◆ Chapter 1: Elementary School Arc

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I'm Hana Ueda, just an ordinary high school girl you can find anywhere. If I had to say, I'm a little more into girls' love - yuri stuff than most people!

On my usual winter walk home, something made me a little happy today.

As I walked home from high school a bit early, I spotted two elementary school girls holding hands.

Ah, how cute, elementary school yuri... So precious...

Their red backpacks were bouncing up and down.

As I watched their backs warmly, I couldn't help but fantasize.

I'm sure they're just playing together without a care in the world as elementary schoolers, but they'll start to become aware of each other around middle school, go through twists and turns, and eventually start dating in high school, ultimately reaching their goal in Shibuya.

No, by the time they become adults, I'm sure the laws will have changed, and same-sex marriage will be accepted as a commonplace thing in society.

Wait no, I can't just leave it to others and say that it's a sure thing.

To make that happen, I need to become a member of parliament and strive to make this country more yuri-friendly even a little bit. That's why I, Hana Ueda, am aiming to become a bureaucrat.

Don't worry, little yuri elementary school couple. The future of yuri is bright. I'll protect you!

As I thought about that and stared at the elementary school couple, I fell into an open manhole on the side of the road with a "Danger! Absolutely do not enter!" sign and died. I was seventeen years old.

My dream of becoming a member of parliament was crushed here.

 

 

However-- I, who should have died, suddenly woke up.

What's going on? Something's wrong. Why am I conscious? The terrifying image of the moment I fell is still stuck in my head.

My vision is blurry. Is this someone's room? It's not mine, but it feels familiar.

It doesn't seem like I'm lying in bed. My whole body feels incredibly vague. Was I seriously injured?

Huh...?

Someone came into the room. It's a girl.

The girl collapses onto the bed with a puff and lets out a sobbing sound.

"Onee-chan... Onee-chan..."

Hearing her voice made me feel a tightness in my chest.

I wanted to say something to her, but a sudden wave of sleepiness hit me. I couldn't stay awake.

Swallowed up by drowsiness, I closed my eyes. As I drifted off, I wished that the next time I woke up, that little girl would be smiling.

 

 

In my dream, I was holding a crying girl tightly.

I'm a huge yuri fan, but I don't particularly have any feelings of wanting to do anything with girls myself. I just like watching.

Even so, I had special feelings for this girl. Not anything indecent, but purely wanting to comfort her somehow.

Seeing the crying girl made me sad too. My feelings kept sinking deeper and deeper.

At least I wanted to take on some of the girl's sadness, so I stroked her head.

The girl looked up at me and whispered, "Onee-chan."

--Onee-chan.

It was at that moment, as my face reflected in her teary eyes.

I remembered everything.

 

 

And then, I woke up again.

This time, my memory was clearer than before.

This is the room of Hana Ueda's younger sister - Aoi Ueda.

No wonder it looked familiar. It's the room next door. But why am I in Aoi's room instead of my own?

The answer became clear immediately. Or rather, there was a full-length mirror in front of me, and it was obvious at a glance.

I had become a houseplant.

...Yeah.

It's hard to accept, but it's true. I have become a houseplant and am sitting prominently in Aoi's room.

This Benjamin Baroque is a houseplant I gave Aoi as an interior green gift[1] for her birthday. I wondered if giving a houseplant instead of flowers was appropriate for an elementary schooler, but Aoi herself said she'd prefer something long-lasting, so I chose this. She was delighted with the curly leaves.

But why did I become a houseplant...?

I understand why my whole body feels vague. It's because I'm a houseplant. But how on earth am I able to see the surroundings even though I'm a houseplant?

Could it be that I still have some human functions left? I tried hard for a while, but I still couldn't lift my roots and start walking. Though, it would be slightly horrifying if I could do that...

I hear the sound of someone slowly climbing the stairs. It seems I can also feel sounds and vibrations. They say tomatoes grow sweet fruits when they listen to classical music, so maybe it's something like that. I don't know.

The door opened. I was surprised by the lack of a knock, but it was Aoi who appeared. You wouldn't knock on your own room, would you?

Behind her, our worried-looking mother showed her face.

"Aoi, you don't have to force yourself to go to school. You can take a break for a while."

"Okay."

Aoi nodded with a flushed face, changed into her pajamas with sluggish movements, and lay down on the bed. Our mother placed some Pocari and snacks beside the pillow.

"You can take it slowly, just a little at a time."

"...Okay."

Aoi nodded in a smaller voice than before, and our mother stroked her forehead before leaving the room.

Aoi stared blankly at the ceiling.

Come to think of it, Aoi has always been the kind of child who gets a fever before field trips and such. It's probably stress or something, but I wonder if something has been causing her stress lately.

As I tried to think about it, I quickly realized.

Could it be... that my falling into the manhole has something to do with it...?

"Onee-chan..."

As if to confirm it, Aoi mumbles in a tearful voice.

