V4Ch3: Struggle in the Hot Water Part 3

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Translator: Soafp

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“Zezeze ……”

I was on the verge of taking the adult path. Can’t afford to be that sophisticated.

Escaping from the hellish room, I made my way to the lounge, dropped onto the sofa to catch my breath. Quenching my thirst with a cola from the vending machine. Exhausted…

Should I head to the hot springs? My fatigue hasn’t just vanished; it’s ballooned.

Mom and Nee-san are acting strangely too. Or is this normal for a family trip? I’ve never joined in before, so I wouldn’t know. If so, family trips seem pretty brutal. Family trips are scary.

“Are you alright?”

Thrown onto the sofa, a male voice approaches me, not the troubling voice of a woman.

Relieved it’s not a voice that might cause trouble, I sit up.

“You seem quite tired. Are you okay?”

“No, it’s just… Mandrake…”

“Mandrake?”

“Never mind. Please forget I said anything.”

A middle-aged man, maybe an employee. I’m sorry for the trouble.

He gazes at me with concern, then his expression gradually shifts to surprise.

“Wait, aren’t you… from the electrical store in town?”

“Excuse me?”

I’m sorry, there must be a mistake.

“Sorry about that. Is the timing alright for you?”

“Yes, it’s already late, and I’m just going to sleep.”

Luckily, I have plenty of time. But right now, returning to the room straightforwardly is not an option.

I’m served tea and sweets in the room I’ve been guided to. Sweet bean paste.

I’m currently in the staff area where customers aren’t supposed to be. Yet at this time, it’s only me and the man who brought me here. Wait, who?

“Do you need something from me?”

“Not exactly, but hey, do you remember anything?”

“You don’t mean a childhood friend who promised to go to Koshien with me, do you?”

“That’s totally different! Our ages don’t match at all.”

“An imaginary friend.”

“But you’re right in front of me…”

“Well, I’ve never played baseball either.”

“Then why choose Koshien?”

Then who are you! Even if he’s surprised by my reaction, I have absolutely no recollection.

True, I’ve had more acquaintances suddenly appear, but this one is way beyond my understanding.

“We met at Misaki’s house, remember? You introduced yourself as an electrician.”

“An electrician? I’m a student. Could you be mistaken?”

“You introduced yourself that way! Misaki… Himiyama’s house. We met there. Maybe there was no conversation, so you might not remember.”

With that, it jogged my memory.

“Ah, I remember now. That person from back then, the affair partner!”

“It’s not an affair!”

I don’t intend to meddle in someone’s love life, but I feel the need to speak reasonably.

“I’m sorry for saying something so rude to an adult, but Himiyama-san is also sad. It’s better to end the affair. Even celebrities are being forced out recently.”

“That’s why I’m saying it’s not an affair… Did Misaki say something after I left? You seemed pretty close with her.”

“Come to think of it, she did mention something about ‘doing it properly’…?”

It’s a vague memory, but I think she said something like that.

“‘Doing it properly.’ What does that mean? From her perspective, I’d deserve her resentment. Anyway, you seem quite close to Misaki.”

“Actually, we’re more like arch-enemies.”

“I’m curious about what kind of relationship that is…”

He sighs once, and then the man introduces himself again. Turns out, he’s the president. His name is Mikiya Unabara, the president of Unabara Inn. He seems a bit younger than Himiyama-san but slightly older in age. He has a demeanor of a young president, but there’s a hint of weariness somewhere.

“Well, I just recognized your face and got curious. That’s all…”

The president stammers a bit, then abruptly asks a question.

“What do you think about this inn?”

“It’s lovely with its universal design. The hot springs are very comforting.”

“You know some difficult words. Thanks.”

“I can’t speak ill of it in front of the person. I’ll write it on a travel review site after I get home. I don’t want to be identified.”

“I’d prefer if you could refrain from that. It can be disheartening for us in the same industry.”

“The dark side of the internet society.”

“I think it’s your darkness… Well, never mind. Did you feel any discomfort within the facilities?”

“Discomfort? Hmm… Apart from many foreign language signs, not particularly…”

“That’s the issue.”

“Hmm?”

