I hold hands with Hime and walk along the school route.
She had small strides, so I followed her and moved slowly.
Come to think of it, it was my first time holding hands with a member of the opposite sex... but since Hime was just a child, I wasn't particularly nervous even though I wasn't used to being around women.
A small hand is holding my hand.
It was a situation that suited the expression "childish."
"Youhei, your hands are big. I feel so safe when I hold them."
"I wonder? I think it's average size, but I'm glad Hime thinks so."
"Yes. Youhei, you have a big heart, so maybe that's why your hands feel so big."
...Good kid.
His honest feelings, without any flattery or ulterior motives, warmed my heart.
As expected, talking to this girl is very relaxing.
And it seems that Hime has similar feelings to me.
"The weather is nice today. I like sunny days, so I'm happy on days like this."
"By the way, did you sleep well? Your sleeping face is cute, Yohei, but I don't think it's a good idea to fall asleep during class. You'll end up like your older sister, won't you?"
"You were given some assignments, did you complete them properly? If you have any problems, please feel free to ask me anything. I'm good at studying."
The conversation never stops.
Hime started asking questions as if she had a flood of questions she wanted to ask.
Thanks to this, I was able to spend my usually gloomy walk to school in a cheerful mood.
"Um, Yohei, do you always walk to school?"
In the midst of all this, the following question was posed:
I explained that the school was within walking distance from my house and that was the reason I was taking the exam...and then, since I had the chance, I asked him about something that had been bothering me.
"Do you always drive to school?"
"Yes. My house is a little far away... but it's not impossible to get there if I take the bus. However, my sister is a big sleeper and wants to sleep until the last minute... so I'm asking her to lend me her car."
I see. Since Kiyoshi is quite messy, it seems like a car would be more convenient.
"How far is it?"
"It's about a thirty minute drive. It's not that far... but it's a bit tough for me with my physical condition."
That's true.
Although she exudes a mature air, Hime is only eight years old. Her height is only about as tall as my chest, so it would take a long time for her to move.
"Also, the school bag is surprisingly heavy."
Oh, that's right. I was wondering about that too.
"By the way, why did you bring your school bag, Hime?"
For the record, Hime's title is high school student.
However, she always wears a school bag to school, and ever since the day she found out about Hime, she has been secretly bothered by the fact that she is the only one carrying a school bag.
"If it's too heavy, wouldn't a light backpack be better?"
"...But..."
Then, Hime pouted, looking a little sulky, which was unusual for her.
She says this with a look of dissatisfaction, yet a very adorable expression on her face.
"I think the school bag is cute. I can only wear it now... and it's a little heavy, but I really like this one."
It was rare. Hime seemed a bit embarrassed.
"I, I know. Childish items don't really suit me..."
Huh?
Surprisingly, Hime cares about things like that.
Sure, she has a calm demeanor, but that doesn't mean she can't pull off some childish pieces.
This is because Hime looks just like an adorable child.
"No, no. It suits you, I think it's cute."
So I honestly told him that.
Of course, this isn't flattery. It's because I think of Hime as a child that I feel this way all the more.
Well, listen to my opinion.
"--Cute!"
Her face was red and she had a big smile on her face.
"Th-That's not true... hehehe ♪ Oh my, Yohei-kun. When you say such wonderful things, I have no choice but to become your little sister. I hope we can continue to be friends forever."
But I think that theory is wrong.
Well... Hime seems happy, so there's no need to deny it.