Thanks to Meerkat for helping with the translation
Chapter 2: “Siblings”
I have never been praised by my mother. That was the norm in my daily life.
In such an environment, it’s impossible to nurture self-esteem.
Failure. Blemish. Embarrassing. Mother’s words succinctly described my existence.
All I saw were looks of pity and resignation. I continually disappointed her. Being told I was worthless over and over, I eventually came to believe it. Accustomed to being a disappointment, I tucked my sadness away in my heart.
In elementary school, I scored 90 points on a test. Overjoyed, wanting to be praised, I eagerly reported it to my mother. To me, standing there proudly with my answer sheet, she muttered in exasperation, “Try harder.” At that moment, I realized this was a bad score.
From then on, I tried my best. I worked hard at studying. I never forgot my homework and always did my preview and review. Indeed, there were classmates around me with better scores. 90 points wasn’t a score worthy of praise. Anyone could get that kind of score. That’s what I convinced myself.
The next test, I scored 98 points. It felt good. When I confirmed my score, I couldn’t help but smile.
Surely, even my mother would praise me for this. I returned home, hoping this time would be different, and showed her my answer sheet.
I wanted her to acknowledge my efforts. I wanted her to affirm my hard work. I just wanted to see my mother’s happy face, that was all. A simple word of encouragement would have been enough. Better yet, if she had patted my head, I would have been even happier. Such a small hope for a young child. My little heart was full of expectation.
But what I got in return was an interrogation: “Why did you get this wrong?”
The two points deducted. I knew the correct answer. It was just a careless mistake. When my mother asked me why, I was at a loss. There was no reason for the mistake. It just happened. I learned that even carelessness wasn’t allowed.
I continued to work hard after that. I started going to cram school, and my extracurricular activities increased to include piano, swimming, and calligraphy. So much that I hardly had time to play with friends. I didn’t want it, but I had no choice but to obey my mother.
My mother’s enthusiasm for education was for my sake. Thinking I was being expected of, I persevered through those days without giving up.
After school, I always enviously watched my classmates who made plans to play together. I felt gloomy, tired of days filled with activities I didn’t want to do and found boring.
Naturally, I didn’t excel in any of these. Ballet, gymnastics, abacus – not a single one. It was enough to disappoint my mother. All that remained was a negative image of these activities.
After all, things forced upon you can only amount to so much. I couldn’t become anyone special.
But I still tried hard with my studies. — Because there was hope there.
“I did it!”
Looking at my answer sheet, I couldn’t help but exclaim. I finally scored 100 points on a test. A perfect score. The best possible result. There’s nothing higher than this. My teacher and friends praised me. I couldn’t help but tear up.
Excitedly, I reported to my mother. Surely, she would praise me this time. After all, I was the best.
Contrary to my expectation-filled eyes, my mother’s gaze was cold. “This much is expected,” she said, and that was all. Not even a glance after that. I stood dumbfounded before her.
My efforts were casually denied. It couldn’t possibly be expected. I was the only one in class to get a perfect score.
From my mother’s perspective, perhaps this level wasn’t worthy of praise.
But it was enough to break my spirit. From then on, anything less than 100 points became unacceptable.
Yet, even with 100 points, I wasn’t praised. Having lost my goal, all that remained was emptiness. There was no point in trying. I lost my enthusiasm for studying, and it became harder to focus.
Inevitably, my grades started to drop. This led to a vicious cycle of further disappointing my mother. But there was nothing I could do. By that time, I had begun to understand that I was a failure.
At some point, my mother’s complaints increased. About my father, about me.
My father had always prioritized my mother, supporting her diligently. He neglected neither work nor family. It was clear to me that my father cherished my mother, and to me, he was a good father.
Yet, I couldn’t understand why she had complaints about my father, let alone me, the failure.
When I was in kindergarten, I feel like our home was filled with more conversation and warmth. Perhaps I’m still chasing that illusion. I wished for my mother to return to how she was back then.
Being at home was stressful, and I didn’t want to return. School was my only peaceful world.
Fortunately, I wasn’t bullied. The activities I was forced to do reluctantly had given me a certain level of social skills. That might have been the only thing that proved useful.
Today again, I show my answer sheet just to be scolded. 83 points. It’s among the top scores in class, but that doesn’t matter. Even a perfect score is meaningless to my mother, so any score is the same.
“Don’t embarrass me any further!”
Perhaps I had incurred my mother’s wrath, her anger was unprecedented. Tears fell at my own inadequacy.
Tests have correct answers, but I had no correct answer that could satisfy my mother.
Unable to resist the absurdity and unreasonableness, only a sense of emptiness remained.
“You have to win! At this rate–“
“Stop it, Tsubaki!”
My father, who happened to be there having finished work earlier than usual, hurriedly interrupted my mother.
Seeing my father’s changed expression, my mother, as if realizing her blunder, fell silent.
“Win against whom? Who am I supposed to beat?”
I had asked unconsciously. Had I been made to compete against someone nameless and unseen?
If it’s about winning, there must be an opponent. If so, who on earth could it be…
“…Keep working hard.”
My mother turned her face away, saying only that before returning to her room. My father wore a grim expression. The living room fell silent.
Unable to stay still, I asked my father.
“Please tell me, Father!”
My father hesitated for a long time. But eventually, as if giving up, he opened his heavy mouth.
What followed was an unimaginable story that I had known nothing about.
That my father had been divorced and remarried to my mother. And that my father had two children.
“I’m sorry, Gikyo. Tsubaki wants to prove herself to others. That she’s more capable.”
As I stood there confused, my father apologized. It was then that I finally learned the reason for my mother’s attitude.
“But that’s…”
“Ah, it’s a foolish obsession. Tsubaki should know better than that.”
My father let out a bitter laugh. Of course, my sister and brother are older than me. They’re not competitors. But I couldn’t help but be concerned. The existence of siblings I had never heard of before came as a huge shock to me.
“…Are they that exceptional?”
“Who knows. I’m an irresponsible father. I abandoned everything. Since we parted, I’ve cut off all contact and interaction. I was going to tell you someday, Gikyo. That day just came a bit earlier. You can curse me as the worst if you want. There’s no excuse.”
My father’s hunched back looked small and pitiful, making me hesitate to speak.
“Don’t worry about it. You’re doing well, Gikyo. You’re fine just as you are.”
Strangely, I didn’t feel any ill will towards my sister and brother. On the contrary, I became curious.
Maybe it’s because I’m an only child, but I was particularly drawn to the existence of my brother. Perhaps it’s because long ago, in a snowy town, I was helped by a certain boy.
Someone closer and more reliable than parents. That’s the kind of existence I had always longed for.
Contrary to my mother’s intentions, I had no desire to see them as rivals. How could I possibly win against someone I couldn’t beat even with a perfect score? I couldn’t compete with my mother’s imaginary opponent.
From then on, my admiration for my brother only grew day by day. My imagination embellished him, colored by interpretations favorable to me. Wanting to meet him someday became my new goal.
“Father, please tell me. The names of my sister and brother–“
When I became a middle school student and had gotten used to the change in environment, I found a certain name on social media.
It was dazzling. A brilliant radiance. Different from me, who was smoldering, unable to have confidence in anything.
Free-spirited, there was my brother, who had become someone I wanted to be but couldn’t.
