Episode 9: That’s Right, I Decided, Didn’t I?

A narrow sky surrounded by mountains.

Houses dotted among the fields.

A rural mountain village with hardly any shops, steadily depopulating.

In such an unchanging small world Tsukinose, for Himeko, Haruki was someone who brought out a dazzling smile.

“I’m Haruki! What’s your name?”

“…! H-Himeko…”

She clearly remembered the blindingly bright smile Haruki wore when they first met. And how, out of surprise and shyness, she couldn’t bring herself to take the hand he offered.

Even so, Haruki never showed any displeasure and cheerfully talked with her brother Hayato.

“So Hayato’s got a little sister, huh? You two kinda look alike!”

“Do we?”

“Yup, yup, around the eyes! But why were you together today?”

“She said she’d be bored alone at home, so she tagged along. What to do, huh?”

When Hayato looked a bit troubled, Haruki paused with a curious “Eh!?”, then enthusiastically slapped Hayato’s back.

“What’re you talking about, Hayato? The more people, the more fun, right?!”

“But Himeko’s a girl.”

“Who cares about that! Right, Hime-chan?”

“…Yeah!”

“Hey, Haruki! Himeko!”

With that, Haruki grabbed Himeko’s hand and started running. It was so sudden.

But pulled along by Haruki’s grin, Himeko returned a beaming smile, her heart pounding with excitement for the fun to come.

Glancing back at her brother desperately chasing them, she and Haruki locked eyes and naturally burst into laughter.

A thrill she’d never felt before.

The sensation of a new world opening up.

Her heart raced with anticipation, wondering what kind of scenery her brother’s friend Haruki would show her next.

From that day, they played together a lot, stacking up countless memories.

In the mountains, by the river, at the abandoned factory.

Can kicking, tag, hide-and-seek.

They also played pranks on sheep or got scolded. But they enjoyed everything to the fullest, never without a smile. So Himeko couldn’t help but feel uplifted and cheerful, swept along by Haruki.

It was no wonder that Haruki became someone special to Himeko.

And that didn’t change even after they reunited in the city.

Well, she was shocked by how much his appearance had changed, since she’d thought he was a boy.

But just like before, Haruki bloomed with smiles beside her brother, surprised her by dressing stylishly, showed off being a terrible swimmer at the pool, or stirred up excitement with celebrities.

They went to movies, shopping, the autumn festival—always shaking things up, being shaken up, and filling her with joy.

Ah, surely Haruki.

She must love making people happy.

That’s why, seeing Himeko struggling with how to connect with her mother, Haruki did that for her.

And because Haruki stayed by her side, it was true that her heart felt lighter.

—Ah, I can’t compete with her.

She genuinely thought so.

And her wishes piled up, wondering what if—

If Haruki had been a boy—

“—Achoo! …Huh?”

Himeko woke to the sound of her own sneeze.

She was lying on her bed, hugging a cushion without a blanket.

Morning sunlight softly streamed through the window. It seemed she’d fallen asleep watching videos last night.

Pulling her smartphone, still connected to its charging cable, toward her from atop the blanket, Himeko saw the time—15 minutes past her usual wake-up. Her face paled, she gasped with a “Hiu!”, and her throat tightened.

“Time! I’m late! Onii, why didn’t you wake me up!?”

Himeko rushed into the living room, grumbling, and locked eyes with Hayato, who was eating breakfast.

Hayato, looking awkward, swallowed his toast, mumbled “Ah—” and “Eh—”, and said with a slightly troubled expression:

“Uh, Himeko, your bedhead’s pretty bad today…?”

“Gya—!?”

Running her hand through her hair, she could tell without a mirror it was a total mess. From experience, this was a tough one. And she’d overslept. Unable to hold back, Himeko dashed to the bathroom.

As Himeko battled her bedhead with a Bwooo from the hairdryer, a voice called from the kitchen.

“Hey, Himeko, what about breakfast?”

“Don’t need it! No time!”

“Mom, in times like this, she’ll eat a fruit yogurt salad. Himeko, you want some, right?”

“I want it!”

“How do you make that?”

