Chapter Three | The Crazy Mishaps of Homecoming and Cohabitation

 ♡♡♡

“Azaki lofts it—and Makijima! Goal! It’s a tie! The Koutou University freshman duo has pulled off a stunning equalizer with brilliant teamwork against the pros!”

…

A week has passed since that intense Emperor’s Cup first-round battle.

I, Yutarou Makijima, wake up as usual at 5 a.m., take a walk in the nearby park, then ease into my regular running route.

Breathing the cool morning air, I wipe sweat with a towel and head back to my apartment for a shower.

Just another normal day—or so it should be.

After my shower, I return to my room… and there, curled up asleep on my bed like a small animal, is a beautiful girl.

♣♣♣

“…Zzz…”

Sasaki Ayane, former center of the mega-idol group Genesistars, once hailed as a national treasure-level beauty. Even her sleeping face is adorable.

I hate to wake her, but it’s about time.

“Ayane, wake up.”

“…Mmm? It’s only six,” she mumbles, cracking one eye open to check her phone above her head.

Then she pulls the blanket over herself to go back to sleep.

“You’ve got first period, right? Get up and get ready.”

I yank the blanket off and pull her out of bed.

“Ughhh.”

“Don’t give me that whiny voice. I’ll make breakfast, so go take a bath.”

“Still sleepy…”

“God, you’re so bad at mornings. Yesterday, you were out cold until I woke you too.”

“That’s ’cause… Y-Yutarou, you keep me up every night.”

“W-Well! That’s a two-way street!”

“…”

“…”

The air gets awkward, but we push through our morning routine. While Ayane’s in the bath, I prepare breakfast and set it on the low table in the middle of the room.

Today’s menu: toast, scrambled eggs, corn soup, and veggie juice—a classic bachelor spread.

As I hear the hairdryer, I watch soccer on TV. The sports world’s buzzing about Mishiro Takato, the 28-year-old Ballon d’Or winner, reportedly moving from Spain’s Balsamico to an English BIG6 club.

My tying goal against pros in the Emperor’s Cup didn’t even make a blip on the net. Puts things in perspective—my achievement’s small potatoes.

I need to go pro soon… for Ayane.

“Yutarou?”

Ayane’s back, hair dried.

“Not eating?”

“Was waiting for you. Eating alone feels… weird.”

“…Hehe. I love that about you, Yutarou.”

She takes it as sweet, but honestly, it’s from my boys’ school days when underclassmen couldn’t touch chopsticks until seniors were ready. Can’t tell her that.

Lately, Ayane’s been dropping “I love you”s constantly. It’s not bad, but since we started dating, she’s more dere than tsun, which is kinda disappointing. I weirdly miss her slaps or punches… What’s wrong with me?

“Hey, don’t you think this place is too small for two?”

“Your stuff’s the problem. Beauty gadgets and skincare crap all over… What more do you need to ‘fix’? You’re already gorgeous.”

“Girls have to care about beauty daily! And I watch my diet to stay slim!”

Says the pancake fiend…

“Anyway! This room and bed are too small for two. I want more furniture, so we’re moving!”

“What? Moving? What do I tell my parents?”

“Hehe.”

Ayane grins confidently, slapping two bus tickets on the table.

“I knew you’d say that, so I got bus tickets.”

“…Bus?”

What’s she on about?

“We’ve been dating a week, so it’s time to meet your parents.”

“A week, you mean. Your sense of time is nuts… Wait, my parents?”

“Duh. Mine are overseas for work.”

First I’m hearing about her parents. Overseas, huh?

“You’re off tomorrow and the day after, right? Let’s cancel the two-day pancake date and go to Yamanashi.”

“No way…”

My family’s super country. They’ll lose it meeting Kiraboshi Ayane. But… better than a two-day pancake hell.

A stormy homecoming’s about to start.

☆☆

Practice ends before 6 p.m., and I skip extra training to leave the field. Tonight at 8, Ayane and I take a bus to Yamanashi.

Living in Tokyo since March for practice, it’s been two months since I’ve been back.

“This morning, Ayane was weirdly excited to meet my parents…”

As a former top idol, she’s got some guts.

If I had to meet her parents, my stomach would churn. They sound like big shots overseas. If my dumb side showed, they’d probably say, “You’re not good enough for our Ayane!”

Getting nervous over hypotheticals, I get home to find Ayane humming cheerfully while folding laundry.

She’s in a new pink apron over a striped top and wide-leg jeans.

“♪ Hmm-hmm~”

Why’s she so hyped?

“I’m back.”

“Welcome home! Good work at practice.”

Her warm greeting melts my anxiety, calming my heart.

“Why’re you grinning? Something good happen?”

“Nah, just… thanks for the laundry. Didn’t you have lectures all afternoon? Must’ve been busy.”

“Not really. I finished early, so I washed dishes and folded laundry while waiting.”

…Too perfect a wife.

“I’ll help.”

I wash my hands and join her, grabbing laundry. At first, I thought living together was weird, but Ayane’s been dreaming of this for three years.

