5 Step Sisters Vol. 2 Chapter 3

The Singing Voice with Wings

After preparations for the cultural festival began, the school building was bustling every day.

Class 2-A was no exception. With the help of students from the Art Club who came up with the interior design, we spent every day cutting cardboard with scissors, painting with colors, and folding paper flowers.

In addition to class work, I also had to help Fuka.

The plan of running every other day was still ongoing. Fuka, whose running distance was gradually increasing, and I jogged around the neighborhood, then went to the park to practice dancing.

Waking up was painful at first, but my body got used to it through repetition. Now, I could wake up on my own without Fuka calling me, which was a huge improvement for me.

The work of creating a setlist while watching MVs was also finished. After deciding to perform three songs: "Full Power ☆ Starlight," "Sweet Pentagon," and "Coming to See You Today and Tomorrow," Fuka became even more motivated. While making nutritionally balanced dinners, I found time to work hard on improving the costume.

Although every day was dizzyingly busy, I didn't hate it. Thinking this way was probably thanks to Fuka, after all.

Children grow up fast. Although I was still a high school student myself, seeing Fuka, a middle school student, made this feeling even stronger. Fuka was like a sponge, absorbing various things one after another. From an outsider's perspective, it even felt refreshing.

Wanting to improve more and more. Wanting to put on a good performance—whenever her straightforward thoughts were conveyed, I felt that I had to support her.

And so, Saturday afternoon arrived.

Wearing my favorite apron, I laid out the ingredients taken from the refrigerator in the kitchen.

I’m making prototype cookies for Fuka. Including me, several students in charge of cooking were asked to make sweets over the weekend.

The recipe was thought up by the Cooking Club. Since there were no particularly difficult steps, it was fine for me to do it alone.

"Hmm—ingredients are cake flour, margarine, sugar, eggs, matcha, and cocoa powder... didn't forget to buy anything."

Due to budget constraints, we used margarine instead of butter, but since the texture would be lighter, it was suitable for the cultural festival.

There were three types of cookies: plain, matcha, and cocoa. The plan was to serve a set of six cookies, two of each type, to customers.

Although some people suggested making more elaborate cookies, discussions like "A younger sister wouldn't give her older brother that kind of thing" and "Thinking of it as leftovers for a boyfriend is too painful" heated up. In the end, we decided to aim for simple cookies made with ingredients found in the fridge. It was sad that despite pursuing the dream of a cafe, we had to consider reality.

Leaving that aside, first, for preparation, I started preheating the oven. Although I mostly used it for microwaving usually, fortunately, it was an oven range with an oven function.

"Next is the bowl."

I put the margarine returned to room temperature and sugar into a shiny bowl and mixed them well with a whisk. Then I added eggs and continued mixing until it turned white. Although there are cookies that use only yolks or egg whites, this time we were using whole eggs.

After dividing the ingredients equally into three bowls, I reached for the cake flour.

"Err, 65 grams each..."

Just as I told Chinatsu before, making sweets requires nerves. I carefully measured the matcha and cocoa powder as well, sifted them, mixed them gently, and then wrapped them in plastic wrap. The three types of dough were left to rest in the refrigerator for a while. This step takes about thirty minutes to an hour.

After the time was up, I took them out of the refrigerator, sandwiched them between plastic wrap, and rolled them into thin sheets with a rolling pin. Then I cut out shapes using cute molds of stars and small birds, and placed them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper... This was also because of the opinion that "A younger sister wouldn't give her older brother heart-shaped cookies," so the molds were specified.

Finally, baking in the oven for about fifteen minutes while watching the situation, and it was done.

Opening the oven, I took out the baking sheet with oven mitts. Checking the baking color of the cookies, I nodded.

"Hmm, looks good."

The sweet scent of freshly baked cookies stimulated my nasal cavity. The surface was baked to a beautiful golden brown.

"Then, I'll bake this one too."

Preheating the oven again, I placed another type of cookie on parchment paper and put it in the oven. This was made using the spare time just now and had nothing to do with the cultural festival.

The baking time for this cookie was thirteen minutes. Just as I pressed the start button, the sound of the living room door opening reached my ears.

"What is it, what is it? It smells so good!"

The first one to rush in was Sorane, and Mio seemed to be accompanying her. I didn't think the smell would reach the third floor, but maybe Sorane's sense of smell was sharp.

