Yosuga no Sora - Toui Sora He

Try to listen to this song while reading it. It perfectly fits into the story.

*****

-Inside Kirigaya's Residence-

"....I'm home~~~." (Suguha)

*Shiiiin* (Silence)

"...Well, I guess it's natural for nobody responding."

It may be kind of sad to hear it that way but Suguha herself didn't mind for she is used to it.

Her grandfather may be healthy compared to the other, but that doesn't mean he's not old. Right now, Kazuki is sleeping peacefully in his room after the drama scene with Kazuto.

For the mother, she is still busy with work and may not go home for overtime so Suguha needs to cook by herself for dinner. Luckily, she has begun to practice with Rein on how to cook properly since she is still holding a grudge for a man like Rein able to cook much, much better than her, a girl.

....Actually, to be blunt, she is just frustrated for Rein hurting her woman's pride so she used it as motivation with a hope to overcome him one day.

Of course, it is unknown whether she REALLY can beat him.

Heck, it is a miracle if she does.

As for the last family member...

"....I hope he hasn't played it yet." (Kazuto)

In the past, Suguha did try to reconcile with Kazuto. Since they are living in the same roof, it is quite suffocating to ignore each other' existence for years.

But, she couldn't do it. During the moment that is most important, she fell down on her knees and ended up making excuses.

It'll be fine if I do it tomorrow.

It's not that serious so we can take it slowly.

Time will solve everything.

In the end, the convenient excuses got piled up until it prolonged to now.

That's why, when Rein has said those words to her, she began to realize running isn't the answer anymore.

(This is my last chance!) (Suguha)

In fact, it can be really the last opportunity for her to reconcile with his big brother once and for all.

After all, the next upcoming year will be the time when Kazuto will be trapped in SAO for a few years until he needs to live as Kirito. Adding to Satan's influence, the story won't be progressing exactly the same anymore.

Worse, he may die on the road before he is able to beat the last, secret boss.

(Note: I won't say it. To the reader who doesn't read the original story, it's a spoiler.)

That's why Rein tries to encourage Suguha to make up with him before he dives into SAO.

He noticed this beforehand, but Kazuki is still alive and quite healthy so it isn't possible for him to pass away due to old age for a short period. At the very least, he can stay alive for 5 years minimum.

Then, he has begun to wonder now.

(What is the influence to Kazuto, if Kazuki is still alive?) (Rein)

It may be a good fortune to Rein for his sword training, but not necessarily to Kazuto. After all, they already are in cold war state even before Rein had come to this world. Adding to that, the relationship with Suguha is static and just bad.

Then, Kazuto may ultimately think this way.

"Since my 'real' reality is just the worst, ....why don't I just live here? In this beautiful world, ....eternally." (Kirito)

The more lack of attachment a person to his surroundings and environment, the more easier for him to hide and run from it.

Rein won't deny that he's helping this family because of goodwill. However, he also supports them because Kazuto is a necessary key to conquer the Aincrad completely until the 100th floor.

So he will erase that possibility for it to ever happen.

That's why he gives all of that supports to Kazuki and Suguha just for this moment.

He already did everything he could.

Therefore, he could only believe.

Believe that both of them will be able to reach Kazuto's inner feelings.

*****

Right now, Suguha has the spirit and drives to overcome any obstacle that will come to her. Hell, maybe she will even forcibly take off the nerve gear while Kazuto's playing.

....Fortunately, she didn't do it because Kazuto is not in SAO right now. If she really did, the main protagonist will retire eternally before the story even started, which is not funny at all.

While she is trying to heading toward the stair...

"...Eh?" (Suguha)

She finds Kazuto inside the dojo while grabbing the shinai silently.

Right now, Kazuto is sitting down while facing the terrace, looking at the garden.

Depending on the angle, it can be a beautiful scene to look at.

Unfortunately, Kazuto can't enjoy it anymore. To be precise, he doesn't have the leisure to do it anymore.

