Another Sister
Sakura approached the dining kitchen. A light humming, soft and cheerful, floated through the air—someone was in a good mood. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee grew stronger with each step, wrapping the room in a warm embrace.
Pushing aside a faded blue curtain, Sakura spotted a girl at the counter, humming as she worked.
The kitchen was small and aged, its faucets and water heater tinged with rust. By normal standards, it was far from clean, yet compared to its mold-ridden state when they first arrived, it was practically spotless. Thanks to constant scrubbing, it had become usable—livable.
In front of the stainless steel sink stood a girl, rinsing an onion. Her long-sleeved sky-blue shirt and pants were covered by a green apron, and her practiced hands moved with confidence.
"Morning, sis. I’ll handle breakfast today."
Sakura was about to greet her first, but the younger girl spoke up without turning around, having sensed her presence.
Caught a bit off-guard, Sakura simply replied, "Morning," and took a seat on a worn wooden chair.
"Kizuna... You're up early. That’s rare."
The girl—Kizuna—paused, then turned to face her.
Her short, dark brown hair was cut even shorter than Sakura’s, giving her a boyish charm. A red hairclip held back her bangs on the right, revealing a bright, expressive face.
She was shorter than Sakura, but her gaze sparkled with vitality.
**Kizuna Urugi**—Sakura’s sister. Her irreplaceable, precious little sister.
Kizuna frowned and puffed her cheeks.
"Really?"
She looked like a child protesting an unfair accusation, even though it was more of a playful tease. Sakura knew very well that Kizuna rarely woke up early, usually needing to be nudged out of bed.
"You’re even making breakfast... What’s gotten into you?"
"No reason\~ I just kinda woke up early. That’s all."
Kizuna smiled, perhaps a little bashfully. Maybe she wanted to give her sister a break. She turned back to the stove, her brown hair swaying gently as she resumed her work.
Sakura considered offering to help, but the kitchen was far too cramped. Besides, Kizuna clearly wanted to do this herself. It would be rude to interrupt.
Today, she would simply watch over her sister’s back.
She reached for the steaming mug of coffee on the table—it must’ve been Kizuna’s doing. No milk, no sugar. Bitter. But the aroma and warmth gradually woke her body.
Woke up for no reason... huh.
Outside, the sky was a flawless blue. The ridges of Happo-One stood firm as always. The fierce wind had faded, replaced by a calm that hinted at a bright, sunny day.
That mountain—unchanging—brought her a sense of peace.
Just like me...
Sakura gazed into the swirling coffee.
She always woke early on days after those dreams.
Dreams of their first meeting. Of when they were just children.
Am I the only one who sees them?
Steam rose to her cheeks. She exhaled softly.
Ten years. Has it really been that long?
They met in May, too. Just like today—on a bright and cheerful morning.
Maybe... it’s more than coincidence.
Kizuna had said it was "just because"—but perhaps she’d seen the same dream.
The gas stove clicked. Kizuna stirred a small pot with long wooden chopsticks. The portable stove was something they’d bought together when they first moved in. This old house had no gas supply. Electricity was all they had.
Kizuna acted bright now, but she hadn't always been this way. In the beginning, she had been silent, closed off, constantly afraid. Every day was like walking through a fog of fear.
But over time—through years of care and shared moments—Sakura had helped her grow into the girl she was now.
If Kizuna could smile... that was enough.
She never spoke of her past. Never said what happened before they met. Not even once.
Did she forget? Or had she chosen to lock it away?
Either way, she was Sakura’s sister. That would never change.
"Looks like it’ll warm up today. Might even be nice at noon."
Kizuna’s voice snapped her from her thoughts.
Sakura looked up at her sister. She had grown so much. Still petite, but no longer the trembling child from years ago.
Spring had finally come. The long winter of Hokujō was over.
Summer was approaching, bringing with it a brief relief from the cold.
Sakura exhaled, relieved.
"Maybe so. But it’ll still be chilly at night. Bring a jacket."
"I know, I know. I’m not a kid anymore."
Kizuna grinned, brushing off the advice like an older sibling might.
To Sakura, though, Kizuna would always be someone to protect. Someone to watch over.
They had lived in Hokujō for three years now. Whether by luck or fate, Kizuna had grown stronger.
Maybe it was the age. Maybe it was the hardship they endured.
But Kizuna had blossomed.
Someday, she’d leave Sakura’s side. Marry someone. Start her own family.
That day would come.
And Sakura wanted her to be happy.
The humming stopped.
Kizuna was now focused, stirring something dangerously hot. Sakura instinctively rose from her seat.
"Need help?"
"Nope! I got this."
It seemed she was determined to do everything herself today.
Sakura smiled faintly.
Even now, there were still so many things she needed to watch over.
As a sister. As family.
