Child-Rearing Romcom

My little sister is the cutest little girl in the world.

I was spending time before my homeroom class looking at photos of Soyoka.

Look at this photo I took this morning!

Her cheeks were stuffed with bread like a little squirrel. Somehow she even managed to get jam on her forehead. Is she a genius or what?

Hehehe . . . Soyoka is so cute, as usual.

She was an angel. An angel smiling at me. Ah, seeing my little sister's smiling face felt like the warmth of spring.

She had been adorable since she was born, and she only got cuter and cuter as she grew.

Soyoka Kuremoto was the name of my three-year-old little sister, and she just started kindergarten this spring. I, Kyota Kuremoto, was a sixteen-year-old who just started his second year of high school. That made us thirteen years apart.

I just could not wait to see what kind of girl she would grow into over her next three years of kindergarten. At the same time, I hoped she would stay exactly the same.

Look, it's Akiyama.

She's so beautiful, like always . . .

As I was lost in thoughts about Soyoka, the classroom began to buzz with activity.

Who dares to bother me when I am trying to think about an angel?

I looked up, wondering what was happening, and immediately understood.

A female student had just arrived at school.

I still can't believe I'm in the same class as Akiyama.

Akiyama's so cool.

Voices of admiration could be heard from various corners of the classroom.

She had transformed the atmosphere of the classroom from the moment she entered the front door.

Her walk alone turned the room into a fantastical space.

She looks like a model.

Her long black hair flowed smoothly down to her waist. In contrast, her sharp eyes and composed expression showed no flicker of concern despite the attention.

She was tall and slender, with a delicate body and a beautifully arranged face, and she possessed a beauty that seemed almost like a piece of art.

Even her modest bust accentuated her ephemeral beauty.

Her name was Sumi Akiyama, and she was a beauty known by everyone in her grade.

Along with her blessed looks, she also dominated the top ranks in every exam.

Brains and beauty, she was the envy of the class. Her reputation was well-deserved.

I had heard rumors about her since first year, but having her in the same class as me really emphasized her presence.

Indeed, there was no denying that she was a total knockout.

But I'm not really interested in her . . .

I glanced at her briefly before returning my gaze to my smartphone screen.

Maybe I'll try talking to her today.

Forget it, man. She won't give you the time of day.

Right? She doesn’t really hang out with anyone. It’s like she lives in a different world.

I had heard the same conversation every morning since the new school year began.

Yet, no one actually tried to talk to her.

Akiyama was famous for not being close with anyone. She kept her conversation to a minimum and generally gave off a cold vibe. She was always seen alone, like an unattainable flower perched on a high peak.

Her mysterious aura only boosted her popularity; beauty certainly had its advantages.

I would be lying if I said I had absolutely no interest in her. I could appreciate a beautiful woman just as much as the next guy. I totally got why the guys were making a fuss over her.

But I was too busy admiring pictures of my sister.

Soyoka . . . Why am I even a high school student? I wish I could be her guardian angel; that way I could always be by her side.

Sumi Akiyama was already out of my mind.

Was there anything in this world more important than Soyoka?

As I was lost in thought, a handsome guy blocked my view of the desk.

Good morning, Kyota. Still making that creepy face, I see.

Ah, Mizuki? I can't help it, Soyoka is just too cute.

You didn't even try to deny that you're being creepy.

Mizuki chuckled, his shoulders shaking with his laughter.

He was dazzlingly handsome, so much so that it nearly blinded anyone who tried to look at him. If Sumi was the top female student, then Mizuki was certainly the standout among the boys. Why did they end up in the same class . . . ?

Well, your sister-complex isn't exactly a new thing.

I've been like this since she was born.

Wait, how old is Soyoka exactly?

Mizuki had a reply for everything. Even before Soyoka was born, I was fated to be her big brother.

Oh, dear. Even though Mizuki had been in the same class as me since last year, he still did not quite appreciate Soyoka's charm.

He nonchalantly sat in the front seat and crossed his legs.

