Thanks to Meerkat for helping with the translation
Chapter 1: “Polar Opposites”
Let me state here that when it comes to status ailments, “poison” is the classic.
While there are many varieties like paralysis, burns, blindness, and freezing, poison is undoubtedly the representative.
Strangely enough, it’s often set up as weak in novels and games.
Status ailment skills are, so to speak, the outliers. They seem like they could dominate everything.
However, it’s fundamentally incorrect to think that status ailments are weak.
Because in reality, any of them could be fatal.
Burns can leave lifelong scars, and even temporary blindness would be extremely dangerous. Frostbite is one of the main causes of death in mountaineering accidents, and while paralysis might be as mild as sleep paralysis, if it affects nerves or muscles, the symptoms may become permanent.
As for poison, it’s laughable to think it could be weak.
A bee sting can cause anaphylactic shock, and a habu snake bite requires antivenom. Even mosquito-borne diseases, considered poisonous, wreak havoc.
You need a license to prepare fugu, and food poisoning accidents occur regularly.
Accidentally eating poisonous mushrooms or mistaking daffodils for chives – in a sense, you could say humans have a history of battling poison. As the role of food tasters shows, even those in power fear poisoning. Licking potassium cyanide is out of the question.
Given how powerful poison is, it’s unnecessary to explain how harmful “toxic parents” can be to children. The negative impact of toxic parents on personality development is immeasurable.
Since the parent-child relationship is an unchanging, unbreakable connection, suffering from toxic parents doesn’t end in childhood but continues into adulthood. In a way, toxic parents are like a cursed equipment you can’t unequip.
Children tormented by toxic parents, their lives ruined, come to hate their parents.
Because of the blood ties, this hatred becomes more intense and concentrated.
Breaking free from the influence of toxic parents requires tremendous resolve.
Enough to abandon one’s own flesh and blood.
My meeting with my sister began with her wailing. She exploded with pent-up emotions, letting out endless sobs. All I could do was silently accept it.
I don’t know how many minutes or tens of minutes passed like this. I didn’t say a word.
All I’ve ever seen is her crying face. Another one to add to the collection of crying faces.
I don’t want to see such a face, don’t want to make them show it. Yet, I’m always surrounded by crybabies.
“Um, dear step brother, I’m sorry. I’ve behaved so shamefully…”
After who knows how long, she finally pulled away from my chest.
The first words my sister uttered in a small voice, looking down, were an apology.
Although she had calmed down a bit, her tears hadn’t dried up; they were still falling from her large eyes. I tilted the umbrella slightly to keep Gikyo-chan’s body from getting wet.
Her delicate body, which looked like it might break if touched, was trembling.
Looking up, thick clouds covered the sky. The rain didn’t seem likely to stop anytime soon.
Gikyo-chan and I have a rather complicated relationship. Gikyo-chan, my old man’s daughter, is what you’d call my half-sister. A sister with a different mother, too close to call a stranger, too distant to call a sibling.
I stare at her face intently, but she doesn’t seem to resemble me much – I think.
“It’s embarrassing when you stare at me like that.”
She puts both hands on her cheeks, looking very bashful. I can’t help but be moved by her appearance.
“A comfort… girl, huh?”
“Oh, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to behave in such a lowly manner–“
She bows her head hurriedly, with a desperate look like an abandoned puppy.
“No, I mean healing.”
“This is very confusing, dear step brother.”
Gikyo-chan looks perplexed. Is this the “dosue” spirit? She’s the healing type.
Whether it’s due to her birthplace or her upbringing, there’s a certain refinement about her.
Her reserved words and behavior are polar opposites to my mother and sister, who drill into my mental state daily. In a word, she’s exactly what you’d call a “refined young lady.”
“Wasn’t it hard to find your way here?”
“…Yes. Well, Hiori-san guided me over the phone.”
I still don’t know much about the details. I only heard Hiori-chan’s request.
The only thing I know is that if left alone, Gikyo-chan would have collapsed.
Given that Old man suddenly came to take me away, she must be facing some kind of problem.
Old man is now trying to take me away. If so, what’s the reason?
abused by my mother? If that’s true, there’s justification. But the truth is different.
He said Gikyo-chan and her mother, Tsubaki-san, would become unhappy. However, while my mother might be able to solve it, I don’t think I can, having never even met them before.
So what exactly is Old man asking for? Is this what they call a deadbeat dad?
There’s too much I don’t understand. Still, I needed to act. That’s all there was to it.
“It was my first time riding the bullet train alone.”
“I guess it’s my first time helping someone escape too.”
Of course, unlike a former chairman of an auto company, she wasn’t hiding in luggage.
I just sent her a bullet train ticket and enough money to get by after receiving her contact. “It’s all thanks to you, dear step brother. Abbreviated as ‘onioka’.”
“I feel like I’ve heard that somewhere before…”
Come to think of it, Hiori-chan often said things like “As expected of onii-chan!”
I don’t really understand, but I don’t think it’ll catch on.
