I explained my situation. The current problem I was working on; the literature club problem, and the library problem, which Miku already knew. I explained to them how I had a bad time trying to find solutions for both of those, so I tried asking for their opinions.
"…Seems like you're tied to a complicated predicament," Miku said first.
The first feeling I had when I told all those things was a weight off my chest. Expressing myself really did help, and it all felt strangely comforting.
"It's true… It's been a while since Yuumi has saw Yuu-nii so pitiful," said Yuumi.
"Uh, are you trying to hurt my feelings?"
"Would Yuumi even do that?"
I hugged her and reassured myself. There's no way my little sister can be insulting to her big brother. I feel bad for myself.
"Well, it seems like this is a tough one," said Miku.
"Yeah, I know..."
I really don't want to even get involved in anything. Even though it's for the sake of a girl, it's way too troublesome, even for me. But the reason I only accepted it is because she had problems with her love life, and she needed a little comforting. That's why I'll be there even in the worst times of life.
"...Why not just leave them be?" Yuumi suggested. "It's obvious that this isn't Yuu-nii's problem, but theirs."
"But even so, I made a promise," I said.
"That doesn't matter. The girl you made a promise with is trying to interject you in their club's problem in order for her to not feel guilty. In other words, she's just using you."
"Pretty wild assumptions..."
"And not just that, that library girl as well. Just leave her be. She may have had history with you in the past, but that's just all in the past."
"..."
I couldn't speak back.
Even though she was my little sister, the one that I should be taking care of, it just feels like she's scolding a little brother who got into a fight with his friends.
The things she said all sounded very reasonable. I was part of the literature club back in junior high, not in senior high, so I wouldn't need to interfere with whatever their doing.
Not just that, but you could say that both me and Satou-senpai had some history together but never made contact with her again, so everything was just all in the past.
It was all coming back again. The block that was preventing me from trying to come up with a plan to fix something.
Trying to make those thoughts disappear, I hugged Yuumi again and buried my face on her head, sighing as I did so.
"Yuu-nii, stop making me your teddy bear," Yuumi said.
"Sorry Yuumi. But, please, just a little longer."
As I struggled to keep it together, my little sister sat silently beside me. I didn't want to burden her with my problems, but I was desperate for a source of comfort. After what felt like an eternity, she let out a heavy sigh and gave a small nod of understanding. Her simple gesture spoke volumes and provided the solace I so desperately needed in that moment. Despite her youth, my sister's empathy and support were invaluable to me and helped me begin the process of healing.
"You two really are close, huh?" Miku commented. "But anyway, what plans have you got for now, Yuuji? There's no way you stayed inside your room for two hours without coming up with something."
"Sadly, I couldn't. The problems kept colliding with each other every time I made a clear solution, and it just goes on and on, kind of like an infinite loop."
"There's no way you couldn't come up with anything," she said as she slurped her miso soup. "Even if your intellect is on the average side, it's just impossible that you haven't constructed a single solution."
"Even if you tell me that..."
I'm still just stuck in a constant loop.
We all stayed quiet for a while. Miku was looking at me worriedly, and I couldn't see Yuumi's face because her back in faced to me.
Complications are really just way too hard. Misunderstandings can cause some pretty rough stuff too. In just less than two months, I've already had troubles that a single high school student wouldn't be able to handle.
"...Why don't we continue this tomorrow?" Miku suggested.
"Why?" I asked.
"You'd probably want to prioritize Yuumi-chan, right?"
"Huh?"
Before I noticed it, Yuumi had already fallen asleep. My chest felt like it was heavy, and I could hear barely audible breathing coming from her.
"...Yeah, that'd be a good idea."
"You good?" Miku asked.
"...Yeah, I'm fine."
After navigating my way through Yuumi's messy room and tucking her in her bed, both me and Miku got into my room. We were currently talking to each other like last week's fashion, that is to say, extremely close in my bed.
Unlike last week, which made me feel uneasy with even just aying on the bed with her, this time my mind had much more on it than I thought that I didn't even mind hugging her at this point.
After that, silence came. We were both just staring at each other, listening to each others synced breathing. It just felt...really comforting. If I could choose a time that I could experience one more time, it would definitely be this.
"You know, if I could go back to experience something one more time, it would definitely be this," Miku said, smiling as she did so.
"You read my mind."
We both giggled, easing my body and making me much more comfortable.
"Say, why do you know so many girls?"
"... It's going to sound ridiculous, but are you still willing to listen to it?"
"Sure. Anything for my pal."
Starting from the very beginning of my life, I recounted the story of my journey, including the time when I was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder and how my mother's advice helped me overcome it. I also spoke about my friends from junior high and how they have played a significant role in shaping who I am today. As I continued to share, Miku listened attentively as I delved into intricate details, painting a vivid picture of my experiences that spanned for hours on end.
