Without turning on the T.V., I talked with Ooki and his little sister, Rino-chan.

Although she was replying, it seemed Rino-chan was busy making food.

Is there anything I can help with?

Like I said, its fine. This is to show our gratitude

This exchange happened several times.

And then the topic changed to Rino-chan.

Rino says she will take the entrance exam for Hashidzume High School

Is there something wrong with that?

I tilt my head towards Ooki who says that with a bitter face.

Ooki replies.

No, its not a bad schoolbut isnt the wind instrument club bad?

Yeah

Then, Rino-chan came over and sat next to me.

It felt close but its about the same distance between Ooki and me.

Actually, I was supposed to go to a higher rated music high school

For the flute?

Yeah

Rino-chans face was too close next to me as she nods.

She probably came while cooking but she had an amazingly family-oriented aura.

As I thought, she would make a great wife.

She always gave it her best with the flute to get in until recently

Ooki made a statement that felt like an older brother thinking about his little sister.

Rino-chan reached out to grab sweets on the table seeming troubled.

Why?

I tried asking Rino-chan.

After thinking for a bit, Rino-chan replied.

Because its close

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Senpai! Isnt deciding based on that reasoning wrong?

Ooki looks at me as if to ask for help.

I replied to Ooki with an almost immediate reply.

Isnt it fine?

You too, senpai?!

After all, thats how I wasI chose Hashidzume because it was close too

See

Rino-chan turned towards her brother and pouts.

After a bit of silence, Ooki shook his head.

No, thats not good. Because Rino has real musical talent

Which reminds me, they told me that their parents dont really interfere with their lives.

That made them parent each other.

It seems he acts more like a brother after coming down from the mountain.

Ooki

Thats probably why I cant say any complaints.

However, its not like it has nothing to do with me.

Can you leave Rino-chan to me?

Eh?

Trust me, I think itll be fine if she chooses what she likes

Thats irresponsible!

Why do you feel you need to take responsibility for Rino-chans path?

As one would expect, Ooki was quiet towards my words.

I could also feel a strong gaze from Rino-chan eating sweets.

She thought about it herself and made the decision herself

I looked at Rino-chan.

You thought about it properly, right?

Eh? Yeahwell

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This time, I look at Ooki.

Also shes still a second year. Theres still a chance for her to change her path. You should have a helpful standing at the time for her to believe in you

Senpai

Ooki, who was looking down, raised his head.

I was blushing at my words till now.

My badI dont really feel like I have the qualifications to tell you what to do

No, what you said is really like advice from a master

Whats with that!

I dont know how he can see me as his sage master.

I dont know what kind of training he did when he went up the mountains but somehow it seems he had a deep impression from my words.

I-I got itRino

Ooki looks at his little sister with a serious expression.

Rino-chan looks back embarrassed.

No matter what path you take, its fineIll wholeheartedly help with whatever you decide

Ahthanks

After saying thanks, Rino-chan stood up.

And then, she disappeared into the kitchen with a jog.

Okutani-senpaiyoure pretty cool

Stop, youre making me feel weird

It creeps me out being told that by a guy.

However, Ooki told me with a serious face.

I respect you

Stopstopstop!

I yelled out towards Rino-chans voice.

As I thought, is it fine for me to receive your help?

Ah, of course

I get up and head towards the kitchen running away from Ooki.

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Some sounds of cooking ring out from the pot.

Should I do anything?

Rino-chan looked up at me with a fleeting glance as she stood in front of the gas stave.

Okutani-san, thank you very much

No, its fineIll be uncomfortable if you tell me not to help

Thats not it

Rino-chan gets one step closer.

Due to her height, she had to look up at me.

*Kyu*, Rino-chan grabbed my uniform and muttered.

Earlierthanks for being my ally

Ah

I was at a loss for words.

Rino-chan is cute.

Her cheerful nature and the feeling of a young girl tickles a mans instincts.

She lightly bit her lower lip.

And then in a resolved but quiet voice she said.

The reason I chose Hashidzumeis because youre there Okutani-san

Eh?

There was a bit of silence.

*Gutsu, gutsu*, the contents of the pot made a noise.

The rich smell alone made me think it would be tasty.

I wonder if Ooki turned on the television as sound was coming from the living room.

O-Of courseI dont plan on giving up music. After getting in to high school, I was thinking of getting help from a famous former teacher without entering the wind music club. Thats why itd be good to have a school close to home

I-is that so?

Even if thats true, the fact that she said she chose it because I was there is shocking.

Hey, Okutani-sanDo you hate juniors?

Rino-chan

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Just then, the pot flowed over a bit.

Seeming bewildered, Rino-chan returns her attention to cooking.

My heart continued to ring out loudly after those words.