...It's raining.
Of all days, today had to be Monday, the start of the week.
I can't even ride my bike, and I'm losing the will to go...
I exhaled the dissatisfaction welling up from within along with a sigh.
...For now, I should change into my uniform.
I reached for the uniform hanging on the wall, but... ugh, it's heavy.
The effect that a heavy, sluggish heart has on the body is immense; even my usually light uniform felt heavy.
The rainy season is almost here... It happens every year, but I really hate the rainy season.
Suddenly, my gaze drifted to the Red Thread of Fate.
In the end, Kuonji stayed home from school until the end of the weekend.
We've been exchanging messages, but I wonder how she's doing today.
Unconsciously, my hand reached for my smartphone and opened the messaging app.
...If I ask too much about whether she's coming today, it'll look like I really want to see her.
Besides, knowing her, if I push too hard, she'll definitely try to force herself to come.
I'll leave it for now. Yeah, let's do that.
I'm not looking forward to it, but anyway, I'll change—.
Thump, thump, thump! Bam!
"Onii! Morning!"
You... you're too loud...
"Knock first, consider my privacy, and lower your voice."
"Rain! It's raining, Onii!"
First, how about you listen to what people are saying?
"...Yeah, it's raining."
"That's right, they said the rainy season has started! They were just talking about it on TV!"
"Why are you so hyped up...?"
"Because it's the last rainy season of middle school! This is the last year I'll spend wearing this uniform! I can't help but be excited!"
............
"Nyu? Why are you patting my head?"
"Just because. It's nice that you seem to enjoy life so much."
"Yup, it's fun!"
What is this angel? It's like she'd give a total affirmation to everything in the world. Please, grow up just like this.
...Though I do want her to grow up a little so she doesn't get caught by some bad guy.
"But I won't be able to give you a ride for a while. Riding a bike in the rain is impossible."
"Hah. T-True!? Gunuunu, curse you, rain...!"
She looked so happy just a moment ago, but now her face is full of resentment.
I really never get tired of watching Kotono's expressions.
"By the way, Onii-chan would like to change now."
"? You can just change."
"Get out."
I grabbed her by the scruff of her neck and tossed her into the hallway.
We're siblings, but even between close friends, there should be courtesy.
"Onii—"
"Hmm?"
"Do you feel better now?"
"...Yeah. I do."
"Nishishi. Well, I'm going to the living room then!"
I heard the sound of Kotono running down the stairs.
Don't tell me, did she come to cheer me up because she remembered I hate the rainy season? ...She's a really good sister.
I slipped my arms through the uniform, which felt lighter than before, and went downstairs.
Only Kotono was in the living room.
Come to think of it, Mom had an early shift today.
"Onii, want some coffee?"
"Yeah, I'll have some."
"Coming right up~"
She brewed coffee with the drip machine and brought it over along with some toast, sausages, and salad.
"Did you make this, Kotono?"
"Sort of. It's just grilling things, so it was a piece of cake."
To think that Kotono is cooking... ugh, tears of emotion.
For now, let's take a photo.
"Wait, why are you taking a picture!"
"Because it's Kotono's first home-cooked meal. Of course I'm taking one."
"I-It's embarrassing, so stop it already!"
Kotono drank her smoothie with furrowed brows, looking genuinely embarrassed.
She doesn't have to be so shy.
"Oh, by the way, how is Riran-tan's cold?"
"Ah, I haven't contacted her this morning, so I don't know."
"That's no good! You have to check on her first thing in the morning!"
Even if you say that.
............
"Wait a minute. How do you know Kuonji has a cold?"
"She told me on LIME. Oh, speaking of the devil, a message from Riran-tan. Look."
Riran: That guy isn't messaging me (´；ω；｀)
"She's crying. Look, you have to contact her quickly."
"Is she really like that in front of you, Kotono?"
What's with that gap? Using emoticons is way too cute.
"...I'll message her after I eat."
"Please do. ...Wait?"
"What's up?"
"I told her I showed that message to Onii, and this was her reply."
Riran: You showed him!?
Riran: Why!?
Riran: It's not like that! It's not like that!
Riran: It's absolutely not because I was waiting for a message from you!
So she was waiting.
She really throws me off my pace, seriously...
"Onii, you're smirking."
"Shut up."