◆ Chapter 3: High School Arc, Part 1

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"Welcome," a beautiful girl bows elegantly.

With her long black hair tied back, she wears a stylish waitress uniform, adding a touch of glamour to the chic café with her elegant presence.

The green-based uniform blends well in the café, offering a moment of refreshment to the eyes of the visiting customers.

It's a genuine radiance that ordinary houseplants can't compete with.

And that's what I, the potted plant perched on the counter, think.

Hello, I'm Ueda Hana, the Benjamin Baroque No.3 propagated from a cutting.

Finally, I have awakened my Third Vision.

This place is my aunt, Ueda Sumire's café, named 'Benjamin Baroque'.

The fact that there was no such thing as Benjamin Baroque in a café named Benjamin Baroque until I arrived shows Aunt Sumire's casual personality...

"What a great part-timer you've found, Ueda-san."

Ahh… ahh, a beautiful Onee-chan is sprinkling, sprinkling water on me. Ahh… ahh...

"Right? But remember, hands off."

"Come on, I wouldn't mess around with an underage girl, no matter what. I'm just enjoying the view. Right, Aoi-chan?"

Aoi responds to the customer's playful remark with a charming smile, 'Ehehe...'

Aoi started working part-time after she entered high school.

There were various reasons, such as buying materials for handicrafts or making good use of her after-school time since there was no handicraft club at high school. However, the main reason was undoubtedly her determination to 'try something new'.

Initially, she was going for an interview at a family restaurant, but Aunt Sumire, who had somehow heard about it, whisked Aoi away.

Having worked part-time for a month, Aoi has finally become accustomed to the job, and I, placed in the café as a decorative touch, am here converting carbon dioxide into oxygen.

"Ever since Aoi-chan came, more and more loafers have been gathering here. They're like moths drawn to the light of a vending machine."

Aunt Sumire is a beautiful woman but with a slightly bad mouth. Unrelated to that, she's still single.

"Who are you calling a moth?"

A woman in a business suit frowns as she enters.

Ah, no good! She's giving me water before sitting down! Everyone gives me just a little bit so that my roots won't rot, but it feels like being teased...!

...Phew, that was close.

It was almost like being swallowed up in a heaven of pleasure, as one after another beautiful Onee-sans give me water...

Standing here, in Café Benjamin Baroque, am I the star of this place...!? I'm confused by the sudden spotlight since I've always been in the corner, just soaking up the light.

Aunt Sumire looks drowsy with an e-cigarette in her mouth.

"It's you, I'm talking about you."

"Don't be mistaken, thinking everyone comes to see Aoi-chan. I just stopped by because I have some work to take home."

But when Aoi comes to take her order, the prickly woman becomes all sweet.

"Welcome, have you decided on your order?"

"Hmm~, what should I get~? Hey~, Aoi-chan, what's your recommendation?"

"My recommendation? Um, the blended coffee I had the other day was delicious."

"Nn, then I'll have that. Nfufu, thank you, Aoi-chan~."

Her attitude completely changes.

Aunt Sumire openly frowns.

"Maybe I should add an extra service charge."

"Ahaha... One blend, please."

"Got it."

And this is probably something Aoi doesn't know.

Aunt Sumire is the one who led me down the path of being a yuri fan.

Around the time I entered elementary school, this café was established, and my mother, who was busy taking care of Aoi at that time, had to occasionally leave me with Aunt Sumire.

During those times, the books and manga she gave me to pass the time were all hardcore yuri stories.

Aunt Sumire had indoctrinated me into yuri, and I became a proud yuri fan, but she took it to another level.

She's actually still single because she has countless female partners, and she maintains her refined beauty even in her forties to keep her charm for seducing young women.

As a result, many of the customers who gather at Aunt Sumire's café are quite tolerant of same-sex relationships. I used to come here too. I even named the houseplant I gave Aoi after the name of this café. This place is a haven for yuri enthusiasts.