The president starts talking assertively. I wonder why I’m being consulted for this, but for the sake of the sweet bean paste, I’ll listen seriously. This tastes really good!

“I see. So, it’s not an affair. You should have said that from the beginning. I was worried about what might happen if Himiyama-san faced criticism or something.”

“Nobody said that, I think. Well, that’s why this inn is in trouble now. In reality, there aren’t many guests, right?”

President Unabara seems to have officially divorced, so it’s not an affair. Ah, I see, that’s what it was!

“Good, that resolves it, doesn’t it?”

“I’d prefer if you don’t try to abruptly end the conversation.”

“I can’t help it if you tell me that…”

“That’s true, but I thought since you’re close to Misaki, she seemed to trust you. Would you mind cooperating?”

I’ve already fulfilled my obligation for the sweet bean paste. I’ll flatly refuse.

“It’s impossible. I can’t ask Himiyama-san for that, and ultimately, what are you? Do you genuinely want to be with Himiyama-san, or do you just want to use her?”

“I want to be with her, like in the old days.”

“But you discarded her, didn’t you?”

“I didn’t discard her. At that time, there was no other choice.”

The words uttered with a bitter, troubled expression were filled with regret. I don’t know the details, but Himiyama-san’s connections are incredibly powerful. If they become allies, they’d wield considerable influence. That’s precisely why I can’t just casually use those connections.

“The shift of this inn to target foreigners was your mother’s decision, right?”

“Yeah. I didn’t ignore these risks. But I was naive, didn’t manage the risks properly.”

“Was parting ways with Himiyama-san also because of your mother’s insistence?”

“If I could confidently say otherwise, it might have been different.”

What kind of scenes are reflected in those nostalgic eyes? All I understand is that the past cannot be changed.

“I apologize for intruding on such personal matters, but if you regret it so much, why didn’t you protect her?”

“I was young and went along with everything. I was immature.”

“So, now, could you protect everything even if it meant making enemies?”

“That’s…”

Sometimes one can only choose one side. Everyone faces such choices. This person prioritized his mother and the position of the inn over his fiancé.

The greater the burden, the harder it is to let go. Weighing it on a scale, there was no choice but to make that decision. It’s inevitable. No matter how much one regrets it, it cannot be condemned.

“I think relying on it now is wrong. However, if you really wish for it, you must be prepared to fight with everything this time, or else, I’m sure nothing will get through.”

“Is that so…”

“It’s impossible for me to say something to Himiyama-san. In fact, if news of me discussing such things were to be leaked, I’d probably be intensely scolded and never get to see her again.”

“That would be troublesome… Even without the inn, I still have feelings for her—”

“In that case, please reconsider your thoughts once more.”

Of course. Going about it this indirectly, Himiyama-san will undoubtedly get angry.

I’ve already fulfilled my obligation for the favor. Flatly refusing.

The inn’s situation, their relationship, the world of adults—regardless, I’m an outsider. I cannot get deeply involved. It’s a matter for the president and Himiyama-san to resolve.

Let’s take a stroll; I decided to leave the lounge and head outside.

Despite the lively atmosphere earlier in the hot spring town, at this hour, people were sparse. Yet, there lingered an air of excitement, a characteristic scene of a hot spring town.

In a country that promotes tourism, nighttime economy is a pressing issue.

However, addressing such demands immediately is challenging due to the current shortage of personnel.

While wandering, I got intensely hissed at by a cat. It was quietly shocking.

I wonder if my mother and Nee-san have cooled down by now? If they haven’t, it’s going to be troublesome.

I can’t sleep like this. Staying up late is the enemy of a trip.

There was a convenience store down the street. I deeply appreciate the convenience of 24-hour operation. Usually, these types of stores have locally themed products. It builds up some excitement due to their novelty.

Thinking of getting some snacks, I headed toward it when, carried by the wind, I heard a faint but distinct voice.

Kishaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

“Could it really be a Mandrake?”

I can’t just dismiss these things. With a sense of excitement at a potential unexpected discovery, I approached the source of the voice, where a woman was crouching.

Was it a seizure or something? She seemed to be in great discomfort.

“All men are trash! All of them! There’s no decent guy around! I’m telling you, it’s not that I can’t get married, I just won’t. Got it, you idiot….”

