"What!?" — Why is she asking me that? It really took me by surprise.
"I heard from Dad when he was talking with Mom and Aunt Haruka. You asked Dad to choose between you or us."
She's not wrong. I really did ask that. But not because I hated my sisters—because I was comparing him to my father from my old world.
But… how can I explain that to her?
"Look, I wasn't thinking properly back then. But I don't hate you, I swear."
"Then? Why did you ask him that?"
"That's because I thought… Dad didn't care about my mother. But I was wrong."
"Hmph! You're just a spoiled boy."
"Yeah… you're right. Thinking about it now, I really was spoiled by them."
"Them?"
Oops! I need to come up with something fast.
"Anyways, I hope you know that I like all of you."
"Wait! Who do you mean by them? You won't deceive me like that."
I guess that didn't work…
"From my parents, of course!"
"Uhmm… well… it's kind of unsettling when you talk like that."
I think now's the right time to ask her.
"Hey, Miyuna-chan… can I ask you the same thing? Do you hate me?"
"That's… I…" — Miyuna stuttered.
"If I did something wrong to you, I'm sorry. But remember, I'm your big brother. You can tell me anything you want."
"I… I'll go back to my room."
And then she left. I really wonder why she doesn't like me.
Maybe until now she thought I hated my sisters, including her. I hope that misunderstanding will change.
"Hey Tomoki, everything good?"
"Dad!?"
"Haha, sorry, I overheard the conversation. But I'm glad you kept your cool. As expected from the big bro!"
"Come on, Dad, it's nothing. Besides, it's understandable if she doesn't like me."
"I think I spoiled her too much."
"She's so cute, after all. Of course anyone would spoil her. Hahaha!"
"Hahaha! That's my son. Take care of her for me, okay?"
"Leave it to me."
With that, I think I was able to make amends with my little sister.
Now, I should go to my room and do some research…
About what school I'll go to next.
♦♦♦
"Good morning, Edomae-san."
"Good morning, Satou-san. Can I ask you something?"
"Yeah?"
"Is everything all right with Tomoki-kun?"
"Oh, that? He's fine. He just mentioned that he might have to transfer to another school, and that he's not cut out to be a big brother."
"... Is that supposed to be fine?"
I just laid my face on the desk. But I heard everything. Especially from you, Ryuichi.
Sigh~ I think I should at least talk with Ayame-san.
"Good morning, Ayame-san."
"Good morning, Tomoki-kun. You don't need to worry too much about the test. You'll be fine, I vouch for it."
How sweet of her. Even though she spent her precious time teaching me, she's still cheering me up. Why does she have so much faith in me?
"Thanks, Ayame-san. I hope everything goes well too."
"So I heard you saying you're not a good big brother. Did something happen?"
"That's the thing… I don't know either. My little sister just ignores me most of the time."
"And what about your other sisters?"
"They're all good. Sometimes my older sisters spoil me too much, to be fair."
"Before you moved into your new house, how was your relationship with your little sister?"
Crap! That's something I don't know. But I guess it's fine to tell the truth.
"To tell the truth, I didn't talk to her even before moving."
"I see… Tomoki-kun, if I had to guess, it's because you took your little sister's place."
"What?"
"Usually, the youngest child would receive more attention from everyone. But since you came into the house, I bet everyone's been giving more attention to you instead."
That totally makes sense!
"Ayame-san, you're a genius! Thanks a lot!"
"Fufu~ you're welcome."
Now I just need to come up with a solution based on that. Man, I feel brighter already!
Ding dong, ding dong
"Good morning everyone. Before starting today's lesson, I'll return your tests now." — the homeroom teacher announced.
Great. Now I feel bad again.
"Tachibana Himari, congratulations! Still, you almost failed again. You really like to walk a thin line."
"Hehe… thank you very much, teacher!"
When she turned around to go back to her seat, we exchanged glances.
But this time, she made a peace sign. So I gave her a thumbs-up in reply.
And again, the homeroom teacher continued calling the rest of my classmates.
…
Just like before, everyone did well. Maybe I'm the only one who doesn't fit in this class.
Now…
"Edomae Ayame, congratulations! You aced the test again. At this point you could already take my place and teach the class."
"Fufu~ thank you very much!"
As expected from Ayame-san. Thinking back now, I kind of claimed that I'd score higher than her. Now, I just feel embarrassed. I hope she already forgot about that.
Anyways, when she turned to go back to her seat, I gave her two thumbs-up while nodding softly. At least I can do that much.
She gently smiled back at me. And when she sat down, she whispered:
[I'll be waiting for you…]
She still remembers!? But sorry, Ayame-san… I don't even know if I'll be here tomorrow.
"Satou Ryuichi, congratulations! You almost aced it, but I can see you've improved. Keep it up!"
"Yes! Thank you very much!"
When he turned to go back to his seat, he gave me a peace sign with a serious expression.
This time, I gave him a thumbs-up. At least I need to praise him this time.
Ryuichi scratched his head, then tapped my shoulder as if to reassure me about the test. Thanks buddy.
Now… it's time to know the truth.
"Morikawa Tomoki, please come here."