Volume 8 - CH 6

The treatment of my left hand finished rather quickly. It was thoroughly washed and disinfected, with a salve and see-through wrapping put around it, with a bandage to finish it off. According to the examination, the scissors did not pierce my whole left hand, as the structure on the back of my hand acted as a shield. In terms of a thorough physical, I was lucky that it was just a pair of sewing scissors and not a sharp knife, meaning that my nerves were unharmed. With the right treatment and care, it shouldn’t leave any lingering problems. To the doctor, I explained that I simply happened to land on sharp equipment while doing my work at school. That excuse should probably work when the school asks, too.

“E-Excuse me…”

“…”

I was laying in the regular hospital room’s cheap bed, receiving a drip feed, when my lady spoke up. She was sitting next to the bed on a round chair. Compared to the time she drove with me to the hospital, she looks like she has calmed down a whole lot. However, she didn’t continue after that. On the contrary, we didn’t even speak all the way here. And I’m not ignoring her or anything, I just don’t know how to interact with her. Considering how this injury even came into existence, maybe I shouldn’t be talking to her at all. However, logic and personal feelings are always at odds, and my feelings didn’t want to be harsh. Rather, I was thankful she allowed me to get out of school without causing any major trouble. So with that thought in mind, I decided to backtrack.

“…Thanks for your help. Not only did you help me stay inconspicuous, you even paid for the treatment…”

“Please, don’t mind it.”

The butler of advanced age standing behind my lady responded to my gratitude calmly and peacefully. Is this what you would call a geezer? I have to say, I’m a bit disappointed he’s not looking like a genuine butler and more like a bodyguard. The car was also more like a taxi and not like those private Benz cars you’d expect. Man, that would have been my only grace.

“…Sajou-sama.”

“Ah, yes?”

Sajou-sama…Since that was a first for me, I couldn’t help but admire it. I responded in respect, as the geezer looked down at me with a humble expression.

“It seems as if you were kind enough to not speak the truth during the previous medical investigation…”

“Ah…Well…”

“…!”

During the actual physical, neither of them tagged along, leaving me behind with the doctor. There, I was expected to explain exactly how this injury happened, but I’m guessing this geezer was told later, which is why he thanked me for being kind enough. Looking at my lady and her staring just at the ground, I figure she must have come clean to her butler. Understandably so. After all, why would she go out of her way to take me to the hospital and pay for the bill when I allegedly got this injury because I fell over? And I’m guessing he’s saying this now so that she wouldn’t feel bad.

“And I know I might be asking for a lot with this, but would it be possible in any way that you could keep this a secret?”

Seeing a man probably triple my age so politely while practically begging me left me unable to respond. This really isn’t something some regular dude from high school would be experiencing. Maybe he thinks I’m gonna snap a picture and upload it on social media with the description along the lines of “Got stabbed, lul.” Maybe not.

“I don’t mind…”

Even if he hadn’t asked me, I would take this whole ordeal with me to the grave. No clue how my lady feels, but I definitely see this as a part of my dark past. Because…I was the one who caused this. I don’t think I could laugh about this even in twenty years. The bigger problem was simply how I could explain such a grave injury without coming clean about it.

*

It’s been roughly an hour since we made it to the hospital. I figure most folks at school are done cleaning up, slowly making their way home. Reception has closed, too, so not many people entered and left the building. I feel like helping on the committee had me staying at school for much longer than usual. So much so that I could question if I was really in the go-home club. It sure does not feel that way.

“I’ll put the medicine away.”

“Ah, yes…”

My lady was evidently dispirited, as she reached for my right hand. She handed me a plastic bag with medicine inside. She opened the zipper of my bag, which she carried in both her hands, carefully placing the plastic bag inside. That being said, she seemed weaker than usual, as well as meeker, because this entire situation was entirely unbelievable. I carefully chose my next words, but the geezer got the jump on me.

“Sajou-sama, let me drive you home.”

“Oh, su—”

“There is no need for that!”

“Huh?”

I was about to agree to this proposition, but a strong voice, brimming with pressure, interrupted me and the geezer. I looked toward the source of the voice in shock, where I saw Big Sis, gasping for air with both hands on her hips. I struggled to swallow this sudden situation when I saw other people behind her—Yuuki-senpai, the gal-ish senior from the infirmary…I think her name was Onitsuka-senpai? She smiled and waved at me, but I genuinely struggled to understand why she was smiling in this situation.

“Tamao, hold my bag.”

“Okemaru!”

Oh no, I don’t like that look. My instincts were screaming fear and terror, as Big Sis grabbed the geezer’s shoulder, pushing him aside. I saw her lifting her right elbow, so I used my left hand to put it between Big Sis and my lady’s face.

“Stop it.”

“…Why.”

