"Alright, Usagi, we're here."
Haruko's voice slipped through the quiet rhythm of the street, soft yet clear against the faint hum of passing cars.
They stopped before a small, well-lit sports store, its glass windows glowing faintly in the cool evening air.
The scent of new rubber and polished shoes drifted from inside, mixing with the sharp freshness of dusk.
She turned slightly, her hair brushing her shoulder as her eyes moved toward the entrance.
"This is the shop where I usually buy my gear. Maybe we can look for something your brother might need and start from there, okay?"
Her tone carried an easy calm, the words settling gently between them as the warm light from the store touched the edges of her face.
Usagi nodded, her hands sliding deep into her jacket pockets as she looked up at the bright glass windows lined with basketball shoes, jerseys, and shiny gear.
"Yes… I think that's a good start. He's not really… interested in other things that I can think of."
Her voice wavered a little, quiet but sincere, as her eyes drifted from one display to another.
When they pushed the door open, a light jingle rang above them.
Warm air wrapped around her face, chasing away the cool from outside.
The air inside carried the mixed scent of new rubber and leather, touched by the faint trace of sweat that lingered from the day.
Haruko scanned the shelves thoughtfully, her eyes tracing over the rows of gear.
The overhead lights reflected off the smooth surfaces of the display balls lined in rows.
"When I think about something to celebrate your move here… I imagine something a little special, like a basketball hoop. What do you think?"
Usagi lowered her gaze, her hands tightening around the strap of her bag.
"Well… that would be great, but it's really expensive," she murmured, her voice carrying a hint of hesitation.
Haruko let out a small, thoughtful laugh, her fingertips grazing the smooth fabric of a nearby jersey.
"That's true… then, how about a new pair of basketball shoes? It wouldn't hurt to have an extra one, right?"
Usagi tilted her head slightly, a small smile forming as she tried to sound like her brother.
"That's a good idea… but knowing my brother, he'd probably say something like, 'Why did you waste your allowance on something unnecessary like that? Your allowance is supposed to be for you.'"
Haruko let out a light laugh, the sound soft and warm as she brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Mm, you're probably right. I can really imagine him saying that."
The two walked farther into the store, their footsteps echoing softly along the wide aisle lined with neatly stacked gear.
Haruko paused, scanning the shelves before crouching to pick up a gym bag.
She held it up with a small, approving nod.
"Alright, I think I've got some things in mind that fit your budget."
Her voice carried a steady warmth as she turned the bag slightly toward Usagi.
"How about a gym bag and maybe a training jersey top? Altogether, it shouldn't cost too much."
Usagi reached out and brushed her fingers over the jersey's soft fabric, her eyes lighting up a little.
"You're right… I think these will be perfect. I won't even have to use all the allowance money I've saved up."
She paused, a small laugh slipping through.
"Plus, he's been carrying everything around in a shopping bag, so this is great."
Haruko smiled, reaching over to take a marker from the counter.
The cap clicked softly as she turned it in her hand.
"I've got an idea for the training gear too."
Her tone carried a light, playful ease as she glanced toward Usagi.
"Let's get a marker for that, okay?"
After gathering all the gifts, the two walked to the counter, the faint squeak of the floor following their steps.
"That'll be five thousand two hundred yen," the young woman behind the register greeted, her polite smile steady as she tapped the keys.
Usagi fumbled with her wallet, the faint rustle of bills escaping as she pulled them free.
Her fingers trembled slightly—not from the amount, but from the unfamiliar weight of spending so much at once.
"Thank you very much. Please visit us again soon," the cashier added brightly, placing each item into a neatly folded paper bag with practiced care.
Usagi gave a small bow, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Thank you…"
She stepped aside, clutching the bag close as the next customer approached.
Haruko leaned closer, a warm smile on her face.
"You handled that well. It wasn't so bad, right?"
Usagi let out a small breath, her shoulders relaxing.
"Yeah… I guess not."
