I might like Natsukawa, but I definitely ain't got the hots for the summer1. So many insects, the heat is killing me, there's literally nothing good about this. At least you can wear another layer of clothes in the winter to deal with the cold. Why is our classroom equipped with air conditioning, but we're not even using it? This dampness is killing me.
As I was internally groaning to myself, I felt my pocket vibrate. Taking out my smartphone, and checking the phone screen, this is what I was greeted with.
'You received one new message from Kaede.'
Man, I really don't want to open that. A message from Big Sis? Hasn't happened since like half a year ago, telling me to buy steamed buns on the way home. I got a really bad feeling about this.
No, it's fine. We're in the middle of class right now. She won't be able to complain if I quickly read but not respond. Especially her, who is attending a cram school, shouldn't be able to fault me for that—
'You received two new messages from Kaede.'
I was about to throw my phone. Not good, my phone screen already cracked once earlier this year. If I break it again, Mom will kill me. That is something I need to avoid at all costs. Is she telling me not to ignore her? Alright, I get it already.
'Oi? Hey.'
I didn't even say anything!? Is that really how you communicate nowadays? Jesus Christ, so much pressure without even saying anything. I swished the screen downwards, and confirmed the message before that one.
'Lunch break. Student council office.'
I mean, I get that I'm being called over, but…did she, like, grasp some weakness of mine? I don't see any reason why you could sound so demanding, but whatever. I sent a response.
'Better wait for your punishment.'
'Alright, I'll warm up my fist.'
Why is she preparing for a quarrel just like that? I really don't want to go right now. Are we really siblings? And how are these four handsome guys even clinging to her like that? She must have figured out a way to threaten them, right?
As I was glaring down at my smartphone, a shadow dropped down on my thighs.
"Sa~jou~kun~"
"I'm terribly sorry."
"That won't do."
Well, I guess this world wouldn't be as naive as that. With another earful from my teacher, I changed into an adult more and more.
*
Where was the student council office again? With that thought in mind, I wandered around aimlessly. She only said lunch break, so it doesn't matter even if I end up a bit late. But then, I saw something odd in my view.
"That woman…!"
"..."
I spotted a female student, grinding her teeth as she looked inside the classroom in front of the window. From appearance alone, she looked like a gal, thanks to her blonde hair. Despite coloring her hair like that, her hairstyle was fairly docile. That gal-less part of hers brought forth a favorable impression. That being said, I'd rather not get involved with her. Blonde hair? I'll stand out next to her.
Also, can you not shake around your butt like that? Did you forget that we're inside a school? I mean, don't mind me, really.
However, when I looked above that suspicious girl, I saw a sign with 'Student council' written on it. How unlucky can I be, really…But, I need to get inside there no matter what. That is the order I received from my master—Oh wow, we're less like siblings and more like master and servant now, huh.
Either way, I need to get past this cute woman, and inside the student council office. Is there no method I could use? Non, cool, then let's go with this (*Immediate decision).
'There's some weird girl in front of the student council office, so I'm going home.'
Snitch, of course. Following that, I retreated from that place, heading to my favorite bench in the courtyard. Aren't I the strongest? I get back my peaceful lunch break, and leave everything to Big Sis instead. Goodbye, suspicious person that I surely will never see in my life ever again.
'Confirmed. Annoying. Warmed my fist.'
What is this, a case file. It feels like she's going to write a story about achieving revenge towards a person she held a years-long grudge for. That pressure from your message is way too strong. Is this because she started attending a cram school? Her talent has gone up drastically…!
And what, are you some otome game protagonist who earns hate and contempt from every rival girl around you by creating a reverse harem? Please, just don't wrap me up in this mess. Yeah, I should be safe, as I'm not as handsome as these guys…Right?
'Hey, we're done, so come back.'
Excuse me? What is 'done', Big Sis! How did you deal with her that quickly!
Making a swift decision is my motto. Rarely enough, Big Sis and I seem to resemble each other in that context. With a sigh, I turned right around, making my way towards the student council office again. This time, the five members of the student council were already waiting for me.
"Hello everyone."
"I'll kill you."
"Choice of words, vice-president."
"Shut up." Big Sis immediately walked back inside the office, while signaling me to follow a rough movement of her chin.
Looking at the feeble-type Senpai who was grumbling to himself, he showed a troubled smile. What kind of reaction is that, I'm gonna melt.
*
"So, why did you call for me."
"There's way too many documents for the culture festival this fall that need organizing. Help me, will you. I wanted the help of a cat even, but I guess that you will have to do."
"Don't just put me below a cat…You ain't got someone else you could ask?"
"You're good with all the management work, right?"
"Huh?"
"Your part-time job. I know that you were faking your age to work."
"Huh?"
That was back in middle school, a time where I did everything in order to get a better chance with Natsukawa Aika. To get the necessary funds for that, I would secretly work on Saturdays. When I wanted to quit to prepare for the entrance exams of this high school, they begged me to continue, even offering to raise my salary. In the end, I still quit because my parents were about to find out, seeing that it was weird for an examinee to leave on Saturdays.
