Finally! Spring, one of my favourite seasons of the year. When the dying winter passes, and is replaced with the rebirth of nature. When the flowers are blooming and birds are singing. This is the time of year when the first warm rays of the new year sweeps across the world, bringing light, and renewal to every corner of the Earth.
And this is an exceptional day, no, the whole year is special because from now on, my life has entered a new phase. Starting today, a new chapter, and the beginning of my youth in elementary school will begin. The same elementary school where my amazing older sister, Haruno, goes. As expected from my perfect Onee-san, she has an admirable reputation there.
I wonder if they will like me or not, if they will accept me or not. I hope I won't mess it up on the very first day. Looking in my mirror a neatly dressed person looked back at me. Wearing the school's official uniform, that is unique in every educational institution here in Japan. A simple white shirt with an orange bow around my collar, an orange skirt which reaches my knees and my black thigh high socks with white hems. Honestly, this isn't my color, but I can't go against the school's policy just because I don't like it.
Looking up and down at myself in the mirror made me realise something. There's no chance an adorable little girl like me could make a bad first impression. Yeah, we will definitely sweep everyone off their feet as soon as we enter the room. Speaking of us, I should awake my sleepy-head Onii-chan.
I stepped into his room, and it turned out he was sleeping because the whole room was flooded in darkness. That lazy brother of mine, I can't believe him. I angrily hurried to the curtains and pulled them aside. The sunlight enlightened the dark room, filling it with light and warm rays of the Spring Sun.
Looking back, I found him still laying in his huge bed, surrounded by many pillows, the blanket pulled up to his head. Honestly, I don't get how he didn't get suffocated by the blanket yet.
I approached his bed and with a swift move pulled the cover off of him. He immediately started reaching for it in half asleep with less success.
"Roll out of bed already!" As if on command, after a few moments of unfortunate tossing and turning, he fell off the bed onto the hard floor, onto his back. I couldn't help but let out a giggle.
"Ahh…what's with that twisted laugh!?" My brother complained.
"Hah! That's what you get." I stepped on his chest as he laid there in front of me and squeezed out the air from his lungs. "What, did you not hear me? Get up!" I knew he couldn't stand up, but that was the point of it, to make him lose control.
"It'll be hard…with your little…foot on me." Despite his position under my leg, he choked out a retort with a smug grin on his face.
"Oh sorry, I thought you were my strong big brother." I answered mockingly as I increased the pressure on his chest. "But it turns out you are just a wimp." But instead of pulling his tail back between his legs and apologizing, he just laughed at me and said something unthinkable.
"Hah! … Jokes on you, I like it." Realizing I made him more satisfied than angry I immediately took my leg off my perverted brother. I thought about kicking him in the jaws, but considering he might enjoy that too, I had to stop the urge to do it.
"EWW! You disgusting freak!" What is he saying!? What would our future classmates think if they found out about my brother's siscon tendencies?
"Just get up already and get ready for school!" For Gods' sake, what's gotten into him? He has never behaved like this before. It was the first time he has reacted this way to my teasing. But if I try to be honest with myself, I can see him enjoying this kind of punishment.
"Alright, I understand, you don't need to repeat yourself." He said as he rolled to his stomach and pushed himself up with ease. After standing up from the floor his eyes locked on the alarm clock on his night stand which displayed 07:06AM.
"Hmm~" His eyes switched back at me, gazing up and down. He crossed his arms too and held his chin with two fingers as if pondering on something. Something shady, it's obvious from his narrowed eyes.
"Wh-what are you looking at?... Don't stare holes into my uniform!" I instinctively crossed my arms across my chest defensively. When did he get this perverted? Is he one of those people? I know you all would love a girl in a school uniform to step on you. You all are sick!
"Don't worry… I'm just assessing how cute you are in this school uniform." My brother just dismissed my warning with a playful chuckle? But he seemed delighted by my new look in these clothes. I thought he was staring because something else but I misread the mood. If his stare didn't make me blush, his compliment would have by now.
"Hm?... Why do you look away?" That teasing tone, he will regret it one day, horribly. I hope you'll die. "Are you flustered by any chance?"
"Not a chance!" I stepped on his bare foot, but he didn't even flinch. Is he used to pain or just enjoying it?
"Anyway… why are you so worked up? We have almost an hour to get to school." He said confused.
"Well, that might be true, but it will take a long time to get to school on foot." I answered.
"What do you mean?" He was even more confused. "Isn't the driver paid for this exact thing?"
"Our parents and Onee-san had already left while you were sleeping." My Onii-chan just hummed a tired 'Oh, okay' out and stood there like a pole in the dirt. "What are you doing…what aren't you doing?" Every minute counted and my- no, our first impression depends on it. I couldn't let that go in vain.
"YOU HEAR ME!? Dress up already." My hands moved to my hips to make my command more convincing.
"Well, if you want me to stand before you naked then alright." He still has the energy to fool around, I would love to step on his foot again but I fear he would just let out a moan. But two can play this game, I won't back off.
"Oh, you are saying that you have the request for me to leave your room?" I ask in the most graceful yet annoying way I could. "You should have said that first." The point is that I get back at him for what he did. This is just a waste of time but I couldn't stop myself. "What's the magic word, Tomo-chan?"
