Chapter 6: Becoming a Family

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“Kiyomizu-dera! This feels so Kyoto!”

Ichika-chan exclaimed excitedly, snapping multiple photos. She asked us to take a picture together, so we took a selfie with the scenery from the Kiyomizu stage in the background.

Souhei-kun watched us from a little distance away. Although he had taken some steps forward, he still seemed to keep a bit of distance.

We had come to Kiyomizu-dera as a trio. Standing on the Kiyomizu stage, the contrast between the blue sky and green mountains looked beautiful. We had a wide view of Kyoto’s cityscape. The effort of climbing the slopes and stairs was worth it. The autumn leaves must be even more beautiful, though it might be too crowded to enjoy the view then.

“So beautiful! Hey, Souhei-kun, let’s take a picture together.”

“No, I’m good…”

“I’ve always wanted to come to Kiyomizu-dera! Thanks for inviting us, Ichika-chan!”

Souhei-kun blinked in surprise at my words.

“…Wait a minute. This isn’t your first time here. We came here during our high school trip.”

“Y-Yeah, that’s true, but…”

Just as Souhei-kun said, we had visited Kiyomizu-dera during our high school trip to Kyoto. However, back then, I didn’t connect with the gyaru girls in my group, always trailing behind them. I had no fond memories of Kiyomizu-dera. That’s why I was glad to come here with Souhei-kun and Ichika-chan.

“By the way, isn’t Kyoto’s summer too hot? Souhei-kun, can you get us some ice cream?”

Ichika-chan complained with a weary expression. Souhei-kun immediately replied, “No.”

“Why not? You’re my brother!”

“Being your brother doesn’t mean I have to treat you. It’s before payday, and I’m broke.”

Ichika-chan pouted and then grinned mischievously, her red lips curling upward.

“If you don’t treat me, I might tell Mom about ‘that’.”

It seemed Ichika-chan had some leverage over Souhei-kun. He grimaced, sighed, and reluctantly took out his wallet.

“…What flavor do you want?”

“Vanilla!”

Ichika-chan grinned while Souhei-kun replied, exasperated, “Alright, alright.”

The atmosphere between Souhei-kun and Ichika-chan had changed a bit over the past few days. They weren’t quite like close siblings yet, but anyone listening to their interactions would believe they were siblings without a doubt.

“Okay, Nanase. I’ll go get it.”

“Yeah. See you in a bit.”

After Souhei-kun left, I watched Ichika-chan as she peeked over the edge of the Kiyomizu stage. In her halter top showing her belly button and distressed denim, with flawless makeup, she looked every bit the gyaru.

…If I had tried to change sooner… could I have gotten along with the gyaru girls in my group?

Curious, I asked Ichika-chan.

“By the way… why do you dress like a gyaru, Ichika-chan?”

She answered nonchalantly,

“Because it’s fun. Makeup boosts my mood.”

“! Y-Yeah! I totally get that!”

Excited by her words, I leaned forward. Makeup is indeed a magical item that gives courage and energy.

“Putting on makeup makes you feel like a different person! It gives you confidence and makes you stand tall!”

“Haruko-san, your makeup skills are really amazing. Are you going to work in that field in the future?”

Ichika-chan’s casual question startled me. Souhei-kun had asked me something similar before. I weakly shook my head.

“No, not at all. I’m not suited for that…”

“Really? I don’t think so. You’ve always loved makeup, right?”

“No, I started after entering university… My cousin gave me a lipstick.”

──It’s okay, Haruko. You can become as cute as you want.

My cousin’s words and the lipstick she gave me changed me. Even on days when I felt down and lacked confidence, makeup gave me the courage to lift my head. That’s why I love makeup.

──It’s a waste not to pursue something you love.

Souhei-kun’s words from our talk about future plans echoed in my mind. I thought it would be wonderful to turn my passion into my job, but…

“Haruko-san, you have a sister? You mentioned choosing this university because it was her alma mater.”

“Oh, well, she’s technically my cousin.”

“Really?”

“She lived nearby and was always kind to me since I was little. She’s beautiful, smart, perfect, and my idol. I think of her as my real sister!”

When I said that with a smile, Ichika-chan nodded in understanding.

“That’s like what you are to me, Haruko-san.”

“Huh…?”

Ichika-chan’s unexpected words made me gasp. My cousin to me, was I the same to Ichika-chan…!?

I shook my head vigorously, almost as if it would fall off.

“N-No way! I’m just a plain and simple girl… I’m not worthy to be on the same level as my cousin…”

“Why not? An idol is an idol.”

“But…”

Ichika-chan stared at me intently as I hesitated.

“I don’t admire you just because you look glamorous, Haruko-san.”

“…Huh?”

“Whether your bare face is plain or not, you’re kind, hardworking, and genuine. That’s what makes you shine more than your appearance. That’s why I like you, Haruko-san.”

Ichika-chan’s words warmed a hardened part of my heart, melting it away.

…Even though I’m not perfect, someone sees me as their idol.

I had put my cousin on a pedestal, thinking she was beyond my reach. But… could I become like her? Could I become someone who supports others like her…?

“Ah, Souhei-kun is back.”

Souhei-kun approached, holding two ice cream cones. He handed the vanilla one in his right hand to Ichika-chan and the chocolate one in his left hand to me.