I became captivated by that radiance. I couldn’t take my eyes off it. I couldn’t help but feel admiration.
A numbing longing. Envy soon turned into infatuation, and the idol became an object of worship.
Every day seemed fun, filled with an irresistible charm. Amidst my swelling feelings, I became acquainted with someone who was an ardent supporter of my brother. Close in age, this person called my brother “Onii-chan.” I envied that so much, I couldn’t help but feel jealous.
We became close, and I heard many stories about my brother. Good stories and bad stories. The real image was far from the glamorous figure I saw on social media. For me, that was also shocking.
My brother had been suffering too. Things weren’t always smooth sailing for him. What stood there was not an idol, but undeniably a human being. In the gap between illusion and reality, my feelings grew even stronger.
Around that time, my mother’s behavior became increasingly strange. She became emotionally unstable, her health deteriorated more frequently, and her relationship with my father began to worsen. Mother started to violently reject father.
I heard my parents arguing many times. Only mother raised her voice, but father also grew weary of mother’s hysterical shouting. At the same time, mother’s attitude towards me changed.
As if she had lost interest in me, she stopped saying anything. She became indifferent even to my studies, which she had been so passionate about before. My grades have plateaued. Maybe she’s finally given up on me. But mother’s eyes looked terribly sad, and I was frustrated with myself for not being able to meet her expectations.
A tense atmosphere always lingered in the house, and mother was struggling in her pain. She pushed away father, who was desperately trying to save her, turned her eyes away from me, and continued to lament and suffer.
Hell. My family, my home, had completely fallen apart. Our daily life was crumbling down noisily.
This place is a suffocating prison. A hell for just the three of us, with no rest.
Father was also suffering from this situation. He started drinking alcohol excessively, which he hardly touched before. His drinking only increased. Both father and mother were wasting away.
I, being useless, couldn’t do anything. I couldn’t save anyone.
“If only Yukito were here…”
Father muttered softly. Did he think my brother would have a way to escape this nightmare?
What could my brother, who had no connection to us until now, possibly do?
Father’s words kept echoing in my ears.
“dear step brother, will you help us?”
Looking up at the dark sky from my room’s window, I sent my thoughts out. Praying that my whisper would reach him.
“But why did your mother’s behavior suddenly change?”
“…I don’t know. That’s the one thing father kept his mouth firmly shut about.”
After I finished speaking, Hiori tilted her head. Her round eyes were adorable.
We had exchanged words many times before, but this was the first time we met in person. I was nervous at first, but this fellow little sister friend seemed to be friendly, and we were able to get along quickly.
I felt grateful to this friend who took me out for a Tokyo sightseeing tour, while also feeling a slight sense of admiration.
Hiori is full of charm. It’s something I don’t have, as I rarely show my emotions.
I wonder if my mother would have been happy if I were a lovely girl like Hiori.
“I see. …It’s complicated, isn’t it? But don’t worry! Your brother will take care of everything!”
I repeat the story I told last night. Everything I know. Which is so little.
But Hiori laughs it off cheerfully. Her carefree attitude takes me by surprise.
“You really trust my dear step brother, don’t you?”
A tiny bit of jealousy. Recognizing my own baseness in this unseemly emotion, my mood sinks.
As if seeing through my feelings, Hiori laughs without a care.
“Yeah! You know, Onii chan is really amazing! So, Gikyo-chan, you should just relax and leave everything to him. Just relax!”
Hiori puffs out her modest chest proudly. That might be the one area where I could compete with her.
As I was thinking about that, Hiori’s words took on a slight shadow.
“…Because if we don’t, onii chan won’t be able to do his best.”
“Huh?”
I felt a bit of discomfort at those words. As if to brush it off, Hiori grabbed my hand.
“Let’s go! Look, look! It’s so high!”
“…Ugh, it’s a bit scary.”
A sense of loss. Standing on the transparent floor, I feel dizzy for a moment. The primal emotion of fear.
“It’s okay! There are lots of people working here, and unless a monster comes, we’re fine. But you know, when people say things like ‘humans look like ants from up here,’ it’s kind of lame and cliché, right?”
“City people say some strange things, don’t they?”
The city viewed from the observation deck stretched endlessly without a break.
It’s hard to believe that long ago, this was all burned to the ground. The town where I live is also urban, but it’s doubtful if it’s developed this densely. Maybe the only thing we can compete with is our long history.
The capital was that vast. The number of people, the concentrated capital.
“Actually, this is my first time here too!”
“Is that so?”
I widen my eyes at this unexpected statement. This place is synonymous with Tokyo’s tourist attractions, one of the first names that come to mind.
Even I had wanted to come here once. The entrance fee was quite expensive, though…
“Places you can visit anytime, it’s often like that, isn’t it?”
“Ahem… That’s rather blunt, but you might be right.”
“Don’t you sometimes think, ‘Oh, it’s just another temple, how boring’ about places in your hometown?”
“Please don’t say such incomprehensible things!”
I smile wryly, caught up in Hiori’s mischievous tone. She might have a point.
What’s rare for tourists might be nothing special for those living in the area.
If you live in a region where it doesn’t snow, you might be moved by snow, but if you live in a heavy snowfall area, it’s bothersome and snow removal is a hassle. That’s the relationship between the special and the everyday.
“Because, you know, it’s just high. Honestly, I’m bored already!”
“Shh! Shh!”
The sense of wonder is ruined. I try to change the subject to silence my friend who’s saying such innocently wicked things.
“Yuuri, my half sister said she dislikes me.”
“Yeah, Yuuri-neechan might feel that way. It can’t be helped.”
Hiori quickly moves towards the observatory’s corridor and looks down.
It can’t be helped. I naturally agree with those words. Everything is unavoidable. A half-sister suddenly appearing. Of course, it’s bound to feel uncomfortable. My very existence is unforgivable.
“That’s not it.”
Before I knew it, Hiori’s eyes were fixed on me.
“You know, onii chan is incredibly reliable!”
Turning on her heel, Hiori once again faces the megacity.
“When I’m in trouble, when big sister is in trouble, he always helps us. He’ll surely do something for Gikyo-chan too. –That’s why Yuuri-neechan dislikes people who try to rely on onii chan. It’s not just you.”
I can’t keep up with these unexpected words.
“Onii chan is reliable. That’s half right and half wrong.”
I can’t hide my confusion at her tone, as if it’s a bad thing.
“Onii chan has had a lot of hardships since long ago, and many sad things too. But he couldn’t rely on anyone, or rather, he wouldn’t rely on anyone. The reason Onii chan is reliable is that he had to be. Because no one let him remain a child, he had to become an adult faster than anyone else.”
The loneliness in Hiori’s words. My dear step brother reached out to me. Then, who reached out to him? If there was no one like that, then perhaps my dear step brother had no choice but to become strong. If so, that’s too–
“It’s sad, isn’t it?”
A melancholic smile, different from her innocent one.
“The more people rely on Onii chan, the lonelier he becomes. It’s natural that Yuuri-neechan dislikes it. Onii chan is kind, but that kindness is poisonous. It doesn’t allow for dependence.”
I had wanted to depend on him. Knowing about my brother’s existence, I thought he might understand me.
“I love my sister too, but I also hate her.”
