V5Ch4: Family Part 1

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Translator: Soafp

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[Shiori PoV]

After taking a shower, I had come to Yuki’s apartment. There was something I desperately wanted him to hear, and I had run all the way here, driven by a sense of urgency.

Consultation? No, that’s not right.

It was a declaration of determination. I wanted to convey these feelings to him more than anyone else. I had tried contacting Yuki, but he wasn’t answering, and my messages weren’t even marked as read. That worried me too.

“It’s been a while since I last came here.”

The last time was on Valentine’s Day. Back then, Yuri-san had scolded me harshly. I placed a hand on my rapidly beating chest, feeling the pounding like a fast drum. Taking a deep breath, I gathered my resolve and rang the doorbell.

There was a sound of footsteps, and then the door opened with a click.

“Yes, who is it?”

“Huh?”

I let out a rather foolish sound at the sight of the beautiful girl, who looked like a Japanese doll, standing before me.

“Eeeeeeeh?! Yuki’s little sister?!”

“Yes. We have different mothers, though.”

Yuki’s mother wasn’t home, possibly because of work, and Yuri-san was also absent. I was unsure whether I should just go in, but the cute girl who introduced herself as Kikyo Touren easily welcomed me inside. It also became clear why Yuki had been out of touch recently. He had been busy taking care of his little sister.

Her surprising introduction left me gaping. Heh, how unladylike of me. But, I mean, I had never heard anything about Yuki having a little sister!

This would be a massive scoop that would dominate school gossip for at least three months. Yuki and Yuri-san were incredibly famous siblings at school.

Either one of them being the topic of conversation was common, but with the addition of a sister, it would be unmanageable… Moreover, they’re half-siblings.

Perhaps noticing my dazed expression, Kikyo-chan brought up a topic to help.

“You’re Shiori-senpai, right? I’ve heard about you from Onii-sama.”

“Yuki talked about me?”

My heart skipped a beat. Yuki wasn’t the type to speak ill of others behind their backs. That was reassuring, but I couldn’t help but be curious about what he had said.

“Can I ask what he said?”

When I asked, Kikyo-chan readily told me.

“Yes. He said you’re the second biggest in the class.”

“I regret asking!”

It’s true, but still… That’s true, but couldn’t he have mentioned something else? Yuki, you idiot!

“I’m envious.”

Kikyo-chan, who had looked a bit down, suddenly perked up, her face brightening as if she remembered something.

“Why are you here, Shiori Onee-sama?”

She tilted her head slightly, looking puzzled. She really was as cute as a doll.

“I wanted to tell Yuki something, but if he’s not here, I guess there’s nothing I can do.”

“Something to tell him—could it be a confession?”

“Eh?! No, no! Besides, I’ve already been rejected.”

I hurriedly denied the word “confession” that Kikyo-chan had just mentioned.

“I-I’m sorry.”

Seeing Kikyo-chan’s awkward expression, I tried to clear up the misunderstanding.

“I’m not capable of making Yuki happy right now.”

“Eh?”

Even if I confessed now, Yuki wouldn’t accept it. From far behind, even if I called out to the back of someone moving forward, he wouldn’t turn around. He wouldn’t wait for me. Yuki wouldn’t see me. It’s only when I stand beside Yuki that a confession would have meaning. That’s the starting point.

As I stepped forward, envisioning a future walking together, I noticed Kikyo-chan looking bewildered.

“What's wrong?”

“Uh, it's nothing… It's just that Hinagi Onee-sama said the same thing recently.”

“Suzurikawa-san did?”

Hearing that made me feel unexpectedly happy. It reassured me that she was seriously in love with Yuki. Although a romantic rival, she was not an enemy but a precious friend and comrade.

“Am I okay as I am?”

“Kikyo-chan?”

Kikyo looked down, clenching her fists on her lap. Her delicate body trembled slightly, and her voice carried a note of sorrow.

“After hearing Hinagi Onee-sama's words, I've been thinking. But I'm defective, so I can't do anything. Onii-sama is gone, and time just keeps passing by.”

Her cheeks flushed and eyes filled with tears, Kikyo seemed more human than ever.

“What can I do to be as strong as you and the others, Shiori Onee-sama?”

Her tear-filled eyes and trembling lips reminded me of myself in the past.

(That's right… She's just like I used to be…)

Driven into a corner, fixated on a single issue, believing it was the entirety of the world.

