I was riding the bus, clutching my smartphone.
What can I do to make Miyu happy?
Even though I thought about it by myself for a while, I couldn't see any signs that I would be able to solve the problem in the short time I had, with only eight hours left.
I had the message app open on the display of my smartphone, which I was clinging to even if it was a small opportunity.
'I'm at cram school for summer classes, so if you come to the station, we can talk between the break.'
I thanked Sachiko many times for the message she sent me and decided to go see her.
I know that the answer is meaningless unless I come up with it in my own head.
However, it shouldn't be a problem to ask for hints.
However, as proof of my search for clues, when I left the house, Miyu waved me off and said, 'That's correct.'
I get off the bus that stops near the station and head to the cafe where we would meet.
Apparently there is an hour break.
The cram school that Sachiko attends has elective classes in addition to the required classes, and she usually uses that as free time to self-study, but currently for me.
"It's been a while, Onii-san."
Sachiko, who met at the entrance of the store, had the same side tails as before, even in the summer, and had a mature appearance.
She was wearing a light amount of make-up, her complexion was good, and she was tall to begin with, so her Onee-san-like personality oozed out.
"It's been a while. Have you been well?"
Even though it hadn't been long since we broke up, it felt like an eternity since I've seen Sachiko.
"Thanks to you."
Sachiko happily replied.
The interior of the store is decorated with wood in chic colors and has many bookshelves as interior decorations, making it a homely place.
The interior is designed to be comfortable, with sofas as the main feature, so that each person who visits the store can have their own space.
The first store I went to with Sachiko was also a similar kind of place.
I miss those days when Miyu used to help me find a girlfriend.
We were guided to an empty sofa seat and sat there side by side.
"You look somewhat mature."
Before the serious consultation, I interpose some simple small talk.
Fortunately, we have enough time, so I'll treat her to an iced latte from the new menu to thank her for the time she'll spend on me.
"Everyone says that to me. Onee-chan gave me some unused cosmetics and taught me how to do them. Perhaps because of that, some boys confessed to me."
Sachiko's voice was half happy and half confused.
I don't know if it's because of embarrassment, but the fact that multiple people confessed to her is a great accomplishment.
"I understand how those boys feel. Sachiko has an atmosphere that makes it easy to talk to, and being with you makes me feel at ease. It's not just your looks, but overall, I feel like you've become a reliable older sister."
Even an insecure type of guy like me might end up confessing in that kind of atmosphere.
Personally, Sachiko and I are on the same wavelength, so I didn't have any trouble inviting her to the cafe.
"I get embarrassed when you say things like that."
Sachiko quickly hid her face in the menu.
"It's showing results, so I think you can take confidence in the confessions."
"I guess so. To begin with, I don't really talk to boys that much."
Still, there must be something in the air when someone confesses.
When I was little, I also used to get attracted to girls who I just hung out with during extracurricular activities.
"Did you decide to date someone?"
It's a complicated story when a girl you know ends up with a man.
But, thanks to my privileged circumstances, I don't find it unpleasant.
It was an unthinkable feeling for me in the past.
Happiness is relative, isn't it.
"They're all good people, but I couldn't choose because I received so many confessions at once."
Sachiko smiled bitterly, revealing her troubled feelings.
"I've been asked out on dates, but I can't really accept them. I get nervous at the thought of going out just the two of us."
Then, after thinking with a troubled look on her face, Sachiko suddenly returned to her cheerful expression and smiled shyly.
"In that respect, I feel kind of relieved about Onii-san. You don't seem to care about my weak points, and you feels the same way when I'm with you."
'I can't help but want to be spoiled,' Sachiko says as she quietly approaches me.
"If you say that, I'll get embarrassed too."
I didn't dare to refuse her.
I don't think there's any need to deny the kindness of an innocent girl like Sachiko.
"So that's it. What is Onii-san's consultation?"
"Ahh, about that."
It wasn't like I had prepared any clear questions.
I just wanted to know how Sachiko felt when she was dating me.
Miyu and I are brother and sister, but from now on, we will be closer to lovers.
In that case, Sachiko, who was in love with Miyu for only a few weeks, might have some hints to make Miyu happy.
After I finished my order with the clerk, I hypothetically explained to Sachiko what had happened so far.
"Uh-huh. She confessed her feelings to you, but you're not confident because there's too much difference in status, so you wanted to ask me what I thought about you as a girlfriend."
Well, that was my intention.
"You're no good unless Miyu-chan's your partner, right? Are you okay with that?"
Sachiko hit me right at the core, and I couldn't maintain my hypothetical form.
I told Sachiko that I liked Miyu and because of that, we broke up, so it was natural to have questions about it.
"Ah-... that's... um..."
I've always been bad at lying.
If I don't get flustered when it's mentioned in this way, I can still deceive the other person, but I'll be tormented by guilt and find it difficult to speak smoothly.
