Chapter 36: In a Sense, This Is the Time of Surging Popularity

(POV Kaito)

I had twisted my leg. The sight of me losing the match and returning home in such a state can only be described as utterly disgraceful. It’s truly embarrassing. As I opened the door to my house, I walked in accompanied by the four girls while absentmindedly massaging my stiff shoulders in an attempt to find some relief.
 
Strangely enough, not only was my body overwhelmed with accumulated fatigue, but I also felt the presence of muscle soreness.
 
“Kaito, is your leg okay?”
 
“Uh, yeah, it’s fine.”
 
Chiaki peered up at me from below with a worried expression. This expression on Chiaki’s face should have been one of admiration instead of worry.
 
It wasn’t just Chiaki; everyone was worried. Chifuyu, Chinatsu, and Chiharu all came over to offer words of encouragement and gave me concerned glances.
 
After washing my hands and face, and enjoying a brief moment of relaxation in the bath to ease my muscles, I joined the others gathered around the kotatsu, enjoying the cozy atmosphere as we watched TV.

Sigh, it seems like the four of them didn’t consider me lame, but I suppose their classmates must have held that opinion since the other kids at the elementary school, including Nishino, were laughing at me. It was comforting that Chiaki got genuinely angry on my behalf, but deep down, I couldn’t help but feel that being laughed at was inevitable.
 
Well, I suppose it’s only natural for children to react that way. It’s understandable that elementary school kids would have such straightforward reactions to me twisting my leg and having to retire from the game—it’s not exactly seen as a cool thing.
 
“Kaito?”
 
“…What’s up?”
 
“Well, you had a complicated look on your face, so…”
 
“Oh, really? Well, it’s nothing.”
 
“Hmm, that’s a lie. Even I can tell that much… Ha! You’re worried about twisting your leg during volleyball, aren’t you?”
 
Chiaki paused for a moment, pondering, and then hit the nail on the head regarding what was going through my mind.
 
“The others may have laughed, but I thought you looked cool! Just as expected of my Kaito,” Chiaki said.
 
“Oh, really?”
 
“Yes! When you leaped high with a pyuun and hit the ball hardly with a dooon, it was seriously cool. You were the best!”
 
“I-I see.”
 
“I won’t forgive those who laughed! I’m furious! Super furious!”
 
“Chifuyu also thinks Kaito-san looked cool… even though you twisted your leg, it shows how hard you were trying…” Chifuyu added.
 
“I also thought Kaito-san looked really good.” Chinatsu said.
 
“I think Oniisan didn’t look half bad at all.”
 
My spirits were instantly lifted. Chiaki, Chifuyu, Chinatsu, and Chiharu were geniuses at cheering people up. I was thinking of putting a heat patch on my body because I had muscle soreness, but my daughters beat me to it by applying a mental patch.
 
“Thank you, it makes me happy to hear you say that.”
 
“Fufufu, that’s right, that’s right. In that case, my efforts to encourage you were worth it.” Chiaki said
 
“Thank you so much. Alright, tonight we’ll have curry. Let’s add fried eggs as well to celebrate everyone’s hard work.”
 

“Yay!”
 
Seeing Chiaki’s happy looking face, I quickly felt the need to start cooking and tried to get up from the kotatsu, but Chiaki stood up ahead of me and grabbed my shoulders with both hands.
 
“I noticed that Kaito’s shoulders were tense, so let me give you a massage.”
 
“Huh? Is that okay?”
 
“Of course. I’ll massage away your stress.”
 
Chiaki vigorously kneaded the tense parts of my shoulders with her small hands. With occasional little exclamations of “Heave ho!” (Unsho) and “Yo Heave ho!” (Yoisho), she looked irresistibly adorable.
 
What a stroke of luck! I even started to think that twisting my leg was actually a good thing.
 
Engaging in a shoulder massage can be quite exhausting. The base of your thumb on the palm of your hand starts to feel drained, as if it had been suspended for too long.  I can’t help but be moved by Chiaki’s willingness to endure such discomfort for my well-being.
 
“Chiaki, you don’t have to push yourself too hard.”
 
“No, I’m totally fine with this.”
 
Even though you said that, wouldn’t it actually be quite tiring for both of your hands? Shoulder massages can accumulate a significant amount of fatigue, especially for children. You don’t have to push yourself. I’m already happy just knowing your willingness.
 
“Ah… My hands…”
 
“It’s okay, I’m fine now. I feel like I’ve been reborn, as if my shoulders have become unbelievably light.”
 
Alright, this time I’m going to prepare dinner; however, just as I was contemplating that another pair of small hands got placed on my shoulders once again.
 
“This time, it’s Chifuyu’s turn to fulfill the role of healing Kaito-san…” Chifuyu said.
 
