Episode 9: I Don’t Like It

“Still messing with my hair?” Hayato grumbles.

“Don’t move, Bro!” Himeko snaps.

Sunday morning at the Kirishima house echoes with Himeko’s sharp voice. Hayato, forced onto the living room sofa, has endured nearly 30 minutes of Himeko styling his hair, unsatisfied with the results.

Today’s the promised movie outing. Himeko, fired up, fusses over her careless brother, insisting, “I’m coming too, so you’d better look good!” She wears a sleeveless, elegant blouse and an asymmetrical navy skirt, her slender frame exuding maturity, making it hard to tell who’s older.

“Done!” Himeko declares.

“Feels weird,” Hayato mutters, uneasy with the stiff, waxed hair.

“Let’s go, don’t keep Haruki waiting—”

“Wait, you’re going out like that?” Himeko interrupts.

“Huh? What’s wrong?”

Himeko sighs, eyeing his faded, worn moss-green shirt and black chinos. “That shirt’s peeling, collar’s frayed, and cuffs are tattered!”

“Yeah, guess so,” Hayato admits. Dragged to his room, he’s forced to let Himeko pick his outfit.

The weekend station is crowded, though less than weekdays. A short line forms at the ticket machine, Hayato among them.

“How much was it…?” he mumbles, unfamiliar with buying tickets. In rural Tsukinose, cars—especially light trucks—rule, and public transport is rare.

He checks the fare chart, fumbling with his wallet, moving slowly.

“Hurry up, Bro,” Himeko urges.

“Sorry… Wait, don’t you need a ticket?”

“Nope, I’ve got this!” Himeko flaunts a melon-marked IC card, usable for trains, buses, and stores. She smirks, passing the gate—only to hear, “Insufficient balance. Please recharge.”

“…Himeko,” Hayato deadpans.

“Ugh…” Teary-eyed, she joins him at the ticket machine.

A 20-minute train ride from their station lands them in the city center, by the bird statue—their meeting spot with Haruki. Hayato’s second time here, he’s still not used to the chaotic station. They weave through crowds, moving sluggishly.

Hayato suggested Haruki join them from home, but her sly grin refused—a scheming look.

At the rendezvous, Himeko fidgets, checking her compact mirror. Hayato finds the bustling crowd fascinating, though overwhelming, like drowning in a human tide.

“…Huh?” Hayato blinks.

“Oh!” Himeko gasps.

“There’s Haru-chan! So cute—wait, that’s too sly!” Himeko squeals.

Haruki stands out, even in the crowd. Her sky-blue floral cami dress, tiered skirt with a high-waist split revealing a contrasting inner skirt, and lace cardigan create a hyper-feminine look. Twintails with ribbons add a playful, almost childish charm, emphasizing her mid-teen innocence and allure. Hayato’s eyes widen in shock.

Haruki’s equally stunned. Hayato’s hair, meticulously styled by Himeko, gives a fresh, polished vibe, his new outfit enhancing his look. She gapes at his transformation.

“Who’s that!?” Haruki exclaims, pointing.

“That’s harsh,” Hayato retorts.

“Look at Bro now!” Himeko boasts.

“Ugh, a sneak attack! I forgot you had Hime-chan!” Haruki groans.

“Jeez…” Hayato sighs, amused by Haruki’s childish reaction. She clears her throat, adjusting her frilly skirt, adopting her recent provocative smirk.

“I got outdone, but today’s me is different,” she teases.

“Yeah, you look… surprising,” Hayato admits.

“That’s not all! Guess what’s different? Wanna know?”

“Not really…”

“Oh, come on, you do!” Her bold aura flusters Hayato, making him curt. Pouting, Haruki huffs, “Fine, how about this?”

She steps closer, tugging her cami to reveal black lace underwear—a mature, seductive contrast to her girly outfit. Hayato turns beet red, mind scrambled. Haruki smirks triumphantly, while Himeko mutters, “Erotic!”

Haruki revels in their reactions, grinning like a kid who pulled off a prank in Tsukinose. Emboldened, she teases Hayato relentlessly. “Did your heart race? It did, right? Your face says it all! It’s not just the surface—my inner allure shines through, doesn’t it?”

“Shut up!” Hayato snaps, grabbing her twintails and twisting them.

“Mya!?” Haruki yelps.