Hmm? Oh no, this person’s in trouble!

She’s spouting curses. There’s a faint smell of alcohol teasing the nasal cavity. Should I call an ambulance? I put back my phone that I had in hand. I thought for a moment, then quickly reached a conclusion.

“Let’s just pretend I didn’t see this.”

“Aah?”

A piercing gaze ran all over my body.

“You’re ignoring me, suffering like this! That’s why men are the worst!”

“Shut up, drunkard.”

“I’m not drunk! What kind of education are kids getting these days?”

“My sister taught me to run when I meet weird women like you.”

That’s the great teaching from my sister. I’ve blindly followed it so far, but my trust in it has wavered. However, I completely agree with the part about staying away. The person in front of me seems like nothing but trouble.

“Well, I have something to do.”

“Wait!”

She stood up and came towards me, her eyes fixed. She reeked of alcohol.

I don’t know why she was drunk and collapsed here, but it’s none of my business, right?

Why do I always get involved in troublesome situations like this? It’s an eternal mystery.

The tipsy stranger was surprisingly tall, a bit taller than me, which added an odd sense of intimidation. It’s quite a horror show. Why is she getting closer step by step?

“Kids shouldn’t wander around at this time.”

“Do you actually believe your own words have any credibility?”

“You’re noisy! Ugh… I feel sick… Upuuu“

“Ha?”

“Ororororororororororororo”

She grabbed my shoulder tightly and sprayed vomit all over my face.

Haha, I see. She’s a Yokai, a vomit-spewing creature?

No one in their right mind would vomit on someone they just met. The smell of sour stomach acid filled the air. I don’t see any solid bits, thankfully, but the situation was extremely dire. Of course, my clothes were covered in vomit too.

“Ugh… I feel… urgh!”

The creature squatted again. Without saying anything, I went straight to the convenience store.

Ah, the cashier looked at me unpleasantly. Their piercing gaze hurts. Well, that’s to be expected. If a customer covered in vomit suddenly walks in, it’s shocking. You’re not at fault. I’m the one at fault. No, I’m not! It’s the yokai’s fault. It’s all the monster’s doing!

I bought what I needed and returned to the monster. She was still there, in the same state. I hoped it was an illusion, but it was real. Completely unfair.

“Here, drink this.”

I handed her liver hydrolysate tablets and water.

“Why, these are sleeping pills! You’re underestimating me! If you mess with me, I’ll have you arrested!”

She firmly refused. I snapped.

“Shut uuuuuuuuuuup and drink it, you damn womaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!”

“Fwoah!? Gobobobobobobobobobo!”

I shoved a plastic bottle into her mouth. With pills, too.

“Gogogogogo!? Bufoo! W-Wait, I can’t—Gobobobo.”

“Drink! Drink it all up! Come on, drink it!”

I showed no mercy. The 500 milliliters of water quickly disappeared. What an incredible absorption rate.

The bottle emptied. Before me stood a weakened yokai.

The yokai glared at me with resentment.

“Just you wait, I’ll remember this…”

“Don’t hang around here. Go back and behave yourself.”

Either way, we won’t meet again, so there’s no point in worrying.

This is the last time I will watch the Yokai. I’d like to say that I’m crazy, but I have no connection to Okayama.

Plus, being covered in vomit is disgusting, so I want to get back and take a bath quickly.

As I tried to return to the inn, someone grabbed my leg from behind. Their actions were even more yokai-like.

“Wait!”

“I want to go back soon… Don’t worry, I’m not interested in you.”

“Who do you think I am…”

“Yokai-Faced Vomiting Woman”

“What part of me looks like a yokai?! Even though I seem… Ah!”

“Ah?”

“No… It’s leaking…”

“In that case, I’ll…”

“You’re not getting away!”

The yokai sluggishly crawls closer. It was like watching a complete horror scene. If it weren’t for my incredibly strong mental fortitude, being immune to horror, I’d be in big trouble.

“Hurry! Carry me to the room! It’s your fault, you know!”

“Could this be possession by a spirit?”

It’s that thing you often hear about ghosts. Have I been possessed by a yokai?

Unfortunately, I don’t have any exorcism skills. What should I do?

“No good… I can’t hold it… If that happens, my life is over.”

