Chapter 1 – Winter
November 21, Usami’s birthday, after she confessed to Jiro. Usami collapsed after she confessed, she hasn’t been feeling well lately but hid it since it will interfere with their date. Jiro had thought it was a romance manga-like scenario where Usami had collapsed out of embarrassment, but that wasn’t it.
Usami’s lying in her bed apologising for bring trouble to Jiro, and with her burning face plus timid attitude in stark contrast to usual she’s as meek as those rabbits in the café they went to earlier that day. She’s currently at 38.3 degree Celsius.
Jiro got her porridge, the instant kind since he can’t cook that well. Usami commented this might be better than what Kureha makes too, she always make some sort of red stuff even though Jiro had commented what Kureha makes is still edible. Jiro thought he needs to convince Usami to cut back on the snark, she’s coughing before she can finish those sentences.
It’s the first time Jiro went into Usami’s room despite having lived there for over a month. The entire lace is filled with rabbits, eg pictures, plushies, wallpaper, blankets… Jiro’s scared by this many. One by itself is cute, but with this much he feels like he’s surrounded by zombies. Most of this stuff is given to her by Shure (parents own a toy company), others Usami bought them whenever they’re on special.
Usami told Jiro he should leave, otherwise he’ll catch her cold. Jiro says that’s not a problem, his body doesn’t get colds often due to all his physical training. Jiro says he’ll take care of Usami, and asked her if she wants him to feed her. Usami’s agitated by that offer (See illustration),
http://img2081.poco.cn/mypoco/myphot...522146_006.jpg (illustration link)
but as Jiro left the porridge on the table Usami changed her mind and says she’ll let Jiro feed her. It’s only fair since she fed him on their date earlier (granted, that was more like force-feeding since Usami wanted to go see the rabbits ASAP). Jiro snarked in his head that was more like torture than something a couple would do.
Feeding commences. It’s sickeningly sweet of Jiro, even blowing on the spoon to cool it off before giving it to Usami. She says how can he do such embarrassing things so calmly, and he replies he does this all the time with Kureha. She breaks her hand occasionally when she was younger and playing around, so whenever that happens Jiro feeds her. Kureha shrugs those injuries off though, coming back to him and says “Onii-chan, I got a complicated bond fracture in my hand after playing in the park.” Good thing members of their family heal fast. Jiro says before high school Kureha called him ‘Onii-chan’ all the time.
Usami envies Jiro having a younger sister. Jiro says maybe they should take Usami to a hospital after all, and probably do a CT scan as well to check her head. Jiro can’t comprehend why anyone wants a younger sister, since to him “Onii-chan, it’s time to play~” = death sentence. Usami says she’s a single child, of course she longed for a younger sibling.
Jiro says they should go check Usami into a hospital just in case anyway because of her health, but Usami’s hesitant. It’s not just because of the hospital fees, but because she’s afraid of needles. Jiro remembered when Kureha said something similar once before, and that time he said without thinking ‘you’re much scarier than needles’ – he got hit by a Pile Driver (supposedly a harsh wrestling move according to TN).
Usami shivered as if she can see what happened to Jiro. Jiro wanted to get his blankets for Usami, but she declined. He said he don’t mind sleeping without a blanket (since after a month sleeping outside just being in a proper bed is heaven). Usami muttered if she sleeps with blanket that was used by Jiro there’s no way she’ll be able to sleep (out of embarrassment – Jiro didn’t hear this last part).
Usami then whispered that since Jiro can’t get colds… she beckoned him over, and hugged him from behind. She’s using him like a hot water bottle. Jiro don’t mind, but then there’s his gynophobia… Usami said this is another part of training to cure his gynophobia, but if he doesn’t like it she won’t push him. Jiro ended up allowing it anyway since Usami looked like she was going to cry if he refused, which Usami loudly denied. She buried her face into Jiro’s back after that exchange. Cold sweat ran down Jiro’s face – despite the last half of the year training to get rid of his gynophobia, it’s still taking all of his willpower to not nosebleed. Usami asked if he’s alright, and he responded he’s fine and Usami can hold on for as long as she wants; he’s been living with her for a month already, he wants to act like family to her in this case.
