed, he had no choice but to go. Anxiously, he knocked on the captain’s office door.

“Come in,” a calm female voice replied.

As he opened the door and stepped inside, Hoshina was greeted by the sight of a young woman seated at the desk. It was Mina Ashiro, who had become the captain of the Third Division at a remarkably young age. The two were not far apart in age. He had seen her before, during the joint training sessions, but this was their first opportunity to talk directly.

“I apologize for interrupting you during your busy schedule. Soshiro Hoshina, at your service, ma’am.” Hoshina straightened his back and saluted to the captain.

“Third Division Captain, Mina Ashiro. I appreciate you stopping by.”

“Happy to do it, I have time to spare after all. I was planning to take a look around Tokyo for a bit before returning to base. Now then, what was it that you need me for, Captain?”

Ashiro turned her back, her gaze drifting toward the sombre sky beyond the window. 

“I’ve seen you in joint training before. Even from a distance, I can tell that your swordsmanship is exceptional.”

“Oh, thank you captain…”

(Why is she bringing that up all of a sudden?)

Hoshina couldn’t help but feel sceptical.

“Soshiro Hoshina, I heard that you’re a sword specialist.”

“Yes, that is correct.”

Hoshina could already sense what Ashiro was about to say. He let out a small sigh.

(Here it comes. She’s definitely going to tell me to give it up…)

The Third Division was in dire need of a new sword instructor during this time. It seemed that Ashiro would soon suggest that he leave the front lines and take on that role.

“I need your abilities. Will you join my force, Hoshina?” Ashiro said as she gently turned back to face him.

The gloomy sky gradually dispersed, and shafts of sunlight entered the room. Her gleaming eyes gazed directly into Hoshina’s.

“Huh…?” Caught off guard by the unexpected proposal, Hoshina felt as though his mind had gone blank.

“We cannot overlook the possibility that more powerful miniatured-size kaiju might emerge in the future. Also, unlike you, I’m awful with bladed weaponry. I wouldn’t even want to pick up a kitchen knife.”

(Okay but isn’t kitchen knives are a complete different matter…)

“When I pierce through the enemies, will you clear a path for me?”

“...”

No one had ever spoken to Hoshina like that, not even his father. He felt his heart racing intensely, unable to suppress the thought that, just by serving under her, maybe…  

(No, stop…)

Hoshina took a breath and exhaled slowly. He quickly regained his composure, and his heartbeat returned to a steady rhythm.  

(Don’t take it seriously; it’s just lip service. If I accept the offer, I’ll only become a laughingstock.) 

Since they were being courteous, one ought to return their gesture. That’s just how things should be done.

“I am truly honoured, but…”

Right after that, the shrill wail of the alarm echoed through the hallway.

“Excuse me, captain!” The door swung open as a bald officer rushed in. “We’ve received reports of a kaiju attack in Oume City. Miniature class, but there are large numbers of them, and over a dozen civilians were reported dead. About the details...”

Listening to the report, Ashiro nodded. “Understood. Ebina, rally the entire team, including those off-duty.”

“Roger!” Ebina responded promptly to the order. “Man, we’re still in the middle of restructuring the division and issues just kept cropping up.”

“We’re againsting the kaiju, they wouldn’t care less about our situation.”

Ashiro picked up the phone from the table and quickly issued orders. However, as she had just recently been promoted to captain, the chain of command was still in disarray. If they were to engage Kaiju, her unit would probably face a severe troop shortage. That was why she could stolidly make such a proposal.

“Captain Ashiro, I could head to the site as well if you will.”

“Wha!? You’re the guy who’s here for a business trip, right? You’re from a different division is it not?” Ebina frowned.

“I carried my suit and weapons. I can at least help with disposing of the yoju.”

“Yeah, but even so…”

Ashiro cut Ebina off. “Hoshina, as the captain of the Third Division, I’m asking for your aid. I’ll make sure to run it by your division as well.”

“Captain, are you sure about this!?” Ebina raised his voice. “Based on the kaiju’s estimated fortitude, this operation is going to be extremely dangerous.”

“He’s a close-combat specialist; he can definitely be able to help us a great deal. Isn’t that right, Hoshina?”

"Right." Hoshina nodded. "I'm the best there is when it comes to neutralising miniature kaiju."

────────────────────────────────────────────────

[barousagi]

barou respects women but not men

[alicescaling]

Brothers Conflict Season 2 Volume 2 #028

<— Previous || Masterlist

#028 — Waking up to an unfair play.

After I make it out of Kichijōji station, I head straight to the mansion.

Although it’s night-time, the streets are still covered in people whirling around. Despite the hustle and bustle, though, all the noise feels so far away.

My mind is blurred, as if there’s a thick layer of haze covering it. I’m still in a daze over what happened.

….. At what that giant monitor back in Shibuya, in front of that crossing, had displayed.

It was the commercial from the brand that Fuuto-kun had said he’d been recruited to model for.

But instead of seeing Fuuto-kun in it, I’d seen Iori-san.

The same Iori-san that I haven’t seen or heard anything from since the day of my high school graduation, when he’d left the mansion.

(I never expected him to get into modeling… and why that commercial…?)

I think back to the conversation I had with Fuuto-kun in the kitchen a few months ago.

Fuuto: “I’m going to be an image model for this brand.”

I remember him mentioning that the contract was still tentative, but I’d thought that they were close to making it official.

And yet this happened.

Furthermore, Fuuto-kun’s angry reaction to Iori-san replacing him showed that had no idea he would be replaced as a model.

Fuuto: “There’s no way I’m just accepting this!”

Fuuto-kun’s face had been scary when he’d seen the commercial.

Fuuto: “.... I’m going into the office. You okay heading home on your own?”

After he’d said this, he’d called a taxi and gotten in, but he really didn’t look like he was in the state to be talking to anyone.