"..Umm...Big brother?" (Suguha)

"!!!" (Kazuto)

Unexpected to hear her little sister's voice, Kazuto turns back seeing her in school uniform while still wearing a shocked face.

"...Su-suguha. You are back already..." (Kazuto)

"Ye-yeah. The club already finished just now..."

"I... see. ....Welcome home..."

"I-I'm home..."

If an outsider looks at this awkward scene and atmosphere, they will definitely feel that both of them either currently quarreling, if not they aren't close at all.

That's how awkward as hell their greetings are.

...Just like what Rein said, they are all clumsy to the point of no saving. It's even a wonder how does Kazuto even get to make up with Suguha in the original story.

Trying to break the ice, Suguha takes the initiative.

"Can I...sit beside you?" (Suguha)

"Y-yeah... Go ahead..." (Kazuto)

"Then, excuse me..."

*Tap* *Tap* *Tap* (Sound of walking)

*Tuk* (Sitting)

*Shiiin*

Silences rule over the area without a single sound.

After for a few seconds...

"Hey." (Kazuto) | "Umm!" (Suguha)

Surprised, both of them turned their heads toward each other for overlapping.

"...You can go first." (Kazuto)

"...Is it okay?" (Suguha)

*Nods*

"...It's fine. I can speak after you."

"Okay. Then, if you insist..."

*Fuuu* (Take a deep breath)

(...here I go) (Suguha)

"...Big brother."

"...What is it?"(Kazuto)

With a quiet and resolute voice, Suguha finally pours out the doubt stored inside her heart.

"Why do you avoid me all this time?"

"Tch!!..."

Just like her personality, she takes the straight ball route without any form of hesitation.

It even makes Kazuto be shocked and blank headed for a short period.

....Even so, he becomes calm real quick.

Because, from the moment he avoids her, Kazuto is already prepared that someday, she will ask this question no matter how much he avoids it.

Most of all... he waits in the dojo because he wants to say it to her too.

It is quite funny if you think about it.

After all, not only they reached the same conclusion due to a certain meddlesome person, they even sync perfectly when they will express their emotion.

Other than fate, is there any other word that describes this situation?

Probably not.

"...Fuuuhh...It will...be a bit long. ...You don't mind?" (Kazuto)

"..Un. It's fine. I have all the time right now. ...Besides, if it's not now, then when it will be?" (Suguha)

Hearing her little sister's words, Kazuto sadly smiles when comparing himself with her strong will.

"....You really have grown. Different than me..." (Kazuto)

"Big brother..." (Suguha)

Seeing him like this, Suguha has begun to feel pained too. No matter what Kazuto is holding right now, there's no mistake that it is something so huge until it makes him feel miserable.

That's why she is ready.

(No matter what it is, I am prepared to take it all!) (Suguha)

While renewing her determination, Kazuto began to slowly open his mouth.

The secret he accidentally found out,

The feelings he always held toward it,

Even if it can change their relationship forever.

"....You know that I am in the hobby of computers, right?" (Kazuto)

*Nods*

"Of course. After all, that's the reason for you to quit too." (Suguha)

Hearing that, Kazuto began to bitterly smile.

"I guess that's true. ...Even now, I still remember it clearly. How you stand up from grandfather bravely... I still feel grateful even until now." (Kazuto)

"...Ah. Is that...so. ....It really is according to what 'he' says..."

"??...He? Ah, is it the guest that grandfather has talked about this morning?"

"Eh!? Big brother, you talked with grandfather today!? Why!?"

Instead of hearing the continuation, Suguha is more surprised that Kazuto was able to talk peacefully with grandfather.

After all, Suguha knows they are still quarreling even until now. So it is a huge shock to her for Kazuto able to survive Kazuki's words without being hurt either in an emotional and physical sense.

.....After all, both of them know from their body personally that their grandfather is too strict on their teaching, no matter they want it or not.

However, instead of making a bitter face, Kazuto makes a wry smile on his face.