“Just chop up whatever fruit’s in the fridge—bananas, apples, canned stuff—mix it with drained yogurt and some mayo.”

“Oh, that’s easy. Where’d you learn that?”

“The internet. On my phone.”

“Huh.”

The family conversation, like those they used to have in Tsukinose, echoed through.

Himeko’s reflection in the mirror showed deep creases between her brows.

After scarfing down the fruit yogurt salad and leaving the house, she was only a bit later than usual, thanks to cutting breakfast short.

Himeko walked quickly to school, cheeks puffed out in a pout.

Her brother beside her looked a bit guilty.

Normally, she’d complain about him not waking her, but thinking of her attitude yesterday, she kept quiet. Still, it showed on her face.

She let out a troubled sigh.

She knew in her head it’d be fine, but the anxiety wouldn’t go away.

She was aware she was souring the mood. Trying to figure out what to do, Haruki’s face suddenly flashed in her mind, and she let out an “Ah.”

“What’s up, Himeko?”

“…Nothing.”

Hayato asked with concern, but she turned away curtly. She didn’t know how to handle her childish behavior, but what would Haruki do?

After last night, she felt she could talk to Haruki. She decided to ask her after school to make time to listen.

Lost in thought, they arrived at the usual meeting spot.

Saki was already there, flashing a bright smile and raising her hand lightly when she saw them.

“Morning, Hime-chan, Onii-san.”

“Morning, Saki-san.”

“…Morning.”

“Where’s Haruki?”

“Not here yet.”

“Hmm, no message about being late, right?”

Looking around, Haruki was nowhere to be seen. Since Himeko had overslept, she thought she’d be the last one, so this was unexpected.

They all tilted their heads in confusion.

As Hayato pulled out his phone with a “Guess I’ll call,” Haruki timidly emerged from nearby, apparently hiding.

“Uh, morning.”

“You were here, Haruki… Wait, what’s with your cheek?”

“Haruki-san, what happened…?”

“Haha, it stands out, huh?”

For some reason, Haruki’s left cheek was faintly red.

The other side looked normal, making it noticeable. What happened?

Haruki furrowed her brows in distress, her gaze darting between them.

Hayato, Saki, and Himeko’s faces filled with worry.

Stared at by Hayato, Haruki eventually nodded with a “Yeah,” swallowed hard, hesitated, but then spoke in a deliberately playful tone.

“Yesterday, when I got home, my mom was there. You know, she found that MOMO video from when we went yukata shopping, and, well…”

“…!”

“Haruki…”

“Uh, that’s…?”

As soon as Haruki mentioned her mother—Takura Mao—tension swept over everyone’s faces.

“No, it’s fine! She just told me to be a good girl, that’s all!”

Seeing their reactions, Haruki insisted it was nothing, but her still-red cheek seemed to say otherwise.

Himeko felt like she’d been hit over the head.

Living alone in a house.

The mark of violence on her cheek.

The daughter of the great actress Takura Mao, kept out of the public eye.

Haruki’s relationship with her mother wasn’t just strained—it was distorted, on the verge of breaking.

A sharp pain stabbed Himeko’s chest, which she clutched tightly. Her brother, who might know even more about Haruki’s situation, stared at her with a stern look.

As Himeko watched anxiously, Hayato let out a big “Phew” and then flashed a bright smile, speaking lightly.

“Got it. But that cheek’s pretty noticeable. Might get some comments at school.”

“Ugh, what should I do…?”

“I heard concealer can hide redness, like from a pimple!”

“Concealer?”

“It’s for covering skin blemishes. Don’t have any on me, sadly. You can get it at a convenience store, but it’d cost a few gacha pulls.”

“Hey, that’s some comparison!”

“Haha, I don’t have any either. Hime-chan, you got some?”

“…! Y-Yeah, I do.”

Prompted, Himeko hurriedly pulled it from her bag’s pouch and handed it to Haruki.

“Thanks, Hime-chan. I’ll borrow it.”

“Sure…”

“…Wow, it’s really gone.”

“Makeup’s wild.”

“Wanna try, Hayato?”

“No way.”

“Eh!?”

“Saki-san!?”

Himeko stood stunned, watching Haruki act normal amidst the chatter.

