"Please marry my sister"
She has never forgotten those words.
In fact, Hime has a tendency to never forget something she has seen or heard once... but even so, she remembers it very well.
It's not just about remembering.
He would regularly think back on it and check on me and Hijiri as if to check on our progress.
"I think Yohei-kun really gets along well with his sister. I really admire him for not abandoning his troublesome sister who is such a useless, lazy person who always makes excuses... I don't think I'll ever meet someone like Yohei-kun again."
...Although I feel like that's a bit of an exaggeration to say to my sister.
Well, I guess I'll just think of it as a lot of hard work.
As always, Hime had a high opinion of me.
I'm very happy that people have found value in it, but there's one thing that bothers me.
(Does Hime really want to marry Kiyoshi?)
This is a major concern.
She told me she wanted me to be her big brother. I'm happy that she loves me that much. If it were possible, I'd even like to have that kind of relationship.
But I still haven't grasped the true nature of Hime's love.
If it's just affection, then that's fine. However, I feel like there's a chance that it's not, and that's what bothers me.
"I have never met a more wonderful man than Yohei."
I've never met anyone who would say something like that.
Hime thinks highly of me, but that's why I don't understand her true intentions.
"Please take good care of me, Big Sister. And now I'm officially your little sister, Youhei-kun."
Is it enough to just be a little sister?
If that's the case, then I don't need to worry. I just need to work hard to respond to Hime's feelings.
But what if Hime just isn't aware of it and isn't satisfied with the relationship between siblings?
If that's the case, I want to face it head on.
"Yeah... I'll do my best."
"Yes."
Although I was a little hesitant, I nodded slightly in affirmation.
It may have been a little vague, but Hime seemed satisfied and replied cheerfully.
...To be honest, I still don't know the details of what feelings I have for Hime.
But I want to make sure that this child follows the path that will make him happiest. That's all.
That's how much I love Hime.
We talked for a bit and then left the library.
It seems that she is worried about whether Kiyoshi is studying properly. Hime is walking in the lead.
In his hand was the book he had been reading earlier.
It was a thick, slightly large academic book. It was probably not heavy enough for a small girl like Hime to carry in one hand. Perhaps because she was holding it in both hands, it seemed a little difficult for her to walk.
And there's one other thing that worries me.
(It might be dangerous if you fall.)
With both hands full, if she stumbled, she wouldn't be able to put her hands on the ground to cushion the impact. Worried about this, she got closer to Hime than usual and watched her movements even more carefully.
I think I'm being overprotective too.
However, just this once... my anxious nature worked to my advantage.
"...Wow."
Suddenly Hime lost her balance.
The toes of my indoor shoes caught on the linoleum floor, making a squeaking noise.
The moment I realized it was dangerous, I reached out my hand.
"Oops"
It's thanks to being on my guard.
He reacted quickly and managed to grab Hime from behind before she fell.
The only thing that fell to the ground was the book she was holding.
"Hime, are you okay?"
He didn't fall, but it's possible that he sprained his ankle.
Thinking she might be twisting it, I went to check on her.
For me, it was just the same as usual...I didn't intend to do anything special.
I was careful because I was worried that he might fall. My fears were justified, so I was able to help him.
However, Hime... didn't seem to think it was anything special.
"--thank you"
The words of thanks themselves are not unusual. In fact, they may be commonplace for the polite Hime.
However, her expression is different than usual.
(It's bright red...!)
He was bright red all the way to the tips of his ears, like a boiled octopus.
When I saw his face, I couldn't help but think this.
(W-Would I make that face towards my big brother...?)
He must be loved like an older brother.
However, seeing Hime's face, which didn't seem to agree with that, I became even more distressed.