“Really, dear step brother is such a kind and wonderful person…”
Gikyo-chan muttered softly, as if savoring the words.
While Gikyo-chan seems enchanted, I can’t help feeling she’s misunderstanding something in a strange direction. She’s apparently close with Hiori-chan, but I wonder what exactly she’s been telling her…
“By the way, you don’t use much dialect. Are you conscious of it?”
“I try to be careful. –Well, Gikyo… no, I am a failure.”
A dark shadow crosses her expression. She’s desperately trying to hold back tears that are about to overflow again.
“…I tried. I tried and tried, but nothing worked… I’m not capable like you, dear step brother. –I’m a defective product that can’t even meet my mother’s expectations.”
The words coming out of her mouth are painfully pitiful.
“I always looked out the window, wanting to escape from there. I even started to hate myself, not knowing what to do, always–wishing someone would save me.”
I wonder what kind of world she sees in those moist eyes?
“I’m no good! I can only think about escaping from suffering, resenting my parents, running away–I can’t save anyone, I can’t change anything–“
A painful cry. It takes strength to resist unreasonableness. And above all, an unbreakable spirit.
“What about Old man?”
“What father values most is mother… I can’t take her place.”
She smiles sadly. Gikyo-chan’s heart is exhausted.
Stress and mental strain erode the spirit, robbing one of thinking power and motivation. Becoming apathetic makes it increasingly difficult to take action, leading to introversion. Perhaps Gikyo-chan’s choice to run away came at the very last moment she could make that decision.
How much sorrow has this small body carried?
I’ll probably come to know that from now on.
So, I responded. Because that’s who I am, Yukito Kokonoe.
“I’ve never once thought I wanted someone to save me.”
It was an encounter between incompatible siblings.
“First, let me teach you about the hierarchy in the Kokonoe family.”
“Y-Yes! Please do!”
Gikyo-chan straightens up, bracing herself.
I explain the rules as we walk through the apartment entrance.
It’s necessary to avoid unnecessary trouble, as the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
For animals that form groups, hierarchy is important. It’s a law of nature.
Monkey and lion groups have bosses, and dogs become attached to humans because they recognize their owners as parents and group leaders. The vertical society is that strict. The same applies to human society.
For example, someone like a refreshing handsome guy would be considered high in the hierarchy.
Photon Face and Elizabeth are the new leaders of Class B.
“Being in a dependent position, it’s natural that I absolutely obey my mother, but with my sister, I put on a show of compliance while inwardly opposing her.”
“Putting on a show of compliance…?”
Gikyo-chan’s eyes widened in confusion.
“Well, if I’m not careful with my responses, I end up in a miserable situation. Yesterday, I was even ambushed in the bathroom.”
I am Kokonoe Yukito, a man who doesn’t allow for lucky pervert scenarios. To avoid any accidental encounters, I always take utmost care, like knocking before entering the bath or toilet. However, Yuuri-san easily engages in outrageous acts.
Despite the precaution of knocking, she deliberately doesn’t respond and waits inside. Such diabolical behavior is beyond the pale. Peeing together is only allowed between the same gender.
Mom is exasperated by our antics, but sometimes she’s careless too (according to her), so we can’t let our guard down. That’s how it is in the Kokonoe household – you never know when you might encounter a crisis.
I call these incidents “Un♡lucky pervert scenarios.”
“By the way, I’m naturally at the bottom of the hierarchy. In the pet category, I’d say.”
“Um, if dear step brother is in the pet category, then what kind of treatment would I…”
Gikyo-chan was trembling with fear. She looked like she might faint at any moment.
“Well, you’re a guest, so you should be fine, right?”
For some reason, Gikyo-chan seemed to gather her resolve and make a new decision.
“I-In that case, Gikyo will become dear step brother’s pet! Please take good care of me.”
“Why do strange people always gather around me?”
Can someone please explain? I’m such a normal, upright person.
While having this completely unhelpful conversation, we reached the entrance.
I could tell Gikyo-chan’s body was shaking. I was nervous too, but it’s also the first time for Mom and Sis to meet her. Given the circumstances, it’s understandable to feel confused about bringing in such a troublesome situation.
“You don’t need to be so anxious. Mom and Sis are big-hearted, and they have big chests too. They’re so kind, you’ve probably never met anyone as gentle as them. Sekka-san too.”
To give you an idea of how kind they are, when Yuuri-san forgets to bring her lunch to school and I deliver it to her classroom, she thanks me by saying “Thank you.” Just not being clicked at and told “Hand it over quickly, you trash” is enough to convey their immense kindness.
In those moments, I’m always moved by my sister’s gentleness.
From what I can see, Gikyo-chan seems like an honest, good kid. Her level of being problematic is nowhere near mine.
I didn’t think my family, who hadn’t abandoned me, would treat her unkindly. Mom is practically a saint, after all.
Half-convinced, Gikyo-chan was patting her chest area.
“I-I’m still growing, you know!”
“Oh, I see.”
This girl seems unexpectedly energetic, doesn’t she?
