Memories with the “Brat” – Part 4

Master is a Brat

“Come on, Pochi. Paw.”

“W-Woof.”

I, Pochi, place my clenched fist on Asaka’s small outstretched palm.

“Good boy, good boy.”

Asaka says, ruffling my head vigorously.

“Next, sit.”

“…Woof.”

I plop down on the spot.

“Paw.”

“…Woof.”

I place my fist on Asaka’s small palm again.

“Pochi’s such a good boy.”

There’s probably no one in this world who’d enjoy being treated like a dog by a girl ten years younger. If there is such a person, they’d be one hell of a pervert.

“Hahaha, Asaka. Play with this. Dogs love playing with balls, don’t they?”

Miya hands over a rubber ball.

“Okay, Dad. Here we go, Pochi. Ei!”

Asaka throws the rubber ball clumsily. It bounces around in my cramped room.

“Come on, Pochi. Go fetch!”

I crawl on all fours to retrieve the rubber ball and return to my master, the brat.

“Good boy, good boy!”

“…”

What a humiliation.

What a disgrace.

There’s a deep reason why things turned out like this.

 

2

 

“Yuu-nii, we’re playing house today.”

On a clear day in early August, Miya announced this the moment she arrived at my room.

“Playing house?”

The three brats came carrying a ton of stuff. Looking closer, it’s a playhouse set.

Plastic dishes, food items, and cooking tools are lined up in the corner of my room.

What a nostalgic sight. Back in kindergarten, we used to play with stuff like this. Oh yeah, the pieces had Velcro so you could pretend to cut them.

“So, I’m the dad, right?”

“Nope,” says Mahiru.

“Then the son?”

“You’re the pet dog.”

“Don’t mess with me.”

“We even brought the proper stuff for it.”

Miya pulls out a headband with dog ears and a red collar with a belt.

“Hold on, Miya. What’s that? Where’d you even get that stuff?”

“Uh? From Mom and Dad’s dress—”

“No, stop. Don’t say any more. Anyway, that makes me even less willing to play the dog.”

“Then how about the loser of rock-paper-scissors becomes the dog?”

Asaka suggests.

“Fine, I’ll go along with your selfish whims.”

My will hasn’t been respected at all here, but if I can avoid being the dog, I’ll let it slide.

“Rock, paper, scissors!”

Four voices overlap.

Three rocks and one scissors.

“Oh, I lost.”

Asaka’s the sole loser. Phew, I dodged the dog role.

“Here, Asaka.”

Miya hands the dog ears and collar to Asaka.

“Ugh.”

Asaka reluctantly puts on the dog ears.

Wait a sec.

A first-grade girl wearing dog ears and a collar? That’s a seriously inappropriate image, isn’t it?

“Looks good on you,” says Mahiru.

“Ehehe.”

The dog ears suit Asaka’s glossy black hair, adding a nice accent. Sure, it’s cute, but…

Then she reaches for the collar.

“…”

The ears might be fine, but the collar’s definitely a problem. In this day and age, it’s a huge no-go.

I can’t let this happen!

“Wait! Y-You know, I really wanna be the dog after all!”

“What, Yuu-nii? You want to be our dog that badly?”

Don’t phrase it so infuriatingly.

“But Asaka’s cuter.”

“No, I love dogs. My dream’s to become a dog someday.”

“If you’re that insistent, Asaka, will you switch?”

Asked by Miya, Asaka says, “Fine,” and takes off the dog ears.

And so, I became the brats’ dog.

 

3

 

“Alright, Pochi. Now, beg.”

“Woof.”

“I’m home!”

“Welcome back, Dad. Dinner or bath first?”

By the way, in this game of house, Miya’s the dad, Mahiru’s the mom, and Asaka’s the kid.

“Haha, let’s go with dinner. Mom’s cooking is always delicious.”

“Oh, Dad, you flatterer. Here you go.”

Mahiru presents a dish. On the plate are daikon and strawberries.

“It’s daikon and strawberry stew.”

“Haha, looks tasty.”

“What kind of combination is that?”

“Hey, dogs don’t talk!”

