Lonely Rock for the Blind.

Page 411

I used to think he liked me.

Ichi Seika bit her lower lip.

Strange... It's probably right that you don't like me...

I never had those kinds of feelings for Qing. If he really liked me, I would only feel troubled...

So... so when I found out he didn't really like me, my feelings were...

Yes…

[Disappointment]

"?"

Ichi Hoshika tilted her head.

As people get older, their minds just don't work as well. I should have been happy back then.

Yes, that's right, I'm happy.

What if he really likes you and confesses his feelings to you?

Huh? Needless to say, it's definitely a refusal.

I firmly rejected him and told him what kind of relationship we had, that I had always regarded him as a younger brother.

Yes, that's right, that's what I really think.

Are you lonely?

Suddenly, it seemed as if a voice asked this question.

Ichi Seika opened her mouth.

I'm definitely lonely... especially since Hongxia hasn't been clinging to me lately...

But this is a good thing; if she doesn't stick to me, she's definitely going to stick to Qing.

That's right, that's correct.

Ijichi Hoshika looks forward to a future where the two of them are together.

So I won't feel disappointed about it.

It's all temporary anyway.

Then the two of them will stick to him again.

Loneliness, depression, and disappointment.

All these feelings will disappear completely in time.

As long as the three of us are together... Me, Qing, and Hongxia.

So, I guess he wouldn't actually refuse.

The voice from the bottom of my heart rang out once again.

"... "

If Qing really likes me and her attitude is quite firm, I might... be unable to refuse her...

But that's not right...

Ichiji Hoshika thought of something else.

What's wrong?

It would be fine if all three of them were together.

Just like my mother used to say.

Hongxia is very lonely.

Qing was so lonely that she forgot how lonely she was.

So they need me, they need me, their older sister, to protect them and help them forget their loneliness, right?

So these points are quite correct.

Wait a minute…

If... if someone confesses their feelings to you, and you accept their advances.

That means I do like the other person.

But if that's the case...

Is this still what is called family affection?

Ichi Seika's eyes slowly lowered.

...

……

.........

"Sister Xingge".

In the park, Ijichi Seika was watching Ijichi Niyaka riding the carousel in the distance when Nekoyashiki Haru's clear voice suddenly rang out beside her.

Ijichi Hoshika paused for a moment, then turned to look at Nekoyashiki Haru.

"...You didn't go to school that day."

"Ichi Hoshika suddenly said."

"Hmm... I'm worried about Hongxia, and I'm also worried about you."

"Nekoyashiki Haru said, looking down."

"Have you been standing at the door all day?"

"…almost."

Nekoyashiki Haru nodded.

"I'm sorry, Qing."

Ijichi Seika's expression darkened.

"...If I had realized it sooner, you wouldn't have had to..."

Snapped…

Ichiko stopped speaking, feeling her thigh being hugged.

"clear?"

"...Thank you, Sister Xingge."

"...Why did you suddenly thank me?"

"Because, if it weren't for Sister Xingge, Hongxia would definitely not be as happy as she is now."

"Nekoyashiki Haru said, looking at Ijichi Nijika in the distance."

"I just can't seem to make her happy..."

The boy's expression grew increasingly dejected.

His tone gradually softened.

"...Thankfully, thankfully there's Sister Xingge..."

Nekoyashiki Haru pressed her hand to her chest, relieved.

"... "

Ichi Seika opened her mouth.

"...Sister Xingge is really amazing, she can coax Hongxia."

"Nekoyashiki Haru said, then suddenly smiled."

"It's always been that good."

"Nekoyashiki Haru said."

"...Am I...good?"

Ichi Hoshika was stunned.

"That's amazing... Look... Hongxia and I are so sad, but Xingge can still stand here strong and bring us to the amusement park just like the aunties used to be."

"Nekoyashiki Haru said."

"...I'm just here to make amends."

Ichi Seika pursed her lips.

"It's amazing that you can make up for it. You really are an adult, Sister Xingge."

"... "

"By the way, Sister Xingge, could you squat down?"

"…What?"

"Can you squat down, Sister Xingge?"

Nekoyashiki Haru's voice got a little louder.

Ijichi Hoshika paused for a moment, then slowly squatted down.

Nekoyashiki Haru smiled.

"I want to thank Sister Xingge."