Suddenly, I, Shigebe Masato, have two terrifying opponents. They're the older and younger brothers of my friend (or so I think), Yaotome Fuuma, a friendship that's been going strong since we started middle school and continues to this day in our second year of high school.
The older brother is my senior, always wearing a gentle smile and a soft, almost ethereal aura. In contrast, the younger brother is my junior, with sharp, upturned eyes and an aloof, unapproachable air. Though they're polar opposites in appearance, both are handsome enough to be considered top-tier in our school. It's no wonder the girls get so excited, wondering which of them will show up first in the morning. Sometimes they even show up together, and on those days, the girls' energy is visibly off the charts. On top of their good looks, both are also top-of-their-class in academics and sports. They're the kind of perfect humans who radiate an unapproachable aura.
Compared to them, my friend, Fuuma, is of course good-looking, but he has a more androgynous and cute face than a handsome one. His grades aren't bad, but they're not exceptional either. Most of all, he's what you'd call a "dojikko," or a loveable klutz. That's how we became friends in the first place. Early in our first year, he looked pale, so I spoke to him and found out he'd forgotten his pencil case. When I lent him one of mine, that was the start of our friendship. He's just the type to make those kinds of mistakes. It seems to be a complex for him, but he's what you might call a lovable character. It might be stran 3 ge to use the word "klutz" for a guy, but I felt a connection to that part of him and his friendly nature, and somehow, miraculously, we became friends. It's no exaggeration to say that I avoided becoming a loner because of him, and I can't thank him enough.
For me—a guy who's bland in every way, a guy whose very name "Masato" can be read as "mob" (a background character) and who seems destined to be ordinary—Fuuma is the only extraordinary thing in my life. ...Is that why his brothers have directed an abnormal hostility toward me for so many years, every single day?
"Fuuma."
It was morning, that brief moment of peace before the first class began. As I was chatting with Fuuma, a familiar voice from the front of the classroom made me jump. The voice was calm and gentle, but it was terrifying above all else. Because it belonged to Yuuma-san, Fuuma's older brother, who sees me as his enemy.
He shook his soft, brownish-black hair and walked toward us. As the tallest of the three brothers, he was a head above the rest, a height I wished I had since I stopped growing... I wanted to run away from reality. If I didn't, I'd probably run away from the tension.
"Brother."
"Oh... hey."
"...Hello, Shigebe-kun."
That well-formed smile twitched just slightly, and I'm sure it wasn't my imagination. The next moment, when he turned to his brother, his smile was so perfect and beautiful it would make every girl in the class fall for him. My stomach hurt.
"You forgot your lunch box again, so I came to bring it to you."
"Oh, really?! I thought I put it in... Thank you!"
"It's nothing. It's for my cute little brother."
"Haha, yeah, yeah."
As he handed over the bento, he naturally stroked Fuuma's head. I was used to it by now. At first, I was surprised by their closeness and physical contact, but it's happened so many times since middle school. It would be weirder if I weren't used to it. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't even be surprised if he kissed his hair. Ah, well, these brothers would probably do that.
"Shigebe-kun, where should we eat lunch today?" Fuuma's innocent smile was directed right at me. Instantly, his brother's gaze turned toward me as well.
"...Oh, uh... yeah, I wonder..."
"..."
It hurts. His stare really hurts!
Fuuma, who was sitting in front of me, couldn't see his brother standing next to him. I couldn't see him either, but I could feel it. I felt like if I actually met those terrifying eyes, I'd turn to stone and die.
"Heh, you eat together every day, don't you? I know because Fuuma talks about it so happily at home."
"Ah, don't say that!"
"I-is that so? Wow, really?"
"Yeah. ...You two are really close, aren't you?"
Your tone is terrifying, brother!!
At the end of his sentence, I could practically see the word "intimidation" flashing in bold. It wasn't my imagination. It absolutely wasn't.
"I love Shigebe-kun's tamagoyaki; it's so delicious! It's homemade, so that's amazing!"