Asaka snaps.

“…Woof.”

“Mom, can I feed Pochi too?”

“Oh my, Pochi’s hungry too, huh? Not yet. Wait.”

Mahiru holds out her palm, commanding me.

“Wait.”

“Woof.”

Left in a sitting position, I’m ignored while the brats continue their chaotic game of house.

“Time for a bath, haha.”

“Oh, Dad, what’s this? An affair?”

Mahiru holds up a pink origami card, confronting Miya.

“No, it’s not like that. The boss invited me—”

“An affair?!”

Do you guys even know what that means?

“Oh, so you’re the wife?”

Asaka steps in, playing the mistress. Wait, weren’t you the kid?

“He’s mine.”

“We’re done!”

“Wait, please!”

The three of them move out to the balcony.

“It’s not like that! You’re the only one I love!”

Left alone, I silently keep waiting.

On the balcony, Miya and Mahiru are hugging, and Asaka’s fake-crying, making it a messy drama.

Then the door opens, and my mom comes in.

“Hey, everyone, snacks are ready downstairs—Yuu?”

“Huh?”

Mom’s face turns pale, and she freezes.

“W-What are you… N-No, it’s fine. I’m not judging your hobbies.”

“What are you talking about—oh!”

I suddenly remember my current state as the brats’ pet. I hurriedly stand and rip off the dog ears and collar.

“It’s a misunderstanding, it’s—”

“We’ll talk later with Dad too. But, you know, doing that with kids…”

“No, it’s part of playing house! Hey, you guys, get back here and explain!”

“What’s that?”

“Why’d you take off the dog stuff?”

“Yuu-san, you said you wanted to be the dog.”

Asaka shouts.

“You wanted to?”

Mom’s face twitches.

“No, there’s a whole story behind this! Hey, Mom, wait, listen!”

After explaining, I managed to clear things up, but I swore never to play the dog in house again.

 

The Brats Are Curious

 

1

 

It’s almost mid-August.

The three brats spread out their “Summer Vacation Friend” workbooks on the table, diligently tackling their homework. I’m like a tutor, helping with anything they don’t understand or stumble on.

“Hey, have you two done your independent research yet?”

Asaka asks hesitantly after a break.

“I’m making a beetle observation diary.”

Miya says confidently. She really loves beetles.

“Wow, that’s cool. What about you, Mahiru-chan?”

“I researched and wrote about the history of Japanese games.”

“Whoa.”

“They say old guys played games without touchscreens back in the day.”

“What, first-graders have to do independent research now?”

“Didn’t you do it, Yuu-nii?” asks Miya.

“In my time, it started in third… no, fourth grade, I think?”

My memory’s fuzzy, but I think that’s right.

“Hmm.”

“What should I do for independent research?”

Asaka mutters to no one in particular.

“Just look into something you’re curious about or find mysterious. The point is to research it yourself.”

“Yuu-nii says something smart for once.”

Mahiru says smugly.

“For once, huh? Anyway, list some things.”

“Something I’m curious about or find mysterious…”

Asaka hugs her head, troubled.

I reach for a glass of barley tea.

“Why do people do bad things?”

“…That’s an eternal philosophical question. No, something more everyday.”

“Hmm, then why is the sky blue?”

“Oh, that’s a good one. Like that.”

“Why does water boil at 100°C?”

“Yeah, yeah, stuff like that.”

“How are babies made?”

“Pfft!”

I spit out the barley tea in my mouth.

“Ugh, Yuu-nii, don’t spit out your tea! Miya, grab a towel.”

“Here.”

“What’s wrong?”

Asaka looks at me with pure, innocent eyes.

“T-That’s something you don’t need to know!”

“Why? I’m curious.”

“Yeah, I don’t know either. I know the stork thing’s a lie, though.”

“Just kiss, right? Kiss.”

Miya puckers her lips.

“No way.”

“What? Yuu-nii, you know?”

Mahiru eyes me suspiciously.

“N-No, I don’t! Anyway, the sky thing’s good, right? I’m curious too. The universe is black, so it’s mysterious, right?”