Clinging to regrets, piling up sadness, blinded by tears.

How could I see the future with clouded eyes?

Yuki didn't abandon me; he freed me. Now it's my turn to…

“What do you want to do, Kikyo-chan?”

“I want to go to Onii-sama! I want to go back to my mother!”

“Then let's go!”

At times like this, Yuki wouldn't hesitate. He would act without hesitation.

I took Kikyo-chan's small hand. We stood up and headed to the entrance.

At a time like this, it's okay to act on emotions.

Because here is a crying girl!

Ding Dong

Just as we were about to leave, the doorbell rang, making us exchange looks.

It wasn’t Yuri-san returning. Kikyo-chan wiped her tears and checked the door. Outside stood an elderly man and woman.

“Who are you?”

She opened the door slightly and asked. At that moment,

“—!”

Kikyo-chan let out a small scream. The old man was hugging Kikyo-chan.

He might be a pervert. I have to protect Kikyo-chan!

I was about to rush out when the old man's voice stopped me.

“I'm sorry… I'm truly sorry! Not just for Yukito. For Kikyo too—”

Hearing Yuki's name, I let down my guard. Kikyo-chan was also confused.

“Dear, let her go. I'm sorry for the sudden visit. Yukito asked us to come.”

“Um, who are you two?”

Taking Kikyo-chan's place as she struggled in the old man's embrace, I asked.

“I'm Sougetsu, Shyugi’s father and Kikyo's grandfather.”

His introduction left me frozen. If he was Kikyo-chan's grandfather, then he was Yuki's too.

“Yo, I'm back.”

From behind the two, Yuki appeared, with two other people, a man and a woman.

“Mother? Father?”

Suddenly faced with an incomprehensible situation, Kikyo-chan and I were both equally puzzled.

---

[Yukito PoV]

After a while, I came to check on things following the commotion, and the atmosphere in the Touren household had completely changed. Tsubaki-san's expression was calm, as if a burden had been lifted. I felt relieved.

I'm glad I asked Maki Jagai-san to perform a purification ritual just in case. It was probably just a placebo effect, but it seemed to work.

The intimidating aura Tsubaki-san had was gone, and her gaze towards Kikyo-chan was endlessly gentle. I could feel the strong motherly love. Her soft, nurturing smile was full of compassion.

This must be the true Tsubaki-san: an attractive and wonderful mother to be proud of. She had been cornered and had no mental space.

She had been desperately trying to protect her heart that seemed on the verge of breaking. That's not a bad thing. But if that state continued for too long, eventually, she would be exhausted and reach her limit.

No one was really at fault, and certainly not Kikyo-chan. If anyone was to blame, it was the old man, but he was simply trying to find happiness in his own clumsy way, mistakenly believing he had to protect everything himself. People aren't that weak. They aren't that fragile. He just couldn't fully trust in their strength.

If the old man had been able to truly trust, this problem wouldn't have arisen. He was afraid, perhaps a coward, fearing to lose everything. That fear had caused his family to suffer. But that was over now.

Things had returned to their proper state, and the family bonds had deepened. There was no longer a frightened Kikyo-chan. Now, Kikyo-chan was overflowing with feelings of admiration, or even affection, towards Tsubaki-san.

“It's thanks to Onii-sama. I'm really glad Onii-sama is Onii-sama. Onii-oka.”

“That phrase is a bit hard to use, isn't it?”

Since then, Kikyo-chan had spent a lot of time talking and being with Tsubaki-san. They had bared their true feelings, expressed the emotions they had kept locked away in their hearts. It wasn't about reconciliation; it was understanding.

Parents don't control their children but recognize each other as individuals. Mutual understanding.

There were myriad emotions. Unable to see any hope, she had run away and sought help. I sincerely wished that a bright future awaited her at the end of that escape.

“I feel like I was suffering over trivial matters. Without realizing how much I was being supported, I wallowed in self-pity, thinking I was the tragic heroine.”

Tsubaki-san's words were full of deep self-reflection. She had cried, unable to forgive herself for hurting her daughter. It was undeniably the figure of a mother who loves her child.

“Envying others, resenting them, comparing myself to them. I hurt those around me with my envy, saw everyone as enemies, and cursed them. None of that had any meaning. I was a hideous, repulsive monster.”

She was filled with regret. She gently stroked Kikyo-chan's head.