“So you’re Gikyo-chan. Do you take after your mother? I don’t see much resemblance.”
“You again. …This time you’ve picked up a stray sister? If you wanted a sister so badly, why didn’t you just tell me? Sigh. I guess it can’t be helped. I’ll be your sister.”
“I’ll pass.”
Mom and Sis were waiting in the living room. …Thank goodness. They’re wearing normal clothes today.
What? You’re asking if there are times when it’s not normal? Haha!
Setting aside my sister Yuuri, who for some reason has her hair in twin tails, even from the sidelines, you could feel Gikyo-chan’s tension. In contrast to Mom, who was acting kindly to avoid worrying her, Sis looked stern.
“I’m Ouka, these children’s mother. I’ve heard about you. Though, I only know the bare minimum. What exactly happened? How did things come to this?”
Looking troubled, Mom pulled out a piece of paper.
“This arrived today. That man – your father – sent it. I never thought he’d actually send something like this. I hate to say this in front of you, but I’m quite angry about it.”
It was a content-certified mail. Generally, these are used as a preliminary step before taking some kind of action.
The content was an application for a change in parental rights. In other words, it was about taking me back into the Touren family.
Old man, were you actually serious about this…?
“Oh no…! I-I’m so sorry. My father has caused you trouble–“
It seemed Gikyo-chan hadn’t been informed about this, as her face turned pale.
Regardless of Old man, I didn’t have any grudge against Gikyo-chan. Watching a child apologize for their parent’s misconduct was quite unpleasant.
“Mom, you’re not abusing me or anything.”
“What you’re being treated is like entertainment, not abuse.”
“Who are you to talk?! What the hell, you octopus!”
I firmly reject these unfounded scandalous claims.
“Huh? You want to be sexually entertained that badly?”
“Yes.”
When I become a working adult, I’d like to experience things like client entertainment at least once. Using company money as business expenses to go drinking, or playing golf for business where even if the client makes a bad shot, you say things like “Nice shot!” that you don’t really mean, and deepen relationships while having fun.
Recently, it seems more young people are avoiding company drinking parties. But I think it’s good to have those kinds of interactions to deepen relationships. If you become close with your boss in those situations, they might help you not just with work, but sometimes even with personal matters.
I mean, I’m constantly getting consulted by complete strangers. What’s up with that?!
“I see. Then, I’ll take it off.”
“Oh no, I answered automatically without thinking!?”
A skillfully laid trap! Stop approaching me while licking your lips!?
“But this is meaningless, isn’t it?”
Parental rights decided at the time of divorce can be changed. It happens for economic reasons, or when things like abuse or domestic violence come to light, but Mom doesn’t have any such faults. More fundamentally, when a child reaches around middle school age, their opinion is taken into account regarding parental rights.
In other words, as a 16-year-old high school student, I’m in a position to choose my own parent.
Mom said she wants me to stay. If she said she didn’t want me, I’d be ready to leave anytime, but it was Mom who raised me to this point, not Old man.
Old man must understand that there’s no way I’d make that choice.
Despite that, he sent this content-certified mail. This is a losing battle.
Such a foolish method. Not only that, but it’s a stupid act that will anger Mom, let alone me.
“Is old man desperate?”
To the point where he had to resort to such forceful measures. But it seems I was better at taking drastic action.
Gikyo-chan’s presence here is the best proof of that.
“I have no intention of handing my child over to that man. If he tries to take her from me, I’ll fight tooth and nail. I’ll protect my child no matter what. But I don’t understand why he suddenly said such things. Without understanding, you ended up coming here. What exactly is going on?”
At Mom’s words, Gikyo-chan knelt down, bowed her head to the floor, and said:
“Please, please save my mother–“
Once again, tears began to flow endlessly from Gikyo-chan’s eyes.
“Kidnapping? What do you mean, kidnapping?! What’s going on here?!”
Touren Shiyuugi slammed his fist on the desk in frustration. His wife, Tsubaki, had fainted from dizziness and was resting.
Unable to calm down, he paced around the living room of their home.
It was fortunate that it hadn’t become a police matter. If they hadn’t seen the letter Gikyo left in her room – no, it was because they saw the letter that they recognized it as kidnapping – he had never been so terrified.
“Why would she go to Ouka’s house–“
Just as Shiyuugi was about to report to the police, he was stopped by a message from his daughter, the very person who had been kidnapped. A single image sent to inform them of her safety.
Along with a subject line that seemed like the height of foolishness, claiming it was a pose popular among high school girls these days, the photo of his daughter also showed his son, whom he had just met recently.
He didn’t know how she had contacted them, how she had gone there, nothing made sense.
While relieved to know her whereabouts, questions kept arising one after another.
His daughter shouldn’t have had any connection to his ex-wife.
— And there was no reason for Ouka to accept her.
“…Gikyo, did you hate us that much?”
Shiyuugi was shocked by the image his daughter had sent. Not because she seemed oddly familiar with his son. It was her smile. That expression was one he had never seen at home.
Always looking down with a lack of confidence, frightened of Tsubaki, and completely exhausted.