"Okay, then I'll change before you." He can't scare me because he's just bluffing. But where are your hands going? Turns out he wasn't bluffing. You can see that from the moment he pulled up his pajama shirt, I could even see his stomach.
"Alright, fine! I'll get out." At that moment I practically leaped to the door. He even made me blush. "He will regret this moment." I said when leaning on the other side of the door.
I wonder when he started acting like this, it creeped me out. It's like an entirely other older brother. But he had a good point, why do we have to stick to walking? I suppose I have to sympathize sometimes with the poorer ones and learn to walk. Going from point A to point B with a car is so much more comfortable though.
Without realising it, my body already headed to the front door, waiting for my insufferable brother. Today, our future…no, my future is in my hands.
"Are you excited to meet your classmates?" Concerned, he sounded concerned, a car drove past the sidewalk we were walking on and felt the wind it generated, he was always this kind.
"Of course Nii-chan, who wouldn't?" I smirk excitedly. In return, he just nods, his head halfway turned in my direction. Moments like these make me wonder…does he really want to be this nice or does he force it on himself? But I can't put my finger on why I feel this exact feeling.
"You sound like someone who has gone through it already." I attempt to lighten the mood on this sunny and fresh morning. Despite the great weather he doesn't seem delighted.
"Really? But I'm excited too, don't you see it?" Seems like my spells started to work. We stopped at the edge of the road. Looking up from under my bangs I could see him looking in one direction, his head turned the other side then back to first again. Like a textbook example. He grabbed my hand gently but firm enough to not let me go and we crossed the road.
"It's not exactly all written all over your face, you know?" I responded with a hint of teasing.
"Well, if my little brat of a sister wouldn't have kicked me out of the bed I would have more life in me. But because of you I could collapse right now and fall asleep right here on the cold street." He said with even more mocking in his voice.
"It wouldn't be lucky to arrive late on the first day of our new life in school." I'm glad I could make the line on his face go upwards, even if just a little bit. I swear he only has two moods. One is the annoying teasing side, the other is the even more irritating emotionless side, though it worries me instead. I guess that's what they call a kuudere, soft on the inside, emotionless on the outside. Despite how I react when he behaves mischievous I like that side of him more. If I remember right there is a term for this type of person too but if anyone would say that word to me I would get mad, like really pissed.
At a moment of our trip to school we stopped at an intersection equipped with traffic lights. From the corner of another street, a thin figure emerged elegantly, covered in variegated fur. It was a cat, with huge yellow eyes. From its calmness it seemed to get used to people, that's why the adorable creature didn't get afraid of the thought of coming closer.
"Nii-chan Nii-chan, look! A cat!" I pointed in the kitty's direction, knowing he loves those fluffy lifeforms too. This is one of the interests we share. Though, I can't think of a hobby we both enjoy beside cats and annoying each other.
"Yeah, I see, it's so cute…so majestic." He said enthusiastically with a wide grin on his face. Seems like we really get along when the topic is about these adorable creatures. It's a normal thing, after all, over half of the world's population love cats.
They are the embodiment of perfection. Their anatomy is superior, felines have strong bones which break hard, their muscles are advanced, not to mention their retractable claws, making them deadlier than canines in many cases. Their sharp sight, strong sense of smell and their whiskers gives them flawless orientation skills. Their padded paws, high intelligence, speed and great agility makes them one of the best predators. And the gracefulness in their movements is only the cherry on top. No wonder why the ancient Egyptians treated cats like gods and goddesses, they even ate the pests that caused damage in the wheat.
Only people who are wrong in the head or allergic hate kitties. That reminds me, my parents don't allow us to have one because of dad's cat allergy.
The fur covered ball sat down from a few meters from us at the edge of the pavement. Its tail pointed in the sky and twitched happily. The cat raised one of its front legs to its mouth and started cleaning the back of its paw with its tongue.
My brother said it right, it's a beautiful cat. The lamp still lights in red. The cat finished licking itself and strode to the road.
In the corner of my eyes, a black car appeared, and… oh no! It's heading straight toward the cat! I stepped one forward toward the road but just as my foot would contact the ground I felt an arm grabbing my shoulder. Turns out, I was pulled back by my brother and with the force of his pull I fell back to the ground. He replaced my place in the action and ran to save the cat.
"Ouch!" From the force of the fall my eyes involuntarily closed. A horrendous crushing sound echoed in my ears. When I opened my eyes the scene of my brother laying on the ground welcomed me.
"ONII-CHAN!!!" I struggled to stand on my legs but they were sore from the shock, the cat nowhere to be seen. Work already! Come on stupid legs! From where I was to the scene of the accident I crawled halfway until I could stand on my wobbly legs, my steps are not too good.
"I'm here, everything is going to be fine." I collapsed beside him, my palms held around his cheeks and I tilted his head slightly to look me in the eye. My vision starts to blur from the tears streaming down my face.
"Y-you have to get up. Come on! … Come on…" My voice weakens as the only response I could hear is a barely hearable, low death rattle. Tears are forming in his own closed eyes but it isn't transparent, it's red, deep blood red.
"I- no… please, stay. We still have things to do…together." But my plea doesn't work. The tears from my eyes drop onto his cold face, mixing mine with his blood, from which it flows down onto the dirty asphalt.
"I thought everything will be fine… that we will fit in with the class." I whispered as I hugged his head and I pressed my cheek firmly against the top of his head. Oh so tightly, I want to feel all your remaining warmth. As long as you won't go, even after you leave me, let me hold you close.