I’ve never seen Fuuto-kun so upset before.

(Fuuto-kun…..)

I’m really worried, but I have no idea what I could or should do.

Feeling helpless, I reluctantly return home.

“.... I’m home.”

When I get to the mansion, I mutter this quietly to myself instead of calling out like usual, and walk into the living room.

I smell a sweet fragrance waft through the air.

Louis: “Ah, Chii-chan, it’s you. So I was right after all.”

I see Louis-san standing in the kitchen.

Louis: “For some reason, I got the feeling that you’d be coming home soon. What perfect timing.”

“Louis-san. What do you mean by perfect?”

As soon as the words come out of my mouth, I hear the microwave oven chime, signaling that whatever's in it is done.

Louis: “..... this.”

Louis-san takes a large mug out of the microwave oven. He then pours the contents into two cups on top of the kitchen counter.

Louis: “It’s hot chocolate… here you go.”

He hands one of the cups to me. The same sweet fragrance I smelled from earlier wafts up from the cup, wrapping me up in it.

Louis: “A client gave it to me. It should be really yummy. They’re very particular about sweet things.”

“Ah… thank you.”

I lightly bring it to my lips. It tastes sweet, almost refreshing.

“Uwahhh, it’s really good.”

Louis: “Mmhmm. When you’re worried, it’s important to treat yourself to sweets.”

Louis-san lifts his own cup up as well.

Louis: “I don’t want you to make you worry, Chii-chan. That’s why I thought it would be good to make some for you.”

“Huh?”

For a moment, I find myself confused, not sure what he’s talking about.

Louis: “Would you like to sit down a little?”

Louis-san guides me to the living room sofa, and we sit down.

Louis: “Well, the thing is.”

Louis-san sets his cup down on top of the table.

Louis: “Today, I saw something. I was very surprised.”

Louis-san pauses to make sure that I heard his words.

I nod, waiting for what he’ll say next.

Louis: “I saw Iori-kun.”

I stare intently at Louis-san after he says this.

“Iori-san?”

Louis: “Someone I know asked me to help out with a model’s hair and makeup. When I went into the studio, Iori-kun was there.”

“........ I see.”

Louis: “I thought that I should call you and tell you. But when I tried to, the call got cut off before I could.”

“Eh?”

I think back to the call I’d gotten earlier while leaving campus.

(I see. So that’s what Louis-san had been about to tell me. Fuuto-kun had cut off the call before he could….)

— At any rate.

I’m certain that Iori-san’s become a model now.

The fact that Louis-san was called in to do his hair and makeup today means that he’s probably doing a lot more work than just that one commercial.

“I’m sorry. Someone I know hung up on you suddenly.”

Louis: “That’s alright.”

Louis-san tilts his head curiously.

Louis: “But Chii-chan, you don’t seem surprised. Could it be that you already knew? About Iori-kun.”

“………. ah.”

I find myself at a loss for words.

Louis: “You already knew, didn’t you.”

“Uhhhhhhmmmm……..”

Louis: “How’d you find out?”

Louis-san watches me intently. I’m left with no choice but to explain.

“Uhm, the truth is…”

I tell him about the commercial I saw back in Shibuya. But I omit the parts about Fuuto-kun being there, too. I feel as if it isn’t important to mention everything that’s happened with him right now.

Louis: “Huuuh. So Iori-kun’s risen to that level already.”

Louis-san picks his mug back up, and sips at his hot chocolate.

Louis: “Hey, Chii-chan.”

The light brown of the liquid in his cup swishes as he speaks.

Louis: “Could I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

Louis: “Are you alright with Iori-kun coming back home?”

“Ehhh?!”

The beat of my heart thrums loudly in my chest.

Louis: “I don’t know all the details, but…”

Louis-san brings his cup down from his face. His facial expression has changed.

Louis: “You’re related to why Iori-kun left the mansion. Aren’t you, Chii-chan?”

“.....!”

I’m at a loss for an answer.

I can’t say “yes”.

If I say “yes”, I’ll naturally have to explain why that is. And that means revealing what happened last Christmas, back at the cemetery.

And I really don’t want to do that.

But I can’t say “no”, either.

Something about Louis-san right now gives me the impression that he’d see through any lies or bluffs. He knows something’s wrong, and saying “no” might lead to an even bigger discussion.

So, we fall into silence. The atmosphere goes uneasily awkward.

— At that moment.

“Huh?”

Suddenly, the front door opens, and Azusa-san enters the living room.

Louis: “Azusa-niisan.”

Azusa: “Louis. …. ah, you speaking with her?”

Azusa-san approaches us.

There’s confusion written on his face.

Azusa: “The two of you seem gloomy. Is something wrong?”

“It’s nothing–”

Louis: “We’re talking.”

Louis-san cuts in.

Louis: “About Iori-kun, that is.”

Azusa: “Eh, Iori?”

Louis: “Iori-kun’s returned.”

Azusa-san’s face grows even more perplexed. From the side, I utter,

Iori-san’s become a model.

Louis-san and I explain that we’d unexpectedly found this out.

Azusa: “Iori’s a model now…. then.”

Azusa-san settles down on the sofa.

Azusa: “This is the first time I’ve heard about this.”

Louis: “It was news to me, too.”

Azusa: “It’s likely that other than you two, no one else knows, either. If he’d tried to contact home before, I’m sure Masa-nii and Kyo-nii would have told us.”

Azusa-san says this, then briefly sinks into silence.

Azusa: “But that’s besides the point.”

After a moment, he gently opens his mouth and speaks again.

Azusa: “Why has the atmosphere gotten so heavy after learning about Iori’s whereabouts?”

(Uuuu….)

His question causes my earlier worries to resurface.

(I’d thought that Azusa-san’s appearance might help change the atmosphere and give me an out, but…)

While I’m busy trying to think of how to best gloss over the question, Louis-san suddenly speaks up.

