"Alright, Usagi, we're here." Haruko's voice broke the quiet hum of the street as they stopped outside a small but well-lit sports store. The faint scent of new rubber and polished wood from the basketball courts nearby seemed to mingle with the crisp evening air. "This store is where I buy my gear from. Maybe we can find something that your brother needs and take it from there, okay?"
Usagi nodded, pushing her hands deep into her jacket pockets as she glanced at the bright glass windows filled with basketball shoes, jerseys, and other gear. "Yes, it's a great start because he's not really into anything else that I can think of," she replied softly. The faint sound of chatter and sneakers squeaking inside drew them closer.
The door jingled as they entered, the warm air inside wrapping around them after the coolness outside. The faint smell of rubber soles, leather, and a hint of fresh sweat mixed with the clean scent of the store's new merchandise. Haruko scanned the shelves thoughtfully. "When I'm thinking about an anniversary, I'm thinking about something great, like a basketball hoop. What do you think?"
Haruko tapped her chin thoughtfully, fingers brushing against the fabric of a nearby jersey. "Well, that's true. Then how about a new pair of basketball shoes? It wouldn't hurt to have an extra pair."
Usagi tilted her head, a small smile tugging at her lips as she mimicked her brother's voice. "That's a good idea, but you know my brother. He'd probably say something like, 'Why did you waste your allowance on something as unnecessary as that? Your allowance is only for you.'"
Haruko chuckled, a light laugh escaping her lips. "Um, you may be right. I can totally imagine him saying that."
The two walked deeper into the store, their footsteps echoing slightly in the spacious aisle. "Alright, I think I've got some things in mind that are within budget." Haruko bent down to pick up a gym bag, holding it up for Usagi to see. "How about you get him a gym bag, an arm sleeve, a towel, a new basketball, and a training jersey top? The combined cost of these items isn't too expensive."
Usagi reached out to touch the soft fabric of the towel, nodding. "You're right, I think these will be perfect. Plus, his basketball is kind of worn out now, so I'd say this is great."
Haruko smiled and grabbed a marker from a nearby counter. "I also have something in mind for the training gear, so let's get a marker for that, okay?"
After they gathered the items and made their way to the counter, Usagi adjusted the straps on the gym bag as the warm buzz of the store's fluorescent lights flickered overhead. Just as they were about to head out, Usagi suddenly stumbled backward, almost falling to the ground.
"Whoa, little miss, I caught you just in time, so you're good," a deep voice said calmly. Usagi looked up into the face of a tall young man, his frame towering at about 193 centimeters. His eyes were steady, his expression neutral but alert.
"Yes, thank you so much for that," Usagi said, steadying herself.
Haruko's eyes widened slightly. "Wait, you are... Kogure Kobayashi from Yokonan High?" she asked, surprised.
Kogure smiled faintly. "Yes, that's me. But how do you know that?"
Haruko adjusted the strap on her bag, glancing sideways. "I was at the practice match that you played against Toshigawa."
Kogure nodded, recalling. "I remember now. You were that girl who was on the bench cheering for Tetsuo, right?"
"Yes, that was me."
Kogure looked past them briefly before meeting their eyes again. "I see. Give Tetsuo this message for me the next time you see him. Tell him that I look forward to playing against him soon, however, I will not lose."
Haruko straightened up and smiled. "I'll ensure that I tell him that. Let's go, Usagi."
As they walked away, Kogure murmured under his breath, "Wait, did she just say Usagi as in Usagi Kawaguchi?" His gaze lingered on their retreating backs. "She does resemble her a lot too, so she must be..."
A voice interrupted his thoughts. "Hey, Kogure, what were you talking about with those girls?"
He turned to see Aoi standing nearby, arms crossed. "Well, funny story. That smaller one is actually Tetsuo's little sister. We truly live in such a small world."
Aoi's eyes widened. "What did you say? That she's...?"
---
The street lamps flickered on as Usagi and Haruko stepped out of the store. The air was cooler now, with a slight breeze rustling leaves along the sidewalk.
"It's getting really dark. You shouldn't have walked me home," Usagi said, shifting the weight of her bag.
Haruko adjusted her jacket and smiled. "That's okay. I don't live that far away from this neighborhood, plus I have to ensure that you get home safely."
Usagi's cheeks warmed as she mumbled, "I see, thank you so much. You're really kind."
The soft click of Usagi's keys unlocked the door to her apartment. "We are here. This is where I live," she said.
Haruko glanced around as Usagi pushed the door open, revealing a modest but tidy living space. "So this is where Tetsuo lives. It's a pretty decent place," she said quietly to herself.