After a long while filled with silence, Usami held on tighter and said again she loves him. Jiro’s heart raced, to the point he almost forgotten about his gynophobia. He can feel Usami’s heart beat faster as well, and then he flashed back to her confession earlier. Jiro’s feeling faint, and he’s sure this isn’t entirely his gynophobia’s fault.
Usami then says don’t worry about it, she doesn’t expect him to reply immediately. It took her a long time to decide to confess her feelings to Jiro, and she doesn’t like decisions made without much consideration.
She let go, and Jiro subconsciously touched his nose. He didn’t get a nosebleed, something he wouldn’t had thought possible half a year ago. Usami asked Jiro to check up on Kanade. Flashback to what happened earlier today that led to Kanade running away.
Usami says she regrets what she said to Kanade – she was too abrupt. But Usami can’t help but blurt out everything after seeing her. Usami can tell Kanade’s worried about something these days even with her façade of acting like everything’s fine, and getting more unstable. Usami’s worried about Kanade but she couldn’t help and it led to the current situation. Jiro decided he’ll take a trip next door and see if Kanade’s alright. He then wondered what happened to Subaru, he didn’t see her after Usami’s confession. Usami says she wanted to go but she’s sick, and Jiro thought maybe it’s better Usami doesn’t go herself.
Jiro’s about to press the doorbell, but he hesitates. He remembered his words to Subaru about how they stop being Best Friends for the time being. He thought to how Usami is worried, and Kanade is unstable right now, so he pressed the doorbell.
He didn’t expect Ichigo to be the one that answered him. Kanade had called her in from the mansion. Jiro’s relieved Kanade is still here and didn’t do something like running away like what Kureha did. Then again, he thought escaping to Nakuru’s place probably isn’t a option for Kanade.
Ichigo asked why is Jiro here, and Jiro found the chainsaw at his throat. She’s still obsessed with Kanade as usual, and she suspects Jiro is here to have a private tryst with Kanade. She noted Jiro was supposed to be living with Usami, and asks why is he here. Jiro said Usami is living next door to them right now, and Ichigo didn’t know that. Jiro explained Usami’s place is (well,
was) haunted, that’s why she can live here despite her financial problems. Ichigo stiffened up at the word ‘ghost’. Jiro thought the yandere maid here has surprisingly a lot of weaknesses, first rabbits now ghosts.
Ichigo asks Jiro again why is he here, then smelled Kanade’s scent on him. She reached the conclusion Jiro went on a date with Kanade today, and Jiro thought is everyone working for Kanade have senses this sharp? They can replace the hounds working for customs at the airports easily. Ichigo is on the verge of swiping her chainsaw at Jiro’s neck before Kanade found them.
Kanade apologises for leaving early, she wasn’t feeling well – even Jiro can tell she was lying about this. Kanade told Jiro to pass the message on to Usami, that she’s not affected by what Usami said because she’s Fuyutsuki Kanade.
She gave a mask-like, perfect smile (see illustration
http://img2081.poco.cn/mypoco/myphot...522146_005.jpg ) and told him she’ll see him tomorrow at school.
Chapter 2 – The return of Sakamachi Kureha
Jiro went back to Usami’s house after meeting with Kanade. Jiro’s getting a headache from how Kanade just seemed
off. She might be called a devil by him and have other sides like Derechuki, but the way Kanade is now didn’t seem like any of her previous sides.
Jiro then noticed there’s another pair of shoes here. Kureha’s back. As he goes to Usami’s room he hears the following from outside:
“W-wait Sakamachi! What do you think you’re doing?!”
“Please don’t stop me Usami-sempai! I’ve made up my mind!”
“Y-y-y-y-you’ve made up your mind or whatever, I’ll be troubled if you do this…”
“… Does it mean Usami-sempai doesn’t like this?”
“I-it’s not… about liking it or not…”
“Then everything’s alright! Please accept it! Accept my feelings~~~!!”
“NOOOOOoooo!!”
