(POV Chinatsu)
On the first day of the third semester, during the morning assembly, I sensed an unsettled atmosphere among my classmates, perhaps because it had been a while since they came to school.
Every time a long break ended, it felt like this…
While pondering such thoughts, I listened to the teacher’s announcement.
“Yes, I have some exciting news for all of you. Guess what? We have a new transfer student joining our school.”
“”””Ooooh!””””
To my surprise, a transfer student arrived at the beginning of the new semester. I wonder how many more transfer students would come to our class.
“Come on in!”
When the teacher said that, the classroom door swung open, revealing a girl entering from the hallway. She had blonde hair and golden eyes, with a doll-like face.
“Hello, everyone! I’m Lilia Mahigashi. I’ve come all the way from America.”
“Huh? Fukushima? Well, whatever… Um, can we consider Lilia-chan a returnee? Anyway, everyone please be friendly and make Lilia-chan feel welcome.”
The teacher’s voice was a bit difficult to hear, and I couldn’t catch everything, but it seemed like Lilia-san was what they called a “returnee”. If she was a returnee, she probably knew how to speak English and stuff…
Lilia took a seat in the back-left corner, and the rest of our classmates cast curious glances her way. Ah, I thought she must dislike being the center of attention. But surprisingly, Lilia-san seemed rather proud or even happy about it.
There was a chance that I had misunderstood, though…
After all, if it were me, I would hate it. I don’t have anything to be looked at or proud of… Just watching Lilia made me feel that she was amazing.
“Alright, everyone. I understand that you’re curious about the new transfer student, Lilia, but please look at me,”
The teacher clapped her hands to gather everyone’s attention and then began speaking.
“Next year, all of you will be sixth graders. That means it will be your final year as elementary school students. And after that, you’ll be heading to junior high school. Time flies, doesn’t it? Let’s give our best in studying and exercising more than ever from today, which marks an important milestone so that we have no regrets!”
I thought the teacher was right.
Yes, we were about to become sixth graders soon. We had to do our best with what we could do now. I wanted to become a family with Kaito-san, Haru, Aki, and Fuyu, even though we had argued about the matter regarding our supernatural powers.
Aki’s point of view was valid too. It didn’t matter whether we said we had supernatural powers or not; we were still a family. Just because I say it out loud doesn’t mean we will automatically become a family. I can use superpowers… to say that, I needed the consent of all my sisters.
But before that, I should think about other things I could do besides that. I should focus on what I can do at the moment. After all, I have no choice but to do everything I can to reach my goals.
To realize this in such a way… Come to think of it, maybe when Kaito-san said that we should carefully listen to others, he meant something like this.
Listening to others, incorporating their words into my own, and respecting them—that’s what was hidden beneath his words.
I’m not denying what Aki said. Besides, Aki’s words must have contained concerns for Haru as well. After all, Haru never disagrees with us. But deep down, maybe she didn’t want to say it either.
Up until now, Aki has been trying to convey something to us as she was the one to actively interact with Kaito-san. By engaging with him and showing us the results, Aki provided reassurance in the fact that we could also approach Kaito-san.
And Fuyu has always supported us, although she could have turned a blind eye. Haru did the same.
That’s why I will, too.
◆◆
(POV Chiharu)
A transfer student named Lilia-san, a returnee from overseas joined our class. Everyone was paying attention to her, but I wasn’t really comfortable with that kind of attention.
Those curious glances… I dislike them.
“What’s it like living abroad?”
“I heard fish and chips are delicious!”
“I want to try making it sometime.”
As we got off the bus and walked from the bus stop to our house, I glanced at the adorable backs of my three younger sisters, and their angelic conversation served as my background music.
“Oh! It’s a kitty!” Chiaki said.
“Oh, how cute!” Chinatsu said.
“That’s right!” Chifuyu said.
The three of them said it in unison. I shifted my gaze toward their topic of conversation. Then, from the top of the fence of a certain house, a beautiful white cat was staring at us intently.
“Rururururu” Chiaki said.
“That’s not it,” Chinatsu added.
“That’s a fox’s sound,” Chifuyu remarked.
What is this feeling? The cat was undeniably cute and beautiful, but… I couldn’t shake off a slight feeling of unease as we distanced ourselves from the scene.
