It was the eighth of September, a rather normal Friday. Yesterday, I sent that recording over to Minami in haste, and we spent all of our time after school talking about it, even after I returned home, I couldn’t get Aoki-kun’s words out of my mind.

‘Courage’ he said.

All I can say is that the dots finally connect. The first time Aoki-kun approached me, he mentioned something about ‘looking from afar’, now I know why he said something like that.

While Minami and I were conversing about this particular topic, our opinions constantly clashed and coincided, but we were unable to commit to any sort of plan of action. We decided that we’ll go our separate ways and would appeal to him the way we want and leave the decision up to him.

I was walking through the corridor during one of my breaks, absentmindedly, I must add.

I realized that I unintentionally reached an isolated area on the first floor of our building. The only rooms around here were the storage rooms and two or three clubrooms, which were empty at this time of the day.

As I was about to turn away and return to my classroom, I heard the vague voice of a female originating from somewhere around me. At first, I freaked out, but then I remembered that one word uttered by Aoki-kun, it gave me the motivation to move my legs in the direction of the voice.

I slowly but steadily advanced through the silent corridor, the voices of children enjoying their break started getting distant, but I moved forward with a new-found love for adventure.

“Bu-but…”

The voice of the female became clearer as I reached the end of the corridor, there was only one room here with the other one already behind me, so there was no doubt that she was in there.

I quickly moved and leaned against the wall beside the door frame, the voice, no, voices, became clear.

“I love you so much though~”

My eyes widen, is it a couple or something? B-But, this is just a 15-minute break. How could they do this in such a short time?

“Shut up. I explicitly told you to refrain from contacting me while we’re in school, did I not?”

I was contemplating on whether to leave or not, but as soon as the voice of the male entered my ears, my legs… no, my whole body froze.

It was a voice which I was most familiar with, the times that I personally heard this voice may be in single digits, but this voice was engraved in my mind and soul. It was without a doubt… his voice.

I couldn’t believe my ears, no, I refused to believe them. My legs lost their strength, I knew that I was going to land on the ground, and that may lead to me getting busted.

However, I needed to hear this, so I steeled myself and lowered myself on the ground gently, and strained on my ability to hear in order to make sure that I don’t miss even a single word of this conversation.

“B-But, you never pick up my calls. You don’t even reply to my texts. You know how easily I get lonely, right? It’s been ages since you came over!”

HE GOES OVER HER HOUSE!!!!!!

W-What is this? P-Please, tell me I’m in the middle of a dream and Chiaki will come and poke me in just a second.

I couldn’t hold myself back after listening to something like this, so I peeked through the door while making sure that my hair wasn’t seen by the occupants of the room.

Beautiful.

The only thing I could say after glancing at the person who was with Takumi. Takumi was sitting on an old stool while the girl was standing in front of him. I couldn’t see Takumi’s face because of the girl’s profile, but I was sure that he had the same calm, composed and indifferent expression on his face.

The girl has beautiful and long brown hair. Her hair is of almost the same length as mine, but they go so well with her feminine curves that I was left entranced by them. Her face is extremely pretty and is well proportioned without even a single pimple. Her height is almost the same as mine, about 165 centimeters, but the one thing that stands out the most on her seductive body is… her necktie.

In our school, due to there being so many students, there is a way to distinguish the students based on their year, and that is by the color of their necktie. The first-years have to wear a necktie of black color, while the second-year has to be equipped with red, and finally, the third-year students are to be brandished by the color of blue.

This girl… has a red necktie, that would mean that she’s a senpai, so why is she like that with Takumi. I mean, I get why girls would swoon all over him, but it’s just been one semester, and the second-year students should not have much contact with us first-year students.

I believe that I have seen her somewhere...

“Don’t exaggerate, I came over during the vacation, right?”

He said and then proceeded to place his left leg over his right. The girl shifted a bit, so I had to retreat, or my face would’ve been visible to Takumi.

“I-It’s been like three weeks though. I’ve been really lonely! Pay attention to me already!”