Secretly, Shiyuugi felt relieved about this. His daughter was still thinking about her family.
When disappointment sets in and his daughter’s eyes no longer reflect any emotion, that’s when true collapse will come. There’s only a little time left.
Even though he understood this, Shiyuugi couldn’t do anything about it.
That’s why he needed his son — Yukito. To atone for his own sins.
The possibility of rebuilding the family. Only his son held that potential.
At this point, Shiyuugi had no pride left to think of himself as an unfit father. No matter how much criticism or shame he faced, it was his responsibility for what he had done. There was no denial or rebuttal.
What he had wanted to protect so desperately, he couldn’t protect. This was the result.
“…I must meet Yukito again.”
The content-certified mail should have already arrived. A difficult situation. His plans had failed.
As far as Shiyuugi had investigated, the family relationships shouldn’t have been going well. A tense home environment. It seemed they had been through quite a lot of hardships. His son should have harbored dissatisfaction.
Tsubaki had also agreed to take him in. Rather, it was Tsubaki who strongly wished for it.
He held a faint hope that there might be room for negotiation. To break through the situation as soon as possible.
Above all, if he could be of help to the son he hadn’t been able to do anything for until now, it would be his greatest desire.
That’s why he had tried to shake things up with the petition for change of parental rights.
“Is the happiness you desire really there?”
It wasn’t just his son. Even his daughter Gikyo was now trying to leave Shiyuugi’s hands.
Given her state, Ouka probably wouldn’t forgive Shiyuugi. It was the first time he had seen her so filled with anger. Her fierce attitude even made him feel fear. Ouka loves her son more than anything.
And the son too, had no complaints about his mother. Rather, he respected her.
There were no financial problems either. No discord in family relationships.
It’s impossible. That was the only conclusion he could reach. All of Shiyuugi’s schemes had ended in vain.
There was nothing he could do. His one and only wish. Unable to fulfill even that, he hung his head in powerlessness.
Then, for what purpose had he thrown everything away?
In the end, what would remain in his hands?
“Shiyuugi-san, that child is……”
“Tsubaki!? Are you feeling better now?”
He hurries over to Tsubaki, who appears unsteadily. Her complexion is still poor.
He hands her a glass of water. It can’t be helped. Their daughter had been kidnapped. The shock of that is immeasurable. Even knowing she’s safe now, it’s not something that can be sorted out in the heart so quickly.
“It’s alright. I’ll manage somehow. I’ll get Gikyo back. I’ll definitely protect you–“
At those words, Tsubaki showed a complex expression, as if she was relieved but also somewhat hurt. Mixed feelings. Even if she wanted to trust Shiyuugi’s words, she couldn’t.
He felt disgusted by the superficiality of the words he had uttered. He desperately held back from grimacing.
“Why do we have to suffer such misery, losing everything, having everything taken away……”
He supports the heartbroken Tsubaki. He’s making even his wife, the one person he tried to make happy, miserable.
He had thrown away everything, living only for that purpose. And yet, he couldn’t achieve a single thing.
That was this man, Touren Shiyuugi.
“It’s delicious, dear step brother!”
Gikyo’s face lights up. That’s right, eat lots of meat and grow big, okay?
“Looks like my cooking skills have improved quite a bit.”
“This is sukiyaki, though.”
Today’s dinner at the Kokonoe household is sukiyaki. The dinner table is livelier than usual with more people.
I feel bad for the boastful Yuuri-san, but where exactly do cooking skills come into play with sukiyaki?
All Yuuri-san did was put the ingredients in the pot. She didn’t even cut the ingredients. Knives are dangerous, after all. It’s best if I handle the dangerous tasks. After all, Yuuri-san is clumsy.
“Tch. If it was shabu-shabu, I could have shown off my skills more.”
Yuuri-san mutters, showing a mysterious obsession with shabu-shabu.
“No… shabu-shabu is scary… meat… human meat… human meat hamburger…”
“What’s wrong, Yukito? Do you have some bad memories associated with shabu-shabu?”
Mom looks at me curiously as I tremble.
Initially, there was a suggestion to have shabu-shabu since it’s summer and it’s refreshing, but I firmly refused. After all, if we had shabu-shabu, it’s not hard to predict what might happen.
“It’s not so much a bad memory as a sweet memory…”
“Sweet? Oh, that’s right. I bought some pudding! It was a limited edition, and they happened to have some left.”
Mom’s announcement of this blessing triggers a flashback of memories.
“Pudding!? Pudding is scary… jiggly… caramel so sweet. So that’s not pud–“
“Hey, are you hiding something?”
“Huh!? I don’t know anything about human meat pudding–“
“Hmm. Human meat pudding, huh. So, was it tasty?”
“Well, that’s…”
It goes without saying.
“Catch him!”
“Curse you, King Zhou!”
I’m cornered by the unusually perceptive Yuuri-san. I nearly fell into the caramel trap.
That was a dream. I just wandered into a dream world. I feel like I made some terribly dangerous promise with Himiyama-san and Sanjoji-sensei, but it must have been a dream.