Conflicting emotions. Perhaps it’s similar to the feelings I have for my mother.
“Without realizing how much she was loved, she greedily demanded, imposed her understanding, depended, relied, grew bloated, and eventually lost control–she hurt Onii chan.”
There’s anger hidden in her quiet words. My relationship with Hiori is still new. There’s so much I don’t know about my dear step brother. There was something there that I didn’t know about, time that had accumulated.
“But I don’t want to trouble him with our quarrels. Well, my sister is reflecting on it too.”
The tense atmosphere suddenly eases.
“You know, Onii chan apparently never had a rebellious phase. It sounds amazing, but in his case, he’s been rebelling since forever, so maybe it’s still not over?”
As I watched Hiori-san deep in thought, I remembered the words my step sister had told me.
It wasn’t that he didn’t have one; he did. It’s just that the target of his rebellion was unreasonable.
“If only I could become as strong as my dear step brother–“
“That’s not good.”
For a moment, my spine froze at Hiori-san’s words of rejection.
“You shouldn’t envy Onii chan. Living like that is very painful.”
I wonder how much I really know about my dear step brother?
Last night, he listened to my clumsy words. He lent me his ear, seriously.
I had so much I wanted to say. So many things I wanted him to hear. I had always imagined it.
But I don’t know anything about my dear step brother. That feels somewhat sinful.
“…I see. Maybe, Gikyo-chan’s mother is–“
Hiori-san showed a reaction as if she realized something.
“Did you figure something out!?”
I impulsively pressed her. I was looking for a chance to improve my relationship with my mother.
“No. Sorry. It’s nothing. –Besides, even if that were the case, the only one who could do anything about it is Onii chan. Let’s believe in him.”
She smiled softly and took my hand.
“Let’s go buy souvenirs! Onii chan even gave us some pocket money!”
“Ah, wait, Hiori-san!”
“Onii chan said he has 200 million yen in debt, but he’s still so generous.”
“Isn’t that heading for bankruptcy!?”
“It’s Onii chan. He’ll manage somehow! And if he doesn’t, well…”
I’m constantly surprised by another of my brother’s secrets being revealed. It’s not an amount one can be calm about.
“I wish Onii chan could have come with us. You feel the same way, right, Gikyo-chan?”
It’s unfortunate, but it can’t be helped. My brother has his own plans too. Even so–
“It can’t be helped. I’ll let big sister have him today! But next time, Onii chan has to come with us too!”
“Yes!”
I heard that Hiori-san’s older sister and my dear step brother are childhood friends of the same age. It seems like a relationship guided by fate, and I can’t help but harbor idealistic, story-like expectations. A longing for something pure and beautiful.
“I wonder what Onii chan and the others are doing right now?”
Talking about such things, I was led by Hiori-san as we headed towards Asakusa.
“Thanks for suddenly agreeing to come with me today, Yukito.”
“You don’t look dried up.”
“What are you talking about!?”
“I guess the watering can wasn’t necessary.”
I put away the elephant-shaped watering can in my backpack.
“I said, what are you talking about!?”
Hiori-chan had sent me a message saying, “Big sister has turned into a dried fish! Onii chan seems to be lacking nutrients,” but Can I make soup stock out of this?
Ignoring Hinagi-chan’s protests, I flip through the catalog I bought at the reception.
There are many interesting circles lined up. While there are many literary works, some include rare research, critiques, and analyses that have documentary value. It’s endlessly stimulating to my intellectual curiosity.
“The editor said I should come and see what it’s actually like.”
“Seeing is believing, indeed.”
“Yeah. …I’m starting to feel nervous.”
My childhood friend is getting fired up. Her eyes are serious. According to Hiori-chan, she had been working quite intensely. I thought it would be fine if it served as a breather for Hinagi, but it looks like I might enjoy it too.
On the weekend, we came to the Industrial Hall. It’s an exhibition and sale of literary works.
The people selling books here are all amateurs. The books don’t even have ISBNs.
Apparently, some professional writers are mixed in, but unfortunately, I can’t tell who they are, and even the books sold by professionals are their self-made hobby works.
In other words, this is a festival of amateurs. That’s why the niche content allowed here is so interesting.
“–There are real readers behind the works, aren’t there?”
Hinagi murmurs thoughtfully as we line up for general admission.
The web novel Hinagi had been writing is going to be published as a book. She apparently met with the editor once for greetings, but basic communication is done through email, and reader feedback also comes via email.
It’s a lonely task with no direct human interaction. Hiori-chan said Hinagi was withering, but now she’s shining like a fish that’s found water. Perhaps through this event, she’s gaining a real sense that there are readers who are actually reading her work. It’s a feeling I can’t understand.
“Yukito, you like making various things too, right? This kind of event seems to suit you.”
“You think so?”
I hadn’t particularly thought about it, but I take out something I made to give to Hinagi from my backpack.
“What is it?”
I take Hinagi-chan’s hand, looking puzzled, and place it on her palm.
“I thought I’d give this to you. It’s SD Hinagi-chan.”
A deformed [SD Hinagi-chan] the size of a thumb. It’s my masterpiece.
“You made another weird thing… Well, it’s cute, I guess.”
Hinagi-chan observes SD Hinagi-chan intently with an exasperated look.
“It’s not just any SD Hinagi-chan. Look at this.”
I take SD Hinagi-chan back from Hinagi-chan and stand it on the ground.
“Okay? When you place it on the ground like this, slowly pull it backward.”
There’s a clicking sound, and I feel a slight resistance from SD Hinagi-chan.
“What are you doing, Yukito?”
As Hinagi-chan looks on bewildered, I let go of my hand dramatically. SD Hinagi-chan accelerates with a “gwiin” sound, running a distance of about one meter forward.
“It’s equipped with a pull-back spring.”
“Like the toy cars we saw when we were little!?”
SD Hinagi-chan at our feet toppled over from the vibration of Hinagi-chan stomping her feet.
“Yes. Play with it when you’re bored at home.”
I pick it up and place it back on Hinagi-chan’s palm.
“I won’t play with it! You really go overboard with your hobbies.”
“This gets exciting when you actually play with it. It’s one fierce battle after another. Though I did lose once.”
“Your place always seems so fun lately…”
We set up a course in the living room and had a race with four figures: SD Ouka-san, SD Yuuri-san, SD Sekka-san, and SD Yukito-kun. It was as exciting as a real race.
However, for some reason, only my SD Yukito-kun kept veering to the left instead of going straight, repeatedly falling off the desk and suffering a crushing defeat. It was an event that made me keenly aware of the importance of maintenance.
“The second half of the race was terrible. Yuuri-san even said she’d become the course.”
“I don’t want to hear it, but what kind of inhumane act is that!?”
“She lay down, and the course was on top of her–“
“As expected, I shouldn’t have asked!”
“It’s the Kokonoe Family Cup (suggestive).”
“Don’t play adult games with children’s toys!”
Hinagi-chan covers her ears, shaking her head. Here’s to the child’s heart we never want to forget. I’ve been utterly defeated.
“…Well, I guess it’s better than having a cold atmosphere at home with no conversation.”
“There’s an SD Hiori-chan too.”
With a big sigh, Hinagi-chan accepts it and puts it in her bag.