At first, I was quite nervous when I heard that Aoi, who was like a clueless puppy, would work part-time at this café, but thankfully, Aunt Sumire's friends were all sensible adults, so I was relieved. Above all, Aunt Sumire is a person of common sense.

"Here, the blend. If you get sexually harassed, feel free to dump it on their head, Aoi-chan."

"…I won't do that"

...Though her mouth is a bit harsh.

"Aoi-chan, you're done here, can you help with dishwashing?"

"Yes, I understand."

'Eehh'. Booing echoed inside the café and Aunt Sumire glares at them.

"If you have a complaint, make an order first, you loafers."

This place is a gathering spot for hopeless yuri enthusiasts(adults)...

 

 

Aoi, who had become a high school student, had grown more composed and settled into the role of a quiet model student. Her posture, walking with her back straight, was truly like a lily flower.

She's changed so much in just one or two years. Her transition from middle to high school, like a bud blossoming into a flower, is incredibly moving...

But it's not just because time has passed, it's also because Aoi has been working hard every day and has grown.

When I saw Aoi wearing her brand-new blazer, I couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed and simultaneously shed a tear like morning dew.

That Aoi has grown so much.

And she's even attending the same high school as mine. Onee-chan is feeling emotional...

Not just Aoi, but Izumi and Chiharu too, all three of them had advanced to the same high school. It's even more beautiful that they each chose the same school without planning it. So moving.

Although I can see Izumi working hard every day using my Second Vision, it's been a while since I've seen Chiharu. So, I'm looking forward to her growth as well.

Of course...

I'm really looking forward to the outcome of the vow they made with determination during middle school.

 

And that day came sooner than I thought.

No, is it really soon?

After all, they had been patient for a whole year.

 

 

Two months have passed since Aoi started her part-time job, and now it's the end of June.

Aoi, who basically works shifts on days when she has no plans and except for the shop's regular Wednesday closure, tied her hair and stood in the café in her beautiful uniform.

The door opens with a jingle.

"Welcome――"

The reflexively smiling Aoi sees――

"Yo."

"Wow, your uniform is so cute."

――Chiharu and Izumi!

I'm the one who got the most excited out of anyone. How embarrassing.

But it can't be helped. Chiharu, with her tall stature and short hair, looked like a model. It's said that beautiful girls look good with short hair, and Chiharu is just that. Her slanted eyes and cool appearance make her a handsome girl who wouldn't be embarrassed anywhere.

This girl liked me...?

Wait, really? Seriously? this isn't just a delusion I saw before I died? This girl is a fierce top who would ravage me? Wow, the inner cat in me is meowing.

I wonder if I've missed out on something amazing... I regret falling into a manhole for the first time. I'll be drowning in my sorrows tonight.

Next, we have Izumi, who exuded an aura of an intellectual and delicate beauty. Her well-proportioned features, which looked like she came from a good upbringing, were so adorable that nine out of ten people would likely turn their heads to look at her.

Her appearance is entirely feminine like a cat, but her true identity is that of a dominant top as well. In fact, she's the real deal.

Nevertheless, what a combination of beautiful girls. With my yuri brain, just seeing Chiharu and Izumi walking side by side could fuel my yuri fantasies for seven weeks.

When the two of them came together, even Aunt Sumire couldn't help but straighten her back and open her sleepy eyes. It might be the tendency of a sad woman to show off in front of beautiful girls.

Seeing familiar faces, Aoi's eyes sparkled with joy.

"Chii-chan, Izumi-chan, did you came for me?"

"We just happened to have the day off from club activities today. We heard you started working part-time, so of course, we're worried."

"How many plates did you break? Oh, how many times did you accidentally splash water on customers?"

"Hey, I haven't done that even once!"

Aoi raised her eyes, but immediately showed a natural smile.

"Now then, please, take a seat at an available table."

"Yes~" Izumi happily raised her hand, and the two of them sat down at a table in the back.