It must also be a dream that the greatest crisis of my life is confirmed to be approaching in two years. Dreams sure are convenient! I can only hope that Sanjoji-sensei’s marriage hunt goes well.
“By the way, where is this child going to sleep?”
After being persistently questioned about the pudding incident and spilling everything, Yuuri-san suddenly changed the subject. Later, I’m in for a two-hour ASMR lecture course whispered in my ear. I’ll pay money for that.
“I-I don’t mind anywhere. I’m like a pet, so even the balcony is fine!”
“The balcony? You’ll catch a cold, you know? Here, shake hands.”
“Is that the issue here?”
Yuuri-san is saying something nonsensical, but the balcony would be abuse worthy of reporting.
Gikyo-chan is dutifully shaking hands. Why is she doing that?
“Wouldn’t my room be fine?”
Being an apartment, we unfortunately don’t have a guest room. Sometimes Sekka-san stays over, but on those occasions, she forcefully sleeps in my room. It’s a usual occurrence. (Crying loudly)
“dear step brother!? S-Sharing a bed might be too early…”
Sharing a bed? No, I was planning to sleep on the living room sofa–.
“Can’t be helped. You sleep in my room today. You girl can use this child’s room.”
“Oh my, Yuuri. I think Yukito would prefer my room.”
“Huh? What are you saying? There’s no way my brother is such a mother complex, right?”
“Really, what are you saying? We’re parent and child. Saying he has a mother complex is such an exaggeration–“
Mom looks exasperated. I quickly interject.
“But I do have a mother complex.”
After all, I cherish my mom. There’s no need to be ashamed of it.
“…I understand your feelings. Let’s eat pudding together later, okay?”
Mom looks incredibly happy. Her smile is as bright as a sunflower.
“I also have a sister complex at the same time.”
Naturally, I cherish my sister too. She also looks happy.
“I understand your feelings. Let’s eat pudding with your big sister later, okay?”
Family should be cherished. And I’ve come to realize that I’ve been cherished by my family too.
I thought I was disliked. I had resigned myself to the idea that I could be kicked out at any time.
Now that I know that’s not the case, and understand the love being poured on me, becoming someone worthy of receiving that devotion is what I should do. Unconditional love should be repaid with conditional love.
My proud mother and proud sister. If there’s anything I can boast about, it’s only my family.
As I’m secretly making this resolution, Gikyo-chan opens her mouth with a serious expression.
“–dear step brother has a sister complex. In that case, am I included in that?”
“You’re not.”
In the end, it was decided that we would settle this with a [Kimono Obi Tying Championship] after dinner. Oh boy.
READ THE ORIGINAL TRANSLATION AT GADGETIZEDPANDA.COM
“…Family bonding, huh.”
With a splash, I sink my body into the bathtub. A wave of fatigue washes over me. As the sensation of stagnant impurities being washed away all at once hits me, I’m struck by an intense drowsiness.
“Such a kind and beautiful step mother.”
I was captivated by her beauty. My step sister is also unbelievably beautiful, and I was mesmerized.
But what affected me the most was seeing how much dear step brother is loved by his family. The way they look at him is warm and full of affection. I couldn’t help but feel envious.
My mood sinks as I consider the difference between myself and my cold mother. If only I had been loved like that…
Surprisingly, my dear step brother’s house was a comfortable space. It didn’t become that way naturally. The atmosphere there was born from everyone being full of consideration for each other.
Tears fell again at the difference from my own desolate home. I’ve been crying so much since I came here.
I poke at the rubber duck floating in the bathtub with my fingertip.
“What do you think, Mr. Duck?”
The duck just stares at me without answering. Maybe there is no answer.
“I wonder if they’re worried about me now…”
Regret washes over me as I realize how reckless my actions were.
I never thought I’d be the type to run away from home. Now I’m a full-fledged delinquent girl.
This is my first act of rebellion against my parents. I don’t even know what’s in the letter my dear step brother told me to leave. Maybe they’re in a panic right now.
“No, they’re not. Mother has no interest in me…”
I deny my own imagination. What Mother wanted was my dear step brother. Not me.
I’m a failure, a useless person who can’t take my dear step brother’s place.
They might even be relieved that I’m gone.
There was no place for me in that house. No family.
So where is my place?
“Here, change into these. They’re my old clothes, but I don’t wear them anymore.”
“Thank you very much.”
When I got out of the bath, my step sister Yuuri had prepared sleepwear for me. I can’t believe someone can be so beautiful even without makeup. The phrase “exquisite beauty” was made for my step sister.
“Hey, you.”
A harsh voice. I instinctively become wary. I knew I wasn’t welcome. To the people of this house, I’m an outsider bringing trouble. The daughter of a despicable person, at that.
There’s enough reason to be hostile towards me. I might be less trustworthy than a complete stranger.
“Yes?”
I’m used to harsh words. Mother always spoke to me that way. It can’t be helped. It’s my fault. I, who can’t even meet my mother’s expectations, can’t meet anyone’s expectations.