Sorane was always clinging to Chinatsu, but Chinatsu was out. She seemed to be in charge of reception, so they gathered to practice... regarding that matter, it's better not to think too much.

Ignoring me who kept a straight face, Sorane stood on tiptoe and looked at the cookies placed on the cake rack with eager eyes.

"What is this?"

"I was baking cookies."

"Wow~! Genius!"

"Stop it, I'll get embarrassed."

I couldn't help but smile proudly.

Come to think of it, they seemed to want to eat... no, Sorane was already slowly reaching for the cookies, so I hurriedly stopped her.

"Wait a minute, the cookies haven't cooled down yet, let's try them after dinner?"

Freshly baked cookies haven't completely dehydrated yet, so they are soft.

But Sorane wouldn't back down.

"But, I want to eat freshly baked ones too! Riku-nii!"

Sorane hugged my leg while shouting Riku-nii Riku-nii. What is this creature, so cute...

However, being demanded so strongly didn't feel bad. Freshly baked cookies have a different texture and are also delicious.

"I understand. These are prototype cookies to be sold at the cultural festival, so if you're willing, please give me some opinions too."

"Yay!"

Sorane let go of my leg decisively, grabbed a cocoa-flavored cookie with an excited face, and immediately stuffed it into her mouth.

"Delicious!"

Seeing Sorane smile with her whole face, I couldn't help but smile too.

However, I felt Sorane would say "delicious" no matter what she ate. While thinking so, I shifted my gaze to Mio. She politely said "Itadakimasu," then took a bite of the cookie.

Mio chewed the moist cookie, and her expression softened.

"...Mmn, delicious. This matcha cookie isn't too sweet, feels like I can eat a lot."

"Is that so? That's good."

"Sorane likes the sweetness of cocoa!"

"Oh, try other flavors too."

The two's reactions were good, so I gained a little confidence. It seemed that the classmates would also find it acceptable.

Just when I was feeling heartwarming, the oven made the completion sound again.

I excitedly took out the baking sheet. Hmm, this one was also baked quite well.

I moved the cookies to another cooling rack, then turned around—before I knew it, Fuka had also joined Mio and the others and was standing there.

"Woah, Fuka!?"

"Endure sweets, endure sweets..."

Ignoring the surprised me, Fuka continued to mutter in a small voice, emitting a gloomy dark aura. She stared wide-eyed at the cooling rack with cookies, a bit scary.

Although Fuka had given up dieting, as the day of the cultural festival approached, she still couldn't seem to make up her mind to eat sweets. Although her appearance was pitiful, there was no need to be that resentful.

To tell her that, I spoke up:

"Fuka's portion is here."

"...Eh?"

Fuka froze, seemingly not understanding my meaning.

Helplessly, I picked up the smallest piece of cookie with my fingers and brought it to Fuka's mouth.

"It's still hot, be careful."

Fuka reflexively blew on the cookie... although my fingers were also blown on, since she was very serious, it was hard for me to say anything.

Because it was a bit ticklish, I judged it should be fine and put the cookie into her small mouth.

"Mmn..."

A crunchy sound came from Fuka's mouth. Before long, her eyes were sparkling.

After finishing the cookie, Fuka covered her cheeks with her hands, deeply moved.

"De, delicious..."

"This is oatmeal cookie."

As the name suggests, it is a cookie using oatmeal instead of flour.

This was what I prepared for Fuka. Except for oatmeal, other ingredients were almost the same as those used for the cultural festival, but because the taste tends to be monotonous, I added chopped chocolate.

"It's healthier than ordinary cookies. This way, it's easier for Fuka to eat too, right?"

"As expected of Onii-sama! If it's oatmeal, I can eat as much as I want!"

"Yeah. But control the amount."

I had a sense of déjà vu, but the high-spirited Fuka didn't seem to listen.

Well, as long as she likes it. While thinking so, I reached for a cookie to taste it, when someone called me from the side.

"...Onii-san."

"Hmm? Mio, what's wrong?"

Is there something she wants to ask about the cookies?

Thinking so, I turned my gaze and found Mio hugging Sorane tightly from behind. Although her arms were tightly wrapped around Sorane's neck, Sorane didn't mind at all, munching on cookies and saying "Cookies are so delicious."