“You had grown into such a kind-hearted child, and I didn't even notice.”

“It's not your fault, Mother! It's because I couldn't meet your expectations—”

Kikyo-chan's tears were gently wiped away with a handkerchief.

“It's alright. Kikyo, live your life as you wish. Follow your desires, your dreams.”

With a smile, she whispered, “That's your happiness.”

It was a trust born from a deep bond. Kikyo-chan was not Tsubaki-san, and Tsubaki-san was not Kikyo-chan. They didn't need to be the same, nor did they need to surpass each other.

“It's thanks to Yukito-chan. For scolding me, for freeing me, for taking this child away. If it weren't for you, I would have left Kikyo with irreparable scars.”

“It's my first time being thanked for kidnapping someone.”

“Ara ara. Ufufu. That's true.”

Tsubaki-san laughed, her voice like tinkling bells. She brightened up like a flower in bloom.

I found myself impressed, realizing how much a person's impression can change.

“Onii-sama, today I'd like to invite you to play a game!”

“Is it a dark game?”

“It's neither dark nor light. It's just a game with Onii-sama. Ah, I might lose my soul♡ But don't worry. I have already had my soul taken by Onii-sama.”

“Am I the Grim Reaper or something?”

Hello there. This is Soul Hunter Yukito.

In the manner of a neighborhood busybody, I was happily watching over the family dynamics, when Kikyo-chan made an unexpected proposal. Could it be kemari or perhaps a haiku battle?

“Do you know hanafuda, Yukito-chan? Actually, Kikyo and I made our own hanafuda cards.”

“Hanafuda, you say? How very Kyoto-ish.”

Kyoto is famous for having the best hanafuda cards in the world, renowned as the holy land of card games. The idea of original hanafuda cards sounds so intriguing. I couldn't help but get excited.

Hanafuda is a traditional game played with 48 cards, consisting of four cards for each month from January to December. The goal is to create combinations to score points, with cards featuring more elaborate designs being worth more points.

“The designs are special, and we also have some new original combinations with local rules! That's why I invited Onii-sama to play with.”

Tsubaki-san, Kikyo-chan, and I gathered around the table. Although there are rules for playing with three people, we decided to start with the basic game called ‘Koi-Koi' with Kikyo-chan.

[TL: The object of the game is to create hands through 2 matches per turn (a planned match and a random match) the score points. The rounds end when one of the players has created a scoring hand, however if they feel they can make another scoring hand before the other player makes one, they can choose to “Koi-Koi” instead of taking the points and ending the round.]

Usually, a dealer is chosen, but since Tsubaki-san is the dealer here, she dealt the cards. We received eight cards each, and eight cards were placed on the table.

Koi-Koi is a game where the first player has an advantage, but let's give Kikyo-chan the first turn!

“Alright, Onii-sama, here I go!”

With a bold voice, Kikyo-chan presented the cards.

“Waitttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt!”

This is also part of the etiquette. I made sure to wait and then timed my comment perfectly.

“What is this hanafuda!?”

It was a hanafuda card unlike any I had ever seen before. That's fine, but—

“I thought it would surprise you, so this is the ‘Touren Family Hanafuda'!”

“How do you like it, Onii-sama? We made hanafuda cards with our photos on them!”

“It's fun and heartwarming!”

Although I said that, this is problematic in many ways.

The hanafuda cards featured photos of Tsubaki-san, Kikyo-chan, and the old man. What an imaginative idea. In hanafuda, points are determined by the card designs, and I checked the handout to see the combinations.

Let's see, the cards with Tsubaki-san and Kikyo-chan together are worth twenty points, and the ones with individual photos are worth ten or five points. I see, there are original combinations as well. Interesting!

“By the way, that person's card is junk.”

“Dad's card is junk.”

“…Old man.”

Poor old man. Well, considering the evaluation from Mom and his past actions, it might be understandable. However, these hanafuda cards presented a very serious issue.

Kikyo-chan placed the July card from her hand on top of the July card already on the table. Then, she added a card drawn from the deck on top of another card on the table to form a combination of four cards. It was a lightning-fast move.

Moreover, what was common among these four cards was that they all featured swimsuit photos of Tsubaki-san and Kikyo-chan. What a scandalous hanafuda set. Yukito-kun was not smiling――!

“Onii-sama, this is a combination of four cards, named ‘A Lot of Swimsuits.' Brace yourself.”