Ah, it's nice to see these three together.

Wait, is this the first time since elementary school? Wow, is this for real? I feel like crying.

"Have you decided on your order?"

"I'll have the blend, please."

"I'll have...orange juice."

"Understood. Please wait a moment, both of you."

While absentmindedly gazing at Aoi's back, Chiharu's hand was sharply flicked by Izumi's nail.

"You're staring too much, Chiharu-san."

"M-my bad. But it's just...refreshing. And her uniform is cute too."

Chiharu blushed and looked down. Chiharu, who gets excited seeing her crush in a part-time job uniform, is incredibly cute too.

"Well, I can understand why..."

"Aoi is really doing her best at her part-time job, huh?"

"Aoi-san has always been diligent, you know."

Izumi smiled with a distant look in her eyes.

"Aoi-san has been working hard all this time. Since the day we met, she's been straight and cool."

Chiharu nodded firmly.

"...Yeah, that's right."

"Ah, I'll take a picture of Aoi-san in her uniform later."

"What's that? Give me one too."

"Sure, starting at 2000 yen per photo."

"That expensive!?"

As the two of them were chatting amiably, Aoi came over with a tray.

"Sorry for the wait. Here's the blend and the orange juice."

"Hmm, thanks... But, it feels weird being spoken to so politely by Aoi."

Aoi laughed too.

"Same goes for me, Chii-chan."

"...Yeah."

Chiharu looked away, her face reddening.

Trying to cover her, Izumi laughed, 'Hahaha.'

"Ah, we'll be doing our own thing, so please do your best at work, Aoi-san. It doesn't seem like there are many customers, but is it okay to spread out study materials here?"

"Ah, Let me ask the manager."

Aoi quickly returned.

"The two of you can stay as long as you like. She said it's great for the vibes to have cute girls in the café."

"Great...?"

"Vibes?"

Aunt Sumire waved at them with a crystal-clear smile. She's definitely my aunt.

"In that case, let's take up on her offer."

"Yeah, good luck with your part-time job, Aoi."

"Okay. Both of you, please enjoy your time."

Aoi waved a little and was about to get back to work.

"Ah, but don't watch me too much, okay? ...It's embarrassing, you know?"

Aoi, trying to hide her embarrassment, scolded Chiharu and Izumi, who said 'yes~' and cheerfully raised their hands but still watched her on her work.

She's surprisingly efficient and not at all clumsy. Come to think of it, Aoi was like this when she was doing handicrafts too.

Chiharu and Izumi truly seem to have come only to see Aoi, as they just admiring her in uniform while only leisurely doing their homework for today.

As the night wore on, the day passed without any accidents.

When I watched the three of them walk home together after Aoi finished her shift, I thought I would have no regrets even if I passed on right then... But, no, I can't.

I can't die until I see what kind of conclusion their love story will reach, even if Aoi's house, Izumi's house, and Café Benjamin Baroque all catch fire simultaneously!

 

 

Chiharu and Izumi continued to visit the café frequently.

The next time they witnessed an event they couldn't overlook was three months later, when summer vacation was over and Aoi had settled into her part-time job.

It was a Friday, and since the next day was a day off, Chiharu and Izumi stayed for a long time and saw some suspicious customers gathering around 7 PM.

Exhausted women who had finished their work were coming to the café saying, "I'm tired~ Aoi-chan~," seeking comfort from a high school girl.

"Yes~, yes~. Good work, Sato-san, Takahashi-san." Aoi smiled, and the women regained their color, saying, "Aah~ The smile of a beautiful JK is so healing~."

Aoi had become quite accustomed to dealing with these somewhat zombie-like women.

However, the one who couldn't remain calm was Izumi.

"W-What's with these people...? Is this an exhibition of hopeless adults!?"

"Aoi-chan is being doted on, you see."

Aunt Sumire said, "Here you go," and placed the cookies they ordered on the table.