Mio showed an expression of being cornered for some reason and spoke,

"Umm, because I'm hugging Sorane... both my hands are occupied."

"...Yeah, I can tell by looking."

Mio's eyebrows drooped into an eight shape (八), and she said in a weak voice,

"In, in this case, even if I want to eat cookies, I can't."

Then just let go of Sorane?

Although I wanted to retort like that, Mio's expression was desperate, so I couldn't say it. Or rather, it was inherently difficult for me to push away the kind-hearted Mio.

"Umm...?"

In other words, what does this mean? What exactly does Mio want to say?

I showed a subtle expression and started thinking. Because her hands were occupied hugging Sorane, she couldn't eat cookies. Therefore, Mio showed a sad expression. In that case, the answer I should reach is—

"Then... want to eat?"

Although I hesitated a little, I picked up a cookie with my fingers.

However, when I brought the cookie to Mio's mouth, I suddenly hesitated. Because with Fuka, I didn't realize it and just did it subconsciously, so now I suddenly felt extremely embarrassed.

Because, this act—is the so-called "Ahn—".

"Onii-san?"

Mio looked up at the frozen me.

I could see expectation and anxiety filling her eyes. At the same time, what entered my eyes were her pale pink lips.

Those lips were small like flower petals, and the shape was beautiful too. I was about to send a cookie there now—

...No no, I shook my head.

Stay calm. Don't think too much. Mio is just troubled because her hands are occupied by Sorane. I am just helping her as a brother...

That's right. If it's normal siblings, isn't "Ahn—" a matter of course? I'll ask Hiruoka and Aru-kun next time. With this, I should be able to overcome such a difficult problem.

Just as I racked my brain trying to process such chaotic thoughts.

"Aum!"

Sorane, held by Mio, jumped high and bit the cookie I was holding in one bite.

"Ouch!"

I reflexively pulled back my finger while screaming. Sorane didn't care at all and continued chewing the cookie.

"So, Sorane! You bit my finger just now!"

I protested teary-eyed. I looked at my finger and found clear teeth marks of a ferocious small carnivore on my throbbing thumb.

"Because the cookie was right in front of me!"

Sorane smiled proudly, and Mio patted her shoulder gently.

"Sorane, you bit Onii-san's finger, apologize properly."

"...Ugh... I'm sorry, I won't do it again."

Scolded by Mio, Sorane averted her eyes, pouted, and apologized to me. Such an apology completely devoid of remorse is rare to see nowadays.

"Onii-san, sorry."

Not only that, Mio also bowed her head to me with an apologetic look.

"No, it's fine." I waved my hand and reconsidered. It's not easy for me to scold my sisters from my position.

This time Mio scolded Sorane on my behalf, so it was okay. If she wasn't there, I probably would have just ended it with "Is that so, because the cookie was right in front of you."

If it were normal siblings, just a light tap on Sorane's head and a scolding "Hey!" would suffice. However, with the current relationship, reservations inevitably arise. Especially with Sorane, who has a large age gap, I didn't know how to treat her, so it became a sense of distance like treating a relative's child.

After all, we are not real siblings, so it's useless to demand what isn't there.

However, this is also a future task for me. While reflecting, I watched Mio taking care of Sorane. I just realized something now.

Was Mio just now—trying to act spoiled with me?

Come to think of it, the second daughter Mio, like Chinatsu, didn't seem to act spoiled to those around her. Instead, she would allow Karin's selfishness and take care of Sorane, appearing like an older sister looking after their younger sisters.

However, she occasionally wants to act spoiled to someone, right? Thinking that the mysterious statement just now might have meant that, I regretted not listening clearly.

"Onii-sama, I finished eating the cookies."

Fuka, completely ignoring our conversation, continued eating cookies, then said to me with a regretful face. I looked and found that all ten baked oatmeal cookies had disappeared.

"You ate them all by yourself... er, this side has also decreased a lot."

Originally, there should have been about thirty cookies baked for the cultural festival, but now only half remained. Considering taking them to class, this amount was a bit small.

"S-Sorry. Maybe because they were too delicious, I accidentally ate too much."

Mio apologized to me with a pale face, but most of them were eaten by Sorane.

"It's fine, I'll just make them again."

Ingredients are still left. I can also practice, so making them again isn't bad.