I thought I had kept it as secret, but to think Big Sis knew about that. So, she really grasped my weakness, huh…Kyaa~
"What's this about? Your little brother was a delinquent, Kaede?"
"No, he's a diligent and hardworking farmer."
"We live in a town…"
When I gave the energetic-type Senpai—I think his name was Todoroki-senpai?—a response, the feeble-type handsome Senpai threw in a sharp retort. Looking at his name plate, it said 'Hanawa'—Wait, Hanawa!? This sounds like something I heard before! I can smell the riches from here!
"B-Baby…"
"Shut up, and do this. I'll treat you to some steamed buns later."
"Two."
"Of course?"
Eh, really…?
While receiving several explanations from the handsome Senpais around me, the talented-type second-year Senpai—Kai-senpai—gave me extremely careful treatment. He's probably the type to speak polite even towards a junior…Maybe that's just the default for him.
I figured that the K4 would always cling to Big Sis at any given moment, but every single one of them seemed fairly diligent about their work. Maybe that was also some kind of condition Big Sis gave them to call me here. With sweet bread in one hand, pen in the other, I worked on my duties, only for lunch break to slowly reach its end.
"—Right? Just as I told you."
"Yeah…You were right. I can see why you were so confident, vice-president."
"Ah, um…"
The cool-type handsome guy—Yuuki-senpai praised me. I kind of feel guilty for constantly avoiding Big Sis' unreasonable demands. Then again, this time I couldn't escape it.
"You're not going to call me here again tomorrow, right?"
"Alright, I'll buy you an erotic book of your choice. Big."
"Big."
Just what 'Big' she talking about? Does she know my interests…? If so, then how? That's hella scary. Isn't she a bit too well-informed about her younger brother? No, hold on. Do girls have such a woven network of information over anybody? JKs are scary, their destined profession must be a spy or something.
"Counting on you tomorrow."
"Aye aye." I gave a resignful response.
It's definitely not like I was won over by that 'big' thing she was talking about. Rather, I saw that someone needed my help, so I could only lend her my strength…! For that sake, I will do this job given to me! (*Cold eyes)
We split up in front of the student council office, and I made my way back to the classroom. Coincidentally enough, the talented-type handsome guy Kai-senpai happened to walk in the same direction, so we went together. Since practically all of the student council members were giants compared to me, I'd honestly rather not walk next to them, though…
"Kaede-san was worried about you, Wataru-san."
"…Eh?" My shoulders twitched in shock as he suddenly spoke up.
Because of this, and the contents of his sentence, my head turned blank. Is this some kind of illusion? I must be tired from the (*30 min) work.
"'Is there something characteristic that a boy in his first year of high school could worry about?' she asked me, and I was honestly at a loss."
"She probably thought it was something related to my puberty."
"I wouldn't have expected it to be about her younger brother. I thought she might have fallen in love with a first-year."
So that's why the entire student council greeted her that morning. And, I can see why Todoroki-senpai got all agitated, as well as why Kai-senpai would be so curious about my relationship with her. They thought I was their rival in love, huh.
"'Might not have made it in time, probably my fault', she added."
"Can she not treat me like I died already? It's definitely not too late for me."
"That's how Kaede-san felt, though."
"Huh? What's that about…"
Some puberty-related issues…Well, that might just be the case. From an onlooker's point of view, a high school student is still a child, but there's often times where you would convince yourself that you're an actual adult now. If you don't devote yourself to that thought, you'll be hit by the difference between the fantasies you imagined, and the reality waiting to hit you in the face.
I wonder, was I knocked down like that? It's not like I'm falling into despair or anything, I just feel embarrassed after objectively looking at what I've done so far. Maybe even thinking about this shows that I'm still in my puperby. But, this being her fault? Why would she feel that way?
"But, I don't think what Kaede-san said is wrong. You have the eyes of someone who gave up already."
"You don't need to talk to me like some old wrinkly man who gave up on life."
"Kaede-san said it in the way that 'At least our eyes resemble each other's', you see. However, I don't feel that way. I'm even doubting the fact that you are her younger brother."
"I never thought we really resembled each other to be honest."
Back in grade school, seeing how Big Sis was acting, I was shocked that she had this many friends. I figured that it must have been exhausting to deal with so many people. She herself said that it happened all naturally, but…to me, it just felt like we weren't similar at all, despite being siblings.
After that, I spend my days and years chasing after Natsukawa. I feel like my head was always full of Natsukawa that I didn't have any more room to even think about my puberty and all that. Because I was always up in the clouds, or blinded by love, I never thought about anything serious like that. I guess that might be the case why it happened late now.
Now that I think about it, I feel like I was always a bit of a cheeky guy back in grade school. I might have possessed a much more realistic outlook on life that I had all the way through middle school until recently.
"When Big Sis talks nonsense like that again, tell her 'I just got a manly look in my eyes now'."
"I see, that might be the only part that you two resemble each other in."
"It's not the only part, our DNA overlaps."
"Blunt to the point…"
What if our DNA wasn't similar either? Maybe our parents are different after all…That would make me a follower of hers as well. I really don't want that. No no, I'm sure our hair whorl must be similar.
"Well, this is probably a delicate time for me as well."
