Chapter 32 Carrying Each Feeling

Carrying Each Feeling

After changing clothes, I head down to the living room.

A delicious aroma fills the air, whetting my appetite.

“Oh, it’s curry tonight.”

Sayu stirs a pot in the kitchen.

Since both of our parents work late, we often handle meals and chores ourselves.

But ever since Sayu started middle school, she’s taken over most of the household chores.

Now in her third year, it’s been about three years since she took on the responsibility.

She’s truly an impressive little sister.

“Need a hand?”

“It’s fine, Onii-chan. Just sit and stay out of the way. And don’t come near the kitchen.”

“What happened to my dignity as the older brother…?”

Dejected, I take a seat at the dining table.

According to Sayu, my household skills are “hopeless.”

What does it even mean for chores to be “hopeless”?

“You don’t have dignity, Onii-chan. In fact, just being near you drains my energy.”

“Ugh… Okay, I’ll keep my distance from now on.”

“!!!”

Sayu rushes over to me in a panic.

“I-I was kidding! Don’t take it seriously, Onii-chan! You’re such a dummy! Gosh! …Ah! But stay away from me!”

“You’re emotionally unstable.”

Or maybe she’s got a split personality.

Seriously, Sayu, if you’re going to do the tsundere thing, start with building a solid “tsun.”

“Geez… Onii-chan, you’re such an idiot.”

With a frustrated huff, Sayu returns to the kitchen.

When she was younger, she used to follow me around everywhere—it was adorable.

Of course, she’s still adorable now.

Watching my tsundere little sister’s back, I soak in the comforting atmosphere of being home.

The pair dance practice continued in the days that followed.

As the big day drew closer, we started practicing not just after school but in the mornings too.

“Fuaaah…”

Stifling a yawn, I walk down the hallway.

I’m not a morning person. In fact, I’m terrible at waking up early.

Yet, I’ve been getting up early every day recently, leaving me chronically sleep-deprived.

Still, practicing with Irara is fun.

The stares from others are still painful, but seeing how much Irara enjoys herself makes it all worth it.

I finally arrive at the classroom, exhausted.

Planning to nap until morning homeroom starts, I make eye contact with Kiriha just as she’s standing up.

Or rather, she locks eyes with me.

“…You’re looking at me too much.”

“That’s my line.”

“We keep running into each other whenever I try to leave the classroom. Ugh, it’s so annoying.”

“That’s my line!”

Recently, Kiriha’s comments have become even harsher.

In turn, I’ve stopped holding back just because she’s a girl or a classmate.

“You know, when you’re tired, your villainous face looks even more sinister. You should walk around staring at the floor—for the sake of anyone who sees your face.”

“I’ve never heard of walking with your head down as good advice. Also, don’t talk, Kiriha.”

“Huh? Are you saying my face is villainous too?”

“At the very least, it’s scary. Especially your eyes.”

“T-that’s… I can’t help it! I was born with these eyes!”

“Then my face isn’t my fault either. And I’m sleep-deprived because of the morning dance practices.”

“Morning dance practice, huh… You’re really going all out.”

Kiriha crosses her arms and smirks.

“Didn’t you do it, Kiriha? I’m sure you were asked to participate.”

“W-well, sort of…”

While Kiriha’s intimidating demeanor scares some, she’s undeniably beautiful and popular.

I’ve often seen boys staring at her in admiration in the hallways.

“But dancing in front of everyone is too embarrassing, so I didn’t do it.”

“True. Dancing in front of a crowd is nerve-wracking.”

Especially since my partner is Irara.

The attention we’ll get will be unmatched.

“Then why are you doing it? You’re even waking up early to practice.”

“Why? Well, Irara asked me. And besides…”

There’s only one reason I’m trying so hard.

“…Because Irara is so excited about it.”

“!!!”

My quiet response makes Kiriha widen her eyes in surprise.

“Jeez, you’re…”

“What? Is it so bad?”

“Not really. It’s just surprising to hear you say something so proper, considering it’s you, Kyogoku.”

“You always manage to make things sound sharp, don’t you?”

Even I think I’m acting out of character.

But Irara is looking forward to it.

It would be unforgivable for me to ruin that excitement.

“Well, good luck. See you around.”

With that, Kiriha leaves the classroom.

What was that all about?

“…Fuaaah.”

Still sleepy, I decide to rest at my desk until class starts.

In the end, though, I end up sleeping through most of the lessons too.

Akari’s PoV

After practice ends, I walk home with Kyogoku-kun.

“I’m exhausted…”

“Today was intense. But Kyogoku-kun, you’ve improved so much. You’re amazing! Super amazing!”

“Uh, thanks…”

Kyogoku-kun turns away, as usual.

He’s so not honest.

But I really mean it.

He struggled so much at first, but he’s gotten so much better.

I bet he’s been practicing on his own at home.

He wouldn’t tell me, but that’s just the kind of person he is.

…He’s truly someone I adore.

The more time I spend with Kyogoku-kun, the stronger my feelings grow.

“It’s fun, isn’t it?”

“…Yeah.”

A smile slips onto my face.

I’m so glad I asked Kyogoku-kun to the pair dance.

…But the real event is yet to come.

The pair dance is the highlight of the sports festival.

Teams are ranked, and individual awards are also given.

Among them, the Best Couple Award stands out.

According to tradition, there’s a “jinx” tied to the award.

It’s said that…

The boy and girl who win the Best Couple Award will be bound together forever.

“…Phew.”

Cooling my flushed face with my hands, I silently make a vow.

I want to win the Best Couple Award with Kyogoku-kun.

And make the jinx come true…

“Irara? Are you okay?”

“Y-yeah! I’m totally fine! All green lights!!!”

“…Why do you sound like a robot anime?”

Flustered, I try to cover up my thoughts, but my head is full of the jinx.

I will make it happen… And Kyogoku-kun and I will…!!!

“Let’s do our best at the sports festival!!!!”

“Of course.”

I can’t wait for the sports festival.

But at the same time, I want this moment to last forever.

Walking beside Kyogoku-kun, I cherish this bittersweet dilemma.

—And soon, the sports festival begins.