"Ah, in that case... next time I want to help too. Since I haven't made sweets before, I might cause you trouble..."

Mio said timidly. Even though Fuka and Sorane, who had eaten and drunk their fill, had already left the living room saying "Thank you for the meal!", Mio was so well-behaved.

"No, that would be a big help."

"If we make them well, can I share some with Chiyu-chan?"

"Of course. She will definitely be happy."

I nodded with a smile. It's great that Mio and the neighboring Haruhara family still interact.

"Thank you. But I, don't have an apron..."

Mio looked troubled. Speaking of which, the Chinatsu household originally prohibited sisters from cooking. Not having an apron was only natural.

"If you don't mind, want to use mine?"

"Is that okay?"

"Yeah. It's washed, don't worry."

My favorite is a long apron with shoulder straps. Having tried various products so far, I think this style is the most practical. I use blue and green aprons alternately, and the blue one should be washed now.

I went back to my room to get the apron and handed it to Mio. When I took out additional eggs from the refrigerator, a voice came from behind me.

"Onii-san, I put it on."

Capturing her figure in the center of my vision, I widened my eyes in disbelief.

The plain, single-colored apron I usually use seemed to be reborn when worn by Mio. Even the fabric that had started to fade from repeated washing regained vivid colors.

Specifically, there was a feeling of a good wife and wise mother. Although I wouldn't say such vulgar thoughts even if beaten to death.

"Umm... we, are dressed the same, aren't we?"

Mio, mindful of the rolled-up sleeves, acted shy innocently. I almost dropped the egg I was holding onto the floor.

"Yeah. We are dressed the same."

Just a casual conversation made my heart race inexplicably. Mio shouldn't have any other meaning.

If we continued chatting like this, I might say something strange. I cleared my throat.

"Then, let's start quickly. Can you preheat the oven first?"

I said pretending to be nonchalant, and Mio put her hands behind her back, silently looking up at me.

"Mio?"

Mio said somewhat hesitantly:

"Umm, I'm happy. It feels like it's been a long time since I talked to Onii-san alone..."

"Ah... indeed, it's been a long time."

The sister I could communicate normally with first was Mio. At that time, Mio was troubled by the lost cat Sheena, and I took the initiative to talk to her; that was the trigger.

Because of this, Mio started communicating with me behind the other sisters' backs. It's no exaggeration to say that I can get along with the current Chinatsu and others because of Mio.

Therefore, we no longer talk secretly in the washroom. Moreover, recently I—

"Recently, Onii-san is always with Fuka-chan."

Almost simultaneously with my thought, Mio also said Fuka's name. Her voice sounded somewhat lonely, and I widened my eyes.

Just like the clumsy attempt to act spoiled just now. Maybe unknowingly, I made Mio feel lonely.

Although this might be my wishful thinking... but Mio looked up, a faint smile on her lips.

"But... until the cookies are baked, Onii-san belongs to me."

Mio became shy as she spoke. Looking at the blushing Mio, I felt a sweet numbness near my chest.

The smiling Mio was too cute to look at directly.

"Umm, Onii-san. Preheating the oven? How do I do that...?"

"Ah, that, you press over there."

"Press, press...?"

Me, who was almost useless, and Mio, making sweets for the first time, managed to bake the cookies somehow. This was all thanks to Mio's efforts.

During the process, I felt deeply. If she is like this at school too, Mio must be very popular in class...

◇◇◇

The next day, 11 AM.

Today, Chinatsu and Karin were also absent. Mio and Sorane had gone to the Haruhara house to deliver cookies and play. Since Chiyu and Sorane were close in age, they seemed to have become good playmates.

As for me, I was standing in the entrance hall with Fuka.

"Well then, Fuka, it's about time to go."

It had rained a little in the morning, so today's running time was delayed. Now there was summer sunlight, and the road surface was dry. In this condition, running should be fine.

Walking outside and finishing our warm-up exercises, Fuka spoke with enthusiasm.

"Alright, I'll do my best to be an idol today too!"

"...Idol?"

Hearing that whisper, Fuka and I turned around simultaneously.

Standing there were Mio and Sorane, who seemed to have just returned from the Haruhara house.

"...Ah."

A drop of sweat ran down Fuka's cheek. She had completely let her guard down, thinking the two of them were out.

