Chapter 33 The Walk Home with My Sister 1 (Hibiki's Perspective)

The Walk Home with My Sister 1 (Hibiki’s Perspective)

“…Nee-san, was that really okay?”

—On the way home.

I asked this question to my sister, who was pulling me along by the hand.

“There’s no ‘okay’ or ‘not okay’ about it~.”

With just those words, she turned forward again and briskly walked on.

Even when I met her eyes, she simply smiled back without a care, seemingly unfazed by how things had turned out.

—I can’t understand it.

I just can’t.

Why would she make such a choice?

I couldn’t understand why Nee-san kept putting off his decision.

She’s so close to having what she wants, yet she hesitates.

I don’t get it.

Emotions are just so difficult to grasp.

If only he had said the words to reject her outright, I was confident I could have convinced him otherwise… but now, my plan is completely ruined.

My dream of a happy family for Nee-san is in shambles.

—Ariga Shintaro.

A fourth-year working adult, still young in his career.

Kind, selfless, and competent at his job, he’s well-regarded by his coworkers.

His students adore him, often seeking his advice on matters of life, regardless of gender.

It’s likely because he isn’t a teacher who imposes his will but one who listens and aligns with his students—always giving his all.

He’s a truly great teacher.

Even I think so, honestly.

After all, I was saved by him too…

But still… his work ethic might border on self-sacrifice.

He takes everything upon himself, worries endlessly, and tries to solve it all alone…

Honestly, it’s frustrating to watch.

He should rely on others more…

That’s why, when I heard about his divorce, I wanted him to find happiness.

After all the effort he’s put in without any reward, I wanted him to finally be happy.

If he and Nee-san, who has grown so much, could be together, there’d be no doubt about it.

Nee-san is head over heels for him, and it all depends on whether Ariga-san can realize it…

Yet—

“Then what exactly do you think is the problem, Hibiki?”

“…The problem is that despite spending so much time together, when the conclusion is so obvious, he still can’t take the final step.”

“Ah, I see. So you’re saying it’s ‘pathetic as a man,’ or something?”

“…I don’t want to put it in those terms, but yes, I want to tell him to be decisive. It’s obvious that ending up with Nee-san is the right choice, and I think a more assertive push would’ve worked this time.”

“Haha… ‘assertive push,’ you say. That sounds pretty intense, Hibiki.”

“…I’m just stating the truth.”

I voiced my frustrations, and Nee-san seemed to ponder for a moment, placing a finger on her chin.

Then she murmured softly.

“There’s no such thing as the ‘right answer.’ In this world, you have to make the path you choose into the right one.”

“…What?”

Her words didn’t make sense to me, and I tilted my head in confusion.

“Hmm, how should I explain? It’s all about perspective and interpretation. For example, even if you fail at something, when you succeed later, you might think, ‘That failure was necessary for this success!’ Right?”

“…That’s true, I suppose. Though it’s hindsight.”

“Exactly! That’s why I think my choice back there wasn’t wrong. From your perspective, it might look different, though.”

“…I see.”

“Also, let’s say your plan had worked, and we ended up dating or even getting married. Would that alone guarantee happiness?”

“…Wouldn’t it? Achieving what you’ve always wanted seems like happiness to me.”

“That’s the conclusion, sure, but emotions aren’t that simple or logical. It’s rare for things to end with ‘all’s well that ends well.’ Besides, treating marriage as the ‘end’ is a flawed perspective to begin with.”

“…True. You’d spend the rest of your life together, facing challenges along the way. But without starting from the point of marriage, nothing can begin, right?”

“For me, marriage isn’t my starting point.”

With those words, Nee-san tilted her head back and gazed at the sky, her expression softening with a nostalgic look.

I didn’t know what she was reminiscing about.

But it seemed like she was recalling something beyond my understanding.

Perhaps she felt embarrassed about showing such an expression in front of me.

Nee-san gave a small, adorable cough to cover it up.

“For me, my relationship with Ariga-cchi started the day we met.”

“…Wait, does that mean you had a physical relationship from the start?”

“You idiot! Of course not!!”

“…Just kidding. Honestly, Nee-san, you’re so reserved.”

“Reserved…? I confessed to him once—worked up all my courage—and got rejected, you know?”

With a sigh, Nee-san let out a weary laugh.