CH 2

Ashida Kei is Being Healed

The cicadas were chirping. Walking to school for my club is always exhausting, but today the ambient sounds made it feel more like a guitar solo riff at a rock band concert, and it had me excited. I didn’t think that just the idea of making my way to Aichi’s house could change my mood this much. My body is being stimulated almost, and I can’t stop grinning. My body is raising cries of agony from exhaustion, and yet I wasn’t bothered by it in the slightest. After all, my exhaustion was blown away! Just wait for me, Aichi!

I subconsciously started skipping rather than walking, and arrived at Aichi’s place. When I pressed the doorbell with brimming energy, I heard running sounds inside the place, together with a young girl screaming in joy. There’s no mistaking it, this voice…belongs to Ai-chan!

‘Y-Yes!’

“Aiiiichiiii! I’m here!”

‘Eh!? W-Wait a second! You don’t need to scream like that!’

I could hear Aichi’s flustered voice through the intercom. I could imagine her panic like that, which had me grin even more. I’m starting to feel a bit embarrassed as well, with that voice I just let out. Made me feel like I was in grade school…That was probably the loudest I’ve screamed in a while. I heard more running sounds. When I looked past the stylish gate in front of me, I saw the large door open. Aichi? Or Airi-chan? Either way, they’re both great! As I was thinking that, a small shadow appeared from the opening of the door.

“It’s the tall Onee-chan!”

“It’s Ai-chan!”

It was Ai-chan. Her twintails shaking as she ran looked so cute. Just as Sajocchi said, she really looks like an angel. So small, and cute, I want to hug her…No, I will hug her…!

“Ai-chaaaaan!!”

“Kyaa~!”

This is a special way of healing my exhaustion, one that I normally can’t enjoy during my ordinary life. I want one myself. Can I take her home right now? I’ll definitely make her happy. And, I’ll be happy myself. It’s decided then!

“Of course you can’t!”

“A-Aichi! Been a bit!”

“I won’t give you Airi!”

“C-Come on, I was just joking~”

Before I could even enjoy it, Ai-chan was stolen from me, and my friend glared at me not two seconds after I’d arrived. Following that, Aichi pulled Ai-chan to herself, like she wanted to protect her. That’s siscon Aichi for you…Her eyes are dead-serious. I never would have imagined for Aichi to glare at me like that. I really like how she’s usually an honor student but becomes frantic when Ai-chan is on the line. Without Sajocchi, I might not have gotten to see that side.

Today, Aichi wore a white blouse that revealed her arms, with short black pants. Phew, she looks so grown-up. It’s easy to move in, but stylish all the same. Maybe that’s the least amount of effort she has to put into her clothes when she’s playing with Ai-chan…? Thinking that Sajocchi might be stopping by later, I feel like it shows too much. Can’t tell if she’s conscious of him or not, really.

“Ahahaha…How are you doing, Aichi? You seem to be in a good mood!”

“Right back at you, Kei. Isn’t club stressful?”

“It sure is~ That’s why I came here to take some of Ai-chan’s energy!”

“T-That’d be very helpful…” Aichi covered her face with her hand to protect herself from the sunlight. “Come on in.”

It seems like she’s feeling hot. After being invited in, I could feel the comfortable breeze from the A/C. If anything, is keeping it that cool a good idea? When I asked that, Aichi told me that it was to match up with Ai-chan. When she’s playing around, her temperature goes up after all, so this is that she doesn’t suffer from a heatstroke. Once she’s exhausted enough to fall asleep, Aichi would turn up the temperature a bit. Ai-chan really is getting all the love. Would I spoil my little sister in such a way if I had one myself?

I crouched down to meet Ai-chan’s gaze, who was rubbing her head against Aichi’s hip.

“I’m surprised you remember me~”

“Ehehehe~”

“W-Well…I didn’t want her to forget about you, so we’d sometimes look at pictures.”