Just as they were about to head out, Usagi suddenly tripped over the edge of the floor mat near the door, her balance slipping.
A small gasp escaped her as she stumbled backward—only for a firm hand to steady her before she could fall.
A deep voice reached her ear, calm but firm.
"Whoa there, little miss. You're alright."
Usagi looked up, her wide eyes meeting the face of a high school student in a neatly worn uniform.
He was tall—easily around one hundred ninety-three centimeters—with a composed look that made him seem older.
His gaze was steady, his expression unreadable but alert as he made sure she had her balance.
"Ah… thank you very much for helping me."
Usagi straightened her posture, brushing the front of her jacket with both hands as if to calm herself.
Her voice came out small, still carrying the trace of surprise in it.
Haruko's eyes widened a little, recognition flashing across her face.
"Wait… you're Kogure Kobayashi from Yokonan High, right?"
Kogure gave a small, polite smile.
"Yeah, that's me. But… how do you know that?"
Haruko adjusted the strap of the bag in her hand, her gaze shifting slightly to the side.
"I was… at the practice match you played against Toshigawa."
Kogure gave a small nod, the memory coming back to him.
"Ah, I remember now. You were the girl sitting on the bench, cheering for Tetsuo, right?"
A faint blush rose on Haruko's cheeks.
"Yes… that was me."
Kogure's eyes flicked past them for a moment before returning, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.
His tone carried a quiet confidence beneath the calm.
"Please tell Tetsuo something for me… the next time you see him."
His smirk deepened slightly.
"I'm looking forward to playing against him soon. But… I won't lose."
Haruko straightened her posture, a small smile forming as she met his gaze.
"Alright… I'll make sure to tell him that."
She turned to Usagi, her voice softening.
"Come on, Usagi. Let's go."
As the two girls walked off, Kogure's eyes followed them.
His lips moved in a quiet murmur, barely above a whisper.
"Wait… did she just say Usagi? As in, Usagi Kawaguchi?"
His gaze lingered on their retreating backs, expression tightening with recognition.
"She really does look like her… then that means…"
Before the thought could finish forming, a voice called out from behind him.
"Hey, Kogure. What were you talking about with those girls?"
Kogure turned at the sound of the familiar voice.
Aoi stood a few steps away, arms folded loosely across her chest, her expression curious.
He gave a small shrug, a faint grin touching his lips.
"Well… funny thing. That smaller one just now—she's actually Tetsuo's little sister. Guess the world's smaller than I thought."
Aoi's eyes widened, her arms slowly uncrossing.
"What did you say? She's… his sister?"
The street lamps flickered to life as Usagi and Haruko made their way down the quiet street.
The evening air had cooled, carrying a faint rustle of leaves that brushed along the sidewalk.
Usagi adjusted the weight of her bag against her side, her steps slowing a little.
"It's already getting dark… you really didn't have to walk me home," she murmured, her voice gentle but laced with a hint of concern.
Haruko shifted the bag in her hand, the handles pressing lightly against her palm as she looked over at Usagi with a small smile.
"It's alright," she said softly, her tone easy and warm.
"I don't live too far from here anyway. Besides… I should make sure you get home safely."
Usagi's cheeks grew warm, her gaze lowering to the ground.
"I see… thank you so much. You're really kind," she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper.
The soft click of metal sounded as Usagi turned her keys in the lock.
The door opened with a gentle creak, revealing a small but tidy apartment.
"We're here. This is where I live," she said, stepping inside and slipping off her shoes neatly by the door.
She glanced back with a shy smile.
"Please, feel free to make yourself at home."
Haruko's gaze moved slowly across the small but well-kept apartment.
So this is where Tetsuo lives… it's actually a pretty decent place.
The thought slipped through her mind as she stepped forward and carefully removed her shoes, setting them beside Usagi's.
The faint scent of soap lingered in the air, mixed with the clean dryness of recently washed towels.
