Chapter 4: The moment is approaching

Cars.

They are the cornerstone of human society.

From daily commutes in ordinary life to long-distance travel that human legs could never manage, cars handle it all door-to-door with ease. They also play a vital role in transporting goods too heavy for human strength, truly serving as the backbone of human society.

Did you know there are peculiar people who find romance in cars?

To them, a car—nay, a cruiser—is not just about convenience or practicality. Of course, those matter, but what they value most is speed and fun.

Is it fun to drive?

Is it faster than the others?

The roaring exhaust, the vibrations through the steering wheel, the rapidly shifting scenery.

Enchanted by these, men become the wind today and scatter tomorrow.

“Hey, Dad, you’re off today?”

Dad was settled on the living room sofa, smoothing his golden-dyed hair.

“Yo, Misora. Want a ride to school?”

“It’s too flashy and loud, no thanks. I’m off.”

“Be careful!”

My dad owns three cars, but to me, they all look the same. The only difference is the color.

White, black, and red.

Lots of boys in my class love cars, but I honestly don’t get what’s so great about them. Plus, Dad’s cars are all noisy, shaky, cramped, and have the worst ride quality.

“Ugh, I’m gonna be late!”

A clatter came from the stairs.

Big Sis came rushing down, still in her pajamas—probably forgot to change—with her bangs a mess from bedhead.

“Ugh, Big Sis, you just woke up? What a dummy.”

“Misora, shut it! Dad, give me a ride today!”

“Leave it to me.”

“Ugh…”

Big Sis is as scatterbrained as ever.

As I put on my shoes at the entrance, I saw a figure through the glass door, and the doorbell rang.

Who could it be this early?

“Miya, go eat breakfast first. Coming!”

Mom answered the door.

And there—

“Oh, Yuu-kun.”

It was some old guy.

A break in the rainy season.

A clear blue sky with a blazing sun. The morning’s damp air paired with dazzling sunlight felt like a rehearsal for the approaching summer.

It was 8:30 a.m. I had taken the day off and visited the Haruyama family early in the morning.

At Miya’s birthday party the other day, Tatchan gave me an impassioned lecture about sports cars, sparking a slight interest in them.

Since I didn’t even know what kind of car would be good, Tatchan offered to let me test-drive his cars to help me choose, which is why I came by this morning.

While waiting in the Haruyama living room, Tatchan returned from dropping off Miya, who had overslept.

“Yuu, kept you waiting.”

Led by Tatchan, we headed to the garage outside. Three cars were lined up inside.

“Here.”

“Wow, Tatchan, you own three cars?”

All of them were polished to a shine, looking cool.

“Which one do you wanna try?”

“Man, is this a foreign car?”

It was an open-top car with a scorpion emblem.

“It’s an Italian car made in Hiroshima.”

What’s that supposed to mean?

“Oh, I’ve ridden in this one before.”

“The R34, huh? Yeah, I think I bought this when you were in kindergarten. Time flies.”

I used to ride in the passenger seat of this one, going all sorts of places. Nostalgic.

“This one’s the coolest. Looks like Gundam.”

A white Honda car. The red emblem stood out sharply against the white body.

“That’s the Civic. Alright, shall we take it for a spin?”

I hopped into the passenger seat of the Civic, and we headed toward Mount Fuji.

“Got a car in mind?”

“Not yet. But I guess it needs to seat four at least. With those three and me, that’s exactly four. An open-top car might not cut it. Mom says a minivan would be good, though.”

Asaka will probably come back in the summer, so I need to have a car ready by then.

“Forget minivans. Listen, a car without a manual option isn’t a car—it’s just a box.”

Whoa…

“What’s your budget?”

“I’ve got about six million saved, but I can’t spend it all at once.”

Life’s unpredictable, so I want to keep some savings. Ideally, I’d keep it around three million.

“Listen, Yuu. It’s crude to say, but the more money you spend on a car, the better you get. It’s a big purchase, maybe a few times in a lifetime. Don’t compromise.”

“Yeah. By the way, how much was this one?”

“About five million and change, I think.”

“That much?”

“Damn right. It’s a Type R, packed with Honda’s soul.”

“I don’t really get it.”

“Plus, it seats four. Alright, here we go.”

Tatchan pulled over to the shoulder.

“Switch. You drive.”

“Alright.”

I swapped to the driver’s seat.