"Wouldn't it be good, Onii-chan? Being popular in school… to be looked up and praised." I took a shaky breath. "I wished to be popular with you and Hayato… then I could help you two get a girlfriend. And finally win in academics, you are always so frustrating… you don't even try but you are the smartest, most skillful. You could have let me be older than you at least." At my words he let out a painful laugh. My chuckle was bittersweet but at least I could laugh one last time with you, Tomomi.
Then, as quickly as the sound came it faded. His cheeks turned irreversibly cold and his muscles relaxed in my arms like ice melting in the sun. My head fell and buried my face into his chest. My lungs break out in a loud cry. I want to vanish, or at least stay like this for hours, days. You are so comforting, come back.
My tears seeped into his clothes making it soaked from salty water and blood. It can't be, it cannot be the truth that I lost you today. It must be a misunderstanding. Oh, please gods, I beg you to help me, to help us.
If you wouldn't have jumped to save the cat. That…stupid cat! I can't believe I said something like that. But I won't earn anything with what ifs. He died for another life, at least. "You are a hero… Onii-chan."
It's not his fault, not the cat's either. It's the driver's fault, and they need to take responsibility, no matter what!
"HEY! Get out of the car and take responsibility!" I shouted. The car is an expensive looking black one.
"Do something!" What could anybody do at this point to save the situation? I lost him and from this point on, all other feeble attempts lose their meaning. The only thing they could do to calm my wrath is to get punished.
The driver's door slowly opened, when- In the blink of an eye my scenery, the environment changed. When I closed my eyes and opened them again I found myself in an almost pitch dark room, laying on my back.
'What happened? What was that?' are my first questions. I have to gather my courage and look around. Turns out I'm in my room, seemingly in the middle of the night. A deep sigh clears my lungs from the stress, and I feel a slight stinging sensation in my trachea as the despair is replaced with relief by a big breath.
I sat up slowly, my head spinning with thoughts, aching from the lingering feeling of the events. But I could say one thing. "I'm glad it was just a dream." Although it felt so real, it was fortunately fake. I guess that's some kind of lucid dream? I wasn't aware of dreaming though.
"Ah? No-"
My eyes, they are leaking water, salty water. I can taste the saltiness of my tears and my feelings from the dreamworld on my lips. Despite having nothing to do with that incident anymore I still feel like I lost him.
What a terrible feeling. I don't want to think about it, yet my mind refuses to entertain other thoughts from this. I'm too young to think about death. He's alive, right?
I mean, it all happened so suddenly and I couldn't comprehend the events occurring before my eyes. There's just as much chance that this was all just a dream as it is that it happened.
But no, how could I think of such a silly thing. It's obvious that I'm not dreaming right now, and what I saw was just a delusion. Yes, if I think it through with a cold head it was already strange why we had to walk to school instead of taking us there with the car.
Of course, it all makes sense now. Such dreams are a projection of stress and various thoughts. It must have happened because of the anxiety from school starting and the new environment.
Although, I don't know where to put my brother's weird acting. Like when he didn't mind being stepped on or teasing me like he did so out of character. Do I really think he's like that in my subconsciousness? Or an even wilder thought, do I enjoy…
NEVER! No, no not a chance. There's no way, it was a dream anyway. Reality is a whole another story. I'm just a little nervous that's all, and I know it was not real.
But despite the obvious, I found myself already halfway to my brother's room. I'm not worried, actually I just want to make sure he sleeps well. Alright I admit, I want to see how he looks compared to my dream, that's all.
I slowly turned the knob, with a quiet creak the door gently opened, just enough to let me sneak in the room, and cautiously closed it behind me with a soft click. On my tiptoes I approached his bed with silent, calculated steps.
"He's so cute." It slipped out of my mouth and panicked a little. But when I saw how peacefully he sleeps, and how adorably he takes those breaths a big rock fell from my heart.
"It wasn't real… Thank the gods." Maybe I was a little worried for his safety, but could anyone blame me? So I took the chance and layed down in the bed with him next to me. I was so scared of losing you. I snuggled closer to him and planted a tender kiss on his face.
"Good night, stupid."
But I couldn't sleep peacefully for long, as I was woken up by my brother tossing and turning beside me. It surprised me and made me stir awake immediately.
Is he having a nightmare as well? Could it be that he's dreaming the same as me, well… How much? I turned to my other side to determine the time from my brother's alarm clock.
I squeezed my eyes slightly as the digital display's reddish-orange color hit my eyes. It was early, right, but isn't night anymore. It has been hours that passed by since I had been hit by that horrible nightmare.
Turning back to my dear brother, I poked his shoulder to wake him up, nothing. I poked harder, nothing again.
"Hey, wake up!" I tried even harder. Alright, if force ain't helping, then try something else. I chose to take a less harsh method and placed a hand on his waist.
"Are you okay?" I was concerned, maybe I showed too much care, but his distress actually scared me.
"Yeah, just a bad dream." Surprising me, he opened his eyes, his head tiredly turned in my way. Why is he looking at me like this? Does he think I care? Well yes I care, dumbass. Not that I let him know that. Or worse, please don't ask me to step on you like in my dream. Only the thought was enough to shiver me.