I couldn't help but shiver (even though I don't have a spine) from the chill.

So... Aoi, only in fifth grade, lost her Onee-chan in an accident...

H-How pitiful! Poor Aoi!

That's why she's been skipping school, having a fever, and sobbing all the time...

Uu, I'm sorry, Aoi...

If only I hadn't been so captivated by the elementary school yuri couple and let my imagination run wild...

No, I can't just make any excuses and not do anything.

All Onee-chan can do now is at least absorb the carbon dioxide in the room and release oxygen. So, I take deep breaths with all my might.

As I show off my lung capacity from my days in the tennis club, Aoi suddenly sits up.

"Oh right, I need to… water you."

She picks up the watering can in the room and comes over to me.

Aoi is a beautiful girl with big eyes and a well-featured face. Compared to me, who takes after our mother and is more of a charming type (a euphemistic expression), Aoi, who takes after our father, will surely grow up to be a beautiful woman.

My shy, introverted sister, who used to follow me around saying "Onee-chan, Onee-chan," is hurt, and I can't do anything for her as an older sister.

I put all my strength into my arm. Hnnnn.

At least I have to hug her tiny body. Hnnnn.

No good. I can't even make a single leaf tremble.

I should have given Aoi a carnivorous plant like a Venus flytrap as a gift. If I could flap the leaves in front of her, I might have been able to express some intention. Although the probability of Aoi screaming and me getting pruned is high.

Aoi stares intently at me (or rather, the houseplant). I try to seize the opportunity and make a sound, but the leaves of the Benjamin Baroque had no organs to produce sound.

I'm being watered with the watering can. My body feels refreshed. It feels like I'm taking a shower, but at the same time, I feel like I'm drinking delicious water. It's strangely pleasant.

Gasp... Could it be that I'm actually naked...? Even though I've become a houseplant, right now, my fifth-grade sister is making me naked and pouring water on me from the head...?

I'm starting to feel perverted.

"Hey, Onee-chan."

My heart races!

Could it be that Aoi has realized I've become a houseplant...!?

"Without you, Onee-chan, every day is lonely..."

Of course, that wasn't the case. Aoi was just talking to herself.

Uu, I'm sorry...

"Why did you have to go, Onee-chan...?"

If only I hadn't been so captivated by the elementary school yuri...

"You were always so cheerful, fun, beautiful, and cool... without you, I'll be all alone..."

Huh? Who is she talking about? Me? Me?

Could there have been a forbidden sisterly yuri route? Darn it! I missed out! If only I'd made a move a little sooner!

No, that's not it. I prefer watching rather than being involved. No, that's not the point! With all these mysterious events, I was confused too.

I want Aoi to cheer up somehow. Is there really nothing I can do? It's painful to just watch!

I feel like crying with Aoi.

At that moment, the doorbell rang. Aoi didn't seem to care and continued to water me, but there was a knock on the bedroom door.

Our mother poked her head in.

"Aoi, your friend came to deliver some handouts. Do you want to see her for a bit?"

"...I'm watering right now."

"It's Chiharu."

"..."

As Aoi looked down without replying, our mother smiled softly and left the room, saying, "Wait a moment."

Aoi mumbled, "Chii-chan."

Soon, a slightly taller girl with a backpack appeared.

Chii-chan, or Chiharu Natsume, is our childhood friend. Since our houses are close, the three of us used to play together all the time.

Chiharu, who loved physical activities, often challenged me to races, and Aoi, not wanting to be left out, would follow us and fall, which was the usual pattern.

After I entered high school and started devoting my weekends to club activities, it was hard to find time together, but the three of us were like sisters.

"Here, handouts."

"Okay."

Chiharu hands over the printouts she took out of her backpack, and Aoi receives them with a downcast face.

Both of them seemed unsure of what to say.

The first to speak was Chiharu, the "older sister" whose birthday was three months earlier.

"You've been off for a week now, your body, is it okay?"

"I still have a bit of a fever, I guess."

"Then you have to rest."

Chiharu points to the bed, but Aoi, who sits down next to the houseplant (me), looks down again and says, "Yeah."

"Without Aoi, school is boring."

"..."

"Come to school, even just for a little bit."

Chiharu also had a stiff face as she tried to cheer up Aoi.

I understand, I understand. I can tell exactly how Chiharu feels.

Chiharu must have come to encourage Aoi.

But she doesn't know what to say because she's never had this experience before, so her words come out curt.

I'm rooting for Chiharu.

Hang in there. Hang in there, Chiharu. Do it for me, who can only watch. It might be too much for an elementary schooler, but...!

"...Aoi."

But perhaps her heart was broken too, as Chiharu also looked down.

Even though she's so close, she doesn't know what to do. Her confusion and frustration are painful to watch.

Then, as if she suddenly realized something, Chiharu pointed at me.

"Is that houseplant from Hana-chan?"

"Yeah."