Fuuma's cheerful words made me feel a little embarrassed. It was just a normal tamagoyaki, but he seemed to like it enough to always ask to trade side dishes. I honestly felt happy about that.
I felt so happy, but...
"Hmph."
A cold voice rang out, and a shiver ran down my spine. His expression was clearly one of displeasure. There was no doubt why: it was because Fuuma had just praised me.
"I want to try it too. ...I'm curious what it tastes like, you see."
Is he asking, "What kind of gross stuff are you feeding my brother?" Or, "I won't forgive you if you feed him anything bad?"
"Let me try it sometime, okay?"
"Ah, haha... well, I don't know if you'd like it..."
I shouldn't have been so happy about the awkward praise. Yuuma-san, whose mood had visibly plummeted, slowly moved closer, and my mouth twitched.
"Come on, first period is in the moving classroom! You'll be late! Go back, go back!"
Fuuma...!!
My best friend was a savior. Fuuma stood up and lightly patted his brother's back. The childish gesture made Yuuma-san laugh, amused.
"Wow, Fuuma. There's still time."
"I don't care! You're making Shigebe-kun uncomfortable!"
"..., was I bothering you?"
"Huh?! N-no! Not at all!"
Probably because his brother told him to leave, Yuuma-san looked down at me with a serious expression. I knew it was best not to say anything wrong.
"...I see."
That's so cold!!!
After I hastily denied it, he let out a small sigh and muttered flatly. It's a little heartbreaking when someone who is kind to everyone else is only cold to you. Even if he can't like me because I'm sticking around his cute brother, I want him to know that I'm screaming in my heart right now. No, I'd be scared if he knew, so never mind.
"Well, I'll be going now. Bye, Fuuma, ...Shigebe-kun."
"Yeah, see you later."
"U-um, goodbye, Senpai..."
As he left and passed by, a low voice whispered in my ear.
"...I'll remember that tamagoyaki."
I'm finished.
My day of reckoning might not be close—it's definitely, definitely close. I felt like someone should praise me for not fainting right there.
"Sorry about that, so sudden. I really thought I put my lunch box in... Maybe I was half-asleep."
Or maybe he took it out just to have an excuse to come here? ...No, no way. If that's the case... that's a little too scary.
While I reassured him not to worry, I took a deep breath to calm my racing heart. I never expected the older brother to show up first thing in the morning. It was an unexpected visit, but I breathed a sigh of relief, thinking I could finally relax a little. Even though there was still a bit of time before class, surely the younger brother wouldn't show up now—
"Brother."
"Oh, Haruma."
Well, that's what they call a flag. The clear, slightly high voice of the younger brother, Haruma-kun, entered my ears. I cautiously looked up, our eyes met, and the corner of his mouth twisted into a displeased expression. This is just too much. The combination of his upturned eyes and strong-willed demeanor made his hostility even more intense. His soft, raven-black hair looked like it was about to stand on end. He was like a threatening black cat—no, I couldn't see him as cute. At best, he was a black panther.
"Yuuma-niisan was just here too. It's unusual for both of you to come in the morning."
"...Yuuma-niisan too? Huh."
He looked unamused. He probably felt like Yuuma had gotten a head start and stolen a march on him.
"So, what's wrong?"
"Wasn't my e-dictionary in your bag, Fuuma-niisan? I need it for first period, but I couldn't find it."
"Oh, when we were studying together yesterday, I might have accidentally put Haru's in my bag... I put most of my stuff in the locker, so I'll go check."
"Please."
My only lifeline stood up and walked to his locker at the back of the classroom. I couldn't exactly say, "Don't go because this is awkward."
"..."
"..."
A heavy silence fell. His sharp gaze pricked my skin like a thousand needles. What should I do about this silence? Shouldn't he, as a junior, at least have the sense to read the room? Even if he hates me, shouldn't he at least make an effort to communicate?
"That's it. Go, Shigebe Masato. If you don't make a move here, you'll be stuck as a mob character forever!"
