Yamato Nadeshiko, Koibana no Gotoku Chapter 2

The temperature has also become quite pleasant.

On our way home, Nades.h.i.+ko asked:

«Nii-san, can be stop by the park for a bit?»

«The park? It’s been a while hasn’t it, since we last came here…»

As per Nades.h.i.+ko’s invitation, we went to a park near our home.

Beautiful rows of cheery trees extended throughout the park.

There wasn’t anyone in the park, maybe due to it was evening.

«The spring has really come right? It’s so warm»

«You are weak to the cold so you are welcoming it with open arms I guess. Finally spring heh»

«I don’t hate the winter particularly. Since I enjoy watching the pretty snow with my Nii-san after all. If it’s summer, we could go to the beach. If it’s fall we could watch the moon together. Spring, summer, fall, winter, the s.h.i.+fting seasons are wonderful when spent with Nii-san»

Nades.h.i.+ko is always optimistic.

I should probably learn from her example.

«That’s a positive way of thinking. You always look like you’re having fun»

«I do, each day is fulfilling on its own»

I watch the fluttering cherry blossoms with my sister.

«By the way, did you know that there’s a tree that has flowers surprisingly similar to the cherries?»

«Nope. What kind of tree is it?»

«The almond tree. They are planted overseas for they pink flowers, just like our cherry trees»

«Is that so? News to me»

I guess the flowers of the almond tree are just as pretty as these.

Beautiful and pink, fluttering in the wind.

The flower that symbols the spring of j.a.pan, the cherry tree.

When it flowers, people will know that spring has finally come.

Nades.h.i.+ko was looking up the the cherries, then said:

«I’m relieved I’m finally entering the same school as you Nii-san»

«I’ve said this before but congrats»

«… Thank you very much. But it seems like Nii-san doesn’t quite get what I was trying to say. What I want to say is this—»

She seized the sleeve of my uniform while pouting—

«Nii-san… You’ve gotten quite popular during this last year without me»

«N-no that’s…»

«Not it? Is that what you are trying to say? I’ve been asking around for opinions of you during the first week. Seems like the girls have rated you highly»

When did she manage to do all this?

Nades.h.i.+ko has, as you can see, a pretty jealous side to her too.

«Nii-san is fantastic and very cool, that I know the best. But to be favored by other girls gives me some complicated feelings»

«…Is that how it is?»

«Since my rivals increases after all. You understand that too right? The feelings I hold for you…»

Nades.h.i.+ko embraced me gently.

The smell of a woman, different from a man.

While the soft body of hers came into contact with mine she looked at me with upturned eyes, closing in on me.

«I think you know. I get jealous easily. I’m brocon who loves her brother after all. Please don’t trample over my feelings. I will not betray you. You won’t betray me will you?»

Cherry flowers were caught by the wind performing a whirling dance before scattering.

«Please don’t respond to other girls’ feelings aside from mine. Nii-san, infidelity is bad you know. I won’t forgive you»

«… I’m not doing it though»

«I’m not questioning whether you are the type to cheat or not. You are a human after all. I won’t deny the feelings you may have for girls. Man and woman have times when they attract each other. unfortunately, there are times when they make mistakes too»

With a joking expression, she continued.

«However, depending on the circ.u.mstances it will make these cherry flowers seem even prettier. Who knows, maybe the cherry flowers next year will be deep crimson instead of pale pink?»

«I don’t want to ask what that means»

When imagining it, me face became stiff.

«The bewitching beauty of the cherries can be found under the tree…»

«I-it’s okay, you don’t have to continue. I understand what you are trying to say»

The reason the cherries are beautiful is found under the… (the rest is omitted).

… I’m praying earnestly for Nades.h.i.+ko to not be a person able to do that.

«Nii-san is bad you know. Since you won’t accept my feelings. They have never changed since we were small, I will always love only you Nii-san.

«… Since we are siblings after all»

«I don’t want to hear such a standard phrase»

Brother and little sister. A love relations.h.i.+p which cannot be showed in public.

A forbidden relations.h.i.+p.

The world has decided that they shall not love each other.

No matter how much I love…

Nades.h.i.+ko then started talking nostalgically beside me.