“Yeah, now that you mention it. Why’s that?”

“I’m curious too.”

Phew, I dodged the topic.

These brats are precocious in the weirdest ways. They were playing that messy game of house the other day…

Better steer them before they change their minds.

“Alright, let’s head to the library to look it up.”

“““Yeah!”””

 

2

 

In a corner of the city library, the children’s section.

Rows of low bookshelves line up, filled with kids from preschool to upper elementary and their parents.

The air conditioning is just right, and the lighting isn’t too bright, making it a comfortable space.

Asaka grabs some books from the children’s science section and studies them with a serious face. Beside her, Miya and Mahiru quietly read children’s books for their book reports.

The only sounds in the spacious library are pages turning and footsteps, with occasional hushed whispers.

Even these brats don’t make a fuss here, which is a relief.

“Any luck?”

“Hmm.”

Asaka tilts her head.

Too tough for a first-grader?

“There’s a lot of sunlight, but it’s all different colors, and blue light spreads easily, so…?”

“Why does it spread easily?”

“Um, there’s something called wavelength, and shorter wavelengths hit dust in the air more easily… and blue light has a short wavelength… when it hits dust, the light scatters. Since blue light scatters a lot, the sky looks blue, I think.”

“That’s impressive. Now just organize it clearly.”

“Ehehe.”

I learned that today too, but that’s a secret. Asaka diligently copies her findings into a notebook.

Since we’re at the library, I might as well read something. I actually enjoy reading, especially fantasy and adventure novels, but lately, I’m into mystery novels.

I love classic whodunits that focus on solving puzzles. I pick a book and return to the table, where Asaka’s alone.

“Can you handle the rest by yourself?”

“Yes.”

Alright, time to dive into reading.

An old mansion. A blood-soaked family. A mysterious beauty. Family secrets and a closed circle. Yep, exactly my kind of rich setting.

Asaka lets out a small cheer.

“Phew, done.”

Almost at the same time, Mahiru returns.

“Asaka, look. Found something cool.”

“Wow.”

They must’ve found an interesting book. Don’t get too loud, guys. I’m at a really good part… Oh, that feels like a clue…

But then Miya comes back and shouts, “Hey, they’re showing a movie upstairs!”

“Miya, quiet.”

The librarian’s glaring.

“What?”

“A movie?”

Mahiru and Asaka stand up.

“Yuu-nii, can we go?”

“Keep it down.”

Sounds like there’s a movie screening. Kids do find videos easier than text.

Fine, the noisy ones are gone, so I can focus on reading. This book keeps hitting my tastes perfectly.

＊

“Phew.”

What a great story.

The layered logic unravels the trick, pinpointing the culprit while revealing the family’s tragic secrets, leading to an emotional ending.

I got so absorbed in it. A masterpiece like this is what you call a classic. Who’d have thought that line was a clue…

What time is it?

I check the clock—4 PM.

Two hours already?

I was so focused I didn’t notice anything around me.

They should be back soon.

I glance around and notice curious looks from parents, whispering to each other…

Because I’m alone in the kids’ section?

Something feels off, though.

Puzzled, I look at the table. Those brats left their books without putting them away. What books did they—

Where Do Babies Come From?

Sex Education Through Manga

Mom’s Secrets

“What—”

Those damn brats…

What the hell…

Wait.

The looks around me.

Could it be, people think I borrowed these…

“Those damn brats!”

I race upstairs, and an angry shout follows.

“Quiet in the library!”

 

The Brats Want to Wake Me Up

 

1

 

—3 AM.

“Uoooh, hic, so good… I’m so glad… we could still meet, both of them… hic, sob. So good…”

I’m bawling my eyes out. When was the last time a story made me cry this hard? It was a mystery novel that broke my tear ducts.

A girl abandoned by her mother, living unhappily with relatives. One day, her unknown father rescues her, taking her to a mansion.

Her life as a young lady begins, and through meeting her half-sister, she grows as a person, building their bond. But the adults’ dirty schemes tear them apart.

Years later, a murder occurs in the mansion.

Hidden secrets. Past murders. A mysterious diary. An unearthed body.