“That child… is very kind.”
I hold my breath at the weight of emotion in those words. There was a certainty in her tone that wouldn’t allow someone ignorant like me to carelessly agree. Extreme tension. Words fail me.
“I don’t like you. Do you know why?”
“…No.”
Sharp words pierce me. It might be the first time someone has told me to my face that they don’t like me.
There’s no shock. I was able to accept the direct words more honestly than I thought.
Humans are creatures that hide their true feelings. They live by distinguishing between surface and depth, true intentions and pretense. Even if close friends speak ill of you behind your back, that’s just how it is.
That’s how people are. Cowardly, cunning, and selfish. Never to be trusted.
If you hide your true feelings and act cowardly, no one gets hurt. And yet, my step sister–
“But this might just be prejudice. So I want to ask. Did you fight?”
“Fight?”
My step sister’s words were incomprehensible and beyond my understanding.
Who am I supposed to fight? Mother? Father? Or an enemy?
“That child is kind, so if you ask for help, he’ll respond. He’ll probably do something about your problems too. It’s not difficult. You were right to rely on him.”
The atmosphere isn’t one where I can be happy about being told I’m right.
“I…”
“It must have been hard. It must have been painful. I think you’ve been sad in your own way for a long time. Running away and seeking help isn’t wrong. It’s not wrong, but!”
My step sister took a deep breath as if to calm herself.
“You have to fight against unfairness yourself to move forward.”
She puts a bath towel on my head and rubs it vigorously. A nostalgic feeling resurfaces.
A long time ago, after taking a bath with Mother, she used to dry me like this.
Just having someone do this for me gives me such a sense of security.
“Fighting against unfairness…”
Words I was told long ago. To become strong and not lose to unfairness. Yet, I’ve always remained weak.
“I won’t forgive someone who just relies on that child’s kindness and only receives one-sidedly.”
“Yes.”
I can only nod to words that carry such force.
I’ve tried my best as much as I could. Even so, I wasn’t acknowledged.
That was so sad and unbearable that at some point, I gave up on everything and clung to hope.
But maybe that was just accepting unfairness.
Thinking that nothing could be done, that I couldn’t do anything.
“Um! Do you think I can fight too?”
There’s no way my step sister could answer about me. Still, I couldn’t help but ask.
“Look around that child, and at those around him.”
After finishing drying my whole body, my step sister leaves the changing room.
“Well then, good night. Go to bed early, Pochi.”
! Image
I was being treated like a pet. Strangely, I found myself not minding it.
“Around dear step brother?”
I understand about my dear step brother. He causes such a commotion. His ability to take action is on a different level.
But is there some important hint hidden in those around him too?
I don’t know who else is there besides my dear step brother.
“Good night.”
–For now, I just wanted to sleep without thinking about anything.
A tiny red tongue flickers in and out of view. My heart races with a strange sense of guilt.
Mom is licking a tube-shaped stick.
It reminds me of the lizard Shakado showed me, lapping up water with its tongue.
Mom notices me staring intently and her cheeks turn red.
“What’s wrong? Oh, don’t stare at me like that. It’s embarrassing. But this is delicious. It’s really to my taste. And it’s supposed to be good for my health too.”
“Of course it has amino acids, plus royal jelly, B vitamins, and ten medicinal ingredients.”
“Ah, as always, you’re too serious. I could never match your cooking skills.”
“I just want to do this. I want you to stay healthy, Mom.”
“Yukito…”
Mom, in her negligee, hugs me. She smells nice, like shampoo.
The intense “Kimono Obi-Wrapping Championship” is over, and Mom emerged victorious. Instead of me wrapping the obi, I was the one being wrapped – a grueling event. Even I hadn’t trained my semicircular canals for this, so my eyes were spinning like the chairman’s. I’ll practice spinning for next time.
With the winner decided, I’m sleeping in Mom’s room tonight. By the way, what Mom is licking now as we sit on the bed is my newly developed health supplement, “Mother Churu.”
I originally created “Sister Churu” to deal with my sister, who’s become quite the kiss maniac lately. But since I was at it, I made some for Mom too. Mom’s quite the kiss maniac herself, isn’t she?
When my sister starts going “chu~”, I quickly offer her this as a substitute. It works like a charm. Of course, I’ve fine-tuned the flavors to suit their individual tastes.
Mom almost fell seriously ill once. Since then, I’ve been studying medicinal cooking, but this product is perfect for easily supplementing nutrients that are hard to get enough of from meals alone.
I’m already planning the second and third versions, but developing “Aunt Churu” is the most urgent task now.
Please, little sister, don’t turn out like them!
“What are you going to do about Gikyo-chan?”
Mom sighs softly and tilts her head. This all started because of my schemes. I don’t mean to trouble Mom, but she’s an adult. I feel guilty for burdening her with unnecessary responsibility. If possible, I’d like to resolve this issue quickly and bring this commotion to an end.
“She might be your sister, but I’m sorry. I can’t be that tolerant, I think. You and Yuri are my precious children, but she’s different. …Even if she is that man’s child.”
