Chapter 19: A constantly changing future.

“Onee-chan, this way.”

“Yes coming~, Kou-kun.”

Under the scorching summer sun, Kosuke and Ren had come to a certain place.

Bzzz Bzzz Bzzz Bzzz

“Still, it’s really hot, isn’t? Are you okay, Onee-chan? I should have brought a parasol along.”

“Fufu~, you worry too much, I’m fine. Plus, we have to do cleaning, so it would just get in the way.”

Ren laughed while lifting cleaning tools.

“Alright, understood. But make sure to stay hydrated, okay?”

“I know, I know. Kou-kun, fufu~ you’re quite the worrywart today, right~?”

“That’s because you seem more excited than usual, Nee-san.”

“Is that so? Fufu, but I think it’s not like that at –l!”

“Watch out!” *Thud*

Kosuke somehow caught Ren, pulling her close —hugging his own body, when she stumbled over a step.

“Nee-san, are you okay?”

“…fufu …thank you. Maybe… As Kou-kun figured, maybe I was a bit too excited it seems.”

Ren said with a wry smile.

“After all, finally… after so long… I can pay due respects to my step-father’s grave.”

Yes, today their purpose was to visit the grave where their father rested.

Ren had brought up the idea the day before, then she went to the beauty salon and bought new clothes. Today, she even put on makeup, looking very beautiful and determined.

When I pointed it out,

Ren replied saying, “It’s because I haven’t been able to visit his grave for the past few years. I want my father to see how much I’ve grown.”

She had a hint of sadness as she said those words.

“I’m sure Dad would be happy to see you, Nee-san.”

“…I hope that as well.”

As they walked while talking, they eventually arrived at their father’s grave.

“…This, so this is where…”

Ren looked at the grave, with her eyes moistening.

“…Nee-san.”

“…Yeah, I’m okay. Let’s clean up the grave and make it beautiful.”

“Yeah.”

Kosuke and Ren started cleaning the grave right away.

[TL notes: in the raws this was Hina; but I think it was a mistake, so made it Ren instead.]

—

—

—

—

“Pheeew, Nee-san, that would be enough for now.”

After finishing the cleaning and placing flowers, Kosuke spoke to Ren.

“Un…”

They gathered their cleaning tools, faced the grave together, and clasped their hands.

(Father, today Nee-san also came to see you. Honestly, it’s still a bit awkward between us, but I hope we can gradually get along and used to each other. So please, Father, watch over us.)

After reporting everything to his father in his mind, Kosuke opened his eyes and looked at Ren, who still had her eyes closed and hands clasped.

Seeing Ren like that, a warm feeling welled up inside Kosuke.

He was so happy that the family he thought was lost was in fact right next to him once again.

And as he thought about it, Ren opened her eyes and looked at him.

“Nn? What’s wrong, Kou-kun? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Ah, it’s nothing. I just felt happy for some reason.”

“What’s with that… ~fufufu.”

Blushing with embarrassment, Kosuke also scratched his head.

“So, did you greet Dad?”

“Yeah, thanks to you. Thank you for bringing me here today.”

“No need to thank me… Well then, let’s go back, Nee-san.”

“Yeah, got it. …Goodbye, Dad.”

The two left the grave behind.

Bzzz, Bzzz, Bzzz, Bzzz, Bzzz, Bzzz, Bzzz, Bzzz

“After all, it’s summer, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, it is. Even the cicadas are chirping.”

“Hope it’ll be a fun summer.”

“Of course it will be. Especially since you’re along here with me this year, Kou-kun.”

“Ahaha, that’s right, even me too, with you here, Nee-san, it’s bound to be fun.”

The two looked at each other, giggled happily, as they walked back home.

And so, the full-fledged summer begins.

…For some:

“O~i~, it’s about to start~!”

“Got it! Coming in a bit!!”

*batin*

“Well, do your best me! This year, I will definitely! …Un, I’ll do give it my all!!”

Getting all fired up.

While for others:

“…Sigh, can’t be helped, huh? Since, I also have somethings I need to protect as well  … apologies.”

And after that:

“…AaH, As I thought meeting after several years really changes the impression of a person completely doesn’t it. You used to be so small and cute, and now you’ve become all so cool. Right, Kosuke-kun~?”

A girl takes out a certain photo and speaks to it feverishly.

A future where thoughts of different people (TL: Girls) intersect awaits Kosuke.