Chapter 5 | From Now On, Slowly 

Talking in the room might wake Umi up, and since Riku-san didn’t want his little sister overhearing, we decided to head to the big bath to chat—doubling as a morning soak.

Leaving Umi behind in the futon, breathing softly in her sleep, I step out. Riku-san, already prepped and waiting, hands me a towel.

“Sorry, Maki. Must’ve been tough shaking off that idiot.”

“No, it’s fine. It takes a bit, but if I ask, she listens.”

Getting out of the futon to talk outside was a hassle, though—since we’d slept snuggled up together, Umi had naturally burrowed into my chest when I woke, gripping my yukata collar tight to keep me close. First, I had to free myself.

Still groggy and clingy, I asked her, “Let me go to the bathroom,” to get loose for now. Depending on this chat, it might turn into a really long bathroom break, so I’d better brace myself for a lecture when I get back.

Still, even with that risk, I wanted to hear Riku-san out right now.

We walk the quiet hallway together to the men’s big bath. I thought chatting by the outdoor bath might be nice, but sadly, it’s “under cleaning” and off-limits.

Slipping off my yukata and tossing my stuff in the changing basket, Riku-san—undressing beside me—suddenly peers over.

Mostly at my lower half.

“…Hmm.”

“W-What’s with that all of a sudden?”

“Nah… just thinking, it’s about the size and shape I figured~…”

“S-So what… You’re one to talk, Riku-san.”

“W-Well, yeah. Used to be in better shape back in the day, though.”

“Does that even change with ‘shape’…? I kinda get the feeling, though.”

Bonding over guy talk you can’t have with anyone else, we rinse off and sink into the hot spring together.

“Phew… Came here yesterday too, but man, this feels good. Like all the bad stuff’s draining outta me.”

“Right~… I’m not huge on baths, but here, I could lounge for an hour or two no problem.”

With a big “Haa,” we exhale and stare blankly at the ceiling lights for a bit.

I’d love to soak leisurely until breakfast, but we can’t forget the main point.

Relaxation comes later.

“By the way, did you and Shizuku-san talk things out properly?”

“Yeah, sorta. I stayed sober, but Shizuku’s energy dragged me along, and… everything came up.”

“That’s good… right?”

“Guess so? I managed to apologize for ten years ago, at least.”

He’s tied up the bare minimum loose ends, which is a relief.

“Shizuku-san… you’ve liked her since way back, huh? And probably still do.”

“…Yeah.”

Riku-san nods faintly as he says it.

As an only child of a family that moved a lot, I can’t imagine having a childhood friend, let alone friends. But those happy memories from kid days with a buddy probably never fade.

Especially if that buddy’s the girl you love.

※※※ 

 

“—Riku, be nice to Shii-chan, okay?”

My—Asanagi Riku’s—first meeting with Shii-chan, Shimizu Shizuku, goes back to when she was born.

I only remember stuff from age two or three on, but Grandma’s old dresser has albums stuffed with photos of us as babies side by side.

Eating the same food, playing with the same toys, sleeping in the same bed—the Shimizu and Asanagi families go way back, since my granddad’s time, who passed before I was born. It’s a full-on family bond.

With hardly any kids our age around, we naturally ended up playing together a ton—and that didn’t change even after we grew up a bit.

“—Wait, wait up, Rikkun!”

“Shii-chan, you’re just too slow. C’mon, move those legs, or I’ll leave you behind!”

“Waaah, wait for me~!”

Kid Shii-chan was perfectly healthy but tiny, so she lacked stamina. Only a year apart, but with my height, everyone saw us as siblings years apart.

I’ve gotta protect this girl.

My first memory of meeting her is fuzzy, but that feeling—I know it was there for sure.

“Waaah, Rikkun~…”

“Geez, what a pain…”

I’d turn right back around, heading to my sniffling childhood friend.

It wasn’t totally my fault, but when Shii-chan cried, I’d get scolded by Mom or Grandma—so usually, I’d give in.

“Here, I’ll hold your hand. Let’s go together.”

“…Okay.”

Relieved I came back, she stopped crying fast. She grabbed my hand—or so I thought—but instead, she clung to me full-on.

“Hey, again… Hand-holding’s fine, but no carrying!”

“Then piggyback.”

“That’s the same thing… What’s with you? We barely walked, and you’re already tired?”

“Yup. Can’t walk anymore.”

“This girl…”

I spoiled her, sure, but back then, Shii-chan was a total clingmonster.

Quiet around adults, but alone with me, she’d turn into a selfish little tyrant in a flash.

I’d think about ditching her and going off alone, but it’d just stay a thought—I’d always end up humoring her whims.

“Ugh, fine… Here, hop on my back, but hold tight.”

“! Thanks, Rikkun. I love you!”

“W-Whoa, what’s that outta nowhere? You perk up fast…”

Grumbling aside, I couldn’t say no to this childhood friend.

Protecting her was my job, after all.

Plus, deep down, being relied on felt kinda nice.

Shii-chan was an adorable girl. As a little kid, I didn’t care about looks, but once we hit elementary school and hung out with the few other kids, I started getting why adults fawned over her.

“Rikkun.”

“…”

“Hey, Rikkun!”

“…”

“Hellooo, Asanagi Riku-kun, can you hear me~? Born May 5th, Children’s Day, last wet the bed half a year ago—”

“Ugh, I hear you! I hear you, so cut that out!”

“But you started acting all distant outta nowhere, so I got a little worried.”

By then, frail little Shii-chan had built up some stamina, her body catching up to the other kids’.