Louis: “There’s no need to worry about that, Azusa-niisan.”

Azusa: “Eh?”

Louis: “There are some special circumstances. You’ll trouble Chii-san.”

Azusa-san’s expression changes.

Azusa: “What do you mean by that, Louis?”

Louis: “..... I can’t say.”

Azusa: “Why not?”

“W-wait a minute, please.”

I hurriedly interrupt.

“Uhm, I’ll take it from here.”

I desperately try to think.

(.... it’s no good. If I try and cover everything up, it’ll only seem strange and lead to bigger problems. Now’s the time to be honest.)

“To put it briefly, I…”

Reluctant to tell them everything, I choose my words carefully.

“I’m related to…. I’m related to why Iori-san left the mansion.”

Azusa: “You are?”

“I can’t…. I can’t tell you everything. It’s complicated. But I have to do with why he left. That I can say for sure.”

My words cut off there, before I continue again.

“It doesn’t look like Louis-san knows the full situation, but… he realized something was wrong and was worried about me. He was concerned that I might be troubled by Iori-san returning home.”

I stop there, gauging Azusa-san’s reaction.

Azusa: “... continue.”

After he says this, I continue, slightly relieved.

“What happened between me and Iori-san was… very serious. There was a misunderstanding, and…. it was really horrible for Iori-san.”

Azusa-san nods.

“But we’ve moved past that. Iori-san and I have talked, and we’ve resolved things.”

I turn to look at Louis-san.

“So please don’t worry.”

Louis: “Chii-chan…”

“I’m really grateful that you’re concerned about me. But I’m okay.”

Louis: “But–”

Right when Louis-san is about to say something else.

Azusa: “.... Louis.”

Azusa-san says.

Azusa: “She’s said she’s alright. If we keep asking and prying, we’d be bothering her.”

Louis: “That may be true, but…”

Louis-san goes silent.

Azusa: “I think that we should–”

Azusa-san continues,

Azusa: “– trust in her. If she’s asked us to accept her answer, then I think that we should. Listening to her and complying with her wishes is the best thing we can do for her.”

Azusa-san turns to me.

Azusa: “I won’t ask for any more details about what happened between you and Iori in the past. But the future’s another thing. If any new problems arise, I want you to be able to speak up without feeling as if you need to worry on your own.”

Azusa-san gives me a smile.

“.... I understand.”

Azusa: “Alright. Then, we’ll end this discussion here. Does that sound alright, Louis?”

Louis-san turns in Azusa-san’s direction.

Louis: “Azusa-niisan.”

Azusa: “Yes?”

Louis: “Thank you.”

He says this with a smile. Azusa-san smiles back in return. The room’s atmosphere has completely changed.

Azusa: “I’ll be going now, then. The truth is, I only came up here because I was a bit thirsty and wanted something to drink.”

Louis: “I still have some more hot chocolate.”

Azusa: “...... eh? Ah, that sounds good. I’ll have some, thank you.”

Louis-san hands Azusa-san a mug, and Azusa-san takes it before leaving the living room.

Louis: “...... fuuu.”

Louis-san lets out a large sigh.

Louis: “That was splendid.”

“Right.”

I nod.

“Azusa-san really is a reliable person, isn’t he.”

Louis: “.... that isn’t it.”

Louis-san shakes his head.

Louis: “I was talking about you, Chii-chan.”

“T-talking about… me?”

Louis: “Chii-chan, you’re amazing. You’re incredibly strong.”

Louis-san lifts up his cup, drinking the last sip of his hot chocolate before standing up.

Louis: “The “Chii-chan Defense Squad” is no longer needed.”

“Ehh?”

Louis-san crouches down in front of me.

Louis: “Which is fine, I think.”

Louis-san’s arms wrap around me, his hands resting at my shoulders.

Louis: “From now on, we’ll be the “Looking After Chii-chan Association”.”

Louis-san pulls my body closer.

“Ahh…..”

He keeps holding me for a moment longer, hugging me tightly, before he pulls away again.

Louis: “I’ll be looking forward to it… Chii-chan.”

As he says this, Louis-san gives me a happy smile.

★☆★

(Ah, here, too.)

With December rolling in, the entire town’s become dyed in the Christmas spirit.

On my way back to the mansion from Kichijōji station, I spot a slightly large cafe across from the department store.

The cafe has an open terrace usually used for things like events. Right now, there’s a large, very magnificently decorated tree placed there, covered in lights and ornaments.

It’s already nearing dusk, so the terrace is dyed in dim red, green, and yellow lights, giving the place a sort of magical atmosphere.

I stop in place, my eyes fixated on the view.

At that moment.

(Oh, that person’s…)

There’s a man sitting alone at a table in the corner of the terrace, underneath the shadow of the Christmas tree.

He’s holding a drink in front of him, gazing down at the table he’s sitting at.

Because of this, I can’t make out the entirety of his face. But maybe it’s….

“Masaomi-san?”

When I call out and begin to approach him, the man looks up.

Masaomi: “Ahh. Are you on your way home right now?”

“Yes, I am. Do you have today off work?”

Masaomi: “Mmhmm. I went out to do a little shopping. Ah, would you like something to drink?”

“It’s alright, I can buy my own.”

I go buy a caffè latte and begin to return to our table.

When I do, see that once I’d left him alone, Masaomi-san had returned to staring down at the table.

I wonder what he must be thinking about.

(Could I be bothering him?)

I’ve already called out to him, though, so it isn’t as if I can just up and leave at this point.

I sit back down at my seat and ask.

“Um, Masaomi-san?”

Masaomi: “Mmhmm?”

“Is something bothering you?”

Masaomi: “Nope!”

Masaomi-san immediately shouts out.