"Thank you," Chiharu bowed her head. On the other hand, Izumi turned her fixed gaze on Aunt Sumire.

"Manager, what kind of place is this...? So it's not a cat café after all?"

"A gathering of tops? Those women are just hopeless people, but you say some funny things."

"That's not funny. You're not making Aoi-san do anything weird... are you?"

Izumi was completely hostile, seemingly ready to bite Aunt Sumire's palm at any moment.

On the other hand, Aunt Sumire was enjoying the youthful passion of the teenager in front of her. Ah, she's a hopeless adult too...

"Our café promotes free love, after all."

"I'll sue this place for child prostitution and shut it down."

"You're a scary girl. I'm just joking. As long as my eyes are open, I won't let anyone lay a hand on Aoi, so rest assured. However, I can't guarantee that Aoi won't fall for someone."

"T-That's... W-What does that have to do with us? We're not..."

Aunt Sumire smiled at Izumi, whose momentum had weakened a little.

"As you can see, our customers at least have good looks, right? Inside, they're worthless trash though. And Aoi has always been the type to be liked by older people. Aoi herself also admires older people in some ways."

"No way!"

"...That's true."

The one who nodded is Chiharu.

"Aoi lost Hana-chan when she was at that age where she wanted to depend on someone… So, that might be the case."

"T-That's..."

Izumi was at a loss for words and looked at Aoi, who was working.

Aoi was having a friendly conversation with a woman who appeared to be an office lady returning from work. It was the usual Aoi, but it seemed to look different in Izumi's eyes.

"Mmmph."

"But Izumi, you said before that you didn't mind who Aoi fell in love with, right?"

"That's a separate issue, Chiharu-san! The other person is an adult, an adult! What if Aoi-san gets messed up and becomes a damaged good!?"

"It doesn't look like there are any harmful people around."

"You can't judge a person by their appearance!"

Aunt Sumire grinned.

"Well, customers are always welcome. Now, enjoy your time."

Leaving behind an ominous smile, Aunt Sumire left.

Izumi trembled.

To think that she could even corner Izumi this far, it must be the wisdom of age...

"...What should we do, Chiharu-san?"

Chiharu frowned, looking troubled.

"I don't really care."

"Is it okay for Aoi-san to be seduced by adults, drop out of high school, and disappear into the night streets?"

"You have too much imagination. Nothing like that will happen."

"Hmmph, Chiharu-san, you're so cold. Fine, I understand. I'll visit this café alone and approach Aoi-san."

Those words seemed to be something Chiharu couldn't ignore.

"...Approach? You mean, you...?"

Izumi looked down.

"Because I don't like the idea of Aoi-san dating someone I don't know."

Seeing that, Chiharu seemed to have realized something.

"Izumi, that means you..."

"Eh?"

Chiharu covered her mouth with her palm.

"...Never mind."

"What is it?"

"Alright, I get it. I don't want Aoi to disappear into the night streets either."

As soon as she said that, Izumi opened her notebook.

Clicking her mechanical pencil, she said, "Let's plan a schedule. We need to coordinate our visits on the days when your club is off and my committee days are off."

"Can't we just come on our free days...?"

Chiharu groaned, looking disheartened.

So, the two busy high school girls began their passionate visits to the café.

...Was this what Aunt Sumire was aiming for?

 

 

"Welcome. Oh, Izumi-chan."

"Hello, is it okay if I come in today?"

"Of course, your usual seat is available."

A week has passed since Izumi was provoked by Aunt Sumire.

Although it seemed difficult for her to visit every day, she had come three times in the past week, which was impressive.

Aoi had been in a good mood lately. She hummed a tune while she washed the dishes.

When Aoi delivered the blend to Izumi, who was studying and reading at a seat in the back, she looked so happy. Naturally, Izumi tried to maintain a composed expression, but she couldn't hide the smile on her lips.

The two of them were now in a complete couple-like state.

