Decision [Aisa’s Perspective]

“What should I do…”

I hug my stuffed animal on the bed, lost in thought.

Maybe it’s the backlash from the dreamlike life with Kouki, but for the past few days, something foggy has been nagging at the back of my mind.

Going to Yuuki’s live performance today finally made me realize what this feeling is.

“…Anxiety, huh.”

I always thought I knew better than anyone how amazing Manami is, having been by her side all this time.

But now, that same Manami has started focusing on a single sport, brimming with determination.

Even though it’s just her name being mentioned so far, she’s aiming for a challenge on a global scale. Hearing she’s already taken on extra part-time jobs for it made me suddenly feel like Manami’s gone somewhere far away.

I realized I’ve been underestimating Manami all this time, seeing her as nothing more than my “little sister.”

“Manami’s at an age where she can think and act on her own toward her dreams…”

She’s only a year younger than me. That makes sense, doesn’t it?

Still, I couldn’t help but keep thinking she’d always be my little sister, someone who’d rely on me.

But now, Manami’s already started moving forward on her own.

And the path she’s on must lead to a world I can’t even begin to imagine.

“I looked it up, and there are already athletes in Manami’s generation making waves on the world stage…”

Considering Manami’s abilities, part of me feels like the moment she made up her mind, the world was already within her reach.

And then…

“Manami likes Kouki, too.”

There’s no way Kouki doesn’t feel something for her. The only reason he’s been so calm about Manami’s affection so far is probably because he saw her as a little sister.

But with this, Kouki must realize it too. Manami’s not just a little sister anymore. When that happens, will he keep brushing off her advances…?

“Ughhh…”

And then there’s Yuuki today.

Even for someone like me, who doesn’t know much about music—no, especially for someone like me—Yuuki was incredible.

Even now, Yuuki’s already a hot topic online, but it’s obvious she’s going to get bigger and bigger from here.

And Yuuki, too, has feelings for Kouki…

“I can’t just let things stay like this.”

Manami and Yuuki are both truly amazing.

And both of these incredible girls are in love with Kouki.

“Is someone like me really enough for Kouki…?”

Compared to them, I have nothing to show for myself.

Worse, not too long ago, I was too embarrassed to even talk to him properly. My stubbornness must’ve worn him out.

“The school trip… This is my chance…!”

I have to try harder.

Unlike those two, I don’t have anything special, but I don’t want to lose when it comes to Kouki. I want him to keep liking me.

So I’ll work hard, make him notice me more, and become someone so important to him that it doesn’t matter if those two come after him…!

“I’ll do my best…!”

I renew my resolve.

The fateful school trip is already right around the corner.