Chapter 42: Someone so Close, Yet so Distant

(POV Chiharu)

We gathered in the schoolyard with a simple purpose: to determine the running order for the sports day (field day/sports festival).
In the school, all the grades were divided into either the red team or the white team.

And just before the sports day, our usual physical education classes, which were typically held together, were divided by class.

“Well… I want you to take the sports day seriously.
In order to do that, we need to first decide the relay order.
So, please warm up by doing some preparatory exercises for the 50-meter dash,”

Saying that, the female teacher distanced herself from the students, leaving it up to them.
A member from the physical education committee stepped forward and led us through stretching and Achilles tendon exercises.

Once we finished our general warm-up, it was time to start running laps around the schoolyard, completing several rounds. 

Chinatsu and Chifuyu, both wearing red hats, ran across the schoolyard.
Chinatsu attempted to tug her hat lower, trying to minimize the impact of the sun, yet her efforts appeared futile.
Meanwhile, I tried to give them a gentle push from behind.

However, before I could nudge Chifuyu, she quickened her pace, as if saying ‘I want to run on my own’.
Lately, she had been diligently running every day and even practicing her jumping rope skills.
Thanks to that, her stamina has improved quite a bit. 

I found myself instinctively reaching out towards Chifuyu, as if to grasp her back.
I almost wanted to tell her not to go ahead on her own. 

But I won’t do that.
I can’t.

“Fuyu when did you become that…” Chinatsu voiced out.

“She’s grown so fast.”

“Yeah…”

A solemn atmosphere filled the air.
Still, I couldn’t stop Chifuyu from running, I couldn’t stop her from moving forward.

“That’s quite a change…”

“Yeah…”

A solemn atmosphere enveloped us…

“What’s wrong, Chinatsu and Chiharu? You’re still far behind,” Chiaki came from behind, as if to shatter the ambiance.
She had run ahead and completed a lap and even catched up with us.

“There’s no way I can keep up with someone like you, who’s a fitness maniac…”

“Fu, that’s only natural,” Chiaki said.

With those words, Chiaki laughed and attempted to run off.
Chinatsu also ran, determined not to lose, but Chiaki quickly distanced herself.

They ran, slicing through the warm air.

Suddenly, as I surveyed the entire schoolyard with my eyes, I saw Chifuyu running with all her might, Chiaki advancing straight ahead with a smile, and Chinatsu, driven by her position as the older sister, refusing to be defeated as she ran as well.

Each of them was constantly moving forward, driven by their own individual thoughts.
Surely, the best outcome and conclusion awaited them.

…However, it wasn’t so conveniently simple for everything to go smoothly.
It didn’t take long for me to realize that.

◆◆

(POV Chifuyu)

Chifuyu wanted to be praised by Kaito-san.
She wanted him to notice her more.
Within Chifuyu, those feelings became stronger and stronger.

Kaito-san often praised Aki-nee and engaged in the most conversations with her.
And then, I end up feeling jealous.

Aki-nee was not at fault, and neither was Kaito-san.
Aki-nee willingly approached Kaito-san and openly expressed her desires.
That’s why Kaito-san found it easy to interact with her, and she must be happy.

After all, it was comforting to have someone to rely on and someone who allowed you to be selfish.

However, Aki-nee was capable of doing that because she was Aki-nee.
I couldn’t boldly approach Kaito-san or express my feelings like she did.

After all, it was embarrassing, you know.

It’s impossible for me to casually say things like I love you as if taking a walk in the park.
Aki-nee is special, after all.

In the past, I might have given up right then and there, but that won’t happen.
There were aspects where Chifuyu couldn’t match up to Aki-nee.
However, there were also aspects where Aki-nee couldn’t match up to Chifuyu.
Moreover, I intended to work hard and move forward, striving to overcome the areas where I was currently losing.

I secretly considered her as my rival.

Although I usually hid it, I had a strong desire to do my best and not lose to Aki-nee.
I ran and ran, aiming to be the first in the individual race at the sports day and receive praise.

To be told that I was the best.

I set such a goal for myself without anyone knowing.

“Hah… I, I can’t do it anymore.”

The four of us were running together on the road in front of our house.
Even though I exerted all my effort in physical education class at school and depleted my stamina, it didn’t matter.
I had to keep trying my best without hesitation.

The physical education class at school would turn into about an hour of intense training if you took it seriously.
I believed that if I continued training even after returning home, the results would definitely show.