Inside, the faint smell of soap and damp towels hung in the air. Usagi called out, "I'm home, big brother!"
From inside, footsteps came swiftly, and Tetsuo appeared in the doorway. His tall frame was wrapped in a towel, another draped over his shoulder as he dried his hair. His expression was calm, unreadable.
"Welcome back, Usagi. I prepared dinner today so you can relax, okay?" Tetsuo said, his tone steady and without inflection.
"That's nice of you, thanks, bro," Usagi replied, warmth filling her voice.
Haruko's face flushed red as she peered shyly from behind Usagi. "Ahh!!" she whispered, her hands covering her cheeks. "He's not wearing anything, and his body... it's a lot more refined than I thought," she said, eyes wide but quickly looking away.
"I didn't know that you had a guest over. You can come on inside if you like," Tetsuo said, stepping back to let them enter as he reached to grab a clean shirt.
"I'm so sorry about that, Haruko," Usagi said quickly, rubbing the back of her neck. "Since it's just the two of us living together, he sort of gets comfortable walking out of the shower with only his towel."
"And you're not bothered by that?" Haruko asked, genuinely curious.
Usagi shrugged lightly. "I mean, it's not an issue for me, so I don't mind."
"And did you say that you guys live alone? What about your parents?" Haruko asked quietly."
There was a brief pause as Usagi's expression shifted, a subtle tightening around her eyes. "Well... I lost both my parents to a fire when I was just a little girl. I hardly remember their faces, and I have no recollection of the memories I had with them," she said softly, voice barely above a whisper.
Haruko's eyes softened. "Oh, I didn't know. I apologize."
"It's okay," Usagi replied, her voice steady again. "I'm doing just fine now because I have Tetsuo here with me, so I'm happy. He takes care of everything for me—he buys all my necessities, pays all the bills, and ensures that I'm comfortable. He may sometimes make me upset because he hardly shares how he feels, but I know that he loves and cares for me from the bottom of his heart."
Haruko nodded, touched. "You really have a great big brother, Usagi."
"Yes, the best," Usagi said, her lips curving into a small, genuine smile.
Tetsuo moved toward the small kitchen area where the faint aroma of curry mixed with the earthy scent of simmered vegetables filled the air. He set two plates on the low dining table: steaming curry on rice, dotted with carrots and cabbage, alongside small slices of fresh apple.
"Alright, I'm done. Are you staying for dinner, Haruko?" Tetsuo asked, voice flat but polite.
Haruko hesitated before nodding. "Um, if it's not a bother to you, then sure."
She picked up her spoon and took a tentative bite. The flavors hit her tongue warmly and softly—the gentle sweetness of the curry mingling with the crispness of the vegetables.
"This looks like a really simple meal, but it's really cute," Haruko whispered to herself.
"Wow, this is really good! My taste buds are on cloud nine," she admitted, cheeks flushing as she glanced at Tetsuo.
Usagi giggled, cheeks puffed full of food. "Your cooking is the best, big brother. It makes me want to retire from the kitchen."
"No talking while you're eating, Usagi," Tetsuo said sharply.
"Okay!!" Usagi replied, then paused. "Oh, I almost forgot. I bought these for you."
She reached into the shopping bag and pulled out the arm sleeve, gym bag, pump, basketball, and towel, setting them gently on the table.
Tetsuo looked over the items carefully, his gaze lingering on the training jersey last. He turned it over, reading the neat handwriting Usagi had written across the fabric: "Do your best with basketball, big brother. I love you so much."
Without a change in expression, Tetsuo stepped closer and tapped her lightly on the forehead.
"I told you not to spend your allowance money on me. It was for anything that you want or may need in an emergency," he said quietly.
"But today is our two-year anniversary since we moved here, so I wanted to surprise you with something special," Usagi said, tears glistening in her eyes.
Haruko watched quietly from the side. "She really put a lot of thought into getting you a gift for the anniversary, and it's not like you gave her much to work with, so that's the only thing she could think of," she said softly.
Tetsuo's hand rested briefly on Usagi's shoulder. Then, with no change to his calm, expressionless face, he drew her into a gentle hug.
"Big brother?" Usagi whispered, surprised.
"Thank you for the gifts," Tetsuo said sincerely, his voice soft as he gently stroked Usagi's hair. The warmth of his hand against her scalp sent a comforting shiver down her spine.
"That's the first time in a long time since you've hugged me. I'm so happy," Usagi whispered, tears of joy spilling down her cheeks.