5 Step Sisters Vol. 2 Chapter 7

The Hand Reaching Far Away

The following Saturday morning.

Although the cultural festival's stage performance had come to a successful close, for Fuka, things weren't over yet.

"Well then, I am heading out!"

Under the gloomy sky of the approaching rainy season, Fuka showed a smile that seemed to blow away the humidity, waving as she set off with Natsuki-san.

Today, instead of taking the Shizutetsu line, they were heading from JR Kusanagi Station to Shizuoka Station to catch the Shinkansen to Tokyo.

The second round of the audition started at 10:00 AM today. Although I really wanted to tag along, I also knew there was nothing I could do. From here on out, Fuka would have to rely on her own efforts.

Seeing the two of them off at the entryway, we couldn't help but look at each other. Both Chinatsu and Mio had serious expressions, and I was probably much the same. Karin, who hadn't come to see them off, must have felt the exact same way.

"It's not fair that only Fuka gets to go out with Mom!"

Sorane was the only one completely devoid of any nervousness. Even though I had explained the audition to her, she ultimately arrived at the conclusion that it was "not fair."

"Honestly, Sorane, didn't they say they would bring back souvenirs?"

Listening to Chinatsu's voice comforting Sorane, I returned to my room. The sound of pattering rain echoed from outside the window.

Needless to say, I got nothing done that day. The other sisters were probably in a similar state of mind.

Fuka returned at 6:30 PM, shortly after the rain had stopped.

As soon as we realized Natsuki-san and Fuka were back, the family members scattered around the house gathered at the entryway again, just like in the morning.

"How was the audition?"

"Yes, I believe I was able to display my full potential."

Fuka answered Chinatsu's question with a smile. Natsuki-san, holding the souvenir bags, seemed unsure of what expression to make, her mouth turning up into a half-hearted smile.

The conversation cut off there. Before the silence could fully suffocate the space between us, Fuka looked at me.

"Onii-sama, could you accompany me? I would like to go for one last jog."

The word "last" weighed heavily on my chest. But I had already decided on my answer.

"...Yeah, of course."

After being reminded not to stay out too late, Fuka and I changed into our sportswear and headed outside.

Because of the rain, the roads were wet and a bit difficult to run on. However, since we usually jogged in the mornings, just running in the evening gave me a sense of freshness.

I breathed the post-rain air into my lungs and said to Fuka:

"You really have built up more stamina than before."

"Yes, I feel the same way."

Fuka's ponytail swayed gently from side to side. The movement was quieter and less energetic than usual, as if she couldn't quite shake off the dampness clinging to her body.

We ran in silence for a while. When we reached Hyotanzuka Park, Fuka came to a halt. Panting, she pointed towards the park.

"Shall we drop by for a bit?"

The rain-soaked park was even more deserted than it was in the morning.

Fuka stared blankly at the special stage she would normally be the first to run towards, letting out a soft sigh. Wearing the same emotionless smile she had kept on her face since returning home, she whispered, as if trying to shake off the ostracized raindrops:

"Onii-sama, I failed."

Even though this was something I had expected, hearing those words from Fuka's own mouth still sent a sharp pang of pain through my chest. Fuka maintained her masking smile, but her voice was weak and hoarse.

"They gave me the results... right on the spot. They said I did not pass."

"............"

I couldn't say a single word, and Fuka, as if afraid of the silence, continued,

"The other girls participating in the audition were all better than me, whether at singing or dancing. Even though I gave it my absolute all, and I felt I was able to show the results of my practice... it still wasn't enough."

I couldn't bring myself to look directly at Fuka's expression as she recalled the audition.

"I see."

I finally spoke, my brain working in overdrive at the same time. Truthfully, I wanted to say something comforting, but I couldn't smoothly force the words out from the depths of my throat, which left me feeling deeply frustrated.

You worked hard. There's always next time. The judges have no eye for talent. You still have a long future ahead. Many empty words of consolation floated into my mind, but none could be squeezed past my lips.