“Isn’t it already quite over?”

“Shut up! Hurry up and carry me!”

“Even if you say that, I don’t know where the yokai’s dwelling is.”

“It’s not too far, hurry, we can make it!”

The yokai that had attached itself to my back whispers softly in my ear.

“Eh, seriously?”

The yokai’s dwelling was at the same “Unabara Ryokan” where we were staying.

“Uuuuoooooooooooooo!”

“Ahahaha! Faster, faster! Hurry! Oh, I’m starting to feel sick!”

“Don’t vomit! Don’t you dare vomit! Stop it!”

“It feels like it’s coming out from both ends.”

“Keep both ends tightly closed!”

“Who’s being loose? I’m still—urgh… ugh…”

“Gyaaaaaa! It’s warm and smelly! Don’t vomit on my back!”

Racing back on the path with the yokai on my back. It seems like it’s vomiting from my back.

I should have ignored the yokai. I think I’ve had more than enough of a terrible experience. I just went out for a walk, why did this happen?

Returning to the inn, the receptionist stares with shock, but I don’t have time for that. I dash straight to the room the yokai mentioned. The room I’m looking for is close.

“…It’s a close call.”

“What!? Hey, what do you mean by ‘close call’?”

The yokai mutters seriously.

“Yeah yeah, the key.”

“Nooooo! Ugh!”

I try to open the door with the fumbled key, but the yokai’s struggles make it difficult.

“Behave yourself! I’ll leave you behind!”

“I was relieved when I saw the room… That was a mistake. Being careless is the enemy.”

“What are you talking about…”

“Ah♪”

A somewhat warm sensation is transmitted through my back.

“No way… Did it burst?”

“Suu suu.”

“Don’t pretend to be asleep!”

“Haa haa… That was a terrible experience.”

“You finally came back, what happened to you?”

“Uwaaaan! Onee-chan!”

“There, there. I’ll comfort you in bed, come here.”

“Darn it. It’s not going well here either.”

I threw the yokai into the room and crawl back with a tired body.

All’s well that ends well, but it’s the worst ending.

Whether the yokai is alone or not, there’s no one in the room. It sleeps with a satisfied expression, ignorant of our presence. I can’t change its clothes, and there’s nothing I can do.

I had to leave it lying there. All I gained was fatigue and clothes soaked in filth. I need to wash them; otherwise, the smell will be unbearable.

“What really happened? It smells weird.”

“I’m well aware.”

Fortunately, it seems this inn has a coin laundry. I’ll go wash them later.

“Mom fell asleep. She was waiting for you.”

It seems she’s tired from work and house chores. My mother is peacefully snoring. I’m always grateful for her care, sending my thoughts of thanks.

“Sorry. I was planning to come back earlier, but I got possessed by a yokai…”

“A yokai?”

“I’ll take a bath.”

Having a hot spring in the room is nice. It’s still summer, but getting sweaty at this hour isn’t ideal. I’m exhausted. I’ve never been this tired even during club activities.

Muscles I don’t usually use are stiff. I immerse myself in the hot spring and take a deep breath.

“Fue. Is this what a family trip is like?”

It’s my first experience, but family trips seem quite challenging. I never thought it would be this tough. Honestly, I can’t relax at all. Unexpected things keep happening one after another.

“I’ll wash your back.”

The voice’s owner is undoubtedly my sister.

Yes, unexpected things keep happening like this!

It seems even now I won’t get a moment of peace.

My name is Yukito Kokonoe and I am Japanese.

My sister, Yuri Kokonoe and is also Japanese.

Things I’ve always taken for granted might be different after all.

As the establishment of the Kamakura Shogunate changed from 1192 to 1185, common sense can always be overturned by a single trigger. I wonder if the teacher who once proudly said, “Let’s make a great country, the Kamakura Shogunate,” turned bright red or maybe even blue in the face.

I continue to question the common sense of the world. It seems there’s no rest for a man like me, Yukito Kokonoe.

I can’t help but suspect that perhaps Japanese communication isn’t working between us. I’ve had instances where my words didn’t quite get through before. However, even if communication isn’t working well, my sister is a woman.