Thinking of Haruki, there’s no way she could consult her about her mother.

She felt ashamed for not realizing it sooner.

Then, her phone buzzed in her bag. Almost unconsciously, she checked it.

‘Sorry for replying late. I thought about it, but I’ve never really considered my type, so I don’t know.’

It was from Kazuki.

A reply to a message sent two days ago during Airi’s love consultation with Saki.

She recalled Kazuki sincerely saying he wanted to be friends at the autumn festival, and a flash of inspiration hit her. His refreshed face after resolving his worries was still fresh in her memory.

And with a famous model MOMO as family—Himeko, on impulse, sent a message.

‘Can we meet after school today?’

Hayato and Haruki, having parted with the middle schoolers, headed to school, chatting idly about the cultural festival.

“Hmm, it’s bulky, but maybe I should carry some cosmetics around?”

“Maybe, yeah.”

Hayato glanced at Haruki while nodding.

She seemed as carefree as ever.

To Hayato, Haruki was always the image of bright laughter.

Back when they played in Tsukinose. Even after reuniting in the city.

Always showing a carefree smile.

But now, he knew she carried deep anguish.

Not just that—the dark, resigned face when they first met, the clouded eyes tinged with rejection, yet the air of struggling against loneliness, were unforgettable.

The cause of Haruki’s state was her relationship with her mother, Takura Mao.

Given her cheek, it was clear things still weren’t going well.

“So, the vampire princess thing is on a stage, even if it’s in a classroom, right? Stage makeup’s gotta be… Hey, you listening, Hayato?”

“Uh, yeah, I’m listening.”

“Really?”

When Haruki pouted slightly, Hayato gave an ambiguous smile.

The childhood friend before him seemed unchanged. But now he knew the struggles she carried, ones he never noticed as a child.

Yet knowing was all he could do. He felt utterly powerless.

It was the same with Himeko and Minamo. He clenched his fists, furrowing his brow.

Then, Saki’s face flashed in his mind. She’d been shy and tongue-tied before, but lately, she’d been shining brighter, dazzlingly so. It felt like her radiant smile was scolding him, urging him to speak up.

“…Hey, Haruki.”

“Yeah? What’s up?”

“If something like last night happens again, I want you to rely on me more.”

“Hayato…”

His voice carried a hint of pleading.

Haruki stared back, giving a wry smile as if exasperated with herself.

Then, furrowing her brows and lowering her eyes, she spoke as if confirming her feelings.

“…Honestly, saying last night didn’t shake me would be a lie. It was pretty tough. I didn’t know what face to make today and ended up hiding.”

“Then—”

“But, you know, seeing your face made it feel like it didn’t matter.”

“…Huh?”

Hayato didn’t quite follow.

Recalling the morning, he hadn’t done anything special.

Puzzled, he stared at his childhood friend, and Haruki, squirming with embarrassment, spoke over her shoulder without turning.

“You don’t pity me, Hayato.”

“That’s…”

Was she blaming him?

Unsure of her meaning, he frowned, but Haruki continued.

“When you found out I live alone, or when I said I’m Takura Mao’s hidden child, or all sorts of things. Even just now. You get angry with me or quietly stay by my side, but you never pity me.”

“That’s obvious, isn’t it?”

When Hayato replied, Haruki flinched, stopped, and turned back.

“…That’s what I mean.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Because you always see me as me, I don’t end up as some pitiful person. So I thought, as long as Hayato’s there, I’ll be fine.”

“—Ah.”

Haruki’s slightly shy smile was unburdened and beautiful. Her honest words carried unwavering trust in Hayato, hitting him directly and making his heart skip.

Hayato mumbled “Oh” and looked away, aware his face was red.

Haruki’s cheeks were also flushed, but to cover her embarrassment, she clapped her hands and changed the subject, walking on.

“Oh, after school today, let’s go to Minamo-chan’s house!”

“Sounds good.”

“We gotta hit the garden and make that promise, right?”

“Should we bring something?”

“Nah, no need. Just high schoolers visiting a friend’s house.”

“But that old man might grumble if we don’t.”

“Haha, true!”

Hayato and Haruki glanced at each other, chuckling.

