Episode 9: “The Steamy Hot Spring Romance Case Files ⑨ ~Father’s Back~”

How far did we fall?

After hitting my back, waist, and head against the rocky surface multiple times during our tumbling descent, we finally came to a stop.

“Ugh…!?”

Everything hurt, but I gritted my teeth and endured the pain. First things first—I had to check on Akira.

“Akira! Are you okay!?”

“Ow ow ow ow… I’m fine—wait, Aniki!? Are you okay!?”

“I’m managing… somehow. Ahahaha…” I forced out a laugh despite the throbbing pain.

Relieved that Akira was safe, I looked up at the sky through the canopy above us.

We’re saved…

Pain shot through my whole body when I tried to get up, but at least my arms and legs were moving. I was scraped up all over and it stung fiercely, but there didn’t seem to be any major bleeding, so I’d probably survive this.

“Akira, let me check if you’re hurt.”

“Worry about yourself, Aniki! You fell underneath me!” she protested, her voice thick with concern.

“Well, I was actually planning to use you as a cushion, but I guess that failed, huh?”

When I tried to joke and laugh it off, Akira only got angrier.

“Don’t joke around at a time like this! How can you laugh about this!? If you hadn’t been there, I would’ve… I would’ve…”

“Hey, it’s fine, it’s fine,” I said gently. “More importantly, come on, let me see—”

Miraculously, Akira was almost completely uninjured. There were a few scratches here and there, but she looked okay overall.

“Good. If I’d damaged that precious body before your wedding, Dad and the others would’ve given me hell.”

“Sniff… It’s okay, I’m getting married to Aniki anyway…” she mumbled through her tears.

“If you can joke like that, you’re fine, right?”

“I-it’s not a joke!” she insisted, flustered.

I forced a smile, but our situation wasn’t very promising. Looking up to see how far we’d fallen, I could make out the boundary between the rocky slope we’d tumbled down and the patch of sky we’d fallen from. Pretty high—it was a bit chilling to think we’d both gotten off this easy.

Still, climbing back up this steep slope seemed nearly impossible. Looking left and right didn’t offer much hope either—there was nothing but dense forest and mountains stretching out endlessly in every direction.

“Akira, your phone?”

“I have it.” She pulled it out and      checking the screen. “Ah, but mine’s showing no signal.”

“Mine’s no good either. GPS too—nope, that’s dead too…” I sighed in frustration.

If only GPS worked, I could use the map app.

“What do we do, Aniki…?” Akira’s voice was small, vulnerable.

“Well, it’s probably best to wait for Dad and the others to notice and come help us. That said—”

It’s dark and cold.

Under this cold November sky, staying put here for too long would be dangerous. I didn’t know the local geography, but this didn’t seem like a mountain where people lived nearby. Just wandering around aimlessly would only make getting down the mountain even harder.

Neither Akira nor I had lighters, so starting a fire was out of the question. I had no other      options and had no choice but to wait here. But I had the sinking feeling we’d freeze while waiting.

“No, Dad will come help us soon, right?” I said with forced cheerfulness, trying to keep Akira calm before       getting anxious.

“Really? Will Taichi-san really come help us?”

“Yeah. If we wait, he’ll definitely come eventually.”

I wasn’t confident at all, but I had to believe Dad would come save us. That was all we could do right now.

“But what if he doesn’t notice—”

“It’ll be fine. Dad’s good at being ‘it’ in hide and seek.”

“Hide and seek?” Akira looked puzzled.

“I could never beat Dad at it. He never failed to find me, not even once.”

“But this isn’t exactly hide and seek…”

“It’s fine. Dad will definitely find us. So let’s wait here.”

Akira still looked anxious, so I decided to take action.

“Oh right, Akira, could you come over here?”

“Huh?”

I called Akira over and had her sit in front of me, then wrapped my arms around her from behind. Now she was sitting with her knees drawn to her chest, using me as a backrest. I had her pull her knees to her stomach to protect her core from the cold as much as possible, then placed the jacket I’d been wearing over her legs.

This should help us maintain our body heat a little longer.

“See? This way it’s not cold, right?”

