Having Ayano as a big sister was tiring mentally and physically, pushing them to find new limits. She always ushered and cheered them on with a bright smile and a determined face, supportive as a mother, proud as a father. In a way, she was the most stable, secure soul in their lives, serving as everything they never had and more. Ayaka came along with Kenjirou when the teachers had to talk about Kido always being absent from class, Kano goofing off, Seto dragged along with Kano's antics, but Ayano was always there for them, always someone to talk to. She said the best thing to cure heartache was ice cream and horrible movies, but so was excitement and being with people who truly loved you.
"See, if we climb that tree," she gestured to the nearest one with low branches. "If we climb this tree, and go all the way to the top, you'll feel lighter. Plus, no one can touch you if you're too high for them to reach."
Kido, Kano and Seto all brightened up at those words. No one can touch them, hurt them?
The rest of the day was spent with them trying to improve their climbing skills and surprisingly, Seto was able to go the highest. His reasoning was that "the farther he is, the less he can hear," and there was no need for explaining, because they all already knew.
They all went home with scraped hands that were spotted with blood and dead skin.
"What's the most important trait a person can have?" Was one of the more confusing questions Ayano always asked them after their daily randevu, teaching them new words and perspectives.
"I think it's appreciation," said Seto. "Because there's nothing better that could make me feel like I'm doing something right in the world."
"Care," said Kano. "When someone looks after me or worries about me, it's like they miss me and want me to be with them a lot more. I feel loved."
"Definitely courage," Kido spoke up. "If no one had courage who would stand up for those they needed to protect?"
Ayano smiled, giving her opinion. "I think it's resilience. The ability to heal from any fight, whether it's skin deep or inside your soul. And you know what else?"
They listened.
"You are all so resilient. So strong, so very strong. I'm proud to be your big sister.
… Was what you said a year ago."
Kano was, for once, not hiding anything. He was frowning something sorrowful, Kido and Seto by his sides and rubbing his shoulder blades. Despite everything, he was the most affected by these chains of unfortunate events, yet…
He was still trying.
"I guess your questions were therapy for you too, huh. You helped us find what we were missing in our lives, but also revealed what you lacked."