Ch. 1: From the Time We Met
Kingdom of Perche in the Land of Peach Blossoms, Month of Sunlight…
Amidst the light that broke through the treetops…-
??: “……”
The boy who had just awoken stood stock still, starring at me.
(I wonder what’s wrong. Maybe he’s not totally awake yet?)
His fluffy bangs hung over his eyes, so bright they looked like candy.
This young boy, still seeming so innocent, just stood there with his mouth slightly open, and I saw myself reflected in his eyes as he stared at me.
OO: “Are you okay?”
??: “Ah…s-sorry!!”
He had jumped in surprise, then spoken out loud as he started to panic.
??: “Are…are you the one who saved me?”
OO: “Yeah.”
I explained who I was and…-
??: “Thanks a lot! I’m Kaine. I’d like to do something to thank you…oh I know!”
His expression changed as he spun around, and I felt myself relaxing.
(He’s a cute boy.)
Kaine: “Do you want to head into the town from here, together?”
OO: “Town?”
Kaine: “Yeah! There’s a lot of shops that sell really delicious sweets. They’re really really good! You should try them…!”
OO: “Thanks. Let’s go!”
Even though he was clearly shy, Kaine had invited me with a smile, and I smiled in return.
Kaine: “…!”
I noticed Kaine’s cheeks turned as bright as an apple.
Ch. 2: A Cute Younger Brother
Coming out of the forest, Kaine and I finally reached the town.
Kaine: “Hey OO, tell me if there’s something you want. This looks so good…! OO, do you like cake?”
OO: “Yeah!”
Kaine: “Ah! There’s a crepe shop over there too…do you like crepes?”
OO: “Yeah, I like them!”
Kaine’s eyes sparkled as he took in the rows of sweets lined up in the shops.
And each time, he’d turn around and ask me about it.
(Kaine, he really is cute. I wonder if this is what it feels like to have a little brother.)
I smiled as I thought about it, not even realizing what I was doing, and Kaine turned and gave me a quizzical look.
Kaine: “Why are you smiling?”
OO: “It’s nothing, I’m just having a good time!”
As I said it, Kaine’s cheeks turned bright red.
Kaine: “I-I’m having fun too. I wonder if it’s…because I’m with you.”
OO: “I was just thinking how cute you are Kaine.”
Kaine: “Cute? Cute….mmm.”
At my words, his face changed, becoming slightly troubled.
OO: “It kind of feels like I have a cute younger brother.”
I just said out loud what I had been thinking, but at that moment…-
Kaine: “Little brother…?”
The smile faded, and his eyes lowered.
OO: “What’s wrong?”
Kaine: “I’m not a little brother.”
OO: “Kaine?”
He looked at me, his eyes troubled but still big and glistening.
(He’s just so cute…)
Without thinking, I felt myself on the verge of smiling, but under his serious gaze, I couldn’t say anything.
Ch. 3: I'm Not a Younger Brother
OO: “Kaine?”
I could see as he looked at me that Kaine was desperately wanting to argue.
Kaine: “I…don’t think of you like an older sister. …”
With that, Kaine lowered his head and said no more.
OO: “I-I’m sorry Kaine. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings…”
I apologized in a panic, thinking he’d gotten upset that I’d said he was like a little brother when…
Kaine: “Ah…t-that’s not it. I didn’t mean it like that. I just…”
It was clear he wanted to say something as I looked at him and…-
OO: “I’m really sorry Kaine. Hey, do you want to go around the town again? I’d like to get something sweet to eat.”
Kaine’s smile returned as I spoke.
Kaine: “OO…”
OO: “…”
I waited for him to speak and…-
Kaine: “…since we met, I kinda feel all floaty.”
A little after that, he shyly spoke again.
Kaine: “Um, OO…”
Kaine grabbed my hands and looked directly at me.
OO: “Y-yes?”
I raised my voice without thinking, and I could feel the strength in Kaine’s hands as he held on to mine.
Kaine: “W-when I met you, in the forest…”
His big round eyes stared at me, and I felt my chest tighten.
But at that time…-
Vulgar Man: “Hey hey, you havin’ a fight?”
There was a rough laugh, and three men in good physical shape came up to us.
Kaine: “C-can I help you with something?”
Kaine moved in front as if trying to protect me.
But I could see his back shaking, and his voice was trembling…
OO: “Kaine, are you alright?”
Kaine: “I-I’m fine!”
The shaking of his voice betrayed the confidence he was trying to give off.
(W-what should I do?)
Kaine: “D-don’t worry…”
Kaine spoke to me in his trembling voice.
Kaine: “I’ll protect you OO.”
Vulgar Man: “What’s that? You stupid brat, trying to show off in front of a girl!?”
Well-Built Man: “Don’t you think YOU’RE the one who needs protecting? With those spindly little arms of yours?”
Kaine: “…!”
At those words, Kaine bit his lip in frustration.
Man: “Beat it brat. Hey little lady, come hang out with us.”
At that time, one of the men pushed Kaine out of the way and grabbed my arm…-
Kaine: “OO…-!”
In the next instant, I saw something that I couldn’t believe.