So bold… Well… Aoki-kun did say ‘courageous’.

No… what am I thinking!? I just found out that the one I love has a-

“Miyuki. Haven’t you been getting enough money?”

‘Miyuki’... Miyu… Miyuki… sophmore… beautiful...

Wait… isn’t she that super-popular, honor-student senpai?

I heard Chiaki talking about her after the inauguration ceremony. She’s been in the top 5 since the school started, she also won the beauty pageant during last year’s cultural festival.

After our first-semester exams ended, I heard people referring to me as ‘Miyuki’s successor’ or something… Is she that person?

If she is… then why is Takumi calling her ‘Miyuki’, but that would mean that they are in ‘that’ kind of relationship.

I heave a sigh of nervousness after this tidbit of information registers itself in my heart.

Back to the question of why is Takumi referring to her as ‘Miyuki’. Wait.. what is Miyuki-senpai’s last name?

“Takumi~ it isn’t about money! Your loving and caring big sister is all lonely and you don’t even pay attention to her!”

At this point, she just seems desperate. Her voice clearly emphasizes on the fact that she’s trying her best to hold back her tears.

“Get a boyfriend or something Miyuki. You live alone, you know?”

In contrast to Miyuki-senpai’s desperate and pleading voice, Takumi is as calm and composed as ever.

“What are you saying? You know better than anyone else that I don’t want to! I want... my brother to be by my side…”

“It’s not like I don’t understand where you are coming from. However, you yourself should realize that if I don’t work, we won’t be able to keep our heads above water. Our parents are dead, and it comes to me to take care of you… If I don’t work, I won’t be able to pay the rent of both of our apartments, and our school and college fees.”

…

“I have told you a million times that you don’t need to, and both of us know the reason. Takumi, I don’t mind living a life devoid of any luxury and facilities, I am more than happy enough just by having you by my side after mom and dad died, you remember how much I cried? I broke. If you weren’t there for me, I don't know what I would’ve done with myself. I know that you suffered that same pain, you loved mom and dad as much as I did, but you didn’t even shed a single tear. You took the mantle of the head of the family the very next day. You took care of me, if I were to say, you were the one who truly raised me. So please, don’t be like that and neglect me, the reason I ambushed you today was that we haven’t talked since the opening ceremony… Takumi, your big sister loves you very much, so please don’t make her feel like this.”

…

“You’re so annoying. Fine~ I’ll take Sunday off, come over tomorrow evening, I’ll take you out on Sunday. Satisfied?”

“*sob* Takumi~”

“Get off me, my uniform will get drenched from your tears.”

“F-Fine.”

“Tell me, does anyone around you know about me… Kawashima-senpai?”

“No. It’s a good thing that this school has so many students, isn’t it? Kawashima-kun.”

“Let’s go, the break has almost ended.”

“Y-Yeah, I have to go to the second-year building.”

“See you tomorrow then.”

“Yes! I am looking forward to it~!”

“What was that…”

I came out of the room closest to the storage room where both of them were.

My feelings in a turmoil, my head all dizzy, my heart throbbing violently, and my eyes overflowing with tears.

I skipped the next class and locked myself in the storage room, and thought about what had just occurred.

Today was a rather normal Friday, the girls came to talk to me this morning, but thanks to my sleep deprivation, I got out of it. Princess was clearly upset, but I think it didn’t affect Minami much, or more like, she was actually happy that Princess didn’t get to have a chat with me.

“Looks like something has happened and they’re both actually acting like rivals.”

Fumiya said so while sitting in the seat in front of me. My seat was the third from the front and in the last row, so I was able to spend my time gazing out the window as much as I wanted.

The seat behind me was Minami’s, while the seat in front of me was Tanaka’s.

The guys spent most of their time around Tanaka’s seat as Fumiya just slouched down on Tanaka’s seat to talk to me.

“Them acting as rivals is more troublesome than it initially was.”

I said so and continued to pretend-sleep with my head down.

“Tell me, have any of them piqued your interest even a bit?”