As time passed, I gradually lost the drive to express myself. My thoughts and emotions seemed to have run dry, leaving me with little to contribute to the conclusion of my narrative. The story that I had been weaving was left unfinished, awaiting further development at a later time.
"Heh, it sure is pretty ridiculous," she said. "...But I believe you."
"...You really are someone I can rely on. Thanks," I said, trying to express my gratitude that wouldn't even fit in that single word.
To be honest, I felt like crying. I've never had such a friend that could be so understanding, even though my circumstances are somewhat different from ordinary people. My trust in Miku grew, and she really did make me feel comfortable.
"Let's try to devise a plan, now," she said. "I think it's better to take things one step at a time when they're actually happening."
"But how does that actually solve anything?"
"Through time. People tend to have their thought process sped up through peculiar times, and if you think about it, the same can be said to you. You can think of solutions through pressure, and can overcome the situation."
"..."
Just as I thought, Miku really is a genius.
"I'll...try doing those. Thanks for the advice, Miku."
"Like I said, anything for my pal."
"..."
Now I was hesitant.
I found myself in a predicament where I needed to request a favor from my friend Miku, but I was uncertain if our bond had reached the necessary depth for such an ask. However, upon recollecting our past conversations, she had previously mentioned being willing to assist me in any way possible. With this in mind, I concluded that it would not be detrimental to attempt making the inquiry.
Taking a deep breath, I started to ask her.
"Then...do you mind if you could hug me?" I asked. "I've been wanting to feel Yuumi's warmth for a while that which she was willing to do, but I instead relied on her and didn't get it."
"...Geez, I wonder who's really the spoiled one here."
Grabbing my head, she pulled me close to her body, and her entire warmth suddenly transmitted onto mine, which ensured me that everything would be okay.
"Don't worry, Yuuji," she said. "Even in your worst times of life, I'll still be there by your side, even if you don't think so."
After that, even after sleeping, Miku kept her arms wrapped around throughout my body, giving me a warm sleep that I never knew I actually needed.
***
Exiting the house, both me and Miku started walking towards the street of where Shimamura-san lived. This time, instead of encountering her in her house, we both saw her walking towards our direction.
Immediately noticing this, Miku started running towards her again, with her unusual cheerful personality. I noticed that last week, as well.
"Miku! I'm happy to see you again!" she said after she was in front of her.
"G-Good morning, Miku-san..."
She started asking her things like "How was your sleep," "What breakfast did you have," and so on and so forth, asking basically what went with Shimamura-san's day.
I went to them and then hit Miku's head lightly.
"It's way too early, Miku. Give her a break."
"I would, but I still want to know her favourite ice cream flavor!"
"You're still going on about that?"
That's literally the same thing she said last week when I interrupted her. She's usually never this cheerful in school, or even in my house.
I walked in front of Miku and handed Shimamura-san my lunch.
"Oh, thanks—"
Without even waiting for her full response, I immediately placed my hand into her head and started petting her. I didn't hesitate, even though I knew she beat one of the Three Deadly Beauties, and just placed my hand.
Thanks to that, Shimamura-san, with her usual emotionless face and tint of red in the ears, became that of the first time I actually gave her a headpat. Everything about this, even from the point of her temperature, became very similar to that first day we both met.
I didn't stop, though. It took longer than usual, which was fifteen seconds. For some reason, I didn't care whether she was going to get mad at me or not, and just kept petting her.
After those fifteen seconds, I finally pulled my hand out of her head.
"Thanks," I said.
The moment I pulled my hand, she didn't even say anything. She looked at my face with confused eyes while her face was red. And, although I'm looking straight at her, it felt like I'm not. It just feels like I'm staring straight at her soul.
"Hey, Yuuji, wasn't that a bit rude?" Miku said, looking at me.
"Huh? How?"
"You're way too assertive... Anyways, what about mine?"
"Yours? What are you talking about?"
She suddenly walked up towards me and started hitting me lightly. It was so light that it felt like she was giving me a massage. In other words, it felt good.
"Headpat! Me too!"
"Since when did we agree that I would give you a headpat?"
"It doesn't matter! I'm your friend!" She suddenly hit me more harder that this time, it actually hurts. "Come on!"
"Fine, geez..."
I put my hand on her head and started petting her. I wouldn't know for sure whether giving a friend of yours a headpat would be considered normal. But since I'm petting Shimamura-san, I guess it's fine.
"Hehe... This really is comforting," said Miku. "You picked a good guy, Ayase!"
"T-Thanks?"
"Hey, you don't respond that way," I said.