“…”
Jiro wonders what’s going on. He’s having a heart attack from hearing that, almost certain there’s something going on between Usami and Kureha. He gulped, and decides as the older brother he needs to check if Kureha had awakened to new interests and be prepared to stop her. Even if he might break a few ribs in the process, considering it’s Kureha.
He opened the door… to find Kureha prostrating down on the floor. Kureha’s stunned that Jiro’s here.
It turns out Kureha’s here to ask for Usami’s help to go on a date with Subaru. Usami says it’s better if Kureha explains this to Jiro, since this involves him as well.
Jiro asks why does Kureha wants to go on a date with Subaru, and Kureha mutters it’s because she likes him while she’s blushing. Full-blown shoujo manga reaction. Jiro thinks this is understandable, since from the first time they met Kureha’s fallen for Subaru. But the problem is, Subaru’s a girl too. Jiro thought this is probably a plot worthy of Shakespeare, since if this relationship succeeds it’ll end up being a forbidden love. (Flere821 note: The hell, Jiro, do you have something against yuri relationships? >.>)
Usami asks why should they help. Jiro says Usami should rest, she’s still sick. Usami says she’s fine after that nap earlier, and she wants to listen to the rest of Kureha’s request.
Usami says she has a condition to help Kureha – she wants to be called something else other than ‘Usami-sempai’, like how Kanade is called something else other than ‘sempai’ too. Jiro reached the conclusion Usami wants be called ‘Nee-san’ by Kureha, and wonders if Usami’s brain has problems… then remembered she has a cold after all. Usami says she’ll definitely help if Kureha does this.
Kureha agrees, and says while this is embarrassing she’ll do it. After a few deep breaths:
“Kaa-san!” (TN: Mother!)
“‘Kaa-san’?! Why!? How did it end up like this?!!”
“Eh? Didn’t Usami-sempai ask me to change what I call her…?”
“I didn’t tell you to call me that way!”
“Ah, I get it. You think being called ‘mummy’ is better right?”
“ARE YOU SCREWING AROUND WITH ME!?”
Usami then went on to yell about why does it have to be ‘mother’. Jiro thought it’s not strange for Usami to be called this by Kureha after living together for a month. Usami’s cheap, promotes restraint, and have the ability to fight off opponents to get the bargain items at supermarket sales (TN: Supermarket sales are supposed to be fierce battles between middle-aged women in manga/anime/LNs as they fight to get the best deals, dunno if this is the case in RL Japan). Jiro notes Usami is practically a model housewife.
Usami dropped this topic after getting a worse headache. She asked why doesn’t Kureha get Nakuru to help, she’s close with Kureha and not to mention Kureha already ran away from home (Usami’s place) earlier. It turns out Nakuru’s in the middle of a craze and working on a masterpiece (BL and glasses, obviously), so no help there. Kureha also says since Usami’s going out with Jiro, so they have experience on this topic (Kureha’s talking about how publicly Usami and Jiro’s a couple during the ‘Fuyutsuki Revolution’, not the confession last volume).
Kureha asks who confessed first, and Usami blushed after she remembered the scene they had earlier at sunset:
“I-I said it… to Baka-chikin…”
“… From you to onii-san?”
“… Un! I told him “I love you!”, and then…”
“Then? Did you say anything else?”
“And… and I said “I want to become a part of your family!”…”
“Become a family?! You actually said something that embarrassing?!”
“~~~! S-shut up! There was no other way to get through him, that’s why!”
Even as Usami blushed Jiro felt his face burning up. Kureha then asked then what did they do, it seemed like something else happened. Kureha guessed correctly that they’ve kissed, and Usami’s flailing like a fish out of water. Jiro’s the same, wishing he can just faint from lack of oxygen right now.
Kureha said she had no idea Jiro and Usami had gone this far. Jiro interrupted saying he’ll help, mostly to stop Kureha prying about this any further. Usami’s looking on the verge of dying from embarrassment, and with the cold Kureha shouldn’t pour oil on the fire.