And with that one brave moment, I opened my mouth.
"Um, so, little brother..."
"Hey. Can you stop calling me 'little brother'? I don't like it."
Fuuma, please come back soon. My spirit is about to break.
The older brother's subtle intimidation is a lot to handle, but this direct, overt disgust is almost worse. I wondered if the way I'd addressed him was weird, and a part of me was about to cry from being put down by someone a year younger than me. I quickly fumbled for my words.
"Oh, I'm sorry... then, uh, what should I..."
"...My name is fine."
"Ah, okay, Ha-Haruma-kun..."
"...Well, that's fine. So."
He looks so unhappy!
Isn't this making things feel closer with Haruma? Or is this the kind of distance that's still bearable? I couldn't figure out his landmines anymore. This was a disaster. I chose my words carefully and tried again.
"...So, were you two studying together yesterday?"
"Yes."
"You guys are so close. I guess having siblings looks like fun... I can't help but think that."
"Yes, I suppose. ...You're an only child, aren't you?"
"Oh! U-uh, yeah."
The small fact that he was actually engaging in a conversation made me so happy that I answered a little too loudly.
"I've always wanted a younger brother... so sometimes I'm a little jealous of Fuuma for having a brother like you."
I said that with a laugh, and he widened his eyes slightly. Then he made a sour expression and spoke.
"...Is that so. I can't imagine you being my brother, though."
"Yeah... right... yeah..."
Is it okay for me to cry now?
The damage of being built up and then knocked down is insane. Unfazed by my reaction, he continued in a cold voice.
"You're more suited to having a brother."
"Is that something that can still happen?"
He really hates the idea of me being his brother, doesn't he?
While I was suffering from the emotional arrow that had just been shot through me, Fuuma's panicked voice, "Sorry, sorry, I found it!" cut into the conversation. Fuuma always comes to my rescue.
Looking at the clock, it was already three minutes before class. The younger brother—no, Haruma-kun—showed a little bit of lingering reluctance before turning to us and speaking.
"Well then, goodbye. Fuuma-niisan, ...Shigebe-san."
I was hurt by the resentful, harsh words, and at the same time, I felt a huge wave of relief. Ah, I've made it through the worst part. The day was still long. He might come back to the classroom later, but at least I survived this for now.
Just as I was about to start preparing for class, a small sigh suddenly reached my ears. It was from Fuuma, who had just been smiling and waving goodbye to his brother.
"What's wrong?"
"...Oh, nothing. It's just... I realized I make so many mistakes."
"Hmm... well, it happens sometimes. I have days like that too."
"Is that so? Sorry. I'm always like this... I cause a lot of trouble for you, don't I, Shigebe-kun?"
"Huh? No way."
I said it reflexively. Fuuma blinked, looking completely taken aback.
"Remember when we first met? We were able to become friends because you forgot something."
"That's true, but..."
"And I've honestly never once thought you were a bother, so don't worry about it. ...Being friends with you, Fuuma, is, ah..."
...It really makes me happy.
"...Shigebe-kun!!"
"Whoa!"
No sooner had I whispered my last words than he threw his arms around me. Perhaps because of his brothers' influence, he was also overly affectionate. I was honestly happy when he showed his affection like this.
I remember the first time I met the brothers, and their merciless, assessing gazes. It's understandable. They have a pure-hearted family member they're devoted to, and they'd naturally worry about him falling in with a bad crowd. Even though they instilled an unusual terror in me, I completely understand their feelings. My treatment has gotten a little better—just a little—but their wariness hasn't disappeared. And maybe that's to be expected. But I wish for just a little more. ...No, to be honest, I wish for it forever.
Would they at least allow me to remain Fuuma's friend?
"…Haaah… Honestly, that guy…"
"Really, that person…"
After returning home, Fuuma's older and younger brothers let out a long sigh and covered their faces—
"He's so cute…!!"
They said in unison, savoring the cuteness of Fuuma's best friend, Shigebe.