The Kiraboshi Ayane crushing on me for three years… It’s like a grand love story.

But it’s real.

“Oh, something came in the mail. From Azaki, I think.”

“Azaki? Didn’t mention anything.”

“Probably something dumb. I didn’t ask for anything.”

“What is it?!”

“If you’re curious, check it out.”

“A surprise gift! Azaki’s rough, but that’s kinda cool.”

His roughness is why it’s probably junk…

Ayane eagerly opens the large envelope.

“…W-What’s this?”

It’s a book… How to Please a Woman at Night… Yeah, that kind of title.

“That frizzy-headed jerk! Worst taste ever!”

I told her not to expect much from Azaki.

“We’re not telling him our new address when we move.”

“Was thinking the same.”

Days like this—chatting and doing chores together—feel like we’re already married.

“What’s up?”

“Just thinking we’re like a married couple.”

Her hands freeze mid-fold.

“D-Don’t say stuff like that…”

Why’s she blushing?

“You’re the one who brought up meeting my parents. That’s bolder.”

“Is it?”

“Yeah, it is.”

“I… even when we kissed, I thought maybe we should get your parents’ approval first.”

“That’d just make it awkward!”

“I’m the older one, so I gotta be proper.”

She says it with a smug look.

“That’s got nothing to do with it…”

She’s off, but if she’s happy, fine.

“Let’s go get that cohabitation approval.”

“Yup!”

☆☆

We take the reserved bus, arriving in Yamanashi in about two hours, then walk a bit.

“Ayane, this is my place.”

A big house surrounded by fields and nature.

It’s dark, but the mountains loom, and the air’s clearer than Tokyo’s.

I take off my mask and glasses, close my eyes, and breathe deeply.

“Mmm! Feels amazing! So different from the city.”

“Right?”

“You grew up breathing this air, Yutarou.”

This nature-filled town shaped Makijima Yutarou, the soccer player.

“My place is kinda old-fashioned, so bear with it.”

Yutarou points at the house, self-deprecating.

“It’s not old-fashioned! It’s, like, vintage, full of history.”

“That’s not a compliment.”

A low-roofed, red-tiled house, typical of the countryside. It’s nice, not old-fashioned, but Yutarou’s weirdly down on it. Maybe it’s his city-country perspective.

He pulls my suitcase, guiding me.

“It’s dark, so you can’t see much, but there’s a vineyard across the street. My parents work there.”

“Grapes! I wanna eat some.”

“They’re not ripe yet, but we can get some in town later.”

I nod eagerly. Grape pancakes sound divine.

“You’re thinking about pancakes, aren’t you?”

“H-How’d you know?”

“It’s written all over your face. Please don’t make that goofy face in front of my parents.”

“I-I won’t!”

I slipped, but I’ll be proper for his parents. I’m the older one!

“Ready, Ayane? Let’s go in.”

Yutarou checks at the front door. I nod slightly, and he slides it open.

Time to meet Yutarou’s parents—

The moment the door opens, a girl my height with brown side-tails, maybe a high schooler, stands there.

“Why’re you here, Mizuha…?”

“Came back from the dorm to mess with you, Onii! And you actually brought a girlfriend!”

“Y-Yutarou… who’s she?”

“My sister—”

“Makijima Mizuha! Is she really your girlfriend?!”

She steps closer.

“Y-Yeah.”

“Wow! She’s insanely cute up close! Wait, she looks like… that idol, Kiraboshi Ayane? Dating someone with idol-level looks? Nice one, Onii!”

She pokes Yutarou’s side as he pales.

“For now, get to the kitchen. We need a family meeting,” Yutarou says firmly.

Sure, passing as a lookalike would be easier, but we can’t hide it from family.

Worried about Yutarou’s stomach, I steel myself.

Mizuha ushers me inside.

“Nee-san, Nee-san.”

“Me?”

“You’re Onii’s girlfriend, so you’re my Nee-san now.”

“Oh, right.”

Being called Nee-san feels kinda nice.

“What do you like about Onii?”

“Uh, w-well…”

“His face, right? He’s got a virgin personality, but his face is solid.”

“Don’t say that to your brother!”

“So, what is it?”

“His face is nice, but… it’s his dedication. On the field, he’s so serious, so disciplined… That goal in the Emperor’s Cup was his hard work paying off! And his smile after scoring makes my heart skip!”

“Ayane… don’t say that stuff in front of my sister. It’s embarrassing,” Yutarou mutters, looking away.

I blush, looking down.

“Ugh, too sweet! I’m gonna puke!” Mizuha groans.

Yutarou opens the living room door and steps in. I grab a gift box of sweets from my bag and follow.

“Yo, welcome back, Yutarou.”

A man in work clothes sits on a sofa in the spacious living room. His rugged voice and dapper looks scream Yutarou’s dad—handsome in a leading-man way.

Yutarou’ll age into that kind of cool, I bet.

“Hey, Dad. This is my girlfriend—”

“Hello! I’m Yutarou-kun’s girlfriend—”

“Sasaki-san, right? I’m Daisaku, Yutarou’s dad. Thanks for putting up with this idiot son of mine.”