Too flustered for words, he resorts to childish antics. Haruki fights back, mussing his styled hair. Their scuffle ruins their polished looks, devolving into a kid-like brawl.

Himeko sighs, watching the familiar scene, ready to intervene when—

“Hahaha! What are you two doing!?” A clear laugh cuts through.

Kazuki Kaido, doubled over with innocent mirth, contrasts his usual calm school demeanor. Hayato scowls, muttering, “Kaido…”

Realizing their ridiculous tussle—pinching noses, pulling ears—they’ve drawn amused stares. Blushing, they separate, but Kazuki wipes tears of laughter, still chuckling.

“What a coincidence, Kirishima-kun, Nikaidou-san,” he says.

“Yeah,” Hayato mumbles.

“Unlike me, you two aren’t here by chance, huh?”

“Yep,” Hayato sighs, resigned.

Their playful fight screams intimacy, far from typical classmates. Kazuki nods exaggeratedly, intrigued. Hayato curses his carelessness, especially with Kazuki witnessing.

Meeting schoolmates on a weekend is normal, but Haruki’s eye-catching, especially today. Their last city trip went unnoticed due to a drama shoot and short stay, but not now.

“Is that your rumored childhood friend? Hi, I’m Kazuki Kaido, same school,” Kazuki says to Himeko.

“!” Himeko freezes, hiding behind Hayato.

“Hey, Himeko!” Hayato says.

Kazuki’s handsome charm overwhelms Himeko’s shyness. Both he and Hayato chuckle wryly.

“Shot down, huh? But… Himeko, first-name basis,” Kazuki notes.

“Well…” Hayato falters.

Kazuki’s curious gaze shifts between them, sensing their secret. Himeko trembles, clutching Hayato’s shirt. As Hayato opens his mouth—

“Kaido—” he starts.

“Stop staring, Kaido! You’re freaking Hime-chan out!” Haruki jumps in, shielding Himeko, glaring and pointing.

Kazuki leans back, hands raised. Her bold attitude, unlike her school persona, surprises him but piques his interest. He teases, “Nikaidou-san, you look adorable. That outfit and hair—so different from school. For Kirishima-kun?”

“Obviously! I dressed up to surprise Hayato and Hime-chan. Why else would I wear this?” Haruki snaps, posing confidently.

“!” Hayato blinks.

“Wow, really?” Kazuki says, squinting at her radiance.

“I got outdone, but showing my sexy underwear and getting that reaction means I win—mmph!?” Haruki’s cut off as Himeko clamps her mouth.

“Haruki!” Hayato groans.

“Pfft! Sexy under—cough!” Kazuki chokes.

“Haru-chan, enough!” Himeko pulls her aside.

Haruki realizes her blunder, blushing furiously. Her loud “sexy underwear” draws stinging stares, amplifying their already conspicuous presence. Unable to bear it, Hayato and Himeko drag her to a quieter corner.

Haruki, mortified, crouches with her face in her hands, whimpering as Himeko consoles her. Hayato, rubbing his temple, faces Kazuki.

“Look, Kaido, Haruki’s always been like this. Do me a favor and forget it.”

“Sure… You guys are really close,” Kazuki says.

“Old friends, you know. You’ve figured it out, right? This is Himeko, my sister, who Haruki’s been blabbing about.”

“I-I’m Himeko Kirishima. N-Nice to meet you…” Himeko stammers.

“Kazuki Kaido, likewise,” he replies.

Himeko, pushed forward, manages a proper greeting. Haruki, recovering, pats her head. “Good job!”

“Ugh, Haru-chan, you’re too much!” Himeko pouts.

“Let’s go,” Hayato urges.

“Yes!” they chime, their familiar rhythm returning despite the chaos—a unique bond. Hayato, slightly embarrassed, turns to Kazuki.

“We’re hitting the theater, our first time. Gotta go, but… keep this quiet, yeah?”

With a wave, Hayato turns to leave. He and Kazuki aren’t close, their bond vague amid rumors.

“Wait! Can I… come along?” Kazuki blurts.

“Kaido…?” Hayato stares.

“Mph!?” Haruki gapes.

Kazuki’s own shock mirrors theirs, unsure why he asked. Haruki steps forward, suspicious. “What’s your deal?”

Kazuki flinches but meets her gaze. “It’d be… convenient.”

“Convenient?” she probes.