"He's such a worrywart, all jittery and nervous like a small animal… I just want to eat him up."
"Yes, his oblivious nature is also adorable."
Hmph, Haruma snorted smugly and looked at his brother.
"I finally made some progress. He called me by my name for the first time, you know? And that person said he wanted a younger brother like me. Isn't that proof of his affection?"
"Oh, so he sees you as a younger brother? Looks like it's going to be a long road for you."
"What?! Of course I denied it and made a move! …Although, it doesn't seem like he got the message."
"Hehe, Haru, you're so desperate and cute. As for me, I'm going to have him make me his homemade tamagoyaki next time."
"Huh?! What is that, I'm so jealous…!!"
"You were being a little forceful back then, though, brother," Fuuma interjected.
He looked at them with a slightly exasperated expression. The man in question, Yuuma, continued with a slight blush.
"I'm embarrassed. I was desperate."
With a small, rare laugh, Fuuma spoke.
"…Your attitudes toward Shigebe-kun have changed, Yuuma-niisan and Haruma."
Haruma looked down awkwardly.
"…He's the one who supported Fuuma-niisan, so of course my perspective would change a little."
"I was wary at first, but now I owe him so much."
"…Yeah."
Masato is an absolutely essential part of Fuuma's life story. He's that important. As Fuuma savored that gratitude, he remembered the past.
His elementary school days weren't good memories. He was an easy target for his clumsiness, and near the end of sixth grade, he became the subject of small, malicious harassment that couldn't quite be called bullying. The innocent cruelty of children slowly, but surely, strangled Fuuma's spirit like a silken cord. As graduation neared, his family, noticing the change, became worried. To give him a fresh start, they decided to move to a new place and enroll him in a middle school out of the prefecture.
Fuuma, determined to repay his kind family, vowed to fix his flaws. But on his first day of middle school, he immediately made a mistake—he had forgotten his pencil case and fell into despair.
What should I do, what should I do? Why did I mess up so early on?!
He searched the bottom of his bag and every pocket, but he couldn't find it. He was filled with a sense of his blood running cold. His head was filled with self-pity and regret. That's when someone spoke to him—Masato.
"Hey, are you okay? Are you feeling sick?"
"Oh, um... no, that's not... I..."
"It's okay. You don't have to be so flustered."
"Um... I... I forgot something..."
I forgot my pencil case.
Fuuma said that in a trembling voice, and immediately lowered his head. He couldn't look the person in the face.
He had messed up on the very first day. The boy would be disappointed, wouldn't he? He would make fun of him. ...Would he become a target for cruel jokes again?
As he panicked, a cold sweat broke out. He heard a laugh, but it was a warm, friendly one. Fuuma's eyes went wide. He could tell, strangely enough, that there was no malicious intent in the boy's voice.
"Haha, sorry! You looked like you were about to die, so I was worried... It's just a pencil case, it's fine. I've got an extra mechanical pencil and stuff, so I can lend you some."
"Are you... sure?"
"Huh? Of course I am. I forget stuff too sometimes..."
The kind words continued. But Fuuma knew he couldn't get his hopes up. Everyone had been kind at first. But as he made more mistakes, their kindness had turned to scorn. If he kept messing up, this boy would get sick of him too.
That's right. I can't be so naive.
If the boy knew what kind of person he was, he wouldn't want to be friends. The cause of his problems was himself, and he had to work hard not to repeat them. But the anxiety he was born with wouldn't disappear, and he couldn't help but confess his weakness.
"Um... I've always made a lot of mistakes like that... and I've caused a lot of trouble for people before..."
"Hmm... I see. Well, then, I'll do my best to help you out. Just like today."
"Huh?"
He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He thought it was a joke because the boy said it so nonchalantly, but his face was completely serious. It took him a while to process the words.
"No, that's too much...! Of course I'll be careful, but if you have to help me so many times, won't it become a hassle for you—"
"Nah, it's fine. It's no trouble at all. Besides, I want to be your friend."
