… The day when my favourite Mako-nee-sama responded to Kanai-sama’s confession. Yeah, that time. It was that day in October when this foolish me overheard Mako-nee-sama’s traumatic story.
‘I was the cause, unknowingly, of Nee-sama’s mental and physical suffering for a long time.’
Once I learned this truth, the original purpose of my peeping— What kind of relationship did Mako-nee-sama and Kanai-sama, who confessed to Nee-sama, have with each other—- I left the place before confirming their relationship.
As I rush towards home, I felt myself so ignorant, so thoughtless, so stupid… Cursing myself more than ever.
Even though I didn’t know, I was causing my beloved Nee-sama so much pain and suffering that I couldn’t have known. She has had six years of hell on earth. I have turned my pure and innocent Nee-sama, who knows nothing of impurity, into a servile character. I also took advantage of Nee-sama’s servile nature and selfishly and forcefully made Nee-sama promise to me that she would be punished if she made self-deprecating remarks’… I used the promise as material to satisfy my desires.
I want to sink into a hole in shame… No, if there was a hole, I would use it as a gravestone and die in it. How do I apologize to Nee-sama? What can I do to make Nee-sama forgive me? Can this foolish me even be worthy of forgiveness…? How should I treat Nee-sama from now on?
Black, stagnant feelings flood my chest. I was so crushed by pain, penitence, remorse and self-loathing that I almost lost my mind.
… It was then that a chance appeared. The timing was as if it was synchronized… From our mother I had received a letter.
~Side: Mako~
After lunch, I, Mako Tachibana, the hopeless sister, and Koma Tachibana, my lovely angel, enjoyed our date to the fullest.
For example…
—–The park—–
I was worried that I might have overcooked my homemade lunch, but Koma even finished her dessert… After lunch, we chatted amiably and, taking advantage of the absence of people, we hummed together as we pleased.
—–Game center—–
We played all the claw crane and dance games together, we took purikura (hundreds of them) when Koma begged me to ‘get a proof of our date like we did before’. (TN: Purikura is taking a lot of photos in a photo booth with a lot of added features.)
—-Jewelry shop—-
We also engaged in complimenting each other by wearing each other’s jewellery, saying things like, ‘This kind of jewellery looks good on Koma’ or ‘This kind of jewellery looks good on Nee-sama’…
Well, that’s how we enjoyed our date as much as we could until it got dark.
“—-It was a lot of fun, Nee-sama! Thank you very much for today!”
“Not at all. It’s me who should say thank you, Koma. Thank you so much for going out on a date with me today! Onee-chan also had lots of fun!”
Koma takes my hand with a big smile on her face and thanks me. I was half-excited and half-anxious about how this date, which I planned, was going to go, but… I’m happy that it went better than I thought. Koma has been a bit depressed lately, so it’s been a while since I’ve seen her smile so much, and Onee-chan is so happy for her.
“Then shall we go home now, Nee-sama?”
“Eeeh!? Already going home!?”
I hurriedly hold back Koma, who is trying to pull my hand and quickly walk home, as if to say that there are no more regrets. I want you to wait for a bit, Koma. In my opinion, it’s just starting…
“….? Yes, let’s go home. It’s quite dark and late, and Aunt-sama is probably worried about us.”
“No, don’t wanna… I think Aunty’s is probably fine.”
After all, Aunty is not going to be worried, she’s going to be like, ‘Eh? What? You guys have a date and you’re already home? Ugh …… you boring slackers. You should at least come home in the morning!’.
“Putting Aunty aside. Hey, Koma. If it’s fine with Koma… Why don’t we take a little detour?”
“Ehh? A detour…? Right now?”
“Yeah, yeah, we’ll take a detour right now… Is that… bad?”
“…… Not at all. There’s no way it’ll be bad. This is a precious date with Nee-sama, please let me enjoy it until the end.”