(See illustration:
http://img2081.poco.cn/mypoco/myphot...2914202102.png )
Kureha says she’ll help Usami get better – she doesn’t get colds either. Usami looks to be happy at that but is actually sweating, as both she and Jiro knows the common sense of the wrestling fanatic can’t be depended upon.
Jiro pondered why now of all times Kureha want to go on a date with Subaru. After the Fuyutsuki Revolution she should be stuck moping about how the guy she likes has a girlfriend. Is Kureha trying to change that by going on a date?
Usami then asked Jiro quietly what happened with Kanade. Jiro told Usami Kanade says there’s nothing wrong with her.
Kureha decided she’ll find Subaru tomorrow and decide on a day for the date. As Kureha left back to Nakuru’s place (Kureha doesn’t yet know Subaru currently lives next door), Jiro, thought their reality is indeed changing.
The next day, Kanade and Subaru didn’t come to school. Nor the day after that.
Chapter 3 – First Love Overdrive (TN: Overdrive is in English, the rest was in Chinese/Japanese)
December 5th, two weeks after Usami’s birthday. First Sunday of December. It’s getting cold these days.
2:35pm, Kureha’s waiting for Subaru on a date. The time to meet up is 3pm, so Jiro wonders why are they here so early. Usami says Subaru already got a text from Kureha, so it’s good. As a aside she’s missing the care she got from Kureha while she’s sick, but Jiro thought it’s best if Usami’s back at full health. Usami’s also the one who wrote the text to Subaru, since Kureha had said it’s too embarrassing to text Subaru herself.
In the past 2 weeks Subaru and Kanade haven’t been coming to school. According to the teacher they’re both sick. While that’s plausible as even Usami had fallen sick, Jiro doesn’t buy it. Kanade had told him ‘see him tomorrow’ but didn’t show up, and she didn’t look sick then. He tried to visit but got blocked at the door by Ichigo, stating Kanade doesn’t want to give Jiro her cold.
However, it’s been two weeks and if they stay away from school any longer people might get suspicious about reasons to stay away from school other than sickness. Usami is still guilty over what she said that time and wanted to apologise, but didn’t get a chance to. So guilt-ridden that Usami haven’t even asked Jiro what’s his reply to her confession yet, Jiro’s thinking maybe she’s putting it off until Kanade gets better.
The excuse here is Kureha asking Subaru to come with her on a shopping trip. Jiro notes Kureha didn’t meet his eyes as they talked and is a bit embarrassed. In the last two weeks he was in on their planning, but half way through Usami said the girls will handle this and chased him out of the plans. Jiro had wanted to say they need a guy’s viewpoint in this, but gave up since Subaru’s a girl too so this is just a girl’s shopping trip.
Usami had a cellphone placed in Kureha’s pockets, so they can hear the conversations even if the quality might not be that good. The phone company they’re with has a deal that no charge of calling between family members, so Jiro’s phone connected with Kureha here won’t cost anything.
Jiro thought Kureha should have believed Subaru’s going out with Kanade, from her reactions that time and how Kanade kissed Subaru in public. He believes for some reason Kureha is still asking Subaru out on a date regardless of that.
It’s almost time, so Jiro and Usami went into hiding. Jiro thought it’s still the first time Kureha went on a date with a guy, no wonder she’s worried and asked for their support.
Subaru showed up. She almost spotted Usami and Jiro, having sensed their presence. Subaru’s still feeling down from her conversation with Jiro 2 weeks before though.
Kureha headed off with Subaru following, and Usami and Jiro then started following.
Jiro found en route the shopping trip planned this time is Kureha buying a present for him, as thanks for his usual help. That excuse will come true anyway since Kureha does plan on giving Jiro the present they buy today. Then Jiro found the ‘help’ is being the sandbag for all those wrestling moves, and snarked inwardly he would have preferred monetary compensation rather than a present. Jiro also shivered at the idea of receiving a present from Kureha, as knowing her style it probably won’t be anything he’d like.