“In hanafuda, ‘a lot' (ippai) refers to sake, not to a large number…”

The hanafuda game with ‘Hanami no Ippai' and ‘Tsukimi no Ippai' means the cards represent drinking at cherry blossom viewings or moon-viewing parties.

“I just noticed, but doesn't it seem like the illustrations on these hanafuda cards are all a bit too skin-colored…”

“These are the Touren Family Sexy Hanafuda cards. I couldn't help but get excited at my age. Ohhohoho!”

“Are these some kind of dangerous words being added!?”

I have a card for October’s deer, but it features a photo of Tsubaki-san in a bunny girl outfit.

According to the role guide, there are also cards for the butterfly and boar roles. …This is completely outrageous.

Furthermore, making a role with only Tsubaki-san's cards results in “Tsubaki-tan,” and making a role with only Kikyo-chan's cards results in “Kikyo-tan,” reminiscent of the early 2000s Akihabara “moe” culture. As for the old man's cards, no matter how many you collect, they're all junk. That junk.

And for the strongest role in hanafuda, “Gokou,” the cards have indecently risqué images (photos) that are totally unsuitable for playing in public! This outrageous act could lead to a family meeting to address it immediately.

“There's also a completely secret 49th card that isn't listed on the paper. That card alone is worth thirty points. I'm excited to see who draws it.”

“A game should not have elements that break the balance…”

Can hanafuda even work like this? It seems more like a completely different game.

For some reason, Kikyo-chan was acting unusually embarrassed.

“That card is the reversed-birthday card between me and Mother—”

“Regulation violation!”

This wasn't just about breaking the balance. The card values exceeded 800.

Until now, it was barely acceptable due to the age difference, but this is definitely too much for a younger sibling. Tsubaki-san's toxic parenting level had reached a new dimension of evolutionary leap.

“When I asked Yukito-chan what she liked, Sekka-san told me.”

“Sekka-san, you traitor!”

This was severe reputation damage. Ah, it's reputation damage indeed. Totally reputation damage!

I was pained by the discovery of a spy within the family.

“Why… does this sweat-only scenario feel so strangely familiar?”

“Now, it's your turn, Onii-sama. Please draw a card.”

The party continued forcefully, ignoring my opinions. Could it be that this is a showdown between the Touren family!?

“This is absurd… Why is the same flow happening even in the Touren family?”

It felt like the dark Sabbaths that were held regularly at my home. I never expected to encounter such a thing here. Could it be that I'm unaware of a common practice in society?

Trembling in fear, I placed my old man card (junk) on top of the old man card (junk) on the table.

“Mother, we might be able to win against Onii-sama. I am playing ‘Koi-Koi' with Onii-sama♡”

“That's great, Kikyo. Now, finish him off and end it!”

“Yes, Mother!”

“Is there no mercy!?”

Kikyo-chan completed a “San-kou (banned)” role and secured the victory. The table was a scene of utter devastation. I couldn't help but collapse in defeat. There was no way I could win this…

Though this hanafuda game is permanently sealed away, Kikyo-chan was overjoyed. Tsubaki-san also seemed to be enjoying herself a lot. These everyday moments spent like this are probably precious and important to both of them. They can gradually make up for the past deficits.

After all, they are—undeniably, a family that cares for each other.

“By the way, Yukito-chan. The loser must fulfill the winner's request.”

“That's unfair! Adding conditions after the fact?”

Was there any way for me to win this hanafuda game?

“Onii-sama, actually, I had something prepared in advance. How about this?”

Kikyo-chan, looking unusually shy, placed a small bottle on the table.

“Um… Is this massage oil?”

The bottle was labeled as coconut oil. It's a beauty oil known for moisturizing the skin and anti-aging effects. Indeed, I often give massages to my mother and sister.

Oil? How is that supposed to be used? Ugh, I have a terrible headache!

“In fact, I heard from Ouka-san that Yukito-chan is very skilled at massage.”

“Onii-sama, you're too versatile. It seems impossible for me to match up.”

“Mom, you traitor!”

After that, was I supposed to become a monk and endure another harsh trial!?

It would be a sin against the gods and the readers (whoever they are) to repeat the previous lazy attempt.

This is strange. Why do their actions so closely resemble those of the Kokonoe family despite no direct relation?

“Mother, mother, I'm so nervous because it's my first time!”