"I'm home, big brother!"
Usagi's voice carried down the hallway, bright and familiar against the quiet room.
Footsteps sounded from deeper inside the apartment, slow and even.
A moment later, Tetsuo appeared in the doorway—his tall frame still damp from a shower, a towel around his waist and another resting over his shoulder as he ran it through his hair.
Droplets clung to his skin, tracing along his arm before falling to the floor.
His face carried its usual calm, unreadable look.
"Welcome back, Usagi. I made dinner today, so you can take it easy."
His voice was steady, quiet, and without any hint of emotion.
"That's really nice of you… thanks, bro."
Usagi's tone lifted softly, warmth threading through her words as a small smile formed on her face.
Haruko's face turned a deep shade of red as she leaned slightly from behind Usagi, her movements hesitant.
"Ahh…"
The sound slipped out before she could stop it, hands flying up to cover her face as she peeked through trembling fingers.
He's not wearing anything… and his body—it's a lot more refined than I expected…
Her eyes widened for a moment before she quickly averted her gaze, trying to compose herself.
"I didn't realize you had someone over. Come in, if you'd like."
He stepped back to make room, reaching for a clean shirt and a folded set of clothes from the nearby shelf before turning down the hallway, his movements steady and composed.
Haruko let out a startled squeal, her knees giving way as she dropped to the floor.
Heat rushed to her face, her hands flailing uselessly for a moment before she covered her cheeks, completely flustered.
Usagi's voice came out small and nervous, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve.
"I'm really sorry, Haruko… It's just me and my brother here, so he doesn't really think about that kind of stuff sometimes."
Haruko's voice came out soft, barely more than a whisper, her cheeks still flushed.
"And you're… not bothered by that?"
Usagi tilted her head slightly, her expression calm.
"Not really. It doesn't bother me at all. We're family, so it's fine."
"And did you say you two live alone? What about your parents?"
Haruko's voice came out hesitant, her eyes flicking toward the narrow hallway where Tetsuo had disappeared.
There was a pause.
The sound of the clock ticking in the corner filled the quiet.
Usagi's eyes lowered to the floor, fingers curling slightly against her skirt.
"My brother told me not to tell anyone about this... but I trust you."
Her voice trembled faintly as she continued, the words coming slowly, almost fragile.
"When we were young, we lost both our parents in a fire. I was still just a little girl. I hardly remember their faces… and I don't really have any memories of them at all."
Her tone wavered near the end, the quiet weight of loss lingering in the air between them.
Haruko's breath caught, her eyes widening before softening.
A faint tremor passed through her voice as she leaned forward slightly, guilt flickering in her expression.
"Oh… I didn't know. I'm sorry for bringing up something like that."
Her hands tightened gently around the strap of her bag, unsure what else to say, the air between them thick with quiet remorse.
Usagi lifted her head again, a small smile returning as she waved both hands lightly.
"It's okay," she said, her voice steadier now.
"I'm really fine. As long as I have Tetsuo with me, I'm happy."
Her gaze wandered toward the hallway where her brother had disappeared.
"He does everything for me… He buys what I need, pays the bills, and makes sure I'm okay. Sometimes he makes me mad because he never says what he's thinking, but…"
Her fingers fidgeted for a moment before she smiled softly.
"I know he really cares about me. I can feel it."
Haruko smiled gently.
"You really have a wonderful big brother, Usagi."
Usagi's lips curved into a wide, bright smile, her eyes closing as her cheeks lifted.
"Mm-hmm! He's the best!"
Tetsuo stepped quietly into the small kitchen area.
The faint aroma of curry drifted through the room, blending with the earthy scent of simmered vegetables.
He placed two plates on the low dining table—steaming curry over rice, with bits of carrot and cabbage visible, and a few slices of fresh apple neatly arranged on the side.
"Here you go, Usagi."
"Thank you, big brother! Thanks for the meal!"
