V5Ch1: Opposite Part 2

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Translator: Soafp

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“Delicious, Onii-sama!”

Kikyo-chan beamed with a smile.

Good, good, eat lots of meat and grow taller, okay?

“It seems my cooking skills have improved a lot.”

“This is sukiyaki.”

Tonight's dinner at the Kokonoe family's home was sukiyaki. The table was livelier than usual with more people. Although Yuri was boasting, I couldn't see how sukiyaki showcased her cooking skills.

All she did was put the ingredients into the pot. She didn't even cut the ingredients. Using knives is dangerous, and it's better if I handle such tasks. Yuri is clumsy, after all.

“Tsk. I could have shown more skill with shabu-shabu,”

Yuri-san spat out. She was showing a mysterious obsession with shabu-shabu.

“No way… Shabu-shabu is scary… meat… human meat… human meat hamburgers…”

“What's wrong, Yukito? Do you have some bad memories about shabu-shabu?”

Mother asked, looking puzzled as I trembled.

Initially, we had suggested having shabu-shabu because it's light and suitable for summer, but I had firmly rejected it. I could easily guess what might happen if we had shabu-shabu.

“It's not so much a bad memory as it is a sweet memory…”

“Sweet? Oh, that's right. I bought some pudding! It's a limited edition, and there was just one left.”

Mother's announcement brought a flashback to my memory.

“Pudding!? Pudding is scary… squishy… caramel is sweet. So that wasn't pudding—”

“Are you hiding something?”

“Ha!? I don't know about human meat pudding—”

“Hmm. Human meat pudding, huh? Was it good?”

“It was.”

Needless to say.

“Capture them!”

“Damn you, King Chu!”

Yuri, with her sharp intuition, interrogated me. I almost dropped the caramel face-first.

That was a dream. I must have stumbled into the land of dreams. I feel like I made some extremely dangerous promise with Himiyama-san and Sanjoji-Sensei, but it's probably just a dream.

It's also a dream that the biggest crisis of my life is approaching in two years. Dreams are so convenient! I can only hope Sanjoji-sensei's matchmaking goes well.

“By the way, where will this child sleep?”

After being relentlessly grilled about the pudding, Yuri-san changed the topic. I was in for a two-hour ASMR lecture later. I'd pay for that.

“I-I don't mind where I sleep. I'm like a pet, so I'm fine with the balcony!”

“The balcony? You'll catch a cold sleeping there. Look, your hand.”

“Is that the issue?”

Yuri-san said something nonsensical, but the balcony is essentially a case of abuse and would warrant a report.

Kikyo-chan was also obediently giving her hand. I had no idea why she was doing that.

“Why not just let her sleep in my room?”

Since we live in a condominium, there was no guest room. Occasionally, Sekka-san would stay over, but she always ended up staying in my room. It's a common occurrence. (Crying heavily)

“Onii-sama!? Is it really too soon to share a bed…”

Share a bed? No, I was planning to sleep on the sofa in the living room—

“Well, it can't be helped. You'll sleep in my room tonight. You can use this child's room.”

“Ara, Yuri. I think Yukito would be better off in my room.”

“Haa? What are you saying? There’s no way my little brother is that much of a mama’s boy.”

“Honestly, what are you saying? We're family. It's not something to exaggerate like being a mama's boy—”

Mother looked exasperated. I quickly interjected.

“I am a mama's boy, though.”

After all, I care about my mother. There’s nothing to be ashamed of.

“…I understand your feelings. Let's have some pudding later.”

My mother looked so happy. Her sunflower-like smile was dazzling.

“At the same time, I'm also a sis-con.”

Naturally, I care deeply about my sister as well. She looked pleased too.

“I understand your feelings. Let's have some pudding with your big sister later.”

Family is something to be cherished. And now that I realize that I've been cherished by my family, I understand that I must be worthy of that affection. I should return unconditional love with something of value.

My proud mother and my proud sister. If there's anything I can be proud of, it's my family.

As I quietly made this decision, Kikyo-chan opened her mouth with a serious expression.

“—If Onii-sama is a siscon, does that mean I fall into that category too?”

“No, you don't.”

In the end, we decided to decide by competing in a “Kimono Belt Twisting Contest” after dinner. Huuuhhhh.

---

[Kikyo PoV]

“…Family time, huh?”

With a splash, I sank into the bath. A wave of exhaustion washed over me. It felt like all the accumulated fatigue was being rinsed away, and a strong drowsiness hit me.

“Kind and beautiful half-mother.”