Would it be reasonable for her, even as my sister, to deliberately enter a bath knowing a man is inside? No, it wouldn’t be (sarcastically). But wait a moment?

Then, I realized one possibility. This was also a result of questioning common sense.

“Could it be that Yuri-san isn’t my sister but my brother?”

“‘It’s sister.'”

“My deductions seem to have returned to the starting point…”

“Come here, I’ll wash your head.”

I tried asking straightforwardly, as escapism had reached its limit.

“Um, even though it’s a room bath, it doesn’t mean it’s a mixed bath…”

“It’s a mixed bath.”

“I don’t think it was described that way…”

“It’s a mixed bath.”

“Then at least with a towel…”

“Even though it’s a mixed bath?”

“Seems like I’m not getting through!”

“Ha? Aren’t you happy?”

“Yes.”

*Sobbing*… My sister, who had come in boldly nude, sits on a chair and taps her knees. She seems to want me to come over. The importance of gestures remains constant.

I was getting used to this cross-cultural communication with my sister. I’m a man who absorbs things like a sponge. Especially in the bath.

“By the way, what happened to you earlier? You smelled weird.”

“I was attacked by a yokai-faced vomiting woman.”

“What’s that?”

“I can sense yokai aura.”

“Even if you tell me that…”

She washes my head vigorously. Honestly, I’m grateful. I need to keep my focus on the conversation; otherwise, I might accidentally see something I shouldn’t. But truthfully, I’m looking.

Even when she was giving me a massage, I was looking. It’s too late to change now. The usual battle between the angel and demon in my mind always ends with the demon winning. Gehehehe…

It might be time for me to awaken to a state of calm clarity, but there’s no sign of it. I had a pretty rough time just stepping outside, but the yokai was safely subdued in the room, so it should be fine. I’ve learned from Sekka-san that involving oneself with drunks never ends well. Sekka-san gets tipsy with just a little alcohol, but when she does, I’m sure to be affected. Why, why…

When I explain the journey with the yokai to my sister, her serious expression becomes even more severe.

“Haa. Haven’t I always told you not to get involved with weird women?”

“It’s seared into my memory. Especially now.”

“Ha?”

“I’m trembling with delight!”

“I’m an exception because of special handling.”

As a bonus, she washes my back too. I might not be able to do this all alone, so it’s quite a valuable experience. Even though similar things happen occasionally at home.

Wait a moment! Her hand, that… That’s… Eek!

“Well, I can wash myself in the front.”

“What have you been learning all this while?”

“That is true.”

“So, it’s not an issue.”

“T-T-T-T-there’s definitely something wrong here!”

After gnawing at my nerves and being thoroughly washed all over. Shikushiku…

“Ah, it feels nice, doesn’t it?”

“Why is it hard for you to nod in agreement?”

I soak in the bathtub. My fatigue has reached its peak. I don’t want to leave like this.

The potent spring melts away the tension in my body. It’s perfect for recovering from fatigue, but whether this exhaustion was originally something I should bear remains a mystery.

“Is the family trip enjoyable?”

My sister, soaking beside me, murmurs quietly.

“I’ve come to realize the severity of a family trip.”

“…That’s just you.”

Enjoyable… Was it enjoyable for me? It was just a single day, but looking back, it was undoubtedly tough. Yet, soaking in this hot spring feels wonderful. If I look up, the moon shines in the pitch-black sky.

I turn my gaze towards my sister. Her eyes are as sharp as ever, but the corners seem slightly downturned, softening her gaze a bit.

Come to think of it, Mom and my sister seemed to be having a lot of fun. It felt like they were really enjoying themselves.

If that’s the case, then the family trip is a success. My opinion doesn’t matter there.

If everyone is having a good time, that’s all that matters, and all I can do is do whatever I can for that purpose. I’ll put in all my effort to ensure they have fun.

Lost in these thoughts, I realize my sister has moved directly in front of me. Her eyes are peering at me, as if probing for something, not letting me escape.

“Uhm, there’s something I wanted to ask.”

“W-what is it?”

“…Why didn’t you go on the school trip?”

“The school trip?”

Hmm? Come to think of it, my sister mentioned something like that a bit during dinner too.

“Well… there isn’t really a deep reason for it.”