Mio looked at us with a surprised expression.

"Fuka—"

I confirmed with my eyes what to do, but Fuka didn't look at me and said directly:

"Actually, I'm going to participate in the cultural festival stage performance!"

Mio blinked and turned her gaze to me.

"...With Onii-san, just the two of you?"

She had a huge misunderstanding.

"Onii-sama is the manager; I will be performing an idol dance alone."

Perhaps judging that she couldn't hide it, Fuka told part of the truth, unlike last time. Although it was better than lying... she still didn't mention the audition, as expected.

Hearing this, Mio looked very impressed.

"Is that so, that's amazing... So Fuka-chan has been running recently."

"Yes. However, please keep this a secret from Chinatsu onee-sama and the others."

Fuka put a finger to her lips and smiled slightly. Mio, who wasn't good at lying, looked troubled but nodded.

"S-Secret... okay, I understand. I'll do my best."

"Eh? Fu-nee, can you dance?"

Sorane, holding hands with Mio, voiced her doubt. Fuka puffed out her cheeks.

"I practice hard every day, so I dance very well!"

"Is that so. Then Sorane wants to see Fu-nee dance!"

"Fine, I'll show you!"

Sparks flew between the two. Although it almost turned into a quarrel, Fuka was fired up, so it was probably fine to leave them be.

Since Sorane and Mio were coming along, I told them our destination.

"For the rest of today, I plan to run to the Grass Park."

The official name is the Lawn Garden. It's located on the campus of the University of Shizuoka and is open to prefectural residents for free.

I expected a reaction like "What is the Grass Park?", but Mio and Sorane just nodded lightly.

"Come to think of it, Mio and Sorane went to the library with Chinatsu before, right?"

"Yeah. We also went to the park on our way back."

Just a little up from the Grass Park is where the Shizuoka Prefectural Central Library and the Shizuoka Prefectural Museum of Art stand side by side.

"Riku-nii, can I bring a soccer ball?"

The soccer girl Sorane asked while stretching.

"Unfortunately, ball games are prohibited there."

Of course, not just soccer, but baseball and golf are also prohibited. Since we can use it freely, we must follow the rules.

"Everyone, watch out for cars and bicycles. Make sure to look around properly."

"Okaay—!"

Maybe having regained her spirits, Sorane started running with light steps.

Fuka followed behind... and the scene before my eyes astonished me. Because the running speed of Sorane and Fuka was almost the same.

Normally, comparing a first-year elementary school student and a second-year middle school student, the latter should be overwhelmingly faster. There's a difference in height, and a significant difference in muscle mass.

But Sorane kicked the ground firmly, maintaining a beautiful form throughout. This was the running style of someone who understood the correct way to use their body very well. Since she was taking soccer lessons, I thought she would be good at sports, but I didn't expect it to be to this extent.

Watching Sorane's speed, Fuka's competitive spirit was ignited.

"I won't lose..."

That's right. Fuka is also growing little by little.

At first, Fuka would stop running very quickly, but now she was following closely behind Sorane.

I smiled, feeling Fuka's growth. However, being pulled along by Sorane, she was running a bit too fast, which worried me somewhat...

Watching the fourth and fifth daughters competing as they ran up the slope, I shifted my gaze ahead.

Although the distance run was less than a kilometer, Mio was already out of breath. Fuka's athletic ability wasn't high either, but Mio should be considered hopeless at sports. Her form was already disorganized.

I walked up to her and spoke.

"Mio, are you okay?"

"Y-Yes. I'm fine."

Mio answered while panting. Beads of sweat appeared on her forehead.

I observed Mio's whole body for a moment... Hmm, her outfit wasn't suitable for exercise to begin with. The hoodie and black tights Mio wore, as they appeared, trapped heat easily.

Today is late May, and the rainy season is approaching. According to the weather forecast, the temperature is twenty-two degrees. Although the weather is comfortable, running in this outfit must be hot.

Come to think of it, Mio always wears non-revealing clothes. She wears a hoodie and black tights to school, and similar outfits on days off. Even her pajamas are long-sleeved and long pants, very thorough.

When making cookies earlier, she rolled up the sleeves of her hoodie slightly; maybe that was the first time I saw Mio's wrists.

"Mio, take off the hoodie..."