“U, un. Leave it to me. I’ll guide you to an amazing place. Until the end… I’ll make you enjoy it…”
Koma willingly accepts my begging with my best upturned eyes. I clench my fists and cheer myself up while thanking Koma in the back of my mind.
… Now. Let’s get fired up about it.
~Mako&Koma’s walking~
“—-My, I’m sorry for making you walk. We’ve arrived, Koma.”
“….? Eh, ettto… Nee-sama?”
A few dozen minutes’ walk off route from the return route, pulling Koma by her hand. We arrived at a nearby riverbank.
“… Uhm, excuse me, Nee-sama. The place we arrived… This is the place you said is amazing… Nee-sama?”
“Umu. That’s right.”
“There doesn’t seem to be anything particularly unusual to my eyes… I wonder if there’s something here?”
Koma looks surprised when I inform her that we have arrived at our destination. After declaring that I would take her to a ‘amazing place’, it is understandable that she was disappointed when she stopped by this place, which, as Koma says, is nothing out of the ordinary.
“Un. But, wait for a moment, Koma-chan. I know… Wait a bit for 30 seconds or so…”
“30 seconds? Ha, haa…”
I check the time on my wristwatch. Umusu, it’s a good time. With Koma beside me, who is adorably carrying a question mark on her head, I start the countdown. 30… 20… 10….
“3, 2, 1… 0!”
“…. Eh”
And the moment that my countdown reaches zero. It happened suddenly. A dazzling light illuminated the whole area and dispelled the dim evening gloom.
“This… What is…?”
“Ehehehe♪ How is it, how is it? Did it surprise you? It’s not often you’re out this late, so it’s no wonder Koma didn’t know. At this time of year, the whole area here is illuminated up like this.”
“Was it like this… How beautiful…”
I’m explaining to Koma, whose eyes sparkle with surprise. Although, I didn’t know about this until I was taught about it, too…. Nhm? Who did I hear about it from?
‘Eh, eh? Koma-san… date… a date with her!? And you’ll confess at the end of it!? Confess, you say!? Mako has finally prepared herself…!? In that case, Mako-san! How about going to this place at the end of your date!? It has a great atmosphere and it’s the perfect place for confessions!’
A few days ago, I told Editor-san, who happened to be at home for a meeting with Aunty, in a light-hearted way, ‘Actually, I’m going on a date with Koma soon. I’m going to confess my feelings to Koma then. I wonder if Editor-san knows good places for a date?’ I was right to talk to him about it… Editor-san, really thank you so much…!
“It’s pretty! It’s great, Nee-sama! Amazing, amazing!”
“I know, I know! I’m glad you’re so happy. It’s a huge success since you’re surprised!”
This gloomy, cold riverbank is lit up by brightly coloured lights and glitters gorgeously like a party venue. The gap is even more attractive. The shiny, flashing lights provide me and Koma with a wonderful night view to end the date.
The usual cool beauty Koma seemed to like the night view a lot. She is happy to hold my hand and jumps up and down like a child. Looking at Koma, I felt kind of warm and fuzzy, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with her— No, don’t get distracted. You can’t forget your purpose, me…
“Aaah… *Cough*. While we’re on about surprise… Here, Koma.”
“… Eh? This is…?”
“Well, just open it and see, Koma.”
“Ah, yes.”
I regained my composure, took something out of my bag and handed it to Koma. She picks it up and carefully unwraps it as Koma was told to do.
“… Brooch?”
What was inside the wrap… It was a white brooch in the shape of a lily that I had prepared for the occasion.
“This… I thought it’d look good on Koma. Etto, what do I… It’s like a thank-you present for going on a date with me today.”
“It’s a present…. from Nee-sama…!?”
“Un, that’s right. Also… If Koma is okay with it, can you accept it?”
“Yes, I’m happy…! A present… from Nee-sama….”
Koma’s cheeks flush at the word present. She immediately puts it on her chest, looks in the hand mirror and expresses her joy with loose cheeks.
“I will always treasure this brooch, Nee-sama. I’ll wear it every day and care for it every day.”