Their steps along the school route were remarkably light.

Under a clear, refreshing autumn sky in the early afternoon.

In a corner of a classroom bustling with cultural festival prep, a loud clatter rang out.

“Ow!”

“You okay, Kaido!?”

“What was that!? That was a huge noise!”

“Someone, quick, move that low table!”

A boy holding one side of a low table shouted in panic. Nearby, Kazuki was pinned under it, having slipped and gotten trapped.

Rescued, Kazuki made an embarrassed face. Luckily, it wasn’t heavy, and the numbing pain in his stomach faded.

But several classmates approached with worried looks.

“You hurt, Kaido?”

“Nah, I’m fine. Sorry for the fuss.”

“Good, but… what’s with you today?”

“If you’re off, maybe take a break?”

“Yeah, we’re not behind on prep or short-handed.”

“…Haha.”

Kazuki gave a wry smile to their concern.

Reflecting on his day, it’d been a mess.

He jammed his finger in a door, spilled his pens across the floor, and couldn’t find his wallet. He knew he was distracted.

The cause was Himeko’s message from this morning.

Now aware of his feelings for her, being asked to meet would shake anyone.

Staying here would only drag others down.

With that, Kazuki stood, gave an awkward smile, and leaned on their kindness.

“I’m gonna get some fresh air.”

Ignoring worried glances, he fled the classroom, wandering aimlessly. The lively bustle of the school felt like another world.

It sparked a mix of irritation and envy. His heart was all over the place, out of his control.

Himeko was unsettling him that much.

Avoiding people, he ended up at the garden behind the school.

Rows of vegetables grew, their green leaves swaying.

Looking around, Minamo, the garden’s caretaker, was nowhere to be seen.

Naturally—she was probably busy with festival prep.

Sitting nearby, he opened his phone.

It showed his morning exchange with Himeko.

‘What’s up all of a sudden? I can make time, but… if it’s about hanging out, should we ask Hayato-kun or Nikaido-san too?’

‘I don’t want Onii or Haru-chan to hear. Just the two of us, please.’

‘Got it, something you don’t want them to know? Then… how about meeting at this place?’

The conversation ended there, with a read receipt on the shop’s URL he sent.

The urgency in Himeko’s messages, unlike her usual self, stirred his heart, furrowing his brow.

“‘Favorite type,’ ‘Can we meet’…”

Rereading the messages, he felt a faint hope, but quickly shook his head. He laughed at himself for even hoping.

Realistically, Himeko didn’t have special feelings for him.

Nothing had happened since the festival to suggest progress. Having received plenty of affection before, he knew better.

A strange pain stabbed his chest. To distract himself, he gazed at the field. Some students were building a stage, others prepping club activities. His soccer club was among them.

The soccer club traditionally did “Soccer Nine,” a game where you shoot at panels numbered 1 to 9, like on TV. It was popular every year.

Prep was simple—just pulling panels from the clubroom. The rest was practice or helping the class. Some members were checking the panels for issues.

He considered helping but figured he’d just mess up.

These emotions were beyond his control. Looking up, he sighed, his breath fading into the high, blue sky.

Students heading out to shop for supplies passed the school gate.

During festival prep, there was no short homeroom after school, so leaving early went unnoticed.

There wasn’t much he could do at school anyway.

Feeling restless, he decided to head to the meeting spot early.

Kazuki chose a café in the town with the salon they’d visited with Hayato and others.

A chain, but with brick-style decor matching the town’s vibe, giving it an exotic feel. The prices were standard. His sister had called it a hidden gem, perfect for girls and ideal for meetups.

The café had college-aged women tinkering with phones, studying, or reading magazines.

“…”

Kazuki sat in a corner by the window, staring outside.

Couples window-shopping, likely on dates, caught his eye. This town was a known date spot, making him think too much, and he frowned, touching his forehead.

What was this about?

Good news? Bad news?

His face cycled through expressions as he imagined scenarios.

Then he spotted Himeko’s reflection in the window.

“…Kazuki-san.”

“Himeko-chan, you’re… earlier than I thought…”

Hearing her voice, his thoughts vanished. He flashed a smile, turned, and his eyes widened.