That's right. Although, right now, I'm more like a "Kusa(grass)-chan" than a "Hana(flower)-chan."

"The leaves are curly and cute."

"Yeah."

Chiharu pokes the leaves, and Aoi does the same.

"It kind of resembles Hana-chan."

"Ah... maybe."

It's true that I have curly hair and often have curls. I've tried hair straightening a few times, but it quickly wears off and the price is no joke, so I've given up and cut it short.

But I didn't send the Benjamin Baroque with the intention of it resembling me. I'm not that self-loving...

"It does look like Onee-chan."

Saying that, Aoi lets out a small smile.

Oh, ooh...!

Chiharu sits cross-legged close to Aoi and holds out her hand.

"Hey, can I water it too?"

"Yeah. I think Onee-chan would be happy too."

I'm already being treated as a Onee-chan, but since it's true, I can't say anything.

This time, Chiharu pours water on me too. It's cold and feels good. I almost feel like my hips are floating (even though I don't have any) and I want to let out a sound. These two are playing with their 17-year-old sister's body and smiling. What wicked fifth-graders.

After returning the watering can, Chiharu hesitates for a moment and then makes a determined face.

And then, she holds Aoi's hand.

Then, with a serious gaze.

"You know, I know a magic spell that can cheer you up."

No way.

Could it be she’s going to do the thing I thoughtlessly did for Chiharu when she had just entered elementary school, fell, and scraped her knee on the asphalt, crying with blood dripping down?

Do you remember, Chiharu?

...If that's the case, what will happens?

Aoi tilts her head with innocent, puppy-like eyes.

"...Really?"

"Yeah. I can't do it to other people, but I can do it for Aoi. Do you want me to?"

"Yeah."

"...Then close your eyes."

Aoi closes her eyes with a trusting expression.

On the other hand, Chiharu clenches her lips with determination.

But she gathers her courage and moves her face.

Chiharu gently touches her lips to Aoi's forehead.

It's elementary school yuri...

Aoi covers her forehead with both hands, her face turning red in surprise.

Chiharu, who gave the kiss, also averts her eyes and blushes.

Precious.

As if swearing an eternal vow, Chiharu musters her courage and says,

"You know, it's okay, Aoi. I'll always be by your side."

"...Chii-chan, is that..."

Chiharu, who was stared at with innocent eyes, stammers.

"It's not in a weird way... you know, Aoi is shy around strangers, and if there's no one she knows nearby, she'll cry, right? So from now on,

...I'll be… by Aoi's side... for Hana-chan "

What a handsome guy. I want to be hugged.

Aoi takes in those love confession-like words with a blank face for a while.

But this time, it's not an awkward silence,

"Sorry, Aoi, I said something strange when you have a fever."

"No, I'm happy."

Aoi's smile quietly blooms, lifting her spirits.

It was like light shining through a break in the clouds.

Blushing, Aoi tightly holds Chiharu's hands with both of hers.

"Chii-chan, always, always be with me. I don't want you to be gone too."

"Of course. If I leave Aoi alone, I don't know when she'll get a fever. I'm worried too."

"Thank you, Chii-chan..."

The two of them hold hands for a while.

Aoi is smiling, but Chiharu is embarrassed all the way through.

When it's time to leave, Chiharu is the only one who blushing like a boy.

Sigh.

I don't know if her feeling is love or friendship, but there's no doubt that Chiharu has special feelings for Aoi.

I didn't know. I had no idea that Chiharu thought of Aoi that way.

At that age, kids usually admire older sisters, so they would be more interested in me... But I'm just a bystander...

No, no, it's fine. With this, Aoi could get better. She was able to feel that she wasn't alone, not just through words. It's all thanks to Chiharu.

I may not be the one to make her do it, but I hope she can move forward without being trapped by the person who's gone.

And the same goes for me.

My path to becoming a member of parliament has been closed, but this might not be a bad second life (plant life?).

From now on, I'll watch over Aoi's life as a houseplant, from good morning to good night.

From this special seat, I'll enjoy plenty of elementary school yuri!

 

 

Aoi started going to school the next day.

Although she still occasionally looks into the distance with a lonely expression, her fever seems to have completely subsided.

I'm glad, I'm glad.

Perhaps because I'm not there anymore, Aoi and Chiharu often play in the room. Aoi is not good at playing outside, so Chiharu must be adjusting to her. How kind. How precious.

Two weeks after I disappeared, one day.

The two of them are doing handicrafts. It looks like they're making drawstring bags by threading strings.

"Aoi, you're good at this kind of thing, huh..."

"Really?"

"I'm terrible at sewing and knitting. Needles are kind of scary."

Chiharu falls backward with a thud. I understand that feeling. I used to have my mom do most of my sewing homework for me.

On the other hand, Aoi silently continues threading the needle.

Aoi likes these kinds of mundane tasks. She likes to solve crossword puzzles from her mom's magazines and spends a lot of time leveling up in games.

