Gogaku Ryuugaku ni Kita Hazu no Kizoku Reijou, Naze ka Hanayome Shugyou Bakari Shite iru Chapter 4
Around the middle of May.
“Sports festival?”
“Yeah. It basically means a ‘sports tournament.’”
The time for the annual sports festival had arrived.
I wasn’t sure if there was something similar in England, but at the school where I joined the exchange program—Lily’s school—there was nothing like it.
“I see. So what is it? Rugby? Soccer? Cricket? Or tennis?”
“Ah, no, not those.”
I had mistranslated it.
When I explained that the events included things like tamaire and tsunahiki, where experience didn’t really matter, Lily frowned.
TLN: Tsunahiki means “rope pulling.” In Japanese, “tug-of-war” is called 綱引き (つなひき / tsunahiki). And Tamaire means “ball toss” (the one where students throw small balls into a basket on a tall pole)
“That sounds kind of childish.”
“You don’t like it?”
“Not really. I guess it’s fine once in a while.”
She relaxed her lips a little as she said that.
It didn’t seem like she minded participating.
I then handed Lily a paper with the list of events.
“You have to join at least one team event and one individual event. The final decision will be made during the class discussion.”
I explained each event in detail to Lily.
Team events included things like Tamaire and tsunahiki.
Individual events included races, obstacle runs, and a karimono race.
TLN: karimono Race a type of sports festival game where participants draw a slip of paper and must borrow the written item/person before reaching the goal.
『What does this bread-eating race mean?』
“They hang bread along the running course. You have to eat it using only your mouth.”
『That sounds terribly rude... By the way, what happens to the bread after the race is over?』
“...The bread belongs to the person who got it, so it’s up to them.”
『Hmm... Then, what kind of bread is it?』
“Probably sweet bread. Last year there were melon bread and even filled bread.”
『I see.』
It seemed Lily was more interested in the bread itself than in the actual race.
“What about the team event?”
“I’ll just do the same one as you, Souta.”
So basically, she didn’t mind as long as it was with me.
If the event we chose was too popular, participants would be decided by lottery. Depending on the result, Lily and I could end up separated.
So I should probably choose a less popular event, but...
“Are you really okay with that?”
“Yeah, it’s fine.”
I decided I’d pick something fun—something that could become a good memory for us.
※※※
“What individual event are you going to pick, Souta?”
During break, before homeroom started, Misato asked me.
“Maybe the karimono race. Just running is boring, and I already did the obstacle run back in third year of middle school.”
I’d never tried the karimono race before. That’s why I wanted to give it a shot.
“What about the team event?”
“I haven’t decided yet, but I promised Lily I’d join the same one as her.”
“Hmm. You two are still acting all lovey-dovey, huh.”
“It’s not like that.”
I frowned.
Thankfully, the person we were talking about wasn’t here right now.
“Are you just hiding your embarrassment? Or are you really not dating each other?”
Misato asked with a serious tone.
It looked like she genuinely believed Lily and I were dating.
...Well, I could understand why she’d think that.
“We’re really not dating.”
“Hmm. If it were me, I wouldn’t go over to a classmate of the opposite sex’s house... Especially since Amelia-chan said she came here to ‘learn to be a wife.’ Doesn’t that obviously mean that ?”
So she had even told Misato about that, huh.
[learn to be a wife.]
“That’s just Lily messing up her Japanese again. Don’t misunderstand.”
“Really? Can that even happen?”
“If it’s Lily, it can. She may look smart, but she’s actually pretty naïve and clumsy.”
Lily really was clumsy, and she often jumped to weird assumptions.
“Is that so? ...I guess I can believe that about Amelia-chan. But... you’re also kind of strange, Souta...”
Strange? What was that supposed to mean?
I can be careless sometimes, but compared to Lily, I was nothing at all.
“Have you really never thought that Amelia-chan might like you, Souta?”
“I don’t think she does.”
“Why are you so sure?”
“Because I heard it straight from her once.”
Back when I was in England, I’d asked Lily once, “Do you... maybe like me?”
I’m a guy, after all. Talking with a cute girl is fun, and it makes you happy—enough that you might even hope she feels the same way about you.
But the result...
“I already decided not to misunderstand anymore.”
Even though I wasn’t fluent in English back then, I remembered clearly how she had snapped at me, “Please don’t misunderstand.”
Those words had stung a little.
“Hmm. But it doesn’t really look that way... Anyway, what about you, Souta? Do you like Amelia-chan?”
“Not really... She’s cute and sweet, but...”
It was true I’d felt hurt when she told me not to misunderstand.