“Let’s see if you can handle it.”

Tatchan grinned beside me.

“Don’t underestimate me. Wait, where’s the handbrake?”

“That button there. It’s set so it won’t roll back when you release the brake, so just hit the gas.”

“Got it.”

Soon, the Civic roared like a beast and began climbing the hill.

Taiichi was dumbfounded.

Perfect line-taking with out-in-out, flawless shift timing, fearless cornering, and above all, the fact that this was Yuu’s first time driving this car.

“Hey, Yuu. You really don’t own a car?”

“Well, I drove every day for deliveries.”

Even while chatting, his speed didn’t waver, racing along Fuji’s slopes like the wind.

“But, you know, with tight deadlines or ridiculous complaints, I tried to get to places as fast as possible. Haha.”

“Whoa!”

As we hit a left corner, a deer leapt out from the right-side woods. Fuji Skyline is known for frequent wildlife crossings.

“Here we go!”

Yuu slid the car outward for a split second to avoid the collision, then instantly regained control, passing behind the deer crossing the road.

It was a close call.

Looking back, the deer scampered into the opposite woods.

“Even at this low altitude, deer pop out, huh?”

“Hey, how’d you slide like that? The Civic’s front-wheel drive!”

“Uh, just… instinct?”

“No way.”

It was like…

A nostalgic memory flashed in Taiichi’s mind.

Decades ago, when he lived for thrilling battles, the unbeatable him was defeated for the first time by the “White Wolf of Fuji,” a driving style unbound by convention…

It was a drive where the car itself seemed to revel in the joy of running.

To think the brat who used to cling to him, crying and screaming when he sped up, would show such driving.

We parked at Mizugatsuka Park, halfway up Fuji Skyline, for a break.

A wide parking lot with a view of Mount Hoei’s crater ahead.

“Hey, Yuu.”

“Hm?”

“Wanna buy this car for a million?”

“Huh!?”

“A homecoming gift from me.”

“But this was five million, right? You sure?”

“It’s fine. More importantly, was it fun to drive?”

“Yeah.”

“Then that’s enough. Take care of it.”

“…Tatchan, thanks.”

Yuu Aritsuki acquired the Civic Type R [FK8].

2

July arrived, and the Tokai region saw an earlier-than-usual end to the rainy season. A clear blue sky stretched endlessly, with Mount Fuji, free of its snowy cap, overlooking the city.

The oppressive humidity of yesterday was gone, and refreshing sunlight warmed the skin. The city buzzed with life, the long rains lifting people’s spirits with the promise of summer.

Amid this eagerly awaited end to the rainy season, two oddballs felt gloomy…

“Ugh.”

I let out a sigh.

“Mahi, you coming? It’ll get crowded.”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m coming.”

“Finally, we can swim! I’ve been excited since morning.”

“Good for you.”

The day had finally come.

I wished it’d rain all summer break.

Glaring at the obnoxiously cheerful sun, I trudged to the changing room. The thin swimsuit felt as heavy as armor.

“Let’s go, Mahi.”

“Right.”

I steeled myself and headed to the pool.

“Yo, check that out.”

“No way.”

“You can see the curves over her back—how big are those?”

“Mama!”

Ugh, the boys’ stares are annoying.

Why do swimming classes have to be co-ed?

It’s ridiculous.

Even in a school swimsuit, being in front of boys like this is beyond embarrassing.

It’s hell.

I tried hiding behind other girls to block their gazes, but being the tallest, my chest was still exposed, so it wasn’t very effective.

If Mount Fuji erupted now, would swimming class be canceled?

“What’s up, Mahi?”

“Nothing, just wondering what’d happen if Fuji erupted.”

“Recent studies say the pyroclastic flow would go toward Yamanashi, so we’re safe here.”

“Oh, okay.”

“But the Tokai earthquake’s scarier, right?”

We did warm-ups and jumped into the pool.

Well, I like the pool itself, so that’s fine—

“Wow, like floaties.”

“Hot damn.”

“Mama.”

“Can she even swim with those?”

Ugh, I can hear you.

“Alright, today we’re timing your crawl. Line up by class.”

I climbed out of the pool and waited my turn.

“Next, Ryūshaku.”

Irritated, I smashed my previous year’s record.

“Ugh, the pool, huh?”

“Haruyama-san, let’s try to swim 25 meters this year, okay?”

The teacher said.

“Yes.”