Masaomi: “What a sudden thing to say. Nothing’s wrong, nothing’s bothering me, it’s nothing. Ahahaha……………”

He cuts himself off.

Masaomi: “Sorry. I’m a horrible liar.”

“..... I’m sorry, too.”

Masaomi: “Yes, you’re right. There’s no point in trying to hide it.”

Masaomi-san nods. Then, he lifts his cup up, and takes a small sip.

Masaomi: “...... uwahh, it’s completely cold now. I must have been here for a long time, huh.”

Masaomi-san looks at me with a shy smile.

Masaomi: “The truth is, I was thinking about Iori.”

“Iori-san?”

Masaomi: “Mhm. I was thinking about how nice it would be if he came home.”

He rests his elbows on the table, and places his chin on his hand.

Masaomi: “Ukyo did some investigating. And he found out that Iori’s working at the same production company as Fuuto.”

“Really?!”

After that commercial, I’ve started to see Iori-san in more and more magazines and advertisements.

Neither Louis-san or I had made any big fuss about it, but it’d be impossible to miss.

Iori-san being a model has become common knowledge.

But him working under the same producers as Fuuto-kun is news to me.

(Huh? W-wait a minute.)

That means that Fuuto-kun’s role in that commercial had been taken away by one of his colleagues.

(That’s….)

It must already be frustrating enough to have a job taken away from you, but to have a job taken away from you by your own production company must be an even bigger blow.

(Is Fuuto-kun alright….?)

Masaomi: “What’s wrong?”

Masaomi-san asks me worriedly.

“Ah, I’m sorry. I was just a little surprised, that’s all.”

I’m sure I’m the only one that knows that Fuuto-kun had originally been appointed to model for that commercial. That being the case, I decide it’s best to keep quiet about it.

Masaomi: “And so Ukyo talked to the producers.”

Masaomi-san continues.

Masaomi: “And it seems like Iori doesn’t want to come home.”

“Eh….”

Masaomi: “The person that Ukyo spoke to said that he didn’t want anyone to tell his family about him being a model. He knew that we’d find out eventually, but he didn’t want anyone to tell us directly.”

“Iori-san said that?”

Masaomi: “..... it seems like it. It’s heart-breaking, isn’t it. That he’d say something like that.”

Masaomi-san smiles miserably.

Masaomi: “I don’t understand. Why on Earth is Iori trying to distance himself from the family?”

Masaomi-san hangs his head.

Masaomi: “.... I’m the eldest son.”

“Masaomi-san.”

Masaomi: “That’s what I thought. But I really don’t know anything about Iori at all.”

“That’s–”

Masaomi: “Iori…”

Masaomi-san interrupts me.

Masaomi: “... when he was younger, he was always a quiet, understanding child. I can’t remember him ever causing any trouble, no matter how far back into his childhood I try to recall.”

Masaomi-san sighs.

Masaomi: “I have a lot of little brothers. Which means it isn’t easy to give them all the same level of care or attention. In the end, I’d always keep a closer eye on the brothers that were more naughty, or more likely to get into trouble. Because of this, I think that I didn’t talk to Iori nearly as much as I thought I did.”

There’s regret in his eyes.

Masaomi: “Especially after what happened with Fuyuka-chan.”

“.....”

Masaomi: “Even so, I want Iori to come home. I think that family should be together as much as possible.”

There’s pain and bitter regret on Masaomi-san’s face.

Masaomi-san, who’s always calm, and kind, and smiling.

Masaomi-san, who tenderly, gently, watches over the whole family. That same person is making this face, right now.

I feel as if I’m only now understanding the weight that Masaomi-san must be carrying on his shoulders as the eldest son, older brother to all of us.

“Ah, what an unusual expression.”

“Eh?”

Masaomi: “Huh?”

I instinctively survey our surroundings.

As I do, my eyes are met with the figure of a flashy looking woman.

They point the phone that they’re holding in their hand towards me, and grin in amusement.

Masaomi: “..... Hikaru?”

“Hikaru-san!?”

Hikaru: “Oh, am I interrupting? Masa-nii had such a novel expression on his face that I couldn’t possibly pass up the chance to document it.”

I hear the sound of his boots as Hikaru-san makes his way over to us, sitting down at our table as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.

His silky hair is fluttering beautifully, and I catch a glimpse of his slender, beautiful legs as his skirt flutters and he crosses his legs elegantly to sit.

There’s a gasp from the customers sitting nearby.

….. Right, I’m sure that for people who don’t already know, it’d be unthinkable to assume he’s a man.

Hikaru: “Evening, Imouto-san~ ♡”

Hikaru-san blows a kiss at me.

“Good evening. …. It looks like work’s going well. Good job.”

Hikaru: “Ah, perfect!”

Hikaru claps his hands.

Hikaru: “You get full marks for that reply. As one would expect from someone whose managed to tame our house full of wolves~”

“....... thank you very much.”

Hikaru: “But your nose gets zero points.”

“Huh?”

Hikaru-san turns in my direction, thrusting his wrist out in front of me.

“What?”

Hikaru: “You still don’t get it?”

He wags his finger at me as he says this. Then, I smell an aroma drifting from his fingertip.

“Is it…. your perfume?”

Hikaru: “Yup. It’s one meant for men, though.”

Hikaru-san smiles as if he’s enjoying himself.

Hikaru: “I wonder what kind of face Fuuto would make if he smelled it?”

“...... eh?”

As Hikaru-san’s words sink in, I gradually find myself understanding the meaning behind them.

“Hikaru-san, could that perfume be–...?”

Hikaru: “Correct. Don’t you want to see what type of face our impertinent little brother would make, too?”

“Please stop!”

I raise my voice without meaning to.

“Why– why would you even think about something as horrible as that!”

Hikaru: “Why? …. Alright, I’ll tell you.”

Hikaru-san suddenly gets up from the table. Then, he wraps his hand around my shoulder, leaning his face close to mine.