“You’re keeping things low-key, right? With me, it looks like a double date, easier to brush off if someone spots us—”

“D-Double date!?” Haruki explodes. “Who’s with who!? Hayato’s off-limits!”

Sputtering, she fidgets with her skirt, glancing at Hayato and Himeko. Hayato sighs, “I’m not an object,” handing the flustered Haruki to Himeko and facing Kazuki.

“So, what’s your real deal?”

“Just what I said,” Kazuki insists.

“Hm?” Hayato peers into his eyes—wavering, yet hopeful, like Haruki’s. He recalls their similarities. Uninterested in Kazuki’s past, he can’t ignore those eyes. Plus, Kazuki’s excuse makes sense for avoiding trouble. Sighing, Hayato relents.

“Coke and popcorn, your treat.”

“Kirishima-kun!” Kazuki beams.

“Hayato!?” Haruki protests.

Hayato smirks, walking off. Himeko chides, “Ugh, you and Haru-chan messed up my styling!”

The Grand Cinema Spirits, a massive 12-story complex, dwarfs their school gym. Its giant screens, experiential theaters, cafes, and shops feel like an amusement park.

“Massive…” Hayato gawks.

“Wow…” Himeko breathes.

“Haha, even I didn’t expect this,” Haruki admits.

Kazuki, unfazed, urges them on. “Not going in?”

“S-Sorry, first time here. Confused by the entrance… Lower floors have shops, right?”

“Floors 1-3 are tenants. Theater’s on 4, up that escalator,” Kazuki guides.

“Let’s go, Haruki, Himeko.”

“Mph,” Haruki grumbles.

“Y-Yeah!” Himeko nods.

Kazuki’s used to their awe, a common reaction since moving from Tsukinose. Haruki, unused to such looks due to her facade, frowns and slips between Hayato and Kazuki, muttering, “Just a little surprised.”

Kazuki’s amused glance makes her huff and look away. Hayato and Himeko, gawking at the escalators, miss the exchange, quintessential country bumpkins.

“Wow!” Himeko gasps.

“Neat,” Hayato says.

The futuristic, open atrium of the cinema complex buzzes with people. Overwhelmed, the trio freezes, unused to such places. Kazuki, chuckling, asks, “What’re we watching?”

“Faith Theater Version, Chapter 3,” Hayato replies.

“The anime?”

“Surprised?”

“A bit. Everyone’s talking about Nayuta no Kizami.”

Haruki twitches at the title, her mood souring. Hayato, noticing, shoves cash at Kazuki. “Kaido, I don’t know how this works. Can you handle it? For Haruki and Himeko too.”

“Sure, four seats together okay?”

“Perfect.”

Kazuki, sensing Haruki’s tension, takes the money with a reassuring smile and buys tickets swiftly, unlike Hayato’s ticket machine fumble.

“Sorry, my bro’s hopeless,” Himeko says.

“Don’t say that,” Hayato retorts.

“Haha, no worries. I heard Kirishima-kun’s bad at this stuff,” Kazuki says, charming Himeko’s shyness away.

Hayato admires Kazuki’s social ease, though it irks him. Haruki, displeased, growls and grabs Himeko’s arm, wedging between her and Kazuki.

“Relax, I’m not stealing anyone,” Kazuki teases.

“!” Haruki blushes, kicking his shin hard.

“Ow!” Kazuki winces, still smiling.

“You’re an idiot,” Hayato sighs.

“Guess so,” Kazuki laughs.

The 400-seat theater, though not the 768-seat giant Himeko hoped for, awes them. Once Faith starts, Haruki’s mood shifts, fully immersed. The film’s stunning visuals and gripping story pull in Hayato and Himeko, despite joining mid-series. Haruki gasps at tense moments, sniffles at emotional peaks, and leans forward until the credits roll.

“SO GOOD!” she exclaims, spinning with sparkling eyes.

“Way better than I expected!” Himeko adds. “Now I’m curious about the earlier stuff!”

“Right!? I’ll bring some over!” Haruki says.

“Haruki, Himeko’s got exams,” Hayato warns.

“Ugh, fine…” Haruki pouts.

“Really fun, especially the final battle’s trust-filled lines,” Kazuki notes.

“Not bad, Kaido! That part’s anime-original, super impactful!” Haruki beams.