I love playing in the pool, but swimming class is a different story. I can’t swim.

Breath control is especially hard.

I understand the idea—exhale underwater, inhale when your face breaks the surface—but I just can’t get it right.

Humans are land creatures, so why do we need to swim?

“Next, Haruyama-san.”

“Y-Yes.”

The teacher blew the whistle, and I jumped in.

“Wap, wapa.”

I kicked frantically and moved my arms, but I wasn’t going anywhere.

“Haruyama’s drowning again this year.”

“She’s kinda cute.”

“I wanna teach her hand and foot.”

“Not like Ryūshaku, but Haruyama’s got some size too.”

“Puha!”

I ran out of breath and stopped at 10 meters. Ugh, everyone’s watching, so embarrassing.

“Haruyama-san, it’s okay to touch the bottom, just swim to the end.”

“Y-Yes.”

After stopping several times, I “swam”—or walked?—the 25 meters.

“Haa, phew.”

But this means I’ll have to do remedial classes again.

—Yuu-nii’s room.

Since Miya and I had no club activities today, we came back together. Naturally, we headed to Moonlight Terrace instead of home.

“Ugh.”

“Ugh.”

“Why’re you two sighing?”

Yuu-nii, clueless as ever, had his usual blank look.

I flopped onto the bed.

“It’s nothing… just, you know, finals before summer break.”

“Yeah, don’t worry about it.”

“So gloomy… Hey, wanna go for a drive to cheer up?”

Yuu-nii grabbed his car keys with an excited grin.

“Speaking of, Yuu-nii, you got a car, right?”

I think he said he got a great deal on Miya’s dad’s car. Probably just wants to drive it himself, yeah.

“My dad gave it to him.”

“I bought it fair and square. Come on, get ready, you two.”

Urged by Yuu-nii, we headed outside.

In the garage at the back of the parking lot across from the shop, two cars were parked. An old Toyota belonged to the uncle, and the other Honda was Yuu-nii’s.

“Whoa, it’s pretty cool.”

It’s all decked out, totally the kind of design boys would love.

“Right?”

“Alright, let’s go.”

As I reached for the passenger door—

“Wait a sec!”

Miya shouted.

“What?”

“I want the passenger seat too.”

“First come, first served.”

“Stop fighting over dumb stuff. Miya, you can take the front on the way back.”

“Ugh, fine, deal.”

Yuu-nii started driving. His profile looked innocently childlike.

We hit the bypass and headed northwest on Route 139. It was busy with people heading home from work, but the further we got from the city, the fewer cars there were.

The sun lingered in the western sky, and Mount Fuji glowed red in the sunset.

“Yuu-nii, where we going?”

Miya asked from the back.

“Hmm, maybe up to Motosu?”

And so, the car carrying us roared on.

“Wow, it’s huge!”

Mahiru exclaimed.

Lake Motosu stretched across the horizon. A yellow submarine-like boat floated on the left shore, and the vast lake was too big to see in full. Across it, a large mountain loomed, like a sleeping giant.

“Is that a hawk?”

I looked up at the sky. A large bird soared across the crimson sky.

“Nah, probably a kite,” Yuu-nii said.

“It’s cawing, so it’s a crow, right? Anyway—”

Mahiru had already taken off her shoes and socks. She stepped into the shallows, splashing around.

“Uhyaa, it’s cold!”

Mahiru’s so cool. Her personality hasn’t changed since back then—she’s free-spirited and cheerful, so doing childish things feels natural for her.

I want to act like that, but I worry Yuu-nii would think I’m childish, so I hold back.

But keeping this adult-like distance feels kind of lonely…

“Alright, let’s go, Miya.”

“Huh?”

Yuu-nii was barefoot too.

“Whoa, it’s cold. But feels good.”

“Come on, Miya.”

Watching them frolic like old times, I realized.

Me, Mahiru, Asaka, Yuu-nii. In our group of four, there’s no need to hold back. Sure, I might try to act cool sometimes, but even if I let my true self out, Yuu-nii would probably accept me.

“No choice, huh.”

I went barefoot too. Honestly, I was itching to join. I ran toward them—

“—Wah!”

The moment my foot hit the water, I tripped on the sand and dove face-first into the lake. Bracing to get soaked, Mahiru and Yuu-nii grabbed my arms just in time, keeping me dry.

“Phew, saved. Thanks, you two.”