The neighborhood’s famed beauty, the future poster girl of “Shimizu”—before I knew it, that’s what they called her.

“…It’s not a big deal.”

“If it’s not, why’re you avoiding me? …What, you tired of talking to me or something?”

“N-No, it’s not like that!”

“Then what is it?”

That perfect face, those big round eyes—staring straight at me like that, I couldn’t not answer.

Even as she grew less dependent, I still couldn’t resist her pushiness.

“…Some older guys teased me. ‘Always hanging with a girl, what a loser’—they said it at school, outside, every chance they got, sneaking jabs behind my back. So…”

“So you stopped talking to me much?”

“…Pretty much.”

Typical kid stuff when you’re figuring things out, but with so few kids around, getting ganged up on made me think, “Is that how the world sees it?” Kids’ worlds are surprisingly small.

To me, Shii-chan was just my “childhood friend,” my “buddy”—I didn’t really see her as a girl. But others didn’t see it that way.

In a boring rural spot with little excitement compared to the city, we were prime targets.

“Hmm… The older guys—those boys from the next district, right? Always in a trio?”

“Yeah.”

“Huh. They call you lame for hanging with a girl, but they told me, ‘Let’s be friends’?”

“…What?”

“A while back, when you skipped school for family stuff, they said, ‘Hang with us for a change.’ Creeped me out, so I shot ’em down fast.”

“…Those jerks.”

I got along with them fine at school, but they were pulling that behind my back?

Who’s the real embarrassment here?

Thinking that, avoiding my childhood friend even a little felt so stupid—so pathetic.

“So, what now? Gonna keep dodging me a bit longer?”

“…Nah, I’m done. Sorry, Shii-chan, for worrying you over nothing.”

“Good! I was a tiny bit scared I’d done something to make you hate me.”

With that, she hugged me tight from behind.

Even as we grew, we were still just childhood friends.

“Oh, Rikkun, wanna hang at my place today? Dad got a new arcade machine for his hobby—let’s play it!”

“Payment’s bath cleaning again, huh?”

“…Hehe~ Well, we’ve had tons of guests this week. Gotta keep it spotless, or Mom will chew me out. Innkeeper’s daughter struggles, y’know?”

“Geez, you’re so shameless…”

Still, I couldn’t say no.

“…Hey, Rikkun.”

“What?”

“Can I whisper something?”

“Huh?”

Without waiting, she leaned close and murmured in my ear.

“—The only boy I play with is you, Rikkun.”

“O-Oh… Got it.”

“Yup!”

Seeing her cheeks flush as she smiled at me, I felt something new hit me.

My heart raced, I got shy and couldn’t look at her—but even though I wanted to look away, my eyes wouldn’t budge from her cute face.

That’s when I first saw my “childhood friend” as “a girl.”

But as we steadily grew closer, the adult world half-forced changes on us.

…Mom’s second pregnancy and birth, plus the move to a new house they’d been planning for a while.

I knew, even as a kid, that Dad’s income was tight for three, and we’d been crashing with Grandma ’til things stabilized—but I didn’t expect it to happen this fast.

A bigger family was great, of course. A little sister way younger than me would be adorable, and I got that Grandma’s place was too small for four.

The problem was leaving Shii-chan. Sure, I worried about making new friends, but mostly, I didn’t wanna lose the girl I liked.

For a bit, I planned to stay at Grandma’s alone, but my parents—and my newborn sister—talked me out of it. I had to say yes.

Naturally, I told Shii-chan right away. She agreed to send me off with a smile, but on moving day, we both bawled our eyes out as expected. Looking back, I’ve never cried that hard in my life.

We’d stay together even apart.

We’d talk every day if we could.

I’d definitely play with her when I visited in summer or winter.

We made all kinds of promises and managed to part with smiles, but the second her waving figure vanished, the tears I’d stopped came flooding back.

“…Riku, you really loved Shii-chan, huh?”

“…Not really, it’s not like that.”

“Oh? Still, keep in touch with her properly. You don’t get it yet, but slack off even a little, and no matter how close you were, you’ll drift apart fast.”

“…Me and her aren’t like that.”

“Everyone says that at first… Well, Shii-chan’s super cute, so if you don’t want someone else snagging her, step up.”

“I-I said we’re not like that!”

We weren’t lovers yet, but we were each other’s most important childhood friend—nothing changed that.

Shii-chan and I had been together since we were tiny. We had an unbreakable bond.

So a little distance wouldn’t shake us.

Never.

That’s what I thought right after we split.

A few years passed since moving to the current Asanagi house.

Back then, I’d sobbed over leaving my childhood friend, but now, as a high schooler, my body’s grown to rival an adult’s. With Dad often away for work, I’d taken over protecting Mom and my sister.

“—Onii-chan, what’re you doing? You’ll be late for school—Mom said so!”

“Oh, yeah. I know. Heading out now.”

One morning, I reply to my sister, fresh into elementary school.

It’s not like I overslept or anything.

I was agonizing over a letter to Shii-chan—a monthly update I’d promised to send.

“…What do I do, seriously?”

We’d agreed on at least one letter a month, but I’d blown past the deadline. Soon, it’d be two months with no reply.

The content didn’t matter—studies, school, friends, new hobbies, obsessions, recent woes—anything worked.

As long as I wrote honestly, no lies.

Shii-chan sent long letters like clockwork each month—new friends, getting chewed out by her mom for piercing her ears on a whim, teasing from pals who found out she wrote to me—every detail of her month, down to the nitty-gritty.