“Ah, I wish I could have a cat.”
“Yeah, definitely.”
“Chifuyu wants to squish its fluffy paws.”
We continued to watch the cat as it walked away from us. Well, my younger sisters found it irresistibly cute and couldn’t help but keep looking. But considering how remarkably beautiful it appeared, it seemed unlikely that it was just a stray cat. It must be a member of the family living in that house.
Once again, I admired my sisters’ adorable backs as we walked home, with their angelic voices serving as my background music.
◆◆
(POV Kaito)
I completed my work on time and made my way back home, just like every other day. True to form, I reached the front door right on time today as well.
Unlocking the door, I stepped inside, and four familiar faces greeted me, as expected. Changing into my comfortable home attire, I proceeded to the living room, where a delicious dinner had already been prepared.
“I made dinner today!”
“Thank you, Chinatsu.”
Chinatsu’s bright smile warmed my heart. Such a good kid… Now it had become a regular occurrence for me to come home to a ready-made meal. Seeing her grow and adapt so well to her new environment brought me immense joy.
We sat down together for the meal while exchanging light conversation. It seemed that a transfer student named Lilia had joined the girls’ class, and on the way back, they apparently spotted a white cat.
Could this be… drawing closer to the game? Lilia, the new transfer student, was Chinatsu’s in-game friend character, and the white cat corresponded to Chifuyu’s friend character. However, I couldn’t be certain if it was the same cat.
However, no matter who it is, no matter what form they take, I hope Chinatsu and the others can make good friends or even best friends.
As I listened to their various stories, I heard a parade of heartwarming incidents about how they had forgotten the school song because it had been so long or how they felt disappointed because there was no lunch on the first day.
This was truly a source of comfort for me after such a long day… This was what helped me keep going, knowing that tomorrow would be another day just like this one. They even washed the dishes for me, and now there was nothing I had to do when I returned home. They had grown so independent.
After washing the dishes, as it neared bedtime, the four of them said a few words to me and headed to the bath.
They were almost sixth graders now. And soon, they would graduate and become junior high school students… Time was always passing by quickly.
But I had so many things I was putting off. And I didn’t know what to do with them. No matter how much I agonized over it, I couldn’t find the answers. Perhaps Chiaki’s thoughts were correct—that choosing to disrupt the harmony we had built up until now would be the wrong choice. But this world is…
――My own choices… would they lead me to unhappiness… Everyone drifting away. Being laughed at, reaching the ending… It’s already…
“Kaito-san?”
“Eh?”
Chinatsu, who should have gone to the bath, was there. She tilted her head, showing signs of concern for me.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, sorry. Is there something you wanted to talk about?”
“Well… I have something to discuss.”
“I see.”
“Is it okay if I talk about it?”
“Of course.”
“Thank you. Um… well… I want to become a real family with you, Kaito-san.”
“…Thank you. I’m glad you said that. I feel the same way.”
“I was expecting you to say that…. but I’m very happy. Thank you.”
Chinatsu smiled gently. It was strange how her sincere and straightforward smile naturally brought a smile to my face too.
“Um, I’ve been thinking that maybe I should stop using honorifics and formal language with you from now on. It’s not that I’m saying using honorifics is bad or anything, but I want to bridge the distance between us… Is that okay?”
“It’s totally fine. In fact, I prefer it.”
“Oh, then I will do that… No, I mean, will do that… Yeah, that’s it.”
She still seemed a bit unfamiliar with her choice of words, trying different expressions.
“Oh, um… cough, actually, there’s something I’ve been wanting to tell you, Kaito…?”
“Sounds like a question.”
“Well, it’s just because I’m not used to it… It’s my first time talking to you… like this, so it can’t be helped, right…?”
“I’m sorry.”
“N-No, there’s no need to apologize, right…?”
I simply thought she was cute. I didn’t have a hobby of teasing people, but seeing her like this made me want to playfully tease her. Well, I wouldn’t do it because I definitely didn’t want to be disliked…
“Ahem… So, um… You seem to have been lost in thought lately, and it worries me. Kaito-san… Kaito is cautious, diligent, and considerate, so maybe you’re thinking too deeply about us…”
“…That’s not the case.”
“You’re lying, right? I can tell… at least that much.”