Normally, this would be a moment for casual conversation, but somehow, the mood just was not there. I averted my gaze from Mizuki, trying not to show him my gloomy face.

Hey Mizuki. I really don't think I should be at school right now.

. . . Okay, I'll bite. Why not?

You know why, don't you? Tomorrow is Soyoka's kindergarten entrance ceremony! She's finally becoming a kindergartener. I should skip school to prepare for tomorrow.

Yeah, that makes no sense to me.

I flipped open my phone to show Mizuki photos of Soyoka striking various poses in her brand-new uniform. I had carefully selected the best twenty pictures of all the ones I had taken. I had been showing off her cuteness to other students in my class all morning. After all, Soyoka's cuteness was a national treasure; singing her praises was practically my duty.

Hey, Soyoka's not even looking at the camera in that one. Don’t tell me you were secretly taking pictures . . . ?

She got annoyed at me because I was taking too many.

Ouch. You're one hell of a stalker.

Come on, I wouldn't stalk my own sister.

While I adored Soyoka, I definitely was not a stalker. It was just a healthy dose of brotherly love.

People gossiped about me all the time: Apparently, he’s a stalker. He’s not bad looking, but he’s a stalker. I know he's a stalker, but I swear he's a good guy. Oh well, they just did not understand Soyoka's charms, either.

Haha. Kyota, you’d probably be popular if you just hid your . . . stalker-ish tendencies. You're pretty handsome, after all.

That feels kind of backhanded, coming from a classic hot guy like you.

And I felt no need to hide it, either!

Everyone in the world knew that Soyoka’s cuteness was common knowledge, after all.

Being popular isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, you know.

Mizuki shrugged and offered me a wry smile.

We had been in the same class since last year, so I was well aware that this guy was ridiculously popular. Even he was annoyed by it at this point.

Tall, handsome, kind, and considerate—he had it all. It would be strange if he was not popular. Even the guys liked him.

He even achieved great results in the tennis tournaments. It seemed like God had blessed him too much.

Ah, right, Mizuki──

I was about to talk to him about today's PE class topic.

But just then, I suddenly felt a gaze fall upon me from behind and I stopped speaking mid-sentence.

I had a bad feeling about something.

When I reluctantly turned around, I saw Sumi Akiyama─the solitary beauty─standing behind me.

She was looking at me . . . no, at the phone screen I was holding, with a frown.

. . . You like little girls.

Wha─?!

Sumi murmured in a voice so faint it almost disappeared, her tone flat and dismissive.

Before I could argue, she turned her back on me.

And just then, the morning bell rang, causing me to completely miss my chance to retort.

Stunned, I watched her walk away before resigning myself to sit back down.

It was rare for Sumi to initiate conversation actively. After being in the same class as her for a year, I thought we would never interact. What a rare experience.

But I was not okay with that little conversation.

I was not into little girls. I was just a good, loving big brother!

Bubby, it's kindergarten time!

That's right, Soyoka, your entrance ceremony is today!

Soyoka stood proudly on the sofa in the center of the living room and declared it confidently.

Her uniform looked way too cute on her. Was it custom-made for her? Was it designed especially for Soyoka?

It felt like she was only crawling just yesterday, and now she’s grown up so much . . . Seeing my sister's growth brought tears to my eyes. She looked so mature in her little blazer, but it still seemed like she was playing dress-up. It was endearing. I wondered how perfectly she would grow into it over the next three years.

Don’t cry, Bubby!

Tears come so much easier as you get older . . .

Luckily, the entrance ceremony was on a Saturday. Well, even if it had been a weekday, it wouldn't have really mattered. I would have skipped school to attend. They do not teach important things early in the second year, anyway.

I had gotten up early and took the clothes out of the washing machine, placing them in a plastic laundry basket. Today's beautiful weather seemed to celebrate Soyoka’s new beginning; the laundry would dry well. I stepped out onto the artificial grass of our simple backyard and set down the laundry basket.

Lemme help!

Soyoka followed, clumsily wearing her sandals. She still could not talk quite properly, but that was what made her cute.