In his eyes was Himeko, standing with a troubled smile, looking frail, like a lost child about to cry. His excitement and anxiety evaporated.

A talk she didn’t want her brother or childhood friend to hear—he instinctively knew it was about the dark shadow she sometimes showed behind her bright smile.

This was surely about something deep within her.

Tension surged.

His head cleared.

He pressed his lips tight.

Himeko had saved him with her words.

Now it was his turn.

With tension intact, Kazuki calculated a reassuring smile and spoke brightly.

“Sit down for now.”

“…Okay.”

Prompted, Himeko sat across, head down, mumbling, likely sorting her thoughts. She needed time.

Noticing his café au lait cup had gone cold, he drank the rest, said, “Hold on,” and went to the counter for a refill. Thinking to get Himeko’s, he frowned, unsure of her taste.

He returned with two milky café lattes, like his sister’s preference.

“Sorry for the wait. Himeko-chan, café latte okay?”

“Oh, thank you! I’ll pay…”

“Nah, it’s fine. I’ve got a part-time job, let me show off a bit.”

Winking playfully, Himeko smiled ambiguously and sipped, then slightly furrowed her brows.

“…Ugh.”

“Haha, needed sugar? My sister always skips it.”

“Really?”

“She’s all about calories, you know.”

Adding, “It’s barely anything,” in a teasing tone, Himeko let out a small chuckle—her first smile.

That alone warmed Kazuki’s heart. Feeling silly but unable to hide his grin, he sipped his latte.

Yes, indeed.

A dark expression didn’t suit her.

He wanted her to always shine brightly.

He’d do anything to make that happen.

Swallowing his anxiety with the bitter café au lait, Kazuki gazed at Himeko with a serious look, choosing words to make it easy for her to talk.

“So, what’s up today? Got something you want me to hear?”

“Yeah. Um…”

“It’s okay, I won’t tell Hayato-kun or Nikaido-san. So, is it a worry or something?”

“It’s—”

Himeko paused, her face showing hesitation as she lowered her eyelashes.

After a moment’s thought, she poured out her heart.

“—I’m scared.”

“Scared?”

“That my mom might suddenly… disappear again…”

“Uh, what do you mean…?”

Confused, he tilted his head.

Sensing he didn’t know the context, Himeko cautiously asked.

“Kazuki-san, did Onii ever tell you why we moved here?”

“No, not really.”

“…Ugh, Onii.”

Himeko pouted slightly at her brother, sighing in frustration.

Kazuki hadn’t thought much about why Hayato and Himeko moved from the countryside. Moving wasn’t rare.

But Himeko’s hesitant expression suggested a serious reason. He straightened up instinctively.

Her face crumpled, hand on her chest as if suppressing pain, and she spoke hesitantly.

“My mom collapsed right in front of me.”

“…What?”

Kazuki’s expression froze.

Lowering her lashes, Himeko’s trembling voice confessed the past like a sin.

“She was cooking in the kitchen, and suddenly, with a loud crash. No matter how much I called, she didn’t respond… Five years ago, I was just a kid and couldn’t do anything. This summer, my mind went blank, and I still couldn’t do anything…”

“Himeko-chan…”

It was heavier than he’d imagined.

He’d thought the mid-term transfer was odd, but a mother’s illness explained the urgency.

His chest ached. This was clearly Himeko’s vulnerable side, and he wondered if he should be the one hearing it.

If a close family member collapsed before him and he froze in panic…?

Himeko murmured, carrying regret and powerlessness.

“I haven’t grown up at all…”

“…Ah.”

“Even now, I’m stuck worrying like this, even though Mom’s been discharged, and I’m making the house tense…”

Her words made him realize.

The subtle signs of Himeko trying to act mature.

If that stemmed from this, it changed the meaning of her endearing efforts.

Surely.

Himeko had been fighting all along.

With her past self that could do nothing.

With the fear and anxiety of it happening again.

Yet she faced it, struggling.

—Unlike Kazuki, who ran away.

It was so very Himeko.

That’s why she shone so brightly.

That’s why he was so drawn to her.

But he couldn’t find words for her.