“Lately, your letters are slow, Rikkun, and I’m worried. If something’s bothering you, call me or whatever—I don’t care how. You’re my precious childhood friend.”

Reading that last bit from her latest letter, guilt stabs me.

She’s spilling her days openly, no filter—so I should too.

If nothing’s up, I could just say, “Nothing much,” or “Been lazing around gaming instead of studying.” She might roll her eyes, but knowing I’m okay would ease her mind. If letters are a drag, a phone call’s fine.

But lately, I’ve been dodging both, making excuses.

“Onii-chan, school~! Mom said~!”

“…I know, I’m going.”

I shove the blank stationery—still not a word written—into my desk drawer and bolt from my room like I’m escaping.

Dragging myself to school early sucks, but it beats facing that empty paper—this is where my head’s at now.

Signs of trouble started around graduating elementary and entering middle school.

Unlike elementary, middle school added peer connections plus upperclassmen-underclassmen dynamics to juggle. A new environment, new relationships beyond “friends”—for a shy guy like me, it was rough..Concurrent readers

And back then, I fell right into the pit.

“—Senpai, quit dawdling and grab the balls already. What if us regulars trip over ’em and get hurt?”

“…Oh, sorry. Doing it now.”

“Geez, c’mon, Senpai.”

In middle school, my height got me roped into volleyball, but with zero athletic knack, I was a benchwarmer for three years. I practiced hard but never improved—always the target in practice matches, mocked by classmates and even underclassmen.

So I barely had close friends in the club or class. No bullying, but I was always alone, wherever I went.

Kids I’d gotten along with in elementary had moved to other cliques, showing zero interest in me now.

“…What do I even write?”

I wanted to tell Shii-chan about school, but admitting my lame situation felt impossible.

I’d always been her “reliable big brother,” but toss me into a slightly bigger crowd, and I turned into a totally different guy—living a quiet, gloomy student life.

How could I honestly tell her about this pathetic, uncool me?

To the girl I’d loved since we were kids.

Around then, my letters stopped mentioning “club” or “friends,” shifting to “studies,” “hobbies,” and more about “my family”—stuff I’d rarely brought up before.

Bit by bit, I started cutting out my own story on purpose.

Fudging my way through to keep my childhood friend from worrying, I tweaked letter contents like crazy. But by high school, even “studies”—my one brag-worthy thing—started slipping. Middle school cramming didn’t cut it anymore, or maybe I just sucked at managing—either way, my class rank slid with each year.

From double digits to triple, then below average—my future plans got shaky.

“—Riku, the counselor said it again at today’s meeting—what about your college pick? Switch to a local private school? Your current scores might just squeeze you in.”

“No, I’m good like this. Let me stick with it… I’ll work hard.”

My top choice was a top-tier public university in the prefecture. Only a handful from my high school’s top fifty made it—double digits if lucky. My grades screamed hopeless, but I shook my head at the teacher and parents’ suggestions.

I wanted just one thing to be proud of. Healthy body aside, with average-or-worse looks and sports, studies were my last lifeline.

Bust my gut, make it pay off, and I’d gain confidence.

…And the guts to tell my childhood friend how I feel.

Convincing my parents with a private school as a fallback, I doubled down on studying.

While others goofed off or dated, I glued myself to my desk, grinding.

I hated studying. I’d rather play, read manga, or laze with games.

But more than that, I wanted Shii-chan to praise me.

“Wow, you worked hard! Congrats, my awesome childhood big bro!”

I wanted to show her something cool.

Thanks to that desperate push, my plummeting grades turned upward—I’d likely ace the private school’s cutoff.

Keep it up, and my top choice might even be in reach.

If only I had a little more time…

※※※

 

“—So that’s the story up to right before I screwed up. …Sorry, Maki, I could’ve summed it up shorter, but I rambled too much.”

“No, it’s fine. I learned a lot about you—honestly, I’m grateful.”

Even this much clues me into why he rejected Shizuku-san’s confession and what his headspace was like back then.

Wanting to look good to someone you love, hiding your weak spots—most people feel that at least once or twice, right?

Heck, I think about it all the time. Studies, sports—it’s “for my future” on the surface, but really, I just want Umi to see me trying and praise or comfort me.

When you’ve got someone you like, it’s inevitable. You think you’re cool-headed, but to others, your judgment’s off.

“My grades started picking up in senior year, December… about a month before the Center Exam back then. Mom and Dad said one year of ronin was fine, but I said no. I knew it’d mean begging Grandma for cash, and more than that, ronin felt so lame—how’d I explain that to Shizuku?”

If he’d had a peer to talk to, things might’ve gone differently, but like he said earlier, Shizuku was pretty much his only real friend.

That left him stewing alone, narrowing his perspective more and more.

Like he said, he was totally stuck.

“…And right after that, you made the big mistake?”

“Yeah. I’m feeling steadier now—let’s keep going. …Don’t worry, it’s quick from here. Real short.”

Hearing this might bum me out, but if I don’t listen fully, I can’t properly nudge Riku-san forward.

His past is just setup—the real talk starts now.

※※※

 

December, a month from exam season, and a letter from Shii-chan arrives as usual.

“Rikkun, you’ve got exams this year, but you’re coming back for New Year’s, right? I wanna cheer you on in person, so let me know when you’re here—I’ll keep my schedule free. PS: Send a letter sometime. I’m always the one writing lately, so you owe me a reply!”

“From your precious childhood friend”—those last words squeeze my chest tight.

Since the fall parent-teacher meeting, my half-written letter stayed blank, and now it’s been three months with no response.