"By the way what are you doing in my bed? What are you, a koala bear?" Yeah, he's totally fine if he can be this irritating. I would like to see how well he would be after I slap that smug grin off his face.
But look at me, with my good and innocent soul, I'll spare him. I withdrew my hands and turned away from this baka. Remind me he doesn't deserve my kindness.
"Well, I had a bad dream so..." I admit I had a nightmare, but not what happened, because it would be cringe for me. It's such a childish thing, it wouldn't fit for my siblings' mature characters. "I didn't feel at ease alone, so I decided to sleep here." Despite everything I said and thought, I can relax after seeing his joyful side.
It's not a loss if you don't sleep because of me. But to be as productive as our sister she or I can't allow the lack of it.
The bed creaked at the movement of him sitting up and resting his bodyweight against the headboard. "Really?" I could already see his mischievous smile on his face at his question, not to mention his shining pair of eyes, and those weren't the innocent ones.
"And you decided to run to your sweet Onii-chan and cuddle him?" Yes, I could smell it coming from miles away, you stink Onii-chan.
"I couldn't let my useless brother toss and turn in fear." I said mockingly. Luckily I got a fitting comeback, which produced confusion in him.
"What do you mean?" Yep, he's clueless as a newborn kitten. Good thing he didn't notice I wasn't answering his question.
"I woke up to you kicking the air and gasping for oxygen." I might have sounded proud. "So be grateful that your cute little sister calmed your nerves with a big hug." But I swear I wanted to come off as mocking.
A long, awkward silence followed my words with a surprised look on his face. Then he caught me off guard with his gratitude.
"Thank you for taking care of me." If his words weren't enough, he even patted my head. I hope my blush wasn't obvious while his hand went through my long hair.
"Are you messing with me?" Was he scheming something against me? It's as if someone switched places with my brother.
"No, I'm truly thankful to you." I don't get it, did he win the lottery in his dream or why is he so…open? Usually we just tease each other, in the remaining time he's rather apathetic.
But, it's nice to be praised. I expressed my thoughts with a brief smile.
"But~ I'm really curious about why did you come to my room instead of Haruno's. Did you mistake the door?" Aaand he ruined the moment.
"It's just because I didn't want to bother Onee-san, it has nothing to do with you." I said through gritted teeth but from his look I assume he found my pout amusing rather than threatening.
If lies caused pain, you would already be screaming for mercy." Mockingly, he said.
"I could say the same but with sloth. You deserved to be bothered because you do nothing and complain about everything." That's right, you do nothing yet you are miles ahead of people at our age, it's so infuriating. He's kind of a miracle child.
At a very young age, even younger than now, he exceeded his peers and me. All the adults were flabbergasted by his ability to read and even write at such a young age.
"While Onee-san is the complete opposite of you in this field." Haruno too is just effortlessly perfect. I want to be like them someday. But maybe, he is more amazing than Haruno. I wouldn't be surprised if he'll be dad's successor and right arm in his field of work.
At my words or because of his incomprehensible mind that ran a series of thoughts through his head, he went silent for long seconds with a puzzled expression on his face.
Then, his sudden speak up made me smirk a little bit, just an iddy-bitty smile. "You may be right, but she's not as cool as your easygoing Onii-chan." It's strange how he can be such a playful fella at times and lifeless at the other.
"Anyway, what did you dream about?" He asked curiously, turning the topic from his slothness. The question made me uneasy, since I didn't want to remember it, let alone make him worried. So I just dismissed it, saying 'It's nothing'.
"Alright, we should prepare for today." I was grateful for the distraction and the reminder of today's program. As I realised we were going to the amusement park I felt an immediate relief and a tingling sensation of excitement in my chest.
I nodded and slid off the bed onto my feet and went to my room to change into something suited for going out to have fun. As I took the steps my unease and bad feeling inside me was forgotten and went for a vacation.
As I prepared the day's first kettle of tea my brother set foot on the floor level. This household seems to favor tea over other drinks, therefore we use to make multiple teapots of tea everyday. But, my brother seems to be the black sheep of this house. He prefers that stupid sweet coffee over the majestic tea, meanwhile it's not even sweet, I tried it and almost spit it out. He even has a phrase I heard a couple times and he even calls it a saying but I've never heard anyone else say it. If I recall correctly his phrase goes along the lines of something like 'Life is too bitter, so coffee, at least, should be sweet.' Truly a…deep phrase for his age.
When my train of thoughts arrived at a station I turned to the dining table and saw my brother already sitting on one of the chairs. "We should wait for Haruno with the breakfast." He said as the water I put up started boiling.
"Right, I'm not hungry yet anyway." We agreed and decided to wait until Haruno woke up. I
poured the hot water into a teapot and soaked a filter in the liquid. After a couple of minutes, I filled two cups, one for him, in an ordinary cup, what he deserves, and for myself, in a Pan-san cup. I love Pan-san, he's the most adorable thing in the world. Although, I would be much happier if we had a cat as a pet. But I wouldn't dream of defying our parents' policy.
"Are you excited about today?" He broke the silence, breaking the awkward silence.
"Of course, we haven't been there in a long time." I answered enthusiastically, but then I remembered the last time we went there. Haruno, as much as I love and admire her, sometimes she's a little… evil, even a bit of a sadist.