My quick guard seemed to have been successful, as Big Sis stopped her fist from going further. If she had fired that off beyond the point of no return, not even she would be able to stop it. I almost ended up in the ICU there. The geezer stood behind Big Sis, probably intending to stop her, but his face was distorted in terror and cold sweat. If you want to meet your maker today, then just keep going like that.

“…?!”

Big Sis looked at my left hand, wrapped in a bandage, showing an expression of unbridled rage and fury. It was entirely unbefitting of a student council member. She lowered her fist and then glared at the geezer behind her.

“Didn’t I tell you that nothing good will come from letting her run free? And some long-lived old geezer couldn’t handle that?”

“Well…I had hoped that the young lady would be able to overcome this…”

“And this is the result, huh?”

“Quite…”

Met with Big Sis’s barrage of complaints, the geezer struggled to come up with a rebuttal. From the sounds of it, they knew about each other before today. Understandably so, looking at Big Sis’s attitude towards a man who lived several times her age. But, she’s still too violent, and I can’t keep watching in silence.

“I’m surprised you knew I was here.”

I chose to change the topic to avoid the situation getting worse, and Yuuki-senpai joined my plan as he spoke up.

“I sent you off roughly an hour ago. Yet, you didn’t come back, and nor did the person who asked to meet the student council. I thought something was off, so we headed to the office, finding the remains of what looked like a fight and traces of blood. Looking into it, the person who called us was an employee from the school, tasked by Marika. As we looked for your location, Onitsuka approached Kaede. That’s how we figured out you were here.”

“Kaede was absolutely beside herself, you know!”

“R-Right…”

I completely forgot we left the student council office in that state. It must have looked like a murder scene. I could practically see their faces when they stumbled upon it.

“And the security cameras recorded what happened there, so Kai filled us in. There is no further explanation needed.”

“Ah…”

“We’re taking Wataru with us.”

“H-However, we should explain this to your parents…”

“No need. You don’t need to do a thing. Just don’t ever get close to him again,” Big Sis said.

“…”

I reached out my hand to stop this whole argument but was at a loss for what to even say. If this was just her venting her anger, it would be one thing, but I don’t think a single thing as to what is even going on behind the scenes, so I can’t just carelessly speak up. And if this is her third warning, she very much is entitled to her anger.

“Marika.”

As I was not sure what to do, Yuuki-senpai called out to my lady.

“Didn’t I tell you before? I have no intention of being tied down by the decisions my family made. I avoided stating it directly, but that includes the relationship we have.”

“Ah…”

“As the person who will inherit the family, I am aware of my own position. That is why I already informed the Shinonome Family that no demerit will befall you despite us not getting married. Because I firmly believe these old-fashioned traditions should not be the deciding factor to keep our families connected.”

“I-I just wanted to…”

“That’s all I’m going to say today. But I will ask you to understand my feelings.”

“…!”

This engagement was forced onto them by their families. And to my lady, this was a responsibility she sought to fulfill, but to Yuuki-senpai, it turned into shackles to tie him down. The one with the most common sense in this case is definitely Yuuki-senpai. Having your parents decide your future to such an extent is utterly ridiculous. But with his looks…you’d admire him either way.

“…That’s all.”

Leaving these words behind, Yuuki-senpai left the room. I think he was still trying to be nice…But it didn’t work. Then again, he’s in the right. As a fellow monster who wouldn’t give up no matter how many times I was rejected, I can tell that it needs this much…Oh man, I might just start crying before my lady does.

“Let’s go.”

“R-Right…”

Big Sis urged me to get up by moving her chin. Yuuki-senpai’s words and declaration must have helped her cool her head, as she seemed a lot more relaxed compared to before. Going against her will during this situation is definitely going to backfire, so I’ll tag along.

“…Ah.”

I forgot, my lady is still carrying my bag. Dear god who is watching me right now…Why must you hurt me so? What did I do to deserve such punishment?

“Hey…my lady.”

“I…I’m not crying…!”

“Erm…”

“I’m not crying…!”

She tightly embraced my bag, her long and blonde hair covering her face. That being said, judging from her quivering voice, it didn’t take Sherlock himself to figure out how she must have felt. And those words of pretense and acting strong only fueled the responsibility I carried.

“…Tears don’t even look good on you, after all.”

She may have wished to end her life prematurely, yet she still stands in front of me right now. And if this was her first step to getting up again, then I couldn’t block off that path with those earlier words I threw at her without much thought. I had no trouble taking the bag from her now. Unable to bear this sadness, struggling with her own feelings, she must have an utterly botched facial expression right now. Not cold tears of resignation, but those burning hot with a fiery passion. I didn’t want her to think it was all pointless. Because regret is always part of a love that didn’t bloom, but this regret allows people to work on themselves and then…truly shine. I’m sure that the next time we meet, she will be much more beautiful than before.