But at the same time, I felt relieved. Because I wanted to stay good friends with Lily.
“I don’t want to date, especially not with a friend. ...You get that, don’t you, Misato?”
Misato gave me a bitter smile at my question.
“...Yeah, I guess so. Even if you’re close, if your values don’t match, then even the closest relationship will fall apart. And that’s awkward. Friends... It’s better to just stay friends.”
No matter how close you are, if your values don’t align, the relationship will collapse.
And if that happens, you can’t go back to how it used to be.
Misato and I both understood that.
『What are you two talking about?』
I heard Lily’s voice, sounding a bit irritated.
She stood there with a pout on her face.
It looked like she had just come back from Japanese class.
“Hehe, what do you think?”
“Oi, don’t cling to me like that.”
Misato smiled meaningfully as she wrapped her arm around mine.
She pressed herself right up against me.
Seriously, this girl... she’s always causing trouble.
“I have absolutely no interest.”
Lily glared sharply at Misato as she said that.
Then she grabbed onto my other arm with both hands.
“E-Eh, wait... Lily!?”
And then she pulled hard.
I had to brace both feet against the floor to keep from falling over.
Lily hugged me with both arms. Her soft chest pressed against my arm, but she didn’t care and kept pulling with all her strength.
“Souta. Let’s talk about the sports festival. We need to decide what events we’ll do together.”
As she said this, Lily glared straight at Misato.
Misato looked amused and chuckled.
“Alright then... do your best.”
She said that and let go of my arm.
With the pull from my right side suddenly gone, my balance broke and...
“W-Whoa...”
Unable to stop myself, I toppled toward Lily.
This is bad!
Panic shot through me and I reflexively hugged Lily.
『Kyaa!』
“Ugh...”
I dug in with both feet and desperately tried to keep from falling.
Little by little, I managed to regain my balance.
“Lily, are you okay!?”
『Mmphh...!』
Lily let out a muffled groan. When I checked, I realized her face was buried in my chest.
Only the tips of her toes touched the floor.
...It seemed I had accidentally lifted her up when I hugged her too tightly.
I hurriedly loosened my arms around Lily.
『Phaaahh...!』
“Sorry, are you alright?”
I asked as I gently set her down.
Lily’s face... was bright red.
She looked up at me with watery eyes.
“U-Um...”
『You pervert, Souta...!』
Thud!
Lily punched my chest with her fist.
It actually hurt quite a bit.
After that, she huffed and returned to her seat.
『Pervert, Souta...!』
“This is your fault, you know!”
I glared sharply at Misato.
※※※
A few days before the sports festival.
That day’s P.E. class was practice for the festival, with both boys and girls mixed together.
There were students like Lily who had never experienced some of the events before. The goal was to understand the rules and learn the basics.
『Wow, it’s only May, but it’s already this hot.』
Lily muttered while looking up at the sun. She was wearing her gym uniform, her hair tied back in a ponytail for easier movement.
“That’s normal for Japan in May.”
“I see.”
Lily’s expression immediately crumpled.
Her pale skin was slightly damp with sweat. It looked like the temperature was still too much for her as someone from England.
“Don’t stare, you pervert.”
Lily fidgeted with her legs as she said that.
The girls’ gym shorts at our school were on the short side. That made Lily’s long, pale legs stand out even more.
“Ah, sorry.”
I quickly looked away.
I hadn’t meant anything by it, but...
After being called out, I became more self-conscious. A beautiful girl like Lily in a gym uniform, her body lines clear to see—it made me not know where to look.
“Hurry up and practice, we don’t have much time.”
“Why are you getting involved too...”
Lily glared at Misato, who had come over to encourage her. Misato was also in the same event as us.
It looked like Lily wasn’t happy about that.
I couldn’t really tell whether their relationship was good or bad.
“I lost rock-paper-scissors, so let’s just get started with the mukade Race.”
The mukade Race.
It was a race where several participants lined up vertically, tied their legs together, and ran to the finish. At our school, it was done with five people.
“...Don’t get in my way.”
“I’ll take it seriously.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
Lily and Misato started arguing as they tied their legs to mine.
This was supposed to be an event where everyone had to cooperate...
Did I make the wrong choice?
“Souta, you’re too close to Misato.”
As soon as practice began, Lily protested from behind me.
Misato was in front, I was right behind her, and Lily was behind me.
Behind her were a girl from our class, and then a boy from another class.
“Well, if I don’t stay close, it’ll be dangerous...”
Since the person in front of me was Misato, I didn’t think much of pressing close.
But...
“Actually, Lily, you’re the one sticking too close.”
“This is normal.”
Normal, huh?
I kept feeling something soft pressing against my back.