Her beauty was captivating. My half-older sister was incredibly beautiful, and I found myself mesmerized.

But what struck me the most was how dearly Onii-sama was loved by his family. The warmth and affection in their gazes toward him were simply enviable.

The contrast with my indifferent mother made me feel even more despondent. If only I could be loved like that…

Onii-sama's home was surprisingly comfortable. It didn't naturally become that way everywhere. The atmosphere was created because everyone was filled with mutual consideration.

The tears fell again as I compared it to my harsh home. I've been crying almost constantly since I arrived here.

I poked at a rubber duck floating in the bath with my fingertip.

“What do you think, Duck-san?”

The duck just stared at me silently. Maybe it had no answer.

“I wonder if they're worried now…”

I'm now regretting doing something so drastic. I had never thought of running away before. I've become a full-blown delinquent.

It was my first act of rebellion against my parents. I don't even know what's in the letter Onii-sama told me to leave behind. Perhaps things have become chaotic.

“No, that's not true. Mother isn't interested in me…”

I denied that thought myself. Mother wanted Onii-sama, not me. I'm a failure and useless. I can't replace him.

In fact, it's possible they might even be relieved that I'm gone.

There was no place for me in that house. There was no family—there wasn't any.

So, where is my place?

---

“These are some clothes. They’re my old ones, but I don’t wear them anymore.”

“Thank you very much.”

When I got out of the bath, Yuri, my half sister, had prepared some pajamas for me. It was hard to believe that someone could be so beautiful without any makeup. The term “beautiful” was made for people like her.

“Hey, you.”

Her voice was harsh, and I instinctively tensed up. I knew I wasn't welcomed. To the residents of this house, I was an outsider who had brought trouble, and to make matters worse, I was the daughter of someone they despised.

I was someone who could easily be viewed as an enemy, perhaps even less trustworthy than a complete stranger.

“Yes?”

I was used to harsh words. My mother always spoke to me like that. It couldn't be helped. I was the one at fault. Unable to meet even my mother's expectations, I couldn't meet anyone's expectations.

“That child is very kind.”

The weight of the emotion behind those words took my breath away. There was a certain finality that made it clear I wasn't allowed to simply agree without understanding. I was overcome with extreme tension, unable to speak.

“I dislike you. Do you know why?”

“…No.”

The sharp words pierced me. It might have been the first time someone told me directly that they disliked me.

I wasn't shocked. I was able to accept such blunt words more straightforwardly than I had expected.

People hide their true feelings. They live using a facade, distinguishing between what they show and what they really feel. It's only natural that friends might speak ill of you behind your back.

That's how people are: deceitful, scheming, and selfish. They are inherently untrustworthy.

If people act deceitfully, no one gets hurt. Yet, my half-sister,

“But this might just be a preconceived notion. That's why I want to ask you. Have you fought?”

“Fought?”

My half-sister words were difficult for me to understand. Who was I supposed to fight? My mother? My father? Or an enemy?

“That child is kind, so if you ask for help, he will respond. He will handle your problems. It's not difficult. It was right for you to rely on him.”

Being told it was the right choice didn't make me feel any better.

“I…”

“I think it's been hard for you. I believe you've been suffering and feeling sad in your own way. It's not wrong to escape and seek help. It's not wrong, but!”

My half-sister took a deep breath to calm herself.

“You must fight against the injustice yourself if you want to move forward.”

She placed a towel on my head and began to dry me off vigorously. The familiarity brought back nostalgic feelings.

I used to be dried off like this after taking a bath with my mother.

Just having someone do this for me brought a sense of comfort.

“Fighting against injustice…”

I recalled words from the past. I was told to become strong and not lose to injustice. Yet, I remained weak.

“I won't permit you to be someone who just takes advantage of his kindness without giving anything back.”

“Yes.”

Faced with such commanding words, I could only nod in agreement.

I had made every effort possible, but it was never enough to earn recognition.

That realization was painful, and I couldn't bear it, eventually giving up and clinging to hope.

But perhaps that was just accepting injustice.

“Uhm! Is there a way for me to fight too?”

There was no way my half-sister could answer my question. Even so, I couldn’t help but ask.

“Try looking at him closely, and also observe the people around him.”

After finishing drying me off, my half-sister left the changing room.

“Well then, good night. Go to bed early, Pochi.”

I was being treated like a pet. Strangely, I didn't feel any discomfort about it.

“Close around Onii-sama?”

I understand my Onii-sama. He's the one causing all the commotion. His actions are on a whole different level.