*

“That’s…”

We passed through the parking lot and the traffic circle. I spotted a long and white car, completely different from the one I came here with. Now this one looks like a rich person’s car. And I’m going to ride on that now?

“La la la~”

“Ugh…”

As I was rushing after Big Sis and Yuuki-senpai, a strong stare entered my view from time to time. From the right to the front of the back to the left, I was being observed from all possible directions.

“Is there…something on my face?”

“Hehe, Kaede’s younger bro~!”

“No, um…”

Like you would test the fabric of a certain cloth, Onitsuka-senpai bluntly placed her upper arm on my right shoulder. She’s been practically showering me with attention ever since she found out I was related to Big Sis. Maybe…maybe she’s fallen for me…?! I glanced at Big Sis, whose eyes were wide open as she looked at us.

“Tamao, you…”

“Yep, seems like everything’s fine.”

“Even so, not now.”

“But you kept him a secret from me all this time!”

“Ah, hey!”

My dear senior suddenly clung to me from the side, and with her body weight pressing onto me, I could clearly pick up what was unmistakable: her meaty softness. The only regret I have is that it’s not as direct as I wished because of the sweater she was wearing. I wish this happened during summer…

“Ouchies~”

I indulged in her gal-ish scent completely different from Big Sis, as a sharp chop slammed down on her head. That hurt, dang it. The impact reached all the way to my left hand…Moving away from me, Onitsuka-senpai rubbed her head in pain. The way she acted didn’t make her look like someone older than me, but that black hair helped the most in keeping up her image as an examinee.

“She’s once again…”

“I guess gals just don’t have a sense of distance like an average person does.”

“I don’t think that’s entirely true for Onitsuka.”

“…?”

“Anyway, about what happened this time…”

Yuuki-senpai’s response sounded off to me, but before I could ask another thing, he turned his whole body toward me. With how close we were, I was forced to even directly look up at him. This height difference…perfect for a kiss…

“I’m sorry. I did not expect things to escalate like this.”

His sudden apology threw me off. He may not have lowered his head, but he most definitely looked down at the ground. Unlike his usual indifferent tone and manner of speaking, his voice depicted clear regret at what happened this time around. The student council president I knew was always reliable and cunning…But is that just acting, or is that his true self? I didn’t have the eye to see through that.

“…”

Looking away from Onitsuka-senpai, Big Sis stared at the ground below, an expression like she was biting on an insect, but she didn’t say a word. But I know her. She immediately says what she thinks, so if she believed Yuuki-senpai to be at fault, she would give him an earful immediately. The reason she wasn’t doing so meant there was something else below the scenes. Just as I thought.

“Still…’Just don’t ever get close to him again,’ huh? Will that really work out, I wonder.”

Big Sis heard my words and looked at me. I answered her gaze, as well as her eyes shaking in uncertainty, with unwavering determination, just like that one time on the rooftop.

“…What do you mean?”

Since my words must have sounded condescending in a way, even Yuuki-senpai gave me a dubious look with a puzzled expression. Did he think I would just let that slide and not comment on it? But in the same way that I don’t really know him, he probably can’t anticipate what I’m about to say.

“I’ve heard rumors of Big Sis since the day I enrolled. Seems to be quite an influential figure, too. But the more influence you have, the easier it is to lose control. You mentioned that leaving things alone won’t bring any good…But is that really something you should be saying?”

“H-Hold on. This incident with Marika rests on my shoulders. Kaede was just the outlet for her frustration. She has no responsibility in—”

“Is it just my lady, I wonder?”

“…What?”

“Is my fair lady the only one…holding a grudge against you, Big Sis?”

“…”

Sure, that incident today was a special case. This tragedy was caused because Yuuki-senpai and my lady were supposed to be engaged. Of course, she directed her grudge at Big Sis directly, but even someone as influential as Yuuki-senpai had no idea. Strictly speaking, the blame falls on him this time around. However, I doubt it was just Yuuki-senpai’s standing in this situation that led my lady into such a violent act.

“I found out quickly after enrolling that something happened at Kouetsu High in the past. I don’t know the details of what exactly was going on back then, but the work of the current student council allowed things to be taken under control. A few years ago, Big Sis was a yankee. One hell of a yankee, too. I highly doubt that my lady is the only one who has a problem with her.”

“That’s…”

Big Sis seemed to be aware of this fact, as she dropped her gaze. Whatever the reason may be, Big Sis had almost been harmed this time around. If any of the choices taken in this event had been slightly different, then I wouldn’t have ended up with a hole in my hand, but Big Sis with a hole in her cranium thanks to the scissors. No way she could just pull the power card and let that slide.