“But then you’ll be…” she started to protest.

“Me? I’m fine. You’re warm, Akira.”

“Aren’t you cold?”

“Not cold at all. Don’t underestimate your big brother, y’know?”

I said it cheerfully, but the truth was quite different—it was freezing. Even wearing heat-tech underwear, the outside air was quickly stealing away my body heat. I almost started shivering, but tensed my body and endured it. However, keeping myself rigid made my joints ache terribly, especially where I’d collided with the rocks during our fall.

For now, somehow I had to hold on. I could only hope Dad would notice soon, but honestly, the prospects seemed slim. Even if he did notice we were missing, it seemed impossible for anyone to find this particular spot.

No, it’s actually impossible.

This was Takeru-san and Akira’s place of memories, and we were now in a clearing deep in the forest, quite far down from there. They probably wouldn’t even think we could be in a place like this.

No, being pessimistic won’t help.

I needed to think positive thoughts now.

Anyway, please notice soon, Dad—

＊　＊　＊

Two hours had passed.

Dad and the others had surely noticed by now and were frantically searching for us. On our end, the cold was creeping up from the ground, the wind was starting to pick up, and I was beginning to feel genuinely anxious.

If we kept losing body heat like this, things might get pretty dire.

“Akira, are you cold?”

“I’m fine. Are you okay, Aniki? You’re shivering…” Her concern was evident in her voice.

“I’m fine too. Sorry, I just need to use the bathroom.”

“Don’t worry about me, just go.”

“No, I’ll hold it a little longer.”

The situation still wasn’t good, but I had to endure it. Eventually, Akira started crying softly.

“What’s wrong, Akira?”

“Because it’s my fault this happened… sob…”

“Don’t be silly. You’re being way too hard on yourself,” I said as cheerfully as I could manage despite my shivering.

“We went into this mountain together. And we fell together. So I can understand saying it’s our fault, but saying it’s your fault is just wrong.”

“But…”

“Well, if anything, it’s my fault. Maybe I should’ve stopped us before going into the forest, or maybe I should’ve told Dad and the others where we were going.”

“It’s not your fault, Aniki!” she protested fiercely.

“Right? Even if we list a bunch of ‘what-ifs,’ the situation won’t change. It’s not my fault or your fault. If you want to assign blame, think of it as the fault of us siblings acting together.”

“Aniki, how can you be so kind to me in a situation like this…?”

“Why else? Because I’m your big brother.”

Saying that, I hugged Akira tighter. Partly because I was cold, but more importantly, I wanted her to know she wasn’t alone and that I was right there with her.

“Hey Akira, look up.”

“Huh…?”

“You can see the starry sky between the trees and mountains. What’s that constellation again? I only know Orion and the Big Dipper, but it’s beautiful anyway, right?”

“Yeah…” she whispered.

“I should’ve studied astronomy properly. Since I hated science, I never bothered studying it, so I can’t say anything clever at times like this. Sorry.”

“No, just being like this is fine…”

“Really? Then I don’t need to study science anymore?”

“That’s no good… You’ll fail and have to repeat a year.”

“True. That would be trouble. If I became your classmate, I’d lose my dignity as a big brother. Hinata-chan would probably smile wryly, Kousei would call me an idiot… no wait, if I weren’t there, he’d be the one failing. We’d be in the same boat. Nishiyama would probably point at me and laugh her head off… Ito-san would probably give me that same wry smile as Hinata-chan. Takamura, Hayasaka, Minami, and all the other guys too—”

Picturing each of their faces somehow made me laugh. Becoming classmates with Akira and the others… it would probably make every day even more chaotic than it already was, but that didn’t seem so bad in its own way.

“I wouldn’t mind if you became my classmate, Aniki.”

“Why not?”

“I’d want to study in the same classroom. Then I could look at your profile during class every day.”

“You wouldn’t be paying attention to the lessons though, would you?”

“We’d eat lunch together too. I’d like to experience having people tease us for being a lovey-dovey couple.”

“Haha, I’m not really fond of being teased.”

“After school, we’d go to club activities together and walk home together. We could make detours on the way back and have after-school dates.”