It's somehow cute to see a small elementary school student engrossed in such work. But when I tried to tease her, she got angry with me. I was a hopeless Onee-chan.

Anyway, it seems like Chiharu is getting bored.

"Hey, Aoi. Let's do something else."

"Okay, but what?"

"Hmm."

It seems like they've finished one part of the work. As Aoi puts away the tools in the sewing box, Chiharu, who has also finished tidying up, groans.

"Hey, Aoi"

"Yes?"

"Do you have any boys you like in your class?"

"Huh?"

Surprised by the sudden change of topic, Aoi shakes her silky black hair.

"No no, I'm still too young for that kind of thing, so I don't have anyone."

"It's suspicious when you get flustered."

I can relate.

"I said I don't, I really don't."

Aoi repeats it as if to emphasize.

"I don't have any close male friends, and I haven't even talked to any of them."

"Not even someone you think is nice?"

"Yeah."

She nods.

Aoi doesn't seem to know why Chiharu suddenly asked such a question and looks a bit annoyed. Well, with this attitude, it's probably true that she doesn't have anyone she likes.

As the questioning comes to a halt, Aoi stands up.

"I'm going to the bathroom for a bit."

"Okay."

As soon as Aoi leaves,

Chiharu lets out a sigh as if a string has been cut.

"Why am I so nervous...?"

Chiharu's cheeks are flushed as she brushes her hair back.

Chiharu's gaze, which had been restlessly scanning the room, eventually stopped in front of me.

"Hana-chan... am I strange?"

What's wrong girl? Are you troubled?

I'll listen to you down to the very corners of my veins.

"Recently, I've been feeling weird. Ever since Hana-chan disappeared and Aoi was crying about being lonely, my heart clenches."

Yeah, yeah.

To put it bluntly, that's love.

"When Aoi is in a different group for P.E., I get strangely restless, wondering what she's currently doing, or if she's alright, and I can't help but think about those things."

I understand. That's love.

I want to celebrate the birth of an elementary school yuri couple.

Chiharu clenches her molars in frustration.

"...If only Hana-chan were alive, this wouldn't have happened... why…"

I-I'm sorry. I feel like I've had cold water poured on my thoughtless thoughts.

No, really, I'm sorry for being captivated by the elementary school yuri couple...

"Sigh, why is it... I couldn't stand to see Aoi feeling down, and I've been thinking that it would be nice if she didn't have to cry or be sad from now on... so..."

Chiharu seems to be searching for the right words.

"Could it be that I... think of Aoi as..."

Gulping, I wait for Chiharu's next words.

She looks up at the ceiling and murmurs softly.

"Like a little sister... maybe?"

I almost forgot that I was a houseplant and nearly facepalmed.

I see, like a little sister, huh...

However, the girl seemed convinced, and her face gradually became more serious.

"I see... Since Hana-chan is gone, I have to become an older sister for Aoi, and that's why I'm worried about her... I see, I see! I got it, Hana-chan, thank you!"

She smiles without a care and gently pokes my leaf with her index finger.

Hey, you. I don't think an older sister would kiss her little sister's forehead, but... I also did that to Chiharu. I was also quite flustered at that time and couldn't think of anything else.

With that brief confession over, Aoi returns from the bathroom.

"I’m back. Chii-chan, were you on the phone or something? I heard voices."

"Oh, I was just consulting with Hana-chan."

"Eh, Onee-chan?"

Aoi also glances at the houseplant. In this room, Hana is now synonymous with this houseplant. I can't help but feel nervous about being introduced as "Onee-chan" when she gets a lover someday.

Chiharu grabs Aoi’s hand and pulls her close.

Aoi, looking puzzled, leans into Chiharu without resistance.

"I think of you as a real little sister, Aoi."

"U-uh…is that so?"

Chiharu hugs Aoi’s head tightly and reassures her again.

"So, if you ever have any painful or unpleasant experiences, tell me. I'll do my best for Hana-chan's sake too."

"Yeah..."

But Aoi places her hand on Chiharu’s cheek.

"...But that goes for Chii-chan too, right?"

"Eh? Me?"

Aoi smiles and turns around, gently stroking Chiharu’s bangs.

"I know Chii-chan is really lonely without Onee-chan too. So, it goes both ways. I'll also be a substitute for Onee-chan."

"But…" Chiharu shakes her head. "For you to do that to me…"

"At least when it comes to sewing, I’m better."

Aoi points out Chiharu’s drawstring bag that was left on the desk. After making a "Ugh" face, Chiharu smiles faintly.

"Well, that’s true. Then let’s share Hana-chan’s role together, Aoi-Onee-chan."

"Yeah, I’ll do my best too, Chiharu-Onee-chan."

The two of them laugh together, snuggling up like sister cats.

Although they didn't have romantic feelings for each other (honestly, I think Chiharu is suspicious), it was a truly precious scene.