"Is something wrong?" He has sharp eyes to sense my distress only by my expression. Speaking of his eyes, he has the same beautiful lavender purple eyes as Haruno, it makes me even more jealous of him. But more importantly, he concernedly looks at me while asking me. Although I can't figure it out, somehow his gaze feels like an entirely different kind of look he has other times, it's strange. As he noticed my curiosity his eyes instantly fell lower. Aren't you supposed to look in my eyes when I catch you staring at me? Gross. But it seems like his eyes are more fixated on the surface of the table, it makes me wonder more why he looked away and avoided my eyes.
"Yeah, just thinking about last time, I hope she won't tease me to that extent." I sighed and took a long sip from my cup as I recalled what had happened last time in the amusement park.
Every time we are in that park she teases me, scares me. One time she worries about what if the roller coaster breaks down, the other time she jokes about pushing me into the water or falling out of the ferris wheel. And I always imagine these frightening scenarios.
"She doesn't mean it." I instantly looked up at his words, surprising me and potentially even himself.
"She's just… expressing her feelings in other ways. Don't be mad at her, if she didn't love us, she wouldn't treat us like this." He was right, Haruno has a weird habit of teasing and messing with someone who she likes. Who she doesn't, destroys with a kind smile on her face. As if she was wired in a completely other way.
"How about this? I'll make sure she can't mock you." He offered as he took a sip of his tea. Really? He would try that for me?
"Are you for real? Like how?" Although I felt relieved, I still sensed it wouldn't be that easy.
"I'll just take the rides in the amusement park with her. Look, I'll try my best." Despite my doubt I still gave him a faint smile. Because I'm grateful for his attempt to secure a day without Haruno's bullying at the park.
"Why are you guys up so early?" Haruno suddenly appeared, asking while swiping her sleepy eyes in her loose pajamas. Oh no, I hope she didn't hear us talking about her. She yawned as she approached the table. That made our brother let out a big yawn too, which in turn made me yawn as well.
"Don't mind us, Yukino here just had a nightmare." Perfect, now not only my sister but he teases me too. I frowned my brows at him. I need to make a comeback at him.
"Hey, Onii-chan here too, had a nightmare! He just tossed and turned in fear." Well, it was a third rank comeback, but it's more than nothing.
"Oh my, my Yukinon and Tomo-chan had a bad night at the same time, twins definitely think alike." Haruno giggled. Maybe she's right, people often say that twins have a supernatural connection with each other.
"Yeah, yeah, if you have this much energy to joke around, then you should do the breakfast yourself." He said, slightly irritated. My brother seems to have a poor relationship with Haruno, I just can't figure out where it's coming from.
And so, we prepared some breakfast and sat down to eat. After finishing and washing the dishes, we packed up and got ready for the day in the amusement park.
Hayato and Alfred came to our residency just like yesterday and like that, we all entered the car.
Now we are here and to my suggestion, going to ride the roller coaster. Unfortunately for Alfred, he also has to participate in this because kids like us can't take the ride without some adult supervision.
"Yukino, do you want to share a cart with me?" Hayato startled me as I was still engrossed in my thoughts. I nodded curtly and took our cart behind Alfred and Tomomi. Behind me, sitting alone Haruno. I'm glad Hayato booked the seat next to mine. Did he do that on purpose? At least I can enjoy the ride without her teasing.
Suddenly, the carts started moving forward uphill just to drop extremely, the beginning of a fun ride.
"Man, I didn't know you like rough rides like this." My brother seemed sickened and dizzy after leaving the carts. What a weak ass sibling.
"It's just a skill issue if you can't keep up with me." I retorted. But he wasn't really listening because his attention was on Alfred's panting form. Just like him, I didn't push it further, after my attention was drawn by Hayato.
"I didn't know you like these extreme rides." He said incredulously. "Well, you don't know everything about me." I scoffed and flipped my silky black hair behind my shoulder cockily.
"I suppose you are right. You can still surprise me." The smile on his face told me he wasn't fully satisfied with how much we knew each other.
"Talking about surprises, I didn't know you were such a pushover person. Even Alfred took it better, you were screaming as if you were about to fall out of the cart." My snickering made him a little irritated. "Yeah? Maybe I'm a little scared but at least I'm better in every other thing."
"Oh really? I was walking when you were still stumbling over your own leg." I crossed my arms under my chest as he clenched his teeth. "Alright, I'll prove it then, at the shooting booth." I had to admit, his offer was intriguing. "It's fine with me. But what about them?"
"Don't worry, we can protect ourselves." Without time to protest, he grabbed my right hand and pulled me along with him. "Hey! What are you doing, we'll get in trouble." But as I looked behind I saw we were in fact already in trouble, because Haruno noticed our absence and ran after us. "Onee-san is already looking for us." I warned him, but he just glanced back and chuckled mischievously.
"I know a better route." Yeah, that does not sound good, in fact it sounds like a rally driver's last words. "What route?" I panicked. "Don't be stupid, a route where we can lose her." He said and started running faster, pulling me harder. This and my fear from my sister's anger made me go along with his mischief and sped up my legs.
We managed to fit in the gaps in the crowd due to our little size, but Haruno wasn't much bigger, thus we didn't lose her. "Problem! She's catching up." Suddenly he changed directions which startled me but I followed him nonetheless between the stands.