“That’s not much different from now…”

“I want to go on the school trip together.”

“I guess I’d want that too. This time, the drama club training camp and family trip got all mixed together, but I’d like to take our time and really enjoy it.”

“And then, on the second day of the school trip, I’d work up the courage to confess!”

“Um, since I hear it almost every day, changing the location wouldn’t really…”

“Jeez, what’s with you! I’m talking about my ideal school life!” she huffed indignantly.

“Haha, your ideal, huh. In the end, we’re just listing ‘what-ifs.’”

But listing good ‘what-ifs’ isn’t necessarily bad. Like this starry sky above us, each one sounds like hope.

But unfortunately, it seems like I won’t be able to make Akira’s ideals come true…

“…Akira, sorry. I really do need to relieve myself.”

“Ah, okay…”

“Want to come with me if you’re anxious?”

“No way! Go by yourself!” she protested, probably turning bright red.

Leaving behind Akira, who was undoubtedly flustered, I stood up. But my body suddenly swayed dangerously. I couldn’t feel my legs properly and almost stumbled, but somehow managed to steady myself.

My body was really starting to give out.

Come on, you piece of junk. Get it together. Akira’s still right there…

I scolded my own body and slowly moved away from where she was sitting.

＊　＊　＊

After walking a short distance to where I couldn’t see Akira anymore, my phone’s light suddenly went out. The battery had finally died.

Now, even if I found a place with a signal, I wouldn’t be able to contact anyone. I looked up at the starry sky once more, then felt my head grow heavy as I collapsed backwards.

Lying spread-eagled and staring up at the sky, I felt all the strength draining from my body. Strangely, I no longer felt cold.

Did my body evolve to withstand the cold?

No, it seems like my battery died too.

I just kept staring blankly at the starry sky above. As I gazed upward, I felt my heart becoming strangely peaceful. The stars were just so beautiful.

I completely understood now why Takeru-san had named Akira “Akira.” He probably wanted to preserve this starry brilliance, this gentle light that didn’t hurt your eyes even when you stared directly at it.

The reason I probably can’t bring myself to hate that irresponsible guy is because he’s the same type of person as me.

I understand it well now.

He hates being alone but struggles to connect with       people.

I understand it well now.

He wants to act tough, but since he can’t quite manage it, he ends up seeking hope instead.

He absolutely wants to preserve the hope that is Akira.

I understand it well now.

Both Takeru-san and I—the reason we want Akira to be happy is—

“I don’t want anyone weaker than me. If you want me… show me you can win.”

Sorry, Akira.

“So for now I’m your step-sister, but eventually make me your bride, Aniki.”

I’m weaker than you.

“I’ll take you! No wait, make me your bride!”

So you don’t need to become my bride or anything…

The starry sky was stinging my eyes, so I closed my eyelids. But I could still see the stars—the starlight seemed to have burned itself permanently into the backs of my eyelids.

If I’m seeing stars, whether I’m asleep or awake, there’s no point in staying conscious.

It’s night. If it’s night, I should sleep.

But when I wake up, will Akira be sleeping peacefully next to me, completely unaware of how I feel…?

Well, that would be fine too…

Drip… drip…

How much time passed after that?

While my eyes were closed, it started raining. Even though it had been clear just moments before—it really was true that mountain weather changes quickly.

But that rain was warm, like what falls from a blue sky on a warm summer day.

I opened my eyes a crack, but it wasn’t rain at all—it was stars. Stars were pouring down from the sky like celestial precipitation.

I see.

So star-rain is warm…

“—ki… Ani… Aniki!”

I can hear someone calling me.

I opened my eyes a bit more and saw Akira with tears overflowing from her eyes.

Akira is crying…?

“What’s… wrong…? Why are you…”

My mouth wouldn’t move properly—it had gone completely stiff, and I could barely make a sound.

“Aniki! You can’t! Wake up!”

I am awake, see—huh?

Akira, what kind of prank is this? My body won’t move.

“Get it together! Why are you collapsed like this!?”

Why indeed? Come to think of it, why?

Oh right. Were we practicing the kiss scene from Romeo and Juliet?

Actually, your face is really close… are you seriously planning to do it?

