Minami no Hanashi : Yume - Prelude

At the Katayama's dinner table

Minami couldn't sit still; she had been recounting what happened during the test for ten minutes straight. Narumi's eyes were wide open in disbelief. Azumi was silent and simply listened.

Sanae thought: That's enough, Minami! I'm so embarrassed right now!!! Not only did she not want Azumi to know the embarrassing details of the test, but she also didn't want to show her weaknesses so directly and without any filter.

Minami was outraged, and each time she got to a moment of conflict, she emphasized her words and turned to her father for a reaction.

Shinsuke, while eating, responded every time: "I see."

-(Minami) And he dared to say that to Sanae!! she said, hitting the table.

-(Shinsuke) I see.

-(Sanae) B-But it's going to be okay! N-No need to make a big deal out of it, I'm fine, I assure you!

Sanae tried to defuse the situation; she didn't want to worry or involve Minami's parents in her problems. But her friend saw things differently.

-(Minami) No, they'll have to pay. she said, spoon in hand.

-(Sanae) *Stressed * Huh? P-Pay?

Narumi put down her fork and clasped her hands near her mouth with a menacing look: "It's been a while since this happened, but I totally agree with you."

Everything that had been said greatly displeased Narumi. Indeed, she cared a lot about Sanae, and this news put her into a state of vengeance.

Seeing that Narumi was in sync with her sister, Sanae began to worry, and the Katayama machine was about to spring into action. She naturally waited for Shinsuke or Azumi to defuse the situation. However...

-(Shinsuke) Indeed, I will talk to him tomorrow.

-(Sanae) Huh?! Nooo! No really, it's not necessary-

-(Narumi, Minami) Yes, exactly!

In distress, Sanae turned to her last hope: Azumi. She spoke with a smile: "Yes dear, you should talk to him. I can't leave my little one defenseless."

Sanae's world collapsed.

-(Sanae) T-T-Talk? T-They're only going to do that, right? Hahaha... The principal is probably very, very busy, we should make an appointment...

-(Shinsuke) No, it'll be fine.

-(Narumi) Exactly~! Don't worry, Sanae! Dad is someone special, nothing resists him! He'll handle this quickly and efficiently!

Minami nodded with determination, arms crossed.

Azumi understood Sanae's feelings and decided to reassure her: "Don't worry, you won't have any problems; it will go well."

-(Sanae) I see-

Azumi immediately continued, laughing: "Let's just say my dear will give him a little reminder!"

Minami nodded, and her sister encouraged: "Yes! Exactly~!"

-(Sanae) Huh?

After dinner, in Minami's room

The two friends chatted about everything and nothing, but Sanae seemed troubled, and Minami could sense it. She sighed and then spoke: "Ah, I know you're worried about tomorrow, but don't worry, nothing crazy will happen. Dad seems threatening to others because they don't really know him."

Minami paused to think and then continued: "He's just a determined man."

Intrigued, she moved closer to Sanae, squinting as if trying to figure her out.

-(Minami) But you should have known that for a long time, right?

-(Sanae) Yes, I know very well that he's much less scary than he seems.

She began to chuckle and continued: "It's just that sometimes he really doesn't make an effort to reassure those around him."

Minami laughed, hearing Sanae's opinion on her father for one of the rare times. She regained her composure, and a confident smile appeared: "But you know, Sanae, I'll reveal my dad's secret to you, hehe~"

Sanae, eager to learn more about Shinsuke, had wide eyes and couldn't sit still. She stood up: "H-H-His S-SECRET?!"

Minami was amused by her reaction.

-(Minami) Hahaha~ yes! His secret is simple...

Minami took on the air of a professor, raising her finger with her eyes closed in assurance.

-(Minami) He doesn't make an effort to justify himself with those around him because he assumes they know him very well and there won't be any misunderstandings!

-(Sanae) Huh?

-(Minami) But yes, think about it! My dad isn't a fool; he knows very well what others think of him, so he makes an effort to clarify things with those people!

-(Sanae) Hmm...

-(Minami) But it's something he doesn't like to do! He doesn't do it with those close to him precisely because he trusts us!

Sanae finally understood what her friend was getting at: "Oooh~! I think I'm starting to get it."

-(Sanae) So what I should understand is that it's a good sign when he acts this way?

-(Minami) Exactly. she said, arms crossed.

-(Sanae) I see, I didn't think I'd say this but...

Sanae stood up with a serious air: "Your dad is really interesting!" Minami, with a boastful air, replied: "And you haven't seen anything yet, trust me!"

When her loved ones are praised, Minami can't help but feel proud and boast about it, which always amused Sanae. She took on a teasing tone: "You can't help it, can you?"

Minami was confused; she didn't seem aware of this habit.

-(Sanae) You act like the cliché characters that Otakus love but that you hate! she said, mocking her.

Minami was struck by this statement and seemed shaken. She looked at her hands with a worried expression.