After shocking twists, the detective’s logic leads to a surprising truth.

The clever foreshadowing and mansion atmosphere are great, but this novel’s strong emotional pull is incredible. In a genre full of killing and messy relationships, it leaves such a refreshing aftertaste—a true masterpiece. I borrowed it from the library earlier with the brats, planning to read just the start before bed, but ended up binge-reading it.

It’s already 3 AM.

Time to sleep.

Wiping my tears, I lie in bed.

“…”

I can’t sleep.

Damn it.

What’s wrong?

I’m not sleepy at all.

Is it the three cans of black coffee I drank while reading? I glare at the empty cans on the side table.

Or is the excitement from the book still lingering?

If I let my guard down, I start imagining what kind of life those two are living now. I’m that obsessed with the story’s world.

It’s summer vacation, so staying up late isn’t a big deal, but I don’t want to deal with the brats while sleep-deprived.

They’re probably coming over tomorrow too.

Fine, if I close my eyes tight, I’ll fall asleep eventually.

So I squeeze my eyelids shut.

“…”

The more I try to sleep, the more my brain feels active.

Damn it, getting cocky’s fine, but I’ll regret it tomorrow, won’t I?

I’m not a kid.

I don’t take naps.

 

2

 

“Hey, Yuu-nii! You alive?”

Miya bursts into the room with energy.

Today, she’s in a pink T-shirt, wide-hemmed shorts, and her semi-long hair in a ponytail, looking cool.

“Yuu-nii?”

Normally, I’d snap back with “I’m alive” or “So loud in the morning,” but today, only the sound of the fan echoes lonely.

The room’s owner—Yuu Aritsuki—is on the bed.

“Zzz.”

“He’s asleep? How long you gonna sleep?”

It’s 8:30 AM.

Yuu finally fell asleep past 6 AM.

“Take this!”

Miya takes a short run-up and dives onto Yuu, who’s lying face-up on the bed.

“Oof!”

“Wake up!”

Miya’s small body lands on Yuu’s torso. It hurts her a bit too. But he doesn’t wake.

“Huh?”

Human sleep cycles between deep non-REM and shallow REM sleep roughly every 90 minutes.

About two and a half hours have passed since Yuu fell asleep. Non-REM sleep has four stages, and he’s in the deepest, stage four.

Plus, last night’s late reading and the fatigue from dealing with the brats have dragged him deeper into sleep.

In short, Yuu’s in a super deep sleep.

“Muu.”

If impact won’t wake him, sound will.

Miya grabs the bedside clock, sets the alarm to the current time, and activates it. Soon, it starts ringing loudly.

“Here we go!”

Jiririririririri.

She holds the clock by Yuu’s ear, but there’s no notable reaction.

Jiririririririri.

Jiririririririri.

Jiririririririri.

“…So loud.”

Miya stops the alarm. If Yuu won’t wake, it’s just annoying her.

“Yuu-nii!”

She returns to the bed, lifts Yuu’s shirt, and tickles his toned abs.

“Wake up!”

If the stomach doesn’t work, the armpits will. She climbs onto Yuu’s stomach, tickling his armpits and neck.

“…Haa, haa.”

She’s exhausted. Collapsing onto Yuu, she lies face-down. He’s never slept through this much before.

“Ugh.”

Might as well come back later. Mahiru and Asaka are busy today, so she came early, but still.

But leaving without doing anything feels like a loss.

Miya grabs a permanent marker from the desk.

She sneaks up to Yuu and scribbles on his forehead.

“Fufufu.”

Alright, time to head home and eat some ice cream.

 

3

 

“Yawn, slept well… What time is it?”

I remember tossing and turning until after 5 AM, but I must’ve fallen asleep.

I glance at the clock, now on the bed for some reason—12:05 PM.

“Hungry.”

I think about asking Mom to make lunch, but the shop’s probably swamped at this hour. Maybe I’ll grab something at the convenience store.

Too lazy to change, so I head out in my sleepwear. The sun’s blazing, and it’s hot.

“Giggle.”

“Hehe.”