The line moves forward, and it’s finally our turn to enter. As we’re about to step onto the floor, we involuntarily stop in our tracks. Looking to the side, I see Hinagi holding her breath too.
“………………Amazing.”
“Yeah.”
What we felt was pressure. We’re overwhelmed by the overflowing enthusiasm. We can’t keep standing still forever. Steeling ourselves, we step in. The venue is filled with a huge crowd of people.
It’s bustling with activity. When we talk about crowding, we usually think of packed trains, but the decisive difference is in people’s expressions.
“Everyone looks like they’re having fun.”
I nod slightly at Hinagi’s whisper. During the morning commute, packed trains are filled with gloomy faces.
However, this place is full of vitality. Bursting passion. It’s like a power spot with such intense energy that just being here might drain your strength. The people selling books are actively calling out to others. The energetic atmosphere you feel from that is different from regular retail.
“It’s unique to primary producers.”
Generally, retail store clerks have no attachment or responsibility to the products.
But it’s different here. While there might be some derivative works, what’s common to all is the primitive process of choosing a subject based on their own will, making books at their own expense, and selling them themselves.
What’s being sold are the crystallized forms of each person’s “likes.” And the ones selling them are the creators themselves. Therefore, the passion put into them is on a different level.
“The editor wanted you to feel this passion.”
“…I think I understand. I couldn’t grasp it just by staring at a computer screen.”
An envious gaze. The root of creation. This experience would undoubtedly become Hinagi’s nourishment.
“Yukito?”
“What’s wrong? Overwhelmed?”
“Yes, but that’s not it…”
Hinagi leaned in close and gently took my hand.
“This place is overflowing with love, isn’t it?”
“I looked it up earlier, and apparently most circles operate at a loss.”
Works that can’t be born from profit-driven motives. You can’t make a living just by loving what you love. Even so, there’s pride in wanting to stay true to what you love, disregarding profit.
“You have it too, Yukito. The ‘affection’.”
“Hinagi?”
As we walked around, Hinagi spoke quietly, as if reassuring herself.
Her words reached my ears, undrowning in the hustle and bustle of the venue.
“When feelings of love become uncontrollable, they take shape. It’s the same with what you create, Yukito. You haven’t lost it. You haven’t forgotten it. You have your own unique ‘love’.”
Suddenly, her grip on my hand tightened. I felt her warmth.
“Before and after our reunion, I was always in a rush, barely able to express my feelings. I’ve been selfishly pushing my desires onto you. I expected you to do what I wanted, and you fulfilled those expectations. You helped me. You saved me. …It’s funny, isn’t it? Before I knew it, I was always on the receiving end. I wondered what I could do for you, what I should do, but even that was my ego. So I’ve stopped chasing. Let’s explore together, slowly. If we spend our days doing what you want to do, exploring the things you love, I’m sure you’ll find it someday too, Yukito.”
The childhood friend walking beside me suddenly looked like a remarkably grown woman.
“Find what?”
I found myself asking naturally. What exactly could I find?
As if anticipating this question, Hinagi continued without missing a beat.
“–The future.”
For just a moment, we were enveloped in silence.
“I need to work hard so I can be there too. I’ve made up my mind again. After all, it wouldn’t do for me to just rely on your kindness as your childhood friend, would it?”
A soft smile, as if she had achieved enlightenment. It was an expression I had never seen before. A childhood friend I didn’t know.
She was about to emerge from her chrysalis. Ready to soar high into the sky, about to spread her wings.
“You’re trying to become an adult–“
“That’s not it.”
She gently placed her index finger on my lips, stopping my words.
“Becoming an adult can wait, just a little longer. It’s okay to stay immature for now. This time will become something precious that we can only have now. Yukito, forget about the difficult things and let’s enjoy ourselves!”
I had been stealing and wasting their time. Robbing them of possibilities, dismissing it as a futile act.
I had been conflicted. With these girls who wouldn’t give up. Wondering how I could make them give up on me.
But perhaps they’re becoming more independent than I thought. Maybe I can indulge in the grace they’ve given me, just a little. Even if our paths eventually diverge, for this brief period where we’re not quite adults, we can remain as innocent as children.
Sekka-san told me the same thing, didn’t she?
This is a moratorium. Knowing this, she allowed me to indulge.
“Shall we continue looking around?”
I find solace in the unchanging smile of my changed childhood friend.
I too had received something from Hinagi. –This sense of security.
“Oh? Yukito-kun?”
Turning towards the sudden voice calling out to me, I saw a familiar college girl’s face.
I used to be a loner, but now the number of my acquaintances is extraordinary. My social media accounts are constantly flooded with “Check my profile♪”.
Encountering her unexpectedly, I called her by her nickname affectionately.
“Sanmio?”
“Can’t you at least call me Chan-mio?”
“You’re older, so I thought it might be disrespectful.”
Sitting there was Sanmio, or rather, Ninomiya Mio-san.
Several distributed items were arranged on the table, displayed glamorously. Mio-san’s feminine sense was on full display, catching the eyes of the participants.
“Are you getting many customers?”
“Not at all!”
I always think this, but Mio-san looks like a cool character, but that’s just how she looks, which creates a gap.
“Why is Yukito-kun here?”
Mio-san’s eyes widened as her gaze shifted to Hinagi. Hinagi also looked confused.
This childhood friend of mine is surprisingly shy around strangers, so she seems uncomfortable.
“Hey, Yukito… Who is she?”
Hinagi whispered. Many people have probably experienced feeling left out when a friend is friendly with someone they don’t know. I hesitated for a moment, wondering how to introduce them in this unexpected encounter, and decided to settle for something safe.
“This is Ninomiya Mio-san, a college student who belongs to Yarisaa.”
tlnote: basically fuck clubs
“Yarisaa!?”
“I’m not doing that!”
While Hinagi looked aghast, a double negative came back.
“When I become a college student, I’ll have to be more careful…”
“See what you’ve done. Your strange way of putting it has caused a misunderstanding.”
While watching Hinagi renew her resolve with half-closed eyes, Mio-san looked exasperated.
“I’ve decided not to associate with those kinds of groups anymore. We’re not stupid, you know.”
By ‘we’, she probably means Tristy-san. I won’t interfere with her friendships, but I hope she values herself. I don’t want to see that cheerful American dad looking sad.
“Originally, I wasn’t interested in sports clubs anyway, and now I’m in a cultural club.”
Mio-san showed us the books laid out. The name of a university club was written on them.
When I was going around the venue with Hinagi, I saw several circles operating under university names.
“Oh, I see. So the literature club has these kinds of external activities too.”
“That’s right. While the actual activities vary greatly from group to group, I think the circles that participate in events like this are quite motivated. It also becomes an external achievement.”
“I see.”
This is informative for us high school students. Hinagi also seems interested.
“By the way, Yukito-kun, is this a literature date?”
“No, it’s not–“
“It’s a date!”
Hinagi answered eagerly. Lightning-fast. I tried again.
“No, it’s not–“
“I said it’s a date!”
Complete defeat. I decided to keep quiet for now.
“You say that, but isn’t it really a date?”
“I told you it’s a date! Oh?”
Mio-san was challenging too. What’s so fun about this…
“Anyway, it’s kind of like a field trip. Actually–“
And so on and so forth. After explaining the situation, her voice became excited.