“N-No, it’s nothing. Please, accept this small gift.”

I offer the sweets, and he stands, exchanging deep bows.

“Thanks for the courtesy. I thought Yutarou’s girlfriend would be some bubbly gal, but…”

“What’s your image of me, Dad? Where’s Mom?”

“She’ll be here soon.”

A woman in an apron steps through the kitchen’s noren curtain—wait.

“Yuu-chan! Welcome home!”

“Hey, Mom.”

“You brought a girlfriend? Oh, what a cute young lady!”

She’s so youthful and beautiful, I almost mistook her for an older sister. But… this déjà vu.

Where have I seen her?

“Ayane? You okay?”

“N-Nothing! Um, nice to meet you. I’m Sasaki Ayane, Yutarou-kun’s girlfriend.”

“Oh, Yuu-chan’s always in your care. I’m his mom, Erika. You’re so pretty—sure you’re okay with Yuu-chan?”

“What’s with you two? Saying I’m not good enough?” Yutarou snaps.

“Yuu-chan used to say he hated talking to girls. You’re not being mean to Ayane-chan, are you?”

“Don’t dig up my childhood! Things are different now.”

Did Yutarou avoid girls back then? No, with his thing for older women, he probably just disliked classmates. His first love was an older girl nearby… I kinda wanna meet her.

“Anyway! I’ve got something to tell Dad, Mom, and Mizuha.”

Yutarou steers us back on track.

“No way, Yutarou! Student marriage?!” Daisaku exclaims.

“Yuu-chan, I won’t forgive a shotgun wedding! You better have used—”

“Onii’s getting married?!” Mizuha shrieks.

“Ugh, everyone sit down!” Yutarou yells, angrier than ever.

☆☆

We sit around the living room table: Ayane and me side by side, Mom, Dad, and Mizuha across.

“So, Yutarou, what’s this about?” Dad asks.

Where to start?

“It’s about Ayane.”

I glance at her. She nods slightly, standing.

“Actually… three years ago, I was an idol. Kiraboshi Ayane.”

The warm glow of the ceiling bulb contrasts the ice-cold silence that follows.

“What? I thought she looked familiar, but Nee-san’s really Kiraboshi Ayane?!” Mizuha grabs Ayane’s hand, hyped.

Dad and Mom stare at her, expressionless.

“That’s wild! Onii’s dating a former idol—the Kiraboshi Ayane! But… why’re Mom and Dad so stiff?”

Read the room, sis.

Parents would freak if their son brought home a former celebrity. I was naive thinking their cheery vibe would make this a laugh.

“…”

“…”

Back in middle school, when I joined Tokyo Frontier’s Jr. Youth, they worried like crazy.

Dating Kiraboshi Ayane comes with risks. No matter how much I love Sasaki Ayane, her idol past doesn’t vanish.

Their reaction must mean they’re worried… right?

This vibe might nix cohabitation—or even dating.

I glance at Ayane, who looks back, troubled. I’ve gotta be clear.

“Dad, Mom, if you’re worried about me, I’m fine. Ayane’s a former superstar, and yeah, she might draw attention. But I need her. You saw the Emperor’s Cup, right? That goal happened because Ayane supported me.”

I plead, but their faces don’t budge.

Is it hopeless?

“I-I’m serious about Yutarou-kun! Please, let us be together!” Ayane bows, forehead nearly hitting the table.

I stand and bow too.

Sorry, Ayane… my parents are so stubborn.

If they don’t approve, what do we—

“Hahaha!” Dad bursts out laughing, clutching his stomach.

Laughing?

“Sorry, I couldn’t hold it in.”

What?

“Yutarou, Mizuha, Sasaki-san, check this out.”

“Papa, what’s that?” Mizuha asks.

Dad grins, rummages under the cabinet, and pulls out a rusty, musty safe.

What’s that? Was it always there?

He sets it on the table, unlocks it, and places a photo in front of us—a woman in a red-and-black gingham-check uniform outfit, wearing glasses.

“This!” Ayane reacts first.

“So… Mom was…”

Mom covers her face, groaning, “Ughhh!”

“What’s going on, Dad?”

“Yutarou, Mizuha… we never told you, but Mom was an idol too.”

What?

“Daisaku! You promised to take that to the grave!” Mom snaps.

“Didn’t expect Yutarou to bring home a former idol!”

What?

“No way… you’re the original FuruFuru’s glasses-wearing captain, Fuji-no-Eri-san!” Ayane says.

“How does a Reiwa girl know my name?!” Mom cries.

“FuruFuru was with Genesistars’ agency, four generations back,” Ayane explains.

“Hold on, Ayane. What’s this Furu-whatever?” I ask, lost.

“There was an idol group, FRUITY×FRUITY, nicknamed FuruFuru. Their top members’ photos are at the agency’s entrance. I knew Mom’s face looked familiar.”

“I’m so embarrassed… I wanna run away,” Mom groans, her HP draining.