It would be easier if she took it off; just as I was about to suggest that, I shut my mouth tight. There's no guarantee she's wearing anything other than underwear under the hoodie. Better not speak carelessly.

"Mio, take off the tights..."

In that case, take off the black tights... although I thought that, tights stretch from the waist to the toes. Today Mio is wearing shorts, so taking them off is more difficult than the hoodie.

Having no plan, I fell silent. Just then, Mio's body suddenly tilted.

"Kya!"

"Oops."

Before Mio fell, I reached out and caught her waist.

Her body, wrapped in the oversized hoodie, was surprisingly slender.

"Wa, ah, u..."

Mio opened and closed her mouth like a fish out of water. Her face turned bright red as if dyed.

Seeing her incomprehensible reaction, I realized a beat later. Because my arm was around her waist, the posture was almost like I was hugging Mio.

"S-Sorry!"

I hurriedly let go and raised both hands in surrender. This was the first time I touched a girl's body like this, and even my face started to heat up.

"I-I should be the one apologizing. Besides, I'm not good at sports... sorry for running slow."

Mio also bowed repeatedly in apology. I had felt it from before, but Mio seemed to have a habit of blaming herself easily.

"That's not true. But don't push yourself. Just run at your own pace."

"Okay..."

I couldn't bear to see her depressed face, so I crossed the crosswalk with her and changed the subject.

"By the way, you brought cookies, right? How was Chiyu-chan's reaction?"

"Ah... she was very happy. She seemed to have something to do today, so we left immediately."

I see. That's why they came out from next door so quickly.

"Is that so. That's good."

"Yeah."

Mio finally regained her smile, and I sighed in relief.

Letting Mio follow behind, I increased my speed to catch up with Sorane and Fuka.

Passing our usual training spot—Hyotanzuka Park—I saw the two ahead. As expected, the distance between Fuka and Sorane had widened compared to before.

"Fuka, hang in there—"

Just as I tried to call out, Fuka turned her head and pierced me with her gaze.

"What's wrong?"

Thinking she wanted to say something, I urged her, but she said in a sarcastic tone:

"...Onii-sama. Your face is still red, you know?"

"Wha—"

It seemed Fuka had seen the interaction between Mio and me.

"How strange. When you hugged me before, you didn't blush at all."

I wanted to retort "When was that," but felt like I would be digging my own grave, so I kept my mouth shut.

"By the way, Fuka. It's impressive that you have the energy to talk while running."

Continuing this topic wouldn't lead to anything good, so I praised her first.

"No. My stamina has long reached its limit... Ugh...!"

Before I knew it, Fuka was panting heavily. It seemed she forced herself to run just to make small talk.

Helplessly, I slowed down to match Fuka's pace.

"Everyone is so slo~w!"

After running for a while, perhaps bored running alone, Sorane, who was ahead, came back. Her endless stamina was truly awe-inspiring.

"F-Fuka-chan, Sorane-chan, Onii-san..."

Mio also caught up, out of breath.

Like this, although we ended up proceeding at a turtle's pace, everyone arrived at the prefectural university gate.

"Oh, so this is the university."

Fuka looked up curiously.

Located on the hillside of a plateau, the University of Shizuoka Kusanagi Campus is a university with impressive red brick buildings. In addition to the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences known for being difficult to enter, it seems there are also Schools of International Relations and Nursing.

We didn't enter the campus but walked slowly along the wide tree-lined avenue while adjusting our breathing. Thanks to the thick foliage overhead, it was quite cool, and I could feel the sweat receding from my body. Sunlight filtering through the leaves made the falling leaves dance.

Passed by several cars, we arrived in front of a long staircase. Fuka and Sorane climbed up first. With every step they took, a crisp rustling sound came from under their feet. The fallen leaves piled up seemed to freeze time in this place.

"Arrived!"

Fuka, having finished climbing the stairs, shouted loudly.

Mio and I followed. Spread out before us was today's destination—the Grass Park.

Clear sky and emerald green lawn. The red brick school building towering on the east side contrasted beautifully with it; just looking around made one feel refreshed.

There was no playground equipment in the spacious Grass Park. Being Sunday, there were many parent-child pairs; some playing badminton or frisbee, some spreading picnic mats on the slope chatting, each enjoying their break time. This is also a location known to every Shizuoka resident as a filming spot for bento commercials.