They say that the time apart nurtures love, and that's exactly what's happening. Right now, they seem so happy just being in each other's presence. I think they should just get married.

Why do they seem even more intimate than the time when they kissed every time they went home?

Have both of their hearts grown, fully understanding how important and irreplaceable they are to each other?

If that's the case, then Izumi's goal must have been achieved.

She said she didn't want to touch Aoi with half-hearted feelings. However, now Izumi is jealous of Aoi being approached by adults. It's an emotion she couldn't have had as a middle schooler.

In that case, Izumi probably won't hurt Aoi out of lust anymore.

The only question now is whether Izumi realizes it or not...

Well, if they emit such a happy aura, it's natural that Aunt Sumire would notice.

Aunt Sumire, who was polishing glass cups at the counter, asked Aoi when she returned.

In a very natural, casual tone.

"Your girl friend?"

"Eh?"

Aoi blinked her eyes.

"Is something wrong with Izumi-chan?"

"Are you two dating?"

"Ehh!?"

Aoi's surprised voice echoed through the café. The customers looked over at the commotion, prompting Aoi to bow her head, saying, 'S-Sorry.' Then, she explained in a weak voice.

"T-That's not it. Izumi-chan and I have been close friends since we were kids... She's a very important friend to me, so it's not like that… at all..."

As she spoke, Aoi's face turned bright red.

She was probably remembering the many kisses they had exchanged.

Even now, she sneaked glances at Izumi's face and held her cheeks.

"...Why am I like this..."

Aoi whispered softly.

"I see, my intuition is still lacking."

Aunt Sumire chuckled.

"Since she seems to be very popular, Aoi-chan, you might get jealous, right?"

"S-Sorry, I'm not familiar with such things. Is Izumi-chan really that popular?"

Aoi asked in all honesty, and Aunt Sumire chuckled softly.

"Well, she's so beautiful and well-mannered. On top of that, she has a straightforward personality, so she's probably the type that is more popular with girls rather than boys. I bet she gets confessed to all the time. You both go to the same high school, don't you?"

"Yes, but..."

Faintly, Aoi gazed at Izumi.

"Izumi-chan never talks about that stuff."

"If I were a student, I might have fallen in love with a girl like her."

"Eh, you, Aunt Sumire?"

"Yes."

Izumi's figure, gazing at a paperback by the window, possessed a beauty that could be a painting all on its own. If elementary or middle school girls who admire older people saw her, they would likely fall in love at first sight.

Aoi unconsciously touched her lips.

"...Why didn't I think about it before?"

Aoi murmured, seeming puzzled.

Her expression was different from any she had shown before.

Her flushed cheeks and trembling eyes seemed to eloquently reveal Aoi's heart.

"..."

Should it be "finally"?

Or should it be "already"?

Aoi might have obtained the passport to confront her own heart.

Noticing the sharp pain in her chest, Aoi stared at Izumi's profile.

She probably imagined a scene where Izumi walked hand in hand with someone other than herself, laughing and kissing.

And then she thought,

« I don't want that. »

Aoi can't help but bewildered at this side of herself.

 

 

Similarly, Izumi also felt that Aoi's attitude had changed a bit.

She talked to me about it in her room.

"Did I... do something wrong?"

It seems that Izumi had no idea at all.

"Aoi avoids eye contact with me, hurries away after taking my order, and I feel like she's avoiding me at school too... What could it be...?"

As she went through each fact, Izumi became more and more downhearted.

"Seriously, what's going on..."

Right now, she looks very anxious.

But don't worry, Izumi.

The answer is gradually getting closer to what you wish for.

No one can stay a child forever.

Someday, the day to become an adult will come.

What lies at the top of the stairs is not always just a pretty view.

Jealousy. Possessiveness. Such an ugly side of oneself may be exposed on that stage.

But that place isn't always lonely.

If you have someone to walk with, any place can turn into a beautiful virgin road.

That time is fast approaching.