Mom, an idol? I had no clue.

Mizuha’s jaw drops, her goofy face goofier.

I thought we’d shock them, but we’re the ones floored.

“So, with Mom’s secret out, looks like the Makijima family’s getting its second ex-idol,” Dad says.

“No way! Why’d you keep it from us?” I demand.

“Yeah!” Mizuha adds.

“Everyone’s got secrets. You two being good-looking? Thank your idol mom,” Dad says.

Mom nods, secretly pleased.

“So Mom’s on Wuki-pedia? That’s wild!” Mizuha says.

“Wuki’s your standard?” I retort.

Gals adapt fast.

“Alright, Ayane-chan, as a fellow ex-idol, let’s talk seriously,” Mom says, tightening the mood.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“I’m happy I married Daisaku, but my idol past brought him a lot of hardship. Honestly, I don’t want Yutarou to go through that.”

“I-I understand,” Ayane says, looking down, biting her lip.

“Ayane…”

“But I’d never tell you to break up. Yutarou has a duty to protect you. A guy who can’t protect the girl he brings home won’t amount to much. Right, Daisaku?”

“Yeah! Protect her, Yutarou!”

“Dad… Mom…”

“If you’re serious about Ayane, shield her from any backlash. Half-hearted feelings won’t cut it. Got it?”

Mom’s never looked so serious.

“Got it. That’s my plan.”

As I say it confidently, Ayane starts crying.

“Ayane, why’re you crying?!”

“I-I’m just… relieved. You saying you’ll protect me… I’m so happy.”

“Don’t cry over that!”

I pull out a handkerchief and tissues to comfort her.

“Hehe. Looks solid. Reminds me of us back then,” Mom says.

“Yeah,” Dad agrees.

☆☆

After Ayane’s idol reveal and Mom’s bombshell, the night grows late.

Mom and Ayane, wanting ex-idol talk, head to the tatami room in the annex.

Mom, an idol… Seeing her all bubbly on stage feels weird, but it’s why I exist, so I can’t complain.

“Man, laughing’s got my throat dry. Mizuha, grab a beer,” Dad says.

“Okay!”

Left in the living room, Dad, Mizuha, and I talk. Mizuha brings a beer for Dad, orange juice for us, and glasses.

“Let’s toast,” Dad says.

Dad raises his beer, Mizuha and I our juice glasses. Family talk always turns to soccer.

“Yutarou, that Emperor’s Cup goal was this close to offside, huh? Lucky no VAR.”

“Shut up. Without that goal, I wouldn’t be here.”

“Haha, kidding. Nice move beating the pros.”

Dad chugs his beer.

“How’s Mizuha doing? Your girls’ school’s a national soccer powerhouse, right? Making nationals this year?”

“Probs! I’m the only first-year on the national team!” Mizuha brags.

She’s a great sister (despite the gal vibe). Back in our local sports club, she had a strong core and technique, never backing down from boys.

Her ball-stealing and field vision are better than mine.

“Someday, I’ll defend, you score. Wanna play like that?” she says.

“Yeah. If I go pro and get big enough for a retirement match, we’ll do it.”

“Sweet! Hurry up and go pro, Onii!”

“Sure thing,” I say, acting tough for my little sister.

I want to go pro, but…

“If you go pro, join N1’s Dobel Hyogo. Big-money team’ll help Mom and Dad,” Dad says.

“Nah, Tokyo Frontier or bust.”

“East Fro? No way. Their era’s over. Four-game losing streak,” Dad scoffs.

“Yeah, Onii, ditch the East Fro fandom,” Mizuha adds.

These two… They’re brutal because they’re Volcano Kofu fans and anti-Tokyo Frontier.

“Their foreign coach might get sacked soon. Who’s next?” Dad muses.

I’ve been too busy to watch, but Tokyo Frontier’s in N2’s relegation zone. A rough start and third-year coach slump might mean a change.

“If you make it to the Emperor’s Cup third round, you might face East Fro with Koto U. But they’ll probably lose in the second,” Dad laughs.

With family split on teams, we bicker constantly, but I can’t argue with Tokyo Frontier’s state.

Ugh… Kishihara-san, you’re in charge of strengthening. Fix this…

☆☆

Yutarou’s mom leads me to the tatami annex room. Sitting on cushions, I look around.

“This was the previous owner’s house. The main house Daisaku built,” she says.

“Previous owner? Didn’t Yutarou’s grandparents pass down the vineyard?”

“No, Daisaku and I, city-born, took it over when it had no heir. We wanted a quiet place to hide.”

“Hide? That must’ve been tough.”

“Reporters hound you post-retirement. You went through it too, right?”

“Yeah…”

I went overseas for a year after retiring to cool off. If I’d stayed, I might not be here now.

“Ayane-chan, I told Yutarou to protect you, but he’s got limits.”

“Limits?”

She nods sadly.

“He’s shining now, carrying expectations after beating pros. But in high school, he faced the same pressure and struggled. It was hard to watch.”

“Really?”

“So if he faces that again, come back here with him. Work the vineyard with us.”