"Quick! Down the stairs." We hurried down the stairs with loud breathing. "Slow down, you hear me!?" But as if he wasn't listening, dragged me under the railing to cut the road. "Stop already!" Haruno shouted behind us, surprised at what we did. This boy is crazy, I'm feeling like those dudes in parkour videos. Yet, I still can't come to hate this entirely. In fact, I found myself smirking a little.
"Look there, we are gonna cut there." He pointed to a hole in one of the wooden fences. When we got there, he released my hand and we crawled through the gap between the planks. On the other side of the fence we found it safe to say we left her behind and we laughed up both.
"You are not normal, boy." I mocked him. "Hey, I said I know a route, didn't I?" Hayato objected while panting and giggling. "Well, I can't say you are lying." As the adrenaline left my system my panting grew deeper.
"Can we go now?" He asked and grabbed my hand again. "H-Hey! I can walk by myself." I protested weakly. "I fear you would get lost." He teased playfully but I went along with him and followed his lead again. "Whatever." I rolled my eyes.
We walked a few more booths, hand in hand and chuckling about the previous events. Even after resting a while, my heart is still beating fast, and my face is all red. It has been a while since I moved this intensely. It must be because of the running, yes.
"Can I try it first? You wouldn't win even a paperclip, anyway." I said with a nerve-racking smirk on my face. "You can wear that face but I'm still gonna win. But fine." The blonde jester cocked and slammed a handful of money on the booth table he pulled from his pocket. "We would like to try it, Sir."
It can't be! Ahhh! Turns out, I was just all talk as well, what's worse I couldn't get my hands on those adorable stuffed pandas. "No way! It's cheating." I pouted and stomped the ground angrily. "How can a 2D panda cheat?" He laughed me out.
"Hey, you think… In school… No, whatever." I thought of something I shouldn't, I know it's not healthy to think like this. "What is it? Now you gotta tell me." Hayato was curious, obviously. "You are a pain in the butt. But… If I'm so clumsy, do you think our future classmates will be the same as me and you? Or… even smarter, more skilled?" Not gonna lie, it was hard to spit it out, hmph!
"Don't worry, we are more like your sister and brother. I think we are smarter than the others." He understood what I couldn't put into words, but I feared falling behind others, how arrogant of me. Especially with siblings like Haruno and Tomomi. I could only compete with Hayato.
"Thanks, you get me." I smiled softly. "And besides, no matter how dumb they are, we can make new friends." He beamed, but I wasn't so confident. "I'm sure you'll get a lot." I said. "But I hope you won't forget about us when you'll get a lot of friends." I'm afraid of this too, yet again, arrogant of me. With his energy, I'm sure everyone want to be his friend, even his girlfriend. You are growing up too fast Hayato!
"What? Of course not, what do you think of me?" He feigned pouting. "Sorry, I overthinked." Maybe my worries are truly unreasonable. "I'm sure you'll get a ton of friends too." He cheered me on.
"I don't know, I'm not good with strangers." I said shyly. I was never the sociable type. "Why do you think this anyway?" At my question, he was a little stunned. But then he proceeded to surprise me. "Well, you are smart, kind… and cute." Pardon? Did he really say that?
"What? You think I am?" To be honest, I was flattered but I never imagined he would say that. "Whatever, you'll be fine tomorrow, that's what I tried to say" He looked a little flustered that made me let out a quiet giggle. "Anyway, wanna try shooting again?"
"If you are offering it so eagerly." I took the gun again in my hand. "But only if you are paying." My request made him roll his eyes but agreed anyway. It's nice to have a man that pays for my entertainment.
"I lost… again!" It was my third round, the third round that Hayato paid for me, and I was still not close to winning. Time flew so quickly that Haruno found us, the others behind her. It seems they catched up to her even with an exhausted Alfred.
"There you are! I can't believe them, they ran away just to try to win a Pan-san plushie." Haruno exclaimed as I put down the gun again. I lost my hope for winning that precious panda toy.
"I don't know, it's a pretty serious matter, especially if it's a limited edition Pan-san." I knew I can trust you, Onii-chan. He understands me so well, or just wants to boil my sister's brain water. Since when does he want to mess with her? And why?
"Alfred, will you just let it slide and not teach them a lesson?" Haruno asked angrily.
"It's not needed, they did not cause any trouble and get hurt. It's fine as long as they have fun." I'm not sure his easygoingness is the right approach to this matter, but as long as I won't get in trouble, I won't complain.
"What? How do you keep your kids in line?" Haruno asked curiously.
"Well, my kids have already flown out of the family nest, but until they grew up the one who kept them in check was my wife, she's pretty strict." Alfred's hand reached up to scratch the back of his head nervously as he explained to us his hierarchy in the household. It seems like his wife might be as strict as our mother. Poor dad.
"Anyway, did you guys win anything?" My brother broke the silence. "Unfortunately I didn't, but Hayato hasn't tried yet." I said disappointedly, at the same time I was hopeful Hayato would win a plushie for me. I mean he doesn't collect these so he should give me every Pan-san he wins.
"Then how about we race to see who could shoot more targets?" Yes! if both of them compete it's twice as likely they win a panda for me. It's just perfect! "What will the winner get?" 'The joy of giving presents to me!' I almost exclaimed.
In short, the winner gets to ask a favor from the loser, if it's ain't illegal. After epic shounen battles and shouting my brother came out as victor. Right, he only beat Hayato with one more point, and even he won a prize but math never lies. Finally, Tomomi didn't use his favor yet.