«Nii-san, do you remember? The promise you made with me here?»

«Promise?»

«You promised me didn’t you? That you would take me as your wife?»

My sister’s eyes was filled with antic.i.p.ation.

It was from before I entered elementary school that I made a promise with my sister here.

«When I grow up I’ll take Nades.h.i.+ko as my wife!»

Something anyone could say when they were children, a laughable story to tell when one became adults.

But I was probably serious about it when I was a child.

I remember it alright, but due to me getting embarra.s.sed, I tried to dodge the question.

«…Did we promise something like that? Ah, I don’t think I remember?»

«Oh, Nii-san. That’s the face of someone who do»

«I wonder? It’s something that happened long ago right? I think it’s harder to actually remember though»

«But still. There is no way Nii-san has forgotten about our promise. It’s pointless trying to pretend you don’t you know?»

She said clearly, her lips closing in on me.

«If I should point out one of Nii-san’s weaknesses, then it would be that you don’t have the courage to betray the world. Brother and sister. The road ahead seem very bad. However, I still want that courage»

«…Courage»

«You need not only love to proceed with a love n.o.body is going to understand, but also courage. However, I won’t blame you for lacking it. The only thing I can do for that kind of Nii-san is…»

Without hesitation, her lips touched mine.

«…Nnn»

Clearly, our lips are touching.

Even though it was probably only for a short while, it felt like forever.

«—this is the only way I know of to make Nii-san serious»

Showing an entranced expression while smiling, her lips parted.

«N-Nades.h.i.+ko!?»

She laughed seeing me bewildered by her sudden actions.

«Fufu. It’s your fault for leaving so many openings. You are too defenseless. You only have yourself to blame for getting kissed by me»

«… good grief, I need to be careful from now on»

«That’s right. That’s why you should always be aware of me. I am prepared to do anything for you Nii-san»

Nades.h.i.+ko caressed her lips.

Her glossy lips drew my eyes to it.

«If you leave an opening I may attack you again so please prepare yourself *chuckle*»

Pouting with her light pink lips, she tried provoking me.

A little sister who tries to seduce her brother, a little devil indeed.

She was a girl who is able to overcome the obstacle known as «siblings». An amazing girl.

«You said I looked happy earlier right? That’s natural. Every second I spend with you is a very important memory to me. That also applies to what is yet to come. I will continue to live out my days filled with happiness.

The cherry flowers were dancing, fluttering around—.

«Nii-san. Please continue giving my days full of happiness from now on too. I’m happy as long as I’m together with you»

It looked like as though she was being dressed by cherry flowers.

The blizzard of the cherry blossoms illuminated by the sunset.

The pink petals dyed in vermillion.

Nades.h.i.+ko’s beauty was even more p.r.o.nounced by the pretty scenery.

While under the influence of the fairytale-like atmosphere, she said:

«Before I fell in love with Nii-san I was an obedient, plain and dark person. The person extending his gentle hands towards me was Nii-san. Always by my side protecting me no matter what. That the person I came to love»

The Nades.h.i.+ko from our childhood was very shy and afraid of strangers. She would always take shelter, hide behind someone.

«Did you know this? The world gets brighter when you are in love?»

«Brighter?»

«Yes. The colorful world I see now is thanks to falling in love with you Nii-san. Please don’t betray my wholeheartedly feelings for you. I cannot love anyone but you»

The Yamato Nades.h.i.+ko I know is a very strong-minded person.

She possess courage I don’t; is true to her feelings.

How about me?

I love her.

From long ago, the girl I loved was right before my eyes.

And yet, I’m a coward who does not dare do make a move.

I don’t have the courage to break the taboo, to love my sister.

«…I’m getting hungry. Let’s head home for now. Ah yes, how about making dinner together with me sometimes? It’s alright, I will teach you a everything you need to know»

«Sure, let’s challenge ourselves then»

«There’s meaning behind trying cooking together you know?»

I tightly grasped her extended hand and the two of us began walking again.

The sunset had almost set and it was getting dark.

My sister walking beside me, her irreplaceable love.

I felt tantalized thinking of myself, the one unable to take a step forward.