“Miya’s as clumsy as ever,” Mahiru laughed.

“You haven’t changed one bit,” Yuu-nii said.

“Muu.”

What’s with their image of me…?

3

A cloudless starry night.

Looking up from my dorm room window, the sky sparkled with countless stars. The rainy season was over, and summer was near.

I met that person at the start of summer.

Miya brought me and Mahiru-chan to Moonlight Terrace. At first, he seemed scary, but it felt like gaining an older brother—fresh and exciting.

Looking back, he must’ve been busy as a third-year high schooler, yet he spent almost every day with us.

Sometimes we caused trouble that wasn’t funny.

Still, Yuu-nii never pushed us away, treating us kindly despite his gruff manner.

“…Yuu-nii.”

A knock on the door broke the silence. It was my schoolmate, Tenryūji-san.

“Gendoji-san. We’re having tea together—want to join?”

“…Sure.”

We gathered in the lounge for a nighttime tea party with friends. The delicious tea and chatter should have been fulfilling. It should have been.

The more vividly I recalled those memories, the more faded reality seemed.

It’s not boring, but compared to back then, everything feels meaningless.

A childhood I can never relive.

I wished to grow up fast back then, but now, realizing I can’t go back, I chase those shadows.

God is cruel.

Why put the happiest time of life at the very start?

It’s like a curse.

I’ll probably live the rest of my life trapped in those memories.

“So, Tokinomiya-san said she’d never had cola, so we gave her some. Her face turned bright red!”

“Really?”

“It was wild. People gathered, and Tokinomiya-san, teary-eyed, demanded more!”

“Sounds fun.”

“It was fun, but—”

As curfew approached, we disbanded. Back in my room, I showered in the attached bathroom, soaked in lukewarm water, and sipped coffee-flavored soy milk when my phone rang. It was Dad.

“Hello.”

“Asaka?”

“Hi, Dad.”

“How’s it going?”

“Same as always.”

Dad left Japan earlier this year for a long overseas business trip. I don’t know the details—something about meetings for relocating the Vietnam branch factory and inspecting a new one.

“…I see. By the way, I heard Yuu-kun’s back.”

“! Yeah, seems like it.”

Dad and Yuu-nii got along well, sharing hobbies. Ten years ago, they seemed close. I recall their meeting… right, during that pro wrestling play—

“You didn’t tell me. Ten years, huh? Nostalgic. Have you met him yet?”

“No.”

“Huh, really? That’s surprising… Well, perfect timing.”

“What?”

He probably heard about Yuu-nii’s return when he came back a week ago.

“Well, you know. I was thinking we could have dinner together, the three of us. I might get the weekend off, so come back home. We’ve got lots to catch up on, and you’ve always wanted to see Yuu-kun—”

“…No thanks.”

I cut Dad off.

“Huh?”

“I’m busy with college prep.”

“College? You’ve already decided on internal admission, right? With your grades, as long as you meet attendance, you’re set for a recommendation.”

“Anyway, it’s fine. Can I use the Shonan villa this weekend?”

“What? You’re not coming to Fujinomiya?”

“No plans to. I’ll spend summer break in Shonan too.”

“Wait, Asaka—”

“Bye.”

I hung up and tossed the phone onto the bed.

Yuu-nii’s face flashed in my mind.

That beloved smile.

“Yuu-nii…”

Why did you leave me alone for ten years?

If you’d been by my side, I might still be living happily.

For ten years, I’ve never stopped thinking of you…

My phone rang again.

The screen read “Ryūshaku Mahiru.”

“…Hello.”

“Hey, Asaka?”

A lively voice came through.

“Mahiru-chan? What’s up?”

“Just felt like talking to you after so long.”

Mahiru-chan’s been our group’s leader since ten years ago. Same age, but like an older sister pulling us along.

“You came to Miya’s birthday, right? I wanted to see you too.”

“…Sorry. I had school the next day.”

“It’s fine. Oh, Yuu-nii said he wants to see you too.”

“!”

A sharp pain stabbed my chest.

“When summer break starts, you’ll come back, right? Let’s all hang out. Oh, Yuu-nii got a car, and—”

As Mahiru-chan chatted excitedly, I could only manage vague responses.

Summer break.

The summer when our relationship with him began.

Summer is coming.

She hung up.

Hanayoshi stared at the phone screen, trying to decipher his daughter’s words.