Without thinking, I put my hands together in prayer. How grateful I am...

Being able to witness such a scene is all thanks to my death. Thank you, Ueda Hana. Your death was the glue that strengthened the bonds between the two girls... Ueda Hana, you lived for that purpose...

 

 

The winter that year lasted a long time.

It feels a bit guilty to always have the heater on so that the houseplant doesn't wither. So at the very least, I'll try my best to keep the air clean.

Whenever Aoi caught a fever during the winter, Chiharu would always visit her.

"Sorry, Chii-chan."

"Really, Aoi, you're so frail. I'll leave the printouts on your desk."

"Thanks..."

Chiharu, who had taken off her scarf and placed her backpack down, had a sulky expression on her face. Even though they've kissed each other on the forehead so many times, she still feels shy.

She approaches Aoi, who is lying in bed.

She tightly grasps Aoi’s hand.

"...And also, the charm again."

"Yeah."

She presses her small lips against Aoi’s sweaty forehead.

Moved by the beauty of the scene, I can't help but shed tears. It’s the ultimate satisfaction for a houseplant.

"Get better soon."

"Hehe... thank you..."

Seeing Aoi’s grin, Chiharu pouts with her cheeks blushing.

She kisses Aoi’s forehead once more before leaving.

A moist sound echoes.

With a concerned look on her face, Aoi says,

"If Chii-chan ever gets a fever, I'll give you a charm too."

"Eh, no need for that... It’s embarrassing."

Aoi blinks rapidly.

"Was it embarrassing for you?"

"Ah, no, not that, it’s different!"

After dugging her own grave, Chiharu suddenly became flustered.

Aoi covers her mouth with blanket.

"So it is embarrassing... As I thought, friends don't do this, right?"

"No, no, they do. I'd do it with anyone, with no problem." Chiharu averts her eyes when Aoi stares at her intently. "Well… maybe… not that often."

Sweat drips down her temple. It’s hard to tell who has the fever with that complexion.

But after clearing her throat with a cough, Chiharu gazes at Aoi. "No, I don't do it, I don't do it with anyone else, just Aoi."

Aoi’s expression softens.

"I see. That makes me happy. It really does make me feel better. Chii-chan’s lips are soft and feel nice."

Chiharu flinches slightly when Aoi says something so bold.

"Feel nice, you say..."

"Hmm?"

Aoi has a question mark floating above her head. She doesn't seem to be aware that she said something strange.

This is the difference in mental age...!

Chiharu places her index finger on Aoi’s lips.

"...Don't say that kind of thing in public. It’s embarrassing."

"Yeah, so it’s our secret."

"That’s right, it’s a secret. If you keep the promise, I'll do it again."

"Hey, what if I start looking forward to getting a fever?"

"Hey, hey..."

Chiharu pokes Aoi’s head, who’s grinning mischievously, and her cheeks relax.

After that, Aoi had a fever once a month, and Chiharu would visit her and kiss her forehead each time.

Having witnessed their honeymoon from the closest distance, I felt like I was about to achieve enlightenment and break free from the cycle of reincarnation due to the sacredness of the scene. However, I endured with the iron will to continue watching over Aoi. I couldn't let go of my own yuri room.

 

 

When they became sixth graders and it seemed like Aoi’s sadness had faded away like words written in the sand being washed away by the waves, Chiharu brought another girl with her, which was unusual.

This girl had long eyelashes, big eyes, and the look of a neat and clean beautiful young lady that made my heart race a little.

Three beautiful girls with different types in the same room. Photosynthesis is going well with the light emitted by these beautiful girls...

"Ah, is this the Benjamin Baroque you were talking about?"

The beautiful girl looks at me up close. Wow, the carbon dioxide exhaled by a beautiful girl! I must convert it all into starch. Thank you. Thank you.

"Yeah, it’s the houseplant my Onee-chan gave me, and it looks like her."

"My goodness... Nice to meet you, I’m Mizuhara Izumi. I’m Aoi’s classmate and we’ve been getting along well."

How polite, thank you very much.

Ueda Hana here, turned into a Benjamin Baroque houseplant after falling into a manhole.

Chiharu is surprised next to me.

"That’s amazing, Izumi. Your greeting is just like an adult."

"My mother always tells me to be proper."

Izumi smiles elegantly, making me question whether she is a real sixth-grader, or just an imaginary young lady created by a Lolicon.

Fortunately, she seems to be real, and the three of them, including Izumi, spread out their study materials from their backpacks.

Between the well-developed-for-her-age Chiharu and the composed Izumi, you can see how ordinary our Aoi is as a sixth grader. Ordinary Aoi is cute.

"Onee-chan, Izumi-chan goes to the same cram school as me and is the cutest in our class. She’s popular with both boys and girls, knows a lot of things, and is amazing."

Aoi tells me proudly, while Izumi smiles awkwardly.

"Well, I don’t know about the cutest..."