“With Yutarou… here?”

A slow life in Yamanashi, making grapes with Yutarou…

My mind drifts. Yutarou and I in work clothes, hand in hand, tending grapes for a year. Finally, we gaze at our ripe harvest.

“Ayane… these are our grapes.”

“Yeah. I was worried at first, but we did it.”

“Yup.”

“Yutarou?”

“Uh… grapes are great, but maybe we should… work on that too.”

He blushes, holding a grape.

That… he means…

“Tonight, maybe?”

“Y-Yeah… be gentle.”

…And so on.

“Sigh~ Too perfect.”

“Ayane-chan? Your mouth’s open.”

“Eek! Sorry!”

Mom’s wry smile snaps me back. Did I creep her out?

“So, what do you think?” she asks.

“Thank you, but… I can’t decide now.”

“Too soon to talk about the future, huh?” she murmurs, a bit lonely.

Does she want Yutarou back here?

“But are you okay just following Yutarou’s path?”

“No, I’ll follow him, but…”

“But?”

“Being by his side makes me want to start something new.”

Since the Emperor’s Cup, I’ve had a goal in mind.

“Not returning to showbiz, right?”

“Definitely not. I want to find a new path. Yutarou’s working so hard, protecting me, but just cooking and cheering… it’s not enough for the older one!”

I’m older, so I’ve gotta lead him too.

“Hehe. Yuu-chan got a great bride…”

“B-Bride?!”

If I had a tail, it’d be wagging like crazy.

“Nee-chan! Bath time with me!” Mizuha bursts in, sliding the fusuma open.

“Mizuha! We’re talking!” Mom scolds.

“But I want first bath, or it’s after Papa!”

“No way. Yuu-chan’s girlfriend can’t bathe after Daisaku.”

“Dad’ll cry hearing that.”

Mizuha pulls me to the bath.

☆☆

Heading to the bathroom, I grab clothes from my suitcase. At the main house’s bath, Mizuha strips without hesitation, undoing her side-tails.

Her tanned skin—and…

“Hm? What’s up, Ayane-chan?”

I glance at my chest, then hers.

“Mizuha-chan, you’re a first-year high schooler… right?”

“Yup!”

“…”

I touch my chest, feeling defeat.

Her casual clothes hid it, but… she’s big. Smaller than Yuzu-chan, but nicely developed.

High schoolers these days are too grown.

“Come on, Ayane-chan!”

“W-Wait!”

Naked, Mizuha sneaks behind me, trying to strip me.

♢♢♢

“W-Wow… I just saw some national-treasure-level skin. Seriously gorgeous…”

“It’s not a national treasure!”

I took off my clothes and stepped into the steamy bath with Mizuha-chan. The spacious bathroom, filled with the calming scent of wood, had a cypress tub that gave off a refined vibe.

As soon as we entered, Mizuha-chan offered to wash me first, so I took her up on it and sat in the bath chair in front of the mirror. At first, I thought Mizuha-chan was some intimidating gyaru, but she’s surprisingly sweet. A good kid.

Since it’s just the two of us, maybe I’ll ask about Yūtarō’s childhood.

“Hey, Mizuha-chan.”

“Hm? What’s up?”

“I kinda wanna hear about Yūtarō when he was younger.”

“Oh, you’re curious about that, huh?”

“Yup!”

“Big Bro back then…”

Mizuha-chan’s hand, moving the body sponge, paused.

“…He was pretty quiet compared to now. Before he started soccer, he was always reading books.”

“B-Books!? Yūtarō!?”

“Surprising, right? Back then, Big Bro was good at sports and studies, so he was super popular with girls. But he wasn’t into his classmates, you know? Guess why?”

“Because he had a crush on the college girl next door?”

“You knew that, Ayane-chan!? Ugh, there goes my punchline.”

So the story about his first love being a college girl was true… Part of me hoped it was a joke, so I feel a tiny bit jealous.

“But yeah, even though he was cool and great at soccer, he’s always had this mentally fragile side. In his second year of high school, he ran away from soccer once. Came back home.”

“…Yūtarō, running away from soccer?”

“Hard to believe, right? And it wasn’t because ‘practice was too tough’ or ‘I fought with a friend.’ He said, ‘I hated myself for not living up to the coach’s expectations.’ Too serious, right?”

Come to think of it, when Yūtarō met Coach Kishihara before, there was this vibe like something had happened in the past…

“But it seems like it was just a misunderstanding with the coach, and they worked it out. When I heard Big Bro was continuing soccer in college, I was happy but also worried. Like, what if something tough enough to make him want to run away again was waiting for him?”

That’s… exactly what his mom said earlier.

“I see. You were worried about Yūtarō too, huh, Mizuha-chan?”

“Yeah… But thanks to a dependable older girlfriend like you, Ayane-chan, he’s been able to keep going in college. So, thanks, Ayane-chan.”

“…Mizuha-chan.”

Moved, I stood up from the bath chair and impulsively hugged Mizuha-chan.

“Hey, that tickles!”

“Such a great little sister~!”