“That’s amazing! Can you tell me which work it is?”
“Um, well, yes. Do you know this site? In the romance genre–“
Hinagi seemed pleased with the genuine praise, not entirely disliking it.
It’s a good trend. Hinagi’s circle of friends isn’t particularly large. But if she deepens her relationships with others like this, someday when she’s in trouble, she’ll have more people who can help her. That’s good enough. The number of people willing to lend a hand to me has increased significantly between my past self and my current self. That’s because my world has expanded.
I want the same for Hinagi. We might part ways someday.
No one knows how long we can stay together.
“Oh right, I think I have a shikishi (Autograph board) in my bag… Here it is! Can you sign this?”
“A signature!? I’ve never done that before, it’s embarrassing!”
Mio-san was asking Hinagi for an autograph. She’s such a fan.
“Please keep it a secret for now, Mio-san.”
“Sure, leave it to me! Hinagi-chan, I’ll definitely buy it when it’s released! I’ll send you my thoughts later too!”
“Thank you very much!”
I can trust Mio-san not to leak the information. She won’t resell the autograph either.
“Oh, it’s almost time for my shift change and free time. Shall we take a break?”
READ THE ORIGINAL TRANSLATION AT GADGETIZEDPANDA.COM
After switching with the members who had been touring the venue earlier, we went around the venue with Mio-san teaching us various things, and then took a break in the rest area. A gentle fatigue filled us. Maybe we were affected by the enthusiasm swirling around the venue. Hinagi seemed to feel the same way, her expression shining brightly.
“It’s amazing to think that there’s a future writer nearby. I feel like I’ve been shown true talent.”
“It’s not like that… It’s all thanks to Yukito.”
Just as Gikyo-chan said, is [Onioka] popular? Even Hinagi-chan started saying it’s thanks to me. I have nothing to do with the fact that Hinagi’s efforts paid off.
“Right. It’s something important to you.”
“Yes.”
Hinagi quietly nods at Mio’s meaningful words. A comfortable silence takes over.
To change the topic, Mio takes a sip of tea from a vending machine and speaks up.
“By the way, you know that girl—Tristy? She was invited to join a fashion circle. They asked her to be a model, but now she’s really into making clothes.”
“Is that alright?”
Noticing the implied concern, Mio waves her hand dismissively.
“It’s a reputable circle. Don’t worry. Every year, they hold a fashion show in November. They make their own clothes for it. It’s quite a big event—they handle everything from the planning to the production and operation of the show. I think I’ll go see it this year.”
“That sounds amazing! I kind of envy that!”
Hinagi, being a girl, loves fashion. As someone not into fashion, a fashion show doesn’t really resonate with me, but it’s great that she’s enjoying real life.
“Oh, and Tristy mentioned she has something she needs help with, so she might contact you soon.”
“I wouldn’t know how to help her.”
Unfortunately, I have zero knowledge about fashion. If someone mentions ‘mode,’ I might think it’s something that transforms from a fighter jet into a robot.
“Come on, help her out. You’re good at making clothes, right?”
“I’m not that good…”
It’s true that I always have a sewing machine running at home, but I’m not skilled enough to be called good.
“Is that so? Wow, you’re really multi-talented. And your childhood friend is a writer.”
As if realizing something, Mio mutters to herself.
“I see. Because you’re that kind of person, the people around you—”
Looking around, the venue is filled with smiles. Having something to be passionate about seems like a magical thing that makes people attractive. I wonder if I’ll ever find that for myself.
“Mio-san, why did you decide to join a circle?”
“Well, let’s see. Why…”
I asked out of idle curiosity, and after a moment of thought, Mio begins to speak.
“You see, I’m from the countryside. It’s not exactly rural, just an ordinary provincial city. Rich in nature, with fresh air. I think it was a good place to live—easy to live in, with good family relations and lots of friends from my school days.”
So, Mio came to the city for her education. I didn’t know that.
“But you know, I always wondered about something. Or maybe I was anxious. In the morning, when you leave the house, there’s no one outside. Not a single person walking around. I’m exaggerating, but it always felt like that to me. Like being left behind in the world, as if I was in a ghost town, feeling isolated. The only thing proving human existence was the cars passing by.”
Mio’s eyes, looking into the distance, seem somewhat lonely. Perhaps she’s lost in thought.
“No one else found it strange. I felt like I was the odd one for finding it unusual.”
In a world where that was the norm, questioning it was difficult. Mio, who questioned the everyday, sought a broader world. That’s probably what it was.
There might have been struggles in leaving her hometown. Yet she chose this path.
“It’s the downside of a car-centric society.”
“Is that so?”
Hinagi seems unfamiliar with it and looks puzzled, but it’s a common story.
A deserted, empty town. It’s both a metaphor and not a metaphor.
In car-centric regions, cars are used to go everywhere. Even for a quick trip to the convenience store, it’s only natural to take a car. The only people walking around are students or those walking their dogs.
On the contrary, seeing someone walking is unusual. This excessive car-centric lifestyle leads to the hollowing out of shopping streets. The main transportation is cars, not trains. With cars being the main mode of transport, using shopping streets without parking lots becomes inconvenient. Towns centered around stations decline, while roadside areas with large parking lots and stores like electronics shops and shopping malls develop. This is the root cause of the problems faced by rural areas.
And so you end up with towns where cars are passing through, but there’s no sign of people.
“As a student, I spent my days in a vague haze. Then one day, I had a chance to go to an event like this with a friend, and I was astonished. I realized that in our town, there were so many young people gathered, full of enthusiasm. It was an eye-opening experience. Outside of school, you don’t often meet people of the same age.”
Mio lets out a breath and smiles.
“Tristy is now desperately searching in her own way. She’s trying all sorts of things. I guess I was inspired and remembered the past.”
People who venture into the city and those who stay in the countryside. There’s no superiority or inferiority, but perhaps everyone has similar feelings. In life, whether to prioritize challenges or stability.
I feel like I’ve touched on something important to Mio. In a closed world, there’s stagnation.
It’s not bad. There’s safety and stability. It’s protected.
But it’s also true that stepping outside reveals completely different possibilities.
Hinagi is the same. The current situation is something she grasped. It should be a great confidence boost.
She’s moving forward. Toward a bright future.
I respect that. Am I moving forward like them?
The future is still dark. Just walking carefully to avoid mistakes is all I can manage.
“By the way, Mio-san, my mom wants to talk to you.”
“Interview? Oh no, what should I do? I’m getting nervous.”
“That’s not it. Actually—”
Recalling what my mom mentioned before, I relay it to Mio.
Mio blinks in surprise, then nods easily.
–That night, Tristy contacted me.
[Yukito-kun, help! I’ve never walked a runway before!]
Neither have I.
“It’s such nice weather.”
“Indeed, it is.”
“………………”
Talking about the weather is the ultimate in non-productive conversation.
Neither party is interested. The respondent is just replying absent-mindedly.
Usually, such conversations indicate a lack of genuine communication, and the initiator probably doesn’t care much either. It’s that trivial.
However, the elderly person next to me doesn’t seem bothered at all. The person who contacts me most frequently is Himiyama-san, and it’s Himiyama-san sitting next to me now. Needless to say, it’s not Misaki-san.