Because Fuka's hard work wasn't something that could be summarized with just the words "you worked hard."

Fuka wobbled as she stepped closer to me. I realized what her action meant.

Right. If I couldn't respond with words, the least I could do was...

"I understand. Come here, Fuka."

Tensing my entire body, I opened my arms wide towards Fuka.

At times like this, it's best to just cry to your heart's content while feeling someone's body heat. Whenever I faced something hateful or frustrating, I would hold Hana and cry too.

Seeing this, Fuka blinked. Catching her surprised reaction, I realized I had made a mistake.

Amidst the indescribably awkward atmosphere, Fuka said politely:

"Um, Onii-sama. I am aiming to become an idol, you know? No matter how painful it gets, I cannot cry in the arms of a gentleman."

"...Good point."

Feeling so ashamed I wanted to sink into the ground, I lowered my open arms back to my sides.

In that case, the least I could do was be considerate enough not to look at her tear-stained face. Just as I thought that and turned around—

"However, like this... it does not count as being in your arms, does it."

A soft sensation pressed against my back.

Before I could even voice a question, Fuka hugged me tightly from behind. As if letting out all the emotions she had been holding back until now all at once, she burst into loud sobs.

Her petite body instantly became like a mass of heat, so hot it felt as if it might burn my back along with it.

She's still a child, I thought. She really is still a child. The body heat of a middle schooler was just so innocent and fragile.

She was someone who worked so hard it was blinding, which was why I occasionally forgot that the person currently clinging to my back was still just a thirteen-year-old girl.

Fuka cried endlessly, making me worry that if I just left her like this, she might burn out completely like a star. But until the tears on her cheeks stopped, I didn't want to make a sound. I wanted to let her cry in peace. I wanted her to cry to her heart's content.

Feeling Fuka's warmth, I looked up at the increasingly darkening twilight sky.

A chilly wind gently brushed against my cheeks. The gray sky was covered by thick clouds, looking as though it could start raining again at any moment.

After that, I don't know how much time passed. Still sniffling, Fuka finally pulled away from my body slightly.

In the darkening sky, stars slowly began to appear.

I immediately noticed the first-magnitude star of Scorpius. Fuka's slender finger pointed straight toward the night sky where that star shone.

"Hey, Onii-sama."

I clearly heard Fuka's lips whisper through her tears.

"—I want to become that star."

◇◇◇

The next morning.

"Onii-sama, the sun is up! Let us go for a morning jog!"

I thought I had misheard.

I was shaken awake, and when I opened my eyes, a fluffy ponytail filled my vision. Assaulted by an attack that completely swept away my sleepiness, I muttered in a hoarse voice.

"...Am I dreaming?"

"You are not dreaming. It is currently five in the morning."

"No, didn't you say yesterday was our last morning jog..."

"At any rate, yesterday marked the end of a chapter. You lack energy in the mornings, Onii-sama, so it would be healthier for you to occasionally jog with me, wouldn't it?"

Even though she was lecturing me, my brain couldn't keep up because I still remembered our sentimental conversation from yesterday. Or rather, Fuka had bounced back even faster than I had.

I let out a yawn and chuckled softly. Fuka, who was trying to shake me awake, had completely bloodshot, red eyes.

"You cried so hard, it seems you feel a lot better now."

"...You really are mean, Onii-sama."

She finally gave my shoulder a tap through the blanket.

Taking that as my cue, I forced myself out of bed, ushered Fuka out of the room, and opened my closet.

A crumpled T-shirt, and sweatpants with an increasingly loose elastic waistband. The dedicated gear for my morning jogs with Fuka was eagerly waiting for its turn to shine.

But when I finished changing and stepped out of my room, my eyes widened in surprise.

"Fuka, I knew you'd be here."

Chinatsu, Mio, Karin, and Sorane filed down from the second floor. Only Karin kept a slight distance with a displeased look on her face, so it seemed they hadn't all conspired to act together.