“Are you okay, Chinatsu?” Haru-nee asked worryingly.

“I can’t run anymore…”

“Is it another yokai?”

“No!”

Natsu-nee struggled to keep running, feeling exhausted.
Aki-nee, on the other hand, cheered her on with enthusiasm.
It seemed that Natsu-nee wasn’t fond of the sun.
Haru-nee stayed close to her, offering support.

“Are you alright, Chinatsu? Are you thirsty? Do you need a towel? Should we stop for today?”

“I’m okay! Aki and Fuyu are running, so I can handle this.”

“Okay… Onee-chan will be behind you, ready to assist you anytime!”

Haru-nee had naturally good athletic abilities, but she always looked after her sisters.
On the other hand, even though the sun was tough for Natsu-nee, she pushed through and gave her best.

Chifuyu wasn’t going to lose either.
I wanted to show my determination as the youngest sister.
My efforts had to bear fruit, because Chifuyu was working so hard.
Absolutely… 

As I ran, thinking such thoughts… suddenly, a sharp pain struck my calf.

“Ah…”

“Chifuyu! Are you okay?”

Aki-nee, who was nearby, supported me just in time to prevent me from falling.
However, the intense pain in my calf didn’t subside.

“Chifuyu! Are you alright?”

“Fuyu! What’s wrong?”

Haru-nee and Natsu-nee approached, concerned as well.
It wasn’t just a regular leg cramp.

“Oh, my leg started hurting a little… but I’m fine.”

“That can’t be right! You need to have it checked more thoroughly! Aki, call 7119 right away!”

“Got it!”

“No, it’s not that serious…”

“We need to call right now!”

“Haru-nee!?”

Indeed, it was painful, but it wasn’t something that required such an urgent call.
It could possibly be a muscle strain.
I had been feeling some discomfort in my leg recently, but I had pushed myself too hard with the training.

“I’m really okay.
Maybe if I just apply some ice…”

“Shouldn’t you go to the hospital just to be safe?”

“There’s no need to go… if I just apply some ice.”

“I’ll contact Kaito!” Aki-nee suddenly said?

“Kaito-san is still at work.
It can wait until he comes home… Haru-nee, there’s no need to worry, so don’t panic.”

Haru-nee had a concerned expression, as if she wanted to make the call immediately.
I instinctively stopped her.
No matter who we contacted, it would eventually reach Kaito-san.
I didn’t want to cause unnecessary trouble for him.

If it was a muscle strain, it should be fine if I just applied ice.
And even if I needed to report it, it could wait until Kaito-san came home.

“For now, can I lean on you until we get home?”

“Of course!” Aki-nee said.

“Of course, Onee chan will support you.”Haru-nee assured.

“I’ll… be in charge of opening the door at home!” Natsu-nee added.

I felt fortunate to have such wonderful sisters.
The sharp pain in my leg didn’t subside, but it wasn’t something to be overly concerned about.
I was accustomed to pain.
It was nothing significant.
I involuntarily clenched my fist tightly and gritted my teeth, knowing I could endure it.

They helped me inside the house, and I had them wrap a cold pack in a towel and apply it to my calf.

◆◆

(POV Chifuyu)

Kaito-san arrived home nearly an hour earlier than usual.
As I sat on the sofa, cooling my calf, he locked eyes with Chifuyu.

“Chifuyu, are you okay?” he asked.

“I’m fine, Kaito-san.
But why are you home earlier than usual?” 

“Chiaki called me.
She said you got injured,” he replied.

“I’m sorry for the trouble,”

Even though I had told her there was no need, it seemed Aki-nee had contacted Kaito-san anyway.

“Just to be safe, I think you should visit an orthopedic hospital or something.
The sports day is coming up soon,” he suggested.

“But…”

“No, I’ve already made an appointment,” he interrupted.

“Eh?” 

Kaito-san truly had a knack for planning.
Haru-nee and the others were also impressed by his proactive approach as they raised their voices in surprise.
Certainly, it was heartwarming to know that Kaito-san cared about me this much.

“Everyone… please wait for us to come back from the hospital.
I’ll be back shortly.
Until then, kindly hold off on dinner.”

“Understood!”

“Thank you.
Oniisan.”

“I’ll leave Fuyu in your care, then.”

Kaito-san prepared to leave, still dressed in his work suit.
He placed his work items on the sofa and glanced back at Chifuyu.