"...How can I say it, this morning....we kind of make..up?" (Kazuto)

"..." (Suguha)

This time, Suguha is making a blank face while her mouth is open wide until a small hand could go in.

That's how much surprises she is receiving right now.

In fact,

(....I guess miracle really does happen.) (Suguha)

Well, the existence of Rein itself is more of a miracle if she knows his past.

"...Haha, even now I still can't believe it, you know? ...But, it's true. I guess, the most important part is to just ...clash each other emotion's clearly." (Kazuto)

"....Clash..." (Suguha)

"That's why,...I will also say my feelings to you, Suguha. The secret that I always keep."

It comes.

It finally comes.

*Fuuuh...* (breathe)

Taking another deep breath, Suguha nods slowly while looking directly at her beloved big brother.

Finally, she is able to know the ultimate secret hidden in this family.

A secret that may break their relationship forever.

******

"....After I was reprimanded badly by grandfather, I got holed up in my room for these years. ...Well, I can't deny I am scared to him." (Kazuto)

"...." (Suguha)

"Then, during those times, I play with my computer from the old parts given from mother, creating it into one piece."

"Ohh...That's amazing."

Seeing the amazed face of his little sister, Kazuto himself ended up getting itchy feeling so he becomes blushed a little while scratching his face.

....How cute he is.

"..*cough*... Well, not that much. Anyway, the important part is the file inside that computer itself." (Kazuto)

"...File?" (Suguha)

*Nods*

"I guess mother forgot to erase it since she wouldn't think that somebody could make it into one piece again. ....Especially me."

"...Big brother."

"...*sigh*...So, seeing the file on that computer, I immediately open it just due to curiosity. But, thinking about it until now, I don't know whether knowing the contents inside the file is a correct thing or not."

"....What's written on that file?"

".....Fuuuh..."

While taking a deep breath, Kazuto finally said it to Suguha while looking directly at her.

Even now, he still thinks that it's better to just hide it. So, their relationship could still be called as 'family'.

...But, after the event this morning, he finally changed his mind.

(....I can't run away forever.)

Therefore, he will spill it out.

No matter what the result is.

"...It's a record." (Kazuto)

"...Re...cord? What record? (Suguha)

"....A record about me being adopted from another family."

"...Eh?"

For a moment, she can't understand what her brother is saying.

Got adopted?

Who? to whose family?

"....!!"

Seeing her blank face changed into the surprised face, Kazuto hesitates to continue.

His face slowly becomes dark, Because he is worried for the later result.

Even so, he needs to.

The dice have already been thrown.

"....I guess we are still too small so we don't understand much about it. But, it's true. ....My original parents' family name is Narusawa. It'd be easier for you to understand that they are your cousin, Suguha. ...Well, they already passed away though. That's why I got adopted in this family." (Kazuto)

"...That means...." (Suguha)

"....Strictly speaking, we are not really blood-related. ...That's why..." (Kazuto)

"....We are not family either." (Kazuto)

"!!!" (Suguha)

Now she finally understands.

Why does everytime Kazuto meet with her, he always make a bitter and suffering face before looking away.

The reason Kazuto distance away from Suguha until now.

Because he is afraid.

Afraid that Suguha won't see him as a family anymore but as a stranger.

Maybe Kazuto's mom, or to be specific to his 'aunt' accept him as a family. He still can feel that his aunt loved both of them equally.

Kazuki may also be strict, but they did teach to both of them without any form of discrimination. In fact, if that old man really sees Kazuto as an outsider, instead of entering the dojo, he will get kicked out from the house.

Then what about Suguha?

"....That's my reason for avoiding you, Suguha." (Kazuto)

"..." (Suguha)

"...(Trembling)... That's why I can't face you directly. You, who is the original member of this family protected me, the outsider. At that time, I should give thanks to you clearly. ...But, I can't do it. "Thank you." Just that. those two words...." (Kazuto)

After reaching this far, Kazuto begun to have tears on his face again.