But could there be some important hint hidden in the people around him?

I don't know who else is around him besides my brother-in-law.

“Good night.”

— For now, I just wanted to sleep without thinking about anything.

---

[Yukito PoV]

A small, red tongue flickered in and out of view. It gave me a peculiar sense of guilt and excitement.

Mom was licking a tube-like stick.

It looked just like Shakado’s lizard I saw licking up water.

Noticing that I was staring intently, Mom's cheeks flushed red.

“What's the matter? Stop staring so much. It's a bit embarrassing. But this is really delicious. It's exactly to my taste. And it's good for my health too.”

“Amino acids, of course, but also royal jelly, B vitamins, and ten kinds of medicinal ingredients.”

“Haa. As always, it's so sophisticated. My cooking skills are nowhere near yours.”

“I just like doing it. I want you to stay healthy forever.”

“Yukito…”

Mom, in her nightgown, embraced me. I could smell the pleasant scent of shampoo.

The intense “Kimono Belt Twisting Contest” ended with Mom as the clear winner. I thought I'd be the one spinning the belt, but instead, I was the one being spun. Even I, who had trained my sense of balance, couldn't keep up, and I ended up dizzy like the chairman. I'll practice spinning in preparation for the future.

With the winner decided, I'm now sleeping in Mom's room. By the way, Mom is currently licking the health food I developed, 【Mother Chu~ru】.

Originally, I created 【Sister Chu~ru】 to deal with my increasingly kiss-happy sister, but since it turned out so well, I made a version for Mom too. Mom is quite a kiss enthusiast herself.

When my sister says something like “chu,” I can quickly offer it as a substitute. The effect is outstanding. Of course, each flavor is adjusted to suit individual preferences.

Mom had a serious illness. Since then, I've been learning about medicinal cuisine, and this food is perfect for conveniently supplementing nutrients that are often lacking in a diet.

Currently, I'm also planning a second and third version, but first, developing 【Aunt Chu~ru】 is an urgent task.

Please, don't let my sister become like that!

“What about Kikyo-chan?”

Mom sighed softly and tilted her head. This all started because of me. I never intended to trouble Mom, but she's an adult. I feel sorry for burdening her with unnecessary responsibility. I hope to resolve the problem as quickly as possible and bring the commotion to a close.

“She's your half-sister, but I'm sorry. I can't be that accommodating. You and Yuri are my precious children, but she's different. …Even if she is that man's child.”

It sounds cold, but her judgment is extremely reasonable. To Mom, she's just a stranger, and there's no reason to help her. There's a clear distinction between blood relatives and everyone else.

The uneasy wavering seen in the depths of Mom's eyes wasn't directed at the old man. Mom doesn't shy away from confronting him. The icy malice she displayed when she met him was genuine. If he interferes, she would ruthlessly crush him.

If there’s anything that makes Mom anxious, it’s me.

“You never showed your face when you were suffering, and now, of all times, that scum—”

“It's okay, Mom. Negative emotions aren't good for your health. Here, lick this.”

“Yeah, lick it,” chupa chupa.

I quickly handed over the 【Mother Chu~ru】 to distract Mom from her renewed anger towards the old man. Mom licked it, and I was impressed by how well this could be used (fascinating).

“I was expecting a more tragic situation, but it seems simpler than I thought.”

“Is that so? I don't know what to do at all.”

Mom shrugged. To put it clearly, this is a clash between mother and daughter. And neither side is filled with hatred for the other. It's a mother who relies on her child and a daughter who can't bear the pressure anymore.

“It seems like, despite acting all high and mighty as the mastermind, the old man is just floundering around.”

Mom chuckled at my blunt comment. However, the situation was significantly worsened by the lies the old man told. He had to make a choice: either stick to the lie until the end or reveal the truth. The indecision, I suppose, must have also tormented Tsubaki-san.

“That old man doesn't have the qualities to be a mastermind.”

“Maybe he's like those characters in disaster movies who make things worse for profit.”

“Don't those characters usually die halfway through?”

Mom laughed softly. Recently, she'd been on edge because of the old man, and her electric-like tension was affecting me as well. It's strange how things that didn't bother me before now seem so significant.

“In the end, that man just tried to dump the resolution on you. Pathetic.”

“It doesn't help to worry about it.”

If I could correct the misunderstandings, the situation might resolve itself.

Some rough remedies might be needed, but the path forward was beginning to take shape.

“That’s why I want you to tell me about that old man’s father, my grandfather.”

I'm not unfortunate or pitiful. I'm just exceptionally unlucky.