“How much debt do you plan to put our family in? Before we can repay it, more keeps piling up. At this rate, we’ll go bankrupt. Our whole family is forever in your debt.”
“Hold your head high.”
“Yes, sir!”
Toshifune-san, bowing low. Is it safe for me to make him do this?
“Ha ha ha. Politicians should look up to the people, not down on them, to be close. This is the way it should be. Not paying taxes and taking bribes is unacceptable. It’s deplorable.”
“Give them a stern rebuke.”
Toshifune-san, with a serious look, lamented the state of Japan. Even in retirement, he still has a politician’s disposition.
The white-haired horse is basking in the sunlight, looking comfortable. Animals are free.
Bored and enjoying his retirement, Toshifune-san often contacts me. Today, he called me out, and I ended up here since morning. Uh, where are we?
“I couldn’t believe it when I heard Misaki wanted to become a teacher again… I doubted my ears. We could do nothing about it. We knew she was suffering, but I, as well as Misaki’s parents, just stood by and watched.”
“In the end, it’s my fault. It’s like I’m trying to fix my own mess.”
Himiyama san is trying to reclaim the dreams she had when she was full of idealistic passion.
She once faced defeat, broke down, and gave up. I don’t know how much courage it took her to stand up again. I twisted the path Himiyama san was supposed to take. A cruel act.
However, Himiyama san never blamed me. She said the time spent would be valuable. Sanjouji-sensei said the same thing. It was a necessary detour.
It’s because she knows pain that she can empathize. Because she knows pain, she can care for her students.
Even I can see it. Himiyama san will surely become a wonderful teacher. I had a certain feeling about it.
Now, Himiyama san is moving steadily towards her goal. She must be busy. We don’t run into each other as often as we used to, but she sends sexy images almost every day. And Yuuri-san finds and deletes them every day. She doesn’t know that I secretly restore them every night. I don’t want to disappoint Himiyama san. I don’t have any bad intentions.
“Reunions are destiny. We meet as if guided, and life gets better. Born under a truly interesting star. That Tojou you recommended is doing well too.”
Tojou refers to Tojou Erika’s father, whom I used as a scapegoat when I almost had to take over from Mr. Toshifune. For me, it was great because I avoided trouble, but Tojou Papa, Hideomi-san, is trying to push Erika-senpai onto me out of gratitude.
Poor Erika-senpai should at least have the right to choose. She was already struggling with arranged marriage she didn’t want. I want her to live freely, away from such constraints.
“In our house, it’s becoming a consensus to leave things to you if there’s a problem. Shall we make a consulting contract? Maybe a ten-year one.”
“I’d have trouble dealing with everything.”
Mr. Toshifune burst out laughing. This old man is ridiculously energetic.
“That’s true. First, we must settle the accumulated issues. Work deserves reward. But simply paying money is boring. That’s why I had you come here today.”
“So, where exactly is this?”
When Mr. Toshifune signaled, the person next to the white horse led it towards us.
“Actually, I have a hobby of horses. I’ve been an owner for many years. Even for me, it’s the first time seeing a white-haired horse. Look at this splendid coat. Go ahead, touch it.”
The relaxed horse looked at me with round eyes.
When I petted it as prompted, it neighed softly and nuzzled against me.
“I thought so, animals like you too.”
“Yet people tend to dislike me!”
“Don’t say such things.”
Mr. Toshifune groaned. Indeed, animals are unusually fond of me. Whenever I visit Sekka-san’s house, Friedrich II, the rabbit, often poops on my lap.
Jealous of Friedrich II, Sekka-san often appears dressed as a reverse bunny.
Oh, Sekka-san doesn’t poop, for her honor.
But recently, she caught a cold from her revealing outfits (I can’t go into details).
“Well, it’s fine. This white-haired horse is precious. Are you interested in racehorses?”
“Not that I have a choice, but I’m underage, so I can’t buy betting tickets.”
“Ha ha ha ha. That’s true. I see. You’re in high school, that’s a mistake.”
It’s no mistake. I, Yukito Kokonoe, am a legitimate high school freshman.
Regardless of my age, gambling is strictly prohibited by the Kokonoe family rules, so I wouldn’t engage in horse racing even as an adult. I can’t betray my ancestors.
“The horse is about to enter the stable, so I thought about what an appropriate reward would be. An owner’s privilege is naming the horse. How about it? Doesn’t it excite you?”
“I have a bad feeling, but I’m definitely excited.”
Mr. Toshifune’s face was full of mischief. He declared with a grin.
“This horse’s name is [Himiyama Yukito].”
With a bang, the name [Himiyama Yukito] was announced with the enthusiasm of a great revelation.
“That’s so lame it’s funny.”
Himiyama Yukito continued eating hay, unaffected. LOL.
“The registered name of a racehorse must be between two and nine characters. After days of pondering, I decided this is the best name.”
“This is why invincible elders are a problem.”
I don’t know much about horse racing, but will Himiyama Yukito’s name be repeatedly called during a race? That’d be mortifying.
“This is also a token of appreciation. I considered [Kokonoe Yukito] as well, but that seemed too obvious and many would immediately recognize it as you, so I was considerate.”
“If you were being considerate, you should have reconsidered the Yukito part too…”
While I was hanging my head, Himiyama Yukito came over to comfort me with a gentle nudge.
Thank you. You’re kind, Himiyama Yukito. (Neigh)
“What’s more, you could marry Misaki and become Himiyama Yukito.”
“Neigh”
I neighed back.
“Now, it would be an engagement due to your age, but eventually…”
What do you mean eventually! This family is too forceful; it’s scary!
“Well, so far I’ve prepared this reward on my own, but do you have any requests?”
As I played with the horse, Mr. Toshifune brought this up.
Not just Mr. Toshifune, but even Himiyama san’s parents thanked me again, feeling greatly indebted. It was ultimately Himiyama san’s decision. I only gave her a little push to look forward, not back.
“I don’t need any reward.”
“That’s not acceptable. Repaying kindness is the Himiyama way. Hmmm. Should I prepare a large box and a small box?”
“The tongue-cut sparrow story. What’s inside?”
It’s a common trope in fairy tales that choosing the small box is humble and virtuous. That’s nonsense. It’s okay to choose the big box. It depends on the situation.
“The big box has stocks of a large company, and the small box has unlisted stocks of a startup.”
“Too realistic to be happy about…”
What modern boxes. I miss the days when generals and merchants conspired, and opening a box of sweets revealed gold coins. Not that I experienced it.
“I’ll help with anything within my power.”
If Mr. Toshifune gives his all, most things can be resolved.
After some thought, I came up with one thing.
“By the way, I’ve been looking for land, but I can’t find a suitable place.”
“Land? Are you starting a business? I’ll fund as much as you need. I’ll even get the bank involved—”
“Please don’t decide things so quickly.”
How high is the Himiyama family’s favorability towards me?
While avoiding reality, I explained the situation to Mr. Toshifune. I have no intention of starting a business.
I’m simply looking for land to build a custom house for my family.
“At my age, it’s sometimes easier to live in a condominium.”
“Condos are convenient and secure. My mother doesn’t plan to build a large house either. She aims for a functional home for about four people.”
While suburban large houses are appealing, they come with their own challenges.
