[ 1:58 p.m. ]
"Why don't you go back first, Umi?"
"Well, I was waiting to return with Iris-chan, not you."
"You're just as cruel as ever."
After being quiet for a moment
"After this, you should carry some cash with you. It's not just about choosing to transfer money. If you don't have me, how are you going to get home? Walking?"
"I know! You complain to me like a big brother. Even though you're actually younger than me!"
"Oy! You were born just under an hour before me, so don't brag."
"Hehe, call me si--"
"No!"
"Eh, I'm not finished yet."
"Just seeing that smile knows what you're thinking."
"Hmph, this isn't fun."
"Come on, don't be upset."
"Ice cream, treat me to some," Umi whispered softly, barely audible.
"Huh?"
"Nothing," Umi said, hurrying towards the exit.
"Hey! Wait for me to pick up my bag first."
'Ice cream?'
***
At primary school
In front of the entrance to the school There was a girl with flowing silver hair and clear ocean blue eyes waiting for someone.
'Why did brother come so late?'
After observing the surroundings, there were parents coming to take their children home one or two at a time. Until there were fewer and fewer people around. Iris can only wait...
"Meow"
Startled, there was a loud noise next to her. So she was startled.
It is a cute, fluffy, gray-haired cat.
"phew, it's the cat."
"Come here, Meow, Meow," Iris beckoned from her squatting position.
But the cat ignored her and disappeared into the nearby bushes.
'AI! It really hurts'
"What are you doing over there?"
This time, she was even more shocked. Because it was a voice that she was familiar with. her brother's voice
***
"What are you doing over there?" Nate asked in a suspicious tone.
"Ahem, good afternoon, sister."
"Good afternoon, Iris-chan. We'd better hurry home because the weather is so hot," Umi replied in a cheerful tone.
"Okay~"
After Umi and Iris meet each other I became helpless.
"Hey Iris, I'm here," I called my sister sadly.
'Damn, Umi spoiled my little sister.'
At that moment my instincts activated. I felt his gaze again. But this time it was from a gray-furred cat.
'Hmm, strange no matter how you look at it.'
So I activated the inspection skill.
[ Status ]
Name : Tuna
Origin : Terra
Race : Korat Cat
'Hm.. it's a normal cat' when I turned around again. The two girls had already walked away.
"Hey! Wait for me too."
After jogging until he caught up to the two of them, I heard their soft laughter.
"..rell-... i-...so..hahaha"
"However, I don't know. Haha."
"I heard that."
"So?" Umi said jokingly.
Nate sighed.
"What on earth?"
The three of them were waiting for the traffic lights to cross the road.
Nate suddenly recalled his strange feelings again. He couldn't explain it. When did it start?
A voice interrupted his thoughts again.
"Nate, aren't you going to cross the street?"
"Oh, I'm on my way" Nate was quickly snapped out of his thoughts.
Then we arrived at the station.
It didn't take long for the bus to arrive. We got on the bus.
After Nate paid the fare for three people, We didn't talk that much.
25 minutes have passed.
[2:38 p.m.]
We arrived at the stop where we were going to get off.
"Umi, we aren't stopping anywhere, are we?
"Yes. I want to go home."
"Let's do it that way."
We walked together until we were close to our house.
"Yawn. When I get home I'll get a good night's sleep" I said sleepily.
"At least big brother should take a shower first" Iris said.
Growl!
My stomach rumbled so loudly that both girls turned to look at me.
"I have changed my mind now. We'll stop by a convenience store."Umi said.
"I'm fine," I said shyly.
♪ Never gonna give you up never gonna-♪
'Huh? Why does my ringtone sound strange? Who's calling now?'
"Okay." Umi looked at me strangely.
[Yuki-san]
"Hello..."
"Hello, Nate!!. I haven't been able to contact Umi at all. No matter how many calls I made, I didn't answer." Hearing that, I turned to stare at Umi.
"Oh, she's fine. She just forgot her phone at home."
"Is that so? Then I can rest easy. Anyway, I'll leave you to take care of Umi from now on. Kukumm-When I'm not around."
