Watching Kazumi's back as she left, Masashi showed a warm smile. Since that day, Kazumi had grown increasingly attached to him. Her expressions had become more lively, and she would occasionally joke or act playful—though only in front of him. To others, she still appeared as cold as ever. But this was already a good start, and he believed that one day, she would open up like a normal girl, laughing freely.
"Oh, it seems you and your sister have a close relationship," said a voice from beside Masashi as he ate his lunch.
Looking up, he saw Mizuta Kazuo, whose face was covered in freckles. Masashi didn't want to engage with him and continued eating without acknowledgment.
Irritated by being ignored, Kazuo felt even more frustrated. When Masashi had become a local hero after chasing down a thief half a year ago, Kazuo had been left feeling bitter. He couldn't accept someone like Masashi, an ordinary guy, being the center of attention.
And now, with Rumi Nagakawa seeking out Masashi, his jealousy and resentment only grew. Although Masashi claimed that he and Rumi were just friends, anyone could see that her respectful demeanor toward him suggested their relationship was anything but simple.
"Hirota Masashi—no, I mean, Gennai Masashi—mind telling me how you managed to 'train' your sister to be so obedient?" Kazuo sneered, emphasizing the word "train" suggestively.
Before he could finish, Masashi suddenly appeared right in front of him. He grabbed Kazuo by the collar and slammed him against the wall with a forceful "bang." Kazuo felt an unbearable pain, as though his chest was crushed under a massive weight, making it hard to breathe.
"I warn you—don't ever joke about my sister," Masashi said coldly, exuding a chilling, dangerous aura.
Kazuo, trembling under Masashi's intimidating glare, lost control and wet himself. Masashi released him, and he slumped to the ground, his legs weak.
"Get lost," Masashi said icily. Kazuo staggered out of the classroom, looking terrified, as if he had seen a ghost.
Everyone in the room stared at Masashi in shock, but he calmly returned to his seat, acting as if nothing had happened, and resumed his lunch.
After school, Masashi saw Rumi waiting by the gate.
"Rumi, this is my sister, Gennai Kazumi. Kazumi, this is Nagakawa Rumi, the friend from Hokkaido I told you about. She's in her first year of high school, so technically, she's your junior."
"Hello, Ms. Gennai. Please take care of me," Rumi said, bowing politely to Kazumi.
"Just call me Kazumi," she replied, returning the bow.
"Alright, you two, enough with the bowing," Masashi chuckled. "Let's head home; it's getting late."
Kazumi leaned in and whispered, "How did you manage to charm such a pretty girl?"
"You little rascal," he replied with a smile, playfully tapping her on the head.
"Always bullying me," she pouted, looking every bit the 16-year-old girl she was.
When they got home, Kazumi began preparing dinner, and Rumi insisted on helping. Surprisingly, the usually reserved Kazumi got along with Rumi very well, and the two of them were soon happily chatting and laughing in the kitchen.
After dinner, Rumi even started clearing the dishes before Kazumi could. Seeing this, Kazumi decided to go cut some fruit instead.
"Even though I don't want to admit it, she's a great girl," Kazumi said with a half-smile. "But I'm not too happy that you won't be just mine anymore."
"It's not what you're thinking. She's the granddaughter of an elder who wanted her to learn kendo. She came here alone from Hokkaido, and I'm just helping her settle in. You could see that she's very pure-hearted, right? So, please look out for her too."
"I understand," Kazumi replied, nodding. "Actually, I like her a lot."
That night, around nine, Rumi said it was time for her to go home, and Masashi naturally offered to walk her.
After about ten minutes, they arrived at her place. Masashi looked around; the area seemed safe, with plenty of lights and people passing by.
"Thank you for walking me home, senior, and thank you for dinner," Rumi said, bowing before entering her building.
"You're still too formal. Come visit us again sometime; Kazumi really enjoyed having you over," Masashi replied.
"Alright, senior. Would you like to come in for tea?"
"Maybe next time. Rest well. Call me if you need anything."
"Good night, senior."
After saying goodbye, Masashi walked back home under the moonlight.
…
A few days later, on Sunday, Masashi took advantage of his day off to visit Ms. Naoko's apartment. After knocking a few times, the door opened to reveal Aiko, Naoko's younger sister.
"Oh, it's you! Long time no see. How've you been?" Aiko greeted him happily.
"I came to see Ms. Naoko. I heard she resigned, so I wanted to check on her."
"She's moved to Nagoya. Didn't she tell you?"
"Did she change jobs?"
"Sort of. My grandmother runs an antique shop in Nagoya, and my sister went there to help out. Honestly, I don't understand why she'd want to work in such an old, boring shop. If it were me, I'd be so fed up."
Relieved, Masashi relaxed a little.
"So, you're living here alone now?"
"Yup! Isn't it cool?" she replied with a victory gesture.
"What about meals?"
"Not an issue! Before she left, my sister hired a housekeeper who comes to clean and cook every day."
"No wonder. I was wondering how you'd manage after she left. Well, if there's nothing else, I'll get going."
"Don't go yet! You're here, so stay and play a game with me. I'm so bored alone!"
Before he could protest, she pulled him inside, just like the last time.
Masashi had no choice but to sit down and play with her.