It's fine if I'm just talking without telling the truth.
However, if I lie to answer the other person's question, it's practically betrayal at that point.
That being said, I don't know much about Miyu's position among her friends, and I don't know if it's okay to reveal the relationship between me and Miyu.
But it's also rude not to trust Sachiko, who is no different.
"It's the same, I'm no good unless Miyu-chan's my partner. So, in other words... yeah."
When I said that much, Sachiko was pleasantly surprised and said, 'Well!'
"So you've finally gotten together with Miyu-chan. Congratulations. Onii-san is a very nice person, and I can see why Miyu-chan likes you."
Sachiko welcomed our relationship more than expected.
"That's the question though."
Sachiko is also favourable towards me, and I know that she sees me as a man.
But I can't find any reason for that.
Compared to average girls--I know it's a rude thing to say--but Miyu and Sachiko can choose their own men.
Even in the same junior high school, there are probably people who are better-looking and smarter than me.
Or maybe the same is true of the boys Sachiko is being confessed by now.
So why is Sachiko not going on a date with them and getting along so well with me?
"When you think of me, Sachiko... um, am I nice?"
When I asked her that question, Sachiko thought for a while, then held the iced latte brought to her by the employee with both hands.
"About that."
Sachiko was smiling as she handed it to me, carefully supporting it with both hands.
A brandy glass filled with foam, covered with golden sauce, and pieces of confectionery scattered on top.
"Nh? What's wrong with this? You want it mixed up? Or do you mean I can drink it first? I said I'd pay for it, but you don't have to be so careful."
I was confused as Sachiko just grinned while holding the glass.
Then, for some unknown reason, Sachiko took the caramel latte I ordered and replaced it with her iced latte.
I keep asking questions in my head as I hold a cup filled with crushed nuts and cream in my hand.
"You mean I can choose which one I like... I guess? I immediately recommended the new menu, so you thought I was interested in it so you gave it to me?"
When I try to come up with a forced interpretation, Sachiko holds out her iced latte again and tries to exchange it for my caramel latte.
What is this being tested for?
"Okay, I understand. Sachiko can drink whichever you like first. It's a token of my gratitude... Well, it's not a big deal. After this, you're going back to cram school, so I think it's best to choose the one that's good for your brain. You can drink both if you like."
I just put my thoughts into words.
Then, Sachiko relaxed her cheeks and replaced the glass on the table.
"That's the point."
"Too difficult..."
Is that supposed to be my nice side?
I guess she likes things that look stupid.
"I like that you're kind and don't get angry."
"Aah, is that so."
I don't feel bad when people say I'm kind, but I honestly wasn't happy about it.
'Kind' and 'good person' are words used for unpopular men, and in the end, it is nothing more than social commentary.
If it wasn't for Sachiko, I might have been rather depressed.
"Is being kind a good thing?"
Especially in junior high school, strong men like yankees are popular.
When someone calls me a kind person, it sounds like 'I'm not interested in you.'
"It's important to be kind and not get angry, you know. You do what you need to do, and are unfazed by inconveniences. Onii-chan's kindness means that you won't impose your demands on others. Still, you think about the other person. That sort of kindness of yours, I really do like that about you."
With that said, I finally understood what she meant.
It's a bad example to use, but when Suzuhara was threatening Yamamoto-san, my actions were also born out of kindness.
"I understand that, but was there any point in exchanging the glasses earlier?"
Maybe it's because I didn't get angry even when I was made to do something I didn't understand why.
"It's hard to put into words, but it's more like a way of thinking... I knew that you would seriously consider things based on the other person's standards."
It was a very incomplete answer.
However, for Sachiko, that seems to be my most important virtue.
"There's more, you know. Onii-san is quite good at listening."
"Really!? Ahh, no, I'm sorry for always denying it, but you're saying the exact opposite of what I've been thinking, so what can I say..."
Until recently, I had hardly talked to anyone, which is exactly what I call a communication disorder.
I can accept if I'm kind, but I just can't agree with me being a good listener.
"Onii-san gives me feedback, and you don't ignore each topic and think about it one by one. You do this as a matter of course, which gives me a great sense of security."
It's just that I do it like it's normal.
In other words, Sachiko adds, I think it's natural to do something, so I don't realise that it's my strength.
Now that she mentions that, whenever people praise me, I just think, 'Everyone can do that.'
If I look around, it's true that there are many people who don't have the basic manners and consideration that Miyu taught me.
However, unlike special skills or looks, I believe that anyone can do it if they try hard.
Long story short, it doesn't have to be me.
"You said you did housework. Onii-san didn't talk much with Miyu, right?"
"Yeah, especially since junior high school."
“But you were doing your job properly, weren’t you?”
"Well, if I don't, it'll be a nuisance. I think it's natural to do it as a person."
Anyone can do housework if they want to.