Not just my body but my heart felt warm too.

☆☆

“We’re done with the bath!”

Ayane emerged from the bathroom with Mizuha and popped into the living room. Wearing her favorite fluffy pajamas, Ayane looked unusually cheerful, while Mizuha seemed a bit tired.

I was worried Mizuha might’ve overwhelmed Ayane, but… maybe Ayane was the one clinging to Mizuha?

“I put bedding for Ayane-chan in Yū-chan’s room, okay?”

“Thank you, Mom.”

Ayane thanked my mom and walked over to me by the TV.

“Ayane, head to my room first. I’ll take a bath and come up soon.”

“Okay!”

I had Ayane get ready for bed in my room while I took a quick bath and headed to my second-floor bedroom.

My room—been a while.

It’s been used as storage, but Mom cleaned it up since I was coming back.

“Ayane, sorry for the wai—”

“Welcome back!”

Ayane was sprawled on one of the two futons laid out, looking at something.

…Wait, that’s…

“That’s my elementary school yearbook! Don’t just look at it!”

“Kid Yūtarō is so cute~!”

“N-No way, I’m not cute at all. What kind of filter are you using?”

“Oh? There’s a graduation essay tucked in here too.”

Without my permission, Ayane opened the essay booklet and flipped through it. Well, it’s probably nothing major, so whatever.

“Class 6-2, Makishima Yūtarō, Future Dream—”

What did I write back then? I barely remember. By sixth grade, I was already playing soccer, so probably something safe like “soccer player”?

“Become a pro soccer player—”

Yup, as expected.

“—and marry an older beauty.”

I probably wrote that thinking of my first crush, that college girl… Man, kid me was such a precocious brat. What kind of stuff-ra essay is this!?

“Wow, Yūtarō, you’ve already achieved one dream!”

“…Come to think of it, you are older than me.”

“Hey, that’s mean! I’m a proper older sister! Come on, lean on me more!”

“That’s got nothing to do with it right now.”

Ayane sat up straight and patted her thighs, peeking out from her fluffy hot pants.

“What’s that for?”

“Ear cleaning. Big sister privilege.”

“Ear cleaning?”

Ayane proudly held up a bamboo ear pick.

“I borrowed it from your mom~”

“Don’t borrow stuff like that…”

“When I did, she was grinning like crazy.”

I could picture Mom’s smug face handing it over. Ugh, I’m gonna get teased tomorrow.

But I gave in to temptation and rested my head on Ayane’s soft, smooth thighs.

In my heart, I thought, I could sleep on these every day…

Looking up, I saw a national-treasure-level beauty. Is this heaven?

Ayane carefully worked the ear pick.

With daily practices and lectures, life’s been hectic, but this moment let me forget it all, pure relaxation.

“Phew~”

Her sweet breath occasionally tickled my ear, making my lower half tingle with excitement.

“Whoa, Yūtarō, you’re getting that excited just from a puff in your ear?”

“Yeah, totally. It’s thrilling. Do it more.”

“W-What? Deny it a little, you dummy!”

Hearing Ayane’s flustered voice for the first time in a while felt great. She teases but can’t handle a counter.

“Hey, Ayane. Did you talk properly with Mom?”

“Yeah… We talked a lot about the future, and I… I wanna try harder too.”

“I see…”

“By the way, I can’t believe your mom is the FuruFuru Eri-san. Another former idol around you besides me. And a relative, no less.”

I haven’t told Ayane, but there’s actually a third—MIZUKI-san, who I met at that mixer. Am I destined to meet former idols or something?

“Let’s take it easy tomorrow and do some Yamanashi sightseeing.”

“I want pancakes with grapes on them!”

“Ugh… No more pancakes…”

“No way!”

Where’d her cool older sister vibe go?

Just then, my phone pinged with a notification.

From Azaki.

Azaki: You on a trip or something? Had something to deliver in person.

Seems he came by my apartment.

Something to deliver? Probably another sleazy nightlife how-to book.

“What’s up, Yūtarō?”

“Azaki’s trying to drop off something dumb again.”

“Hmm. Another how-to book?”

“Probably. I told him I’m in Yamanashi and to bring it when I’m back in Tokyo the day after tomorrow.”

“Let’s turn off the lights.”

“Yeah.”

And so, Ayane and I slept side by side in my childhood room—or so I thought.

“Hm?”

Waking up early in the morning, I found Ayane in my futon, clinging to my right arm, staring at me.

“Pancakes!”

Confirming I was awake, she said it with wide eyes.

“Your morning greeting is ‘pancakes’? You’re already unhinged.”

“Pancakes~”

“No hope for you.”

☆☆

Waiting for Ayane at the front door, I heard her hurried footsteps.

“Sorry for the wait~”

There was Ayane, in her usual glasses, a white top with a light brown cardigan, black jeans, and a black beret.

“That beret’s cute.”

“Right? Mizuha-chan gave it to me ‘cause it didn’t suit her~”

I felt a twinge of jealousy at how close she’d gotten with my sister, but we left the house together.