It may seem cold, but her judgment is entirely reasonable. To Mom, Gikyo is a complete stranger, and there’s no reason for her to help. There’s a clear distinction between blood-related family and others.
The uneasy flicker that fleetingly appears in the depths of Mom’s eyes. It’s not directed at my old man. Mom doesn’t shy away from confronting him. The icy murderous intent she showed when she met him was real. If he tries to interfere, she’ll likely move to crush him without mercy
If there’s one thing that worries Mom, it’s me.
“When things were tough, you never showed your face, and now you want to show up, that scumbag…”
“Don’t worry, Mom. Negative emotions aren’t good for your health. Here, lick this.”
“Yeah, licking,” slurp, slurp.
Mom’s anger toward that man was about to flare up again, so I hurriedly offered her a “Mom Churu.” She licked it, and I thought, “So this is another way to use it. Impressive.”
“I expected a more tragic situation, but it seems simpler than I thought.”
“Is that so? I don’t have the slightest idea what to do.”
Mom shrugged. To put it in order, this was a conflict between mother and daughter. And it wasn’t even that they hated each other. It was a mother who was dependent on her child and a daughter who could no longer bear the pressure.
“Despite coming out like a mastermind, my old man is just floundering around.”
Mom smiled wryly at my blunt remark. However, what significantly worsened the situation was the lie my old man told. He had to choose: either stick to his lie till the end or make it the truth. Stuck in between, Ms. Tsubaki probably suffered too.
“He can’t be a mastermind; that man doesn’t have the capability.”
“He’s like those characters in disaster movies who make things worse for money
and then die halfway through in the middle of the movie. ”
Mom laughed. Lately, she’d been on edge because of that man. When Mom’s stressed and electric, it brings me down too. Funny how it never used to bother me.
“In the end, that man just dumped the problem on you. Pathetic.”
“No point worrying about it.”
If I can correct the misunderstanding, things might settle down smoothly.
Some tough measures might be necessary, but the path was starting to become clearer.
“That’s why I want you to tell me about my old man’s father, my grandfather.”
I’m neither unhappy nor pitiful. Just incredibly unlucky.
I don’t need anyone’s pity or sympathy.
I can declare that this moment is my happiness.
–Even if my old man isn’t here.
“By the way, how’s your independence preparation going?”
“Well, something unexpected happened.”
“A problem?”
Mom’s unexpected response made me curious. I was just casually asking about her progress, but it seemed some trouble had arisen. Preparing for independence is indeed challenging.
“You know the girl you recommended?”
“The intern? Sorry, was it too much?”
It’s about Mio. The recent labor shortage affects all industries, including the company Mom works for.
That’s why I suggested Mio’s internship, but maybe it was a bit forceful.
I should apologize to Mio with a gift later for giving her false hope.
“No, it was actually helpful. But since I’m going independent, I wanted Hiiragi, whom I’ve been training, to take over. But she announced she’s getting married and quitting.”
“Oh, really? I’ll have to congratulate her later.”
Hiiragi is Mom’s subordinate. I’ve met her once.
“Wait. How do you have Hiiragi’s contact info?”
“Oh, here’s a new flavor we’re developing! Try it.”
I quickly shoved the “Mom Churu – Purple Sweet Potato Flavor” into her mouth.
“Got it. Licking,” slurp, slurp.
Phew, crisis averted.
“So, Hiiragi’s quitting the company.”
These days, more companies offer good benefits and understand maternity leave.
But if she’s quitting to get married, she might be planning to become a full-time housewife.
“Actually, she said she wants to work with me after quitting.”
“Oh.”
That is indeed a problematic situation. Poaching colleagues or subordinates when starting your own business isn’t generally looked upon kindly.
Companies invest a lot in hiring and training employees, and they wouldn’t be happy if a trained employee were easily poached. However, the law also guarantees “freedom of career choice,” so criticizing her for wanting to switch jobs is unjustified.
“So she’ll take a break for her honeymoon and then come back to work?”
“Something like that. She’s a troublesome girl.”
Despite saying that, Mom looked pleased. It showed how much she was admired.
If Hiiragi joins Mom after quitting, it wouldn’t be considered poaching, and the “non-compete obligation” could be avoided with some time gap. Mom wouldn’t take immediate action, and there would be enough time before Hiiragi returns. Mio couldn’t be entrusted to Hiiragi.
“And Hiiragi suggested inviting that girl too.”
“What!?”
I accidentally dropped the “Yukito Churu” I was licking.
“Don’t worry. I’ll just make a light suggestion. I’ll ensure she gets a proper job.”
“It feels like a grand plan is unfolding without my knowledge…”
Trying to hide my confusion, I licked the “Yukito Churu – Golden Apple Flavor.” It’s delicious.
Mom is capable. No matter what Mio decides, she’ll handle it well.
“If only I could make smart choices like you.”
She leaned on my shoulder, her slender fingers intertwining with mine.