"The important thing is that you do what is expected of you with the mindset that it's simply natural of you to do so."
"I see."
“Also, Onii-san is quite skilled, so please be aware of that, okay?”
"I see. I'm honestly glad to hear that."
I swallowed my words, trying not to deny Sachiko's opinion as much as possible.
I had a bad stance on listening.
I have to reflect.
It's rude to head down and deny the other person's opinion even though I asked for advice.
First, let's believe what Sachiko taught me as fact.
I can do housework and listen well.
I'm sure that's because what Miyu pushed me into doing when I was young still forms the core of me now that I've grown up.
However, what is important as a person is not the technique.
No matter what mood I'm in, I'm doing it naturally.
This seems to be very reliable for girls.
Therefore, I am trusted by Miyu and Sachiko.
I'm going to believe that.
Then, the problem still moves to the first question.
Miyu can choose any man she wants - to be exact, she could have had any number of good men as her boyfriend if she didn't have that constitution.
In the end, my strengths are nothing more than 'merits that can be replaced by any number of other things,' so I feel that Miyu is unfortunate for having to choose me as her life partner, considering my inferior abilities.
"You're making somewhat of a difficult face."
Sachiko looked at me with a worried look, making me hurriedly take a sip of my drink, trying to hide my face.
"Well, look. If there's someone with the same personality as me and has good looks and smarts, then I guess she'd be better off with them."
"There is no such person, you know."
Sachiko flatly replied.
'You can't be serious, right?' Her voice was a mix of surprise and dismay.
"Is that so? I think there are quite a few..."
"Where?"
"You know, the employee who took our order earlier seemed kind and pretty cool."
"Ah. I see."
Sachiko clapped her hands and made a refreshed face.
"Now I know a little bit. Onii-san, do you have a weakness for girls, or do you have a strong tendency to make assumptions? Or perhaps both?"
"Even Sachiko says that..."
"Fufuu. I knew it. Anyone would think so."
Sachiko smiled bitterly again.
However, it wasn't the troubled expression from earlier, but a gentle smile that made me think, 'I guess it can't be helped.'
"I was holding back because you said you got together with Miyu-chan, but."
"Ah, wai-..."
Sachiko clung to my arm and leaned against me tightly.
"I feel jealous of Miyu-chan, you know?"
"Did you ever fall in love with me?"
"It's because I found someone I can mutually trust in."
I subtly appeal to Sachiko that 'I have Miyu now,' but Sachiko doesn't care and approaches me.
"Didn't Onii-san just tell me to have confidence because of the confessions? If Onii-san wasn't trustworthy, I wouldn't be talking to you like this, and I wouldn't allow you to have a relationship with Miyu, would I? Doesn't my presence give you confidence?"
Sachiko takes advantage of the fact that her seat is in a position where it's difficult for people to see her, and leans into me with such force that she almost hugs me.
"O-oh, I-I understand...!"
"You don't understand. You don't understand anything, do you?"
Sachiko's voice contained the same harshness as when I was scolded by Miyu, but contrary to her attitude, she clung to me.
"Listen, Onii-san. No matter how cute and smart Miyu is, a girl is still a girl. Please treat her as Miyu, not as some abstraction of a perfect girl."
Miyu as a girl, huh.
By the way, someone else said something similar.
"So, how long this will last..."
"Of course, until the next lecture."
She has about 30 minutes left, but is she seriously going to cling like this to me for the rest of that time?
"It's necessary for Onii-san. Even if I say it out loud, you don't seem to understand."
"That... can't be denied. Sorry."
“So, as compensation for this consultation, I would like this.”
Sachiko pulled my arm into her chest and poked my cheek with her fingertips.
"Please let me enjoy chatting with you while you are tormented by guilt towards Miyu-chan."
"Uuu... y... yes..."
Sachiko has acquired bad knowledge, no matter whose fault it is.
Perhaps influenced by Miyu's obsession with giving back, I couldn't shake off Sachiko's seemingly hostile behavior.
I had to tell Miyu about today anyways, so I resigned myself to thinking that I would have no choice but to get scolded later.
After that, we spent the rest of the time chatting unrelated to the consultation.
Most of the content was like a status update, but I really enjoyed that short time, and I think Sachiko really enjoyed it as well.
After I left the cafe and said goodbye to Sachiko, I once again realised the importance of that time.
I've spent my whole life degrading myself, but that was just an escape.
At some point, Miyu said something similar.
The problem I needed to solve was how to make Miyu happy.
In the first place, maybe Miyu wasn't as unhappy as I thought.
I wonder what it is.
I feel like I can find a clue to the solution soon.
Should I think about this myself?
Or should I get tips from other people and get everything done all at once?
Miyu's happiness should be my top priority.
So I don't want to ruin it by trying to look cool or something.
With that in mind, I should choose the latter.
In that case, I guess the next person to consult is Yamamoto-san.
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