Chapter 5: Isn’t This Moving Way Too Fast?

The Kirishima household currently consists of three people.

Thanks to our mother working tirelessly, Shuka and I can live comfortably without want.

Mom seems to be doing decently well as an author, but she always says you can never have too much money, so she also works nights at a snack bar.

Because of that, she’s usually gone by seven in the evening, meaning dinner is mostly just me and Shuka.

With Mom busy with work, Shuka handles the housework and cooking. She’s been doing it since elementary school, and apparently, she’s reached the point where not doing it feels wrong.

On the TV, which I’d left on some random channel, a variety show played—comedians running around the streets cracking jokes. On the table were stir-fried vegetables and simmered dishes. As for the taste? Needless to say. At this point, she’s even better than Mom.

"Ah, right."

During a lull in our casual conversation, Shuka suddenly let out a short sound, as if remembering something.

"What? Forget about homework? Don’t expect me to help."

"I’d never ask you. Besides, I already finished my homework."

My little sister is way too capable…

Finishing homework, making dinner, handling chores—and still having time for herself.

"Anyway, that’s not it."

Shuka steered the conversation back.

That "Ah, right" of hers, based on experience, was the kind that rarely led to anything good.

If she remembered it now and went out of her way to mention it, it probably involved me.

"Today, someone named Kotobuki-san came to see me."

"Huh."

Kotobuki, huh?

No idea who that is, but what about them?

As I was thinking that, something felt off.

"Wait… Kotobuki-san?"

"You know, that person we helped when they collapsed the other day? Apparently, it was their daughter."

"…Oh, right. And?"

Why would Kotobuki come looking for Shuka?

Wait, was Kotobuki the older sister or the younger one? Actually, which one was the older sister again?

More importantly—how did they even know about Shuka?

My thoughts spun in circles, but none of them led to an answer.

"She said they made a full recovery. Apparently, if it weren’t for the first aid, things could’ve been bad. Sounds like you were a real hero, Big Bro."

"…That’s it?"

If that was all—just passing along thanks to Shuka—then I had no issue with it. In fact, I was glad to hear they were okay.

"Mmm, no. She asked about you, too."

Yeah, figures.

Those sisters were looking for me like crazy.

"And?"

"I told her your name is Kirishima Ao."

"…Yeah, of course you did."

My shoulders slumped.

Shuka tilted her head, puzzled. Her face practically screamed, Why are you so down about that?

"She was super pretty, by the way."

"Uh-huh. So, did you talk about anything else?"

"We chatted about a bunch of stuff, but if I had to pick the most important part for you—"

"Which is?"

"She asked if you had a girlfriend. Guess spring’s finally coming for you, huh? And with a beauty like that? I can’t even believe it!"

How the hell did it turn into that? She should’ve just said thanks and left.

"…So, what’d you say?"

"Currently accepting applications!"

"Ah."

The next day.

As I approached the school gate, my eyes landed on a female student—and before I could stop myself, the sound slipped out.

Leaning against one of the gate’s pillars, she kept glancing around warily. Her whole demeanor screamed, I’m waiting for someone.

Long black hair.

Every time she moved her head, those silky strands swayed gently. It was almost impressive how meticulously each one seemed to be cared for.

But that wasn’t the issue.

The problem—for me, at least—was that the girl in question was Kotobuki Yuzuki.

Now, this might just be my subjective opinion, but if I had to pick one word to describe the Kotobuki sisters’ looks, I’d call Kahari cute, and Yuzuki beautiful.

Which meant the one who’d visited Shuka yesterday was almost certainly Yuzuki. And if my guess was right… she was waiting for me.

The school rules required students to enter through this gate, so detouring wasn’t an option. That’s probably why she’d chosen this spot.

Every guy walking past stole at least a glance at her. Some even tried talking to her, though she brushed them off effortlessly.

But honestly, it was hard not to look. Even just standing there against the pillar, she looked like something out of a painting.

That’s how stunning she was.

A white blouse, a camel-colored blazer. A ribbon at her neck in our grade’s color. A green checkered skirt.

It was the same uniform as everyone else, yet on her, it felt like the pinnacle of fashion.

Yet another reminder of how much the wearer defines the clothes.

"—!"

While I was lost in thought, Yuzuki’s eyes met mine. The second she saw me, her face lit up like a dog spotting its owner.

She pushed off the pillar—but didn’t run over. Instead, she stood perfectly straight, staring right at me.

The sheer happy vibes radiating off her were so strong, I half-expected an imaginary tail wagging furiously behind her. Nearby students were already shooting curious glances, wondering what the fuss was about.

Distance: roughly 25 meters.

I debated my options, but there was no escape. Staying put would just draw more attention—for both of us.

So, time to suck it up and talk.

…Or maybe this’ll just be a quick thank-you. Maybe I’m overthinking it, and this’ll be so anticlimactic I’ll feel dumb for being so wary.

"Good morning, Kirishima Ao-kun."

When I finally reached her, Yuzuki greeted me with a look straight at my face. I’d always imagined her as fairly tall, but facing her now, I was relieved to see I still had a few centimeters on her.

"Good morning, Kotobuki Yuzuki-san."

Now what?

No—what’s her move?

As I hesitated, Yuzuki made the first move.

"Hey."

"Yeah?"

Her serious expression vanished, replaced by a smile so perfectly cheerful it could’ve been a LINE sticker. Then, she hit me with this:

"Can I call you ‘Aoi-kun’?"

"I mean, that’s your opening line!?"