And every time Lily spoke, her breath tickled my ear with a faintly sweet and sour scent.
“Souta, you can press closer, you know?”
“Misato!”
“Please, don’t start fighting...”
I couldn’t help but think—maybe this race wasn’t exactly the best choice for boys and girls to do together...
※※※
[Lily's POV]
I, Amelia Lily Stafford, had been going to school in Japan for about a month now.
After school, I was doing the laundry.
“Hm-hm-hmm~”
I hummed lightly as I loaded the clothes into the washing machine.
At first, I didn’t even know how to use one, but now I could do it just fine.
I was one step closer to being a good wife.
“...Ah.”
It was Sou-chan’s gym uniform.
It felt a little damp, probably from sweat.
I recalled today’s practice for the mukade Race. We had been training for the event at the upcoming sports festival.
In that race, participants had to press close to the person in front of them.
Which meant... I had no choice but to press my body against Souta’s.
...He smelled so good.
“...”
Without realizing it, I held my breath.
He had worn this just hours ago during practice. It must still be full of Souta’s scent.
My heart pounded hard.
“This is no good. Doing something like this... it’s not right.”
But... is it really not okay?
We’re lovers, aren’t we?
Just a little should be fine, right?
Ah, but it’s improper...
“...Ah.”
Before I knew it, my nose was pressed against his gym uniform.
I couldn’t stop myself anymore.
I couldn’t stop.
“Hhh... Haaah...”
My lungs filled with Souta’s fragrance.
Souta...
“...This really isn’t good.”
This scent could break me.
Souta’s smell was addictive.
I threw the uniform into the washing machine.
“I should stop. At least, for today.”
※※※
After finishing the laundry—
“Wow, that sounds so fun! A sports festival, huh? I’ve seen those in anime! Make sure to send me pictures, okay?”
“Yeah, I got it.”
I was on the phone with my best friend Mary, after what felt like a long time.
Speaking in English was a little more comfortable, even though I had gotten used to Japanese.
Souta could speak English too, but he wasn’t a native speaker.
“Oh yeah, I saw you on TV!”
“...TV? Ah, you mean that interview?”
When I had gone on a date with Souta, a Japanese TV station had interviewed me.
It was a program that asked foreigners visiting Japan about their reasons for coming, sometimes digging a little deeper.
I had answered boldly: 'I’m training to become a good wife.'
“Wait, that was broadcast in England too?”
I thought it was just a Japanese show...
“No way. I saw it online.”
“Oh, I see.”
These days, watching foreign TV shows wasn’t that hard. I thought Mary only watched Japanese anime, but apparently, she watched other stuff too.
“It was trending on social media. I got curious and watched it, and when I realized it was you, I was really surprised.”
Social media, huh...
Probably one of those worlds full of English-speaking anime fans like Mary. A world I rarely touched.
“Trending? Like what?”
“Well... people were saying, ‘There’s this super cute English girl.’”
“Fufufu, of course.”
My cuteness was universal, number one in the world.
Souta was the luckiest man alive to have someone as cute as me for a girlfriend.
“But I was relieved to see how close you two looked. You really did seem like a couple.”
“Of course. I told you, didn’t I? Sou-chan and I are a couple.”
“Hmm... But have you actually confessed your feelings to him yet?”
T-That...
“Not yet. But I’m sure he understands how I feel.”
“I see. Well, I kind of got that vibe from the show too. He even said he wanted to be alone with you...”
“Yeah. He also called me his ‘girl friend.’” (Onna Tomodachi)
“...Huh? ‘Girl friend’? ...He really said that?”
“He did. That’s how Souta introduced me to the TV crew before the interview.”
It didn’t make it into the broadcast, but that was how he had introduced me.
“...Lily, you know what ‘onna tomodachi’ means, right?”
“Of course. It means girlfriend, right?”
Since it was simple Japanese, it was easy to guess.
Besides, I was Souta’s girlfriend. From the context, that had to be it.
“I don’t think that’s what it means...”
“Eh?”
“In Japanese, ‘onna tomodachi’ just means a female friend. Like, literally just a normal friend who happens to be a girl.”
“...Don’t joke with me. I’ll get mad.”
“I’m not joking.”
“...”
I-I-t c-an’t b-e...
“I don’t believe you. Besides, Mary, you’re not even a native Japanese speaker. Don’t go saying random stuff.”
“But in anime—”
“Don’t compare anime to reality. Souta and I are lovers. That’s how it is.”
“Well, if that’s what you believe, then fine. Anyway, we’ll talk later...”
Mary’s cold tone made me panic.
“Sorry, that was my fault. Don’t hang up on me.”
