Living in Tokyo, all I want to do is laze around.

"Hiss, he probably hasn't learned the word 'older brother' yet."

Mrs. Hanamaru said, "Hanayu will tell you, maybe it's because you're too handsome, Kai?"

Is there any connection between the words "handsome" and "older sister"?

"There's no connection, but because of Hanabi, you both fall into the category of being pretty. As for Hanayu, calling you 'older sister' probably means she thinks you're pretty."

Uesugi Kai took his sister-in-law's hand. Her hand was very small, yet very soft, with the intimacy of a child. Her sweet, childlike voice, coupled with her pair of innocent, flawless, violet eyes, made her especially adorable.

Looking at his cute yet mischievous sister-in-law, his thoughts drifted to the future, and his voice became somewhat unsteady:

"Auntie, what's it like raising a child?"

Mrs. Hanamaru: "Want to have a baby?"

“I don’t know…” Uesugi Kai hugged Hanamaru Hanayu, who had climbed away, back in front of her, “but… it feels like home.”

"This feeling is warm and cozy," Mrs. Hanamaru said. "I've noticed from a long time that you yearn for a simple life. What's it like to spend all these years with Hanabi?"

"She is very warm and quiet. She never causes me any trouble. She always tries her best to do everything for me and is always considerate of me."

Mrs. Hanamaru saw his expression and smiled, saying, "Kai, what I like most about you is that you never take Hanabi's actions for granted."

“Between you, the affection is more familial than romantic. Over the past ten years, I believe that the novelty you can get from Hanabi has become very rare.”

Kai Uesugi: "I understand, but that's precisely why... I don't want her to leave my side."

Mrs. Hanamaru: "It is a bit selfish to say, but your selfishness is the kind of selfishness she expects. At least your actions let her know that you care about her."

"You'll be getting married in a few months."

Marriage...?

Kai Uesugi grabbed the little tail at the back of Hanamaru Hana's clothes, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't move an inch.

In any case, meeting her in this lifetime is already the happiest thing.

Mrs. Hanamaru and Mrs. Uesugi came here together to see their newly moved-in house.

————————————————————

A street scene in Tokyo at 1:39 p.m.

Cold rain sprinkled across the transparent umbrellas that were being used to walk between the high-rise buildings.

"Welcome to 7 Days Convenience Store."

"Hi, Seunghye, 300 yen."

"Sir, starting in September, you'll be charged for plastic bags. Here's your change: 190 yen. Please keep it safe."

Thank you for your patronage. We look forward to welcoming you again.

After leaving the convenience store, Uesugi Kai, whose chin was now covered in stubble, walked home alone, holding an umbrella.

The whispers of raindrops hitting the umbrella's surface filled my entire body with a chill.

Kai Uesugi didn't react much, letting the chill invade his body as he continued walking through the rain-soaked streets of Tokyo.

He answered the phone, carrying a clear plastic bag containing two cup noodles.

It is the mother.

【Akai, the letter from the University of Tokyo has arrived.】

【Um. 】

[It says on the sign that the entrance ceremony will be held on April 1st!]

That's really lucky.

[Yeah, yeah! I can't believe you actually got in, A-Zhao! This past year must have been tough, right? What do you want to eat tonight?]

Kai Uesugi glanced sideways at the two packs of Nissin Cup Noodles in his plastic bag.

The pattering raindrops continued to fill my ears.

I've already bought some instant noodles.

[Instant noodles? No way! That's unhealthy. When you get home, just wait for me to go grocery shopping; it'll be ready in a minute.]

【Um. 】

Kai Uesugi hung up the phone and put it back in his pocket.

Unexpectedly, it rang again.

It's Goto.

【Hello.】

[Haha, Uesugi, I passed! I passed!]

【Congratulations.】

Hey, you have no idea how tough it's been for me lately. Every night I wait for the envelope to arrive at home.

【Um. 】

Kai Uesugi, phone in hand, gazed at the passersby under their umbrellas as they brushed past him.

[Hey, Uesugi, are you alright? You don't sound very happy. Could it be that you...]

You've passed; don't worry.

[You passed? Haha, that's great! The University of Tokyo... I can't even dream of it. There's a class reunion on Friday, everyone's coming. Are you coming?]

【never mind.】

Hey, no way! The class reunion wouldn't be complete without you! You're a celebrity at our school! Do you know how many girls have asked me for your phone number?

[It wouldn't be much different without me.]

【How can you say that! Every classmate is important! If you don't come, Tsubokawa and I will drag you here!】

There's no need.

"Uesugi, this is necessary. We're worried about you." Goto's tone suddenly became serious.

What do I have to worry about?

[Anyway, it's settled then. 2-6-12 Ginza. Remember to come on time Friday noon, you absolutely have to!]

Kai Uesugi put the phone he had just hung up back into his pocket.

On the way home, the sound of the plastic bag swaying and the rain hitting the umbrella were clearly mingled together.

The words Goto had invited me to the class reunion kept echoing in my mind.

To say it's perfect is an understatement; it's been imperfect for a long time now.

Uesugi Kai continued walking, the sky overcast with rain, filled with an unyielding chill.

......

open the door.

"I am back."

Kai Uesugi spoke loudly because he secretly hoped that a soft, warm voice would reach his ears.

A street scene in Tokyo at 1:39 p.m.

Cold rain sprinkled across the transparent umbrellas that were being used to walk between the high-rise buildings.

"Welcome to 7 Days Convenience Store."

"Hi, Seunghye, 300 yen."

"Sir, starting in September, you'll be charged for plastic bags. Here's your change: 190 yen. Please keep it safe."

Thank you for your patronage. We look forward to welcoming you again.

After leaving the convenience store, Uesugi Kai, whose chin was now covered in stubble, walked home alone, holding an umbrella.

The whispers of raindrops hitting the umbrella's surface filled my entire body with a chill.

Kai Uesugi didn't react much, letting the chill invade his body as he continued walking through the rain-soaked streets of Tokyo.

He answered the phone, carrying a clear plastic bag containing two cup noodles.

It is the mother.

【Akai, the letter from the University of Tokyo has arrived.】

【Um. 】

[It says on the sign that the entrance ceremony will be held on April 1st!]

That's really lucky.

[Yeah, yeah! I can't believe you actually got in, A-Zhao! This past year must have been tough, right? What do you want to eat tonight?]

Kai Uesugi glanced sideways at the two packs of Nissin Cup Noodles in his plastic bag.

The pattering raindrops continued to fill my ears.

I've already bought some instant noodles.

[Instant noodles? No way! That's unhealthy. When you get home, just wait for me to go grocery shopping; it'll be ready in a minute.]

【Um. 】

Kai Uesugi hung up the phone and put it back in his pocket.

Unexpectedly, it rang again.

It's Goto.

【Hello.】

[Haha, Uesugi, I passed! I passed!]

【Congratulations.】

Hey, you have no idea how tough it's been for me lately. Every night I wait for the envelope to arrive at home.

【Um. 】