Minami no hanashi : Yume - Prelude

At the Market

Azumi hummed a sweet melody as she selected a leek. Jun was also doing his shopping and spotted Azumi: "Oh, hello madam! How are you?"

-(Azumi) Oh, it's Jun! How are you? She said with a smile.

-(Jun) Oh, um, I-I'm fine, and you?

Jun still seemed troubled by recent events. But Azumi reassured him like a mother: "My poor Jun... I saw what happened with Shinsuke, I'm sorry, you shouldn't blame him, he loves his daughters very much."

-(Jun) Oh no! Please don't apologize, it's not your fault, madam! Mrs. Katayama is the only one who understands me in this world!

-(Azumi) *Worried* Just don't think about moving away or leaving the country... Minami would be very sad if that were to happen...

Azumi is sometimes too perceptive.

-(Jun) Okay... she understands me way too much.

-(Azumi) What's wrong, Jun? You seem troubled...

-(Jun) Haha... n-nothing at all, it's just that Minami isn't the type to be sad, especially not for me, haha...

A sudden silence fell between Azumi and Jun; they looked at each other without saying a word. Jun began to feel that something was wrong, but Minami's mother spoke up: "Jun... I know Minami can be stubborn and intrusive, but she's still a 16-year-old high school girl... Minami has a big heart and chooses to open it to very few people, and you are one of them, otherwise she wouldn't act like that with you," she said, patting his shoulder.

-(Azumi) So believe me, it would sadden her a lot if you were to disappear overnight. I'm counting on you, Jun!

-(Jun) Wow, she cheered me up so effortlessly, she's got a gift! Thank you very much, madam, for those words! I won't let you down! he said, bowing

-(Azumi) Oh, come on, don't be so stiff, you can relax, she said, laughing

-(Jun) I won't let you down!

-(Azumi) Well then, I wish you a good day!

-(Jun) Have a good day!

"Mrs. Katayama is truly amazing, I can't imagine this household without her..."

A little later at home, Azumi was cleaning the living room table when suddenly, Narumi came home from school.

-(Narumi) It's me!

-(Azumi) So, how was your day at school, Narumi?

-(Narumi) It was great! I made some new friends!

-(Azumi) And a new–

-(Narumi) No. And thanks to Jun, I was on time!

-(Azumi) Oh really? You managed to catch up with him?

-(Narumi) Yes, thanks to the red light, hehe! she replied enthusiastically.

-(Azumi) By the way, I ran into him at the market, and he seemed really down. You and your sister should be more careful about how you treat him. Understood?

-(Narumi) *Sigh* Oh mom, you worry too much... It's Jun! And I'm sure you cheered him up, so everything's fine! He brought me back here, and he seemed more peaceful than this morning!

-(Azumi) Oh, I'm glad to hear that! But you know, I'm saying this for your own good if you don't want Jun to get annoyed and leave the country...

-(Narumi) Huh? Leave the country? Oh come on mom, where do you get these ideas? And first of all, I have nothing to do with this! Jun is very happy with me ! Minami treats him like her servant! And dad keeps scaring him for no reason! I'm innocent in this...

-(Azumi) Narumi, it's not good to blame others. You also need to take responsibility for your own mistakes so that everyone can correct their behavior towards Jun. Understood?

-(Narumi) Yes...

-(Azumi) Alright! Now go wash up, I'll make you some crepes! she said, stroking her head.

Narumi hurried upstairs, shouting, "Yay, that's awesome!" Her joy over simple things brought a radiant smile to Azumi's face.

A few hours later, it was Minami's turn to come home.

Azumi, who seemed to be waiting for Minami's return, finally heard the front door open. She headed towards it.

-(Azumi) Mi...nami? Where did she go?

In Minami's room

-(Minami) I missed you so much! she said, eating her cereal bars.

Azumi entered the room.

-(Azumi) I was sure.

-(Minami) Knock before entering!

-(Azumi) Are you hiding something from me?

-(Minami) No! But–

-(Azumi) How was your day? Are you in the same class as Sanae?