"Eh—"
Time seemed to stop. He wants to be my friend? With me? Even though I'm such a hopeless person? Even though I caused him trouble as soon as we met?
When he just stared at the boy without saying anything, the boy gave an awkward laugh.
"...Ah, I guess I was a bit pushy. Sorry, you don't have to be my friend if you don't want to."
"Oh, no, it's not like that! Um... I'm just so happy that you want to be my friend..."
His face grew hot, and he looked away, flustered. How could he, who had been mocked so much at his old school, be so easily accepted? It was all too good to be true, like a dream.
The boy saw Fuuma's reaction and laughed again, a sound of genuine amusement.
"I see, well, I'm glad! ...Ah, I haven't even introduced myself yet. My name's Shigebe Masato."
"M-my name is Yaotome Fuuma...!"
"Fuuma, huh? Hey, why don't we walk to our next class together? It's kind of embarrassing, but I don't have any friends from elementary school here."
"Oh! Yeah... I don't either, so I'd love that!"
"Ah, I don't have an extra eraser... wait. ...Here."
"Huh?! Wha—?! That's a new eraser! You didn't have to break it, that's too much...!!"
"It's fine, it's fine. It's more convenient this way, for both of us."
As Fuuma talked and laughed with the boy named Masato, he made a promise to himself in his heart.
When the day came that Masato gave up on him, when this kind boy finally became disappointed with his endless stream of failures, Fuuma would give up on making friends. He believed that no one else would ever want to be his friend again.
He spent his days in a mix of joy and quiet resignation, dreading the day that might eventually come. Each day he spent with Masato was brighter than the last, but he had recurring nightmares of Masato's face turning into the cold, sneering expressions he had grown used to seeing at his old school. He would wake up startled, his heart pounding. With his hands clasped tightly, he would pray that that day would never come, take a shallow breath, and try to go back to sleep.
And in the end, Fuuma's fears turned out to be nothing but groundless worries.
Masato, his friend, provided meticulous support without ever showing a hint of annoyance. He never grew tired of Fuuma's carelessness and always stayed by his side. Perhaps thanks to that, after about a year of their friendship, Fuuma's clumsy side slowly but surely began to improve. It was Masato who, without him even realizing it, made his fear of others and his own insecurities disappear. He was, without a doubt, a lifesaver to Fuuma and his family.
"...But you two are always so nervous," Fuuma said, looking at his brothers.
Next to Yuuma, who was smiling awkwardly, Haruma, who never normally smiled at others, felt secretly depressed. He was thinking that all his daily smile practice for Masato still wasn't paying off.
"In front of that person, I don't even know what a natural smile looks like. I just get a little too worked up," Yuuma said with a troubled smile.
"And you don't need to forget something or pretend to have an errand every time you come. Why don't you just say you came to see Shigebe-kun normally?"
"My carelessness has gotten a little better, but since you two keep doing that, it makes it look like I haven't improved at all."
"...But it's not like we can just say that honestly," Haruma said with a whine.
"We've also used the excuse of coming to see you too much already... well, that is part of the reason, though, right?"
"From other people's perspective, it looks exactly the same!"
When Fuuma shot back, the youngest, Haruma, dropped his shoulders sheepishly.
"Ugh... but, you're right. Sorry, big brother... I know you have a complex about forgetting things..."
"You're right... sorry, Fuuma."
The two of them looked so crestfallen that Fuuma rushed to console them.
"Hey, I was just saying! You don't have to take it so hard!"
"But..."
"It's fine! Besides, I'm not that self-conscious about my flaws anymore!"
"Oh... really?"
"Yeah! ...Because Shigebe-kun is so kind to me, you know."
"...Fuuma, I've been thinking this for a while, but... you've become a little... different, or maybe stronger and more resilient than you used to be?" Yuuma said.
"Really? Hehe."
The smile on his adorable face was so bewitching it didn't even resemble the one he showed Masato.
Ah, how should we win over that cute boy?
The three of them, all grinning to themselves, were truly brothers of a feather.