If things kept going like this, Souta might dump me...
I couldn’t let that happen!
“Relax, I won’t dump you. ...Honestly, I think he does like you. Even though I only knew him back in England.”
“R-Really? Then why am I just his ‘female friend’...”
If he liked me, why not just call me his girlfriend?
Was he embarrassed, or something?
“Maybe he thinks you already broke up with him.”
“...What do you mean?”
Broke up with him?
But I love Souta so much.
“Well, didn’t you say you wanted to break up back when he was going back to Japan?”
“T-That... That was half a year ago!”
“Yeah. Half a year. And you ignored him all that time, right?”
“Ugh...”
Th-That was true...
But it felt way too late to apologize now. The mood was too awkward.
I was scared he might hate me.
“B-But things are good between us again now, right?”
“That’s exactly why he sees you as just a female friend. He does like you, but since he thinks you dumped him, he’s not confident things could turn into dating again.”
“S-So that’s it...”
I see... I see...
Then why doesn’t he just tell me?
“So what should I do?”
“Apologize to him. Tell him you want things to go back to how they were.”
“...I have to be the one to apologize first?”
“Of course. Logically speaking, you were the one in the wrong, right?”
“B-But he’s the one who left his girlfriend behind...”
“What else could he do? He had to return to Japan. His visa was running out.”
“B-But if only he had told me first, I would’ve—”
“He DID tell you! You just didn’t listen! Even if he was partly at fault, you’re the one who said you were breaking up, so you’re the one who has to apologize first!”
“Y-Yeah, but... how?”
“Just apologize for saying you wanted to break up. Tell him you like him, tell him you want to be his girlfriend again, and it’ll all be solved. Easy, right?”
“B-But what if he hates me...”
“Why would a guy ask out a girl he hates? You’re the cutest girl in the world, remember?”
“Y-You’re right, aren’t you?!”
It’ll be fine.
Souta likes me.
There’s just a little misunderstanding between us.
I calmed myself down, telling myself that.
—But what if he likes Misato instead?
I tried to shake off that creeping unease.
※※※
[Souta’s POV]
The sports festival was on Sunday.
The day before, Saturday—
My mom, Lily, and I were in the kitchen.
We were making lunch boxes for the festival. Since the cafeteria would be closed on Sunday, we had to bring our own food.
The actual arranging would be done the next morning, but we could at least prepare the things that would keep overnight.
But—
“Mom, that lunch box... isn’t it way too big?”
“We should pack whatever we can now,” she said, pulling out a giant lunch box... or rather, a huge stacked food container. Even if Lily ate twice as much as me, that thing was massive.
What did Mom think Lily was?
“It’s for five people, so of course it’s big. What’s the problem?”
She said it so casually.
...Five people?
Me, Lily... and maybe Misato too?
Then who were the other two?
“...Wait, are you coming too, Mom?”
“Eh? Am I not allowed? Are you embarrassed?”
I’m not in middle school anymore, geez.
I wouldn’t say I was embarrassed if my parents came, but...
“You’ve never come to these things before, have you?”
Mom usually wasn’t interested in school events.
Back in elementary school, she’d at least show up for a bit. But often she didn’t because of work.
Once I hit middle school, she never came at all. Not that I expected her to, but... I was curious why she suddenly wanted to now.
“Well, I have to capture Lily-chan’s greatness on camera, don’t I?”
“Ah, I see.”
So it was for Lily.
Or rather, for Lily’s parents.
She was probably sending them photos to show their daughter was doing fine. That made sense.
“But if you’re coming too, that makes four people... oh, is Dad coming as well?”
“Yep. We’ll all share the food. I’ll also be introducing Lily-chan to him as my future daughter-in-law.”
Dad always came when he could. This time wouldn’t be any different.
Which meant this would be the first time in a while the whole family gathered together. As for Mom calling Lily her future daughter-in-law... well, that was just her misunderstanding.
“You should’ve told me from the start.”
“Didn’t I?”
“Nope.”
“Oh. Well, now I did.”
Honestly, my mom was as scatterbrained as ever. Not that it mattered—if she hadn’t told me, I would’ve found out on the day anyway.
“So, Lily. At the festival, I’ll introduce you to my dad... Lily?”
“...Ah? Did you say something?”
When I called out to her, her shoulders jumped.
“My dad’s coming to the festival, so I’ll introduce you to him.”
“R-Really? Your father... Okay, I understand.”
Lately, Lily had been spacing out a lot. Like she had something on her mind. Her face often looked worried too. It seemed like she wanted to say something, but couldn’t bring herself to.
“Are you feeling unwell?”