But enough about the boys, the important things were in their hands. In Hayato's hands, a Pan-san that holds a diploma and has a hat on his head, a hat that graduated university students throw in the air in movies. And the other boy squeezes a musketeer Pan-san, with a musketeer hat which had a fancy feather attached to it and musket rifle in his paws.
Even if I wanted both plushies, I don't have the confidence now. But then, faith smiled at me, and Hayato offered his prize to me. "Here, you can have that, you are collecting them, right?"
"A-are you sure? Well, thank you very much." I hesitantly accepted his present. You are the best friend, Hayato. I thought as I felt my face heat up. It doesn't make any sense, I haven't done any exercise since the earlier fleeing. Whatever, I just smiled back at him and hugged the plushie to my chest.
To think back, he seemed determined to win, maybe he wanted to give me a present from the start? No, he just wanted to beat my brother, I think.
Now give me the other one! Oh no, Tomomi already gave it to Haruno in the name of a gift for taking care of us. I couldn't help but feel envious. Although, I feel a little bit bad for being this greedy. And, I never saw Onii-chan this carefree.
We spent the whole day trying new rides and foods, the day passed happily. Before we went home, the four of us decided which game we should try for the last time today and we decided on the ferris wheel while Alfred waited for us in the car. The sunset was beautiful from up here.
"So this is your last day as carefree children?" Haruno broke the silent ice. We just nodded, after all, the three of us start elementary school tomorrow.
"Let me give you guys some advice. Socialize, and help others." I raised my brows at her words, but mostly because of her serious tone. Right, Haruno-san is perfect with communication and that's just one reason from the many others why she is so popular in school. Will they expect the same sociability from me there? I fear I can't do it right off the bat.
"All of you are intelligent, including me. If you won't try to get to know other people and don't let them get to know you then they will pin the nerd label on you. Believe me I know how this is working, so I overcame my fears and here I am, a lovable person to be around." Wow, she's so intelligent with people. I admire her so much.
"Especially you Tomomi. You are the one most likely to find yourself in this situation. So please take my advice." On the other hand, as my smart Onee-san says, my brother is dumb with people. She's just considerate. I admire him as well for his brain in other aspects, but it's unfair when he's so lazy.
I saw that he wanted to protest against her words but he knew she was right. And also… I saw something else as he gazed in her gaze, eye to eye. It wasn't something I can put my finger on, but I felt like his eyes were…different.
"But the feeling that she couldn't put her finger on came from a crucial difference, Tomomi or Desmond, whatever you know him as, finally looked in her eyes. Directly and consciously, maybe for the first time. Despite his unconscious habit of avoiding people's gaze." It may seem petty and obvious, but no. "It was genuine, not just a superficial look, it's a gaze that lingers."
I eagerly look forward to what the future holds for them. Will it be the same? Until then, I keep coming back here on days like this, on days I absolutely need some peace and relaxation. The bright blue sky and cotton candy clouds above me with a brightly shining sun that's not our known star giant. The fresh air, chilly wind and the hot sunbeams set a temperature in this environment that was neither hot nor cold. Personally, that's the worst kind of weather. Nature can't decide if it wants to be cold or warm. If you wear a jumper you will be cooked, but if you take it off, then you will freeze. This is the worst.
Under me, a layer of thick glass that gives the base ground of this grotesque place. Above that, a thin layer of water which barely covers my feet and gets troubled every time I move. When it's not covered by clouds, this layer of liquid reflects back the light of this world's slightly reddish sun.
I love this strange space, it is my happy place. Everytime I feel nervous or pressed under stress I come out here and watch as the clouds float across the sky, listening to the whistle of the wind and the waving of the water under my feet, every time I move slightly.
"It's strangely soothing scenery." But my train of thought was derailed by a sound, an irritating voice, at least for me.
"I see, you are here again, I almost searched through an entire solar system for you, literally Darling." The person who appeared behind me from thin air approached me with confident strides. Her steps echoed on the glass ground and her heels stirred the water unpleasantly.
She is the reason why I am in this situation, and the reason why I come here often to ease my mind. That's why I refuse to face her and look into her eyes, not from fear. And her name is… Well, that's not important yet.
"Are you talking to yourself again, Q? You ought not to do this. It's a pretty strange hobby to do, as if you were a weirdo, hehe~" The soft female voice called for me again and chuckled gently, as feminine as it could be. Honestly, she is the most beautiful creature I could imagine, with her shining, vibrant green eyes and long, silky blonde hair. Her tall figure, those long and toned legs. Not to mention her perfect curves, that could seduce any and every man. Well except me, because I can't stand her.
"Don't call me that. And don't act as if you don't talk to yourself too, anyway." My answer seemed to force her brow to rise.
"What did you just say?" Her voice dropped an octave, fortunately her expression quickly turned back to calm, I assumed. "Whatever." Dismissing my retort, she returned to interrogate me. "Instead, let's talk about that insolent of an action you did." I could feel her eyes narrowing, not that I know, not that I look in her eyes.
"What are you talking about? I'm a good boy, I would never do something so foolish as making you mad." I answered innocently, still gazing up at the sky. Those piercing eyes immediately saw through my poorly hidden mischiev. "Don't make a fool of me, kid. And no, you are a disobedient and naughty boy." I clicked my tongue in frustration and I refused to look at her, my back should be enough for her.