8LDK or 10LDK mansions in the countryside are romantic but extremely inconvenient.
Especially nowadays, the culture of relatives gathering during holidays is fading. Moreover, in the Kokonoe family, only my mother’s side has close relatives, so having too many rooms would be overkill. One guest room is enough.
Cleaning takes time, weeds in the garden need to be removed, and trees pruned regularly. Maintaining a house is tough, and a car is essential.
Hence, in life planning, it’s common to live in a house until the children grow up, then move to a convenient urban condo in old age.
In the Kokonoe household, rather than seeking space, they aimed for a balance with convenience.
“Well, I see… I could give you the land I own, but for four people, it’s too large unless it’s divided. Or perhaps we could build a house for Misaki within the divided sections?”
“That’s not necessary.”
That’s scary. It’s like a real-life version of an MILF next door. While it’s a bit misleading to call Himiyama san an MILF, if that were to happen, instead of a “commuter wife” I’d definitely end up being the “commuter Yukito”.
“Alright, leave it to me. I know a lot of people and have a broad network. I will certainly find you a place that you will be satisfied with. –With options, of course.”
“Adding some ominous words there, aren’t you?”
That’s typical of Grandpa Toshifune, who loves his grandchildren. There might be some trap set up.
It’s great that he’s helping to find land, but we should be cautious.
However, the most important thing is to find a place that will make Mom happy.
Aiming for the top tier in filial piety, I won’t compromise either!
With renewed determination, it’s time to solve this mystery.
“So, I’d like you to tell me, where exactly is this place?”
Early in the morning, a car stopped in front of the apartment, and I was brought here blindfolded. When I asked why such an elaborate act was necessary, Grandpa Toshifune said he saw a prank video online and wanted to try it. How playful.
Despite his past, he’s now a troublesome old man with too much free time.
But Grandpa Toshifune also sends a lot of donations to my video channel, so I can’t completely ignore him. Everyone, please subscribe and like my channel!
“What! You know mr. Toshifune?”
A charming lady with glasses put her hand to her mouth in surprise. She was very refined.
I had come to consult Goddess sensei at the [Kozukata Law Office], and seeing it in person, I realized she truly is a lawyer.
New sofas, a meticulously cleaned interior. Naturally, I straightened my back.
Goddess sensei left a big firm two years ago and started her own law office.
Being called the goddess of the legal world at such a young age is a testament to her excellence. Despite how she usually acts!
“We met a while ago through an unexpected connection.”
“A connection…?”
The office worker tilted her head curiously, looking quite adorable.
People like her are probably called healing types. She seemed curious about my relationship with Goddess sensei, fidgeting and wanting to ask. I sipped the tea she served.
How should I describe my relationship with Goddess sensei…?
Considering the age difference, calling her a friend would be odd. Hot spring companions, etiquette coach, monster friends—various options came to mind but none felt right. Then it hit me. This is it!
“I’m Goddess sensei’s caregiver.”
“Caregiver?”
“No, you’re not!”
Goddess sensei hurriedly came over and sat on the sofa.
It was a lawyer and caregiver encounter.
“Are you ready?”
“Sorry to keep you waiting. –And stop telling weird things to my staff!”
“I was just stating facts.”
“That may be true, but!”
“Is that so, Sensei!?”
The lady’s glasses almost fell off. Was it that shocking?
The disheveled yokai who used to drink herself unconscious was nowhere to be seen in the current Goddess sensei.
“Forget everything you just heard. Understood?”
“Um…”
The lady looked puzzled. Goddess sensei gave me a sharp look. Since she’s offering free consultation, it’s mature to respect her wishes. But I’m still a kid.
“So, what’s the issue today? You always seem to be in trouble.”
“Unlike you, Sensei, I’m just a student, yet I constantly have problems…”
We met by chance, but since Goddess sensei said she’d help with anything, I gave her a list of my troubles after we returned from the hot spring trip.
Today’s consultation is about a newly added [current trouble].
“Somehow, I feel I understand why people rely on you. Yukito, you’re kind and caring. Maybe you’d make a good lawyer.”
“A lawyer, huh? I’ve never thought about it.”
I’ve never imagined my future, but maybe that’s an option?
“If that time comes, join my office. I’ll welcome you.”
She gave a charming wink with a sparkle.
That might not be so bad. I could help with Mom’s preparations for independence, and support Yuuri san and Sekka when they’re in trouble. Social status is important.
People are weak against authority. Power is not necessarily evil.
I’ve caused a lot of trouble for my family. I have no value if I don’t repay them.
“Then, if that time comes, please welcome Kozukata Yukito.”
“Wait, why would I marry you? And why would you take my last name?”
Goddess sensei stood up with a start. Objection!
“But you just said we’d work together…”
“I didn’t say that much!”
“But Sensei, it’s improper to have a relationship with a minor!”
“I haven’t done anything!”
“Exactly! What she did wasn’t with her hand but something else—”
“Quiet, quiet, quiet! Say one more word and I’ll shut you up with a kiss!”
“Why are you using the same method as Yuuri?”
I need to prepare some [Goddess sensei Churu] quickly…
“No way… The Sensei is in an indecent relationship with a minor—”
“We’re not… yet!”
“Not yet!?”
The office lady leaned back in shock. She’s really into this…
“It was a real struggle carrying you when you were that drunk.”
I wish she could imagine what it’s like to carry a drunk person.
“That’s shameful, Sensei!”
“I told you, it’s not true!”
※The Kozukata Law Office is a cozy workplace.
After some commotion, we got down to business. For some reason, everyone was exhausted.
“Yukito, we’ll talk later.”
“So, the usual hotel?”
“Understood.”
“What’s going on, Sensei!? What’s the real relationship here!? Hey, hey!”
Goddess sensei averted her gaze. Does this person realize her careless remarks?
“…Anyway, what kind of consultation is it?”
Goddess sensei suddenly straightened up, but her previous behavior had already ruined the mood.
However, there’s no doubt she’s a reliable adult. I decided to explain the situation briefly.
“I have kidnapped a girl, but will this cause any problems?”
“Pfft!”
Goddess sensei sprayed the tea she was drinking all over me. Drops of tea soaked my T-shirt.
I wiped my face with a handkerchief. …I’ll have to wash this wet T-shirt.
“Goddess sensei, do you have a fetish for spraying your liquids on others? I don’t really want to say this, but it’s not something to be proud of.”
“Don’t treat me like some kind of perverted woman from shady tabloids!”
I don’t really understand, but maybe that’s just how it is.
“Then why did you seem so happy dirtying me up…”
“Hmph. You’re the first to humiliate me this much since I became a lawyer. Be proud.”
“Should I be?”
“Is this the time for that!”
The office lady gently wiped my face with a towel. Sorry for the trouble.
While she was wiping my face, I started explaining the situation to Goddess sensei again.
“–I see, that’s quite a complicated issue…”
After hearing my story, Goddess sensei sighed deeply.
“Child abduction? Kidnapping? But in this case, it’s abuse, so… it’s unclear if it will be recognized…”
Muttering, Goddess sensei stood up and returned with some documents.
“Family law isn’t my specialty, but this issue is currently a big focus.”
Goddess sensei showed me materials related to shared custody.