All right, let's take them out one by one.

I can do it. 'Cause Imma big girl now.

She took clothes from the basket with clumsy hands. I received them, shook them out lightly to smooth the wrinkles, and clipped them with clothespins.

Honestly, Soyoka's help just made the whole process take longer, but I loved how much she wanted to help. Besides, kids learn by doing things like this. I hoped she would keep trying new things and learning new skills.

Bubby?

Yeah?

Mommy at work again?

Soyoka muttered, suddenly.

My voice caught at the sight of her damp eyes.

. . . Yes, she's at work.

Oh . . . but at least you're here!

Soyoka smiled wide, energetically raising both of her hands.

It pained me to see such a little girl acting so considerate. She should not have to worry about these things.

Soyoka looked so sad because her mother had to go to work even on sunny days like these.

Well, it was not just today. Our parents were basically never home. Dad was travelling overseas for work, and our Mom worked every day. It was normal for her to work on weekends, and on weekdays she came home long after Soyoka went to sleep.

Mom took maternity leave for a while, but then her company begged her to come back, and so she went back to work immediately after Soyoka turned one. I remember she was working by the time I was aware of the things around me. I did not get it back then, but now I understand how hard it was for my parents.

But none of that mattered. It was all in the past.

However, Soyoka was at an age where she wanted to be pampered by her mother.

I was not her mom, and I could not be. Lately, I have been realizing that more and more. All I could do was give her all the love I could, in my own way.

I have to do my best! Or else Soyoka might start to feel lonely.

All right, done.

I got lotsa clothes.

Soyoka made this odd comment once all the laundry was hung.

I returned to the living room with Soyoka, carrying the laundry basket on my hip. Mornings were always busy, but I got a bit of a breather since I had the day off from school.

Instead, I decided to pour all my energy into Soyoka’s kindergarten ceremony.

After all, this was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. As her big brother, I could not afford to cut corners.

Bubby! Do my hair!

Soyoka proudly held up her favorite hair tie.

Sure, leave it to me!

I had been watching all sorts of hairstyling videos to prepare for this day!

I had Soyoka sit on a chair and stood behind her.

The entrance ceremony really required an extra effort. The uniform was fixed, so her hairstyle was the only way for Soyoka to showcase her individuality. Usually, a simple pair of pigtails would do the trick, but today was special.

As I recalled the steps I researched online, I started tying Soyoka’s hair back.

I wanna draw.

Once you're in kindergarten, you can draw as much as you like!

Really? Is there a slide?

There's a slide. And a sandbox too!

That sounds like fun!

Soyoka swung her legs happily, her body swaying in a good mood.

Her hair had grown just past her shoulders, and was surprisingly silky. Each fine strand slipped smoothly between my fingers.

Finally, I pinned back her loosely braided bangs with a clip. This was called a half-up, right?

Once I placed a large rose accessory in her hair, Soyoka was all set for her entrance ceremony.

All right, done.

Thank you! Am I cute?

Absolutely. You're the definition of the word 'cute,' Soyoka. They ought to put your picture in the dictionary next to the word. Hang on, I'll contact the publisher.

Come on, come on, let's go!

Ah, my plan to tell the world about Soyoka . . .

Soyoka skipped happily and sat down at the entrance.

She put on her brand-new shoes and left the house. It was quicker to ride a bike to the kindergarten, but today we decided to walk.

Of course, I dressed up, too. I had borrowed a suit from my father's room.

It was Soyoka's big day, after all. I could not let her be embarrassed because of me.

Soyoka, what do we do when we cross the street?

Look both ways!

Good job! I can't believe my little sister is so smart.

We walked through a quiet residential area, reaching the kindergarten after a short while.

Soyoka held onto my hand, fidgeting all the while.

Are we there yet?

Almost. This is the way you'll be taking for the next three years.

She had been to daycare before, but kindergarten felt significantly more momentous.

The main difference was education.

While her previous daycare was more about babysitting and less about studying, kindergarten would start to teach her about math, reading, and writing. It would be tough, but fun for Soyoka.