“This happens because you’re weak…Weaklings can’t fight…You need strength to fight…You said that all the time a few years ago. Do you still plan on brandishing that power to make more and more enemies down the line?”

“Wait, what are you even…”

“Our old man threw away his position to protect his family. As a result, he managed to protect what he wanted, just as planned. Thanks to that, we are here right now.”

“…!”

When I brought up our father, Big Sis’s face shot up, her expression distorted. She surely didn’t resent him, but bringing up the existence she saw as a bad example surely won’t allow her to remain silent.

“Do you still think he was wrong for what he did?”

“That’s…!”

Big Sis formed a fist, gritting her teeth as she hesitated to respond. Even now, it sure feels like she might grow rampant any moment, but I’m used to it. Looking at her face tells me she’s not willing to accept my words. However, giving in to her emotions and letting violence do the talking is not something she seems to be close to doing. Maybe because what she wants to protect…includes me.

“But, Kaede isn’t wrong~”

“Wah, Tamao…!”

At that moment, Onitsuka-senpai leaped at Big Sis. That twisted expression quickly disappeared from her face, leaving her more bewildered than anything. At the same time, I was also not entirely sure how to react to Onitsuka-senpai’s sudden appearance.

“If not for Kaede, I wouldn’t even be here! The school wouldn’t be the way it is like right now, either. Kaede’s super amazing, y’know!”

“Erm…”

“Plus, people may have a problem with Kaede, but we’re gonna handle that. Isn’t that right, student council president?”

“…Yes, absolutely.”

“…”

With Onitsuka-senpai pressing her cheek against her, Big Sis tried her hardest to peel her off. Even with her ridiculous strength, she couldn’t fight off the adhesiveness of her gal friend. And the dear student council president looked at this with a jealous glance.

“My legs are tired! Let’s go!”

“Yeah, yeah! Just let go of me!”

“Okemaru!”

“…”

Onitsuka-senpai forcefully dragged Big Sis along. I’ve never seen something like this before…Big Sis just being treated like a giant doll…And considering she’s a gal kind to a loser like me, she’s not just anybody, huh?

“…Are you satisfied with this?” Yuuki-senpai asked.

“Guess so. Then again, not even I know what’s right or wrong here.”

“…Is that so?”

Plus, I’m not living my life constantly mindful of profound problems like this. I have but a single heart, so I’m just trying not to carry any unnecessary burden or responsibility. Leaving aside if that is something accomplishable or not.

“Anyway, I think it’s time I get inside the car to…”

“What happened back then?”

“…What?”

I wanted to take him up on the offer of driving me home, but Yuuki-senpai continued with a deep voice.

“I previously looked into Kaede’s past. A drive and ability to take action outside the scope of an ordinary person, the courage to be undaunted by violence…I found it hard to believe that any regular past would give birth to such a woman. And that’s how I also found out that she has a younger brother—You.”

“Yikes…”

I couldn’t hide my discontent and disgust. That does not sound like the evaluation you would have toward the woman you’ve fallen for. And I personally don’t know what reaction would be accurate when being told my older sister is like a monster. But it makes sense that he’d look into all that.

“However, whenever I interact with you or Kaede, there tends to be some information popping up that I am unaware of. And it would be something easy to dig up if it’s related to your family. But, I never found out anything regarding Kaede and her relationship with your father.”

“Well…it definitely isn’t normal, let’s just say that.”

How does he even find information about some random person’s family? Any episodes that aren’t strictly written down on documents would be pretty hard to look into, right? And he’s acting like it’s the most normal thing in the world…though I don’t know how much of that is true.

“There’s no actual discord between our old man and Big Sis. They simply have different views on some things.”

“Is…that so…”

There was a time when Big Sis harshly reproached Dad. But at the same time, his decision meant he could protect his family, and she accepted that. They can talk normally just fine, too.

“Anyway, let’s go.”

“…Yeah.”

Yuuki-senpai looked ahead, giving Big Sis a complicated gaze as she was being played like a fiddle by Onitsuka-senpai. I always thought he was just blindly in love, but maybe that’s not all there is to it. Still…looking into it, nothing came up…huh?

When I was still a small child, barely having acquired awareness, I was always following after Big Sis, copying her. If that had continued up to today, then maybe we would have grown up to become a regular pair of siblings who’d be annoyed at each other and still lived in the same home to grow up together. But now…that’s not the sort of relationship we share. Big Sis might say that it’s not the case, but I can feel a definitive rift between us.

There once was a man who wrongly separated himself from others. Thinking back on it now, he must have been the target of Big Sis’s admiration…and possibly even her first love. Ever since then, Big Sis began seeing weakness as evil and worked to obtain her current strength. Ever since then, I began avoiding trouble as our father has—Ever since then, Big Sis and I could never see eye to eye ever again.