We arrived at a busy sidewalk near the station.
"So why are we here?"
"Have you ever wondered where I always go every Saturday?"
"Of course. But I thought it would be nosy of me to ask, so…"
"...I see. You really are considerate sometimes."
"I'm considerate all the times, you know?"
"Hahaha."
"Don't laugh."
My sister seemed to take my word as a joke. Then she wiped the tears in her eyes and smiled.
"That's true isn't it? Be it now or back then, you're always considerate towards me and prioritize me before yourself… Stupid brother… What should I do with you, really…"
A sudden insult.
Fortunately, seeing the gentle smile on her face, it doesn't seem like she's in a bad mood at least.
Still, she insults me when she's mad and when she's happy… What's with her, really?
"Well, now you know."
"Here?"
"Yes. I'm going to show you now."
Show me what?
She put down her hat and turned around in a familiar motion.
Then–
"...!"
A beautiful voice.
No, has she always been this good at singing?
As if to prove my point, strangers who were about to pass by stopped and looked at her.
"A busking?"
"Wow, so pretty!"
"Is she an idol?"
"The visual and voice are amazing. Hey, let's take a video."
Before long, people started to gather around her.
Some even started to put money into her hat.
As I was mesmerized by the surreal situation, a group of people arrived from afar.
"Haa… Haa…"
They were gasping for breath as if having run at full speed.
"It was later than usual, but… As I thought… It was correct to wait…"
"The princess is here!"
"Oh, the princess!"
They started to cheer enthusiastically for Eun.
It was as if seeing a real idol performing on stage.
It was then that my eyes met with Eun.
Her eyes look smug as if saying, "How was it?"
So I just smiled and gave her a thumbs up.
Then she smiled sweetly like a blooming flower.
"Hey, she just smiled at me."
"No, are you blind? She's smiling at me."
"Is this love?"
People around me started to create a stir. But my gaze was no longer on them.
From that point on, and even after the concert was over, I only gazed at her.
***
The time was noon.
We were sitting on a bench in the park, eating the ice cream we bought with the money Eun earned.
"How was it?"
"Delicious."
"That's not what I'm asking, geez."
"I'm serious. Here, you should give this taste a try too."
"I don't care about ice cream! Also, why did you order such an abomination? It's so green."
"It's called chocolate mint ice cream. I don't think I've ever tasted it, so..."
"You and your curiosity…"
"And I see that you still like strawberry."
"W-What's wrong with it?"
"Nothing. Just saying."
"That so?"
Eun took a bite of her ice cream and looked at the sky.
"I usually earn a bit more, but it's a special day today, so I decided to wrap up early for you."
"I'm honored."
"That's right. It's an honor to see a future idol like this."
"Right. I didn't know you can sing so well. You're amazing."
"Hehe, it's okay to praise me more, you know? "
"As you wish, my princess."
"Hey, don't call me that."
"Huh? Why?"
"Because… It's embarrassing…"
"I think it suits you well though."
"R-Really? Hm~... How so?"
"I mean, you're selfish, a tyrant, and–"
"Wanna die?"
"No, Your Highness."
"Aah! That's it, I'm going to kill you and kill myself."
The little princess is fun to tease.
"Anyway, I hope you understand now."
She finished her ice cream and looked up at me.
"Oppa."
A nostalgic word.
"I can earn money for myself now. It's not a lot, sure. But that's only true for now."
Her eyes sparkle with hope.
"I'm no longer the crybaby you always need to worry about and protect. I mean… I'm really, really thankful for what you did, but… It pains me to hear that I'm still holding you back even now, just like I did all those years. So please…"
A trembling voice.
"Please… Don't worry about me. I'm okay now, Oppa, really…"
Her eyes were half in tears.
"I have burdened you enough all this time. I don't want to be a burden to you even now. So if the reason you want to quit school is really for me, then, please... don't do it."
Her mood swings are as crazy as always, but even I can see that all of the emotions she showed me are real.
So, I decided to accept her straightforward feelings with all the seriousness I could muster.
"Got it. I won't quit."
Then, she smiled.
"Thank you, Oppa."
It was a smile more beautiful and dazzling than the sun.