With an education like this, Soyoka's talents would bloom in all sorts of ways, and turn the whole world upside down . . . Well, she was already a genius in most ways.

Oh man, if she gets any smarter, the world might not be able to handle Soyoka's talent . . . No, she's already a genius.

Bubby, you really like to talk to nobody.

I could not help but smile.

Having walked the route several times in preparation, I remembered it well.

As we walked, I observed Soyoka and the scenery around us, and the kindergarten entrance came into view from afar.

There it is!

Soyoka jumped up and down, her face blooming like a flower.

Next to the main gate, a colorful sign that read "Entrance Ceremony" was prominently displayed.

I immediately told Soyoka to stand next to the flashy sign and readied my phone camera.

Soyoka, look this way! Oh, gosh, you're too cute. Are you an angel? A goddess? You're cuter than cute! There's no word for it!

You're too loud.

I snapped away in burst mode on my smartphone, the shutter sound echoing all around us.

Today might be the day I run out of smartphone storage . . . I needed to capture every moment of Soyoka's entrance ceremony. Maybe I should have gotten another phone just for taking photos, or a professional video camera.

Grrr, no more! I wanna go inside!

Hold on, Soyoka, just one more picture . . .

Even her sulking face was cute. She kept adjusting her hat, looking unsure about how it felt.

A high school student scolded by a toddler was quite a sight, but I did not care. The other moms around were also making quite a fuss!

Naturally, my excitement was at its peak. If I calmed down now, I would not be doing my job as a big brother! I boldly stepped into the kindergarten's front garden.

Given that there was still time before the ceremony, everyone was waiting. The children's faces were bright and filled with anticipation for kindergarten.

In contrast, Soyoka's face was clouded.

Mommy . . .

Soyoka looked down sadly at the sight of the other children with their mothers, her lips pursed tightly as she fought back tears.

As Soyoka stopped, numerous parents and children passed her by.

Our parents did not have a clue. They did not know that behind their backs, the cheerful Soyoka they saw was actually feeling lonely.

. . . All right Soyoka, I'll give you a piggyback ride!

. . . Okay!

I chuckled as I lifted Soyoka onto my shoulders, even though her tight grip on my hair was quite painful.

But no matter how painful it was, all that mattered to me was that Soyoka was having fun. Even if our parents were not around, I had decided I would be the one to protect her smile.

Here we go! Woahhhh!

Bubby, you're being too loud!

Despite her complaints . . .

Kyaa!

She seemed to be enjoying herself.

I pulled out my cell phone and took a selfie. The background did not matter to me. I captured Soyoka's smiling face against the blue sky.

After a while of playing around, I finally put Soyoka down and took a moment to catch my breath.

I looked around, cluelessly wondering if the entrance ceremony was about to start. The other parents and children were also spending their time as they pleased.

Iku—no, should I say Prince Iku? Oh, how adorable . . . This kindergarten must have been made for you. Your cuteness and coolness are to the max. Remember, don’t be too nice to girls. You might get stabbed someday.

Sissy, you're being loud.

I heard a young woman's voice speaking rapidly right behind us. While she was clearly trying to sound calm, her voice was strained.

She sort of sounded like . . . me? Maybe we would get along!

Thinking that parents were the same everywhere, I casually glanced over.

A fair-skinned woman nodded in satisfaction after taking a photo on her phone. She smiled modestly and gently stroked a boy's head.

To be honest, I thought she was beautiful. Despite her youthful appearance, she exuded a gentle maternal aura, wearing a neatly tailored light blue jacket and skirt . . . But it would be rude to stare at someone else's wife, right?

Hehe, you liiiiiike her.

No, I don't.

Bubby and that girl sittin' in a tree . . .

They say girls mature quicker. Dramas and cartoons must have made them keenly interested in romance, too.

Hearing our conversation, the young woman standing beside the little boy glanced our way.

Our eyes met, and only then did I realize that she was someone I knew. She was so different from her usual demeanor that I had not recognized her at first.