“Please stand up! Don’t leave me alone! Please! Please!”

What are you talking about?

You were the one who said no getting buddy-buddy at first, right?

Well, being relied on like that does make me a little happy…

“Taichi-san is coming soon! Our dad’s coming to save us!”

Dad is? Oh right, Dad got remarried, didn’t he?

Right. Akira is my step-brother… no, step-sister…

I haven’t forgotten, really.

You’re not a step-brother or anything.

You’re my step-sister,

and a girl,

and way too cute,

and I’m really troubled here…

But well, I’m glad.

I’m really glad I got to meet Akira.

I need to thank Dad.

Dad, where are you?

Don’t be late even at a time like this…

Come on Dad, show Akira that you’re not just a disappointing person.

Ah, but first I need to tell Akira something.

I’d be embarrassed to say it in front of Dad, so I should do it now—

“Aki… ra…”

“What!? What is it, Aniki!?” Her voice was desperate, pleading.

“I… about you…”

“What!? Aniki, tell me! Anything!”

“A… kira… I… actually… about you…”

Suddenly, the starry sky disappeared. Everything went pitch black, and my battery finally ran out completely.

Just then—

“Ryouta!”

Suddenly, I heard Dad’s voice.

What, he’s here?

Bad timing, Dad.

I was just about to tell Akira how I really feel…

“Taichi-san! Aniki! Aniki’s…!”

“Ryouta, hey, get it together, hey!” Dad’s voice was urgent, panicked.

I vaguely felt Dad’s hands on my shoulders, face, and head.

“He hasn’t been moving!”

“…!? His body’s cold! Are you okay, Akira!?”

“I’m fine… Aniki protected me…” she said through her tears.

“I-I see! Good, that’s good! Well done, Ryouta! You protected Akira properly! Just like a big brother! Okay, now it’s your turn! It’s your turn!”

Me? I’m just a little sleepy, so I’m fine.

Don’t move me around so much… I’m sleepy…

“It’s okay, it’s okay! Dad’s here now! It’s okay!”

“Taichi-san, what do we do!?”

“I’ll carry Ryouta on my back to the car! Akira, can you run!?”

“Yeah! I’m fine!”

“Good! Akira, I’m going to carry Ryouta on my back—put this on Ryouta’s back!”

“O-okay! Is this good!?”

“And use this rope to tie me and Ryouta’s bodies together!”

“How’s this!?”

“Good! That’s perfect! Listen Akira, absolutely don’t leave my side!”

“Okay!”

When I opened my eyes a crack again, the scenery was swaying and blurring in my fading vision. I was probably being carried on Dad’s back now.

How pathetic. A high school sophomore getting piggyback rides from his dad.

“Ryouta, listen, don’t fall asleep! —Akira, talk to Ryouta!”

“Got it!”

Hey now, I’m sleepy here…

Just let me sleep for a little bit, Akira, Dad…

I’m really sleepy right now…

…

…

＊　＊　＊

“—Huh, I…”

When I suddenly woke up, I was being carried on Dad’s broad back.

“Hm? Ryouta, you awake?”

“Ah, yeah… What happened to me?”

“You fell asleep at the bathhouse and looked so comfortable, I just let you sleep.”

“I see. I was sleeping the whole time.”

I was gradually remembering now. Today was Sunday. After Dad and I had washed each other’s backs, we’d gone into the bath, and I’d fallen asleep in the rest area afterwards.

Looking around, it was completely evening now. We were on an embankment path along a large river, and Dad was walking while carrying me on his back.

“I’ll get down.”

“It’s fine. Just sleep until we get home.”

“No way, that’s embarrassing…”

“Don’t be shy with your parent. Nobody’s looking anyway.”

Being carried on Dad’s back was a little embarrassing, so I hid my face against his broad shoulders. After hiding my face for a bit, Dad called out quietly.

“Ryouta, you awake?”

“What?”

“I got a call from your homeroom teacher. She said I absolutely have to come to the next parent-teacher conference.”

“…You don’t have to come, you know.”

“Even so, your old man got an earful from the teacher.”

“Why?”