Hikaru: “To kick down one of my rivals. It’s like I told you– this time, I’ll be joining in the conflict as well.”

He’s using his “masculine” voice, his words ringing through my ears.

Hikaru: “All the brothers at the mansion are about “fair play”. But I,”

Hikaru-san’s arm around me tightens. I feel an unexpectedly strong pressure against my back.

Hikaru: “I am a Joker. I’m not bound by things like “gentlemen's agreements”. But, you know— the Joker is the strongest card.”

The anger in my heart dissipates, replaced with confusion.

It’s frustrating, but I’m unable to muster any words to retort against him. It’s like I can’t resist– as if my mind is being manipulated by him.

Hikaru-san straightens up. He returns to his “feminine” voice.

Hikaru: “As for my odds chart– I’m currently in the middle of making revisions.”

He says this with a laugh. The sound rings out through the terrace, like the ringing of a small glass bell.

Masaomi: “Ummmmm, er.”

I hear Masaomi-san’s hesitant voice as he falters.

Masaomi: “I’m sorry, Hikaru. I didn’t really understand anything you were just saying?”

Hikaru: “Hey, Masa-nii.”

Hikaru-san turns to look in Masaomi-san’s direction.

Hikaru: “Don’t you think it would be nice if Kaname were here?”

(Kaname-san!?)

Masaomi: “Why are you suddenly bringing Kaname up at a place like this?”

Hikaru: “Well, becaaaaause, Iori had a “special relationship” with Kaname, didn’t he?”

(!)

Something hot runs down by back.

….. There’s a limit. We might be siblings, but there’s a limit to the horrible things that he can say.

“Hikaru-san…..”

I speak up without meaning to, anger seeping into my voice. But Hikaru-san doesn’t pay any mind to the interruption.

Hikaru: “...... don’t misunderstand. I’m talking about back when we were kids.”

“Huh?”

Masaomi: “Ah…. ahhhh, that’s right!”

Masaomi-san speaks, seeming to recall something.

Masaomi: “Now that you mention it, I’m sure that Iori would always consult Kaname when he needed advice.”

I stand up from my seat despite myself.

“Really!”

Masaomi: “H–Hold on, what’s wrong?!”

Masaomi-san’s face is frightened. Embarrassed, I sink back into my seat.

“Ah, I’m sorry….. But is that really true? About Iori-san and Kaname-san?”

Masaomi: “Yes…. up until around middle school. It wasn’t frequently, but Kaname was the brother that Iori spent the most time with.”

(So that’s how things used to be…..)

Despite myself, memories of what happened during Christmas last year resurface in my mind.

(So back then, Kaname-san also…..)

I’d only thought of his actions being that of a brother’s, his sense of mission that of a monk’s, but… it was more than that.

(Ah! This… it resembles Natsume-san and Subaru-san!)

They were close as children, holding a more familiar relationship with each other than with the rest of their siblings.

So it must have made a big impact, come as a big shock, when that special bond fell apart.

Hikaru: “If Kaname were here, don’t you think Iori’d be able to work things out, some way or another?”

I disregard the sound of Hikaru-san’s light voice as I brood, deep in thought.

Masaomi: “But Hikaru. Kaname’s in the middle of his training right now.”

Masaomi-san speaks, a bewildered look on his face.

Masaomi: “Even if we asked him to come back, I feel like it’d be a while before he’d be able to return.”

Hikaru: “Ahh, that’s alright.”

Hikaru-san suddenly pats my shoulder.

Hikaru: “We’ve got his favourite little pupil right here.”

Masaomi: “Ehhhh?!”

“Huh?”

★☆★

— Four days later.

I’m waiting for him on the roadside, underneath trees decorated with lights.

I don’t know if he’ll come. But there’s no way I can afford not to wait for him.

I don’t know if meeting up with him will go smoothly. But there’s no way I can afford not to meet with him.

I watch as the clock moves, the second-hand needle ticking second by second, marking the passage of time. Before long, the time that we agreed upon finally arrives.

He’s a punctual person. So I’m sure that if he’s coming, it should be….

(Ah!)

At that moment.

In the sea of people walking down the road ahead of me, I see the face of the person I’m waiting for.

He’s getting closer and closer.

Before long, he must finally see me. A soft smile rises to his face.

Iori: “Good evening.”

“.... Good evening, Iori-san.”

– I’m so relieved.

That’s what I’m thinking. Somehow, Iori-san actually came.

Hikaru: “How about we use her as a substitute for Kaname? I mean, she might not be able to get through to him as well as the original, but she may be our best bet out of everyone else.”

When Hikaru-san had suddenly said that back at the cafe, I’d been astonished.

But after thinking about it more, no one else but me knows about what happened on Christmas last year.

Plus, I want Iori-san to return home as well. If there’s anything I can do to help, I’ll do it.

Iori: “I’m sorry if I made you wait long.”

Iori-san’s breath is illuminated by the streetlights around us, making it appear orange in color.

It’s as if I can see his aura surrounding him.

“No, you’re right on time. I’m the one who’s sorry for suddenly calling on you out of nowhere.”

Iori: “.... yes,”

Iori lets out a small chuckle.

Iori: “I was a little surprised when Louis-niisan suddenly slipped me a note while doing my makeup. There was only a time and place written on it, so I wasn’t sure what to think at first.”

“I thought it would be strange of me to suddenly up and contact you. So I asked Louis-san for help, since he sees you often due to work.”

Iori: “I see. You were trying to take care to be thoughtful. There was no need for that, but thank you.”

Iori-san gently reaches his hand out, and places it on the small of my back as if to urge me.

Iori: “How about we go for a short walk?”

Slowly, he begins walking forward, and I follow him.

It seems like Iori-san’s lost a little weight. He looks thinner.

But his face looks bright. His voice also feels calm and composed.