 

Autumn has ended and the season was getting closer to winter.

One day, Chiharu unusually brought some friends from her club to the café.

"Welcome! How many people?"

"Ah, there's four of us. We might be a bit noisy, sorry."

"Eehh, we won't be that loud."

"Wow, this place has a nice atmosphere, huh? The wooden beams on the ceiling look great, don't they?"

"Ah, I'm super thirsty, Chiharu, treat us!"

"...You're already noisy enough... Sorry."

As Chiharu bowed her head, Aoi gave a wry smile, "No, no. It's okay."

Since Izumi wasn't there today, Aoi guided them to the table in the back, and then took their orders before returning.

This was the first time Chiharu had brought her friends along, so it felt a bit strange.

"Chii-chan, is this how you are during club activities?"

Chiharu, looking after the noisy trio, seemed like the oldest sister of four siblings.

I thought she was already mature, but she's so composed compared to her peers. Well, I've only seen her talking to the equally mature Izumi after all.

Aoi kept stealing glances at the table where they were discussing club activities, seemingly curious.

"Your crush?"

"Eh?"

Aunt Sumire stood with a mischievous smile on her face.

"Aoi-chan's unrequited love, right?"

"Eh? No, Chii-chan is my childhood friend and an important friend."

Unlike when talking about Izumi, Aoi seemed to have the composure to smile.

However.

"I'm glad then. It looks like she hasn't realized her own feelings yet, but soon that girl will confess to her. The girl sitting next to her I mean."

Aoi froze involuntarily.

"Eh?"

I was surprised too. Indeed, when I looked at them, the girl next to Chiharu did touch her a lot and sit close to her...

Aunt Sumire flicked her e-cigarette.

"It can't be helped since she's so cool. Everyone would fall in love with her if they were together. For girls of that age, she's that kind of presence. Having a good face is really a great thing."

Aunt Sumire is a person who only like the looks. And it seemed as if she was only praising Chiharu's face, so Aoi objected.

"Chii-chan is indeed cool, but more than that, she's very kind and works hard in club activities... She's a good person inside too."

"Is that so? Aoi-chan, you know her well, don't you?"

Aoi closed her mouth.

"...That's not true. When we entered middle school, we didn't hang out as much. Even in high school, I've only been watching Chii-chan from afar. So I don't know anything."

Yet, Aoi smiled happily.

"Chii-chan running is so beautiful, I used to watch her a lot after school. She wouldn't tell me when she had competitions in middle school because she was embarrassed, but I still went to watch her alone... Chii-chan is very special to me."

I didn't know.

That Aoi thought of Chiharu that way.

Chiharu, laughing with her friends in the distance, looked like a dignified woman rather than the anxious one I had always seen.

Has Chiharu gotten used to her new environment and come to like herself a little more? I hope so.

But for Aoi, it seemed like Chiharu was a distant existence behind a glass.

Aoi's eyes were filled with admiration.

I see.

Aoi had been chasing after Chiharu with those eyes all this time.

Somewhere I didn't know, all this time.

Perhaps the two of them have been thinking of each other for a long time now.

"But...I couldn't keep it a secret from Chii-chan... It can't be helped."

"Secret?"

When Aunt Sumire asked, Aoi's face turned red.

Although she didn't quite understand in elementary school, remembering her first kiss now that she's in high school must be like a gemstone she's kept hidden in her heart.

"It's a precious… memory."

"I see."

Aunt Sumire smiled and stroked Aoi's back.

"So she was your first love, wasn't she?"

Aoi couldn't answer, just shyly smiling.

It might have been the case.

Those words wrapped around Aoi like thorns.

Each time she twisted, a sweet pain ran through her heart.

 

 

Winter eventually arrived.

Aoi, sitting in her pajamas in front of me the houseplant, seemed to be overwhelmed by her own feelings.

"All this time I never realized that I've always been with amazing people. I'm too slow, aren't I?"