Fuka hadn't anticipated this situation either. She lowered her voice as she spoke to Chinatsu and the others, probably not wanting to wake Natsuki-san, who was still sleeping in the master bedroom.

"Good morning. Onee-samas and Sorane, do you need something here so early in the morning?"

"Uh, well..."

Chinatsu looked troubled, her eyes darting around, and the others were much the same.

It was clearly written on their faces that they had no particular reason to be up so early; they were simply worried about Fuka.

And no wonder. Although I had heard Fuka pour her heart out yesterday, the other sisters didn't know, so they must have been worried about whether Fuka was feeling depressed during the night. They probably heard the sound of Fuka leaving her room early in the morning and hurriedly chased after her.

I also felt a bit of self-reproach, feeling like I had done something bad. At that moment, Karin, seemingly unable to stand the stagnant atmosphere, stepped forward and shoved a magazine into Fuka's hands.

"I just happened to wake up. The magazine I bought yesterday has a special feature on the idols you like, Fuka."

Even so, there was no need to bring it over now, right... Fuka didn't point that out, accepting the magazine with a smile.

"Thank you, I will make sure to read it!"

"...Give it back when you're done."

Karin hmphed and turned to leave.

"Oh, right." Fuka stopped her with a cheerful voice.

"Since we have this rare opportunity, why don't we all go for a morning jog together today?"

"Eh?" Mio and Karin exclaimed in unison, truly living up to being twins.

Fuka must have heard their voices of protest, but she paid it no mind, saying with a bright smile:

"The morning air is so fresh; a clear day during the rainy season is perfect for a morning jog."

"...Yeah, I guess I'll go for a run too."

"Yep! Sorane wants to run too!"

The two athletic ones agreed readily.

Realizing she was being roped into this, Karin swiftly turned around.

"I refuse."

"...Karin."

Mio gently tugged at the hem of Karin's clothes. Stopped by her older sister who felt uneasy about the morning jog, Karin also instantly halted in her tracks.

Fuka didn't let this chance slip by; she leaned in close to Karin's ear and whispered:

"Karin Onee-sama, you still feel a little guilty about the document incident, do you not?"

"...Fine, I get it. But only this once."

Reminded by Fuka, Karin had no choice but to give up.

We finished getting ready to head out, did some light warm-up exercises, and began running.

Chinatsu and Sorane ran in the front, Mio and Karin ran in the back, while Fuka and I ran in the middle.

Soft sunlight showered the residential area, and the sound of six people's footsteps and breathing echoed all around. The trees had become a vibrant green nourished by the rain, a few droplets of water fell from the branches, and the chirping of birds could be heard from somewhere unknown.

"Onii-sama, I will not give up."

As we passed through the residential area and arrived at the familiar slope, Fuka said clearly between breaths.

"I will not give up. Because my favorite idol is always moving straight ahead towards her dreams... Even if it is still far away right now, one day, I will definitely reach it."

In the high-humidity environment, sweat rolled down the surface of her delicate, fair skin.

I turned up the corners of my mouth and responded in a relaxed tone.

"Is that so. If there's anything I can help with, just tell me like you always have."

"Yes. However, just that will not be enough."

"Are you going to increase my workload again?"

I said that deliberately in an exasperated tone, and Fuka let out a breath carrying a hint of a smile.

"No, there is only one thing I wish to tell you."

Before I could ask what it was, Fuka abruptly picked up her running pace.

Her ponytail swayed vigorously, her fair nape peeking through. Opening up a distance of about ten meters in one breath, Fuka panted, turned her head, and shouted loudly:

"Onii-sama, please prepare yourself."

Fuka held up her right index finger, pointing it right at my face.

"Among the two hundred billion stars, I will become the one that shines the brightest!"

Fuka smiled, showing her pristine white teeth.

I couldn't help but stare in awe. Because her smile—was as dazzling as a first-magnitude star, and incredibly cute.

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