Then, he found their destination: a ‘Silent Lamb’ novelty toy shop. The horror/cute toy (TN: Japanese had it as a compound word of scary (コワイ) and (カワイイ), with (コワカワイイ) to describe it) is a big hit with people these days, but Jiro doesn’t like that franchise at all. (Recap: ‘Silent Lamb’ is a toy based off the movie ‘Silence of the Lambs’)
Jiro hissed at Usami, asking if she’s trying to make him suffer. Usami didn’t care Jiro doesn’t seem to like those toys, saying that shop’s atmosphere is good and both Kureha and Subaru like those toys. Jiro still said this concerned him, as the toy will be given to him as a present. Jiro wondered if this is karma for the lamb hotpot they had last month, he’s now doomed to have one of those things in his room. Jiro can’t comprehend how is these things getting steadily more popular, but that must be the case as even specialty shops of this is popping up.
Jiro was shocked as soon as he stepped inside the shop, there’s a life-sized lamb-person suit handing out balloons for the new opening. That lamb-person stiffened as Jiro walked in and stared at him intently, making Jiro wonder if he had rice stuck on his face or something. Usami then told him to hurry up, and he put that behind him.
Jiro felt self-conscious, like being at a girl’s manga section of a bookshop – all the customers here are female. Usami and him found Kureha and Subaru, then Jiro snarked at all the comments Kureha and Subaru is making, plus all the crazy merchandise that’s around them. He thought there has to be something wrong with both the series’ creator and the people that buy this stuff, they need to either see a optometrist or a psychologist. There must be something wrong with Japan if these things are selling well.
Subaru says there’s nothing wrong with these sheep plushies, even if Jiro disagreed. Kureha’s chatting nicely with her, like they’re a good pair of sempai-kouhai. A far cry from when they first met, Kureha would get tense every time they’re close to one another.
Subaru muttered “A present for Jiro, huh.” (See illustration
http://img2081.poco.cn/mypoco/myphot...710202_008.jpg ) looking melancholic. She wonders if she should get Jiro a present as well. Kureha asks if something happened between them, and Subaru said it’s nothing and gave a weak smile.
Jiro felt his heart ache at this scene – he realised Subaru wants to make up with him just as much as he wanted to. To go back to how they were, eating lunch together and do those ridiculous cures for his gynophobia.
Usami interrupted his thoughts. Jiro asked what’s wrong, Kureha’s date seems to be going fine. She pointed behind them, and from the shadows the person in the Silent Lamb suit is staring at them. Usami ran, and Jiro quickly followed. The Silent Lamb suit looked like it’s possessed. Jiro told Usami don’t leave him behind, and she said no way, if they’re caught they might get eaten (Jiro thought the same thing).
Usami tripped, and Jiro’s forced to fight unless he’s willing to leave Usami behind. He threw a jab, but the person dodged below it and caught him in a hold. Then the suit talked, and it turned out to be Shure. (See illustration:
http://img2081.poco.cn/mypoco/myphot...710202_009.jpg )
They went to talk outside, since their commotion might end up drawing Subaru’s attention. Shure came here for a part time job, and since her father’s company owns this chain she decided here’s a good place. Shure basically chased after Jiro and Usami for fun, and apologised for their date. Usami denied this is for the date, and then they got found out they’re here to keep a eye on Kureha.
Usami then dragged both Jiro and Shure away, as Kureha and Subaru had finished shopping. Shure’s shift is over, so she went along with Jiro and Usami to keep a eye on Kureha. She doesn’t plan to interrupt the date, but she has something she wants to check up on as well.
The next part of the date was supposed to be going to a café, but Kureha took a side trip to a park. They decides to follow them. The conversation from the phone said Kureha had gone here since no one will hear them here. Kureha asked Subaru what happened with Subaru and Jiro. Subaru gulped, and Kureha said she knew something’s up back when they were at the shop. Kureha asked if they fought, and Subaru said that wasn’t it. After a while, Subaru said it might have been his/her fault. Subaru can’t bring herself to talk with Jiro about this either, even knowing it might be better that way but now she doesn’t have to courage to do so. She hates herself for not being able to do so, and when she tried to do something about their problem she brought trouble for Kanade and Jiro. Subaru is on the verge of tears, and Jiro almost jumped out to comfort her. He said those things back then to have time to think, but now it appears it didn’t accomplish anything.