There’s a piercing he didn’t have before on his left ear. He’s wearing a purple jewel, one that glints in the light with each step that Iori-san takes.

Iori: “I actually don’t have much time. I have another shoot lined up soon, but this place is on the way to it.”

“Yes, Louis-san told me.”

Iori: “Ahh, I see.”

Iori-san smiles.

Iori: “So that’s why you chose here for our meeting place. That makes me happy. You’re very thoughtful.”

He moves his hand away from the small of my back, and instead takes my hand in his.

Iori: “It’s rather cold. But I suppose that’s to be expected, given it’s December.”

He gives my hand a slight squeeze.

Iori: “But I’m glad we’re here together.”

He turns to look at me, and gives me a smile.

Iori: “Above all, I’m happy that you reached out to me. I couldn’t say anything to you myself.”

Suddenly, Iori-san stops in his tracks. He lets go of my hand, straightening himself up as he turns fully towards me.

Iori: “...... I’m sorry.”

He bows deeply towards me.

“Eh…….”

I’m completely surprised.

“U-Um….”

Iori: “I wish for your forgiveness.”

Iori-san already has a very eye-catching appearance to begin with.

And he’s bowing deeply in the middle of a crowd of people. I can feel the curious gazes of the people around us.

“Er, please lift your head up.”

Iori: “Do you forgive me?”

“T-That…. I mean, forgive you for what exactly?”

Iori: “What I did last year.”

Iori-san slowly lifts his head up.

Iori: “At the time, I’d lost my mind. My senses.”

His voice intensifies.

Iori: “A year has passed, and it’s the same season as it was back then, which makes the memories surface again to my mind. What had I done to you? What had I tried to do? No matter how much I think back on it, my actions were unforgivable.”

“Iori-san…..”

Iori: “Nevertheless—”

Iori-san takes my left hand in his right one.

He then lifts it upwards.

“I-Iori-san–?!”

He brings it up to around my chest-level, then pulls it towards him, covering it with his other hand.

He’s holding my left hand in between his own two clasped ones.

Iori: “I’m starting to move forward.”

Iori-san shuts his eyes. A serene, gentle expression rises to his face.

Iori: “I’m no longer stuck at a halt. That day, I was revived. ….. Because of you.”

He then brings his forehead to our clasped hands, as if in prayer.

Iori: “...... thank you.”

He doesn’t move. Some time passes like this.

(........)

Iori-san is putting barely any strength into his grip.

I’m sure it would be easy to shake him off if I wanted to.

…. But I don’t.

Iori-san’s hands are cold to the touch, and trembling slightly.

No matter what, I don’t think I have it in me to shake off hands like that.

Iori: “..... thank you.”

Once again, Iori-san says this.

At the same time, I hear the faint sound of something metallic clink.

(Hmm…. ahh!)

There’s a bracelet wrapped around my left wrist.

“Th-this….”

Iori: “I want to give it to you.”

Iori-san removes his hands from mine, instead now taking my left hand with his own left hand.

Iori: “As an apology for everything I’ve done until now.”

I hold the wrist that Iori-san had put the bracelet on up to the light, watching as it glints.

It has a silver chain, and the bracelet is also decorated with an array of various different charms.

When it catches the light, it glimmers beautifully.

“But I…. I can’t accept this.”

Iori: “Is it not good as an apology?”

Iori-san smiles.

Iori: “In that case, how about you think of it as a thank you?”

“I haven’t done anything to deserve your thanks.”

Iori: “..... you’re distressed.”

Iori-san brings his hand away.

He then sinks into silence.

Iori: “Okay.”

After a moment, his smile returns.

Iori: “Then let’s do this. It’ll be a gift commemorating our reunion today.”

“Eh?”

Iori: “It’s almost Christmas, isn’t it? So think of it as me giving you a present. That should be alright, shouldn’t it?”

“Ah….”

To refuse after he’s said that would be impolite.

“I understand. I’ll accept it. Thank you very much.”

Iori: “...... that goes for you, too. Thank you.”

Iori-san looks down at his wristwatch.

Iori: “I’m sorry. I need to get going now. I’m sorry I can’t see you off. Being here with you made me really happy.”

“W-Wait a second please.”

As Iori-san begins to walk away, I hurriedly call after him.

If we part ways now, like this, then I won’t have achieved what I came here for.

“Um, Iori-san, will you be returning home?”

Iori-san slowly turns his head towards me.

Iori: “...... to the Asahinas?”

“Yes. Everyone’s waiting for you.”

Iori-san stares intently at me. Then, he speaks.

Iori: “Does that mean that you came here today as a representative for the rest of the family?”

“You can think of it that way.”

Iori: “....... I see. I understand.”

Iori-san slowly nods.

As he does, a kind smile rises to his face.

Iori: “Alright, convey this to the others, then. Merry Christmas. And Happy New Years.”

After he says this, Iori-san bows, and turns back around.

And just like that, Iori-san’s figure disappears into the hustle and bustle of the night.

★☆★

The elevator stops at the third floor.

Subaru: “Hn… oh, is this going up?”

Subaru-san, holding a cardboard box in his arms, goes to enter the elevator, but then steps back in realization.

As he does, the box he’s holding gets stuck in between the elevator doors as they close. I hurriedly press the button to open up the door again.

Subaru: “...... thanks.”

The doors open again, and I see even more cardboard boxes stacked up in the elevator hall.

“Are you tidying up?”

Subaru: “Ahh, I’m getting ready to move.”

“Eh, but it’s still December, though?”

When Subaru-san graduates, he’ll be joining a pro team based in Miyazaki, in Kyushu.

When he does, he’ll be moving there. But that’s still a long ways off.

Subaru: “Next year will be really busy. And hectic. I thought I’d get some packing done while doing my New Years cleaning.”

“That’s an awful lot.”