“Are you able to walk? If it’s painful, I can carry you.”

“I’ll manage to walk on my own.”

“I understand… Take it slowly then.”

Following his instructions, Chifuyu cautiously stood up and left the room, putting on shoes at the entrance.

“Well, I’ll do my best to return as quickly as possible.
Please wait for me.”

Kaito-san said to Haru-nee and the others as he opened the front door, only to find that it was raining outside.
It hadn’t been raining when we were running earlier.

The sound of countless raindrops splashing on the ground was not unpleasant.
It somehow brought a sense of calmness to my heart.
It felt as if the heavy rainfall was washing away my worries.

“It’s raining…”

“Yes…”

“…Could you use an umbrella?”

“…Sure.”

Kaito-san handed me the umbrella.
Then, he got into the car without using one and started the engine.

Afterward, he approached Chifuyu with some concern.
Was it because he didn’t mind getting wet? Or was it because Chifuyu was more important than him getting wet?

“Are you okay? Your foot, I mean.”

“I’m fine.”

Chifuyu instinctively held the umbrella higher than Kaito-san.
I didn’t want him to get wet.

“Thank you.
But I’m fine, so please get in.”

“Okay…”

I sat in the passenger seat for the first time.
Normally, that seat belonged to Haru-nee.
I had never sat there before.
However, if I were to speak honestly, there had been many times when I wanted to sit there, and there had been many times when I almost did.

However, the passenger seat had the role of supporting the driver.
Chifuyu probably avoided sitting next to Kaito-san because I felt nervous and lacked confidence in my ability to have smooth conversations.
I simply stayed in the backseats for that reason.

Chifuyu took the seat and fastened the seatbelt.
Kaito-san did the same and we set off.
The wipers swung from side to side, wiping away the raindrops on the windshield.
The sound of the engine, the rain outside, and the noise from other vehicles were all clearly audible.

Despite the presence of sounds, there was a sense of tranquility.
Breaking the silence, Kaito-san started a conversation.

“How does your foot feel? How much does it hurt?”

“It doesn’t hurt that much.”

“…Did it suddenly start hurting while you were running in front of the house?”

“Yes.”

“…I guess you’ve been pushing myself too hard lately.
If only I had stopped you from overworking.”

“It’s not your fault, Kaito-san… Absolutely not!”

“Is that so?”

Kaito-san blamed himself, and I couldn’t help but react strongly.
I didn’t want to show too much of a childish side, so it was a little embarrassing.

“…Just try not to push yourself too hard.
I’m not denying the importance of hard work, but I don’t want you to get injured.
From now on, let’s think about finding a balanced training routine together.”

“Y-yes….”

I could feel that he cared about me.
It made me happy, but it also made my heart race, and I struggled to find the right words.
Our conversation didn’t flow smoothly, and it turned into awkward and clumsy exchanges.

I wanted to talk more, to know more.
But my words wouldn’t come together in my mind.

“Today, we might have to go for convenience store food.
If we go to the convenience store, what would you like to eat, Chifuyu?”

“Uh, well… maybe some salad chicken…”

“Indeed, it’s delicious.
It goes perfectly with salads.”

“A-And what about you, Kaito-san?”

“As for me… maybe fried horse mackerel, simmered mackerel in miso, and some gummy candies.”

“Oh, they’re so delicious, right?! Fried horse mackerel and all…”

I couldn’t communicate properly.
I couldn’t even manage to repeat or ask back what the other person had said.

I wanted to talk more…

But I couldn’t do it well, and before I knew it, we already arrived at the hospital.

◆◆

(POV Chifuyu)

“I see, this is… a mild muscle strain.”

“Is that so…”

“Have you been engaging in any strenuous activities?”

“Well, she might have… done something like that…”

The female orthopedic doctor examined Chifuyu’s calf.
It was slightly swollen and painful to the touch.
Kaito-san sat next to me, conversing with the doctor.

“If you apply a hot pack and refrain from excessive exercise for a while, it should be fine.
However, just to be safe, we will also provide some electrical therapy.”

“Please do… but well, is that okay with you?”

“Y-yes….”

When Kaito-san asked Chifuyu that, I hesitated but eventually nodded in agreement.

“In that case, please proceed to the separate room.”

In the separate room, there was a large machine-like device.
Cords extended from it, attached to colored adhesive patches resembling hot packs.

“Alright, please lie face down on the bed,” 

“Should I wait in the waiting room then?” Kaito-san asked.