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-(Minami) N-No I-I...

Minami trembled, and Sanae couldn't help but laugh at her state. Minami moved closer to Sanae, worried, and continued: "G-Give me an example!"

-(Sanae) Well... Right now, at this very moment.

A heavy silence settled in, Minami had calmed down and seemed to understand where her friend was coming from: "I see."

-(Sanae) Oh? You're more docile than I tho-

Minami cut her off immediately.

-(Minami) But that doesn't count, I was just surprised, that's all, she said seriously.

-(Minami) I want another example.

-(Sanae) Ah... Well, just before this.

-(Minami) Huh?! What now?!

-(Sanae) You love your loved ones so much that when they get complimented, you get all happy and boast as if you were the one complimented.

Sanae laughed, thinking of all the times Minami had boasted on behalf of her loved ones. Minami's eyes widened, and her eyebrows furrowed as if she had just realized something that had always eluded her. Sanae moved closer to her friend and gave her a hug, exclaiming: "That's what makes you adorable sometimes! Hahaha!"

Minami remained frozen, still not recovered from this revelation.

She suddenly regained her senses, grabbed Sanae's shoulders, and gently pushed her away.

-(Minami) Stop, you're acting like a cliché character.

-(Sanae) But I don't mind! I have no problem with it. On the contrary, I find it adorable~ like Tsuka and Taiya! It's true that sometimes they're too extravagant... *embarrassed* But that makes them so endearing, you see?

-(Minami) Yeah, yeah, sure...

-(Sanae) And I know you secretly like it, you're just less tolerant than I am, yes, that's it.

-(Minami) You seem very confident. And what makes you think that?

-(Sanae) Well, the fact that you're my best friend! You wouldn't stay if it disgusted you that much-

-(Minami) No, you're wrong, you're not at the same level of contamination as the twins.

Minami was completely serious about her choice of words.

-(Sanae) Huh? Contamination-

-(Minami) But you're the exception; it's true that this aspect makes you adora-

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"...ble." Minami abruptly stopped, her eyes widened, and she froze. A strange feeling of unease suddenly washed over her. She looked around, realizing something was wrong. Minami's room began to dissolve, the details blurring like in a dream.

Sanae's voice became distant, like an echo: "Minami, are you okay? You look weird..."

Minami blinked, trying to grasp the situation. The walls of the room seemed to melt, the colors becoming fuzzy. She touched her face, feeling a strange lightness. It was as if everything that had just happened—the conversation, the laughter—was merely a mirage.

"Sanae, you're really adorable," Minami said with an ethereal smile. Then, she shook her head as if to dispel the illusions. "Wait, what's going on?" she cried, searching for bearings in this shifting world.

The sounds blended into an indistinct murmur. She rubbed her eyes, trying to wake up from this strange dream: "It's just a dream, just a dream..." she repeated, but the sensation of reality persisted.

Finally, everything faded into a flash of white light, and Minami woke up abruptly in her bed. She was confused, disoriented. The reality of the room, the familiar walls, seemed strangely comforting after this oneiric experience.

Minami sat up, touching her face as if to make sure she was really awake: "What was that circus?"

In the living room, around midnight

Minami had come down to collect herself by drinking some water.

-(Minami) Damn, what was that dream?

Sanae had woken up with the noise and came down to join Minami. The two exchanged glances. Minami was intrigued by her friend's look.

-(Minami) What's up?

-(Sanae) Uh... It's more like I should be asking you...

-(Minami) Ah... I had a super weird dream, it made no sense.

-(Sanae) Oh really? It's not the first time, you know? Last time you talked in your sleep, it was funny to watch. What was this dream about?

Minami scratched her head, thinking.

-(Minami) I don't really know... We talked about my dad, then about Tsuka and Taiya... And how you were... Adorable? Huh?

-(Sanae) Ah. That wasn't a dream. You fainted right after saying that. I don't know how to take it.

A silence reigned.

-(Minami) Huh? Really?

-(Sanae) Yes.

-(Minami) And what happened?

-(Sanae) I was super worried, so I called your mom, shouting, and explained everything that happened.

-(Minami) And what did she say?

-(Sanae) She slightly laughed and said there was nothing serious.

-(Minami) Wow, I don't know what to think about that either.

Sanae laughed lightly, seeing Minami's completely baffled face. The latter held her head, exasperated.

-(Minami) Arrh, I told you I was intrinsically intolerant of that.

-(Sanae) But to this extent? It's scary.

-(Minami) And my dad? What did he say?

-(Sanae) He didn't seem worried at all, he was even calmer than your mom.

-(Minami) Wow, and Narumi?

Sanae hesitated and looked embarrassed as if she was trying to hide something.

-(Minami) Well, then? she asked, intrigued.

-(Sanae) *embarrassed* Uh... I think she wouldn't like you to know anything about that. For her sake, I'm not going to say anything... hahaha.