“Worried your little sister’s stealing me?”

“…Not really?”

“Ugh, playing tough!”

Ayane poked my side, laughing.

“You’re not wearing a mask today, huh?”

“It’s getting hot, and I don’t want heatstroke. With the beret and glasses, I’m fine.”

“Yeah, you don’t look like the dazzling Ayane Kiraboshi. No one’d expect you here.”

Kōfu Station’s area feels lively, but it’s still rural. If Mom can go unrecognized, Ayane’s probably fine.

It’s reassuring to have Mom as a precedent.

We reached the bus stop for Kōfu Station.

“Is the bus not here yet?”

“Don’t underestimate rural bus schedules. Waiting tens of minutes is normal.”

“What!? Let’s take a taxi!”

“Just wait. You’re so impatient.”

As I calmed Ayane down, a wrinkled hand reached between us.

Turning, I saw an unfamiliar grandma in a big straw hat pushing a walker.

“What a lovely young lady~ Waiting for the bus? Have some candy~”

“Uh…”

“Such a sweet brother, looking out for his sister. Cherish her~”

The grandma handed Ayane a strawberry candy and shuffled off toward the fields.

“Pfft! Ayane, she thought you were my whiny little sister!”

“Ugh! I’m the older sister!”

Ayane was all worked up during the wait.

☆☆

We were supposed to stroll around Kōfu Station together… but.

“Hey, Big Bro! Let’s get hyped!”

An interloper tagged along while we waited for the bus.

My sister, dressed like a K-pop girl in a crop top, leather jacket, and miniskirt—hardly rural attire.

“Hey, Ayane-chan! We’re hitting a café for pancakes, right?”

“Yup!”

We sat in the back of the nearly empty bus, Ayane in the middle.

 

                       ♢♢♢

As I glanced at Ayane chatting with Mizuha, Ayane caught my eye, gave a knowing look, and suddenly grabbed my hand.

“Whoo, so lovey-dovey~ By the way, how far have you and Ayane-chan gone? Already doing all sorts of stuff~?”

“Don’t tease your brother like that. It’s not like what you’re imagining…”

I tried to brush it off smoothly, but Ayane, sitting next to me, was inexplicably blushing bright red.

“Hey, Ayane, don’t let it show on your face.”

“I’m not!”

“Ohh, total understanding. Sorry, I underestimated you, Big Bro.”

“No, I mean, it’s not not true, but… it’s different!”

Even my face started heating up.

☆☆

The bus stopped at the station’s rotary.

Kōfu’s streets at noon were as laid-back as ever. Unlike Tokyo, there were no skyscrapers or waves of people—just a calm vibe.

We switched to another bus and arrived at the café Ayane wanted to visit. It was an organic café with lots of plants, giving off a nature-like atmosphere.

There were terrace seats, so we sat there to eat while enjoying the natural scenery.

Ayane immediately ordered pancakes, I got a hamburger plate, and Mizuha, without hesitation, ordered the most expensive parfait.

“Thanks for the treat, Big Bro~”

“This girl…”

“Oh, right! Since I’m here, I’ll take a pic of you and Ayane-chan.”

Mizuha pulled out her heavily decorated phone and snapped a photo of us sitting side by side.

“Send that to my Lime too~”

“Got it~”

“Sigh…”

When the limited-edition pancakes arrived, Ayane forgot to take photos and dove in, humming with delight.

“Pancakes after so long. Happiness.”

“You eat them all the time.”

Three small pancakes were topped with mint leaves, kiwi, raspberries, and heaps of Yamanashi grapes.

“These are rice flour pancakes, apparently. All the fruits are delicious!”

Basking in the pleasant breeze on the terrace, Ayane savored her pancakes while taking in the natural view.

“Yutarou, say ‘ahh’~”

“Ugh, don’t do embarrassing stuff like that.”

“You never complain when Mizuha-chan’s not around~”

“Huh, really? Big Bro’s such a baby~”

Damn it. It feels like I’m the only one getting embarrassed here…

Reluctantly, I let Ayane feed me a bite of pancake.

“…This is good.”

Having been dragged to countless cafés by Ayane, my palate’s gotten annoyingly refined, but these pancakes were on another level. The dough wasn’t heavy, perfectly fluffy, and paired flawlessly with the fresh fruit’s juices.

The fruits shone, but the pancakes held their own—like Azaki, in a way…

His annoying face popped into my head.

“Nah, never mind.”

“Hey, what’re you guys doing after this?”

“We were gonna decide at the café, but Ayane, anywhere you wanna go?”

“Takeda Shrine! We gotta boost your luck for victory, Yutarou!”

“Takeda Shrine, huh… Nice.”

Takeda Shrine, dedicated to Takeda Shingen, holds memories from my middle school days. It’s said to grant luck in victory and wealth, and with the Emperor’s Cup second round coming up, I could use the boost.

“Mizuha, you’ve got Inter-High soon. Come with us.”

“Ehh, a shrine? I’ll go if we can hit karaoke after. I wanna sing with Ayane-chan.”