“Is that so?”
“…Well, I guess I’ll stop using a casual tone… It feels rude or something…”
“No, please don’t worry about it. I don’t feel that way at all.”
“R-Really? Then… I’ll continue… Um, so, what I wanted to say is that you can think more casually! Yes! That’s what I wanted to say!”
“Is that so?”
“Yes! So, even now…. you’re probably thinking about us even at your workplace, right?”
“…No, not really.”
“You liar.”
Before I could insist that it wasn’t true, she called me a liar. Chinatsu’s slightly angry expression reminded me of Chiaki’s pouting face.
“You have dark circles under your eyes, and I noticed that you had a troubled look earlier. So, let me say this… Thank you… But please don’t burden yourself too much… I worry that you catch a cold or get sick from worrying too much… I’d be even more concerned…”
“I see, you were worried about me… Guh, the tears are… I understand. From now on, I’ll think more casually…”
“Even though you say that, I know you’ll continue thinking such things when I go back to the bath. I know that. Because Kaito is kind…”
Chinatsu looked at me as if she could see right through me. It felt like she was peering into my innermost thoughts, to the point where I could almost feel sweat forming on my forehead.
“But… I like that side of you, Kaito, the one who’s caring but also a bit troublesome…”
“Guh, the tears…”
“Hey-, don’t cry… I know Kaito thinks about us, and I appreciate it. But I believe it’s important to focus on what you want to do, take breaks to refresh yourself and prioritize your own needs.”
“Just having the four of you cooking dinner or making bento for me would be enough.”
“That’s not okay. You’ll end up wearing yourself out again.”
“No, I do take care of my health.”
“But I still worry… So, I’ve been looking at books in school about pressure points for relaxation that can help someone unwind, and I’m studying them now… Oh, and what do you want to eat tomorrow?”
“…I’d like some nikujaga (meat and potato stew).”
“Got it. Anything else?”
“Nameko Mushroom Miso Soup.”
“Okay… I promise I’ll make something absolutely delicious.”
Chinatsu clenched her fist and flashed a confident smile. I thought she looked cool, standing there so bravely. And then, as if making a declaration, she focused her gaze on me once again.
“I want to become a true family with Kaito. Until recently, I thought there was only one way to achieve that… But I believe there are many paths… I’ll find them. And together, we’ll become the perfect family, leaving no traces of discord behind!”
“Chinatsu…”
“H-Hold on a second… It’s, um, embarrassing… Ahhh!! I just said something incredibly embarrassing! Wait, now that I think about it, I’ve said quite a few embarrassing things before too!”
“T-That’s not true! I was impressed!”
“Liar! I didn’t intend to say something so passionate!”
Right, I could almost recall my past self squirming in embarrassment. It feels like I’ve seen this scene somewhere before, but it must be my imagination.
“But you know… From now on, since Kaito has spoiled me so much until now, it’s my turn to spoil him a lot…”
“I’m looking forward to it… By the way, did I really spoil you that much?”
“You did.”
“No way…”
I wasn’t aware… I didn’t think I had been spoiling her to that extent… Should I hold back more?
“Well then, I’ll go take a bath…”
“Take your time, relax, make sure the water goes up to your shoulders, and stay in for at least 30 seconds.”
“You know, that’s exactly what I meant. But I’ll do that…”
After Chinatsu lightly admonished me, she left the living room. She seemed to be contemplating various things as she walked away. Is entrusting her with everything an option too…? Should I just wait?
If I act rashly, the outcome might be like it was back then…
I…
As I pondered that far, the door opened, and Chinatsu, with a slightly scrutinizing gaze, looked toward me.
“From now on, I’ll think about things too, so Kaito, don’t push yourself too hard…”
“Y-Yeah, I understand.”
“And… If you find my way of talking unpleasant and think it’s better to use honorifics, just let me know. I’ll switch back immediately… Well then, I’ll go ahead…”
Saying that, Chinatsu left once again. Afterward, I heard the voice of a cute girl from outside the living room, agonizing over the embarrassing words she had just uttered.
*******************
TN: Guh Chinatsu….
TN: So, Chinatsu switched from Kaito-san to Kaito, and started talking in a casual/informal way which may not be obvious when translated.
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