I don't deserve pity or sympathy. No compassion is needed.

At this very moment, I can assert that I'm happy.

—Even if the old man isn't part of it.

---

“By the way, how’s the preparation for your independence going?”

“Hmm, there have been some unexpected developments.”

“Something troublesome?”

I raised an eyebrow at the unexpected response. I was just casually asking about the progress, but it seemed like some trouble had arisen. Preparing for independence must indeed be quite challenging.

“Remember the person you recommended?”

“You mean the intern? Sorry if that was too difficult.”

It’s about Mio-san. The recent shortage of personnel has impacted various industries, and Mom’s company is no exception. That’s why I had suggested Mio-san for the internship, but perhaps it was a bit too forceful.

I should visit Mio-san with some sweets later to apologize for the disappointment.

“That’s not it. Actually, it’s quite a fortunate situation, but since I'm going to be independent, I planned to leave the role to Hiiragi, whom I'm training as my successor. But she just announced that she's retiring to get married.”

“Oh, I see! I should send her a congratulations email later.”

Hiiragi-san is one of Mom’s subordinates, and I've met her once.

“Wait a minute. How do you know Hiiragi’s contact information?”

“Oh, right. Here, try this new flavor I'm developing! Lick it.”

I quickly shoved the 【Mother Chu~ru – Purple Sweet Potato Flavor】 into Mom’s mouth to distract her.

“Got it. Lick it,” chupa chupa.

Phew, I managed to avert the crisis for now.

“I see, Hiiragi-san is leaving the company.”

In recent years, more companies are enhancing their benefits, and understanding of parental leave has improved. However, if she’s retiring to become a full-time housewife, it might be what she's planning.

“Well, after she retires, she wants to work with me.”

“Ah.”

That could indeed be a problematic situation. Generally, it's not well-regarded to poach colleagues or subordinates when starting a new venture.

Companies invest significant costs in hiring and training employees, and having them easily poached can be quite frustrating.

On the other hand, the law guarantees “freedom of occupation,” so there's no reason to criticize job changes from that perspective.

“So, she plans to enjoy her newlywed life before returning?”

“Something like that. …She's a troublesome child.”

Despite the words, Mom seemed somewhat pleased. It's a sign of how much she's cherished.

If it's after her resignation, it wouldn't count as poaching, and by waiting a certain period, the “non-compete obligation” can be avoided. Mom won't act immediately; there should be plenty of time before Hiiragi-san returns. So, Mio-san can't be handed over to Hiiragi-san.

“By the way, Hiiragi suggested inviting that girl as well.”

“Eh!?”

I accidentally dropped the 【Yukito Chu~ru】 I was licking in shock.

“Don't worry. It's just a light suggestion. I'll make sure she can get a proper job.”

“It seems like a grand plan is unfolding without me knowing…”

I licked the 【Yukito Chu~ru – Golden Apple Flavor】 to hide my unease. It's delicious.

Mom is exceptional. Whatever choice Mio-san makes, she'll manage it well.

“I wish I could make wise decisions like you.”

Mom gently leaned against my shoulder. Her delicate fingers intertwined with mine.

“The only people I can be responsible for are my family. Yukito and Yuri are the best I can handle. That’s all I can handle. But you’re different. Not with me, a tiny person, and not with that man who can do nothing but spread misery.”

“Actually, we're the same.”

I had only ever seen sadness and tears. For a long time, that was the norm for me. It was only recently that I came to understand the beauty and value of a smile.

I was never sad myself. But everyone around me was crying during that time.

“It’s different. Because right now, I'm so happy.”

Mom tightened her grip with her fingertips. I could feel her warmth.

I'm like that old man. I shouldn't be interacting with others; I'm the type of person who only causes others to be sad.

“Thank you for growing into such a strong child.”

A person can live alone. They don't need others, and others don't need them, remaining in solitude.

Everyone should aim for that. Reject all interference and act on one's own will.

But that sounds lonely. It doesn't sound fun.

The strongest mental state is—something that doesn't make anyone happy.

“I'll figure something out. —So that my half-sister can smile.”

“Mm.”

With a rustling sound, our silhouettes quietly overlapped. The weight of responsibility pressing down was comforting.

---

Late at night, as I left Mom’s bedroom to go to the bathroom, I noticed light leaking from my room. I knocked and called out. I value manners.

“I’m going to mess up personal belongings for a wake-up prank now.”

“I'm so sorry! I'll go to bed immediately!”

A small, hurried voice replied. I opened the door and went inside.