“A-Aichiiii!”

“Kya!? H-Hold on, don’t just cling to me like that!”

“Ahhh! Airi too, Airi too!”

I’m so happy to hear that from her. If Aichi’s family ever ended up in some kind of trouble, I’d offer my life to save them. If possible, I want to become Aichi’s little sister right now. Or, becoming her older sister might also be a thing? Aichi would come to be spoiled by me if she felt lonely…Huehuehue.

Aichi pushed me off, seemingly feeling hot for real, and invited me to the living room. Sniff sniff …Mm, smells like Aichi. Why is it that someone else’s home generally smells so nice…Uhehehehe. Mmm, I need to properly give my greetings first. To the right of the living room, on the table in front of the creme-colored sofa, stood two glasses of iced chocolate. So this is where they were playing? I can totally see Aichi rubbing her cheeks against Ai-chan while they’re watching TV.

“Aichi, where’s your mother?”

“She’s working today.”

“Oh, is that so.”

I was surprised to hear that Aichi’s mother is working part-time. So then, if I wasn’t here, it’d just be Aichi and her younger sister? And yet she allowed Sajocchi to come over? Maybe it’s not that big of a deal to her…Isn’t it pretty big for a boy to be called over by the girl he’s interested in? Like, you know…becoming conscious with lewd thoughts?

“……”

“…What’s wrong?” Aichi showed a cute tilt of her head, like she was confused about something.

This isn’t the time for that! W-What a terrifying girl she is…! Not to mention that she already has experience with inviting a boy over! When I first heard about that, I thought my ears had rotten away. Not to mention that this time her parents aren’t home either. Them being here would have been problematic enough already, but if not, then Sajocchi probably would have died from being overly conscious of her.

I could see Sajocchi freeze up, unsure of what to do. That only counts for the present Sajocchi though, as the previous one would have probably aimed for something like that to happen. It sure feels weird thinking about that.

The relationship between Aichi and Sajocchi is a weird one. When I first saw Aichi, I thought that she’d be a bit complicated to deal with, so I thought that Sajocchi was pretty amazing to pull such an emotion like anger out of her. That combination was just so interesting to watch, and because I coincidentally ended up next to them, I just got more and more involved.

Well, these two basically stayed at the same distance this entire time. Aichi seemed bothered by him a lot, but I personally thought that Sajocchi was someone who desperately needed to be around Aichi at all costs. I didn’t know why I felt that way, but I couldn’t see Sajocchi leaving Aichi as a good thing. That’s why I was pretty annoyed at Aichi before, when she couldn’t become honest with herself.

After Aichi gave him an earful like she always would, Sajocchi suddenly started to avoid her. And, I’m pretty sure I wasn’t the only one who got big danger alarm sirens roaring because of that. Everybody else was watching them with similar eyes. Not to mention that Sajocchi was flirting with other girls!

The reason for that seemed to have been a change related to Sajocchi’s mentality. Doesn’t feel like his feelings for Aichi changed, but it felt like he took a step back. Aichi was pretty bothered by him, so I figure he must have done it for her sake, but just as I expected, things didn’t turn out fine at all. Must have been my woman’s intuition working…

It seems like Sajocchi isn’t even aware of how much an important existence he is for Aichi. And, Aichi doesn’t get how much she actually treasures Sajocchi. This mismatched relationship is a pain to watch, so I couldn’t sit still. At the very least, I’m glad that they don’t hate each other…Sajocchi is that much of an idiot that he doesn’t understand how lonely he’s making Aichi. I’m using that opening to get even closer to Aichi. Just you watch, Sajocchi, I’ll be the one taking Aichi instead…!

—No no, that’s not it! I want to see them both flustered and embarrassed…! Aichi’s very important, but losing Sajocchi would feel weird as well! Ahh, what am I even thinking!?

“……?” The best-in-looks sisters were both tilting their heads in confusion.