I step out of the elevator.

Subaru: “It’s mostly stuff like training equipment that I don’t use anymore. They’ve just been piling up. It’s a good opportunity to sort through ‘em.”

“Is there anything I can help with?”

Subaru: “No, I’ve got it myself. I’ll probably end up throwing most of it out.”

Subaru-san speaks up again, sounding like he just remembered something.

Subaru: “Speaking of, I’ve got my textbooks and stuff like my old test and lecture notes. Did you want them?”

“Eh?! Ah, please, please.”

Subaru-san’s an upperclassman in the same major as me.

Because of this, a lot of classes I’ll be taking will overlap with the ones he took, so having his old notes would be a huge help.

Subaru: “Alright, I’ll be sure to give it all to you later, then.”

“Thanks a lot!”

Subaru: “By the way, you were just out, weren’t you? Where’d you go?”

“Oh, I was in Omotesandō for a bit.”

Subaru: “Omotesandō?”

Subaru-san furrows his brows.

Subaru: “I don’t really go there. Were you out shopping?”

“Ah… y-yeah.”

I know that lying is wrong, but I feel like talking about Iori-san with Subaru-san right here and right now isn’t a good idea.

Subaru: “Ohhhh.”

Subaru-san smiles.

Subaru: “That’s why you’re wearing that.”

“That?”

Subaru: “There, what you’re wearing on your left wrist.”

“Ah….. you noticed it?”

Subaru: “Oi, oi.”

Subaru-san gives a strained smile.

Subaru: “I was a little…. No, the truth is that I noticed it back when you pressed the elevator button. When you stretched your arm out in front of me.”

As he says this, he laughs.

Subaru: “But I’m glad.”

“Eh?”

Subaru: “That you really did just buy it. What would you’ve thought of me if you’d worn it before?”

“Don’t say that.”

He then sets down the box he’s been holding.

Subaru: “Hey, do you have a sec?”

“What is it?”

Subaru: “Do you like stuff like it? That accessory?”

“Hm?”

Subaru: “... ugh, no,”

Subaru lets out an embarrassed laugh.

Subaru: “What I mean is. It’s like this. Someone gives you a present. But, y’know, sometimes you don’t like it, or you don’t wanna wear it.”

“Ahh…. I see.”

I think about my answer for a moment.

“It’s true that if it isn’t something you’d usually wear, or something that’s more your taste, you wouldn’t really wear it. But I think that you’d also just be happy to have been given something.”

Subaru: “I-I see.”

Subaru-san’s voice grows a bit livelier.

Subaru: “Alright, let me ask something else. In that case, what’s the most foolproof gift?”

“Ehh?”

Subaru: “I mean, there’s a ton of different types of accessories. Bracelets, and necklaces, and stuff.”

“Ahh, that’s right.”

Subaru: “And so with that in mind, I was wondering what the safest option would be. Hypothetically.”

“Hmmmmmm.”

I try to think of an answer.

“What in particular…..”

Subaru: “There isn’t one?”

“I mean, it really depends on the person. ….. Um, I’m sorry, but I don’t know much about these things. You’d probably find a more accurate answer on the internet.”

Subaru: “No, that’s all I wanted to know.”

Subaru-san gives me a smile, flustered.

Subaru: “I just wanted to ask you real quick, which was plenty. Thank you.”

“Oh, no problem.”

Subaru: “Well, I’m gonna head back to my room now. Sorry for keeping you.”

Subaru-san returns to the elevator hall. I head back into the elevator.

(What was that about just now?)

It’s unusual for Subaru-san to ask about accessories.

(..... but he noticed my bracelet.)

Subaru-san can be rather shy and reserved, but he showed how much he cares by noticing it.

Subaru-san doesn’t really talk much about himself. So there are still a lot of things about him that I don’t know.

But today, I saw a little beyond that.

Which makes me really happy.

(It’s nice to talk about all sorts of different things with him. It’d be nice if we could do this more often before he heads off to Kyushu.)

★☆★

After finishing dinner, I return to my room. It’s around 9pm.

Today I plan on watching a movie in my room.

I rented it about a week ago, and it’s due tomorrow. If I leave it sitting around for much longer, it’ll be overdue.

Mahoko: “You definitely need to watch it!”

Mahoko had told me this, which is why I rented it out. She’d apparently cried her eyes out while watching it in the theatre.

Mahoko: “It was amazing!! Ahh, it embodies what true love is!!”

(To be honest, it seems more like a comedy than a romance.)

It’d be a waste to return it without watching it, though.

I pop the disc into my game console.

It’s convenient being able to play both games and movie discs on it.

I start the movie. It begins with two sets of couples talking, each with their own respective date scene.

About 30 minutes into the movie, my room’s doorbell rings.

(I wonder who it is?)

I head to the front door. I peer through the peephole, and see Fuuto-kun standing out in the hallway.

For some reason, he looks dull and tired. I can see the exhaustion clear on his face, even through the scope of the door.

“Fuuto-kun.”

When I open the door, Fuuto-kun replies in a murmur.

Fuuto: “........ you’re so slow. How long does it take to open one door?”

I hear him sigh.

“Is something wrong?”

Fuuto: “This and that. …. hey, how long’re you gonna make me stand out here? Can I or can’t I come in?”

“Ah, sorry. Please, come in.”

I move to the side so Fuuto-kun can pass through.

Fuuto-kun stops right at the entryway.

Fuuto: “You can go in first.”

“Eh?”

Fuuto: “What, do you think I’m the type of guy who just barges in or something?”

“........”

Something feels off.

He’s always been rude, but his every word seems to be sharp, harsh.

Usually, there’s a sort of lightness to the things he says– although they can be annoying and offensive sometimes– and his tone’s still more joking than anything.

— But today’s different. He feels almost hostile.

Still, I can’t just keep standing here forever.