Chiharu also blushes while looking away.

You're definitely in love with Aoi, aren't you? You can't fool my eyes.

"After all Aoi-san, the other day at cram school..."

"Wait, no, don’t say it!"

Aoi leans forward to cover Izumi’s mouth.

"Did something happen the other day?"

"Yes, it did. She got a letter from a boy at cram school. Right?"

"Even though I told you not to tell Chiharu-chan about it!"

"I'm reporting it to Onee-sama. Don't worry, Onee-sama, Aoi-san is growing beautifully every day."

With a prim look, Izumi said at me.

Oh, Aoi... I feel somewhat shocked too.

You've already gotten to the point where boys are confessing to you... I never had any romantic experiences in my life... Kids these days are so advanced...

Naturally, the one who is as shocked as I am is Chiharu.

"No way... Aoi, you, you..."

"It was just an invitation to hang out next time!"

"In the girls' network, Aoi-san is known as the true number one in popularity among boys."

"No way~!"

"I didn't know that, even though I play dodgeball with boys all the time..."

"Because, Aoi-san, you're really cute, right?"

"There’s no way that’s true~!"

Izumi hugs Aoi and strokes her head, treating her like a puppy.

"At school, everyone is holding back because Chiharu-onee-chan is there."

With a meaningful gaze, Izumi looks at Chiharu. Chiharu snatches Aoi from her arms.

"It's obvious right? I have a job to protect Aoi in Hana-chan’s place."

"But I’m also your Onee-chan too~"

Aoi’s cry is ignored.

Chiharu strokes Aoi’s cheek and gazes into her eyes.

"Why did you hide it, Aoi?"

It’s like a scene where infidelity has been discovered.

Aoi, flustered, says,

"Because... it was embarrassing..."

Her face turns bright red as she speaks. Chiharu keeps her serious gaze.

Overwhelmed by the pressure, Aoi glances around for an escape.

"Um, I...! My mom asked me to help serve some juice, so I have to go downstairs!"

Aoi leaves the room to escape from Chiharu’s grasp.

My little sister is a scaredy-cat.

Sighing, Chiharu collapses onto the desk.

"I wonder if I should go to cram school too... But studying is such a hassle..."

"Having more friends is a good thing."

With a constant smile, Izumi looks at Chiharu, who groans.

"Hey, Izumi, do you think I’m too overprotective of Aoi?"

"Quite a bit. I could only talk to her at cram school. But from what I see, you are not the only one who insists that she is your best friend. There are quite a few of them in my class."

"But that doesn't really help Aoi, does it?"

"Well... I don't know."

With a troubled look, Izumi furrows her brow.

These two are having a pretty mature conversation...

I’m beginning to feel like my Aoi is below the average for her age.

Chiharu leans on the desk and brushes her hair back.

"Aoi has a weak body and gets a fever easily. It doesn't happen as much lately, but she stays quiet and doesn't tell anyone when she has a fever. She keeps it to herself and collapses when she gets home. When asked why she hid it, she says, 'Because it’s embarrassing.'"

"Well, when you go to the infirmary, everyone pays attention to you."

"But when Hana-chan was around, it was amazing. Just by looking, she’d say, 'You seem to have a fever, let’s play at home,' or 'Aoi-chan might have a fever at school today, can you keep an eye on her?' and it would really happen. Hana-chan knew everything about Aoi."

"She's a wonderful Onee-sama, isn't it?"

No, that was just the result of years of experience... I think it’s too much to ask of a fifth-grader to do the same...

Somehow, my memories feel overly beautified.

"So now I have to be Hana-chan’s replacement... I don't understand Aoi, so I think I’m guarding her recklessly. I’m always worried about when she might have a fever."

"I understand your feelings, Chiharu-san."

The un-childlike Izumi nods and smiles at Chiharu.

"Chiharu-san, Aoi-san is very important to you, isn't she?"

"I don't know. If that’s true, I should be doing something for Aoi, not for myself."

"I understand. Everything. I do."

With a nod like a bodhisattva[2], Izumi said,

"Chiharu-san, you like Aoi-san, don't you?"

Eh!? Isn't that too direct!?

What is this sixth-grader... is she a nuclear warhead or something...?

Naturally, Chiharu is also taken aback.

"Li-like her..."

"Not just as a friend, but as a lover!"

"Eh!?"

Seriously? She said it.

With a bright red face, Chiharu contrasts with the sparkling-eyed Izumi.

For her age, accepting a romance between girls so openly... it can't be... Izumi is one of my kind!?

Naturally, Chiharu, who has the nerves of a normal girl, shows her rejection.

"Me liking Aoi... That’s weird, we're both girls. What are you talking about, Izumi?"

"Is it really? Chiharu-san certainly has a thought process very close to a boy, but there’s nothing strange about girls falling in love with each other."

You can’t just casually say something shocking, Izumi.

But Chiharu looks at her as if clinging.