“Ahaha! You’re exaggerating, Koma. But, more than anything I’m glad you’re happy about it!”
“The more I look at it, the more beautiful it is. This is an elaborate brooch. Did you perhaps purchase it in the accessory shop we just entered? It must’ve been expensive, right?”
“Huh? …. Ah, I’m sorry, Koma. It’s my creation…”
“…. Phe!?”
Koma freezes at my few words. What? Did I say something bad…?
“Handmade… Handmade? Nee-sama… made it?”
“Umusu. It’s genuinely my creation…. Oh, no, of course the materials and stuff (like the secret amulet with Koma inside) are not handmade.”
“….(*Mumble*, *Mumble*) This brooch… This amazing brooch… Mako-nee-sama… Mako-nee-sama made it just for me…”
“Uhm… Koma? What’s wrong?”
Koma hasn’t stopped wobbling and shaking since she found out it was handmade by me. Maybe… She’s angry? Maybe she doesn’t like it that I made it?
“That… Koma. You can throw it away if you don’t like it…”
“…Nee-sama.”
“Y-Yes!”
“…. This, I’ll treat it with care.”
“Ah, is that so? I’m glad to—”
“No matter what happens, I will wear it with great care every day from now on. I’ll treasure it forever. I’ll take great care of it as if it was Nee-sama. Above all else… I’ll value it more than my own life…”
“No, what are you… The brooch is not such a big deal… Please treasure your own life…”
I don’t know how serious she is, but Koma declares something a little extreme with a serious face, lovingly stroking the brooch on her chest. In a way, I gave the charm to Koma as a present, but if she values it more than her own life, it’s getting her priorities reversed…
… Well, I’m happy too, because it’s proof that Koma was so happy with the present that she wanted to treasure it like that. She smiles at me in full bloom, like a flower blooming, and I smile back.
“…Nee-sama.”
“Hn? What is it, Koma?”
“Thank you very much. Really, thank you very much, Nee-sama. Such a stunning night view, and then a wonderful present… I can’t thank you for either of them enough. I’ll never forget today’s date!”
“I see! I’m glad to hear that!”
Koma’s cheeks are even redder and her eyes are glowing with happiness, as if she is at the peak of her happiness, as she utters words of gratitude for the umpteenth time.
… This wonderful night view and thoughtful gift combo… Apparently it worked better than I thought it would. The mood between me and Koma is sweet and melting.
“(… This is it. If I want to confess… Right now is best…)”
The moment I sensed this mood, I intuitively understood that now was the best time to confess. The combo of the romanticism of the night view and the attack of the heartily made present means that Koma’s mind is now quite defenseless. If I confess to her here, surely—
“Ahm, Koma!”
“…? Yes, what could it be, Nee-sama?”
“E, etto… Uhm… I… Actually, there was something I’ve always wanted to say to Koma.”
“….(*Twitch*)”
I break the ice like that before my resolve dulls.
“Something you’ve wanted to tell me… What would that be, Nee-sama…?”
“a… Eto… Etto… I”
At that moment, for some reason, Koma’s expression became tense, a complete change from the happy state she had been in a few moments before… In a position to look at me and listen while breaking out in a cold sweat. Seeing Koma like that naturally makes me tense up too.
I can feel cold sweat break out on my palms, on my forehead and on my back. I can feel the heat in my cheeks and I don’t even need to look in the mirror to see that my face is bright red. I can feel my heart pounding so fast and I’m so nervous that my heart feels like it’s going to jump out of my mouth…
“(Not good… Do your best, me, absolutely don’t be weak.)”
Don’t be afraid. Confessing isn’t the goal. Whatever the outcome of it… I think it’s only after I confess that we can start a relationship as equals, a starting point for me and Koma. Then there’s no time to be feeling lost in a place like this.
“Uhm! Koma! I, for a long time… I’ve wanted to say something to Koma but I couldn’t bring myself to say it!”