In Japan today, sole custody is the norm. Either the mother or the father gets custody, but in reality, the system is extremely favorable to mothers. Even if a housewife gets divorced due to her infidelity, it hardly affects the custody of the children. This shows how strongly their rights are protected. Of course, once a child turns fifteen, their wishes take precedence.
In other words, even if my old man files for a change of custody, it’s pointless considering that my sister and I would both be like, “We don’t know that old man.”
Anyway, the recent push for joint custody over the traditionally mother-favored sole custody system seems to stem from rampant misuse of the system. This is according to Goddess sensei’s explanation.
This includes the issues of child abduction, taking the child away, and false claims of domestic violence to extort alimony that Goddess sensei was just muttering about. These problematic behaviors are often carried out in collusion with organizations or lawyers who turn it into a business, leading to numerous victims such as fathers who have their children taken away or children who are taken overseas and lost.
“From what I’ve heard, it’s a difficult situation… You can’t sue a parent without evidence, and if it’s psychological abuse rather than physical, even if there’s evidence—”
Gikyo is a middle school student. Even though she’s suffering, suing her mother isn’t realistic, and she doesn’t want that. Even if she goes to the child consultation center, it’s hard to get abuse recognized unless it’s a life-threatening situation, so it stops at consultation and doesn’t move forward.
Intervening in issues among relatives is inherently difficult. Even in cases like theft among relatives, there’s a law that says relatives can’t be prosecuted for such crimes, so the law has its limits.
“So, did you kidnap your sister?”
“No, don’t say such misleading things. I just helped her run away from home.”
I raise my left hand, showing my thumb, index finger, and middle finger. Goddess sensei looks puzzled.
No one would have expected this principle to appear again.
“Kokonoe Yukito’s Left Hand Principle. The thumb represents kidnapping, the index finger represents coercion, and the middle finger represents escape—”
“So it is kidnapping!”
Goddess sensei suddenly realizes.
“Wait. Coercion? You didn’t coerce anyone, did you?”
Oh dear, she underestimates me. I’m not that stupid.
“I didn’t do anything like that. I just told her to leave a letter saying, ‘I have your daughter. You know what will happen if you call the police, right?’ on the desk.”
“That’s coercion!”
“!?”
“Why are you acting surprised like ‘No way!’?”
Wait, isn’t this bad for me? I’m done if she reports this… Well, whatever.
“Well, it’s all in the past now.”
“You’re switching gears too fast! This isn’t something to take lightly! And, since I’ve heard this, I might also be partly responsible… If this goes on, I’ll become an accomplice—”
“Oh, it’s about time to go. Goodbye, sensei.”
“Wait! You’re not getting away!”
Goddess sensei quickly captures the office lady trying to sneak out.
“Let me go! I have a date with my boyfriend!”
“Lies! You’ve never had a boyfriend!”
“That’s terrible! Even if it’s true, that’s harassment, you know!”
“When did Japan become such a society filled with harassment?”
Is there anyone more harassed than me? At this rate, I might become a charisma in the world of harassment.
“Stop saying empty things like a talk show commentator!”
Goddess sensei massages her forehead, seemingly trying to come up with a solution.
“In this case, it’s half-siblings, right? It’s still within the second degree of kinship, so we might push it as a family matter. If she herself wants it and if it’s under the pretense of protecting her from abuse, we might be able to get away with it even if reported…”
Though it started with my old man, having stuck my nose into the Touren family matters, I have to come up with some solution. I thought I only had my sister, but now I have a half-sister. If someone like that looks up to me as her brother and relies on me, I want to respond to that.
—Because it must have been her last hope.
“Why not go all the way and adopt her so you get custody—though, it’s not that simple.”
Thunder roars at Goddess sensei’s words. Outside, it’s perfectly clear.
“Countering the custody change mediation with adoption…? That’s interesting!”
“Wait, if this escalates any further, it won’t be a joke! Do you understand that!?”
Adoption? I see. If Mother Mary, also known as my Mother, agrees and Gikyo strongly wishes for it, it might be possible. But it would mean a transfer of schools, and most importantly, it would mean severing ties with her parents.
my old man and Gikyo’s mother wouldn’t approve. It would start a great war between the Kokonoe and Touren families.
Why did my old man appear before me in the first place? Did he want me to side with Gikyo by taking me along? Did Ms. Tsubaki want that? Is that even possible?
I don’t know. At least, from what I’ve heard from Gikyo, it doesn’t lead to a solution.
“Hey, do you have a sports newspaper here?”
I suddenly notice a sports newspaper on the shelf. Is it for visitors?
“Oh, this girl is a passionate baseball fan. She loves watching games at the stadium.”
I see. The office lady likes baseball. That’s surprising.
“Oh, that’s a bit embarrassing…”
“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Having a hobby you’re passionate about is wonderful.”
“Heart skip! Is this… love—?”
“What are you talking about? You said you had a date earlier.”
“I don’t have a boyfriend! I wanted a boyfriend to watch baseball with. It’s also quite intimidating for a woman to go alone to a sports bar…”
I pick up the sports newspaper and skim through it. As the pennant race heats up from summer to fall, the articles cover player stats, team strength analyses, this year’s free agents, and draft prospects.
I hope the office lady is a good fan who doesn’t drag mascots around with chains. As I think that, one word catches my eye. At the same time, inspiration strikes.
“This is it! This is the answer, Goddess sensei!”
“What’s with the sudden outburst?”
I hand Goddess sensei a black and white set of underwear, souvenirs from the panty crane game. I also give a set to the office lady. Well, I got carried away and took too many.
Looking back, I wonder why I was so obsessed. The panty crane game’s magic had possessed me. Truly a devil’s machine that enthralls people.
“Custody change mediation, adoption… and [human compensation]. Heh, we’ve won.”
“Human compensation? Was it A-rated?”
The office lady makes an innocent comment, but there’s no time for that.
How did I not think of such a simple solution!
If my old man wants me so much, I’ll go to the Touren family!
But I can’t take Gikyo, who relied on me and escaped, back with me.
I’ll be the human compensation for Gikyo. A trade between the Kokonoe and Touren families. This is it!
Besides, hostage exchanges are a basic diplomatic tactic. Trading spies captured in other countries for our spies is common sense outside Japan.
“Goddess sensei, please prepare a certified letter immediately. The content will be about adoption.”
“A-are you really doing this!? It’ll be fine, right?”
“Don’t worry. I won’t let it cause any trouble for you, Goddess sensei.”
This is the proverbial wolf in sheep’s clothing. The Touren family will never accept it, but my old man was the first to take drastic measures. I’ll show him what real drastic measures are.
“Hah… I feel like my image has been collapsing since I met you.”
Goddess sensei holds her head. Haha, nice joke.
“? Rather than collapsing, it’s more like it’s bursting, don’t you think—”
“Stop holding grudges! Fine, I’ll wear this souvenir! Will that satisfy you!? I’m going!”
“Eek!? Goddess sensei, do I have to wear it too!?”
“Brace yourself! I’ll show you what I’m made of!”
Goddess sensei grabs the office lady’s arm and drags her to the changing room.
The calm and composed demeanor she’s known for in the courtroom is nowhere to be seen. It’s hilarious.
“Alright, let’s head out. It’s going to get busy!”
With renewed determination, I leave the Kozukata Law Office.
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