I’d thought about spilling everything in a fit—just let it rip. School’s no fun, I’ve got no real friends, I’ve even ditched hobbies for studying—but every time I saw that dark, negative mess on paper, I’d snap out of it and start over.

Meanwhile, Shii-chan was living her youth to the fullest. A year below me, she’d face the same grind next year—or so I’d say, but she’s sharp. Her grades are top-notch, good enough for any college with ease, her letter bragged.

Our situations couldn’t be more opposite. I wanted to cry.

“…Mom, about New Year’s…”

“? Dad’s swamped with work, you’ve got exams, and Umi’s got playdates lined up—so I figured we’d chill at home… Oh, wait, you meeting Shii-chan?”

“No, it’s not—”

“Aw, getting shy like a big shot? Studies matter, but seeing Shii-chan for a boost might help. You’ve been visibly on edge lately. I’ll call Grandma for you.”

“Uh… Okay, thanks, I guess.”

Truth be told, I didn’t wanna see her, but with no letters sent and not wanting to worry her more, guilt kept me from saying no.

Mom’s got us pegged as a couple or something, but that’s dead wrong.

Right now, Shii-chan and I don’t match up at all.

In the end, I went back to Grandma’s alone for one night, and New Year’s rolled around fast.

Even if I didn’t wanna meet, the closer it got, the more nervous I was. Back after so long, I ignored Grandma and obsessed over my reflection instead.

I wanted to look even a little good for the girl I liked.

Grandma sighed at me but didn’t nag.

I forced down a meal my nerves barely let through, then waited a bit.

A little early, the doorbell rang—ding-dong.

“Grandma, evening! Uh, sorry to barge in, but… is Rikkun back?”

“Oh, he’s here—acting weirder than usual, though. Oi, Riku, guest! Shii-chan’s here—quit messing with your bangs and greet her!”

“S-Shut it… I got it!”

Grandma’s voice boomed loud enough for the neighborhood to hear, calling me out.

I knew I was off, but did she have to spill it in front of my childhood friend?

Feeling my cheeks heat up from embarrassment, I faced the grown-up Shii-chan after ages.

“Long time, Rikkun. You’ve shot up since last time—like a meter?”

“No way. What am I, a freak? Five centimeters—since last summer.”

“Still impressive. Me? Not a millimeter… just gaining weight.”

Shii-chan, after so long, was even prettier. She griped about weight, but she looked like a perfect beauty from every angle.

Flawless skin needing no makeup, big round eyes, cute little lips, glossy long black hair. She never mentioned it, but guys must’ve hit on her—no doubt.

As she edged toward adulthood, her charm only grew.

Every meeting made her feel further out of reach.

“Shii-chan, uh… you’re growing out your hair, huh?”

“Oh, this? Yeah, friends said long suits me, so I went for a change. School rules mean ponytails for now… Does it, um, look good?”

“Uh, yeah. It’s… nice, I think. I’m no expert, but… it’s pretty.”

“R-Really? Thanks… hehe.”

Shy as heck, our talk was clunkier than usual.

I had tons to say—apologies, stuff I had to get out—but seeing her again after so long, joy drowned it all, and I couldn’t keep the convo going.

I’d been dreading this, but the second she was in front of me, that vanished.

“Hey, Rikkun… it’s kinda cold, but wanna talk outside? Like old times, walking around town?”

“If you’re cool with it, I don’t mind… Grandma, we’re stepping out.”

“Sure thing. Drop Shii-chan off at the inn too—it’s late, and the roads are risky even if no one’s around.”

“Got it. …See ya.”

Telling Grandma we wouldn’t be late, I head out with Shii-chan.

Night’s chill deepened, snow fluttering from a pitch-black sky. In a city, lights and decorations would make it magical, but up here in the mountains, light snow’s just daily life—no big deal.

“…Walking like this brings back memories. Snow piling up, making the roads white, holding hands, leaving footprints together.”

“Yeah, that happened. Back then, if I looked away, you’d trip and bawl… Grandma’d think I was mean and chew me out.”

“That’s why we always held hands in winter, rain or shine… So nostalgic.”

She glances at my hand, then up at me with those eyes.

…That look gets me every time.

“…Then, ’til someone comes, wanna hold hands again? Uh, it’s cold, so they’re freezing anyway.”

“R-Right. Better than pockets—skin’s warmer, maybe.”

With flimsy excuses, we take each other’s hands.

Her hand, after so long, is warm—and so familiar.

The feel of my childhood friend’s hand, gripped endlessly back then, hasn’t changed a bit despite the years.

“…”

“…”

We walk slowly down a road lit by sparse streetlights.

Just holding hands, yet my heart’s pounding faster than usual.

Years since leaving this town. We’d wailed like crazy when I moved, but time apart grew us up, taught us stuff.

Back in kindergarten, we’d bathe together—now, we’re fully aware of each other as “opposite sexes.”

Hand-holding alone makes my face burn this much.

“Rikkun, exams are soon, huh? Probably shouldn’t ask, but how’s studying? I know you’re aiming public, but you’re doing private too, right?”

“Yeah. I said public’s enough, but Mom and Dad nagged me to take private exams. I’d never go even if I passed.”

“Hehe, maybe, but your folks are worried. Treat it as a dry run for the real thing?”

“If only it worked that way.”

Inside, I’m crumbling under pressure, but in front of Shii-chan, I play tough—spouting cocky nonsense.

Even my fallback school’s no sure bet with my grades.