Again, will you get a hint already…Ahh, so cute. I want to keep them both at home…But, I can’t be losing track now. When I look at Aichi, I’m starting to feel like Sajocchi would. I guess I’m the stand-in for him, someone has to be attracted to Aichi after all…Oh right.

“…What about Sajocchi? Did he answer?”

“Ah…”

“Who’s Sajocchi~?”

“Sajocchi is…Hm? Does she not remember him?”

Didn’t she introduce him not too long ago? Ai-chan remembers me, so I doubt she’d forget Sajocchi right away…

“No, it’s just that your nicknames are so nonsensical.”

“Ehhh, really?”

I feel like ‘Sajocchi’ is pretty great. Easy to say as well. Not to mention that she’s accepted her ‘Aichi’ nickname just fine…But, it’s not becoming popular at all…Despite it being so cute…Hmpf…

“Airi, she’s talking about ‘Sajo~’. The Onii-san who came here a while ago.”

“Sajo~? Don’t remember.”

“Eh…”

Aichi stopped moving entirely after hearing Ai-chan’s words. It must have been a big shock, because a voice devoid of any energy left her mouth. If I remember correctly, Aichi tried really hard to make Ai-chan remember Sajocchi…wait.

“Ai-chan calles Sajocchi ‘Sajo~’?”

“T-That’s right…But, she doesn’t remember.”

“Oh my, so she must have forgotten.”

“…Hmpf.”

“…!?”

Aichi puffed out her lips, showing a bothered pout…Did you hear that? She just pouted! How cute is that! Is she that bothered by the fact that Ai-chan forgot about Sajocchi? Oooooh, I’m so jelly of him.

“Ah…! Airi, it’s the person who played bumping with you a lot! The one who taught you about sumo!”

“More details on that please, Aichi.”

“You be quiet for a second!”

“Ah, okay.”

I heard something mighty interesting in there, but Aichi immediately closed the curtains to block me off. Come on, don’t leave me hanging like that. Why do I feel like a Dad about to lose my daughter? What are you doing to Aichi, Sajocchi…Aren’t you even more than a couple now? Is that because you’ve known each other since middle school?

“…? Class rep~?”

“Not Iihoshi-san!”

“…What?”

If I remember correctly, Iyorin was angry with Sajocchi about something. Something about being used as his stand-in…Ah, that was it? So then, her memories of Sajocchi were overwritten by Iyorin? In order to have Ai-chan remember Sajocchi, Aichi kept bringing up more details about him.

“The person with a weird face!”

“That’s too vague, Aichi…”

What did you bring him here for in the first place?

*

“…Ah…!”

Right as Aichi ruffled through Ai-chan’s hair with her fingers, the dining table suddenly vibrated. Seemed like Aichi got some kind of message on her smartphone. Oh right, I haven’t checked my phone in a while either. I let out a yawn while taking out my own, and saw a single message on my lock screen.

‘Good work, peeps. What are you guys talking about?’

It was a message from Sajocchi. When I raised my head to let Aichi know, she was already looking down at her smartphone. So fast! Was she waiting for his message…?

“‘Good work’, he says.”

“I guess he’s a slave at his work now, that Sajocchi.”

“Already overworking himself?”

That’s a word you wouldn’t often hear from a classmate who isn’t even part of a club. As Aichi was lost on how to respond, I just took over for her.

‘Sajocchi! We’re not some company! You overworking yourself?’

‘…So you are working.’

Wah, sharp. I was a bit worried about Aichi’s response, but when I looked at her, she was more bitter than I thought. Maybe she just said something she didn’t mean in the heat of the moment. Oh my, so she’s a bit dejected, I see. That part of hers sure hasn’t changed….It’s like a subconscious reaction? I just hope that Sajocchi won’t take it in a negative way—

‘Thank you very much, Natsukawa-sama.’