"Ah... finally arrived here."

Fuka was deeply moved, like an idol arriving at Budokan, while I quietly poured cold water on her.

"Fuka, aren't you going to practice dancing?"

"Ah, that's right."

Fuka clapped her hands.

She followed Sorane, who was already running around, down the stairs. Then, she suddenly ran toward the right.

I chased after her stepping on the soft lawn, and found an outdoor stage on the south side of the park... although called a stage, it was simple, an open concrete stage without a roof.

"Following Hyotanzuka Park, this is also my stage!"

Fuka walked up the short stairs, stood in the center of the stage, and got excited about the second special stage.

Although I didn't know what this was actually used for, I had hardly been conscious of it even if it entered my sight until now. This place looked like a concert venue, this outfit looked like an idol's; Fuka must be spending every day looking at things different from me with this unique perspective.

"Then Onii-sama, please."

I stood in front of the stage and nodded, operating the smartphone handed to me by Fuka.

The intro I've become accustomed to hearing recently flowed from the phone. Since we couldn't disturb other guests, I kept the volume very low.

Perhaps because there were onlookers, Fuka's movements were stiffer than usual. But halfway through, she stopped being nervous and danced even the steps she wasn't good at perfectly.

Then, not long after she started dancing, whether attracted by the cheerful music or Fuka's dance—a kindergarten-aged girl and boy trotted up the stage.

"What are you doing?"

"Dancing?"

With this, the lesson couldn't continue. I immediately thought to turn off the music, but Fuka's reaction was different. She smiled at the children younger than Sorane and beckoned them over.

"That's right, this is the dance of my favorite idol. Let's dance together."

Perhaps encouraged by the friendly Fuka, the two approached with smiles.

"Here you go like this..." Fuka taught them the general movements while simplifying the steps that were too difficult for kindergarteners. Just the butt-shaking movement made them laugh happily.

After the children left holding their parents' hands, Fuka waved them off. With a mature smile still on her face, she called me.

"Onii-sama, could you please play the music from the beginning again?"

"Okay."

While the music played, Mio, who had been staying by my side, spoke to me for the first time in a while.

"Do you practice like this usually too?"

"Yeah. Running every other day, and dance lessons too... she works hard on muscle training every day."

Hearing my words, Mio looked up at the stage again.

"...Fuka-chan is so cool."

Her whisper carried a tone of admiration.

After finishing two songs, Fuka came down from the stage. Her usually fluffy hair was plastered to her scalp with sweat, making her look younger than usual.

"Good work, Fuka."

"Thank you."

I handed her the towel brought from home and the PET bottle bought from the vending machine. Fuka wiped the sweat from her face and drank the sports drink with relish.

Just then, Sorane, who had been jumping around playing alone, returned. Then she walked straight up the unmanned stage with light steps.

"Sorane, what's wrong?"

Only after I called her name did she finally notice me and turn her gaze.

"Riku-nii, can you play the song from just now again? Umm, the first one."

I didn't understand what she was saying at first, but I played "Sweet Pentagon" from the beginning as she asked.

A few seconds later, I was once again shocked by Sorane's superb ability.

"Sorane, you're really good at dancing..."

Light steps driven by core stability. Although she occasionally missed steps, if she repeated it a few more times, she should be able to dance close to perfection.

...No, perhaps precisely because the steps were vaguely remembered, her innate talent stood out even more. Sorane purely enjoyed the music, moved her body, and not only that, she could freely adjust the intensity and tempo to match the key parts.

Passing college students pointed at Sorane saying, "That girl is so cute~" Sorane spun beautifully on one leg, smiled at them, and even waved. She effortlessly performed the cute pop dance that Fuka was still struggling with.

It felt like the song ended in just a blink of an eye. Sorane, having finished dancing, walked down to the lawn bathed in applause from Mio and me.

Amazing, I wanted to praise her, but I dismissed the thought. Seeing Sorane dance after watching just once, what would Fuka think of her ability...

Fuka, who had been silent, stepped forward and gently grabbed Sorane's shoulders.

The light in her eyes—was like a capable idol producer.

"Sorane, you... won't you become an idol!?"

"Sorane wants to play soccer!"

Producer, rejected instantly.

Fuka slumped her shoulders, but she probably wasn't serious. She walked back with heavy steps and plopped down on the lawn.