"Huh, Yuki-san, I can't hear you clearly."
"eh, I just want to talk to Umi for a bit."
"Okay." What did you? Nate could only wonder.
"Hey Umi, take this."
"Hmm, okay."
"Hello.."
Then a strange and sad expression appeared on Umi's face.
"I'm sorry."
She must have received a lot of complaints from her mother. It was definitely because her only daughter suddenly lost contact with her. Whoever it was, he'd probably be worried, right?
After a while she handed the phone back to me.
Of course, I didn't forget to change my phone ringtone back to the way it was before.
"Oh, see you later~" Umi said.
"see ya"
"bye~"
Umi and Iris bid a kind farewell.
***
A few minutes later
Nate stood for a moment in front of the door.
After hesitating for a moment, 'why did I hesitate?' This is my own house.
clack!
Unlock the door of the house Throwing the old sneakers back in their place, Nate was about to plop down on the couch, exhausted.
After being quiet for a while, he realized that he was still wet with sweat.
I was chased by my younger sister to take a shower.
My little sister has changed. The cute little girl is gone. I can only feel sad in my heart.
I had a slightly strange feeling at first. But I thought it would be normal, maybe.
After taking a shower and washing my hair and holding a mini concert in the bathroom.
Nate had just dried his hair and when he stepped out he could smell a delicious smell wafting on the breeze.
"Hmm. What smells so good?"
"Try to guess, but if you guess correctly I won't have a reward for you~" Umi said kindly.
"Eh.. Gyudon, right?"
"That's right, hehe. This is for you and this is for Iris-chan," Umi said with a smile.
"Thank you, sister." At that moment, Iris stared at the two of us with a mysterious smile.
"Looks delicious," Nate said with excitement on his face.
"What are you waiting for? Hurry and eat it while it's hot. It will be delicious."
"Itadakimasu" Then the three of us ate deliciously together.
I don't know when I started using this word. But this culture has spread to my house. And there may be similar customs. spread throughout To show appreciation for food If translated directly, it is "I want to eat now." At first glance, this action may seem like a normal cultural act. It's not unlike Western culture where people say prayers before eating, but the word "itadakimasu" actually has a deeper meaning than just thanking the food.
"Itadakimasu" is related to Buddhism in Japan. that respects and gives importance to all living things on earth Therefore, saying the word "Itadakimasu" is an appreciation for the sacrifice of animals. and various plants to become raw materials for our food And it is a request for permission to accept these foods as part of our lives. In addition, the word This "itadakimasu" also includes thanking the various people involved in cooking. Whether it's a chef food server or people growing vegetables, etc.
In this era that used to go through famine from many factors Just this short word It shows the deep meaning that shows the value of every meal. Therefore, Japanese people tend to eat their entire plate. To show appreciation for various raw materials and the strength and energy of the people who cook each of our meals This culture, in addition to showing appreciation for our surroundings, It also helps reduce food waste.
Food waste besides increasing costs for consumers. It's also not environmentally friendly. This is because food waste is often disposed of incorrectly by landfill. This increases greenhouse gas emissions. From the fermentation of organic waste, methane gas is emitted. In addition, food waste also causes odor problems. and is a breeding ground for many germs as well
Just one small culture Can help reduce waste problems. And it can help solve environmental problems as well and solve hunger at the same time.
Just imagine how cruel the world had been for hundreds of years before mana and magic changed everything. It makes me feel bad. But why do I have to feel bad? I could only wonder with a strange feeling in my heart.
We just have to survive each day. That's enough.
"gochisosama" I said after finishing eating.
"I'll wash the dishes myself. Umi, you go get some rest."
"Okay~"
"I'll help you wash the dis-"
"You too, Iris. Go do your homework."
"Alright," Iris puffed her cheeks before rushing back to her room.
Now I'm the only one left in the kitchen.
As I reached out my hand to pick up the rice plate There was a strange feeling again.
'Am I left or right handed?'
Just this little question in my heart. Makes me feel very confused. When I think back Why couldn't he think of anything?
'what wrong with me?'
.