"Calling me a kid." I pouted for which she chuckled at me. "You are just proving yourself again." Her voice is playful, but it quickly turned serious yet again. "You know, I'm not satisfied with how much you changed and matured, you still have that old, weak attitude and personality, full of errors." I would have dropped my jaw at how ironic and ridiculously wrong her statement was if I wouldn't have caught it.
"Well, look who is talking about bad attitudes and traits." I can't show how mad I am at her. Although, I'm sure she knows I can't stand her. "That only means I can speak from experience. But don't change the topic again, please." She started strictly and bringed up my action again. Are you really this desperate to discuss it?
"In that mall, you dared to interact with him, even introduced yourself as Q." She reminded me in a scary tone. The time I visited…well, the reincarnated boy, who is called 'Yukinoshita Tomomi' now. She is talking about that time, when I talked to him in the mall, in another world, even if he didn't see me. "What were you doing, proving you can do as you wish without my consent?" She pressed the situation further, blaming me, crushing me with unreasonable guilt even more.
Despite that, I stand my ground and still refuse to meet her eyes. Could he do that, would he be able to turn around and meet her gaze head on, right now, in my place? "I said, don't call me by that name." I snorted back. "I hate it, from the bottom of my heart."
"Do you hear yourself? You are in an exceptional situation, you should be grateful for carrying the new name I gave you." That attitude, that boils my anger. "Please, as if you put effort into it. I hate it!" I let a bit of irritation slip out, crap.
"If you hate this name, then why did you introduce yourself to him with the name of Q?" She asked with a newfound sense of patience.
"I couldn't say my name, neither of them. To be precise I shouldn't, it's too soon." I said with gritted teeth. "Of course you shouldn't, you can't, I forbid you from doing so. It was already off board for you to even talk to him." That was really the last drop of water in that enormous glass which holds my patience. So I finally turned around and faced her. Ah, she is as beautiful as always.
"Enough!" But it seems like my courage left me hanging. It left as quickly as it came and the only thing coming out of my mouth was an apologetical excuse for my act. "He doesn't remember, anyway."
"What was that?" She asked expectantly. "I said he doesn't remember me. I snapped my finger and made him forget we ever had a conversation." What a coward I was, but my words made her gasp in surprise, maybe even in pride. "You finally learned how to use your abilities?" My eyes widened from her unexpected reaction. "Yeah, so don't worry, I didn't cause any trouble for you. Aren't you… mad?"
"Oh, Sweetie, I'm proud of you and I see you would never disobey me. Despite your resistance you are still a good boy for me, aren't you?" Her lips spread out across her face in a shining sweet smirk. Then I realised I was facing her. Even worse, I'm standing here, all content with being submissive in front of her.
"Don't push your luck with this sugary talk. It doesn't work anymore." I turned away from her, showing her only my back again. "Please, turn around. Show me those beautiful eyes of yours. I love the pretty color they have." She pleaded and grabbed my shoulders, which made me respond by shaking them. Her hands were still firmly gripping my shoulders.
Honestly, she is the most beautiful creature I could imagine, with her shining, vibrant green eyes and long, silky blonde hair. Her tall figure, those long and toned legs. Not to mention her perfect curves, that could seduce any and every man. Well except me, because she ruined me.
She's undeniably perfect, perfect body, perfect looks, extremely wise and even calls me cute names like Cutiepie. People would call me crazy for hating her, men around all dimensions would be jealous of me for having a mate like her. She's like a goddess, well, to be precise, she IS a goddess, the most powerful even. Despite all this, I still can't stand her.
"Ahh, what happened to your old, sweet self? I miss that, Darling." She asked in a soft voice that seemed almost caring. "I was never sweet." She just responded with a wide, sly smirk that reminded him of how wrong he was.
Yes, there's another entity, myself, the father of gods and goddesses.
It delights me to no end how bittersweet to look at their interaction. All of them are so innocent to what's going on. Especially him, but even her. And yes, she is the most powerful goddess and yet again yes, there are dozens of goddesses and gods out there. Still, her powers are trivial compared to mine. And his, Q's? Don't make me laugh. If he's half as strong as her then I'm glazing him. And why is this? Because I created them, all of the gods and goddesses. I am the absolute strength here. And I'm here, above everything and everyone, observing them tend to their daily businesses, unknowingly for them. Maybe I should make myself known. No, it's not the time yet. I have to wait and see how things turn out.
Author's note:
It is a special day! Not only because I finally finished this chapter after almost a year but it is the 15th anniversary of the first volume of Oregairu light novel.
Before you think, no I didn't delay the chapter because of this, it's just happened. And it happened because of my lazyness, I don't want to find other excuses. I'm too lazy for that as well, and I'm deeply sorry.
Believe me, it hurts me that I want to do this but my brain says 'Nah-ah, you are gonna lay around and watch anime instead'. But I want to finish it, I mean the whole thing. It's kind of a life work for me, for reasons.
Lastly, I want to talk about the last scene of the chapter. Yes, there are gods and goddesses in this piece of literature. But trust me, it's not some BS. And don't be afraid, the main focus will still be on the original storyline and how it's changing due to a reincarnated main character.
As always, opinions and feedback will be highly appreciated and thanks for reading my work.