Chapter 18: Juvenile Phase: The first year of preparation
Mid-August
~Until tomorrow~
Raising my hand, I bid farewell to the man wearing a keikogi* who was smiling at me.
-Take care, Kirijima-kun, make sure to return with them.
Pointing to the exit of the dojo were my Kizuna and Saeko waiting.
-Of course, Sensei, OSU.
Bowing slightly, I headed towards the exit.
-Sorry for the wait.
-Don't worry, Kai-chan, but you must fulfill your responsibility.
Kizuna waved her hand in my direction while Saeko did something similar.
-Don't worry, Kuchisake-onna*, won't come out today.
Holding hands, the three of us started walking.
-"These months have been very fast and a bit bizarre. First, my old friends entered with me. I must say, it was easier to socialize with others thanks to them. It was easy to be friends with everyone in the class."
-"I started going to a Karate dojo; I believe I need discipline, unlike just playing hockey where I used to knock people out with a single punch. Now, I aim not to end up like before—a dirty drunk looking for fights in bars for entertainment."
Kizuna and Saeko quickly closed the distance between us, shoulder to shoulder, the three of us displaying my shorter stature compared to theirs.
-"Everyone in the class is my friend. That's why no one mocks my short stature. I appreciate that my sister and my friend don't mind someone smaller than them protecting them."
-Saeko-chan, you're very close to Kai-chan.
-Kirijima...
Kizuna, without showing any expression, looked at Saeko, raising an eyebrow slightly.
-I meant Kizuna-sama should know how to respect the personal space of her Otōto(little brother).
-He doesn't mind, Saeko-chan.
For a moment, the two looked at each other with hostility. Saeko quickly changed to a smile while Kizuna loosened her cheeks.
-The important thing now is to go together, Kizuna-sama.
-Of course, Saeko-chan, your opinion always helps.
-"Although their relationship started with many inconveniences, Kizuna enjoyed making friends with someone younger than her. Saeko loves having someone like my sister to help her in her singing classes."
-"They both became very interested in music, but Saeko focused on singing because of her lovely voice, and Kizuna started taking her violin classes seriously. That makes them closer every day."
-"For my part, I think I cheat a lot; they call me a rough diamond, a smart guy, but they have natural talent."
Walking in front of the station, Kizuna hugs me from behind, while Saeko takes my arms to put them over her shoulders.
-We might fall, you know?
~We'll work as a team~
"They've achieved this synchronization through their classes."
Climbing the stairs to the train, we entered in formation.
- You should stay close to us, Kai-chan, because that woman in red shoes might follow us.
- Kiri-kun, the best way to protect a woman is to keep her close.
- Like in your book?
- Yes.
As I was on the train, I found myself surrounded by my friend and my sister, backed into a corner due to my size, feeling completely cornered.
- "A phrase that still weighs on me is the one Saeko often reads from her favorite story. I should stop dwelling so much on the past, especially something like my first time. My ex-wife uttered the phrase that the princess of her favorite story says."
- Kai-chan, is something wrong?
My sister lowers her hand to touch my head.
- I'm still not very tall, you know? I feel embarrassed being between two girls and not being very intimidating.
- Don't worry, Kiri-kun. You are very reliable when it comes to protecting women. Besides, I think your height will be the only small thing about you.
- "I can't tell her that sounds pretty bad." It's reassuring to know, Saeko.
........
Walking with two girls smaller than me holding my hands and two girls hugging my back and standing in front of me, we were calmly passing the street.
-"I'm a Spartan?" Are you sure you're not all uncomfortable like this?
~NOT~
My little sister Masaki pulls my hand as I walk.
-Niinii What can I be good at?
-There are many things you can do Maki-chan.
-Can I go with Saeko-nee and Niinii with Aunt Himejima?
-Of course Masaki-san, my mommy will welcome you with open arms.
Saeko standing in front of me volleys to see Masaki with a smile.
-We can all keep her company.
-That would be the most efficient thing Saeko-chan
-"Another thing I've been following is to perfect my language, Saeko's mother knows three languages, she helps me to practice my conversations, it's easy for me to read things but I need to learn to speak and pronounce well."
-Onii-san is everything okay?
The girl on the other side pulls my hand
-Yes, I'm just very absent-minded
-Kai-chan you should be more aware of your surroundings.
My sister leaned her head on my shoulder and pressed her body against my back.
-I should also be more aware of my surroundings, Kizuna-sama.
-Why?
-Well, I'd like to try some sport like Kiri-kun even though I'm not good at running.
Arriving at the entrance of my house no one moved from their place.
-Saeko, just like my sister, we all have a lot of time, you'll never know what you're good at if you only think about your mistakes.
-That's right, Saeko-nee you should listen more to the man of the house.
-Well, it's not a good title...
-But it's necessary for you to have it Kai-chan
-Onii-san is very shy about his titles.
-*sigh* well, clarifying that point could you please let me go?
~5 more minutes~.
Saeko turned her body and leaned her face on my other shoulder while the other two girls hugged me on the sides.
-"Am I a creep for allowing this every day or am I selfish for wanting to get more hugs every day?"
-Well it doesn't matter
Using both my hands I caressed Kizuna's and Saeko's head at the same time.
-"The most bizarre thing in these months is the rumor of the woman with the cut face, all the kids are afraid to go back home" We're here and she can't chase us anymore.
-It's not scary anymore.... if you are here Kai-chan
-"But you are the biggest one here Kizuna".
.........
-You two are amazing, I'm surprised you're only 7 years old.
~Thank you very much.~
Lowering our heads together with the girl next to me we were waving at a teacher next to us.
-Kirijima-kun, I'm sure they'll be in the right class if they go hand in hand like this.
-If you think so, I'm honored to say so, Sensei.
-Then don't disappoint me, you may go.
Raising my head, the girl who was walking next to me closed the door of the classroom.
-And with that we are officially in advanced language classes, Saeko good job.
-No, you did a great job Kirijima-sama, it seems that your mother language is English.
- "You're not so wrong though, I don't remember to speak that language well."
Walking through the corridors the girl with white hair so long to reach her elbows with a half updo and a square fringe turned to look at me.
-You can always do everything Kirijima-sama.
-Look who's talking, you've never held a racket in your life and now you're becoming the best at tennis.
-But...
-Shhhh
Putting my finger against his lips I prevented him from saying another word.
-As I said before we all have something we are good at Saeko, you enjoy your achievements.
Catching my fingers with both of her hands the girl spoke a little quieter
-You're a little weird... you know?
-Of course
-I hope we continue to enjoy this year!
-Yes..... is true
The girl lowered my hand and we continued walking in silence.
Note:
-The attire in Karate is the keikogi or karategi, and the jacket is fastened with a belt, obi. The Karate uniform or keikogi is divided into two types: the kumite karategi, a lightweight kimono for combat, and the kata karategi, a thicker and heavier kimono for katas.
-Kuchisake-onna: It is a vengeful yokai that takes on the appearance of a woman, wearing a brown coat and dressing in a fashionable manner. She covers a wound from mouth to ear and the lower half of her face with a surgical mask, something common in Japan.
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