That guy’s crazy. But, in a good way. To a level where he’s kinda gross. I can feel the love towards Aichi. Not to mention that she’s spacing out like I’ve never seen before. So cute, I want to take a picture…But, I doubt that I could secretly take one. Then, I’ll just do it in the open! Hehehe…he? She doesn’t realize…?

“E-Eh, why did he thank me?”

No, um, well. Thinking about it, it’s not the first time that Sajocchi has shown such extreme behaviour towards Aichi. Not too long ago, he was happy to receive Aichi’s anger. What kind of mental strength does he have? If it was me, I’d be like ‘Is that how you felt?’, you know. I couldn’t hold back my laughter seeing Aichi panic a bit, so I sent a brief ‘Sajocchi, Aichi won’t know how to respond’ message in the chat, to which Aichi gave me a flustered thank you. Sajocchi, Aichi is really cute, what should we do about this? Can I just take her myself? It’s fine, right?

“Ah, right…Airi.”

“Hmmm?”

We sat on the sofa with Ai-chan in the middle, when Aichi handed her the smartphone.

“It’s Sajo~, would you like to tell him something?”

“Really!?”

Are you kidding me? Seriously? Aichi, really? I’m so jealous of Sajocchi. Maybe I should have come a bit later after all…Alright, I’ll ask for it once I get home!

‘Sajiwa’

“Mmmm…!”

That was so cute, I was about to scream in agony. I want to squish both her cheeks. And when I looked at Aichi, she was doing exactly that. Maybe I should do it to her instead, then?

‘Sajo~ When?’

These words Ai-chan managed to send thanks to Aichi’s assistance. He probably hasn’t caught on to the origin of that message, right?

‘I’ll bring some stuff.’

This might be bad.

“Eh! W-What is he…!?”

“Ehehehe.”

I can feel like Sajocchi going crazy over there. To the point where I grew worried…That’s right, Sajocchi, you’re making Ai-chan happy. Well, her Onee-chan was visibly shaken though. I get what you feel though.

‘Ai-chan already forgot about Sajocchi after all, lol.’

‘She did remember a while back, but…when I asked her who played with her, she said Iihoshi-san’s name.’

‘No way~’

I can see Sajocchi being heavily dejected. Aichi must have been the same, as she looked at me, and giggled. Her face was so dazzling, I felt all happy inside myself. Hey Sajocchi, Aichi is smiling, you know that? She’s happy that she gets to talk to you. Are you really fine with the way things are right now? Just like your heart changed, so has Aichi’s.

‘What’d you say for her to remember?’

‘That you had a weird head…’

‘Thank you very much.’

“E-Ehhh!?”

I’m pretty sure I’ve never heard someone give thanks for receiving what is basically an insult. Aichi’s lost on what to say. Get angry sometimes will you? Or just play along, that’s another type of kindness.

“Um…”

“Aichi, Sajocchi is just being an idiot.”

“R-Really?” Aichi returned a worried question.

Damn you, Sajocchi. Playing with Aichi’s purity…! Even if she might forgive you, I won’t! I shall name you the ‘Holiday Papa’! You will accept the full force of Ai-chan…! Wait, isn’t that more of a reward for him? I feel like Aichi would be happy about everything. How can you be so strong? Well, he chose to be a pervert.

“When will Sajo~ come?”

“Um, I wonder where he is right now…” Aichi looked at me, seeming a bit panicky.

Isn’t he just hiding the fact that he’s late? A pair of beautiful sisters is waiting for you! Isn’t it the duty of a Papa to come running? Heh, just kidding. I want to keep these two sisters to myself for a bit longer. So, he can take his time some more.

Still, Aichi as a bride, huh…How nice. I personally want to become a wife myself, but if it’s Aichi, I don’t mind becoming a working husband. Then Ai-chan would come running together with her…Ahh, what bliss. Ai-chan is an angel. So basically, Aichi is a Goddess. Hmm, I see? I kind of get what Sajocchi was talking about. My body is seeking out Aichi…A hug should be fine, we’re girls after all!