“Could it be that you're the type who can't sleep because the bed is too big?”

“Onii-sama? Uhm, isn't that a pillow…?”

My little sister seemed confused on the bed, which was far too large for one person. It's understandable; even in my own room, I still feel uneasy. Why is this bed so huge!

“It feels like I'm in some sort of surreal world. It might be rude, but for your room, Onii-sama, it's quite feminine. And what's with that poster…?”

“Oh, this? An A1-sized poster of Mom and a sister poster (mixed bath edition).”

On one wall of my room, there was a huge poster that half-sister pointed to.

“This poster hides an incredible secret.”

I took the hair dryer, which was placed as if it were normal, and blew warm air on the poster. The pattern on the poster began to change.

“Science is amazing!”

My little sister was surprised. Of course she was. I had the same reaction at first.

This poster was made with thermal printing, and although it hides the body with a yellow towel because it's a mixed bath, warming it up makes it transparent.

It's a display of dedication and obsession. Why did I get so serious about something like this?

“But why!?”

“This phenomenon is called thermochromism, and it uses special thermochromic ink.”

“No, that’s not what I meant. I am curious about that too, but!?”

I started explaining the phenomenon with enthusiasm, but it seemed it wasn't needed. What a shame.

I turned off the hair dryer and sat on the bed, observing little sister's face, which was tensed up.

“Shall I make some barley tea?”

I went to the living room, took barley tea from the fridge, poured it into a glass, and returned to the room.

“…Thank you.”

She accepted it hesitantly and took a small sip. A quiet moment followed, and silence continued for a while.

But I know that this silence is important. Just waiting is enough. We have time.

Whenever I exchanged words with people or talked with Mom and others, Kikyo-chan's expressions often showed fear and doubt. There were moments when she hesitated and struggled internally.

Once, Sekka-san told me something. Parents who lament that their children don’t talk to them often don't actually want to listen. Looking back, there is truth to that.

Listening to someone means literally hearing what they have to say. It sounds simple, but it's something many people fail at.

When conversations are interrupted or personal opinions are asserted, eventually the person giving the talk feels it's pointless to continue.

Even when they want to be heard, they sense that the other person isn't interested. People are more sensitive and perceptive than one might think.

People tend to give advice on what should be done or what could be done, but there is a big difference between seeking advice and just listening.

Especially in parent-child relationships, parents often view their children as immature. Since they see themselves as adults, they tend to act superior, which can become a heavy burden for the child.

In such an environment, children eventually come to understand and resign themselves to the fact that their words won't be listened to, that it's pointless to speak up.

Kikyo-chan was afraid. She feared disappointment. She worried about being rejected or misunderstood when she tried to communicate. Therefore, I said nothing. What was needed was patience.

Thinking back, Sekka-san had always listened earnestly, but she never said anything. She just quietly received what I had to say. Perhaps that was the best approach.

“Take your time. So—”

With her head down, little sister began to slowly let her words trickle out.

---

[Kikyo PoV]

---

I desperately and clumsily conveyed my current situation to my beloved Onii-sama. I was frantic.

Whether it was his skill in listening or something else, my words just kept flowing. This was the first time I had talked so much.

I revealed feelings I had kept hidden and never shared with anyone before. Just doing that made my heart feel lighter. It became clear to me that what I wanted was a supporter.

Onii-sama had nothing to do with this situation. I felt pained for having involved him.

But Mother was seeking Onii-sama, not me. And so was Father.

The root of the problem was the lie Father told about Mother. —It was a kind lie.

Yet, it became poison, eroding our family.

Now, there was only Onii-sama left to rely on. I had no intention of belittling Father.

However, Father, who had abandoned everything, and Onii-sama, who was trying to protect everything — they were opposites in nature.

The lies Father told to save Mother had instead caused her suffering.

Even so, Mother had been doing her best in her own way. I have no doubt about that. It was only my fault that I couldn't respond. Recently, though, the balance had collapsed, and the situation was getting worse.

Our family was falling apart, and my strained heart was crying out in its limits.

I trembled with my own helplessness, standing still and unable to do anything.

Without even knowing the reason for the change.

What I needed now was Onii-sama's help. The stories I heard from friends about Onii-sama were hard to believe.

What I held in my heart was admiration. I trusted that Onii-sama would definitely find a way to fix things.

—Onii-sama who had helped me alone on that day when I was lost.

“I don't mind what happens to me. But, please, just save Mother—”

—With unwavering determination, I continued to seek Onii-sama's presence.