Kureha said Subaru don’t have to be down anymore – Subaru can solve this eventually, as everyone is like this when they try to solve their problems by themselves. They need help at times like these. And even if they try their best and things doesn’t turn out well, the best thing to do is stand back up and keep walking.
Kureha says she’s just repeating their family rule and it’s what her mother had said, so she might have been over her head when she said all that. Subaru thanked Kureha for saing those things anyway. Jiro thought back to those words that his mother told him, and wondered how did he not remember all this before.
It’s nearing sunset, 4:30pm. It’s winter and the sun is setting early now. Kureha and Subaru thanked each other, and as they’re about to leave Kureha confessed. (See colour illustration:
http://img2081.poco.cn/mypoco/myphot...522146_002.jpg )
Jiro realised that’s why Kureha wanted to go on a date today. She’s had a crush on Subaru since April, and nothing in life stays the same – Kureha would have eventually confessed. The Fuyutsuki Revolution in Jiro’s eyes was just a bad joke, but Kureha had her own considerations and decided on her path of action.
Subaru said he can’t return Kureha’s feelings. She’s happy that Kureha confessed to her, but she can’t accept it nonetheless. Kureha laughed like she usually do, with a innocent smile, saying she had already thought things might turn out this way. Kureha says she already knew there’s someone Subaru likes, and having spoke her feelings she’s satisfied. Kureha said she won’t ever forget this day, then ran off after saying goodbye. Subaru had wanted to chase after Kureha after that overly direct farewell, but then thought it might not be for the best to see her right now.
Jiro ran off to chase after Kureha, not caring he might be found out by Subaru. He feels he has to catch up to Kureha right now.
*start Extract 1*
“Kureha!”
After leaving the park it’s the road to the station.
I immediately found Kureha’s silhouette.
It was like she was waiting for me, standing there.
Then, with her innocent smile that’s no different to usual she talked to me.
“As I thought, Nii-san.”
“Oh.”
“Did you hear my confession?”
“… Ah.”
“Ehehe. I… was rejected.”
“… Is that so. Though... you tried hard too.”
“… Hm. That was tense. I tried do my best with all my courage. I had to do it eventually. It’s not right for me to not tell Konoe-sempai I love him. Because-”
I have always loved Konoe-sempai.
With a clear voice, my younger sister told me.
Her expression was still that unchanged smile.
But, I felt her voice seem to be trembling slightly.
“Ne, Nii-san.”
“… What?”
“Did you hear what I just said to Konoe-sempai as well?”
“Yeah. What mum said to us in the past, right?”
“That’s it. I thought mum’s words were right. No matter who it is, as long as you’re alive there will be things not going your way, and you might fall down due to them.”
“…”
“But… what’s important is you have to get back up and keep walking. Even if this is obvious, but you have to conquer those obstacles and keep moving forward. No matter who… they will definitely have times like those. Because…”
Instantly, my body came in contact with a warm body temperature.
Suddenly.
Kureha embraced me.
I can’t quite see her expression that’s buried in my chest right now.
“I,I… I have to cheer up as well. So just for today… can I rest a little?”
“… Mm.”
“It… it’s really is just for a short while. With a short rest I can… can cheer up and move forward. Because… because…”
“… Don’t worry about it. I’m here right now, at least.”
As I said that, I held her tightly.
To comfort her – tightly.
“---”
- And then,
Kureha cried.
It’s like the feelings in her chest had overflowed, she cried with her face in my chest, and large droplets of tears continuously dropped down.
This is probably the instant where my younger sister’s first love ended.
Chapter 4 – Her expression
After Kureha cried enough, they went to a café. Jiro told Kureha she can eat as much as she liked, he’ll pay for her. She devoured plenty of cakes, and then eventually she fell asleep on the table. Jiro doesn’t know whether it’s because she’s asleep because of her crying or because she ate too much.
Now, night has fallen and Jiro is carrying Kureha on his back. Usami asked if Jiro’s alright, and he replies Kureha’s not that heavy. He’s taking Kureha back to Shure’s place, since Kureha ran away from home and all her stuff is there. Jiro can’t just have Shure try and carry Kureha home like that, so he took the job.