“…Eh?”

“Hm?”

Right as I embraced Aichi from behind, she let out a lonely voice. It’s not just her voice, her expression as she looked at her smartphone was riddled with anxiety. Before she would break down any further, I just had to speak up.

“Eh? What’s wrong?”

Since she looked at the phone in such a way, it had to be related to Sajocchi. I got assaulted by a bad premonition, and looked at Aichi’s smartphone. She just received a new message. Sajocchi should be done with his part-time job by now. I think he has time in the afternoon, but after seeing that newest message of his, I was at a loss for words.

‘Should I really come?’

“Huh?” I subconsciously let out a dumbfounded voice.

I don’t know what he’s thinking, or planning with this, but I know that this isn’t good. I can’t accept it. Aichi went out of her way to invite him, and yet he still has to ask like this. That’s a massive minus point, Sajocchi…!

“…I wonder, will Wataru come?”

“He definitely will. I bet he will.”

Something inside of me flipped. I couldn’t see Aichi’s dejected expression. I need Sajocchi to realize that there is no other choice but to come here. If he even dares to try and stay away for whatever reason, I’ll give him a good gut punch the next time I see him. Seeing Aichi drop her shoulders in sadness, my fingers moved instinctively. I won’t let you get away, Sajocchi…! I’ll pull you here even if I have to force you to!

‘Eh? What are you on about, get your butt over here.’

‘Ah, yeah…’

What an empty response, Sajocchi. Aichi is still worried, you know? What kind of man are you, grow a spine already. Also, does he really struggle that much to pick up that ‘Come over’ aura from Aichi? Back when we met at the school, she was super desperate. Did he not see that? Are you kidding me? Is Sajocchi that dense? I get that he’s been trying to keep his distance and cool down a bit, but…that far? Despite being together for two and a half years, he’s that blind of a bat?

“Hey, Kei…”

Aichi isn’t looking at me. She’s just gazing down at the floor, talking to me. Her voice was clearly devoid of any energy, as she sounded like she was forcing out the words.

“…Maybe I was just bothering him?”

“Sajocchiiiiiii…!”

Hahaha, Sajocchi. You bastard. All jokes aside, you better be ready for a spike right in your face the next time I see you! You’ll regret making Aichi sad like that!!

‘Huh? You’re coming, right?’

‘Yeah yeah, on my way~’

‘Alright~’

That’s right, just react like that from the very beginning. What are you hesitating for, huh? When the girl you like invites you to her house, you better come running! Huh? You’re still at home? You better be here in 40 seconds!!

*

Aichi’s waiting! Hurry up!—is what I was screaming inside of me, but it was scorching hot outside. Sajocchi just came home from his part-time job, and I don’t think he would be rushing in such a heat. At the very least, Aichi seemed to have cheered up a bit after hearing from Sajocchi. It must be happening subconsciously, but Aichi seemed like she was really looking forward to it. As we sat at the dining table, Ai-chan was watching TV, shouting in excitement.

“Hm? What’s on the TV right now?”

“Airi is watching some noon dramas as of late.”

“Ehhh!? A suspenseful type?”

“No, about a young inn proprietress.”

“Ahh…they exist as well.”

I feel like I was watching some of these when my club ended in the morning. But, wasn’t this a mother-in-law bullying the wife? Should Ai-chan really be growing up while watching that? I feel like it’s pretty messy.

“Airi doesn’t really get it, so it’s fine. She’s just interested in the proprietress, and often copies her.”

“Huh…Only absorbing the positive parts. How admirable.”

“Right?” Aichi’s eyes lit up as she showed a confident grin.

She seems to be happy that I praised her little sister. Then again, that isn’t anything new. Whenever Ai-chan is related, Aichi shows me all sorts of expressions I’ve never seen on her. That moment is the best after all. Being the girl that knows Aichi the most out of everyone, it felt like I was someone special.