Asaka must want to see him deep down. He’d seen her looking lonely countless times over the past ten years.

Yet her cold attitude now…

“…!”

Of course, she’s embarrassed.

Ten years ago, she adored Yuu-nii like a real brother. Now, having grown physically and mentally, it’s only natural she’d feel shy.

Their relationship has shifted from child and guardian to man and woman.

That’s it.

Pretending not to care despite wanting to meet—Asaka’s developing a maiden’s heart.

Even without parental bias, Asaka is arguably Japan’s cutest high school girl.

Yet she’s never mentioned a boyfriend, probably because she’s still thinking of him.

Taking that attitude despite her feelings—ugh, teenagers are so stubbornly unstraightforward.

Hanayoshi recalled his own youth.

Teasing a crush, acting aloof—those childish, pointless acts are cherished memories.

No choice. As a father, he’d step up for his daughter.

“Heh heh heh.”

Thus, Gendoji Hanayoshi made a grand misunderstanding.

4

The final hurdle before the eagerly awaited summer break: final exams.

As usual, Mahiru and I studied at Moonlight Terrace.

The name-guessing game was over, so we could’ve gone to Yuu-nii’s room, but it has no AC, so we passed.

If we get through this, fun summer break awaits.

Though, with college prep, it won’t be all play.

Still, Yuu-nii’s here this summer.

Like old times, the four of us can hang out a ton.

The Saturday before finals.

“Huh? Where’s Yuu-nii?”

I didn’t see him in the shop.

He wasn’t there when we arrived, so I thought he was on break, but apparently not.

“Auntie, where’s Yuu-nii?”

“Yuu’s off today and tomorrow.”

“He out somewhere?”

Mahiru asked.

“He’s going to Shonan to see Asaka-chan.”

“Oh?”

“Hmm, so he’ll go all the way to another prefecture for Asaka.”

He ignored me for like three months.

“Miya, your jealousy’s showing.”

“It’s not jealousy! Just a question. Anyway, Asaka’s gonna be surprised.”

Asaka came to my birthday but left before seeing Yuu-nii.

He wanted to see her, and she probably wanted to see him too.

Ten years ago, Asaka was the clingiest.

While Mahiru and I dragged Yuu-nii around, Asaka would toddle behind him.

“The other day, Gendoji-san called. Asaka-chan’s staying at their Shonan villa this weekend, so he asked if we could send Yuu over as a surprise.”

“I see.”

“Yuu just got a car from Taiichi-kun, so it worked out well.”

“Wonder how ‘Shonan’s Lightning’ is doing,” Uncle muttered, but no one got it, so we ignored him.

“So keep it a secret from Asaka-chan, okay?”

“Got it.”

“Alright.”

Yuu-nii showing up out of nowhere will probably shock and thrill Asaka.

“She’ll be so surprised. She cried buckets when we said goodbye.”

“You cried too, Miya.”

“You did too, Mahiru.”

“I didn’t cry.”

“You did.”

“That was sweat. I sweat from my eyes.”

“What kinda monster are you!?”

What’ll Asaka do when she sees Yuu-nii after ten years—especially as a surprise?

I can guess, but she’ll probably bawl.

I want the four of us to hang out soon.

First, we’ve gotta get through these exams.

“Uncle, another iced coffee!”

“I’ll take a cola float.”

We studied until we were exhausted.

Standing by the villa’s window, gazing at the sea.

Clear, beautiful weather.

The sea breeze tousled my hair.

Even with this stunning view, my heart sank like it was plunging into the deep sea.

I wondered what happens when you die. Since it’s irreversible, you can’t know until it happens.

Do you reincarnate as someone else? Is it just nothingness? Some say you repeat the same life or become a different creature.

There are as many interpretations as human imaginations.

I never understood people seeking salvation in death, but lately, I think I get it.

If I could repeat the same life…

I’d be born as Gendoji Asaka again and meet Yuu-nii in the summer of first grade. That thought gives me courage.

If I could repeat the same life infinitely, I could meet Yuu-nii forever.

Those shining memories, infinitely…

“Yuu-nii…”

I picked up a photo frame, staring at a picture of the four of us. Tears suddenly spilled over.

Will I ever see him again?

A Civic roared down the Tomei Expressway.

Under a cloudless blue sky, the Fuji-plated Civic sped along with gusto.

“Here we go!”