Why do I feel like people are staring?

Am I being self-conscious?

Oh, it’s probably the sleepwear.

But a T-shirt and shorts aren’t that noticeable. I reach the convenience store in a few minutes.

“Welcome… pfft!”

What should I eat?

Just woke up, so nothing too heavy. An onigiri and salad should do.

I’ll grab a juice too.

“T-Thanks for c-coming.”

The clerk’s got terrible diction, trembling like the AC’s too cold.

“So hot.”

Back outside, the heat hits hard.

The contrast with the air-conditioned store makes it feel worse.

But I don’t hate summer.

Might as well eat at the park.

Does anyone else think convenience store food tastes better outdoors?

I head to a nearby park and sit on a shaded bench. Moms with kids are chatting on the next bench.

“What’s that?”

“Maybe a penalty game?”

I finish the onigiri and salad, washing it down with juice.

Nice weather.

 

4

 

Miya visits Yuu again at 2 PM. After going home, her mom caught that she hadn’t done yesterday’s homework.

She was grounded until she finished both days’ worth, so she was stuck until now.

Two days of homework made her head spin.

Oh well.

Now she can play with Yuu, so Miya cheers up.

He’s gotta be awake by now.

“Hey, Yuu-nii! Oh, you’re up.”

“Yo, been waiting.”

“I came this morning, you know. Geez, sleeping in just ‘cause it’s a holiday.”

“You little brat, it was you, wasn’t it?”

Yuu pins Miya to the bed and starts tickling her.

“Hyaha, w-what, Yuu-nii! Hahaha!”

“Don’t play dumb. You wrote ‘meat’ on my forehead, didn’t you?”

“Haha, hee!”

“You punk. I went out without noticing. It was permanent marker—took forever to wash off.”

Yuu’s hands roam over Miya’s body.

“Haha, s-stop!”

“I’ll keep going till you’re sorry.”

“Haha, I-I’m sorry! I’m sorry!”

“Really sorry?”

“Y-Yes! Hee!”

“Alright, fine. Phew.”

“Haa, haa.”

Both panting, they bask in the fan’s breeze.

“So, what’s next?”

“You’re not sorry at all, are you?”

A cicada’s chirp echoes from somewhere.

 

The Brats Are Possessive

 

1

 

“Hey, sleepy.”

My head’s foggy. My vision’s blurry, like a thin film’s over it. I leave the house and head next door to the Haruyama family.

I ring the intercom, and Miya’s mom, Miku Haruyama, answers. Her appearance snaps me awake.

Long brown hair tied over her right shoulder, a white T-shirt with a deep neckline, and three-quarter denim pants.

Her curvy figure doesn’t look like it belongs to a mom.

“Oh, Yuu-kun. Morning.”

“Morning.”

“Up so early, huh? I’m counting on you today.”

“Yeah, no choice.”

“Is Sayaka-san okay?”

“She’s bedridden, but Dad’s with her, so she’s fine.”

“Hey, Yuu-nii!”

Miya charges out from behind Miku.

“Yo, full of energy as always.”

“Yuu-nii, you look like a zombie.”

“Hey, Miya, don’t say that. Sorry, Yuu-kun.”

“Nah, it’s fine.”

I flash a bright smile.

“Always causing trouble… Miya.”

“It’s fine.”

I force a stiff smile.

“Yuu-nii’s coming too?”

“Yeah, Mom threw out her back.”

“Hmm.”

“Let’s go, radio calisthenics.”

It’s just past 6 AM.

The majestic Mount Fuji looms ahead, bathed in morning sunlight, its green slopes glowing. Even in summer, the early morning air is chilly.

We reach the park.

No one’s here yet.

Our neighborhood rotates duties for summer radio calisthenics. Today’s the Aritsuki and Haruyama families’ turn.

Mom was supposed to go, but she hurt her back cleaning the shop last night, so I’m pinch-hitting.

I set the boombox on a bench.

“Hey, why’d you bring a ball?”

Miya asks. I brought a basketball.

“Thought we’d play a bit after calisthenics.”

This park has a basketball hoop. I retired recently, but I miss the sound of the net swishing.