“That’s it. It’s strange that there isn’t a profound reason. Yet you didn’t go. Why?”

I trace back my memories. I didn’t go on the junior high school trip.

I had forgotten even making that choice, and I wouldn’t have remembered if it hadn’t been brought up. There wasn’t anything special about it. Slowly, the memory returns. It’s really trivial.

If I had to say, it was because it seemed best. There was no other reason.

As the date of the school trip approached, the homeroom teacher advised me, “Make sure not to cause any trouble.” Later, the grade chief said the same thing, but it was only natural for teachers to say that.

I had caused enough trouble, and the school trip was a significant event for the teachers too. The stress they faced was immeasurable. It would’ve put a strain on their nerves too.

I’m filled with a sense of remorse. Even if it’s coming from me, I’d say I have bad luck. It made me think. If I hadn’t gone, there wouldn’t have been any trouble.

I could’ve avoided causing any extra burden, and the teachers wouldn’t have had to worry unnecessarily. It was a win-win situation. I was confident that they would be pleased, but for some reason, her attitude suddenly changed, and she insisted that I participate.

Suddenly, she apologized, and I was left perplexed.

Even if someone tells me later that I’ll regret it, without any particular attachment to the school trip, if not going would let everyone else enjoy it, it seemed the most reasonable decision.

No one suffered any losses, only gains. In fact, even now, I don’t regret it, and considering it was fading from my memory, it wasn’t a wrong choice.

Honestly, it’s such a boring episode that it’s not even worth mentioning now.

Lost in my thoughts, my gaze wandered aimlessly through the void.

As I finished my journey through memories, I returned to consciousness.

“…Nee-san?”

Tears overflowed in my sister’s eyes. Her hand touched her forehead.

“Why are you like this!? Are you forbidden from feeling happiness, Yukito? Don’t you think there might be someone wishing for your happiness just like you wishes for someone else, Yukito?”

Her emotions collided, raw feelings unafraid of being hurt.

Yet, I didn’t sense the cold resolve she had when she pushed me away that time.

I couldn’t understand. What was she saying? Why was she upset?

But it felt warm. Was it from the hot spring’s effect or my sister’s body heat?

A slight click, as if something fell into place.

Suddenly, I understood. Right now, I must be… being scolded.

I had never been scolded by Mom or my sister before.

So, if I did something wrong, who would teach me? Someone who takes it so seriously. So desperately.

My sister was angry. At me, who was utterly hopeless.

――And then, I finally realized. This was what family meant.

“Why do you study, exercise, do house chores? For whom?”

The moonlight illuminated my sister. The fleeting silhouette reflected was sacred, akin to Artemis from mythology, just pure beauty.

Unable to comprehend the intent behind her question, I gave an obvious answer.

“Well… for myself, maybe?”

“…Really?”

I couldn’t discern what my sister was implying. Come to think of it, I’ve never really understood anything before.

My sister is thoughtful. It’s impossible for someone like me to fathom what lies in her heart.

“Is there anything else?”

“Well, yes. Truly. But at some point, you stopped trusting anyone. No, maybe it’s different. You stopped needing anyone. You don’t expect anything from anyone and don’t ask for anything. That’s why you try to do everything yourself. That’s what makes you lonely.”

Thinking about it, that might be true. But there’s something I don’t understand.

“…Is that a problem?”

“Every time you sought something, everyone betrayed you entirely. Then you started to think that was natural, that it was normal. I know it’s too late to say something like this now. But I can’t stand it anymore!”

I didn’t want to see my sister’s sad face. Come to think of it, her smiles lately were awkward at best. She tried to show the results of her efforts, and those smiles were a comfort to me. I thought I finally got them back, those smiles, but now…

“You remember when I asked you before, right? What will you do after graduation? You didn’t give a specific answer. But you’re always studying so diligently. Why? Is there something you want to aim for in the future?”

“To avoid causing trouble…”

“Even with the nails. You learned and practiced something I casually mentioned. I’m grateful for that. Thank you, always. But why?”

“? Because it’s the only thing I can do.”

