Warning- This is an incomplete draft. As I am editing, I decided to at least post this while I edit because there will most likely be major changes.
Touko. My precious little sister.
From the moment I first looked her in the eyes, she became my world. Her adorable laughter, her smile, and her mochi-like cheeks, all meant the world to me.
When her stubby little arms reached out to me, her eyes sparkled and I felt my world change. I was her older sister.
That day, my father spoke these words to me, "Mio, as the older sister of Touko, you will be her role model -the guide of her life- just as we have guided you on your path."
After that day, I changed a lot. I wanted her to look at me one day and be proud to have me as her sister. If she were to be ashamed of me, I wouldn't be able to bear it. So I made the decision to hide behind the mask of the perfect older sister.
Touko…one day once you're living your life with the person you cherish most, I hope you will remember me as the sister who loved you most.
Her eyes sparkled as she looked forward. She seemed to be filled with so much ambition, so much confidence. How could someone be so unaffected by pressure and expectations? She seemed to simply shrug off everything as if it was simply nothing. Or was she simply too blind to see the eyes on her? If she were to be seen in another light, would the people who adored her turn their backs on her? The smallest mistake could affect everything.
I saw her during the campaign speeches. Her eyes never left the podium as if nothing else was in sight. I couldn't help but wonder. Why was she so determined to become the student council president?
Nanami Mio, what fuels the fire in your eyes?
The sounds of feet trudging along the gym floors caught my thoughts midway. I flushed as I realized the whole time, my gaze was attached to Nanami. Following the example of everyone else, I stood up with the intention of finding Tanaka.
It was the end of the school day and now clubs would soon commence. I turned to find Tanaka talking to Okita by the gym exit.
"Tanaka-san, Okita-san." I greeted them with a smile.
"Ah, Chinatsu-san," Okita-san addressed me, "do you have any plans?"
"Why?" I asked, puzzled.
"Tanaka-san and I are attending the Literature club for her trial today. If you are free, we were going to ask if you'd like to join us for the sake of it." Okita explained.
"C-chinatsu-san d-doesn't have to come, of course!" Tanaka stammered out nervously.
I chuckled, "Well, I don't have student council today, so if-"
"Chi-chan~!" A familiar cheery voice exclaimed. I instantly felt a headache growing as my temples pulsate.
"Haah?" I whipped around, clearly expressing my irritation to Nanami who simply ignored me.
"Let's go visit the new cafe nearby!" I stumbled as the woman grabbed my arm and yanked me away from Tanaka and Okita, ultimately causing me to limp after her.
"I never agreed to this!" I complained as I tried to retrieve my limbs from her grasp. Yet, even when I was larger than Nanami, my physic was much weaker compared to this monstrosity of a being who excelled both academically and physically. I swear, she doesn't even swear when running.
"Don't you have your stupid entourage for this kind of stuff?"
Nanami stopped abruptly causing me to smack my face into her shoulder. I held my nose, "Hey! Wha…" I trailed off as I met Nanami's gaze.
Her arms released me as they dropped to her side. She looked at me tearfully with a pout, "Chi-chan, doesn't want to?"
Bewildered by her behavior, I stammered, "I- uhm," I felt a warmth spread through my cheeks, "…fine,"
"Yay!" Nanami cheered. She grabbed my hand and pulled me along as I grumbled under my breath; I was still pissed off for the record.
Letting her pull me along, I waved back apologetically to Tanaka and Okita. Tanaka simply smiled while Okita was hidden behind her hand with her shoulders trembling. I looked at her puzzled, but simply shrugged it off.
As we passed the halls, Nanami was greeted by every single person. The majority being first years with the occasional senpai passing by.
"Nanami! Are you free?" A brave boy called out from behind the windowsill of a classroom.
"Sorry, Chi-chan and I are very busy," She smiled at him apologetically as she held her hand up gesturing her guilt. Yet her other hand was still glued to mine. She led me away, and her pace fastened.
I, unable to break free of her grasp, was dragged behind her towards the shoe lockers. A blush of shame spread on my cheeks, "N-nanami-san…"
She turned around abruptly with a quizzical look, "Hmm?"
"Y-your hand." Flustered, I gestured at our interlocked hands with my head.
Nanami tilted her head in confusion, "What about it?"
My patience broke and I exclaimed, "Let go of me, damn it!" I once again tried to get out of her grip, which she finally let go of.
"Oh, why didn't you just say so?"
I deadpanned. Why did I even try being polite with this woman? I walked past her towards my shoe locker.
Nanami shouted after me as I put on my outdoor shoes, "H-hey! You're still coming with me, right Chi-chan?"
I scoffed as I placed my indoor shoes inside the locker. "Didn't I already agree? Why are you asking questions now?" I didn't wait for her as I started to walk off towards the gates.
"Ah. Chi-chan, wait for me!"
When she started walking out the door, I felt my heart squeeze as I called out to her. Initially, I thought I had done something wrong as my nerves ran after her in a panic. But when I heard her voice, her sweet, honey-like voice, I could feel my restless nerves calm as my steps fell into line with hers. Her brows were furrowed in annoyance yet her words were soft even as they scolded my ignorance.
I hummed cheerfully as I walked by Chinatsu's side. Today was a sunny day and I was unusually ecstatic. The girl by my side however was quite the opposite. Her back was hunched over with a grim face. An idea popped into my head.
Before I even processed my own actions, my hand lifted and with the swing of the arm, it found its target. Which just so happened to be Chinatsu's back…
I felt the cold sweat run down my back, but quickly played it off as I laughed aloud, while praying to the god's that she wouldn't notice my panic, "Why so grim, Chi-chan?"
The latter yelped in surprise. A sound I didn't think I would hear from her. Her frown only deepened but her flushed cheeks contradicted her expression.
"Y-y-you..."
I raised an eyebrow, confuzzled. "Yes?" I hummed, plastering my smile onto my face.
Chinatsu grumbled under her breath. I tilted my head as I waited for her response only for her to hold her head with a sigh and say, "So, where is this place you're bringing me?"
"It's a cafe that just recently opened around the corner called Echo." I explained, "Oh, right. Does Yuzuki-chan have club today?"
"Shouldn't you ask that before you drag me off?" Chinatsu retorted.
I laughed awkwardly, "Sorry…"
She sighed, "Yeah, Yuzuki-chan is at club, so I'm free."
In response, I hummed. After trying to talk to Chinatsu over the past few weeks, I realized Chinatsu never initiated conversation unless it was a question.