He asked so in an inquisitive tone.

“Are you specifically talking about those two, or about girls in general?”

I asked while subtly pointing in the direction where the three ladies were discussing something, which was obviously not related to me.

“Both.”

“I’d say that the Princess has some spirit, and Minami is starting to make her presence known as well, but I don't feel like dating anybody. On the other hand, it’s not like I have zero interest in any girl as of right now.”

“Let’s leave it at that.”

He said so while adopting an amused tone.

“Tell me Fumiya, what about y-”

“I am not gonna leave you alone.”

“Tch.”

Just leave me alone, Fumiya.

“Takumi… aren’t you like… really popular? Even after all that effort, you put in to stay unnoticed, the two most popular girls of our year are totally head-over-heels for you. What even happened?”

Fumiya said so and placed his hand on his cheek.

“I really don't know. You’re so much better than me, you outshine me in everything. So why doesn’t every girl just flock over to you?”

I said so in a matter-of-fact voice, but it seems that Fumiya was quite amused.

“I am better than you? Fufufu. Takumi, the only aspect in which I am better than you is at height.”

“And looks.”

“That’s debatable.”

He said so and turned around to talk to the others while I drifted into a sweet slumber.

After some periods, it was our fifteen-minute break. The others were going to the restroom and such, but I decided to stay in the classroom and catch up on the lessons that were taught today.

It was then that I received a very peculiar message from someone who was just as peculiar.

[Takumi, I am in the last room on the first-floor’s isolated corridor. Come here or I’ll spread the rumor that both of us are in a relationship.]

[Do that and I’ll cut your allowance in half.]

I texted back, to which, I got an instantaneous reply.

[I am sorry. I feel lonely so please come and talk to me. Also, it’s scary here.]

[So annoying. Gimme two minutes.]

[I love you so much.]

I reluctantly got off my chair and as I was starting to walk outside my classroom, I heard a sweet voice calling out to me.

“Takumi-kun, wanna have lunch with us today?”

“By ‘us’, who do you mean?”

“Ah~ It’s Miya, Chiaki, and me. You can bring Aoki-kun too, if you want.”

Only 13 minutes left.

“Is it ok for someone like me to eat with you guys?”

“Yes.”

No hesitation? Think of my position a bit.

“Okay. How about we eat on the roof? Eating in the cafeteria seems troublesome.”

“Fine. I’ll see you on the rooftop then.”

Minami said so and then proceeded to join our classmates in a heated discussion about something.

I subtly moved down the stairs and then reached the isolated corridor where there were no classes being held.

I reached the room where she said she would be and opened the door.

“Takumi~~!!”

As soon as I did, something came flying in my direction.

And after realizing the identity of this projectile, two options popped up in my mind.

One. Move aside and let her fall.

Two. Catch and embrace her.

If it were just a normal encounter with her, I would’ve chosen option one. However, considering she said something like that in her message, let’s just accommodate her a bit.

I reluctantly opened my arms and she jumped in them readily with a smile on her face. Once she was comfortably stuck to my chest, she started snuggling and rubbing her face on my chest.

“What are you trying to pull here?”

I asked while looking at her from above, her face wasn’t visible as she was still busy rubbing it on my chest.

“I was very lonely.”

“So you decided to ambush me, huh.”

“I-It wasn’t an ambush! I just wanted to spend some time with you…”

She tilted her face up, her eyes were a bit red and her cheeks were flushed. She was definitely crying.

“I guess we’ve spent more than enough time together, I am leaving.”

“Bu-but…”

Her face contorted into an anxious and horrified one.

“Or do you hate me so much that you want to destroy my peaceful life by doing something stupid like telling people that we are a couple?”

“I love you so much though~”

She said while wiping off a tear that was forming on the edge of her left eye.

“Shut up. I explicitly told you to refrain from contacting me while we’re in school, did I not?”

I knew that I was a little harsh, but it was necessary or this spoiled girl won’t listen to me.

I pulled out an old stool from the corner of the room and sat on it after wiping off the dust from its surface.