"...Is…that so?"

"Yes, yes, of course. There are many books about romances between girls, they're called 'yuri'. Oh, if you'd like, please read this one. Here take this."

From her bag, Izumi takes out a book. It’s a novel and it’s Marimite[3]. Why is she always carrying it around?

Overwhelmed by Izumi’s momentum, Chiharu accepts it.

"Um, I've never read a book with just text like this, but thank you."

"Please let me know your thoughts. I've been thinking for a long time that Chiharu-san has this kind of potential, and I've been waiting for a chance to give it to her."

"What is that... I don't understand..."

Elite education starting from elementary school age is about to begin...!

"Wait no, really, I only think of Aoi as my little sister."

Eh, really?

"Eh, really?"

Both Izumi and I are in sync.

"What’s with that way of talking? Those eyes, that mouth."

Chiharu pulls Izumi’s cheek. Even though she says 'Nytop!' Izumi seems to be enjoying it.

While they were doing that, the door was knocked on. Chiharu opens it, and Aoi returns with a tray in her arms. There are three cups and some chocolate snacks on it.

"Sorry for being late!"

Aoi seems to have forgotten why she ran away in the first place, as she has a face that says, 'Look how amazing I am for carrying this much juice on a tray!'

"It’s fine, we just finished talking."

Chiharu turns back and raises her eyebrows at Izumi.

"Listen, even if that thing was a possibility, don't ever tell that to Aoi. It would trouble her."

"That depends on your attitude from now on, Chiharu-san."

"What do you...?"

Seeing Chiharu glaring at Izumi, Aoi starts to get nervous. Nervous Aoi is cute.

"Please read that book from earlier. If you do, I'll keep quiet."

"You... Fine, I'll read it, I promise."

"W-What are you two talking about?"

""...""

Aoi steps back nervously as they stare at her.

Chiharu looks away first.

"It’s a secret."

"...A secret?"

"It’s a secret, a secret. Don't make that face. Geez, you kept quiet about the boys too, so we're even."

She says bluntly, but both Izumi and I clearly saw her cheeks turning red.

At that point, Aoi seemed to sense something and fell silent.

Then she smiles, looking somewhat happy.

"I see, so Chiharu-chan has embarrassing things too."

"You--" Chiharu’s face turns bright red. "It’s not! There’s nothing embarrassing!"

 

 

The next time Aoi fell ill was in May. It seemed to always happen once a month.

Chiharu and Izumi came to visit her.

In a room where the stove was carefully lit, Izumi placed some printouts on the desk.

For some reason, Chiharu was sitting with a sulky face.

"I said I could come alone, so why did you have to come too Izumi?"

"It’s because I’m a trustworthy class representative. The teacher asked me to take care of it as well."

"I'm the one who always deliver them. My house is close. And your house is on the opposite side, right?"

"But I like Aoi-san too. Right?"

With a red face, Aoi smiles and says "right," before coughing. Then, she looks at the two of them with concern.

"I’m really happy that Chii-chan and Izumi-chan came to see me."

She must be worried because the two of them don't seem to be getting along very well.

With a reproachful look, Izumi looks at Chiharu. While Chiharu groans.

"Listen... I..."

"What’s wrong?"

"...Never mind."

Chiharu sulks and stands up.

"I'll go home first. Make sure you get some rest, Aoi."

"Ah, Chii-chan."

With a slam, the door closes.

A troubled expression appears on Izumi’s face.

"Did I do something wrong?"

Chiharu must have had a special meaning in visiting Aoi.

So, when that was interrupted, she became sulky.

This part of her still feels like an elementary school student, which makes me smile, but the leaved behind Aoi is in downcast mode.

"Um, I’m really sorry." Even without knowing the situation, Izumi bowed her head. "I didn't mean to intrude. I’m really sorry for not reading the atmosphere. I’ll go home too."

"No, it’s not Izumi-chan’s fault. I think Chii-chan probably had a bad time at school. I’m really sorry, please come again."

"Yes, thank you. I’ll come again."

With that, Izumi left awkwardly.

Aoi sighed and flopped onto the bed.

"What happened to Chii-chan...?"

Even as an elementary school student, a girl’s heart can be complicated.

But after Izumi left, Chiharu, who should have gone home, came back.

"Ah, Chii-chan."

"I’m really sorry about earlier." Before Aoi could say anything, Chiharu apologized. "I just suddenly got irritated. It’s my fault. You can be mad at me."

"Eh, I can’t do that."

Chiharu made a stern face and held Aoi’s hand, then lightly slapped her own cheek.

"I have to apologize to Izumi tomorrow too."

Chiharu, who can properly apologize, is a good girl.

"I don’t understand. What happened, Chii-chan? Did your stomach hurt?"

"...No. It’s just... she lent me a weird book."

Chiharu’s face was red, looking neither frustrated nor angry.

Without saying anything, Aoi stared blankly at Chiharu.