“Please, come in.”

I go further into my room, and say this.

Once I’ve made a little distance, Fuuto-kun enters my room as well.

Fuuto: “What, you’re watching something boring?”

Fuuto-kun suddenly spits out.

Fuuto: “I can’t believe that a university student’s watching some sugary, childish movie like this.”

Fuuto-kun snatches up the remote control and turns the TV display off.

“Ah!”

Fuuto-kun hurls the remote away, and aggressively takes off his coat.

Fuuto: “Ahhhh, this is so stupid.”

He drops onto the bed, his face-up towards the ceiling, leaning back.

Fuuto: “Hey.”

“Yeah?”

Fuuto: “It’s my fault.”

Fuuto-kun’s gaze stays intently stuck to the ceiling.

“Wh-what are you talking about?”

Fuuto: “The guys at the office say he got in contact with them. There were calls and emails. But no one said anything, so how would I know? And then he said that there was something important they needed to discuss, so we needed to meet in person. What’s up with that? Plus, in the first place, the client already pretty much decided on who they’d appoint, right? So it’d be okay if the agency declined, right? So why’d they okay it? The hell do they think of their talent?”

His words overflow, coming out disjointed.

Fuuto: “Besides, what kind of older brother just up and takes a job like this from his younger brother? It’s unthinkable, right?

His story’s fragmented, so I don’t have a complete understanding of what Fuuto-kun’s trying to say.

But my best guess is that he’s talking about that commercial.

Fuuto: “To make things worse, Seike had to go and say “don’t you think you’re prioritizing your solo work over your role in Forttê? I don’t think this is a bad thing for the other members”.”

(Seike-san?!)

I think back to when I met him at the university library.

(He didn’t seem like the type of person who’d say something so terrible, though…..)

Fuuto: “Why the hell’s he attacking me like that? I make sure to perform all my duties for Forttê, and I’ve got the agency’s permission to do my solo work. So why the hell’s he gotta complain?”

“F-Fuuto-kun…..”

I somehow manage to interject.

“If you’d like, I have some tea that I can–”

Fuuto: “I’m quitting.”

Abruptly, Fuuto-kun speaks.

“....... eh?”

Fuuto: “That’s why I’m quitting.”

Fuuto-kun stands up from the bed.

Fuuto: “I’m not working with those guys anymore.”

“D-don’t say that. Fuuto-kun, please, calm down–”

Fuuto: “What’re you saying?”

Fuuto-kun interjects.

Fuuto: “I am calm.”

There’s a cruel chill to his tone.

Fuuto: “I’m calm, and things have gone exactly according to plan. The two of us are alone, in your room, and the door is locked.”

“Eh……?”

Fuuto: “What, do you think I’m the type of guy to wait for permission to politely enter your room?”

Fuuto-kun laughs.

Fuuto: “Waiting for permission to enter someone’s room sounds like something a vampire would do, doesn’t it? Ahh, speaking of, I did cosplay as one before, didn’t I? At the school culture festival. Remember? …. Ahaha, it’s perfect!”

Fuuto-kun takes a single step forward.

Fuuto: “You don’t understand me at all.”

His face warps with anger.

Fuuto: “.......... you’re the same as them.”

He gazes intently at me, his eyes dark.

That instant, I’m filled with fear.

— I need to run away.

The thought rushes into my mind. But my legs won’t move.

No matter how much I will them to, it’s as if the feeling of oppression that Fuuto-kun is emitting won’t let me.

Fuuto: “I’ll teach you.”

Fuuto-kun draws even closer.

Fuuto: “Just what type of man am I? I’ll teach you, teach your body, until you completely understand.”

The light of the room casts a dark shadow across Fuuto-kun’s face.

I watch as his arm slowly rises.

At that moment, a strong, dreadful horror wells up in me.

“Help–!”

But my shouts are interrupted before I can finish.

Fuuto-kun’s hand muffles them, moving to cover my mouth.

Fuuto: “..... quit it.”

I feel Fuuto-kun press his body close to mine.

Fuuto: “Please, don’t do that.”

I feel the heat of his voice in my bones.

Fuuto: “I like you.”

His voice is strong, unwavering.

Fuuto: “I don’t care how. I’m going to make you mine, and mine alone.”

He removes his hand from my lips. But there’s no time for me to say anything.

Before I can, his hand wraps around my back, pulling our bodies tightly together, his grip harsh and domineering.

Then, replacing where his hand once was, Fuuto-kun covers my lips with his own.

(— Fu-Fuuto-kun!)

[calmlb]

The Day I Picked Up Dazai fan translation (in progress)

by DarkestJay868 <3

[etrevil]

[fg083nrt]

Hello 👋

You can now pre-order your copy of KKHD 💴🩸 anthology on toranoana

Organized by @quintal187, it has a ton of cool kakuhida artists!!! Some even came from retirement to contribute. It's pretty exciting! ☺️

I made a little 16-page NSFW comic with the loose plot of "Day in the Life of an Overworked Man and his Ball of Manic Energy Immortal Partner.". Also, a colour illustration 🐈💖🐈 !

Here's the tiniest of previews:

I am really honoured to be a part of this anthology, and I've learned a lot throughout the process! Thank you so much @quintal187 for organizing this project and bringing everyone together, I am forever grateful for this opportunity 💖💖💖

For overseas shipping, use a proxy. This is the officially recommended proxy. I personally use Japan Rabbit, and if you have your own proxy, feel free to use that as well <3

[lucid9158]

Idk why but this is giving romance in the amnesia trope vibes…

Like that one fic I read where one character lost their memories but saw that they gave another character a lot of their precious items and came to the conclusion that they were dating (they weren’t)

This is giving shipping vibes…

Don’t question me and my shipping intuition.

[spock-adoodledoo]

permanent starter call for apothecary side character enjoyers specifically tianyu likers