“B-But, you never pick up my calls. You don’t even reply to my texts. You know how easily I get lonely, right? It’s been ages since you came over!”

You always text and call when I am busy with work or some meeting, how can you expect me to pick up your call when I am working?

“Don’t exaggerate, I came over during the vacations, right?”

I know it has been about three weeks, but I just don’t have the time to pay attention to her.

“I-It’s been like three weeks though. I’ve been really lonely! Pay attention to me already!”

Hey, come on sister, that’s just unfair. If you make that kind of face while looking into my eyes, and blurt out something like that out of nowhere, do you really think that I will be able to refuse?

“Miyki. Haven’t you been getting enough money?”

“Takumi~ it isn’t about money! Your loving big sister is all lonely and you don’t even pay attention to her!”

I know it is not about money. I am completely aware as to your feelings, but I am effectively unable to do anything about it.

“Get a boyfriend or something Miyuki. You live alone, you know?”

Her calming and lovely voice was turning into something teary and desperate, but how can I tell her that I just can’t...

“What are you saying? You know better than anyone else that I don’t want to! I want... my brother to be by my side…”

Fine. You forced me to play this card.

“It’s not like I don’t understand where you are coming from. However, you yourself should realize that if I don’t work, we both won’t be able to keep our heads above water. Both of our parents are dead, and it comes to me to take care of you… If I don’t work, I won’t be able to pay the rent of both of our apartments and our school and college fees.”

I said so in a calm voice, but when I glanced at her face after I was done with my statement, it was genuinely teary and sad.

I am already at my limit if this goes on any longer… I might start considering spending some time with her.

“I have told you a million times that you don’t need to, and both of us know the reason. Takumi, I don’t mind living a life devoid of any luxury and facilities, I am more than happy enough just by having you by my side after mom and dad died, you remember how much I cried? I broke. If you weren’t there for me, I don't know what I would’ve done with myself. I know that you suffered that same pain, you loved mom and dad as much as I did, but you didn’t even shed a single tear. You took the mantle of the head of the family the very next day. You took care of me, if I were to say, you were the one who truly raised me. So please, don’t be like that and neglect me, the reason I ambushed you today was that we haven’t talked since the opening ceremony… Taku, your sister loves you very much, so please don’t make her feel like this.”

Sister, you are wrong. I am not strong at all. The only reason why I took that role was so I could escape reality, escape all the pain.

After father and mother died, all the other members didn’t even care. They were blinded by greed to the degree that they couldn’t even feel grief for the death of two of their own.

All the members just saw their death as the chance to steal the position of the family head and run our family in their own twisted way.

However, I couldn’t have let that happen, could I? I had a spoiled big sister to take care of after all...

“You’re so annoying. I’ll take Sunday off, come over Saturday evening, I’ll take you out on Sunday. Satisfied?”

I finally gave in. I don’t think she knows it. She’s the only person in the world to whom I can possibly lose.

“*sob* Takumi~”

She finally showed me her blooming smile, I couldn’t help but feel a little happy at the sight of this smile which originated from the bottom of her heart.

“Get off me, my uniform will get drenched from your tears.”

I said so and grabbed her shoulders and separated her from my body.

“F-Fine.”

She wiped her tears by using the handkerchief I gave her and a lovely smile was printed on her face as if it were the most natural expression.

“Tell me, does anyone around you know about me… Kawashima-senpai?”

I said in a slightly sarcastic tone.

“No. It’s a good thing that this school has so many students, isn’t it? Kawashima-kun.”

She replied while grasping my arm and looking up at me.

“Let’s go, the break has almost ended.”

I took a peek at my phone, it was almost time, so I urged her to move.

“Y-Yeah, I have to go to the second-year building.”

“See you tomorrow then.”

I had a gentle expression planted on my face as I looked at my big sister, full of life and enthusiasm. Completely unlike the past.

“Yes! I am looking forward to it~!”

I returned back to my classroom just in the nick of time and continued my classes(nap) with a relatively nice mood.