Aoi smiled, looking troubled.

"Trying not to lose to the two of them is impossible."

That's not true, Aoi.

Aoi is just as charming as the two of them.

But I can't tell her.

I can't convey these words.

How much the two of them love and cherish Aoi.

Even though I've known for five years, and I've always seen them.

Aoi, puzzled by her first conscious feelings of love, feels that she can't compete with them and is about to give up.

If being friends as usual is too difficult for the clumsy Aoi,

Could the bond between the three of them come to an end here?

Will Chiharu and Izumi find someone else they like and walk through life together with that person?

And then someday, Aoi will meet a wonderful person and fall in love again.

Then they get married, build a family, and live on.

That might be one of the answers.

But.

This is my selfish wish, having been in touch with their feelings all this time.

I want the three of them to make a clear decision.

To choose the future they think is best, I want to push Aoi forward.

No matter which one Aoi ends up choosing, I want to help her love come true.

That night, I had a dream.

 

 

"Huh…? where is this?"

It was a familiar room.

No wonder. This used to be my room.

There was an out-of-season kotatsu left in the center of the room, a bed, a desk, but no walls. All sides were connected to a mysterious white space. It was as uncomfortable as having a patch of grass in a sandbox.

"A dream, huh... This might be the first time I've had a dream."

I put my feet in the kotatsu and realized.

Wait!? I have a body!

Of course, it hasn't grown since I died, so it's my high school body. I'm also still in the same school uniform as when I died.

I try standing up and swing my arms around. Wow, it's really been a while since I've had my body. Five years since I became a houseplant, I've finally turned back into a moving thing.

"Eh..."

Hm?

When I turn around, there's a girl standing there.

"Onee-chan?"

It was Aoi in her elementary form.

"Whoa, Aoi, aren't you small?"

Aoi opened her eyes wide and ran towards me.

Oh my.

"Onee-chan, Onee-chan!"

"You're such a spoiled child, Aoi."

"You never appeared in my dreams even once, Onee-chan. I finally got to see you."

"Oh, is that so? I'm sorry."

I bowed my head, feeling blamed. I wonder if it's because my spirit was trapped in a plant...? Scary.

"Now, now, sit down over here."

"Okay..."

Aoi also put her feet in the kotatsu and sat down next to me.

As I enjoyed the sight of the petite Aoi for the first time in a while, I stroked her hair with my fingers.

"By the way, Aoi, you seem to have a worried look on your face."

"Eh? R-Really?"

"Of course. I can see through anything about you. After all, I've been watching over you all this time."

"Ehehe..."

Aoi, laughing weakly, quickly looked down.

"You know, Onee-chan."

"Hmm?"

"I might have someone I like."

"Uh-huh."

"But, that person is amazing. I've always wanted to be like them... But I'm still far from catching up..."

"Uh-huh."

"If I were to say to them that I like them, it would be bothersome, right...? After all, they seem very popular. There are so many better people in the world than me..."

"Who does Aoi like?"

"Well..."

"It's fine, we haven't seen each other in a long time. It's a sisterly talk. Go on, tell me."

"...Izumi-chan and Chiharu-chan."

"Both of them, huh? Aoi is greedy."

"It's weird to like both of them together, isn't it...? I..."

"What do you like about those two?"

Aoi looked down even more.

However, her cheeks turned a warm, reddish color.

"I like Izumi-chan's hair."

"Uh-huh."

"I like Chii-chan's scent."

"Uh-huh."

"I like Izumi-chan's gentle fingers."

"Uh-huh."

"I like Chii-chan's smile."

"Uh-huh."

I nodded to everything and stroked Aoi's head.

"Both of them love Aoi too, you know?"

"Really...?"

"Yes. It's alright. Because Onee-chan knows everything. Neither of them will ever refuse Aoi's confession. I'd even bet my entire collection on it."

It doesn't matter if this is a dream.

Since I got to meet Aoi, I want to tell her everything.