“Is that alright?”
 
“Yes!”
 
Chifuyu responded energetically and started massaging my shoulders.
 
“How does it feel?”
 
“Of course, it feels great.”
 
“…Between Aki-nee and me, which one feels better?”
 
“…I can’t decide between the two of you.”
 
“Then, I’ll work hard to make it possible for you to decide…”
 
“I-Is that so…”
 
Chifuyu was mindful of my shoulders pressure points. She focused on the tense areas, and there was no way I could be anything but satisfied. However, Chiaki’s efforts were also unmistakably evident, making it impossible to determine who was better.
 
“Hmph! Chifuyu, I won’t lose either! I’ll do more!”
 
Chiaki joined the “battle” once again. Chifuyu worked on my right shoulder, while Chiaki took care of my left shoulder. And for me, I was fully immersed in the happiness of feeling their love and being healed physically as well.
 
After the massage was all over, Chifuyu asked me which one was better, so I honestly answered that they were both amazing. But hearing my answer, she ended up with a complicated expression on her face.

 
…I’m sorry, Chifuyu.
 
◆◆
 (POV Chiharu)

As our first classroom parent visitation and half-coming-of-age ceremony came to an end, the five of us gathered around the kotatsu, relishing a hearty curry. It was then that Chiaki broached an intriguing topic.
 
“By the way, have you noticed how the boys have been restless lately? I wonder why.” Chiaki asked
 
“Now that you mention it, you’re right. I wonder why.”
 
Echoing Chiaki’s sentiments, Chinatsu also tilted her head in confusion. These moments of bewilderment were not uncommon for the two of them, occasions when they struggled to grasp the nuances of natural life events. Much like the upcoming Valentine’s Day.
 
“It’s most likely because of Valentine’s Day.” Chifuyu clarified.
 
“Yeah, I think so too.” I added.
 
“Oh! Valentine’s Day, right! That’s the one where if you give chocolates, they’ll return it threefold!” Chiaki exclaimed.
 
“Ah, I don’t think it’s exactly like that. But, yeah, you’re right. I completely forgot. So, Valentine’s Day is approaching…”
 
It is only natural for the boys to develop a desire for chocolate from the likes of Chinatsu, Chiaki, and Chifuyu. Even I, being their older sister, wanted some from them.
 
“Do you want chocolates, Kaito?”

Following the flow of the conversation, Chiaki casually asked Oniisan as well. Though Chifuyu pretended not to care, she glanced at Oniisan with fleeting glances. On the other hand, Chinatsu didn’t show any particular reaction, but she directed her gaze towards Oniisan to listen to what he had to say.
 
“Yes, I’d be happy to receive them if I can. But personally, I’d rather make delicious sweets for Chiaki and the others.”
 
“Ohhh!”
 
“Ah! Well, it’s quite common these days to exchange ‘friend chocolates.’ If you want to make them, I’ll help… What do you think?” Oniisan asked.
 
“For me… I don’t have any specific plans, but, oh, I do want to give some to Blossom.” Chiaki said
 
Indeed, I also want to give Sakura-san some ‘friend chocolates.’
 
“Chifuyu….wants to give chocolates to Haru-nee, Natsu-nee, Aki-nee, and Kaito-san.”
 
“I see. Well then, since we have the opportunity, let’s make them together.”
 
“Ohhh, Kaito, great idea!”
 
Indeed, that’s a fantastic idea. Receiving chocolates from my adorable sisters, it’s like a divine event.
 
“I also think we should definitely do that.” I said
 
“Alright, so what do you want to make?”
 
“I’ll make chocolates from cocoa.” Chiaki said.
 
“If it’s something that conveys Chifuyu’s feelings, anything is fine…” Chifuyu said.
 
“As for me… I don’t have anything specific in mind.” Chinatsu said.
 

“I’m fine with anything as long as it’s from my sisters.”
 
“Okay… let’s go with easy-to-make cookies…” Oniisan said.
 
The decision on what to make was made in an instant. Our opinions were quite diverse, but thanks to Oniisan’s ability to mix everyone’s suggestions, everything fell into place.
 
I eagerly enjoyed my curry, with anticipation and a big smile, looking forward to Valentine’s Day. Although I couldn’t help but feel a bit reluctant to eat the cookies I would be receiving from my sisters—they were too precious to consume.
 
◆◆

(POV Kaito)

A few days had passed since the classroom observation, and Valentine’s Day was drawing near. As I headed home after finishing work on time, I decided to make a quick stop at the supermarket to pick up the necessary ingredients for baking cookies.
 
The process of making cookies is actually surprisingly easy. All I needed to do was gather ingredients such as eggs, butter, vanilla extract, pancake mix, sugar, heavy cream, and milk. After cutting the dough into various shapes, I would simply place them in a preheated oven to bake.
 