“Ah, no, it’s just...”
I pressed my forehead against hers.
Hmm. She felt a little warm...
“W-Wait, stop that!”
She shoved me with both hands.
Her face was bright red.
“Your face is flushed... are you sure you’re okay? Do you have a fever?”
“This is your fault! You stupid pervert! I hate you!”
Lily shouted as she pounded her fists against my chest.
It hurt a little.
“Sorry. I touched you carelessly. My bad, it really does hurt though...”
“...Don’t do that again.”
She gave a small huff.
At first glance, she seemed back to normal. But then her expression turned sad.
Like she was regretting something.
Was she feeling homesick?
“Ahh, how energetic~…”
My mom laughed cheerfully.
For some reason, that annoyed me.
※※※
On the day of the sports festival. The weather was bright and perfect for outdoor activities.
『Uuh... it’s so hot...』
Lily said as she draped her sports jacket over her head. At first glance, it looked like it would just make her hotter...
But since it blocked the direct sunlight, maybe it actually felt better that way.
『And it’s only May... isn’t this abnormal weather?』
“Maybe it’s just one of those really hot summer days.”
『...Is summer in Japan really this hot?』
“It’s going to get even hotter later.”
『Y-You’ve got to be kidding me!』
I could totally understand how Lily felt.
Back in England, I always thought it was way too cold.
This was just another part of the fun of studying abroad... So, she really had no choice but to endure it.
“Wow, a mukade race in this heat? Maybe that was a bad choice.”
Misato fanned her chest as she said that. Wasn’t she worried about guys staring at her?
“Does that actually feel cooler?”
“That? What do you mean?”
“Rolling up your sleeves.”
As Lily pointed out, Misato had rolled up the sleeves of her short-sleeved sports uniform. They were so short now that her shoulders were showing.
...Honestly, I didn’t think it made much difference.
“It feels a little cooler, maybe?”
“Ah, I see.”
Thinking it might be worth trying, Lily also rolled up her sleeves.
The tan lines, her pale shoulders, and even her armpits damp with sweat came into view. Without realizing it, I felt a faint allure in that sight, and quickly turned my gaze away.
Even though she always acted so shy about her legs...
“How is it?”
“It feels just a little cooler... like water on a hot stone.”
Water on a hot stone wouldn’t really make much difference... Or so I thought. But maybe what she meant was, 'It’s better than nothing.'
“Oh yeah, what about mom?”
“She’s coming to cheer for Lily in the bread-eating contest.”
I answered Misato’s question.
The event order went: bread-eating race, mukade race, and karimono race. Then after the lunch break, Misato’s obstacle course would start.
If everything went smoothly, all of our events would be over between 10:30 and 2:00.
Mom and Dad would definitely show up around then. They weren’t really interested in events that didn’t involve their kids.
“Mom...?”
Lily mumbled with a puzzled expression.
Did something about that bother her?
『Why is Misato calling Souta’s mom 'Mom'?』
...Huh?
Why? Well, that’s because...
“Why do you think?”
As I turned to her in confusion, Misato gave me a mischievous smile.
Lily looked shocked when she saw that expression.
『D-Don’t tell me...!』
“It’s for the same reason as you, Amelia-chan.”
『N-No way...!?』
Lily’s eyes widened.
Then she glanced at me, as if trying to confirm something.
I had no clue what was going on.
It’s not like Misato was doing a homestay or anything...
Come to think of it, even Lily calling her host mother 'Mom' was already weird enough.
『S-So that’s how it is. Hmm... I see. Well, it’s up to the person what they want to call her.』
While I was still confused, Lily seemed to settle on her own answer.
Hmm?
Well, as long as she was okay with it, I guess it was fine.
※※※
Around 10:30. Just as scheduled, it was Lily’s turn for the bread-eating race.
“I’ll be going now.”
“Good luck.”
After seeing Lily off, I took out my phone to message my mom.
It was Lily’s turn, but where was Mom...?
She read the message almost instantly, and her reply came right away.
“So, where is Mom right now?”
“She said she’s in the stands. Apparently Dad’s with her too... aren’t those two over there?”
I pointed toward the spectators’ seats.
There, two people who looked like my mom and dad were talking while watching Lily. They were probably chatting about the English girl staying at our house.
“Good thing they made it on time. I’ll take some pictures too.”
Saying that, Misato readied her phone.
“You’re taking pictures of Lily?”
“Yeah. Mom asked me to.”
“...But she didn’t ask me to.”
I didn’t say she couldn’t rely on Misato, but... Wouldn’t it make more sense for Mom to ask me first?