“…Anyway, you’re next year—shouldn’t you be worrying about yourself instead of me?”

“Heh, you’d think so, right? …But look at this.”

“? This… national mock exam results?”

She pulls a paper from her coat pocket—scores from a big prep school’s recent test. I took it too and got slapped with harsh reality.

“…This is really yours? Not a friend’s?”

“Hey, you doubting me, Rikkun? My name’s right there—‘Shimizu Shizuku,’ your precious childhood friend girl.”

“Precious… You don’t get embarrassed saying that? …Not like I seriously doubt you.”

Looking again, she’s got nineties across the board—near perfect in some subjects.

Unlike school tests, getting over sixty’s tough on these mocks—and she’s acing it. Her college picks are all stamped “A.”

Including my top choice, which I can’t crack past “D” no matter how hard I try.

That moment, something ugly—dormant deep inside—starts leaking out.

“So, Rikkun… I actually wanna go to the same college as you. With these grades, my teacher says I’ll snag a scholarship easy, so…”

“…Cool. That’s great.”

“Yup! Part-time jobs will cover the rest—tough, but better for the future… Plus, uh, you’ll be there, right?”

“Y-Yeah…”

Her eyes gleam with a bright future, one she’ll nail—but all I see is something else.

I don’t have the skills or worth to stand beside her now.

Come March, she’ll pity the me who flunked.

And then, she’ll be disappointed for sure.

—Liar.

—All that big talk, and you totally bombed.

—Rikkun, you’re pathetic.

—The worst. I feel stupid for looking up to you.

No. Shii-chan’s not that kind of girl.

Even if I flop, she’d cheer me up. If I went ronin, she’d say, “Then we can go together for four years!”—positive words to lift me when I’m down.

So if I apologize now, it’s not too late.

“Uh, Shii-chan…”

“? What’s up, Rikkun?”

“…Uh—”

Say it. Spill it all and feel lighter.

Ditch the dumb pride, confess every worry and my crush on her—everything.

Then it’ll still work out.

What I need isn’t some brag-worthy degree or title.

What I want is right here—the one precious—

“…Rikkun?”

“No, sorry. It’s nothing.”

“Huh? Now I’m super curious~ You don’t seem chipper… If I can help, talk to me?”

“…I’m fine. Just jittery ’cause exams are close. It’ll pass once they’re done.”

“Really? Okay, then…”

But at the last second, the scraps of pride left in me blocked it.

…No, it’s fine. There’s still time ’til the test—harsh, but doable.

In exams, you don’t ditch hope ’til the end—that’s key.

I’ll confess after I get a “pass.” Regain my confidence, look better than now, and she’ll accept me for sure.

We don’t match yet, but someday.

That “someday” never came, though.

Not after high school, not after getting a job—not even now.

By the time I saw my fatal screw-up, it was way too late.

※※※

 

“…Phew.”

Done talking, Riku-san lets out a big breath and looks down.

Listening this far, my first thought is how much he’s like Umi. Can’t open up even to someone dear, bottling it up ’til breaking—total siblings.

“That’s my old story for now.”

“Uh, the reply to Shizuku-san’s confession’s still missing…”

“That part? I barely remember it. From what Shizuku said last night, I just kept saying ‘sorry’ over and over… What I recall clearly starts the next morning. Grandma said I looked like a corpse.”

From that day, their regular contact stopped, and they drifted apart fast—

That’s the full mistake Riku-san made ten years ago, the start of his current dead-end life.

After that, he predictably flunked his top-choice uni but scraped into a private fallback, kicking off college life.

There, it was the same as always—alone in a classroom corner for lectures, then straight home. Rinse, repeat.

But he kept up with studies, so his grades were solid, and landing a job wasn’t hard. Not his dream path, but he ended up in the same field as Daichi-san.

Trying to forget the past, Riku-san threw himself into work.

…But, like it was fate, another pitfall waited.

Overwork in an unfamiliar setting broke him down. No people problems, he says, but like me, communication-challenged Riku-san didn’t fit. Piling up work flops and stress, one day he woke up unable to move—and that’s the Riku-san now.

Oh, and it was Daichi-san who told him to quit.

“…That’s me up to now. Skipped some bits, but basically, I’ve got nothing. You seem to respect me, Maki, but I’m a shallow guy. Couldn’t even tell the one girl I opened up to how I really felt… Like Umi says, I’m a hopeless idiot brother.”

I stay quiet out of tact, but if Umi heard this, she’d be raging by now.

I kinda think the old Riku-san might’ve been pretty lame and uncool too.

But now, that Riku-san’s struggling to change.

Tossing shame aside, he’s asking me—nearly a decade younger—for love advice.

Yup, love advice.

Meaning, this is where the real talk begins.

“…Still, you love Shizuku-san, don’t you? You meant to give up, talking ’til morning, but that just fanned the tiny ember of feelings you had left.”

“…Spot on.”

“Just to confirm, one more time—Shizuku-san, you—”

“Yes, I love her… Sorry.”

Squeezing it out, Riku-san confesses his true feelings to me.

No time to hear Shizuku-san’s side from last night, but given her current situation, she’s probably had her share of struggles too.

So, like Riku-san, she fell into her own pit.

“Maybe it was the booze, but seeing Shizuku cry, I couldn’t help wanting to be there for her. I know it’s rich coming from the guy who rejected her, but… Hey, Maki, can you slug me once?”

“L-Let’s calm down first. I get how you feel.”

Meant as a laugh or a one-off vent, it’s turned into a wildfire.

Well, he was crazy about her—guess this was always possible.

