HA1 5.3 - Foolish Big Brother & Unfortunate Little Sister

Like any other day, Oldman Ronsox sat in front of his house, wearing shorts, T-shirt, and flip-flops made of tires.

The only difference was that since Takeo trained at Old Pier, he would cheerfully wait for him because he always brought him a nice meal from Kikuchi restaurant. Oldman Ronsox also had a very positive impression of Takeo because he was polite and determined young man.

A few days ago, Takeo had started the Symmetrical Maneuvers and Free Maneuvers on the Z and S tracks. And every day he would do it for hours. It was as if his life was depended on it.

'He doesn't seem like a kid who's crazy about street racing, so why does he train so hard?'

A question mark appeared on Oldman Ronsox's forehead as Takeo entered the yard. Then, without hesitation he accepted the paper-bag handed over by Takeo.

"You're late. I haven't eaten lunch you know."

"Please forgive my tardiness. Hide showed me a new training menu, so I can't go here right away."

Seeing Takeo was answering him awkwardly, Oldman Ronsox immediately changed the subject. "What new menu did he give you?"

Without delay Takeo showed a video on his smartphone. It lasted only a few seconds, showing a Nissan S13 that spun in place three times before going full speed and then made a turn on a traffic cone with a very small turning radius, like how needle on a bow forming a circle.

"While continuing the practice on S and Z tracks, Hide also wants me to start practicing the spins and turn maneuvers in the video, but he didn't give me any tips at all."

“It’s called 360 degree drift,” Oldman Ronsox said while opening his lunch. "To be able to execute it, the driver must have a solid foundation in controlling the steering wheel and pedals. To be honest, your foundation is still weak, but it's slightly enough to start that kind of tire-slaughtering training."

“…”

Still in a casual tone Oldman Ronsox continued, "Since you always bring me lunch, let me give you a little tip. Gas too strong will make the car spin, while gas too weak will make the car fail to clear the turn and then spin.

To find the right touch, you have to do trial & error hundreds of times and there is no other way. Luckily, your friend has prepared extra tires for you."

Takeo immediately gave a small bow. "Thank you for the tips."

"No problem, and last night Hide came here with a gift and asked me to teach you how to change tires, wash the car, and the basics of maintenance. So, don't come home right away after the training.

You should be grateful to Hide. I don’t know what you two are up to, but he is very serious about preparing you."

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"Understood."

Takeo once again bowed to Oldman Ronsox. A moment later, he was already immersed in his training, while Oldman Ronsox happily enjoyed the roasted duck he brought.

---

Sunday morning, after having their breakfast Hide and Aizawa would clean and tidied the house for two hours. After that, Aizawa would play using Hide's smartphone or computer. As for Hide, he would study the first and third-year materials.

Hide had just turned his laptop on when the doorbell rang. He then rushed to open the door, and found Takeo looking at him with a smile. At the same time, Kei and Rei cocked their heads out while trying to look into living room.

Yesterday, on the last day of practice at Old Pier Hide had told Takeo to meet him tonight in front of Sakura Hotel. The two would have a small warm-up before carrying out Knosses job. So, Hide was a little surprised when Takeo came to visit this early along with his little sisters.

While Hide was pensive, a light step approached from behind him, and in an instant Rei and Kei's faces turned radiant.

Two weeks in a row Hide lied to Aizawa that Rei and Kei couldn't come to their house, but when Aizawa stopped asking about it, they actually came to visit.

Hide knew very well that he had to limit the interaction with Takeo and his family. However, when he saw the joy on Aizawa, Kei, and Rei's faces, he realized that he could no longer ask Takeo and his little sisters to go home.

After smiling gently at Rei and Kei, Hide said, "Come in."

Before long, Aizawa, Kei, and Rei were already playing puzzles in the living room. Meanwhile, Hide and Takeo sat at the terrace.

After letting out a deep sigh Hide said, "Don't you remember we have to keep our interactions as low as possible?"

Takeo slightly nodded a few times. "I know, but I have no other choice. Rei and Kei keep pestering me to bring them to play here, and I also want to talk to you directly."

"Well, you're already here. So, hurry up and say what you have to say."

After clearing his throat Takeo asked, "Do you know why at East Nichiko Elementary, Aizawa was alienated by other kids?"

"I know Aizawa is an outcast and being bullied by some kids, but I don't know the exact reason."

"Do you want to know?"

"Absolutely."

After taking a deep breath, Takeo then began his explanation. At first, he only heard one or two pieces of story from classmates who have younger siblings in East Nichiko Elementary. However, after he dug deeper for the last few days, there were a few things he found.

Initially, Aizawa had lots of friends. Until one day, one of her friends mocked her because she always brought instant noodles for her lunch. When Aizawa said that the lunch was made by her Big Brother and she really liked it, the boy then said that her Big Brother gave her instant noodles every day because he hated her.

Then, no one expected that Aizawa would burst into a loud cry while hit and grabbed the hair of the boy who said that her brother hated her.

Aizawa was a smart, sweet kid, and didn't like to make fuss. So, her friends and teachers were very surprised when Aizawa suddenly snapped. Her friends then started to stay away from her, while her teachers didn't know what to do. Worse, her father didn't come to the school when her homeroom teacher asked him to.

Aizawa, who was previously considered a genius because she could count, read, and write fluently before other kids could do it, in the end got the nickname Instant Noodle Monster and was even bullied.

Takeo was silent for a while before continuing, "I know Aizawa has changed schools, but please don't give her instant noodle for her lunch."

"Don't worry, at her new school Aizawa doesn't have to bring her own lunch."

Hide replied calmly, but inwardly turmoil and regret mercilessly tore his heart.

---

11:00 pm, Hide knelt next to the bed while Aizawa fell asleep peacefully in front of him. He silently took a deep sigh as the story about the origin of Aizawa's bullying kept ringing in his ears. At the same time, the image of Aizawa crying out loud when one of her friends make her remembered the reality she wanted to deny, kept floating in his mind.

"Please forgive your foolish brother… my unfortunate Lil Sis."

Tears flowed from corners of Hide's eyes while he fixed Aizawa's blanket, and after he kissed Aizawa's forehead gently, Hide then got up. Tonight, he had some work he had to carry and he must hurry.

*****