“Practicing ‘cause you lost in the first round?”

“Nah, I’m retired.”

“I’ll play too.”

Miku cuts in.

“Miya, you play after homework. You’re going home first!”

“Okay.”

Kids start arriving. The younger ones are lively, while the older ones look bored out of their minds.

“Mahiru, Asaka, Yuu-nii’s here!”

“No way.”

“Huh?”

Miya brings the two over.

“It’s really Yuu-nii.”

“Yuu-san!”

“Yo, you guys.”

Their stamp cards dangling around their necks are endearing.

“Why’s Yuu-nii here?”

Mahiru and Asaka grab my hands, swinging them.

“Filling in for Mom.”

“Will you come tomorrow too?”

“Nah, just today.”

Asaka’s face falls, disappointed.

“Summer vacation or not, I can’t wake up this early every day.”

“Yuu-kun, it’s time…”

I check the park clock—6:30.

“Right. Alright, spread out!”

The kids space out evenly.

Miku hits the boombox switch, and nostalgic music plays.

＊

“Line up in two rows, come on.”

Kids form lines in front of me and Miku for stamps.

“Yuu-nii, I’ve got stuff to do today, so I can’t play. See you tomorrow.”

“Me too.”

Mahiru and Asaka reluctantly get their stamps and leave.

“Miya, Yuu-nii, bye!”

“Miya-chan, Yuu-san, bye-bye!”

They wave as they go.

“Bye-bye!”

“Later.”

Miya stays till the end to go home with Miku.

“I know that big brother. He’s from Moonlight Terrace, right?”

“I’ve seen him too.”

“Thought he looked familiar.”

Some older girls, probably upper elementary, approach.

“Big brother, you in high school?”

“Yup.”

“Wow, an adult.”

“Big hands.”

Suddenly, one grabs my hand.

“Whoa, hold on.”

“Look, bigger than Nako’s brother. As expected of a high schooler.”

“Yeah, so rough and hard.”

“Hey, you’re holding up the line. Get your stamp and move.”

“Okay.”

“Yes, yes.”

Miya’s turn comes.

“Here, stamp.”

Miya silently holds out her card.

What’s up?

She seems in a bad mood.

“Hey, Miya, what’s wrong? Stomachache?”

“Nothing.”

She takes the card, grabs my ball, and says, “Let’s play already.”

“Wait, Miya. Homework first.”

Miku scolds.

“It’s fine, just a little.”

“No. Go home first.”

“Just a bit.”

“No.”

“Muu, Yuu-nii, wait for me.”

Realizing it’s futile, Miya runs off alone.

“I’ll take the boombox and stamps to the next family. Good work today, Yuu-kun.”

“You too.”

“Tell Sayaka-san hi.”

Miku chases after her daughter. Alright, time to play some basketball.

Thanks to calisthenics, I don’t need a warm-up.

The ball’s bounce feels good.

Dribbling to the hoop, I sink a layup. The net’s swish echoes in the morning quiet.

“Hm?”

Past 7 AM, I notice three elementary girls watching from a distance, maybe third or fourth graders. One’s holding a basketball.

Oh no.

This park has one hoop. I’m keeping these kids from playing.

They’re probably too scared to tell an adult to move. Guess I’ll give it up.

I grab the ball and step away.

“You can use it,” I call, but get an unexpected reply.

“Wanna play together?”

 

2

 

“Uoooh, Yuu-nii!”

Miya’s running full speed.

Is Yuu waiting?

It’s just before 8 AM.

Miya blasted through her homework, focusing on filling blanks rather than accuracy, so she’ll face hell during her parents’ check, but playing comes first.

“Ugh.”

Running full speed after breakfast makes her queasy.

She slows to a walk near the park.

Thump, thump—the ball’s sound.

He’s there, good.

“Hey, Yuu—”

Entering the park, Miya sees Yuu playing basketball with an unfamiliar girl.

＊

“Huh? Back already? Where’s Yuu-kun?”

“Dunno.”

“Did you fight?”

“Nope.”

Dodging her mom’s questions, Miya dives into her room.