“Because I haven’t been to a single parent-teacher conference since last year, so the teacher was worried about you. She said I absolutely have to come at least once.”

“I see…”

“So I decided to go. Even at this age, your old man still doesn’t want to get scolded by teachers.”

“Is that okay? Isn’t work tough?”

“Well, I’ll manage somehow.” Dad’s tone grew more serious. “More than that, I heard something else from the teacher that’s bothering me. Well, she called to confirm something…”

“What?”

Dad paused for a moment, then spoke more heavily.

“Are you being bullied at school?”

I hesitated about whether to tell the truth. I thought it would only trouble Dad.

“No, I’m just fighting with everyone.”

“I see… You’re strong. What’s the fighting about?”

“…They made fun of me. Called me a kid abandoned by his mom…”

“So what did you do?”

“I talked back. Said Mom didn’t abandon me, that Dad saved me…”

Dad stayed quiet for a long while after that, but finally opened his mouth to speak.

“…Listen, Dad’s thinking about quitting his current job.”

“Huh? Why?”

“Want to go to Dad’s hometown, just the two of us? You know, you got along well with cousin Take-chan, right? Saeko-obasan is there, and grandpa and grandma too. How about it?”

“I’m fine with just Dad and me.”

“But Dad’s always leaving you alone, isn’t he?”

“I’m not alone. Dad’s always working hard for me, and I’ve never felt lonely being by myself. Besides, Dad likes his current job, right? If you like it, keep doing it. I think Dad working hard is really cool.”

Dad stopped walking abruptly. His body was trembling slightly, and he sniffled before hanging his head.

What’s wrong? Is he cold? Is he tired from carrying me?

I was worried, but Dad gave a big sniff and slowly started walking again.

“…Got it. Then your old man will try a little harder for a while longer…”

“Yeah. I’ll work hard at school, so Dad, you work hard at your job.”

When I said that to Dad, he went quiet again. After a little time passed, his tone became unexpectedly bright.

“Oh right, call me ‘old man’ from now on.”

“Old man?”

“Yeah. ‘Dad’ is just the character for ‘father,’ right? But if you flip ‘father-parent’ around, you use both ‘parent’ and ‘father’—two characters, right? That way, the character for ‘parent’ is included too! Ah, if you don’t like it, you can stick with what you’ve been saying.”*

[T/N: Dad is explaining that 父さん (tou-san, “dad”) uses only the character 父 (father), while 親父 (oyaji, “old man”) uses both 親 (parent) + 父 (father), making it more complete since it includes the “parent” character too.]

“Parent and father makes ‘old man’… Yeah, if that’s what you want to be called, old man…”

“Old man… ooh! What a great sound!” Dad sounded genuinely pleased.

Apparently, Dad was happy being called ‘old man,’ so I decided to call him that from then on.

“Also, maybe Ryouta, you should say ‘I’ instead of ‘me’? That sounds stronger, right?”

“It does sound stronger.” I paused, testing it out. “Yeah, from now on I… no, not me. I’ll go with ‘I’ from now on.”

“Yeah. From now on, it’ll be ‘the old man and I,’ working hard together, okay?”

“Yeah!”

Calling Dad ‘old man’ and referring to myself as ‘I’ both felt embarrassing somehow. But from that moment on, I felt like I’d gotten a little stronger.

Relieved by this newfound strength, I began to feel sleepy again.

“Ryouta, we’ve got a little more walking until home, so just keep sleeping, okay?”

“Old man…”

“What?”

“Just wanted to try calling you that.”

“What the heck…” Dad chuckled. “Ryouta, come on, sleep. When we get home, let’s eat something delicious together, okay?”

“Yeah.” I yawned. “Hey, old man…”

“What now?”

“If you find someone you like, it’s okay to get married, you know?”

“…Think someone like that will show up?”

“They will, definitely. Because you’re really cool, old man.”

“O-oh, really…” His voice was flustered but pleased.

“Don’t get all embarrassed.”

“I’m not embarrassed!”

Ah, this is so comforting.

I’m getting sleepy…

The old man’s back is so comforting. Big. Warm.

If I fall asleep like this, will I be home when I wake up…