Chapter 14: Sunday evenings can be so depressing.

Translator: Soafp

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“So, what’s next week’s episode?”

　On Sunday evening, I turned on the TV without much thought and my tension dropped to the floor.

　No, Zazae-san is an anime that’s been around for many years and is so famous that there’s probably no one who doesn’t know about it. I used to watch it every week without fail.

　But when did it start? Whenever I heard that line, I started to think, “Aah… the vacations are over…”. When I was in elementary school, I used to go to school half-heartedly for fun, but now, as a high school student, that line is like a curse word.

　To put it bluntly, it’s the “Ozae-san” syndrome. In addition, it’s April now, but I went out with my classmates yesterday and was so mentally exhausted that I didn’t feel like doing anything all day, so I think I might have caught the May blues.

　I’ve never had anything more than a cold before, and I thought my body was strong, but now that I think about it, I think I’ve been suffering from not only the “Zoe’s Syndrome” and “May Fever”, but also “Chunibyou” and “Kounibyou”. What department should I go to for treatment?

　As I was thinking about something as unimportant as this, my sister Sakuya called out to me.

“Brother, dinner is almost ready, would you like to eat?”

“You’ve made it? I’ll have some.”

“Yes, I understand.”

　I was lazing around and forgot about dinner. I’m sorry for bothering my sister. I was thinking of going out to eat somewhere, but if she made it, I’ll take it.

　Parents? It’s tough being a company worker.

　I looked at my sister’s back, who was cooking with a somewhat happy expression on her face. The pampered Sakuya has grown up to be a fine person. Months and years can make a person grow, but am I growing?

“………”

　There is no reason for this. I’m a bad person, aren’t I, with ○Zae syndrome, May sickness, chuunibyou sickness, kitchen sickness, high sickness? I think I was better off as a kid than I am now, leaving aside that something is increasing.

“…Haa.”

　I can’t help but sigh.

“…Brother?”

“Hmm?”

“Um… dinner’s ready…”

“Ah, thank you. I’ll bring it.”

“Thank you very much…..”

　How long has it been since my sister cooked for me?

[Sakuya PoV]

Today, my brother was unusually in the living room, so we decided to have dinner together. I was a little excited to finish cooking and when I went to call my brother, I found him sighing.

(I guess he doesn’t want to have dinner with me after all…?)

　My excitement was suddenly gone. When I called out to him, I saw his usual expressionless face.

　Looking at his expression, which hadn’t changed since that day, I became conscious of my own guilt. I can say that I was rebellious or that I wasn’t the only one who hurt my brother, but my sin will never disappear.

（What does my brother think of me?)

　If he hates or resents me, it’s okay. Because there is still room for us to close the distance by making up. But please don’t be indifferent. Because there is no way to shorten the distance.

　I still can’t have dinner with him while chatting like we used to.

[Renya PoV]

　For the first time in a long time, I had dinner alone with Sakuya. Before I knew it, it seemed that Sakuya’s cooking skills had improved. Her training as a bride seems to be going well.

“………”

“………”

　Although we are sitting around the same table, we are not talking to each other. This is what adolescent siblings are supposed to do.

“Uhm… is it good?”

“Yeah, it’s good.”

　She tried to make conversation even though it was awkward, but she didn’t need to force it. I’m grateful to her for cooking for me. I don’t mind if she just wraps it up and leaves it on my desk for me to eat on my own.

　Wouldn’t it be better for both of us if we ate separately?

　Can someone please tell me how to deal with my adolescent sister?

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