That’s just how it is. Whether at school or at home, I’ve been a constant bother to my family. Especially for my sister, who goes to the same school. The unpleasant things I caused her wouldn’t have been resolved with just one or two instances. That’s why I wanted to repay that favor…

“Neither I nor mom think you’re a bother. But even if I say that… I know it won’t reach you. Because the truth is, we—”

Frustrated, she grimaced and clenched her fist, striking the water’s surface.

“But I want you to notice. Even though you don’t expect anything from anyone, you try to answer someone’s needs. Don’t you think that’s unfair?”

She approached me. The distance closed, her chest almost in front of my eyes. Large.

Her hand gently lifted my bangs and rested against my forehead.

“The scar won’t disappear.”

“I’m sorry for showing you something unpleasant.”

“…As long as you keep forgiving me, I won’t forgive myself.”

Her fingers traced the scar ever so delicately, as if touching something fragile, about two centimeters long along my hairline. It was the scar I got when I fell from the playground equipment. It’s usually hidden by my hair. Hinagi probably doesn’t know about it.

“It’s not noticeable so it’s okay.”

“That’s not it! Because you’re like that, I… Listen, Yukito, I… I’m okay with whatever happens to me because of you. It doesn’t matter what it is.”

“Can I touch your br*ast?”

“Sure.”

“My apologies, I misspoke.”

It was an immediate response. Obviously, that wasn’t the intention. I just blurted it out. But, well, what can I do? It’s right there!

I’ve been trying to divert my gaze somehow since earlier, but I can’t look away. It’s captivating. Because it’s a chest. Is this what they call its charm…?

“I… I’m scared of your dedication. Always giving without expecting anything in return. If you keep doing that, someday, you’ll end up hating everything, won’t you?”

With her hand still on the scar, she leans forward. Her eyes are moist. A deep, obsidian-like black. We’re in the hot spring. I hardly feel any weight. It’s improper to discuss a woman’s weight, so let’s leave it, but I can directly feel the warmth from her body, heated up.

“Hey, tell me. The truth. About that day. What happened afterward. When I tried to… When you were gone. It’s not something that can be forgiven. It’s not resolved by apologizing. But it’s always been a question. When the call came, where were you…”

Even if I were to dig through the muck of my deepest memories seeking answers, nothing would change.

It’s all in the past. She regrets it. She still regrets it.

――My sister has suffered enough. There’s no need for more.

However, even so—

Why, despite that—

“Could it be that you were taken away by someone?”

[Yuri PoV]

The suspicion that I’ve been carrying all along. Only my brother knows about it. Even if that were true, it wouldn’t lessen the weight of the guilt I carried. But perhaps, it might increase it, with another sin I committed.

Out of sheer terror, I couldn’t even touch upon it. Officially, there’s no sign of any incident, mainly because my brother himself denied that possibility.

At that time, my brother replied as follows, seamlessly, as if he had it all prepared. He was playing alone, fell from the playground equipment, and got lost on his way home.

There’s no mention of me. He kept silent about it completely. He defended the me who was supposed to kill him. So, only the family knows the truth. But even I didn’t know something.

What happened after I pushed him that day? The blank six days. I tried to kill my brother, and then he was gone. He suffered severe injuries and disappeared, and it took nearly a week to reunite with him. He was alive, but the cost was far too high.

A scar that would last a lifetime. He stopped smiling and stopped calling me Nee-san. My brother was found in the neighboring town. Our town is relatively large, and even calling it a neighboring town, it’s not a distance a severely injured child could walk. And where he was found was definitely not a place where a child would be alone.

So, why was he there?

I wanted to believe that nothing had happened. In fact, my brother says nothing happened. Yet, I couldn’t stop doubting.

Perhaps it’s just my paranoia. Perhaps what I’m seeing is just an illusion fueled by my desire for punishment. But I couldn’t shake it off.

My brother doesn’t lie. He’s a very honest and sweet child. But that only applies to himself. For someone else, to protect someone, my brother lies calmly. He conceals the truth and covers everything with fiction.

As a result, no matter how much he hurts himself, my brother doesn’t care. He’s relentlessly self-punishing and doesn’t shy away from sacrificing himself.

I only recently realized this about him. That’s why the doubt that I had tried to extinguish, something that shouldn’t exist, once again resurfaced in my mind.

—Whether he might have actually been taken away by someone.