She flops on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

“…”

A weird feeling.

Like a stranger barged into her room with dirty shoes. Like a volcano in her chest is about to erupt…

“Idiot.”

Seeing Yuu get along with other kids—especially girls—makes her chest feel all fuzzy.

She doesn’t feel this when he’s with Mahiru or Asaka.

“What’s this?”

She felt the same when those older girls crowded Yuu during stamps.

It’s not quite sadness. It’s like anger but not quite. At seven, Miya lacks the life experience to understand jealousy.

Possessiveness might be a better word.

Wanting Yuu-nii to be just theirs.

So selfish, so childish, so poignant…

The summer she noticed this side of herself, at seven.

The tears on her cheeks taste saltier than usual.

 

3

 

“Pass!”

“Go, shoot!”

“Safe!”

Kids’ voices echo on the basketball court.

“Phew.”

Miya’s not here.

It’s past 8:30. She’s usually here by now. Still wrestling with homework?

Calisthenics ended just before 7 when the others left. She should be here soon.

“Big brother?”

“…”

What if she got into an accident on the way…?

No, I’d hear sirens if that happened. But still…

“Next is our offense.”

“Sorry, I’m heading out. Thanks.”

I say goodbye to the girls who let me play and jog to the Haruyama house.

“Oh, Yuu-kun.”

Miku greets me, dressed the same as this morning.

“Is Miya here?”

“Yeah, go up. She’s in her room.”

Good.

“Sorry, coming in.”

Miku lets me into the Haruyama house.

“She went out and came right back.”

“Huh? Something happen?”

“No idea. All she says is ‘nothing’ or ‘dunno.’ She’s in a really bad mood.”

“Oh…”

Maybe I should leave. I’m relieved Miya’s safe, but I’ve got a bad feeling. I knock on the door with a “Miya” nameplate.

“Hey, Miya, I’m coming in.”

It’s been a while since I’ve been in Miya’s room.

Her “Summer Vacation Friend” is open on the desk, with a cute girly pencil case and stationery scattered around.

As I step in, a small pillow flies at me.

“Wap!”

“What?”

“What? You didn’t show up, so I came to get you. It’s almost 9. Homework not done—wait, were you crying?”

Miya’s eyes are red and swollen, glistening. Her voice is hoarse, and the pillow’s slightly damp. She’s sitting on the bed’s edge, looking up at me with red eyes.

“Here.”

I put the pillow back.

“I wasn’t crying.”

She rubs her eyes with her palms, her usual way of wiping tears. After rubbing, she lies on the bed, burying her face in the pillow.

“What, stomachache?”

“Nothing.”

“Homework not done?”

“Already finished.”

Her voice is cold, flat.

She’s clearly upset.

What happened?

Did she fight with her mom?

“Come on, get up.”

I grab Miya’s hand, but she swats it away.

Whoa, she’s really mad.

“Huh? Why’d you come?”

“I told you, you weren’t showing up, so—”

“You could’ve just played basketball with those older girls.”

“What?”

“They’re more fun, right?”

What’s she going on about… basketball?

Oh, she saw me playing with those girls earlier.

Hah, she thought I was ignoring her to play with other kids? Jealous like a grown-up despite being a kid. And here I was waiting for her the whole time.

“Nah, that’s not it. There’s only one hoop, so those girls kindly invited me to play together.”

“But you were using it first?”

“I stepped aside once. It’s not cool to hog it as an adult, right? Then they suggested we play together.”

“Then keep playing with them.”

Miya rolls onto her back. Her eyes are still teary.

“I’m not mad or anything.”

“Haa.”

I sigh.

God, kids are such a pain.

Do I really have to spell out every feeling for her to get it?

I sit on the edge of the bed, looking at Miya.

“Idiot. I came back ‘cause I wanted to hang out with you.”

“Huh?”

“I’m shy, you know. Playing with strangers takes a lot out of me. I was exhausted.”

“Hmph.”

“Come on, let’s go. We’ll grab something cold at my place.”

I take Miya’s hand.

Her small palm grips mine back obediently this time.