“This is for you, Nanase.”

“Wow, really? I’m happy. I love chocolate.”

“I know. I figured you’d want chocolate.”

Souhei-kun said, lifting the corner of his lips slightly. I loved his subtle smiles that were hard to notice unless you looked closely.

“Souhei-kun, let’s share.”

“…No, one bite is enough.”

Souhei-kun said, lightly pulling my wrist. He took a bite of my ice cream and, with a composed expression, said, “Thanks.” I froze in surprise.

…First the kiss, and now this… Souhei-kun is being a bit assertive…!?

Before, he would never have done something like eating from my hand in front of others…!

Ichika-chan, watching us, shrugged in exasperation.

“…Don’t flirt in front of me, you two!”

Blushing even more, I licked my ice cream to hide my embarrassment.

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“Haruko-san, your nails are so cute!”

“Thanks! I did them myself. I’ll do yours today, Ichika-chan.”

“Yay! I want matching ones with Haruko-san!”

The two girls chatted excitedly, walking ahead of me. Ichika clung tightly to Nanase’s arm, staying close despite the heat.

“…Ichika. Aren’t you being too clingy with Nanase?”

“Huh, are you jealous? Lame.”

“N-No, that’s not it.”

…Though it’s true I can’t flirt with Nanase when she’s around.

Ichika hugged Nanase’s arm tightly, as if to flaunt it. While she clearly liked Nanase, part of it seemed like a way to get back at me. She truly had an interesting personality.

Our relationship had become somewhat normal after we both expressed our feelings. But we couldn’t become close siblings overnight.

I was a dull introvert, and Ichika was a flashy, sassy gyaru. Without Nanase, we had almost no common ground, and if we weren’t step-siblings, our paths probably would never have crossed.

…Maybe this distance is just right.

We left the Kiyomizu stage and walked for a while until we saw a sign reading “Prayers for Good Relationships, Enmusubi Shrine.” Nanase’s eyes sparkled as she exclaimed, “Oh, here!”

“This is Jishu Shrine, dedicated to the god of matchmaking! Can we go?”

Neither Ichika nor I objected, so Nanase cheerfully walked under the gray torii gate. The place was quite crowded. In the middle of the path were two large stones labeled “Love Fortune-Telling Stones.”

“What’s this?”

Curious, I tilted my head, and Nanase explained excitedly.

“If you can walk from one stone to the other with your eyes closed in one go, your love will be fulfilled!”

“That sounds dangerous.”

Walking with closed eyes in such a crowded place seemed risky. Some people were trying it, guided by friends. Nanase watched them with interest.

“I want to try…”

“Haruko-san, you don’t need to. Your love is already fulfilled, right?”

“Yes, but I want us to stay together forever.”

Nanase seriously considered it, but when I said, “It’s dangerous, don’t do it,” she obediently agreed, “Okay.”

We prayed at the main shrine afterward. While I just clasped my hands formally, Nanase closed her eyes and seemed to pray earnestly, a frown forming on her forehead.

“I’m going to buy a charm, write an ema, and get a fortune slip!”

Nanase said and ran to the shop. Ichika watched her go, looking uninterested.

“Aren’t you getting anything?”

“Not really into love fortunes right now. But I need to buy a souvenir for Mom.”

Ichika seemed more focused on family than on her love life. Not that I intended to pry into my step-sister’s romantic affairs.

“Haruko-san seems a bit too desperate, doesn’t she?”

I had noticed that too. Nanase, having bought an ema, was now holding a sign pen, contemplating what to write.

…Am I making Nanase anxious?

“Haruko-san was worried.”

Ichika, as if reading my mind, said. I looked at her in surprise.

“Really? Why?”

“She said she’s trying hard but you’re not making any moves. Do you even have any desire, Souhei-kun?”

Ichika’s blunt question flustered me.

“D-Don’t ask that! Especially not to a family member!”

I didn’t want my step-sister probing into my relationship or my desires. But she pressed on, unaffected, “Why not?”

“Do you think premarital sex is off-limits? It’s not like you’re sure you’ll get married, so why not?”

“I’m not thinking that far ahead… But if it happens, there’s a responsibility.”

“Don’t want to take responsibility?”

Ichika’s piercing gaze made me hastily deny, “No!”

“I like Nanase and want to cherish her… But right now, I’m not confident I can handle her life too…”

“Heavy! Dark! Annoying!”

Ichika harshly dismissed my mumbled words. It stung a bit, being called out so bluntly.

“Does Haruko-san need you to handle her life? I don’t see it that way.”

“Huh…”

Ichika’s words made me look at Nanase. Having tied her ema and bought a charm, she smiled at me with a red and blue charm in her hands. That smile made everything else fade away.

I wanted Nanase to always smile like that. I didn’t want her to worry or suffer because of me. I didn’t want to make her anxious anymore.

…Even after all my fretting, the answer was always clear from the start.

Resigned, I took a deep breath and firmly told Ichika.

“I want to put Nanase’s mind at ease.”

“Good.”

Ichika crossed her arms, thinking for a moment before suddenly exclaiming, “Got it!”

“Souhei-kun, I’ll go back home tomorrow. You’re coming with me.”

“…Huh?”

Ichika’s sudden declaration left me dumbfounded. She grinned meaningfully at my reaction.