“I-I would prefer it if you stayed here… It’s my first time, so I’m a little scared,” 

“Understood,” 

A nurse applied a patch, resembling an electrically charged plaster, to Chifuyu’s calf, allowing a weak electric current to flow.
A tingling sensation spread through my calf, reminiscent of numbness.

“Okay then, we’ll be done when we hear a ringing sound,” the nurse stated before leaving the room.

“Does it hurt?” Kaito-san asked.

“No,” 

“I see… They said it’s a mild muscle strain, so you’ll recover soon.
Don’t worry,” 

“I-I’m sorry for causing you this much trouble,” 

“There’s no need to apologize,”

He’s very kind.
I’ve never had someone care so much about whether I’m in pain I’ve never had an adult show me this much concern before.

My heartbeat raced incessantly.

Even as we engaged in trivial conversations, I couldn’t seem to find peace.
This restlessness persisted while we waited for the treatment to end and during the time spent at the reception.

“Let’s see, for the bill…” 

“Yes…” 

Even during the moments when Kaito-san conversed with the doctor at the reception, or when we finally got into the car as usual, the uneasiness lingered.
There was no way to calm down.

It was because I was alone with someone I loved… There was no way I could feel at ease.

◆◆

(POV Chifuyu)

In the car on our way back home, the surroundings began to darken, but the rain showed no sign of stopping.

“You know what, let’s go to the convenience store now.
Oh, but maybe the supermarket would be fine too.
Which one do you prefer, Chifuyu?” Kaito-san asked.

“Um… then, th-the convenience store,” 

“Alright, let’s go with that.
I need to call Chiharu and the others to ask what they want, so can I leave it to you?” he asked, handing me his smartphone.

“Of course!” I said, feeling joy at being relied upon.
I tapped the screen and called our home landline.

“Ah, Haru-nee… I-I’m fine… Um, today, at the convenience store, we want to know what you and Natsu-nee and Aki-nee want to eat.
Okay so, Katsudon, Margherita pizza, Neapolitan, oyakodon…” 

I could hear Haru-nee’s worried voice, along with the starving voices of Natsu-nee and Aki-nee.
It was strange how hearing them made me smile involuntarily.

After a brief conversation, I ended the call.
After I told Kaito-san about the things they requested, a warm atmosphere filled the car as we headed towards the convenience store. 

The conversation in the car was immensely enjoyable, bringing pure joy to my heart.
I found myself yearning for this moment to last forever.
When I injured my leg, for a brief moment, I couldn’t help but wonder why I was the only one going through such a painful experience… But now, I can’t say that I’m glad I got injured, but strangely, I don’t feel any negativity.

I want things to continue like this forever… I want these day to go on forever.
I would be satisfied with that.

However, what Chifuyu truly desires is not that.

It’s not this kind of relationship.
It’s not a parent-child relationship.

This person, who is kind, cool, broad-minded, and strong… Chifuyu… I like him.
Not as a parent or anything like that.

It’s not a feeling directed towards a best friend.
It’s not a feeling directed towards a sister.

The emotions I felt towards this person were romantically inclined, it’s the feeling of being in love.

However, I couldn’t say it.
I didn’t want to risk conveying my feelings and ruining our relationship.
Besides, Chifuyu was still just a child.

I knew the outcome already.
It was evident that being an adult and a child, the result was predictable.
Kaito-san would surely reject me.

I understood it in my mind, yet there was a slight glimmer of hope within me.
Perhaps, just perhaps…

I wonder what would happen if I were to say it now.

That I like you, that I want to be special to you alone.

Even though I’m just a child, is it okay for me to fall in love with you?

To always stay by your side.

And I wonder, what would happen if you were to accept me.

…Let’s stop.
I understand it now.
I’m currently trying to engage in a losing battle.
It’s meaningless, just an attempt to worsen the relationship between myself and the other person.

I enjoyed the sound of rain.
It helped calm my emotions and allowed for clear-headed judgment.

—I love you.

Yes, the thought to say that has vanished.

“Kaito-san, are we stopping by that convenience store over there?”

“Yeah… Let’s go there.”

Through the rain-drenched glass, I spotted the convenience store and engaged in trivial conversation.
Trivial conversations weren’t so bad, and it was fine to continue like that. 

If only this moment could last forever.

 ************

TN: Chifuyu is wholeheartedly trying to get the guy in jail.