“Maybe it’s like always, you know, ‘didn’t I already tell you’ ? Or maybe she just doesn’t trust you? You can be kinda sloppy, Souta.”
“Not as bad as Mom.”
I also prepared my phone. Even though Mom didn’t ask me to, Lily had. She told me, “I’m going to send it to Mary, so please take my best shot.”
A few moments later, the bread-eating race began.
Five participants sprinted at once toward the bread dangling in the middle of the track.
“Isn’t Amelia-chan running way too fast? Did she join the track team or something?”
“I think it’s just tennis and horseback riding.”
“H-Horseback riding...”
Even though it was a mixed-gender event, Lily’s running speed was on par with the boys.
In fact, she was faster than most of them.
As she neared the hanging bread...
She leapt up gracefully.
“Wait, maybe she’s played volleyball too?”
“More like ballet, I’d say.”
“Ahh, that makes sense.”
With one clean bite, she clamped the bread between her teeth and immediately dashed forward at full speed.
While the other participants struggled to bite their bread, Lily was already running on her own.
Ignoring the panicked boys trying to catch up, Lily finished first.
The problem was the photos...
“Hmm, mine came out a bit blurry.”
“Still as careless as ever. I managed to get a good shot, though.”
I showed my phone to Misato.
On the screen was a perfect shot of Lily leaping into the air, beautifully biting into her bread.
This was her best picture yet.
I was certain Lily wouldn’t complain about it.
“Wow, that’s pretty good. Can I have it?”
“...Ask Lily first.”
“You can use it as your wallpaper too.”
“That’s disgusting, you know...”
Lily’s not even my girlfriend.
A little while later—
“I’ll eat this for lunch. As dessert.”
Lily came back proudly holding a melon bread. It was her favorite Japanese pastry.
“Did you take the pictures?”
“Yeah. What do you think?”
I showed my phone to Lily.
She gave a small snort.
“As always, you’re amazing. You can use it as your wallpaper if you want, you know?”
Don’t say the same thing Misato said...
“No way. ...Besides, we’re not a couple.”
At my words, Lily’s eyes went wide.
Then she slumped down, her shoulders drooping.
『S-So that’s how it is... I see...』
“...What’s wrong, Lily?”
『Nothing, it’s nothing.』
She seemed tired.
Her face also looked pale.
“Are you sure you can still do the mukade race?”
“I can still do it... I’m fine.”
Lily answered with empty eyes.
...Was she really fine?
※※※
The mukade race ended without trouble. If there was anything that bothered me, it was that Lily’s focus seemed elsewhere.
Unlike during practice, there was more distance between us.
No, actually, during practice she stuck way too close, so maybe this distance was more appropriate.
“Alright then, I’ll head off for the karimono race.”
『...Okay.』
“...Lily, are you sure you’re alright? Do you want to rest in the infirmary?”
She really didn’t look well. I could ask Misato to go with her to the infirmary. Or maybe I should.
『...Just leave me alone.』
She answered weakly.
Time was running out, so I couldn’t force her.
“Alright... Just don’t push yourself too hard, okay?”
『...Yeah... I know.』
Lily replied without much spirit.
Still a little uneasy, I walked off toward the field.
Before the karimono race began, I glanced toward the spectator stands.
There were my mom and dad.
They waved at me, and I waved back.
It was rare to see them both come together.
No doubt, that was thanks to Lily.
While I was thinking that, the race began.
I picked up a slip of paper near the finish line.
I had to borrow the item written on it from somewhere.
I was hoping for something simple, but instead...
“Seriously?”
The task itself was simple, but also troublesome.
I knew themes like this helped hype up the crowd, but I wished the organizers could also understand the struggle of both the borrower and the borrowed.
“Well, it can’t be helped.”
I immediately headed for my class’s cheering section.
There, I spoke to the weary-looking Lily.
“Lily.”
『...What is it?』
“Are you really okay?”
『I’m fine... So what are you here for?』
Lily glared at me with a slightly irritated tone.
It didn’t seem like she was sick, but... she was clearly in a bad mood.
Hmm, asking her was going to be tough.
“I need your help for this karimono race...”
Hesitantly, I held out the slip of paper to Lily.
She looked at it with little interest, then... lifted her face.
『You’re sure it’s not Misato who should go?』
She asked in surprise.
It was true that if not Lily, the next choice would be Misato, but...
“Because you’re the best one for it.”
『R-Really...?』
“If you’re not feeling well, I can ask someone else instead...”
It didn’t seem right to ask someone sick for help.
As I thought that and was about to leave, Lily suddenly—
『Wait!』
She grabbed onto my shirt.