Adults hide their hearts slickly most times, but they can get selfish too.

I learned that hard about six months ago—over and over.

“Maki, what should I do? You or Umi’d probably say, ‘If you like her, just confess already,’ and I think that too… But, y’know, Shizuku’s got…”

“Yeah. Shizuku-san’s got Reiji-kun.”

And there it is—the reality he’s faced a bunch already.

From a kid’s view—at least mine—seeing Dad’s coworker Minato-san, who seemed like his girlfriend (I think), didn’t feel great. Divorced or not, Mom was his favorite, yet there he was with someone else. Reiji-kun’s smart—he’d feel something, even if it’s different.

So, give up? No, he’s here because he doesn’t wanna quit easy.

Riku-san’s torn between childhood feelings and adult common sense honed by experience.

I wanna help him somehow.

Umi’d probably call me a softie again, but whatever.

Riku-san’s not just some guy anymore. He’s family—someone my precious girlfriend worries about.

“…Riku-san, uh—”

“…Yeah?”

“Sorry.”

And with that, I bow my head to him.

That’s my answer to his plea.

“Got it. Yeah, figures.”

“Yeah. Sorry I can’t give you the answer you want most, even after you relied on me. I’ve got a bit more dating experience, but I’m still a kid who hasn’t stepped into the real world like you and Shizuku-san.”

Settle for a safe “childhood friend” bond, or risk shattering everything to confess?

That’s the level this is at, I think. I can’t shoulder that kinda responsibility yet.

“So, I think you’ve gotta find the answer yourself. Checkout’s not far off, but in that time, figure out a landing spot you’re okay with.”

Hearing that, Riku-san cracks a faint smile and nods.

It’s not a fix, but his face is way clearer than before.

“Got it. Yeah, if even I’m stumped, it’s not fair to dump it on my sister’s boyfriend—especially when you don’t have the other half. …Thanks for just listening, though. I owe you.”

“No, thank you for trusting me with it.”

“Ha, I half-expected a punch… But this fits you, Maki, and I like that. …I’m getting woozy, so I’ll head up first.”

“Sure. …Oh, Riku-san, wait a sec.”

Stopping him right before he leaves the bath, he turns with that grumpy Asanagi-house face I know.

Done with business, he’s back to curt mode—I almost laugh, but that’s just him.

“What? Changed your mind about slugging me?”

“Nah, I’m not into that hot-blooded stuff… No, I’ve got one thing to say.”

“Advice, huh?”

“Call it what you want… I won’t take responsibility, though.”

I’m still a toddler in relationships, but even I’ve got one thing to tell Riku-san.

What he does with it is up to him, though.

“Huh… So, what is it?”

“Yeah. You might scoff, but—”

──────

I made sure my honest feelings reached Riku-san’s ears, no mistake.

Sun’s up, the bath window framing a bright morning—the trip’s final day begins.

Leaving the bath a bit after Riku-san, I return to the room. Umi’s already up, dressed, and greets me.

“Maki, that was one heck of a long bathroom trip, huh?”

“…Sorry.”

“Geez. I knew you left with Aniki, so it’s not all your fault… But I was worried, y’know?”

“Yeah, I know. Sorry. Won’t happen again.”

Back in the room, Umi’s lecture kicks off. I slipped away without the full truth to hear Riku-san out, so I’ve got no excuses—just bow my head.

She pinches my cheeks, lands a solid forehead flick… I get chewed out plenty.

“So, where’s Riku-san? I thought he’d be back before me…”

“Aniki? Haven’t seen him. Probably wandering somewhere. No clue what he’s up to, but he’ll show up for checkout, right?”

“Hope so…”

From the window, the car’s still in the lot—maybe he’s strolling solo after the bath.

With us around, he probably can’t think straight.

Breakfast time’s near, so we pack quick and head to the first-floor dining area together.

Then, someone who shouldn’t be here approaches.

Shizuku-san—who drank ’til dawn and got carted home by Riku-san—is chipper, serving in her inn uniform.

“Maehara-kun, Umi-chan, morning! Sleep well last night?”

“Thanks to you… But weren’t you off ’til afternoon? I heard you went hard yesterday.”

“Oh… Yeah, but Reiji’s at kindergarten, and I couldn’t sleep. I’m fine—pulled all-nighters at my old job too.”

“That sounds bad in a bunch of ways…”

No sleep since yesterday, yet Shizuku-san’s face shows little fatigue. Makeup hiding it, or just grit? Either way, compared to worn-out Riku-san, she’s a powerhouse.

Maybe spilling all her woes last night cleared her head.

Her heart’s a mystery for now.

“…You two, really, thank you. For Reiji, and Riku… Riku-kun too. I thought we meddled too much with him, but it let me feel like old times and talk properly—so I’m glad.”

“…Sorry our idiot brother caused trouble.”

“No, I’m the one who should’ve apologized. Always about me, never seeing how much Riku-kun hurt—cluelessly wounding him. I’m lucky we’re still childhood friends.”

At this rate, they’ll lock in as “just childhood friends” forever.

I don’t think that’s bad. Meeting once or twice a year at Mizore-san’s, sipping drinks, reminiscing—it’s chill.

From Shizuku-san’s spot, it’s probably her only option.

Wanting more means big sacrifices—for her and him.

She can’t cross that line herself.

…So.

If he still wants to walk with her from here on out—

“—Shizuku, got a sec?”

As Shizuku-san sets our breakfast down and turns to her post, Riku-san’s voice calls from the entrance.

Looks like he’s reached his conclusion.