Sumi . . . ?

Ah, it’s you, Kyota?

Her expression went blank, and she spoke indifferently.

I was surprised that Sumi even remembered my name.

She was always studying at her desk in class, showing no interest in anyone. Even during breaks, she was always with her textbooks.

The gentle expression she had had just moments ago vanished, replaced by a face as impassive as a doll's. She coughed, and then shifted her gaze between me and Soyoka before she spoke.

Astonishing. You like little girls so much you snuck into a kindergarten. You've left me no choice but to report you to the authorities.

Sumi brought her phone to her ear with an all too natural motion. Wait, she was not really calling, was she . . . ?

What are you talking about . . . ? It’s my little sister’s entrance ceremony, I’m supposed to be here.

Your sister . . . ? Oh, I see. You do look alike around the eyes.

Oh, really?

Hearing that made me feel ridiculously happy.

Sumi gave me a disgusted look when I grinned wholeheartedly.

. . . Ahem. Same situation for you, Sumi?

Yes, I'm accompanying my younger brother, Iku.

So you have a little sibling, too. This little angel here is my sister Soyoka. Isn't she cute?

She's not as cute as Iku.

Sumi crossed her arms with a proud smirk as she spoke.

Was this really the same Sumi Akiyama? The unreachable flower among the boys, the solitary beauty—how could she be the same girl standing before me?

In class, Sumi rarely showed her emotions. She responded coldly whenever she was approached. That was the usual Sumi.

Yet here she was, chatting so naturally, even cracking jokes . . .

Sissy, who is he?

The little boy she called Iku pointed at me and tilted his head. So Sumi had a little brother. Since he was at the entrance ceremony, he must have been around the same age as Soyoka. He clung to Sumi's waist, hiding shyly behind her.

Sumi crouched down to meet Iku's gaze.

He's in the same class as me.

Your friend?

. . . Sure, why not.

Wow.

Iku clapped his hands.

So she considered me a friend. Well, classmates were kind of like friends. I was a bit surprised to hear that from her, though.

Bubby, you said you'd tell me first if you got a girlfriend!

She’s not my girlfriend.

Oh, okay. Cool!

Sumi gave me a sharp glare at Soyoka’s words. She was at the age when she could easily link everything to romance.

The entrance ceremony was only for new students. Some kindergartens had current students attend as well, but it seemed like none were there since it was a Saturday.

With the announcement that the ceremony was about to begin, we headed to the classroom—or, should I say 'room,' since it was a kindergarten.

Hi, I'm Sokka! Nice to meetcha!

Soyoka stepped forward and offered her hand to Iku.

I-Iku . . . Nice to meet you, Soko.

It’s Sokka, not Soko!

So . . . ka?

Soyoka looked a bit upset. She still did not know how to pronounce her name correctly, but as far as she knew, she was saying it perfectly.

I leaned towards Iku and whispered.

It’s Soyoka.

Soyoka.

Yeah!

Soyoka nodded with satisfaction as her name was said correctly.

Bubby is being too loud today.

Yeah . . . !

Oh, that was just like Soyoka. She was already bonding with other kids by using her big brother as a topic!

It seemed like there was no need to worry about her kindergarten life. Soyoka was not shy and she talked a lot, so she would probably be popular.

What a scene . . . Iku's got girls around him on day one.

You’re at the top of our year, but you’re really silly sometimes, aren’t you?

Sumi's eyes widened, visibly shocked.

It was hard to believe she was the same girl who maintained such a strict a poker face in class. It was almost like she was seeing an illusion.

Soyoka was engaging Iku in a one-sided conversation, overwhelming him to the point where he could barely nod in response.

Hold on, Soyoka. Don’t talk too much to boys, or they might get the wrong idea. You’re cute, so be careful . . . Make sure to tell them you love your big brother the most.

Wrong idea? What are you talking about? It’s only natural that girls would fall for Iku.

What? You think Soyoka would settle for just any guy?

Sorry to say, but it looks like Iku have stolen your sister’s first crush.

