"Are you sure it's okay not to join any clubs? You don't have to worry about me, you know."
Two weeks had passed since we started middle school, and we were getting used to our new routine when my sister asked me this.
"It's fine. I can play the piano at home, and even when I was in the club before, I was mostly practicing alone."
Besides, I don't want to spend less time with my sister. I feel embarrassed, so I won't tell her that part.
"I see. Well, if you're okay with that, Kaya, then it's fine."
"What about you, though? Didn't you get invited to join several clubs? Are you sure you're okay with not joining any?"
I was happy that my sister wasn't joining any clubs, but I was genuinely curious. She would excel in any club she joined, so I wondered why she didn't.
"Yes, I don't have time to waste on trivial things like that."
"I see… But you know, you used to talk to everyone a lot more in elementary school, and you were more approachable. What's changed recently?"
It wasn't just about clubs; in elementary school, my sister was more social, always surrounded by people. Now, rumors of the "solitary princess" were even reaching other classes.
"If I spent time with all those insignificant people, it would only take away from our time together, which would defeat the purpose."
Hearing her say that, I felt relieved. But then I wondered why she was different in elementary school. When I asked her, she hesitated for a moment before answering softly.
"That was… because I didn't want you to worry."
"Huh? Sorry, I couldn't hear you. Could you say that again?"
"It's nothing. As long as you don't mind, Kaya, it's fine. Honestly, I wish I had started acting like this sooner."
She pulled me close and hugged me tightly. I tried asking her what she meant, but she just brushed it off without answering. Well, as long as it's not something serious, I guess it's okay. With that thought, I leaned into her embrace and enjoyed her warmth. The peaceful moments passed by quietly.
As May arrived, preparations for the sports festival began in earnest. I had rarely been able to participate in such events before because I was always told not to get too involved, so it felt new to me. My sister was chosen as a relay runner, and I felt proud of her as her younger sister.
While we practiced cheering and the various events, the day of the sports festival arrived before we knew it. Even though the festival was held in May to avoid the summer heat, we were hit by scorching weather, and I felt like collapsing even before the events started. Despite the heat, I managed to get through my events without dragging anyone down. Although my sister and I were in different teams, we ate lunch together and talked about the morning's events. In the afternoon, my sister participated in the team relay, and I watched proudly as she contributed to her team's victory.
After the festival ended, our teams dispersed, and I went to find my sister so we could walk home together. Although her team had already broken up, I couldn't find her anywhere. After searching for a bit, I found her behind the gymnasium. Just as I was about to call out to her, I heard an unfamiliar boy's voice say, "I like you. Please go out with me."
Suddenly, I froze as if paralyzed, unable to move. Struggling to lift my heavy feet, I quietly slipped away from the scene. It was just like that time before—I had overheard something I shouldn't have.
A nauseating feeling churned inside me, and I was overcome with the urge to go home and forget what had just happened. Just as I was about to leave through the school gate, my sister called out to me.
"Kaya! Why were you leaving without me?"
"...Sorry. I couldn't find you, so I thought you had already gone home."
I lied instinctively, unable to meet her gaze because of the guilt and awkwardness I felt.
"There's no way I'd go home without you, right? You should have called me."
"...Sorry."
"Come on, let's go home together."
On the way home, I barely spoke, only responding to my sister's words with simple nods. Even as we took our usual bath together and cooked dinner, I kept waiting. I hoped she would bring up what had happened during dinner, but she never did.
Why won't she tell me? Does she think she can't talk to me about it? Maybe… No, it's her life, and it's not for me to interfere. But even knowing that, the thought of her being with someone else filled me with dread.
I never knew I had such ugly feelings inside me—I didn't want to know. I just had to bury these emotions and get back to normal tomorrow. I knew this day would come eventually, that she would move on. It just happened a bit sooner than I expected, that's all…
Even though she was holding me close, I couldn't fall asleep that night.