“Finally… Idiot brother.”

“Hey, easy… He’s made up his mind, so let’s watch over him.”

Sleep-deprived, Riku-san’s face shows exhaustion—half-dry hair, faint bags under his eyes… Like looking at past me, but facing Shizuku-san now, he’s the coolest, most dependable he’s ever been.

The “big brother” I pictured is right there.

“Rikkun… Oh, right, you’re eating breakfast too, huh? I’ll grab it quick—wait with Umi-chan and them—”

“No, skip breakfast. I need to talk to you… It’s important.”

“—!”

The moment Riku-san presses, Shizuku-san’s dim eyes widen, a spark lighting them up.

Catching it dead-on, Umi and I lock eyes and smirk.

…Oh. All their excuses, and it was this obvious from the start.

Split apart, walking separate paths, yet drawn back together.

Adults are such a hassle.

Anyway, now it’s up to Riku-san to win her heart.

He’ll pull it off, I bet.

With others around, they decide to wait ’til breakfast ends, then set up a quick one-on-one talk.

We say bye to the room we spent two days in and head from the first-floor lobby to the parking lot where the Asanagi car waits.

There, the two “childhood friends” are already facing each other.

“…Hey, Reiji, Mommy’s gotta talk with this guy, so hang with Maehara-kun—Maki-nii-chan—for a bit, okay? The pickup bus is almost here, but I’ll wrap up before then.”

“Okay.”

Reiji-kun lets go of Shizuku-san’s hand easy, toddling over and clinging to me.

He’s warmed up fast in just a day or two. Well, we’ll have a long bond ahead, so I’ll keep getting along with him.

Mizore-san, Shizuku-san, Reiji-kun, and Riku-san.

Just three days, but my list of precious people grew again.

“Hey, Maki-nii-chan.”

“Hm? What’s up, Reiji-kun?”

“…Is Mommy in love with that guy?”

“Heh, who knows? If she was, what’d you do?”

“…Dunno.”

“Yeah… Fair enough.”

How Reiji-kun feels is a future thing. Shizuku-san will have to tell him everything someday, and he might not take to Riku-san kindly.

Even then, what will they—well, Riku-san—do?

Amid distant birdsong, Riku-san speaks.

“Shizuku, uh… about that talk…”

“Y-Yeah. Important talk… what’s it about?”

“Yeah… less a talk, more a request—”

“? Request?”

“Yeah. Uh—can you let me work at ‘Shimizu’? Odd jobs, apprentice under your dad, anything’s fine.”

“…Huh?”

Not quite the answer she expected, Shizuku-san tilts her head. We react about the same, but with this vibe, Riku-san wouldn’t tank it now.

This must be his answer.

“Look, like we talked last night, I need to start working… Well, whether ‘Shimizu’ is hiring’s another thing—”

“We’re always short-handed—front desk, kitchen apprentice, anyone helps. But… that’s the ‘important talk’?”

“Yeah. I wanna work somehow… with you.”

“—!”

Catching his real meaning, Shizuku-san’s eyes glisten faintly.

Riku-san, go for it. Almost there.

“Shizuku… No, Shii-chan. I’ll say it again—I’m so, so sorry about back then. That wasn’t my heart, I didn’t wanna stay just friends, but I trampled your feelings… I did the worst thing to you, Shii-chan.”

“…Yeah. You jerk, Rikkun. Total jerk. Do you know how much that hurt? I couldn’t eat my favorite food for over a week, cried outta nowhere, worried my friends tons… Why, why didn’t you say yes? If we’d dated then, I’d have blasted your worries away. …We could’ve gone to college together, maybe. Why, why… You idiot. Moron. Jerk. Just disappear!”

“Shii-chan, I’m sorry… Sorry.”

Tears pooling, Shizuku-san weakly thumps Riku-san’s chest.

If he’d dropped his petty pride and been honest, it wouldn’t have gotten this messy.

One little misstep.

That’s all it took to tangle two people bonded since babyhood.

“…But I’m the bigger idiot. Heartbroken, I fell for some guy’s kindness, and in the end… I—”

“You don’t have to say more… It’s fine.”

“Sorry, Rikkun. Sorry…”

Nearing thirty, they’re crying shamelessly in public.

Even after a decade-plus apart, they never forgot each other.

Time passed, they grew up. Shizuku-san’s got a kid to protect. No rewinding the past now.

But if they still care for each other—

Once Shizuku-san calms, Riku-san speaks.

“I’m not gonna say, ‘Let’s go back and start over’ or ‘Let’s date.’ That’s too selfish, and rude to you and Reiji-kun… So, Shizuku, I want you to watch me from now on. Not as a childhood friend, but a coworker—see if I measure up for you and Reiji-kun.”

“…That’s enough for you, Rikkun? We’re hiring, but pay’s low compared to others, and apprenticing under Dad means barely any days off. Mornings are busy with prep, peak times run ’til midnight… I’m the daughter, and even I wouldn’t recommend it.”

Shizuku-san’s swamped—if it’s rough for her, newbie Riku-san’s in for a brutal ride. Different field from his last job, but this might be busier.

Still, Riku-san’s made up his mind and nods unfazed.

“That’s fine. Job center just told me, ‘No openings right now.’ Perfect chance to whip my slacker heart and body into shape… I’m clumsier and lamer than you think, Shizuku. I’ll probably mess up a ton at first.”

“Heh, probably. I’ll be stuck picking up after you. Raising Reiji privately, babysitting a rookie at work… I might actually get fed up someday. …You sure about this?”