“She can even bow and greet other people~”

“Yeah!” Ai-chan said, turned towards me while sitting on the sofa, and sat on her knees.

Ahh…I can tell what she’s about to do. But, will I be able to keep my reason?

“I humbly welcome you!”

“Ai-chaaan! Sit on my laaaap!”

“Kyaaa~!”

“Ah…!? Hey, Kei!”

I couldn’t hold back after seeing this cute creature put her hands on the sofa, lowering her head towards me. I was forced to direct this limitless emotion at Ai-chan. Ahh…Ai-chan is so soft…!

“Right back at you, Ai-chan, I humbly welcome you!”

“Kyahahaha! You’re tickling me!”

“Sheesh…”

I could tell how I was regaining my strength after the exhausting club practice I had today. Ai-chan’s blooming smile really is priceless. I want an angel like that for myself. Can’t Mom do something about that?

“Fufu, maybe we should have you do this for that guy as well, Airi?”

“That guy~?”

“Ah, um…’Sajo~’, you know.”

“Pfft.”

“K-Kei…!”

Aichi’s ‘Sajou~’ had me burst out laughing. Even more so because it sounds exactly like Ai-chan’s intonation. Also, it’s so cute. Makes me wonder if she really is a girl like me. I feel like there’s a level of difference here.

“Sajocchi will be shocked.”

“Better be. If he doesn’t react at all…”

“A-Aichi…”

She acted like she was looking forward to it, but her little sister having fun is probably the most important thing for Aichi. Her love for Ai-chan is so profound. I don’t even want to imagine Ai-chan ending up in a rebellious phase, Aichi would probably be depressed.

“Wah…!”?

“Hyawah!?”

Right as I was appreciating their relationship, my phone on the desk vibrated. I do have a cover for it, but since it’s made of plastic, it vibrated even more. Maybe I should change it…Ai-chan let out an adorable voice, but Aichi seemed a bit annoyed with a sulking ‘Don’t surprise me like that…’ and handed me the phone. Even her angry face is so adorable, it’s not fair. Being happy about that is probably from Sajocchi’s negative influence.

‘Um…I’ll be right there, yes.’

“Ahhh! Sajoooo!” Ai-chan took a peek at my screen, and jumped up in joy.

That’s right. Sajocchi’s account name is ‘Sajo~’ after all. It’s in hiragana, so even Ai-chan can read it. Also, Sajocchi sure is talking politely. That sounded like you were contacting your superior from work. Are you that nervous? Then again, you’re visiting the house of a girl—Aichi’s of all the places. Normally you’d be nervous. Can’t you direct that towards me as well? It honestly hurts that you’re so calm around me. I mean, I knew.

“See, Sajocchi is coming.”

“Y-Yeah…”

Ai-chan trotted towards the entrance like a dog not having met her owner in weeks. That’s a bit dangerous, so I figured Aichi would chase after her, but nothing of that sort happened. She didn’t say anything, and just stood there with her mouth opening and closing. What, is she…nervous…?

“A-Aichi…?”

“Ah…!? U-Um…Airi!? Where is she!?”

“She went towards the entrance.”

“Come on…! Right when I looked away…!”

Aichi complained, and ran towards the entrance. Didn’t you look at her as she ran away? I’ve spent a lot of time with Aichi, but I rarely see her like that. If I had to guess, Aichi is actually pretty curious about Sajocchi in a way. I wonder…Normally I’d bring up the usual girl talk and ask about Aichi’s feelings, but I feel like I’m better off not doing that. She’s not the type for that either.

I don’t really know what’s going on, but I can tell that this is at least a preferable direction. Sajocchi still has feelings for Aichi and yet keeps his distance after all. From my point of view, they’re constantly mismatched. Then again, I’m Aichi’s ally, so it’s not that I’m especially supporting Sajocchi, but without him, I can’t see everything about Aichi that I really like.