Their shared excitement erases earlier tension. Hayato smiles at Haruki’s simplicity. She rolls a pamphlet, mimicking a dagger, and shifts her aura.

“‘Unlike you, I trust her,’” she quotes in a clear, unfamiliar voice.

“!” All three gasp.

The world shifts. Her voice and presence evoke the film’s character, stunning them. It’s a grown-up version of their childhood role-play, but different—more vivid. Satisfied, Haruki grins mischievously, snapping back to normal.

“Haru-chan, that was amazing! That scene showed their bond so well!” Himeko says.

“Right!? The director gets it—pure character love!” Haruki agrees.

“I loved the part where they entrusted the kid,” Himeko adds.

“Oh, that too!” Haruki nods.

Haruki exhales, closing her eyes, then shifts again. “‘You, protect him,’” she says, low and resolute, like a seasoned warrior.

“Incredible,” Kazuki whispers.

“Haruki’s got a knack for switching personas,” Hayato says, impressed yet unsurprised.

“Kyaa! So short, but so full of emotion!” Himeko squeals.

“Hime-chan, you need to see the earlier stuff! Hayato, your favorite part?” Haruki asks.

“Uh…” Hayato, distracted by her talent, scans the crowd, noticing their attention. Haruki’s beauty, Himeko’s charm, and Kazuki’s looks draw eyes, amplified by her performance.

(So many people…) His gaze lands on a poster: Nayuta no Kizami, 768-seat screen, stage greeting today—starring Mao Takura.

Fans gather, explaining the crowd. Mao Takura emerges, noticing the attention on Haruki. As her eyes widen, Hayato grabs Haruki’s hand, bolting for the stairs.

“Come on!” he shouts.

“Bro!?” Himeko yells.

“Kirishima-kun!?” Kazuki calls.

“Mya!? That line’s off, Hayato!?” Haruki protests.

They race down, ignoring decorum, breathless by the street. Panting, they draw curious stares. Haruki glares. “What was that!?”

“…Sorry,” Hayato mutters.

“Don’t need an apology—” Haruki stops, following his gaze to a giant poster of Mao Takura.

“…”

“…”

Silence falls. Haruki understands but says nothing. Hayato lacks words, the moment frustratingly awkward. She laughs softly, turning to him.

“You’re so overprotective and meddlesome.”

“Am not. Normal,” he retorts.

“For you.”

“Really?”

“Yup. So I’ve gotta step up.”

Her determined eyes—stunningly clear, deep, and strong—captivate him. “Keep watching me,” she says, smiling close, a glimpse of black lace flashing.

His heart races, overwhelmed by unfamiliar feelings. He looks away, scratching his head. Himeko and Kazuki catch up, her scolding breaking the tension.

“Bro, Haru-chan, what was that!? It was chaos—attention, stage greeting crowds, I wanted to see it!”

“Sorry,” Hayato says, relieved.

Himeko fumes at his evasion, but Haruki soothes, “It’s just how it is.” Hayato offers lunch to appease her. Himeko pauses, sensing something, but sees only bustling crowds. Kazuki suggests moving.

“Let’s go. We made a scene,” he says.

“Yeah, I’m hungry. There’s a place I wanna try…” Himeko searches her phone.

Kazuki turns to Hayato and Haruki. “What was that about?”

“Dunno,” Hayato shrugs.

“Who knows?” Haruki grins.

They laugh, heading to a trendy, affordable Italian family restaurant.

“Seriously, just sit anywhere!? No menu—tablet!?” Himeko panics, a first-timer. “Did it order right!? Drink bar’s really unlimited!?”

Hayato, on his second visit, guides her. “Check the history. Want me to grab drinks?”

“Fine,” Himeko grumbles. Haruki mutters, “…Melon soda.”

“Why’re you so good at this!?” Himeko demands.

“Hayato, of all people!” Haruki adds.

“Not my first time,” Hayato says.

“Bro!?” Himeko gasps.

“Hayato!?” Haruki echoes.

“Jeez,” Hayato sighs.

Haruki, pretending to be calm, scans the place curiously, like Himeko. Kazuki watches, amused, making them shrink. Food arrives, sparking joy. They swap pasta bites, Hayato marveling at the low prices.

The mood is warm. Haruki and Himeko chatter, Hayato takes their teasing, and Kazuki mediates. Kazuki muses, “Are you and Nikaidou-san always like this?”

