Episode 4 - Class

Hikari Aika moved here due to her parents' job circumstances.

Since the seat next to me was empty, she ended up sitting there.

We're currently in between classes after homeroom.

Honoka is giving me a really scary look, but I'll just pretend I don't see it.

"Nice to meet you. It's rare to transfer just before summer vacation, isn't it?" I casually tried to strike up a conversation.

But either she didn't hear me or she's ignoring me.

The transfer student remained facing forward without a flicker of response.

"Hehe, are you nervous perhaps? Don't worry, you'll get used to it eventually."

"..."

The transfer student nodded slightly.

"Well, since this school is quite prestigious, it's natural to feel anxious about keeping up. I remember sacrificing sleep to study at the insistence of my little sister, and I only managed to pass after all that effort."

"..."

The transfer student murmured softly in response.

I haven't said anything offensive, have I...?

Did she really dislike me within seconds of meeting me...?

Anyway, I decided to ask her about something that had been bothering me earlier.

"Hey, have we met somewhere before?"

"!?..."

As soon as I said that, there was a faint reaction from the transfer student.

She stared at me with her big eyes.

"...Why?"

"N-nothing. It just feels like we've met somewhere before. Am I mistaken?"

The transfer student didn't answer. Instead, she whispered softly:

"You can call me Aika."

"Huh, does that mean..."

"And you, you can call me Shin."

Hikari Aika smiled. It was a smile mixed with sadness—

During class, it felt like I was sitting on pins and needles.

Aika kept staring at me, and when I glanced at the front row, I saw Honoka discreetly texting on her phone.

Whenever our eyes met, she would give me a chilling smile.

I need to confirm this later...

Or maybe I'll end up dead, seriously.

Ugh, my stomach is starting to hurt...

I broke out into a cold sweat.

"Hm? What's wrong, Arata? You look pale."

Sekai Tanoyama asked me.

"Why don't you take a break and go to the infirmary?"

"Is that... okay? Then, I'll take you up on that..."

"Teacher, I'll take my brother to the infirmary."

Honoka stood up abruptly and raised her hand.

The entire class's attention shifted to us.

Seriously, she's accompanying her brother even though we're in high school?

When I blushed, Honoka said to me:

"Arata, don't push yourself. Let's go to the infirmary together."

"Yes, Honoka..."

"Teacher, I'm sorry!"

Honoka's tone suddenly became more serious, and Tanoyama responded in a formal tone.

What happened to the teacher's dignity?

"If my brother were to suddenly collapse from a serious illness before reaching the infirmary, what would you do? You would regret it for the rest of your life. It's the duty of classmates, no, of siblings, to lend a hand to a weakened brother."

I was dumbfounded. The class seemed to be moved, but only Teruaki was looking at us with an amused expression.

Sorry, Arata. Honoka's not ready to let go yet.

At lunchtime, we split into several groups to eat.

"Ah, I'm so hungry."

Even if I didn't study seriously, I still get hungry like everyone else.

"Brother, can I talk to you for a moment?"

I felt like I was about to fall off my chair again.

"Geez, Honoka... I don't want to die yet."

"What are you talking about? Let's go to the cafeteria together."

I thought she was mad about Aika, but it seems not.

"Oh, right... Yeah, sure."

I felt relieved. Maybe my sister is gradually becoming independent.

"Okay, let's go... What about Aika?"

I asked the girl sitting next to me, Aika.

"I'm fine... I'll just be alone..."

"Okay... Ouch!!"

Suddenly, Honoka grabbed my ear and I let out a scream.

"Why are you calling me 'just'? Brother?"

"Even if you say that... Ouch!"

"Shall we go now? I have plenty of things I want to ask you."

She smiled and pulled my ear. Ouch, ouch, seriously ouch.

It seems Honoka's not ready to let go yet.