“For women, becoming beautiful is important. I've caused you quite a bit of stress. Stress is the enemy of healthy skin. Let's make ourselves beautiful together.”

“Yes!”

“What a pure and earnest response!”

Is it only me who's perverted? Am I wrong? Mother, hey, Mother!

Ignoring my groans, Tsubaki-san began to untie her yukata.

“Since we're at it, let's take a bath first. We need to improve circulation. Yukito-chan, let's bathe together. Although, it might be a bit cramped with the three of us.”

“Eh?”

“I also want to be with Onii-sama!”

“Why such a pure and earnest response! What's the old man doing!?”

The old man is truly useless if he's not here at a time like this!

“We're family after all. You don't need to be so embarrassed.”

I felt my arm being grabbed firmly. Then, Tsubaki-san started to undress her yukata.

“Family, or should I say half-mother, is–”

If the old man had custody, Tsubaki-san would have become my half-mother.

It might be true that we are family, but this feels very complicated.

“Ah, yes! I am also Yukito-chan's mama…”

“Ahhhh! Why am I engaging in such acts as planting bamboo in someone else's garden!?”

Bamboo has a strong growth rate, so never play such tricks! It's a promise between us.

“…I've forgotten these feelings for some time now. I understand now that I've been living with my ears shut. My heart feels very warm. —Yukito-chan, you can depend on me as much as you want.”

“Please be stricter with me.”

This is definitely wrong! We were just killing each other a while ago!

“I've been lonely all this time. I envied friends who had siblings. Finally meeting Onii-sama and having my wish come true… I want to know more about you.”

My arm was firmly grabbed. Her actions were exactly like those of my mother and sister. This is what blood relations… are like.

At times like these, it's always the case that people with seemingly delicate arms display astonishing strength.

“Understood. I'll answer your questions honestly. So, could you let go of my hand? Okay, you're a good girl.”

“Yes! Onii-sama, I heard from Hiori-san. Later, please tell me the story about flying with a kite. You're just like a ninja, it's wonderful!”

“Why is it that whenever this kind of thing happens, everyone suddenly can't hear my voice?”

It's a great mystery. It's like chanting sutras to a horse. This is what's known as “hearing the wind in a horse's ear.” I want to meet Yukito Himiyama.

I can't stay like this. I need to start horseback riding training to be able to ride a horse!

“Onii-sama, look! Mama bought me a new swimsuit!”

While I was escaping reality, Kikyo-chan had changed into a swimsuit underneath her clothes. It was a one-piece type, different from the photos in the hanafuda, and it suited her very well.

“So cute!”

I gave a thumbs-up to express my approval. Kikyo-chan's face turned red.

“! Onii-sama, you're being mean. If you say such things, I'll end up getting happy.”

“Ara ara. But Kikyo, wearing a swimsuit in the bath is against the rules.”

“I-I'm so sorry, Mama! I was being so inconsiderate!”

“In this case, which one of you is actually being inconsiderate!?”

Tsubaki-san had completely removed her yukata. Is she saying that she's the one who dictates proper behavior!?

I had to lecture my little sister to avoid staring directly at Tsubaki-san's naked body. It’s too late once she’s been poisoned by her toxic parent.

“Listen up. Don't become the kind of adult who behaves poorly. I'd be happy if you grew into a lovely lady with modesty and shyness. You must never become the kind of adult like this, okay?”

“Ara, Yukito-chan, you're quite the joker too♪”

Tsubaki-san, the example of a bad adult, was smiling elegantly. She's the model of an adult you shouldn't emulate.

“Yes. I want to become an elegant woman like Yuri Onee-sama!”

“That's the kind of thing you really shouldn't emulate!”

What a terrifying thing to say. Yuri-san is undoubtedly a brilliant woman acknowledged by everyone, but for some reason, her intelligence seems to decrease significantly when it comes to me.

About three times a week, she suddenly says “hug” out of the blue. Why this regression to infancy…?

“By the way, Yuri Onee-sama mentioned that Onii-sama is also skilled in yoga and Pilates.”

“Is that so? I'm even more excited now. Come on, Yukito-chan, let's go.”

“Yuri-san, you traitor!”

Despite there being a significant gap in time, the flawless coordination between mother and daughter was on full display.

“Noooooooooooooooooooooooo!”

My high-pitched scream echoed throughout the Touren family residence.