Ha, I'm always gonna be Soyoka's first love. Is there anyone better? Your little brother is about to get his heart crushed.

A serious stare-down ensued.

Sumi narrowed her eyes and twisted her lips into a wicked smirk. What a villainous expression!

Bubby, you're being weird again.

Sissy, too.

Ignoring their siblings, Soyoka and Iku headed towards their designated seats.

Wait, did Soyoka really feel that way . . . ?

Hehe.

Sumi chuckled softly.

Really, Iku has never seen me like this before . . .

That was all your fault . . . Well, I'll forgive you today, since it's their entrance ceremony.

That's my line.

Deflated, we shared a small laugh.

Her smile was gentle. Today, Sumi was just another kind big sister.

Upon reaching the room, we naturally sat next to each other. As expected, most of the attendees were parents.

It looked like Soyoka and Iku were in the same group. That was easy enough—there were only two groups.

The younger kids were named after flowers, and Soyoka and Iku were in the Sunflower group. The other group was called the Cherry Blossom group.

We waited for the ceremony to begin as I watched Soyoka's anxious expression.

Hey, are your parents not here either, Sumi?

Yes, my mother's at work.

She answered briefly, her gaze implying she wanted me to ask no further.

It would not be right to pry into other people's family matters. However, I felt a sudden closeness to her upon discovering that we were both here instead of our parents. Just yesterday, she seemed like she was from another world, but now the distance between us felt much shorter.

I thought she was a perfect superhero, part top student and part cool beauty. It was unexpected to see this side of her. I sneakily glanced at her as she earnestly took photos with her smartphone. Oh no, I needed to take some pictures, too.

The ceremony itself was simple: first, the principal and teachers made their speeches, which was followed by a song the children sang together.

Soyoka sang loudly even though she did not know the song. I hoped she would keep that bold spirit forever.

Halfway through, some kids got lonely or restless, but the experienced teachers swiftly handled it, and the ceremony ended without issue. It was so well managed, I wondered if the ceremony was just a performance to showcase the teachers' competence. I felt reassured about leaving Soyoka in their care.

Finally, we each got a souvenir and were allowed to leave.

Phew. I guess I'm a big girl now.

A content Soyoka declared this with her hands on her hips.

Good job, well done.

She giggled as I patted her head, holding down her hat. Ah, she was so adorable.

Both Soyoka and Iku behaved themselves. Good job!

Let's head home? There's cake today!

Really! I’ll eat it all. None for you, Bubby.

Oh, no!

Well, if Soyoka wanted to eat it all, I guess that was okay!

But eating too many sweets would not be good for her, so it would be better to spread it out over a few days.

Let's get going.

Ah, wait a minute, please.

Sumi called out to us as Soyoka and I started to leave hand in hand.

Since we're here, let's take a photo together.

Sumi suggested this as she pointed to a corner of the schoolyard.

She positioned Soyoka and Iku in front of a cherry tree.

Yes, it was Soyoka's first kindergarten friend. It would be nice to keep a photo as a memory. But watch out, Iku, if you mess with Soyoka, you will have a scary big brother to answer to. I growled playfully as I readied my smartphone alongside her.

Halfway through, Soyoka looked bored, but Sumi and I continued to enthusiastically snap photos of them.

I'm bored.

Hang on, Soyoka! Just one more photo!

I wanna go home and eat cake.

Cake comes after dinner, right . . . ?

Although we were slightly dissatisfied, we managed to take about fifteen pictures before concluding our photo session.

Iku was staring blankly into space, but he seemed somewhat happy standing next to Soyoka.

I did not like the fact that he was a boy . . . but it was good that Soyoka had made a friend!

Iku, bye-bye!

Yeah! Bye-bye, Soyoka!

Since the Akiyama siblings' way home was different, we parted at the kindergarten.

They only met for a short time, but it seemed like they had already become good friends. The two of them waving their hands vigorously was a heartwarming sight.

Soyoka started dozing off on the way home, so I carried her the rest of the way.