Usagi clasped her hands together before leaning forward eagerly and digging in, her small movements quick and cheerful.
Tetsuo's gaze shifted toward Haruko, who stood awkwardly near the entrance, hands clasped in front of her.
"Are you staying for dinner, Takahashi?"
His voice carried no particular tone—neither cold nor warm.
Haruko blinked once, caught off guard, then gave a small nod.
"Um… if it's not a bother to you, then sure."
Without a word, Tetsuo placed another serving in front of her—the same as Usagi's—before returning to his seat.
Haruko picked up her spoon carefully.
The faint steam brushed against her face as she took a small bite.
The flavor spread gently across her tongue—the mild sweetness of the curry mixing with the soft texture of the vegetables.
Her shoulders eased slightly.
"It looks like such a simple meal, but it's really cute," she murmured under her breath, almost too quiet to hear.
Another spoonful.
Her eyes widened a little.
"Wow… this is really good," she said, cheeks warming as she glanced briefly in Tetsuo's direction before lowering her gaze again.
Across the table, Usagi giggled with her mouth still half full, her cheeks round and puffed.
"Your cooking is the best, big brother! It makes me want to retire from the kitchen already."
Tetsuo's eyes shifted toward her briefly, his tone even.
"No talking while you're eating, Usagi."
"Okay!!"
She straightened up, swallowing quickly before grinning again.
A small pause followed as if something suddenly sparked in her mind.
"Oh—wait! I almost forgot!"
Her chopsticks clinked softly against the bowl as she set them down, reaching for the paper bag she had placed by her side.
The sound of rustling filled the quiet room, breaking the steady hum of the evening.
Usagi placed the gym bag and a white jersey in the middle of the table, her smile bright and full of quiet pride.
Tetsuo's eyes moved to the gifts, taking his time as he examined each one.
The soft rustle of fabric sounded as he lifted the jersey, turning it over in his hands.
His gaze paused on the uneven handwriting across the front — Do your best with basketball, big brother.
Without a change in expression, Tetsuo stood and walked over to her.
His footsteps were quiet against the floor, steady and unhurried.
Usagi's eyes lifted, uncertainty flickering across her face.
"Big brother…?"
He reached out and tapped her lightly on the forehead.
The touch made her flinch, a small sound slipping from her as she rubbed the spot with both hands, eyes wide in surprise.
Tetsuo's voice came out low, steady, the weight in his tone leaving no room for argument.
"I told you not to spend your allowance money on me. It's for things you want—or something you might need in an emergency."
His gaze stayed fixed on her, calm but firm, the quiet between them stretching just long enough for the words to sink in.
Usagi's voice wavered as she looked up at him, her hands tightening in her lap.
"But… today marks two years since we moved here together," she murmured, her eyes glistening as her words trembled.
"So I wanted to surprise you with something special."
Haruko stood slowly, her hands brushing against the edge of the table as she glanced between the two of them.
"She really put a lot of thought into getting you a gift for this day," her voice came out gentle, careful not to intrude.
"And… it's not like you gave her much to work with, so that was probably the only thing she could think of."
Her gaze shifted toward Usagi, a quiet understanding in her expression.
"She'd been saving for this for a long time. She really wanted to make you happy."
Tetsuo's hand came to rest on her shoulder, the weight steady but light.
For a moment, he didn't speak.
Then, without a shift in his calm expression, he pulled her gently into his arms.
Usagi froze, her breath catching as she felt the warmth of his hold.
"Big brother…?" she whispered, her voice small, uncertain.
"Thank you… for the gifts."
Tetsuo's tone was quiet, steady.
His hand moved once through her hair, slow and gentle.
The warmth of his palm lingered, and Usagi's shoulders eased as a small shiver ran down her spine.
"That's… the first time in so long you've hugged me," Usagi whispered, her fingers gripping his shirt tightly.
Her voice trembled as tears slid down her cheeks.
"I'm… so happy."