Reading the traffic flow, I weaved through lanes to avoid congestion. Trucks blocking overtaking lanes were the worst—when they filled both lanes, it caused major delays.

I also had to watch for undercover cop cars. Slow Suzuki sedans were especially suspicious.

Thanks to the driving skills and instincts honed during my black company days, I’d arrive ahead of schedule.

A navy coupe tried to mess with me, but it disappeared at some point. I don’t recall being overtaken, so it probably exited somewhere.

“Almost there.”

It was nearly noon. I turned the wheel and exited at Hadano-Nakai IC.

Entering the city, I parked at a nearby convenience store for a break.

“Ugh.”

Stepping out, I stretched, and my body cracked all over.

“Oof, I’m stiff.”

Driving all morning had worn out my back and hips.

It’d been a while since I drove this long.

It reminded me of my black company days, and I felt a pang of gloom.

Back then, it was deliveries from morning to night. No time or energy for hobbies.

Eat, sleep, work, repeat…

In that endless hell, my senses dulled, and I focused only on meeting daily quotas without getting scolded or stressed.

I powered through with memories of the brats, but eventually, my body gave out. Taking time to reflect, quitting finally became an option.

I was such an idiot, mistaking enduring pain for fulfillment.

I should’ve quit sooner.

…No, no, I’m about to see Asaka. Why am I thinking such dark thoughts?

“Hm?”

My phone, on silent, was buzzing with a call.

“Hello?”

“Yuu-kun?”

“Hey, hey.”

It was Hanayoshi-san.

“You almost there?”

“Yeah, about twenty minutes.”

“Asaka’s already there, so head straight over. I’ll be there by evening.”

“Got it.”

“Asaka’s grown into a stunning beauty, so don’t faint.”

“Haha.”

Such a doting dad.

“Alright, see you later.”

“Yeah.”

Hanayoshi-san suggested surprising Asaka two days ago.

Asaka, attending a private girls’ school in Kanagawa, rarely returns to Shizuoka. In the three months since I came back, she only visited for Miya’s birthday.

If she can’t come here, I’ll go surprise her—a prank of sorts.

This weekend, Asaka’s staying at the Gendoji family’s Shonan villa, where I’ll show up unannounced to shock her.

“Heh heh heh.”

I wonder how Asaka’s grown.

Has her vibe changed completely like Miya’s, or is she still the same brat like Mahiru?

No way Asaka turned into a gyaru or delinquent, but they say quiet kids can grow up flashy.

My chest swelled with anticipation and nerves.

After a convenience store lunch, I followed the GPS and drove on.

Almost at the address Hanayoshi-san gave me.

Come to think of it, this is my first time in Kanagawa. I lived in Shizuoka until high school, then Tokyo as an adult, never visiting Kanagawa in between.

I just passed through it, so maybe I’ll go sightseeing with Asaka after we reunite.

Opening the window, the salty sea breeze wafted in.

“Nice blue.”

I drove along the coast, the sea in view.

Summer, huh.

The sunlight streaming through the window was intense, probably tanning just one arm.

The beach season must’ve started—scattered figures dotted the sand, with red-and-white parasols and girls in swimsuits.

Man, I hope I can go to the beach with a curvy, gorgeous girl someday…

Reluctantly leaving the beach view, I turned toward the woods.

“Turn left ahead. Then, a curve.”

The scenery shifted from sea to mountain.

A narrow road with sunlight filtering through trees. I climbed the winding path for a while.

The Gendoji villa is on a hillside, surrounded by woods, with a private beach nearby.

“You have reached your destination.”

The GPS announced in its robotic voice.

The woods parted, revealing an open area.

A two-story pension-style building. A large garage held a fancy sedan and a light truck. I parked the Civic beside them.

Surrounded by trees, cicadas chirped from all directions, mixed with the faint sound of waves.

I walked slowly to the entrance and reached for the doorbell.

“?”

While watching a movie, I heard a loud engine outside.

Then the intercom rang.

Peeking out the window, I saw an unfamiliar white car in the garage.

Who could it be?

Dad?

But he wouldn’t ring the bell.

The maids went shopping, so I had to answer.

Did someone invite a guest? I hadn’t heard anything.

I just wanted to spend today and tomorrow alone, undisturbed.

“Coming!”

I slipped on my shoes and stepped outside.

And there—

“Yo.”

“Ah…”

It was Yuu-nii.