"Family"

I didn't intend to ask anything.

However, Azusa's demeanor was so strange that I couldn't help but worry a bit.

"Could it be that you're not feeling well?"

Her eyes seemed vacant, unfocused.

Yet, there was still a glimmer of light in her eyes, and she didn't appear to be in any immediate distress.

Maybe it's just a simple case of not feeling well, with nothing else going on?

"No, Azusa is fine."

...That's not it, then.

So, what could it be?

Well, prying into Azusa's affairs might be bothersome... I hesitated, but then she started talking on her own.

"Tomorrow, you know, is the day when Onii-chan disappeared."

She abruptly began talking about her older brother—something I hadn't expected her to bring up.

"When Azusa was little, … she wasn't good at talking to people, … so she always followed Onii-chan around."

I never thought she would share this story.

"But on that day, Onii-chan told me not to follow him. It was cold, and he said it would be bad if I caught a cold."

"Azusa..."

"I heard later that Onii-chan was planning to visit a friend's house. But the day before was very cold, with snow piling up, making the roads slippery. Because of that... Onii-chan."

He was involved in an accident and never returned.

Azusa seems to be remembering that day now...

"Maybe if Azusa had stayed with him... maybe Onii-chan would still be okay. Or maybe, Azusa would have been unable to come back too?"

"Azusa... blaming yourself won't change anything."

"I know. But I always wished Azusa had stayed with Onii-chan... being left behind in a world without him is so lonely. But recently, Azusa realized something."

Azusa had come to a realization, something important to her.

"Onii-chan was protecting Azusa..."

Perhaps it was a coincidence, but he considered the weather and didn't take her out that day. Ultimately, it saved Azusa's life. If she had been with her brother that day, she might have met the same fate.

"So, Azusa has to be happy for Onii-chna. Azusa has to live a happy life for him."

"...Yeah, that's right."

"Despite that, Azusa has been searching for Onii-chan all this time, and in the end, I hurt Kotaro Onii-chan, who was playing the role of 'Onii-chan' for me."

Unusual. Azusa rarely calls me by my name.

This signifies that she has stopped relying on the comforting illusion of the ‘Onii-chan' who is no longer there.

"If Onii-chan saw Azusa like this, Onii-chan would probably get angry, right? I've been wrong all this time... relying on Kotaro Onii-chan's kindness."

Then, she rubbed her eyes to hold back tears.

She didn't want to cry and evoke sympathy—such a strong determination Azusa held when she spoke.

"It's okay now. Azusa is fine even if you don't pretend to be Onii-chan."

... Azusa has indeed grown up.

She stands on her own feet, moving forward toward the future.

"I won't cause trouble anymore. I won't hurt anyone. I'll take care of myself, won't take things from ‘Onii-chan’, won't rely on him."

Even without my help — she said.

But, Azusa.

There's one thing you're mistaken about.

It's a very simple matter.

"...What are you talking about? I'm not pretending to be 'Onii-chan’ or anything."

I truly wanted to emphasize that point.

"I'm genuinely Azusa's ‘Onii-chan' —family. I treat you like that because we're family, not because I'm acting. It's a bit shocking to think you see it as acting."

Smiling, I lightly pat Azusa's back.

Cheer up — it was an encouraging gesture.

"I think I mentioned it before... it's okay to cause trouble. It's okay to hurt and rely on me. No matter what happens, I'm on Azusa's side. It's not because I'm playing the role of 'Onii-chan’."

There are no lies about my feelings.

"Because I'm Azusa's...second Onii-chan."

I'm me.

I'm Azusa's a 'Onii-chan', not that 'Onii-chan’.

Even though I'm not her biological brother, I'm still her stepbrother.

So, Azusa, don't say you won't inconvenience me.

"As long as Azusa doesn't have to worry, I'll be fine."

Reassuring words, returned in kind.

In response, Azusa's expression crumbled into a mess.

It seems like she couldn't stand it anymore.

"...Yes."

She nodded, then collapsed. I gently caught her as she fell.

Azusa entrusted herself to me, holding back her tears.

It's okay to cry.

If it gets tough, I'll support you.

If you can't stand on your own, I'll lend a hand.

There's no need to feel grateful for that or apologize.

Because that's what family is all about...

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