I didn't think my first impression on Shiho had been particularly good. I’d been saved by her kindness—or perhaps it was just her being a bit of a spoiled child—and had managed to get us walking back hand-in-hand, but I still needed to earn more of her trust.
As I followed Yamamoto, holding hands with Shiho, my mind was racing. Strangely enough, I found myself bracing for a challenge.
If I couldn't win Shiho over right now, my relationship with the entire Yamamoto family might turn sour. That realization was what fueled my determination.
"Say, Shiho. Is studying fun?"
"Huh? ...Hmm. Not really."
"I see."
"Yeah. Did you go to a cram school too, Megumi-san?"
"Me? Oh, back in middle school, yeah."
"I figured. I'm not smart like my brother, you know. We aren't alike in that way."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah. That's why I hate him."
So, she resented him just because she wasn't as academically gifted? To think she'd feel that way over something so trivial.
Well, Shiho had probably grown up being constantly compared to Yamamoto, so I could understand why she’d want to complain. But to hate him for that? Even if they were siblings, I found it hard to overlook.
"Whenever I look like I’m having a hard time, he immediately starts in with 'What’s wrong?' or 'Do you want me to teach you?' He's so overbearing about it that it’s just annoying."
He only said those things because he cared about her. It was completely ungrateful to find it annoying.
...This was bad. I really wanted to make this girl understand. I couldn't use force, obviously, but I had to do something.
"He really should worry about himself for once," Shiho continued.
"...Eh?"
"My brother could have a much better life than someone like me, probably. That's why I wish he'd figure out how to make his own life better instead of constantly worrying about everyone else."
...Oh.
"I know exactly what you mean. He claims he's doing it for his own benefit, but then he goes and worries about you to a ridiculous degree, doesn't he?"
"Right? Exactly! And then he uses all these difficult words and acts so high and mighty, pretending he only did it for himself! He's so annoying!"
"I totally get it!"
Yamamoto really wasn't honest with himself. Just as Shiho said, he wouldn't even hesitate to let himself be disliked if it was for someone else's sake, and he never felt a moment's regret. And yet, he was always there, kindly looking after me.
"He absolutely refuses to budge on his opinions. And then he’s meddlesome for no reason. He really is the worst."
"Ahaha! You get it, Megumi-san! That's exactly it! So annoying!"
Well, look at that. Shiho understood him perfectly.
Yes, she was right. Yamamoto really was annoying in that specific way, and that was exactly why he was so kind. It was because I had been touched by that stubborn kindness of his that I had fallen in love with him. It was my very first love.
"Hey, Megumi-san, what's my brother like when you're at home?"
"Hmm? Let me think..."
I rested my chin on my hand and hummed, a smile spreading across my face. What was he like at our apartment? How exactly was he annoying, and how was he kind?
I never imagined that talking to someone who shared my frustrations could be this much fun. The tension and intimidation I’d felt toward Shiho at the start had completely vanished.
This was all thanks to Yamamoto. It was because of him that I was able to break the ice with Shiho like this.
As we continued our walk, we chatted about everything and anything.
"Megumi-san. Pat my head."
"Oh, for goodness' sake. Fine, fine."
Shiho's hair was glossy and incredibly soft.
"Megumi-san, can I call you Megu-chan?"
"Already? Well, I suppose I don't mind."
"Megu-chan, carry me!"
"Geez, you're a handful. Up you go."
"...Hayashi has been completely won over by Shiho!"
I thought I heard Yamamoto’s exasperated voice drifting back from up ahead.