"Chinatsu onee-sama and Sorane both have high athletic ability. I'm envious..."

Fuka muttered, burying her soft-contoured chin between her knees.

Chinatsu possesses honed combat intuition, while Sorane trains her legs and hips playing soccer. Both are probably the genius type.

Surrounded by such sisters, I can understand why Fuka would be depressed. Not to mention having the dance she worked hard to choreograph performed by Sorane who had only seen it a few times.

Just as I was thinking about how to comfort her... Mio walked up to Fuka.

"I-It's okay. Fuka-chan is better at sports than me!"

"...Thank you, Mio onee-sama."

Fuka returned a smile to Mio who encouraged her. Her true feelings were "Even if the sports-hopeless Mio onee-sama says that," but I hope she tries a bit harder to hide them. Mio will cry.

However, thanks to Mio, the atmosphere softened a bit. I asked unconsciously:

"By the way, is Karin good at sports?"

The eldest daughter Chinatsu and the fifth daughter Sorane are good at sports.

The second daughter Mio and the fourth daughter Fuka are bad at sports.

In that case, what about Karin sandwiched in the middle? Hearing my question, Mio and Fuka looked at each other.

"Karin is probably reasonably good..."

"...I have never seen Karin onee-sama look motivated."

I see. Karin is the type who finds even exerting her ability troublesome; easy to imagine.

As soon as the break was over, Fuka stood up. The person she spoke to was Sorane, who was spinning around like a dog chasing its tail.

"Sorane, I can't do the steps here very well. Can you teach me?"

"Mhm, okay! Here you probably need to tighten your elbows before turning..."

Not sulking in such situations but actively asking for advice is Fuka's virtue.

Fuka doesn't get discouraged easily. Strong-willed, with the power to keep moving forward. She herself might not have noticed, but this is also a spirit necessary for an idol.

Next was Sorane's dance class time. I can't dance, so being able to give Fuka advice from a dancing perspective was a huge help. Although it happened with the flow, it was great to practice with Sorane and the others.

Once the practice reached a stopping point, I spoke to Fuka.

"By the way, Fuka. Don't you need vocal lessons?"

It is said that the second screening of the audition includes dance, singing, and an interview. But so far, we've only been training stamina and dance; Fuka doesn't seem to have practiced the most important singing.

Hearing me say this, Mio standing next to me smiled for some reason.

"I see. Onii-san hasn't heard Fuka-chan sing."

What does that mean? As I tilted my head, Mio called Fuka.

"Fuka-chan, can you sing a song?"

"Yes, sure!"

Fuka answered confidently. I clearly heard the sound of her taking a deep breath.

"—Hey, sweet and cute pentagon, who will you choose? ..."

What Fuka sang was "Sweet Pentagon," which had been playing just now.

Needless to say, Lie♡Lie is an idol group excellent at both singing and dancing. But Fuka's singing voice echoing through the Grass Park felt more charming than theirs.

I muttered almost unconsciously.

"What a beautiful singing voice..."

A tender yet transparent singing voice, melodious and beautiful.

The singing voice drifted on the wind. The trees rustled gently as if the audience was clapping, and the small birds perched on the branches chirped happily.

I remember Fuka did say she was good at singing when we first met. With such ability, it's only natural to boast like that.

"With this, it should be fine."

If she can demonstrate her ability without reserve, the cultural festival stage event will undoubtedly be a success.

Not only that. Fuka's dream of becoming an idol will definitely not end as just a dream. Fuka's singing voice was powerful enough to make me convinced of that.

Suddenly, Mio responded to my muttering.

"If it's Fuka-chan, she can definitely do it... but."

"Onii-sama. How was my singing?"

Just then, Fuka, having finished singing, approached stepping on the grass. I smiled at Fuka first.

"Yeah, the singing voice was wonderful."

"Thank you. I feel my lung capacity has also increased thanks to muscle training. From next time, I'll try singing while dancing."

Fuka looked triumphant, clenching her left hand as if holding an invisible microphone.

"I feel like everything will go smoothly. Let's keep moving forward with this momentum!"

"Oh—!"

Sorane also raised her fist following the high-spirited Fuka.

I smiled wryly watching their liveliness, forgetting to ask Mio for the continuation of her sentence.

 

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