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

-(Minami) It was like any other day of classes. And yes, we're in the same class.

-(Azumi) That's good! And... by any chance–

-(Minami) I'm not interested in any boys, mom.

-(Azumi) Oh, darn! You and Narumi are perceptive ones. she said amusedly.

-(Minami) Oh, by the way, how was her first day?

-(Azumi) Ask her directly?

-(Minami) Hm... Nah, not really. she replied, eating.

-(Azumi) Stop snacking, we'll eat later.

With these words, Azumi left the room, leaving the door wide open.

-(Minami) Yeah, yeah...

Minami closed the door while snacking, "I need to save my stock anyway..."

Twenty minutes later...

Someone knocks on Minami's door.

-(Minami) Yes?

It was Narumi. She opened the door very slowly, as if she were ashamed to be standing there.

-(Minami) Oh, hi!

-(Narumi) Can you lend me a book?

-(Minami) A-A book? Which one?

Minami's thoughts were troubled. Indeed, her books were very precious to her. But at the same time, it was her little sister asking, which was a first, so it was hard to refuse.

-(Narumi) I don't know. One that you've finished reading? Or one that you don't read anymore? Or just one that you don't like.

-(Minami) I love all of them. Why do you suddenly need a book?

-(Narumi) Just to flip through it.

-(Minami) I want a real reason. she said, crossing her arms.

Without further response, Narumi abruptly left.

-(Minami) Unbelievable...

A moment later, Azumi entered the room again.

-(Azumi) Minami?

-(Minami) Knock, please!

-(Azumi) Why don't you want to lend Narumi the book?

-(Minami) What book? And I didn't say I didn't want to! I just asked for a reason!

-(Azumi) I told her to start reading the first trimester's book right away. Because it's quite long... And it's not a good idea for her to read it at the same time as the others...

-(Minami) Oh, the "Legends of the Ice Heart: The Crystal of Eternity" novel! It's true that she's going to study it this year!

-(Azumi) Yes, that one. Would you lend it to her?

-(Minami) Of course!

-(Azumi) Thank you. See, she didn't say no! she said, leaving.

Narumi then reached out her hand hesitantly. As if she were about to touch the untouchable. As she placed her hand on the book, Minami still held onto it.

-(Minami) Why did you hide this from me? It's silly! Just tell me directly next time.

-(Narumi) I just didn't want you to give it to me. I really don't want to read it. Especially not now. I find it uninteresting... without meaning to hurt your feelings.

-(Minami) But you have no taste, it's not possible!

This criticism didn't sit well with Narumi. She snatched the book from Minami's hands and tried to leave. But her arm was held back by her sister.

-(Minami) Wait, is it the story you don't like?

-(Narumi) What else? Two years ago, when you had to study it, I flipped through it. And I don't know what you find interesting about it. The author uses complicated words to say nothing. Anyway! I find it boring.

Minami took her remarks seriously and found them quite relevant. She then took the book and opened it.

-(Minami) I've read it so many times! I've made lots of annotations! You'll understand more easily. And you'll see with the detailed comments I've left, that the story is amazing!

Narumi interrupted Minami's enthusiasm by closing the book.

-(Narumi) I don't need your comments. But... thank you. She took the book and left.

-(Minami) *Sigh* I swear...

Two hours later...

Shinsuke is back home.

It was dinner time at the Katayama family's house.

-(Shinsuke) So, how was your first day back?

-(Minami) My class is really special, I don't intend to be buddy-buddy with my classmates since Sanae is with me.

Shinsuke looked at Azumi, and she displayed a radiant smile.

-(Narumi) I'm super happy with my class! I've already made some friends! In fact, I've already been invited to a pajama party this weekend, can I go, mom?

This pre-planned party didn't please Shinsuke, who was a protective father. Minami sighed in exasperation.

-(Azumi) Isn't it a bit too soon?

-(Minami) Totally. It's not even been a day since you met them and you already consider them your friends? And on top of that, you want to have a pajama party?

-(Narumi) I'm talking to mom. she replied coldly.