“I can only take responsibility for family – Yukito and Yuuri. That’s my limit. But you’re different. From both insignificant me and that man who only brings misfortune.”
“We’re the same.”
I’ve always seen sadness and tears. It was normal.
Only recently did I understand the beauty and value of a smile.
I was never sad. But everyone else was crying during that time.
“No, we’re different. Because I’m so happy right now.”
Mom’s fingers tightened, warmth spreading.
I’m like my old man. I shouldn’t involve others and bring them sadness.
“Thank you for growing up so strong.”
People can live alone. Without needing or being needed by others, in solitude.
Everyone should aim for that, repelling all interference with their own will.
But that seems lonely and not fun.
An unbreakable mental state won’t make anyone happy.
“I’ll manage somehow… so my little sister can smile.”
“Mm.”
With a soft sound, the silhouettes quietly overlap.
The weight of the responsibility pressing down felt comfortable.
In the middle of the night, as I left my mother’s bedroom to go to the bathroom, I noticed light leaking from my room.
I knocked on the door and called out. I value manners.
“I’m about to do a wake-up prank and mess with your stuff.”
“I’m sorry! I’ll go to sleep right away!”
A small, hurried voice responded. I opened the door and stepped inside.
“Maybe you can’t sleep because the bed is too big?”
“dear step brother? Um, isn’t that a pillow…?”
My sister looked confused on the oversized bed. No wonder. Even though it’s my room, I still can’t settle in. Why is this bed so huge?
“It feels like being in an unreal world. Forgive me if this sounds rude, but your room is quite feminine. And that poster…?”
“Oh, this? It’s a giant A1-sized poster of mom and sister (mixed bath edition).”
A huge poster was plastered on one wall, pointing her finger.
“This poster has a crazy secret.”
Using the hairdryer that was naturally in my room, I blew warm air on the poster. The image started to change.
“The power of chemistry is amazing!”
My sister was surprised. I had the same reaction at first.
This poster was made with thermochromic printing. In the mixed bath scene, they used yellow towels to cover their bodies, but warming it up made them transparent.
The dedication to this craft was remarkable. Why put so much effort into something like this?
“But why!?”
“This phenomenon is called thermochromism, using special thermochromic ink.”
“No, that’s interesting, but I meant why is it here!?”
I began explaining enthusiastically, but it seemed unnecessary. A pity.
I turned off the hairdryer and sat on the bed. I glanced at my sister, whose body had stiffened.
“Would you like some barley tea?”
I headed to the living room, took barley tea from the fridge, poured it into a glass, and returned to the room.
“…Thank you.”
She took it timidly and sipped. Silence. A quiet time. We sat in silence for a while.
But I knew this silence was important. I just had to wait. We had time.
When she spoke with me or with our mother, there was often a look of fear and doubt on her face. She would hesitate and struggle.
Once, Sekka told me something. Parents who complain that their children don’t talk to them aren’t willing to listen in the first place. I remembered similar experiences.
Listening to someone means literally hearing them out. It sounds simple, but it’s difficult to do. Interrupting or asserting your opinions makes the other person feel it’s pointless to talk. They become silent, realizing their words won’t be heard. Even if you want them to listen, they won’t.
People often give advice like “You should do this or that,” but there’s a big difference between seeking advice and being listened to.
Especially between parents and children, parents often see their children as immature. Because they don’t see them as equals, they act superior, which can pressure the child.
In such an environment, children eventually understand and give up.
They feel it’s pointless to talk because they won’t be heard.
My sister feared disappointment. She feared being rejected and misunderstood. So, I said nothing. Patience was needed.
Thinking back, Sekka always listened intently, never saying much, just quietly accepting. Maybe that’s what made it work.
“Take your time. So–“
Slowly, my sister began to speak, hesitantly.
Desperately, though clumsily, she conveyed her situation to her beloved dear step brother. She was earnest.
He was a good listener, and the words kept pouring out. It was the first time they had such a conversation.
She revealed feelings she had kept hidden, never telling anyone.
Just that act of sharing brought relief. Facing him, she realized she needed an ally.
It pained her to involve her brother, but their mother needed him.
Not her, but their brother. Even their father.
The root of the problem was their father’s lie to their mother—a kind lie.
Yet, it became a poison, slowly destroying the family.
Now, her brother was her only hope. She didn’t intend to belittle their father.
But their father, who abandoned everything, and her brother, who tried to protect everything—they were opposites.
Her father’s lie to save her mother had tormented her.
But her mother had been trying her best. No doubt about it. It was her own failure not to respond. Recently, the balance had tipped, and things were getting worse.
The family was falling apart, and her fragile heart was reaching its limit, screaming in agony.
She trembled with her own powerlessness, unable to do anything,
not even understanding the reasons for the change.
Now, she needed her brother’s strength. Stories from friends about her brother seemed unbelievable.
She held admiration in her heart. She trusted that her brother would somehow make things right.
–That day, he was the only one who helped her when she was lost.
“I don’t care what happens to me. So, please, just help mother–“
–Desperately, she sought her brother’s presence.
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