『I’ll go!』
Lily immediately stood up as she declared it.
Her sulky face from before had vanished.
She was brimming with determination.
...I may have been the one who asked, but wow, she was really straightforward.
“Are you sure you’re okay? Weren’t you feeling unwell?”
『I’m totally fired up! Besides, there’s no substitute for me, right?』
Lily said proudly.
There was the usual sweet Lily I knew.
Indeed, Lily looked even cuter when she was fired up like this.
『Though I can’t really call it a reward... After the karimono race, could I have a little of your time? There’s something serious I want to talk about.』
She said it with an uncharacteristically serious face.
A serious talk? ...Now I was nervous.
“Alright, I understand. Let’s go, then.”
“Yes.”
I held Lily’s hand.
Her shoulders twitched slightly.
“What’s wrong?”
『N-Nothing at all.』
Her face turned faintly red as she said that.
...Was she embarrassed?
Well, given the topic, it was only natural.
And so, I held the hand of [the girl I thought was the cutest] as we reached the finish line together.
※※※
After the karimono race ended, we walked to the back of the gymnasium. She said she had something to tell me, so the two of us went to a quiet spot.
“So, what did you want to talk about?”
『Umm, it’s about something that happened more than half a year ago...』
“Half a year ago?”
That was quite a while.
...Was this about when I went abroad to study? Could it be...
『It’s about our farewell back then.』
“Ahh...”
So it was about that.
Honestly, I didn’t really want to bring it up. It would just make things awkward.
Was she going to scold me again?
『I’m sorry for not seeing you off that time.』
Lily lowered her head.
...I was a little taken aback.
『I’m sorry for not replying to your messages. I’m sorry for not contacting you.』
“A-Ah, no, it’s fine.”
『I’m sorry for saying something cruel.』
“I get it. So please, raise your head...”
『I’m sorry for saying we should break up and that I hated you. Those were all lies. I never hated you.』
Lily lifted her head and looked straight at me.
“I love you.”
After saying that, she lowered her head once again, deeply.
『I’m sorry for disappearing without a word and suddenly showing up like this. …I want us to go back to how we were before. Please.』
Back to how we were before, huh…
“Lily.”
“Yes?”
I lowered my head as well.
『Sorry, I guess my words weren’t clear enough. I thought my feelings had already reached you. From my side too… Can we go back to how we were before?』
I said that to Lily in English.
Then I raised my face.
Lily…
“Alright. I forgive you. In exchange, please forgive me too, okay?”
Lily smiled as she wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes.
And just like that, our relationship returned to being friends.
※※※
The two of us went back to the class cheering section.
There, Misato, my mom, and my dad were already waiting.
Perfect timing.
“Ah, you finally showed up! What were you two doing? A date?”
“Something like that.”
I ignored Misato’s teasing and turned to face my father.
“It’s been a while, Dad.”
“Well, well, it’s been a long time, Souta. So, this girl… the [cutest girl in your eyes], right?”
My dad said that with a grin. His smile was exactly like Misato’s.
“That’s right. …Lily, let me introduce you. This old man here is my father.”
『My name is Kasai Souji, Miss Stafford. I’m the parent of the son and daughter you’ve helped out. …May I call you Amelia-san?』
My father said in an exaggerated manner, kneeling before Lily.
My mom muttered under her breath, “Even at his age, he still wants to look cool.”
“Yes, it’s nice to meet you. My name is Amelia Lily Stafford… Father. Please just call me Lily.”
Lily gave a graceful bow.
…She’s allowing my dad to call her Lily too?
Even though they just met for the first time?
Even though it took me half a year!?
“Father? Wonderful! It feels like I’ve gained two daughters, amazing!”
“…Two?”
Lily tilted her head in confusion and looked around.
“Is there someone else?”
“I’m right here.”
Misato grinned mischievously.
Lily stared at her in puzzlement.
…Something feels off?
“Shall we eat now? Time’s almost up.”
“Ah, right. Souta, Misato, find us a good spot.”
“…Misato too? Why?”
“Misato’s coming too, of course. Didn’t I say we’d be eating together, the five of us? We’ll gather as one family… Hm? Did I not say that yet?”
『…The five of us? Misato too? Family?』
Lily stopped walking.
Then she muttered softly,
『Kasai Misato. Kasai Souji. …Kudou Souta. Hm? What does this mean?』
“…What do you mean?”
『Why do Misato and Souta’s father have the same family name? Why is Souta’s name different?』
“Because my parents divorced. So I changed mine to match my mother’s surname. It’d be troublesome if our names were different.”
『Then Misato…?』
“She stayed with Dad. So her surname stayed the same.”