For a while, only the sound of the clock’s hands echoed in the room.

"The charm." Aoi muttered softly. "Are we not doing it today?"

"..."

Chiharu placed her hand on Aoi’s cheek.

But she stopped there.

Chiharu, looking unusually tense, didn’t try to look into Aoi’s eyes. No, maybe she couldn’t look.

What had changed between Chiharu from the previous visit and now?

It might be that she had received the yuri education.

Chiharu’s lips trembled.

"...We’ll do it, the charm. Close your eyes."

"Okay."

Aoi closed her eyes like a sleeping princess.

Chiharu held her breath and slowly brought her face closer. It wasn't on the forehead, but a little lower...

With a light sound, Chiharu kissed Aoi’s lips.

'-----'

A voiceless sound escaped from my non-existent mouth.

Aoi let out a soft gasp.

The two stared at each other for a while.

Chiharu looked away first, unable to bear the embarrassment.

"...Is this also a charm?"

"This is..."

Chiharu’s words were cut off.

Her face looked as if she was about to cry.

"It’s a charm too."

"I see."

"It’s more effective than on the forehead."

"But if we do it on the mouth, won’t it spread?"

"Aoi’s problem isn’t a cold, it’s an emotional issue."

"I see..."

Unaware of Chiharu’s expression, Aoi smiled apologetically.

"I’m really sorry for always causing trouble. I’ll do better and become stronger so I don’t worry Chii-chan anymore."

"Aoi… is fine as she is now..."

"I’ll do my best."

"...Yeah… do your best."

With that, Today’s charm had ended, and Chiharu left with her cheeks still flushed a cherry blossom color.

Left alone, Aoi took a deep breath as if to restart a stopped heart.

"It was a charm... right?"

Even if she asked for the correct answer, there was no one left in the room.

Looking puzzled, she gently touched her lips.

"...Somehow, maybe, my heart is pounding really hard..."

Even for the naive Aoi, that charm seemed to have left a strong impression.

Or rather, I was also nervous... I accidentally peeked into their private world...

Seeing two elementary school students - and one of them being my real sister - kissing so close... I feel like I did something really wrong.

If I hadn't become a houseplant, I would never have had the chance to witness this in my lifetime.

Aoi let out a feverish sigh before tossing and turning for a while, unable to sleep. But she went to school in good spirits the next day.

The next day, I could only imagine what kind of conversation Aoi and Chiharu had when they met in the classroom, as I had taken root as a potted plant.

 

 

After that, Izumi continued to visit and stir up the relationship between the two.

Chiharu occasionally argued with her, but children of this age make up quickly, and now...

"...Hey, when are you finally going to bring the next volume?"

"Ah, I’m really sorry, I forgot again today."

"You’re doing it on purpose, right? You’re intentionally stopping at Rainy Blue, right, Izumi? Right?"

"I just want Chiharu-san to experience this suspense."

Chiharu grumbled 'Really...' at Izumi, who stuck out her tongue without any remorse.

The book exchanges always took place in Aoi’s room, and during when Aoi was briefly away. It was like a married woman yuri affair while the husband was away...

Perhaps excited that she’s going to read the sequel, Izumi happily pulled Chiharu’s arm.

"But, isn’t it interesting? Doesn’t it make your heart race?"

Looking annoyed, Chiharu shook off Izumi's arm.

"I don’t really understand yuri... but the feeling of admiring a cool senior somehow comes across. But this kind of thing isn’t really a romantic feeling, right?"

Chiharu’s ears turned red as she said this, and I didn’t miss it.

What is this girl saying after having her first kiss!

Unaware of the truth, Izumi smiled mischievously like a playful cat, perhaps knowing that she was enjoying the reading.

"I’m glad you like it, Chiharu-san. Here’s the continuation."

"So you have it!"

Chiharu snatched the paperback book Izumi pulled out of her bag.

"But how many volumes are there...?"

"Just a little more, just a little more."

And so, this is how Chiharu finished reading all the volumes of Marimite during her sixth-grade in elementary school.

Towards the end, she would tell herself, 'I have no choice since I’m kind of being forced.' but she seemed happy when borrowing the books.

 

There were times when other classmates came to play, but still, the relationship between Aoi, Chiharu, and Izumi seemed somewhat special.

The "charm" on the lips happened only once, but after that, whenever Aoi had a fever, Chiharu would kiss her forehead.

However, as Aoi grew up, became an adult, and her body became stronger, the frequency of this gradually decreased.

That is surely, a good thing.

Admiring the growing young buds of yuri, I watched over them.

Being able to witness such a happy scene is the ultimate pleasure for a houseplant...

 

And thus, the three of them gradually grew into adults.

The story was heading towards the next stage.

---

[1] Refers to a present that is meant to enhance the interior of a home or space with greenery.

[2] Having reached enlightenment

[3] Maria-sama ga Miteru

---

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