Minami put her glass in the sink and headed for the stairs. She shrugged, saying: "Anyway, it's not like she's going to make a big deal out of it. You coming?"

Sanae laughed awkwardly and thought: Haha, that's what I thought too.

-(Sanae) Yeah, I'm coming!

The next morning

Everyone was at the breakfast table for about ten minutes except Narumi, who came down from her room in a pitiful state. Hair in a mess, drool on her cheeks, swollen eyes... In short, a mess.

Narumi froze upon seeing her sister at the table and stood still in the middle of the living room. Minami turned around and saw the disastrous state of her sister: "Wow, what's up with those swollen eyes?"

Narumi wasn't fully awake and seemed to be sleepwalking.

-(Minami) What's up?

-(Narumi) I-I didn't sleep well...

Azumi watched her daughters with a smile and then suddenly spoke up with enthusiasm: "Narumi, you'll be late if you don't hurry!"

Narumi, still groggy, barely responded to her mother: "Haurg?"

Minami turned to her mother: "Uh, Mom? I think Narumi turned into a monster."

-(Azumi) She just slept very badly! Go help her get ready, otherwise, she won't be ready until tomorrow.

Minami sighed, expecting Narumi to vehemently refuse her help: "Anyway, she never wants my help."

Narumi didn't react and remained planted on the spot like a child waiting for someone to take care of her.

Azumi smiled, seeing Narumi's lack of reaction, and said: "You can see she's too tired to say anything. Go help her."

Minami widened her eyes, finished her breakfast in less than five seconds, and stood up with determination.

-(Minami) I'll help her!

Minami's attitude made Sanae, who had been observing silently, laugh.

She picked up her little sister like one would a child and carried her upstairs to the bathroom.

Fifteen minutes later in the bathroom

Narumi was strangely docile and let her sister take care of her.

Minami was probably the most focused person in the world at that moment; it was a miracle, an opportunity not to be missed. She washed Narumi's face with care and was as delicate as possible. She thought she couldn't afford to make any mistakes since her little sister always refused to be taken care of when she offered.

Narumi had come to her senses and watched her sister in the mirror with a thoughtful look, but Minami didn't notice and was focused on her task.

Five minutes later

-(Minami) Done! she said with a smile.

Narumi's eyes were barely open. Minami lightly patted her shoulder: "Wake up, Narumi... How can you still be-"

Minami stopped abruptly and turned the chair so that Narumi faced her and not the mirror. She leaned in closer and closer to her sister's face as if to check something.

-(Narumi) W-What is she doing??

-(Minami) Hm... Your cheeks... I just noticed that Narumi is really adora- ahem! A-Adorable when she's not fidgeting, she said with a sigh.

-(Narumi) W-WHAT~?

Narumi was wide awake and couldn't believe her ears; she blushed slightly. Minami straightened up and looked exasperated: "Ah... I don't know what's wrong with me, it must be because of last night..." She took her sister by the hand: "Come on, wake up! Or at least stand up!" Narumi chose the latter option because she was too embarrassed to meet her sister's gaze. She stood up slowly, pretending to be sleepy and yawning. Minami took her by the hand, and the two sisters went downstairs.

In the living room

Seeing her daughters hand in hand, Azumi cried out with joy: "Honey! Look how much they love each other! They're adorable~"

-(Narumi) Stoppp! I'm already embarrassed enough!

-(Shinsuke) Yes, they are much better like this.

Azumi touched Narumi's ponytails and saw that her face was glowing. She hugged Minami, exclaiming: "Ohh~ I see you worked very hard to make her as adorable as possible! I'm proud of you!"

-(Narumi) That's enough, stop! Do something, Minami!

Minami simply acknowledged her mother's words: "Yes."

Narumi thought: Huh? That's it? But why-

Shinsuke approached Minami and put his hand on her head: "You must be happy, right? I think you two will soon reconcile." Minami looked up and replied calmly: "Yes."

Narumi was disturbed by her sister's behavior. Sanae was moved, watching the scene from the corner.

Minami abruptly changed the atmosphere: "Shall we go? Let's deal with Sora." She didn't let go of her sister's hand, put on her shoes, then Narumi's, and opened the door.

Everyone got up and did the same.

-(Minami) Huh? You're coming, Mom?

-(Azumi) Why wouldn't I come? she said, smiling.

-(Minami) Uh... Nothing, I don't know.

Everyone got into the car, heading for Narumi's middle school.

In the car

Minami was completely frozen because Narumi had her head resting on her shoulder, eyes closed. Sanae was amused by the scene and teased her friend: "Well, Minami, why haven't you said anything for a while? Hahaha."

She lightly nudged Minami, trying to distract her, making Minami start to panic: "S-Stop it, Sanae! She'll wake up!"

Minami checked that her sister was still asleep, and she was. However, she didn't take her eyes off her from that moment until they arrived in front of the school.

END OF CHAPTER