“Hm?” Hayato responds.

“That sprint at the theater was intense, but now you’re laughing.”

“Well… yeah,” Hayato admits, recalling his impulsive act.

“Totally weird to outsiders,” Himeko says, chewing. “I let it slide ‘cause it’s you two.”

“Haruki drags me into stuff,” Hayato adds.

“No, you drag me,” Haruki counters.

Himeko sighs, Kazuki laughs. “You’re so close.”

Hayato and Haruki frown, exchanging looks. It’s not bad, but not quite right. True closeness wouldn’t leave them in this awkward state. Their voices turn stiff.

“Are we close?” Haruki asks.

“Dunno. Not bad,” Hayato says.

“Bro, Haru-chan…” Himeko murmurs.

“Haha, okay,” Kazuki says, seeing their embarrassment.

Hayato opens his mouth to clarify, but—

“Hey, look, it’s the traitor Kaido,” a voice sneers.

Kazuki tenses, his face paling. Four boys approach, smirking maliciously.

“Always with girls, huh?”

“What’s the deal this time? Another drama?”

“Never change, do you?”

Hayato doesn’t recognize them, nor does Haruki, who shakes her head. Kazuki, however, looks ashen, unlike his usual cool self. The boys’ taunts aren’t friendly, creating a hostile air.

Kazuki clenches his fists, head down, enduring silently, like weathering a storm.

(What’s this?) Hayato’s confused, annoyed by their attack on Kazuki, whom he knows isn’t cruel. Their gaze shifts to him, mocking Haruki and Himeko with a mix of jealousy and contempt, aimed at girls in general.

Their beef with Kazuki likely stems from his popularity. Kazuki bites his lip, silent. Hayato doesn’t care about his past, but their twisted expressions—envy and hate—remind him of Minamo Mitsutake’s words: “Kaido’s real crush is Nikaidou-san.”

(Damn it!) Recalling his own childish actions, Hayato grimaces, unable to stomach their faces.

“Dinner’s ruined. Let’s go, Haruki, Himeko… Kaido too,” he says, grabbing the check and heading to the register, his face twisted with self-mockery.

“What!?” the boys snap.

“Kirishima-kun!?” Kazuki gasps.

Hayato’s move stuns everyone. Kazuki’s shocked his name was called. Himeko, anxious, clutches Haruki’s skirt. Haruki, calm, speaks coldly.

“Just so we’re clear, I don’t like Kaido at all.”

Her words halt the boys. With a flat tone, she continues, “Not even close. His fake charm, acting nice to everyone, hiding his true self, butting in today—I hate it.”

Her heated words, aimed at whom, end sharply. Glancing at the boys, she adds, “You guys, judging by appearances, are even worse. Let’s go, Hime-chan.”

Ignoring their shock, she pulls Himeko. One boy, enraged, lunges. “Wait, you—”

“Hmph!” Haruki dodges, tripping him. He crashes, yelping pathetically.

The scene draws eyes—a girl rejecting a boy sprawled on the floor. The others, embarrassed, help him up and slink away, avoiding further humiliation.

“Lame,” Haruki scoffs, then calls to Kazuki. “Come on… Kaido.”

“Y-Yeah!” he replies, voice trembling.

Outside, Himeko scolds Hayato. “What was that!? I was eating!”

“Sorry, my bad,” he says, sheepish.

He glances at Haruki for help, but she shrugs, her eyes soft, like Himeko’s.

“Kirishima-kun!” Kazuki bows. “Thanks. They’re from my old middle school—”

“Stop. I don’t wanna hear it. Not interested. That was my call, nothing to do with you,” Hayato cuts him off.

“But…!” Kazuki persists.

Hayato sighs, admitting, “I don’t really like you, Kaido.”

“Haha, I can tell. But that’s why… I want to be friends,” Kazuki says.

“That’s what I can’t stand,” Hayato replies, waving him off, his face troubled but lips slightly upturned.

“Let’s hit another place. Your treat, Kazuki.”

“Yes, Hayato-kun!” Kazuki beams.

“I want sweets! Honey toast!” Himeko chimes.

“…” Haruki stares, dazed.

“Haru-chan? Coming?” Himeko calls.

“Yeah, I’m coming!” Haruki jogs after Hayato, muttering with a wry smile, “…I really don’t like Kaido.”