In the past, I had refrained from letting the four sisters cook due to safety concerns. However, this time was different. There were hardly any risky elements involved, and I would be the one responsible for placing the ingredients in the oven. So there was absolutely no danger involved; it is super important to note that there was no danger involved, as this may affect Chinatsu’s state of mind….
 
Lately, it appeared that elementary school boys were making efforts to impress the girls. Some would openly mention, “It’s almost February,” while others would claim they didn’t want anything due to being germaphobic. Some would pretend not to know what Valentine’s Day even is, while a few would assert that it was too much trouble to receive gifts and return the favor.
 
Upon hearing all these statements from the girls, I immediately understood; the boys wanted the chocolates.
 
I understand. Chiharu, Chinatsu, Chiaki, and Chifuyu. They’re adorable, aren’t they? If we were in the same class and of the same age, I think I would desperately want one chocolate from them.
 
However, reality is quite different. More often than not, when I secretly hope to find something in my shoe locker, there is nothing there. Through such experiences, boys sometimes realize the need to become more fashionable or become concerned about their hairstyles.
 
Well, the intricacies of elementary school boys were irrelevant to me anyway.
 
What’s more important are my daughters.
 
By cooking together, we engage in a form of food education and learning. It is my wish for them to gain various experiences and grow up to be good adults. So I’ll do my best.
 
With such thoughts in mind, I drove the car and opened the door to my house. As usual, Chiaki is the first one to greet me.
 
“Kaito! Welcome back!”
 
“I’m home.”
 
“Welcome back, Kaito-san.”
 
“I’m back. Chifuyu.”
 
Chinatsu and Chiharu were also there behind them. It’s not often that daughters are there to greet you, so I must be a fortunate person.
 
Without realizing it, I grew a bit emotional.
 
Today, let’s try making some cookie prototypes together. Everything was accumulated, and I felt happy in this moment, where we have the opportunity to accumulate time, engage in conversations, and share experiences, all while fostering and strengthening our bonds.
 
◆◆

(POV Kaito)

“Ah… I didn’t get any chocolate…”
 
“Of course not. It’s pointless to fix your hairstyle with wax only on Valentine’s Day itself.”
 
“Damn.”

 
“Here, take this. It’s a cookie my daughters made, although the shape got a bit messed up.”
 
“Ohhh! Finally, a saving hand for someone like me who can only receive it from their mother!”
 
Sasaki, is it really okay for you to be this happy? I handed over a bag with a slightly imperfect cookie, tied with a string. It tastes delicious, so there’s no issue at all.
 
Surprisingly, making the cookies went smoothly, without any unexpected incidents, just like in our usual everyday lives.
 
We took turns mixing the ingredients, shaping them, baking them, and savoring the delicious results, all the while exchanging our creations with one another. The entire experience was an absolute delight, and I couldn’t help but be happy in my own culinary skills.
 
However, despite the joyous atmosphere, a sense of dissatisfaction still lingered within me. 
 
There remained a noticeable gap between Chiharu, Chinatsu, and myself, and I still don’t know how to close that gap.
 
“Kaito-san.”
 
“Yes?”
 
While working at my desk, I hear a voice calling me from behind, so I turned around to see a female coworker named Ono Imoko-san standing beside me.
 
“Here, this is for you. It’s for Valentine’s Day.”
 
“Oh, thank you.”
 
“Please enjoy it with your daughters.”
 
“Thank you…”
 
I never expected to receive something from Ono Imoko-san, who is surprisingly popular among male coworkers. Sasaki’s eyes widened in disbelief.
 
“Here, Kaito-senpai.”
 
“Oh, thank you.”
 
“Here’s from me too.”
 
“Oh, thank you.”
 
“Take this from me.”
 
“Thanks.”
 
All the Valentine’s gifts I received were labeled “for your daughters.” Yet, who could have anticipated that we would receive such grand presents that they wouldn’t even fit in my bag?
 
This is the largest amount I’ve ever received. Even including my past life.
 
I’m genuinely happy about it… but it’s also complicated. Nevertheless, what truly matters is witnessing my daughters relishing these gifts and seeing their faces illuminate with joy.  So, I guess these complicated feelings don’t really matter.
 
The four of them are about to finish their third semester. Next year, they’ll be fifth graders. But before that, there’s a great event awaiting us all—the trip.
 
I am filled with anticipation, yet I still find myself hesitating to fully face the four of them. There are moments when I am quickly overwhelmed or avert my gaze. Changing everything might be an impossible task, but I yearn to make a difference in some way.

TN: plot twist, Kaito actually adopted the girls to finally receive some Chocolate lol.