Usami said Subaru just sat on the bench in the park and didn’t move after that. It’s possible she noticed them already. Shure said she’s surprised. Jiro says he feel the same way, Kureha confessing like that. Shure says that’s not it, she’s surprised at how strong Kureha is. Jiro frowned, but then notes Kureha is quite competent at wrestling. Shure says that’s not what she meant, it’s Kureha’s emotional strength. Shure thought Kureha might be depressed after that, but if she can eat that much at the café and cry that loud, there’s no problem. Eventually Kureha will get better. Jiro notes this is like what Kureha was talking about earlier – stand back up, move forward. It’s because Kureha can do that she cried in his arms, knowing she won’t break down after that.
Usami asks if it’s alright, she can carry Kureha instead. Jiro says it’s no problem, even after eating that much cake Kureha’s still light. Sure, Kureha had gotten heavier, but that’s nothing compared to how much lighter his wallet is now. Usami says that’s not what she meant – Jiro’s been carrying Kureha all this time, right?
Kureha’s a girl, you know? Usami asked Jiro. He had completely forgotten about that. He’s not feeling any symptoms at all right now. Jiro thought it might be the program to cure his gynophobia has begun to work, but that’s not the only reason. He had gotten used to girls after all this time, but there’s another reason for this.
Said reason is currently on his back and sleeptalking.
Jiro’s condition stems from his
fear of girls. And the main cause of that? The female members of the Sakamachi family who used him as a sandbag for over ten years. Subconsciously he became terrified of Kureha and his mother, and that led to his gynophobia.
Jiro remembers again what happened earlier, Kureha crying like a child. Ultimately, he found as a older brother he didn’t understand his younger sister at all. The Kureha that cried in his arms is nothing to be frightened of.
Jiro then thought about who does Subaru possibly like after Kureha pointed it out, but his line of thought is cut off as they reached Shure’s home. It’s a Japanese mansion, on the same scale as Kanade’s Western mansion she called home. Usami’s stunned at the sight, it’s her first time here as well. Nakuru came out to meet Shure, and found Jiro and others is with her. Jiro found Nakuru doesn’t use Keigo (polite speech) with Shure anymore. The gap between the two sisters is filled now.
Nakuru accused Shure of went out to play with Jiro and others without inviting her. Shure said she met them after her job, it was a coincidence, so stop daydreaming. Nakuru replied daydreaming like that is her speciality. Shure said she doesn’t hate that part of Nakuru. Nakuru says she don’t mind Shure’s tsundere tendencies too. Shure denied having tsundere tendencies, then proved she does have it with ‘urusai’ and saying all this is embarrassing. Nakuru looked like she’s holding a stray cat that doesn’t like being held, with the way Shure’s squirming at behind handled like that.
Usami looked longingly at how Shure and Nakuru is huddled with one another. Jiro snarked inside that if she wants a younger sister that badly, she can go and hug Shure as well – Shure’s now fully in ‘imouto mode’.
Nakuru then noticed Kureha’s on Jiro’s back, and asked what’s going on. Kureha then woke up, not quite remembering why she’s on Jiro’s back at first. Nakuru asked what happened as she saw Kureha’s eyes are a bit red, then a awkward silence ensued. Shure changed the topic, telling Kureha to come in and eat dinner as she’s still staying with them for the time being. It seemed too cruel for Kureha to talk about being rejected so soon. Shure invited Jiro and Usami to stay and eat as well.
Before Jiro can go in he got grabbed by Shure and told he’s going with her to buy something first at the local corner store. Before Nakuru and others can ask further, Shure told them they can start eating first and then dragged Jiro off with her.
