Towards the Future

--Weekend.

In chronological order, it might make sense to talk about Valentine's Day first, but let's start with what happened with Azusa.

Azusa and I went on a little trip.

The destination was the region where Azusa spent her childhood.

It took about two hours by train to reach the secluded, nature-filled place where her older brother's grave was.

“...”

Silently offering incense and joining her hands in prayer, Azusa remained in front of the grave for a while. It seemed as if she was telling everything that had happened so far, closing her eyes tightly and praying in silence.

Beside her, I also offered a silent prayer.

(Hello again.)

This was my second time coming here.

The first time was when our parents remarried, and I came with both my mother and father. I was in elementary school or middle school at that time. While Azusa was at school, I visited this place alone and offered my prayers, similar to what I was doing now.

(A lot happened, but Azusa is getting better.)

As an older brother, I'm not sure if I've done well enough.

Perhaps, if I had tried my best, there could have been a future where Azusa didn't get hurt.

But even if she apologized for that, he would probably find it troubling.

(I'll do my best. I'll try my utmost. Please watch over Azusa from above as her 'Onii-chan’.)

After conveying my feelings, I slowly opened my eyes.

"...Sniff."

Turning to look at Azusa, I noticed she was quietly crying. Despite that, she kept her eyes closed tightly, as if there were still more things she wanted to convey.

While gently stroking her back, I looked up at the sky. Recently, the weather had been unpredictable, but today was clear and sunny.

It felt as if the pleasant sunshine was blessing Azusa's departure.

"-All right! It's done, Koutaro Onii-chan!"

In terms of time, it was probably about ten minutes.

Even though Azusa had her eyes closed the whole time, she let out a lively voice, as if to say, "I'm okay now."

"Did you say everything you wanted to?"

"Yeah. I apologized for not being able to come here until now, expressed my gratitude with a thank you, and told everything Azusa experienced."

"That's good."

If that was the case, then it was good.

Azusa seemed to be in high spirits, her expression refreshing.

"Thank you, Koutaro Onii-chan. I'm glad I came."

"Let's come again next year. He would probably be happy to see you once a year."

"Yeah... But next time, Azusa can come alone. Today was tough for Shimotsuki-san, right?"

"No, it was just a hint of 'loneliness,' you know? Shimotsuki-san isn't narrow-minded enough to complain about going to a grave. She wouldn't fuss about it."

"Ah, it's out! Onii-chan is always lenient only with Shimotsuki-san."

"...Am I lenient? I think I'm just normal."

"Normal, huh? I don't think so. Really... you cherish Shimotsuki-san a lot."

"I cherish you too, Azusa."

"What's with that phrasing? I don't want it to sound like I'm just doing it casually... No, that's a lie. I'm happy you cherish me, Onii-chan. Thank you."

Saying this, Azusa smiled warmly.

"Someday, Azusa wants to love someone who will cherish her like Onii-chan does."

After expressing something that made me happy, Azusa started walking.

Whether it was her good mood or for some other reason, her steps were unusually light.

Without hesitation, without looking back... Straight ahead.

She was heading towards the future...

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