“Sure, sounds good!”

“Heck yeah!”

That was Mizuha’s plan all along, wasn’t it?

We headed to Takeda Shrine.

Crossing the divine bridge and climbing the stairs, we bowed at the torii gate before entering.

“Actually, I came here for a shoot during my idol days. I always thought, if I came to Yamanashi, I’d visit to pray for your victory, Yutarou.”

“Really? I thought your head was only full of pancakes.”

“P-Pancakes are important, but… I think about you more!”

“Yeah, right.”

Mizuha, overhearing us from behind, stopped walking.

“You two are so lovey-dovey, I might puke up that parfait.”

“We’re not that lovey-dovey.”

“Not realizing it makes me wanna puke even more.”

“Sorry, Mizuha-chan. We’ll tone it down.”

“No, no, keep going!”

“Which is it?!”

It wasn’t a holiday, so the shrine wasn’t crowded, and we could pray right away.

☆☆

After praying, we hit karaoke at Mizuha’s request. Ayane and Mizuha sang a bunch of Genesistars songs together.

Exhausted from singing and goofing around, they fell asleep on the bus ride back.

I felt like I was babysitting two kids today.

Lately, I’ve been staring up at city skyscrapers, so this wasn’t bad.

With them asleep, I got bored and gazed at the electronic display at the front of the bus.

Next stop…

Crap, I’m dozing off too.

I jolted awake, rubbed my eyes, and blinked.

If I fall asleep, we’ll end up at the final stop.

Just as I looked back at the display, it switched to news.

Tokyo Frontier, coach sacked.

“…!?”

The text scrolled across the screen.

Coach sacked!?

And as interim coach—

I rubbed my eyes again and read.

Interim coach: Kishihara from the development department to take over.

“What…”

☆☆

“Sasaki-san, you’re a great cook! It’s as good as Erika’s.”

“Right? Ayane-chan will make a great wife.”

“Aw, you and Mom are such flatterers~”

Dinner with the family.

Dad and Mom don’t know—Ayane’s cooking is amazing, but the quantity is insane.

Only Mizuha and I saw it.

The way Ayane casually bought a mountain of ingredients at the supermarket on the way back.

“Big Bro, Ayane-chan was super efficient, but the amount was crazy, right?”

Mizuha, sitting to my left, whispered so Ayane, on my right, wouldn’t hear.

“There’s five of us today, so I made three times the usual amount. Dig in!”

Dad nodded with a smile, unaware of the mountain of leftovers in the fridge.

Get ready for days of potato salad and stew, Dad.

“By the way, Yutarou, seems Kishihara’s the next coach for Tokyo Frontier.”

“Yeah, looks like it…”

I must’ve looked down, because Ayane peered at me with concern.

“Isn’t this a chance for you, Yutarou? Kishihara’s been to all your recent matches. He might call you up to the pros.”

“Tokyo Frontier already has his star pupil, Makoto Kida. No way he’d call me.”

“Kida… the guy whose jersey you lent me?”

“Yeah.”

Makoto Kida, Tokyo Frontier’s ace forward, won nationals under Coach Kishihara in high school alongside Shiratake Takanotsume. A genius.

The forward I admired…

“Then, Yutarou, you know what you have to do, right?”

Dad’s words lit a fire under me, and I turned to Ayane.

“Sorry, Ayane. I wanted to stay longer, but I wanna head back to Tokyo tomorrow morning.”

“…Figures.”

Ayane said, showing me her phone screen.

“I booked tonight’s bus. You want to do extra practice in the morning, right?”

“Ayane…”

I wanted to hug her right there, family watching and all, but I held back.

“You and Ayane-chan are practically an old married couple.”

“Find a boyfriend you click with like that.”

“That’s mean to say to a girls’ school kid like me.”

Mizuha pouted.

“Anyway, Dad, Mom, we’re heading back tonight.”

“Alright.”

“Good luck, Yū-chan.”

I nodded firmly.

☆☆

Just one day, but it was nice to relax.

After packing, Dad drove me and Ayane to the station.

As we got out, Dad opened the car window and leaned out.

“Yutarou… If you make it to the third round of the Emperor’s Cup, you’ll face Kishihara… Win and pay him back.”

“Yeah. I’m gonna crush Coach Kishihara… and Tokyo Frontier.”

Dad waved to me and Ayane before driving off.

Good luck with the stew and potato salad, Dad.

“Yutarou, the bus is almost here.”

“Time to say goodbye to Yamanashi…”

“It was so chill… Maybe we should visit a vineyard next time.”

“Huh?”

Ayane and I boarded the highway bus.

Next time might be summer break.

I’d love to watch Mizuha’s Inter-High qualifiers, but I probably won’t make it.

Yamanashi, huh.

“…Come to think of it, why did we come to my parents’ place?”

“Huh…?”

I hadn’t even thought about it, but when I muttered that, Ayane’s eyes widened.

“Oh!”

Our voices overlapped.

“Permission to live together!!”

We’d forgotten the whole point—getting permission to live together—and headed back to Tokyo.