『…Stayed with Dad? …Eh?』
Lily’s mouth fell open in shock.
『You two are… siblings?』
“Yeah, we are.”
『…Even though you’re the same age?』
“We’re twins. By the way, I’m the older one.”
We’re fraternal twins.
…Wait?
“Did I never tell you?”
『You never told me even once!!』
Lily’s angry voice echoed loudly.
※※※
『I don’t get it at all. Why didn’t you tell me? Something that important! I really hate that kind of thing.』
While eating her bento, Lily glared at me sharply.
Either stay mad or eat, don’t do both.
“I’m really sorry. I thought I already told you. Want to try some of my tamagoyaki?”
While apologizing, I tried to lighten her mood.
Now that I think about it, I never actually told her.
That one’s definitely on me.
『…Do you regret it?』
“Important things should be said properly.”
『…Well, I guess it can’t be helped. I’ll forgive you.』
Lily let out a small huff.
Then she ate the tamagoyaki I gave her and narrowed her eyes.
Her face looked happy.
“But forgetting to mention something that important…”
“Exactly. As their mother, even I was surprised.”
“You’re in no position to say that, Mikoto. You should’ve told her yourself.”
Before the divorce, my mother’s name was Kasai Mikoto.
Her maiden name, and now, Kudou Mikoto.
That’s my mom.
“I thought Souta had already told her.”
“With a mother like that, and a son like this.”
“Blood ties really are scary, huh.”
Misato laughed cheerfully.
Hey.
“You didn’t tell her either, did you?”
“I did! Amelia-chan just didn’t listen.”
“…I never heard it.”
Lily glared sharply at Misato.
It’s true I was wrong, but Misato’s also partly at fault.
“See, she says she never heard it.”
“I already told Amelia-chan that Souta and I are family. Oh, and by the way, I’m older than him.”
“……”
Hearing Misato’s words, Lily turned her gaze away.
Ah right, Misato did say something like that.
…Wait?
“Lily?”
Could it be…
Is Lily also feeling guilty?
『Ah, just call me Lily, not Amelia!』
“Really? Thanks, Lily-chan! You’re so understanding!”
Misato grabbed Lily’s hands.
She was clearly trying to cover it up… classic Lily.
But there was something I couldn’t just ignore.
“Since I was born first, that makes me the older one.”
“Eh? You didn’t know? The baby that comes out second is the one that went in first. Which means I’m the older one.”
“Isn’t that just a myth? Legally, the one born first is the older one.”
“But don’t I look more like the older sibling?”
What the heck…
“That’s right.”
“Lily!?”
I was shocked at Lily suddenly agreeing.
She had finished eating her onigiri and was now reaching for a sandwich.
To her, the matter of who’s older probably didn’t matter. Right now was lunchtime.
That’s probably what she was thinking.
“Arguing about it is pointless, huh.”
“Hmm, so you admit it?”
“Whatever you say.”
Legally, I’m the older one. That won’t change.
And just like that, our first family gathering in a long time came to an end.
By the way, about a third of the food Misato and Dad brought was eaten by Lily.
“By the way, Misato.”
After finishing lunch, Lily cleared her throat a little.
Then she glanced at my parents.
…What is it?
“There’s something I want to tell you.”
“…What?”
Why does she sound so serious?
“Maybe I shouldn’t be saying this in a place like this.”
Lily looked a little awkward, uneasy.
Then she looked straight at Misato…
“I don’t think God would allow incest.”
…What the heck is she talking about?
“…Huh?”
Misato’s mouth fell wide open in shock.
My parents exchanged glances.
Incest.
…She means a blood-related relationship!?
“Wait, Lily-chan! You’ve got it wrong!”
“I’m sorry. But I was worried about you…”
“Calm down, Lily-chan! It’s true I did and said things that might’ve caused misunderstandings. But that was just me teasing you, nothing more!! Dad, Mom? Don’t look at me like that!! Souta, say something too!!”
Misato screamed in panic.
It was rare to see her so flustered.
But, no wonder things had felt off between us lately.
“So that’s how it is…”
“Souta! Don’t act like you get it! This joke isn’t funny at all!!”
Misato grabbed my shoulders and shook me violently.
For now, I just gave her a look like, “Really?”
“Fufufu… kuku… Hahaha!”
It seemed Lily couldn’t hold it in any longer and burst out laughing.
Then, with a mischievous face, she said,
“That was my payback.”
“…Huh?”
Misato’s eyes went wide in shock.
That expression was rare for her too.
Watching all this, I couldn’t help but feel like I had just witnessed something really good. And seeing that playful look on Lily’s face made me genuinely happy.
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