“If that happens, so be it. That’s what this is. Not ‘going back,’ but ‘starting now’… I’m way late to begin, but that’s my answer.”

Ditch the old bond, let her see “Asanagi Riku” fresh from zero.

That’s the conclusion he agonized over ’til the end.

It’s a roundabout pick, I think. Familiar place or not, it’s a new field—years to adjust, plus bonding with Reiji-kun’s no guarantee.

There’s gotta be slicker ways. But I don’t hate this messy Riku-san.

It’s a sincere, straight-shooting answer—very him, very kind adult.

“…Geez, idiot brother.”

Umi mutters beside me. Sounds like a jab, but her teary smile shows her soft, family-loving side.

“Saying this now’s weird, but… if I don’t, I’ll stay a wimp—so I’ll tell you straight, Shizuku.”

“Ah—”

Gently pulling Shizuku-san close, Riku-san voices the feelings he couldn’t that winter night.

“Shii-chan, I’ve loved you since we were kids… I love you.”

“…Waaah!”

His final blow shatters Shizuku-san’s restraint, tears bursting free.

Big drops spill from her pretty eyes, and soon Umi and I are sniffling too.

“Sorry, Shizuku. If I’d just said that, none of this would’ve happened.”

“Yeah, you big dummy… But really, me? I’m not young, divorced, with a kid… You can back out now. This will mean giving your whole life to us—are you okay with that?”

“I am. It’s settled. That’s what I wanted anyway—studies, work, I pushed ’cause I imagined you watching. Last job broke me from overdoing it… but now, I’ll be fine.”

“…Because I’m here?”

“Yeah. And Reiji-kun too. Can’t slack off in front of you both anymore.”

So, he’s ready to take them both on fully.

Right now, Riku-san looks as dependable as Daichi-san—maybe more.

Where’d the Riku-san gaming ’til dawn in his room go?

Changing this much for love’s wild… but then, I’m the same with Umi.

I can push harder when it’s for her.

We’re simpler than I thought, Riku-san and me.

After all the twists here, it’s ending peacefully—good thing, I think—when Reiji-kun, watching at my feet, tugs my sleeve.

“…Nii-chan, bus’s here.”

“Huh? Oh—”

A light honk pulls my eyes over—the kindergarten bus is at the inn’s front, here for Reiji-kun.

Perfect timing for the deadline.

“! Crap, gotta get Reiji-kun—”

“Oh, Maki and I’ll take him. Shizuku-san, keep an eye on idiot brother a bit longer.”

“Huh? B-But—”

“Shizuku-san, your face is a tear-streaked mess—makeup’s shot, eyes red. Going out like that will freak people out.”

“Oh… Uh, I’m such a mess… Rikkun, uh, got a hankie or tissues? Rushed changing and forgot mine.”

“Oh, yeah. Here, hankie.”

“Thanks… Hehe.”

Shizuku-san wipes her tears in a fluster, Riku-san watching with a wry smile.

Like they’re back to the old “childhood friend” days.

They will be fine from here—no lingering baggage left.

“Reiji-kun, let’s go with us then.”

“C’mon, Reiji-kun.”

“…Okay.”

Glancing at his mom, Reiji-kun takes our hands and heads to the bus. The teacher flinches seeing high schoolers with him, but spots Shizuku-san behind us and gets it quick.

“Hey, Maki-nii-chan.”

“What?”

“Mommy was crying.”

“Yeah. But not ’cause she’s sad or lonely—she’s super happy, so she cried.”

“Happy, but crying?”

“Yup. Grown-ups cry for all sorts of stuff. Happens to me sometimes too.”

“Hmm… Adults are crybabies, huh?”

“Maybe. Way more than you, Reiji-kun.”

“…Good luck.”

“Thanks, I’ll try. See ya, Reiji-kun.”

“See ya. Hope you’ll get along with Onee-chan next time too?”

“…Mm.”

With a shy nod, Reiji-kun boards. He doesn’t hate Umi… just senses she’s cut from the same cloth as me and Riku-san, I bet.

He’ll get along with Riku-san too—games will bond ’em.

Umi and I wave the bus off, then Riku-san’s car rolls up.

“Left you two alone, and you didn’t flirt? At least give her a kiss after so long.”

“We’re not sappy like you two—do that in public? …That’s for when I’m more put-together.”

“So annoying… That’s why you made Shizuku-san cry, huh, you lame brother.”

“Shut it, loudmouth. Let’s go pick up Mom already. Gotta tell her and Dad everything properly.”

It’s settling for now, but the hard part’s ahead. Sudden or not, Riku-san’s made a big call—he’s gotta own it from here.

New starts for him and the Asanagi crew begin today.

Summer’s coming, and it’ll be hectic, but we’ll manage.

Riku-san’s not alone anymore—family, me, and most of all, Shizuku-san are with him.

Together, we can handle anything.

“Hey, Maki, by the way—”

“? Umi, what’s up?”

“I figure you’re the one who nudged wishy-washy Aniki, but… what magic got that thick-headed dummy fired up?”

“Oh, I’m curious too. Maehara-kun, for future reference, mind sharing with your big sis?”

“Shizuku-san, you didn’t go back to work… Well, it’s not a big deal, and I wasn’t planning to hide it.”

While Riku-san loads our bags into the car, I whisper to the two what I last told him.

“It was really just one line. Figured it’d hit harder coming from me now.”

A high school “kid” like me preaching love to “adult” Riku-san? Too shameless.

But if I had to pick one thing to say—

“—Being with someone you love makes every day fun.”