It turns out that was just a excuse so Shure can talk to Jiro in private. They end up in a nearby shrine. She knows something is wrong, Jiro have been acting weird lately and after seeing Subaru today Shure can tell something is off there as well. Shure says she owe him one for helping in September’s Sports Festival, and as a 3rd year student and his sempai it’s only natural she helps her kouhai (Jiro). Jiro thought he kept trying to think of ways to solve things but he just digs himself deeper to the point he can’t move anymore – and he told Shure about how they kind of argued. Jiro told Shure he asked Subaru that they stop being Best Friends for the time being, Subaru seems to be worrying about something, something about him – but he doesn’t know what, and Subaru won’t tell him. He thought as long as he’s by her side she’ll be hurt, so they need some distance between them for now.
Shure came to the conclusion Jiro can’t accept that they’re best friends but they hide things from one another, and don’t go to one another when they’re in trouble – that they hurt each other this way. Jiro tried to deny that, thinking he just don’t want to see Subaru hurt. But then he thought is that really all it is to it? He’s afraid of being hurt too. He had confessed to Subaru, could this be about how he can’t handle this awkward relationship between them now?
Shure asked him if he told Subaru to stop being best friends… then she slapped him. Hard, and coming from someone that’s physically superior to Kureha in fighting it was powerful. Jiro was knocked off his feet and went rolling into the stone covered ground. Only reflex saved Jiro from serious injury, but his face still stung and went numb. He doesn’t get why he got slapped.
Shure then came up to him, grabbed him by the collar and told him all he is doing right now is running away.
Jiro didn’t understand what Shure is talking about. Shure explained it’s like what Kureha said earlier today – everyone must stand up after falling down in life. However Jiro didn’t choose to stand up, but instead ran away. Jiro ran away, not wanting to face his problems head on. After seeing Jiro still not quite willing to admit that, Shure asked him:
“Is it really wrong for friends to have secrets?” Everyone has a thing or two they don’t want anyone else to know about. Jiro thought even so, he and Subaru were best friends.
Shure changed tack, and asked a different question: is the bond between best friends so fragile that a little bit of secrets can break it easily? Shure yelled, saying if Jiro really is Subaru’s best friend they he should stay by Subaru’s side no matter how many secrets Subaru has! Think about how Subaru feels! Accept everything about Subaru, and protect him! If Jiro can’t even do this, then he doesn’t have the right to keep talking about stuff like Best Friends.
Jiro’s just running away, whereas his sister chose to move forward.
Jiro thought about it, and finally agreed. And he noted he isn’t just running away from Subaru, he’s running away from Kanade’s issues as well. He used the excuse that Ichigo’s blocking the way to her and that Kanade has a ‘cold’ to not go and see her.
After yelling that much, Shure asked hoarsely just what is wrong with Jiro. The Jiro she knew was cooler, and wouldn’t give up over something like these. Giving up and running away is no different to being dead – continuing forward despite being hurt, no matter how long it took – that’s what it means to be alive.
After hearing all that, Jiro finally understood why Shure slapped him. Hell, he felt like he wanted to beat his old self up as well.
Jiro stood up. Shure asked in a soft voice is he alright now, and he answered Yes. Before he goes to fix his mistakes, Shure told him to wait, and asked him to hit her. She slapped him earlier and as a surprise attack, it’s only fair he gets to return the favour. Jiro’s awed that Shure is such a good person. She told him (shyly) to hurry up, she doesn’t like pain either.
After thinking about it a bit, he asked her to close her eyes. Shure protested, saying she hit him with his eyes open. Jiro replied he was surprised, and does it really matter if her eyes are open or not? He won’t go for the face. Shure finally closed her eyes, though she still trembled a bit like a kid waiting to be chastised.
Jiro stared at Shure, and then hugged her. Tightly, and passionately.
Shure immediately blushed to cover her whole face, as she didn’t expect this to happen. She stammered and asked what does he think he’s doing, and Jiro replied he did say he wouldn’t go for the face. She then asked “Even so then why the hell did you hug me?!”, and Jiro asked back “It’s better than being hit right?”
Jiro then decisively told Shure in no uncertain terms, “Thank you”, from the bottom of his heart. Shure immediately called him a Baka out of embarrassment, and told him to stop thanking her. She told him to get going, she’ll handle Usami and others.
After that, Jiro ran out of the shrine and headed directly towards where his best friend butler and her mistress is at.