Maybe becoming a houseplant was for this moment.

Not to enjoy a moe-moe situation, but to guide Aoi to happiness.

"No matter which one you choose, Aoi will surely be happy. They will make Aoi happy, and Aoi will make them happy."

Aoi looked at me anxiously.

"...I want you to come with me, Onee-chan. I can't do anything alone without you..."

Aoi, who remained in her elementary school form, reflected my smile in her round, clinging eyes.

"The two of them are kind, so they might agree to go out with me if I confess... But when I think about how they might feel bothered by it deep down, I... I'm scared. My insides tighten, and my head spins. I might get a fever again, and then I'd worry the two of them. And if I have a fever, I won't be able to work at the shop... That's why I want you with me, Onee-chan. You will never, ever leave me alone, right?"

I gently stroke Aoi's head as tears roll down her cheeks.

"Onee-chan is, already done."

"Eh...?"

"The one who will make Aoi happy are Chiharu-chan and Izumi-chan."

Aoi shook her black hair and tugged at my sleeve.

"I don't want that, not after we've finally reunited."

"I'm sorry, but when you wake up, I won't be there. Since you are not a plant rooted in a pot, you have to keep moving forward, Aoi."

"I've been so lonely."

"That's not true."

I laughed and pushed Aoi's nose.

Aoi looked up and said, "Huh?"

"You're not like that, are you?"

"I am..."

"You must have been happy all this time. You had such wonderful friends. So, don't dwell on what you've lost. Remember the people who were by your side. And you can believe in a bright future from now on, right?"

Chiharu didn't visit home much, but she was always worried about Aoi. They could meet anytime at school. And Izumi always stood by Aoi's side no matter what. Because Izumi was saved by Aoi.

You cannot forget all of that.

Aoi has always been happy.

"You don't believe me?"

"No, it's not like that. I believe you Onee-chan."

Her voice saying 'I believe you' sounded so beautiful, and I thought, 'Aah, Aoi has grown up to be such a good girl.' That's all thanks to her father and mother, and her friends.

They were always by her side, sharing Aoi's sadness together.

"Onee-chan..."

"I'll always love you, Aoi."

"I love you too, always and forever, I will never forget."

Aoi tightly gripped my hands with both of hers.

That warmth was something I had almost forgotten.

The warmth of someone's hand feels so good.

"Yeah, thank you. I won't forget you either, Aoi."

Then, I remembered.

The scenery I saw before I died. The elementary school couple holding hands. Their faces were so genuinely happy, as if they believed in a happy, bright, and sure-to-come-future.

Ah, I see.

So that's why I—.

Always over them—.

When I noticed, Aoi had grown into a high school student.

Her height was the same as mine.

Even our ages were the same now.

"Aoi, you understand, right?"

"Onee-chan, thank you... I'll properly, properly tell them." 

"Yeah,"

Being able to hug Aoi tightly like I had always wanted to, I was truly happy too. 

From now on, let's leave the rest to the young ones.

"Be happy, Aoi."

 

After I let go of my consciousness, I thought vaguely.

If Aoi chose one of them, I wish I could be there for the one left behind.

Aoi might gain a lover but lose a best friend.

That must be a painful choice.

And I don't want to see any of the three of them cry.

However, we have to reach the end.

We can't just keep watching the love life of a yuri couple forever.

--Just then, my consciousness surfaced.

 

When I woke up, Aoi was on the phone with someone.

It seemed like she was calling a girl.

Strangely enough, I couldn't hear her voice.

Even though I slept so much, I still feel very sleepy.

Aoi, waiting for the person she was going to confess to, looked as tense as a taut string.

But, she looked incredibly beautiful.

It made me wonder if this is how a father feels when his daughter is about to get married.

Having decided to watch over Aoi until the very end, I eagerly awaited that moment with her.

 

And then, the girl who was once a maiden has arrived.

The final choice that Aoi made was—.

---

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