Shadow of the Past

Today is July 30, 2034. Two weeks have passed since the first day of school.

It's Sunday, and I'm at Mio's house to help her study science and supervise her training session.

Maria came along today. She's suspicious of me because last Sunday, I also took the initiative to go out. Usually, I just laze around at home waiting for something to do. Maybe this made her suspicious and she decided to come with me.

Eventually, Maria and Mio met, and I explained the situation to Maria, making her understand. Although there was a slight misunderstanding – Maria thought I was a lolicon when I introduced Mio to her.

In the end, Maria joined the study session, and I had to become their tutor for the day.

"Teacher, I don't understand this part!" Maria said.

"Don't pretend to be stupid," I replied.

"Eh? You're such a mean teacher!"

"I told you, I'm not a teacher."

Suddenly, Maria forcefully sat on my lap and said, "You're teaching us, so you are a teacher! Look! I'm having trouble understanding this, you have to help me!"

"This is just middle high school science, you always get perfect scores in all subjects."

"Brother, I actually have a secret."

"What is it?"

"Actually, I'm stupid."

"Yeah, you're stupid in front of me."

"That's why you have to teach me more often so I can become smart from now on!"

I sighed and asked, "What kind of novel are you practicing with right now?"

"A novel about a smart protagonist who has a dumb Little sister who loves to be taught by her older brother."

"I see."

"Then you know? That actually, the little sister is his step-sister!"

"Oh, that's so cliche. The author must have seen the reader's reaction and found that many people liked the little sister more than the main heroine, right?"

"Yes, you're right! He even changed the title of the novel website he wrote to highlight the little sister!"

"For the sake of pleasing his fans, he's willing to ruin the plot he's built."

"That's true! That's why I'm his fan now!"

"Well, as long as you're happy, it's up to you."

"Ihihihi."

"By the way, where's Mio?"

"Her mother called her to get the cake earlier. Didn't you hear her mother calling?"

Slowly but surely, I remembered, though it was faint.

"Ah, yes, I remember. I just forgot."

"It's rare for you to be like this, what's wrong, brother?"

"Nothing."

"Don't tell me you're worried about Mom?" Maria's voice was so soft, trying not to make me uncomfortable.

Seeing her worry about me made me happy, but also guilty. However, I still smiled, even though there were two different reasons behind it.

"Thank you for worrying about me, Maria. You're right, it's about Mom."

"It's only natural to worry, I do too. She suddenly called and said she wouldn't be able to come home last month, it really surprised me."

"Same with me, Dad was even worried and went to the academy, leaving this city and his work."

"Dad will probably get fired because of this, right?" Maria looked sad.

I stroked her head because she always liked it when I did that. I comforted her, who looked gloomy, saying, "There's nothing to worry about."

Maria smiled because she knew my intention in stroking her head. There's no way she wouldn't know, she's a smart girl who might even surpass me, who can be considered intelligent.

Her emotional intelligence is so high that she can read my emotions even though I always act stoic.

Now, she might be able to see my emotions more easily since I've gotten used to smiling.

Although I can use a poker face, why would I hide my emotions from my own sister? From the beginning, I've decided to be myself in front of everyone. At the very least, I'll act without thinking anything in front of people I trust.

"Even if Dad gets fired, he'll definitely get a new job that might be better. Besides, if not, we still have Mom. Even if she can't, I can still be relied on," I said.

"That's not what I'm worried about, it's not about money," Maria looked sad again.

"Then what?"

"Dad will definitely question his position as head of the household if that happens. I don't understand about that, but it seems to be something important for a man. Especially finding a job isn't as easy as it seems."

"I can understand that, because I'm a man too. Depending on someone else, especially if that person is someone who should depend on you. It's an insult to a man. You could say it's about pride, maybe?"

"I hope our family is okay."

I smiled and started stroking Maria's head again, saying, "You're still young, but you're already worrying about your own family. You make me proud to be your brother, you know!"

"Ehehe, really?"

"But, I actually don't want to see you grow up so fast. For some reason, I feel like the little Maria I knew is starting to drift away from me."

"Ohoho, so you'd rather I stay a sweet and super cute little sister who likes to bother her brother and seems childish?"

"You're really amazing, you saying that without feeling embarrassed."

"Ehehe, I'm just saying the truth!"

Suddenly, Mio came in carrying some cakes made by her mother, saying, "Sorry to keep you waiting, it suddenly rained earlier and I had to help Mom take care of the clothes that were drying."

"Hoho, this little girl is a very filial child to her parents," Maria said.

"Thank you, Will's little sister," Mio replied.

"I told you my name is Maria, call me by my name!"

"M-Maria...," Mio said shyly.

"Ohoho, what is this cute creature!" Maria suddenly stroked Mio's cheeks like a toy, hugged her from behind, and said, "Since when have you been hiding this cute creature from me, brother?"

"I didn't mean to hide her at all. i know this is will be happen, that's why I didn't bring you from the beginning," I replied.

"Ehhh? That's unfair! You're enjoying the sight of this cute creature all by yourself! Don't tell me you're actually a lolicon?"

"I told you, I'm not!"

"Ehehe, I'm just kidding."

"What if Mio's parents hear that? They might misunderstand and hate me!"

"Ohhh! Brother, you can get angry!"

"Eh? Oh...," I slowly touched my face and realized my forehead was furrowed, "ah... You're right."

"Ihihihi, this is progress, right? I've kept my promise, right, brother?" Maria said while continuing to play with Mio's cheeks.

I do remember making a promise with her sometime in the past. But the first thing I remember right now is Maria's crying and her endless apologies directed at me.

It made me remember the past and sink deeper, lost in it.

It made me silent and feel the world's silence amidst the laughter between Mio and Maria.