I Can Distinguish the Twin Sister - Chapter 42

I Decided to Ask Them

“………”

Lunch break arrived, and while eating my lunch, I kept observing the two sisters.

Previously, my friends would tease me by asking what I was looking at, but it seems the unusual atmosphere between those two sisters is now palpable to everyone around.

“…Did something really happen?”

I want to ask them… but I’d draw attention in the classroom.

I consider the two of them friends… So naturally, I would want to help if they are facing some troubles or problems.

But the difference in their behavior now is scaring me off a bit.

“Ah…”

While all this was happening, a friend who was talking to Rin’ne left her side.

Probably she was headed to the restroom.

Feeling a bit guilty, I followed her out of the classroom.

Of course, I wouldn’t follow her into the restroom, so I immediately called out to her.

“Wait a moment—”

“Huh?”

Hearing my voice, the girl—Shindo-san—turned around.

When she realized it was me, she looked at me with a genuinely inquisitive gaze.
I decided to be frank and ask her.

“It’s about Rin’ne and Yomi.”

“…Oh.”

That seemed to be enough for her to understand.

She told me she would go to the restroom first and asked me to wait.

This was what I expected, sp I nodded and decided to wait for her.

After a short while, she came back, and we faced each other.

“Well… I haven’t really asked them in detail. I did notice that something was off and asked what was up, but both of them just said it’s nothing.”

“…I see.”

“But it’s clear that something has happened… maybe they had a sisterly quarrel? (喧嘩)”

“A quarrel… That makes sense.”

Indeed, if those two had a falling out, a quarrel would be the most likely cause.

They were so close and cared so much for each other…

I know Yomi did harbor some complex feelings towards Rin’ne, even so, their sisterly bond was stronger than any ‘complex’.

“From the looks of it, you don’t know anything about it, Nagase-kun?” (Akito Nagase)

“Yeah… I’m just as in the dark as everyone else, wondering about that strange atmosphere.”

“I see… I thought Nagase-kun would know something.”

I certainly don’t…

“Don’t look at me like that. Especially among the girls, we really trust you, Nagase-kun.”

“Trust?”

“Yes.”

I was curious about what Shindo-san was going to say next, so I listened intently, not wanting to miss a word.

She gently turned her body toward the window, gazing outside as she continued.

“Rin’ne and Yomi… they probably talk about you, Nagase-kun, more than you think. Even when we show signs of discomfort, they just keep talking about you.”

“I-Is that so…”

Rin’ne! Yomi! What have you been saying about me when I’m not around!?

I bet my face is all red now… Actually, I confirmed it by catching a glimpse of my reflection in the window.

“To be honest, we don’t really know you, Nagase-kun, so we don’t get why they’re so interested in you.”

“…uh, that makes sense.”

“But seeing them talk so enthusiastically about you, it’s only natural for their friends to trust the person they believe in. Don’t you think it’s normal for us to want to trust someone our friends have so much faith in?”

“…Thank you, Shindo-san.”

…tthose two seem to be blessed with truly good friends.

I stand beside Shindo-san, looking out the window, and continue speaking.

“Rin’ne and Yomi are really surrounded by wonderful friends. I have very close friends too, that’s why I know that having precious friends——it’s truly a blessing”

“…”

Whenever I think about family or friends, I naturally find myself smiling.

And often, people can guess what I’m thinking based on my expressions.

So, I probably said that with a smile to Shindo-san this time as well. But to my surprise, she’s staring at me with wide eyes.

“Um… What’s wrong?”

“…Ah, well. I was just thinking you have a really nice smile.”

“…Really?”

“Yes… It’s wonderful how you can speak so genuinely. Being able to talk about friends and family like that is one of your charms, Nagase-kun.”

“…Thank you.”

“Hehe, you’re getting all embarrassed!”

Hey! Anyone would be embarrassed if they were told something like that!

Seeing me try to hide my visibly flushed and embarrassed face, Shindo-san laughs and pats my back.

Soon after, the bell rings, signaling the start of classes.

Realizing we’re late, we quickly head back to the classroom, but just before we enter the class, Shindo-san says,

“I’m definitely worried about those two, but I believe it’s not something too big. After all, those two are very close, and you, Nagase-kun, are there for them too!”

“I’m not the kind of someone you’re talking about…”

“No, I genuinely think you are. That’s why I believe the current situation with those two might go back to normal because of you!”

With a wave, Shindo-san heads into the classroom.

I follow her in, and when I do, I notice that Rin’ne and Yomi aren’t making eye contact with each other…and neither of them looks my way.

(This seems deeply rooted… What happened?)

I’m curious… If I’m this worried, the only choice is to take action.

I had thought to talk to either of the two after school, but surprisingly, the chance came during lunch break.

I spotted Rin’ne walking alone in the corridor after returning from the restroom.

“Rin’ne!”

“…Akito-kun?”

I took Rin’ne and headed back to the rooftop.

But…neither I nor Rin’ne noticed that she, Yomi, was watching us.

“It wasn’t me, it was Aneki…”

We remained unaware of this until the end.