-(Minami) I still have the right to say what I think.

-(Narumi) I asked mom a question, could you let the concerned person answer?

-(Minami) I already did, I quote: "Isn't it a bit too soon?" Isn't that clear enough for you?

-(Narumi) If you could stop meddling in my affairs, it would already be a great advancement for humanity.

-(Minami) If you could stop being friends with every person you meet, it would already be a great step towards maturity.

-(Narumi) You–

-(Azumi) Ahem...

The two sisters looked at their mother, wondering what she would say. But she didn't say anything to them. Just a sign with her gaze, indicating to Narumi and Minami that their father really didn't appreciate what was happening. And it showed on his face. Seeing her father's reaction, Minami apologized briefly and continued eating.

As for Narumi, seeing that no one at this table was in favor of her pajama party with her friends, she put down her utensils and went up to her room. Azumi was saddened to see her daughter in this state and looked at Shinsuke with eyes filled with grief.

-(Azumi) Honey...

He understood and went to join Narumi.

She was lying on her bed, burying her face in her pillow. Shinsuke entered and sat beside her.

-(Shinsuke) Why are you sulking? I have the same opinion as your sister. You've barely met them.

-(Narumi) Among them is Sayana!

-(Shinsuke) Even if Sayana is there, what's the point of having a pajama party? It doesn't make sense, at least wait until the holidays. I know you're mad at me because I scared Jun.

-(Narumi) But that's not a problem anymore! It's unimportant, it's already happened! What bothers me is that you take Minami's side even though you know I'm upset because of her.

-(Shinsuke) I'm not taking Minami's side. I'm giving my own opinion; your anger shouldn't stop me from giving you good advice. It's my duty as a father.

-(Narumi) ...

-(Shinsuke) Minami doesn't have bad intentions, on the contrary, I think you don't communicate enough. And that's why you keep arguing.

Narumi frowned and turned her back to Shinsuke. So he decided to leave the room while inviting her to join them.

In the living room

Shinsuke looked at Azumi. His gaze described the failure of his mission: to get Narumi to come down. They decided to wait anyway for five minutes.

5 minutes later

-(Azumi) Well... Looks like she's not coming down, huh? she said, looking at Shinsuke.

Shinsuke, his face tense with the failure of his mission to get Narumi to come down, began to eat silently, almost as if seeking refuge in his plate to hide his disappointment. His movements were automatic, his eyes avoiding Azumi's gaze.

-(Minami) It's really good!

-(Azumi) Yes, well, I wish Narumi could also enjoy it. she said, going to fetch Narumi.

-(Minami) Oops... was that clumsy?

-(Shinsuke) Yes.

A few seconds later

-(Azumi) Come on, eat quickly before it gets cold.

-(Narumi) Yes...

-(Shinsuke) You should talk to each other more, both of you.

-(Minami) I agree.

-(Narumi)...

30 minutes later, after dinner

-(Minami) I know you're really good at solving problems, mom, but this time, I want to handle it. Let me handle it, please!

Azumi was delighted to hear this. She saw in Minami an unwavering determination, as if the succession was assured and solid as a rock.

-(Azumi) Oh, how sweet the love you have for your sister~ She's tough on you, I admit. But you're the older one! So it's up to you to figure her out! she said, stroking her head.

-(Minami) I'll take that as a yes!

Minami rushed to her room.

In her room

She sat on her bed, thinking while eating a cereal bar. Suddenly, an idea came to her.

-(Minami) Oh! Jun!

She hurried to call him despite the late hour.

-(Jun) Hello?

"Jun!" she exclaimed, relieved. "If you only knew how happy I am to have you on the phone! As happy as when I saw the package you left me! Thank you Jun, I'll repay you for this!"

Even though Minami was teasing him, Jun smiled and thought to himself: It's not so bad after all...

-(Jun) Yeah, I hope so! I put my life on the line for th--

-(Minami) But before that, Jun! We have a mission waiting for us tomorrow! I hope you're ready?

-(Jun) "We"? And here we go again...

END OF CHAPTER