“… Something you’ve wanted to say but couldn’t?”
“Because Onee-chan is hopeless. Because I’m a hopeless person who always runs away from something… I haven’t been able to say it for a long time. But… But. Just the other day I realized that it wouldn’t be good for me or for Koma if I didn’t say it… That’s why, today, I’ll say it!”
“… Ye,s. Please… say it. There’s no need… to be reserved with me. I’m ready… to accept all your thoughts and feelings, Nee-sama…”
“Thank you. Then, I’ll go and say it…!”
Just once more, I take a big breath in, like a vacuum cleaner… Then take a deep breath to exhale all the air in your body.
….Okay. I’m fully prepared. I give myself the biggest encouragement of the century and confess my feelings… Shall I? Un, I shall. Do it, me…!
“What I couldn’t say for a long time, I… Koma, I li—”
PRRRR！ PRRRR！ PRRRR！
“”….””
Koma’s mobile phone rings as if it was aimed at the worst possible time. It surprised me…
Not good, not good. Don’t be distracted by the phone. If it’s a phone call, just ignore it and it will eventually hang up, and the priority now is to confess to Koma.
“… *Cough*. I… li—”
PRRRR！ PRRRR！ PRRRR！
“…Koma, I—”
PRRRR！ PRRRR！ PRRRR！
“…Ko—”
PRRRR！ PRRRR！ PRRRR！
“”……….””
Loud, never-ending ring tones emanating from Koma’s mobile phone. The sweet air between us quickly turns awkward in an instant…
“…. Koma. Koma’s phone, it’s ringing…”
“Ah, yes. I’m very sorry, Nee-sama… That, it might be an emergency… May I go and pick up the call…?”
“….Please.”
“I’m really sorry! It’ll be really short… I’ll quickly come back after taking it…”
“…. Aah, whatever… I’m tired from everything and I think that’s it for today… More importantly, pick up the call…”
“Yes… Nee-sama. Nee-sama will tell me about Nee-sama’s story another time… I’m really, really sorry for today… Then, I’ll be answering the phone…”
“… It’s okay.”
“Thank you very much… Then, if you’ll excuse me for a bit— (*Beep*) Hello… That’s right, it’s Koma.”
After apologising to me, she hurriedly hid in the shadows and answered her mobile phone, which had been ringing for a long time. I, on the other hand, had missed the perfect opportunity to confess my feelings, was left hanging, alone and in tears.
… Probably. At least I won’t be able to confess to Koma again here today. Even I, a hopeless person who can’t read the air, can guess that the atmosphere isn’t like that any more…
Damn you… Daaaamn youuuu! Who, of all people, would call her at this moment? A carefully planned date, present… It’s all going down the drain, isn’t it…!? Who the hell are you, that you threw cold water on me…!? Curse you, you bastard.
“…. Hn? Oh? Now that I remember…”
I am on the other side of Koma who’s taking a phone call, and I am emitting a resentment towards someone I don’t know, when I suddenly realize something.
… Usually, Koma’s mobile phone should ring with my voice saying ‘Koma, phone call. Koma, it’s a phone call’ (by the way, my mobile phone’s ringtone and text ringtone is a lovely recording of Koma’s voice)… The person who just called her, her phone seemed to have a normal, simple ring… This means that only the phone call of the person who is calling Koma now is deliberately set to a normal ring tone by the Koma…
“A phone call from someone I really don’t like, maybe…”
… Un, it’s probably from someone I hate. It must be. After all, they’re the one who interrupted the lovey-dovey atmosphere between me and Koma! I don’t who you are, but… If the person on Koma’s phone call shows up… I’ll beat them up, no questions asked.
“—(*Beep!*) Hello… That’s right, it’s Koma. I’m sorry for having you wait so long… Kaa-sama.” (TN: Mother)
This could happen to you, so set your mobile phone/smartphone to silent mode while on a date. Promise to Oneechan☆ by Mako.
Tintan 