"....I'm sorry, Suguha. I'm sorry for being a pathetic brother. I'm sorry for not able to protect you instead." (Kazuto)

"...I'm sorry, for not being your 'true' family." (Kazuto)

...Thinking about it, their situation can be quite funny.

After all, in the 'real' world, there is a family member that are blood-related but use each other just for their own personal profit.

Even if it leads the other to doom.

The best and close example would be Rein's past life.

Countless times, he always gets his guard up to not get exploited from his cousin, family member, his elder brother, and most of all, his father too.

That's why he crushed it all.

To throw that kind of suffocating life, he sold his soul to the devil and threaten his father straight to his face by using the 'money' he loves.

Greed is a truly fearful thing.

In the end, the father chooses the paper that is lifeless and honor he always strive for instead of looking to his own blood-related son's life nor even his dream either.

Maybe that's also why Rein has helped this family that much.

Because he doesn't want them to end up in the same way as him.

Most of all,

They still have a chance.

(....I see.) (Suguha)

After Suguha realized the truth, what she feels isn't frustration nor hatred to Kazuto.

Instead,

(Somehow, I feel really angry!) (Suguha)

That's why,

"....Fuuuhh... " (Suguha)

"...." (Kazuto)

She will do the same thing as Rein did to her.

...But in a more extreme way.

"I understand why you avoid me all this time now. I also understand why you don't tell to me." (Suguha)

"...." (Kazuto)

"That's why I will say this beforehand. Sorry."

Hearing her saying weird things, Kazuto becomes puzzled and tried to look at her face by raising his head.

Then,

*BANG!*

"!!~~~~OUUUUCHHHH~~~~!!" (Kazuto)

"Tskk...I guess it hurts..." (Suguha)

She headbutted Kazuto without holding back at all.

....She is scarier than a bulldozer.

Due to that, both sides are grabbing their own redden forehead with their hands.

Kazuto, who recovers ended up yelling to Suguha.

"What the heck did you do suddenly!?" (Kazuto)

"...Ahaha. That's why I said it before I do it. 'sorry'." (Suguha)

"Yeah, but why you even do it in the first place!? You even hurt yourselves too! Are you an idiot!?" (Kazuto)

"...Maybe. But, ...you are even more of an idiot than me, "Big brother". "

"!!"

Seeing Kazuto wearing a surprised face of calling him big brother, Suguha still continue her words with a confident smile.

Because she knows.

That her feelings bore in her chest is not wrong.

"It won't change." (Suguha)

"....Eh?" (Kazuto)

"As I said, it won't change, big brother. No matter what is your origin is, I don't even care. Because,"

"We are family, no matter what form it is." (Suguha)

"!!...Su-suguha." (Kazuto)

"Besides, rather than a 'real' big brother who comes in suddenly just because we are blood-related, I will still choose you."

"....Why?"

Hearing the idiotic question of this big brother, Suguha only smiles gently to him.

"Simple. Because the time that we spend all this time is neither a fake nor a lie. Most of all, ...the feelings that I have is the biggest proof."

"In my heart, you are the only big brother, no one else. Nobody can't change that, even you, idiot brother." (Suguha)

"Ah....Ahhhh....I...I !!" (Kazuto)

*Hugs*

"Do you understand now, big brother? I will say it again, but It won't change. Even if you are someone from outside, you are our important family member, 'Kirigaya' Kazuto."

This is exactly the reason why does Rein envy Kazuto.

Why?

Because he is loved by the surrounding.

Not due to his background nor merit.

But because of who he really is.

"...*hic*...Thank..*hic* you. *hic*...Thank you, Suguha. "

With a give up-smile, Suguha still hugs this stupid and crybaby brother strongly.

"Haahhh...Seriously, what a troublesome big brother I have. You are hopeless if you don't have me." (Suguha)

"....Haha, I guess that's true." (Kazuto)

At this moment, the barrier that blocks between this sibling has finally been removed.

A few years ago, they are just a family by paper and nothing else.

But now?

They are a genuine family with a strong bond that can't be cut by anything else.