"Fufu, I'm sure that your sister must want to witness the changes you go through."
"Don't you wish that this kind of attention would be directed at you Senpais instead? I don't think it's very nice of her to ignore all these handsome guys just for her younger brother."
"Oh my, you say some wonderful things. Let me reevaluate you."
If anything, how were you seeing me until now? Also, could you stop showing that fishy expression every time the name of my Big Sis pops up? Dudes who show a kind expression with ulterior motives are the scariest, especially if they're handsome. I feel like Kai-senpai is the type to immediately blow a fuse once he ends up in a bad mood, starting a quarrel with about anybody…Best be careful, alright.
"Then, I'll be taking my leave here."
"Yes, see you again."
Right as we headed to the third floor, we split up. The atmosphere that remained after I watched him walk off gave me the aftertaste of an illusion as if we had talked about something extremely clever just now. On top of that, I felt this odd sense of superiority just by having talked with a handsome guy like him. Though, I don't know why. Handsome guys sure are crazy, maybe this could be the saving strength for someone in this world (*Vague).
"…Oh?
As I made it back to the classroom of my class 2C, I could pick up a bit of noise inside. Since the door was open, I took a peek inside, only to smile to myself at the scenery greeting me.
…Yep. As expected, Natsukawa was the center of attention, surrounded by several boys and girls. I'm feeling a bit conflicted that there's more boys now as well, but Natsukawa Aika is an idol, so it can't be helped. But, don't you dare touch her, Yamazaki, or I will murder you…!
"Wahhh, is this your little sister, Natsukawa-san?"
"So cute!"
Seems like the topic at hand was Natsukawa's little sister. She was pointing at her phone, showing a slightly embarrassed reaction. Yup, what a goddess. Oh yeah, she did have a little sister. Since she was three years old when we were in our second middle school year, she must be around five now. Almost in grade school, huh. Not like I ever met her before. I don't wanna bring that up in front of Natsukawa-san, I'm scared.
"Having a cute little sister must be great…Hey Natsukawa-san, can I come meet her?"
"E-Ehh!? Y-You wanna visit my place…!?"
Ohhh…!? That's the cozy-type of girl, Shirai-san! She's more aggressive than I thought! The way Natsukawa ended up flustered is great as well! More, Shirai-san! Attack her more!
As I was thinking that, more people moved towards Natsukawa's seat, which made me stand out more in the process. As a few students already caught on to me lurking, it didn't take long for Ashida and Natsukawa to look over at me.
"Ah, Sajocchi! Look at this! It's Aichi's little sis! She's so cute!"
"Ohh, makes me want to gulp her up."
"Sajocchi…"
Ashida held Natsukawa's phone, coming all the way over here to show it to me. Ahh, what an angel. She'll definitely grow up to become a beauty like Natsukawa. If I had a little sister like her, a single hug could blow away all the exhaustion from a single day…But, is this going to be okay? Natsukawa won't get angry at me for this, right.
"We're all talking about visiting Aichi's place sometime!"
"I don't think my level is high enough for that."
"Natsukawa-san's place isn't some dungeon…" The soccer club member Sasaki gave me an annoyed retort.
Not bad, punk. Is that how you win your soccer games as well? Also, 'all' of you…?
"With these numbers?"
"H-Hmpf…! I'm not letting you get close to anywhere near Airi, otherwise she might be negatively influenced in some way!"
"Haha, you're probably right."
"Eh…"
If I had such a cute little sister, I wouldn't let any guy like me get close to her either. Especially peeps like Yamazaki or Sasaki, you bastards won't even get a glimpse of her in a picture and what am I even saying?
Well, I only got Big Sis with me…I wouldn't even be greedy enough for a little sister, but I really wanted a younger brother (*Greedy)…I heard that if you overcame that Onii-chan status, you'd be pretty popular with the little sister-type girls…But wait, doesn't mean I would have to cross the line with my actual little sister…Hmm, sounds complicated.
As I was thinking about some ridiculous stuff, I remembered that I'll have to help with the student council from now on. Ahh, that already sounds exhausting…I don't think I'll be able to become an adult. Before getting enough XP, my HP are going to run out…
"Hey, lunch break already ended. Go sit down already."
"Urk, it's Sensei."
"What do you mean 'Urk'? Say that again, will you."
Our math teacher Hasebe-sensei walked into the classroom, only to receive annoyed glances from the group around Ashida and Yamazaki.
"Come on, Sajocchi, he got angry at you!"
"Don't make it my fault."
"…So, Sajocchi?"
"Hmm?"
"…No, it's nothing."
"…?"
I don't know what that was about, but at least she didn't annoy me. What's wrong, Ashida, you got a change of heart, and you're not acting kindly towards the corner-of-the-classroom-type (not handsome) boy? That's the best news all day.
As for Natsukawa, I'm great that things are making progress. It's reassuring to know that my efforts weren't in vain. For things that are out of my control, like that suspicious girl in front of the student council office, I should just leave that to someone else. I feel like Big Sis was oddly worried about me, but this isn't a problem at all, no.
In the end, I'm a guy who's as average as it gets, not standing out at all.
(Note:Natsukawa's Natsu means summer.)