Kazuki’s face crumpled, fists clenched, lips tight.

He could just agree or offer kind, empty words, as he’d always done.

But that would be a temporary fix. He couldn’t find the right words.

He was stunned at himself. It was as if he’d been told his relationships were shallow.

Seeing his complex expression, Himeko let out an “Ah” and shrank, looking apologetic.

“Talking about this so suddenly… it’s heavy, right?”

“…!”

Her small voice sounded like a declaration to end the talk, or a rejection.

Kazuki sensed this was a turning point.

In a split second, he thought it through.

Why confide in him, not Hayato, Haruki, or Saki?

They were too close to share this with.

What about him?

Just a classmate of her brother, known for four months.

A thin connection, making his heart ache, but that’s why she needed him.

Like how he’d talked to Minamo, not his sister.

Something you can say to a friend who’s not too close—Kazuki cleared his throat, forcing a bright tone as if it were no big deal.

“You don’t have to try so hard to act grown-up.”

“…Kazuki-san?”

His words, almost denying her efforts, drew a suspicious, critical glance. His chest stung, but he kept his usual smile and continued.

“You look like you’re pushing yourself too hard, Himeko-chan.”

“That’s—! But…”

“You’re trying so hard, your heart’s exhausted. Be honest and lean on your mom. That fear can only be eased by her.”

“…Will that really work?”

“Who knows?”

“‘Who knows’!? Like it’s someone else’s problem!”

“Haha, sorry, sorry. But sometimes these things resolve simply. Remember when Isami-san didn’t tell Iori-kun about the basketball senior’s confession, and they fought?”

Recalling it, Himeko gasped, eyes wide.

“Now that you mention it…”

“Better to act than worry. Just hug your mom when you get home.”

“Jeez, you make it sound so easy!”

Himeko pouted in protest.

But her face held no darkness.

Kazuki pressed on.

“If it doesn’t work, I’ll treat you to a cake buffet.”

“Cake buffet! Nice, let’s go even if it works. No treating, though—invite everyone!”

“Sounds good.”

Himeko chugged the rest of her café au lait, grimaced “Bitter!”, and stood, looking relieved.

“Thanks, Kazuki-san. Talking it out cleared my head!”

“No problem. I just gave you a reckless push.”

“Don’t say stuff like Onii or Haru-chan!”

“Haha, maybe they’re rubbing off on me.”

“Kazuki-san!”

Himeko pouted, then paused, as if realizing something, and turned back.

Hesitating but blushing slightly, she spoke.

“Um, Kazuki-san. Can I talk to you again?”

“Of course.”

“It’s about… my relationship with someone, I guess? I’ve been thinking about it…”

“…Oh?”

Blushing, Himeko hinted at consulting about someone special.

He almost asked, ‘That person you liked?’, but swallowed it, barely managing a nod.

Honestly, he wanted to know who.

At least whether it was a guy or a girl.

Even if it wasn’t that person, hearing a girl who sparked his first love mention someone special would make anyone curious.

But as a friend, as her brother’s friend, that was overstepping.

His nails dug into his skin, nearly drawing blood, as he clenched his fists, swallowing the dark, turbulent emotions raging inside.

Thankfully, his well-worn fake smile held firm. Ironic.

“For now, that’s it! See ya!”

“…Take care going home.”

Himeko left.

Kazuki watched her back until she was gone, then let out a big sigh to himself.

“…Was that okay?”

He murmured, unsure.

Looking back, his words to Himeko felt awfully light.

But he realized something.

Himeko was trying to overcome her trauma by growing up.

It wouldn’t be easy.

So she needed him as a friend—not too close—to vent or consult. Her brother and childhood friend, knowing their issues, were too near, but his distance was just right.

His initial feeling toward Himeko was wanting to support her. That hadn’t changed. He was fine with this role.

But the love for her that had grown would get in the way.

—Because a lover, like her brother or friend, would be too close.

And he knew how bothersome unrequited feelings could be.

So Kazuki quietly sealed his heart and locked it.

He was used to keeping up appearances.

Clenching his chest, he spoke cursed words to bind his heart.

“…I said I wanted to be proper friends, didn’t I?”