Part 7: Matou Sakura (I)

Music: In the Sunlight





It seems breakfast has already been made.
I can smell the elegant scent of breakfast befitting Sakura.
Sakura has finished cooking and is opening the cupboards. I can see that all she has left to do is set the table.




"Huh? Oh, you're here already, Senpai?"

"Not 'already'. We're usually eating by ten past six, so I certainly slept in."


"I don't think so. You're not in any clubs, so this is still early for you."

"Clubs have nothing to do with this. When you bring clubs into it, the problem is that you come here when you have morning practice to go to."


"Ah… no, I'm doing this because I want to, so please don't worry about my club."

"Yeah, you always say that. That's why I wake up early, clubs or not. It's rude for me to sleep in if you're going to be here."


For me, waking up early is waking up before Sakura gets here, and sleeping in is making Sakura prepare breakfast on her ownlike today.
Though, this has only been a habit for a year and a half or so.

"Anyways, you take a rest. We only have to set the table, so at least let me do that."
I stand next to Sakura and take out the dishes.
Sakura is stubborn at times, and in situations like this, she won't rest unless she's forced to.



"No, I'm saying I'll do it all myself."


"That won't do. You're head of this household, so you should just sit contentedly in the mornings."

"Sit contentedly? A head of household who leaves you to do the work by yourself is a failure. It's okay, so go to the living room."


"That's right, please be a failure. This is repayment for letting me eat good food all the time. So if it's possible, I'd like for you to rest."

Be a failure? Can do!


"Hey. We're going fifty-fifty on the groceries, so you shouldn't worry about it. I should be the one thanking you. Since you've started coming here, our meals have improved."


"Oh, I knew it. You don't get it, do you Senpai? That's not why the meals here are good."
"Huh? What do you mean that's not why?"








Sakura smiles while blushing.

"I-Idiot, don't say such weird things.
What if Fuji-Nee hears that? She doesn't understand jokes."

Uh-huh. Jokes.


"You're right. It would be a big problem if Fujimura-Sensei overheard that."
"Right. Don't say so much weird stuff."


"Yes, I won't. I won't say anything. So I can help you, right Senpai?"
"……"
Sakura looks up at me, naturally and calmly.

"Fine, do what you want. If you want to help so much, go right ahead."


"Yes, I'll do as I please."
"…Geez, you really don't listen to anything I tell you anymore, do you Sakura?"


"That's true. Maybe I'm becoming more like Fujimura-Sensei."
Speaking softly, Sakura reaches up for the cupboard.

Her silky hair and smooth skin catch my eye.
""
…How can I put this… it's troubling.
She must be maturing as she seems really feminine these days.
Her casual movements and her figure are so beautiful that I instinctively look away.


"Senpai? Is something wrong?"
"No, it's nothing. Don't worry, it's nothing."


"Hm?"
…Honestly.
Why am I feeling tense around my friend's sister?
After all, Sakura's not like that.
She's a good underclassman, and a junior I need to take care of.



It all changed a year and a half ago into this cooperative kind of relationship.
Sakura came to cook when I was injured, and after that, I think we just ended up like this.

…I think we intended to do it until my injury healed, but some trivial thing came up to make her stay with it.

She intends to 'do it' alright.

Anyways, Sakura is a good cook, and perfect at cleaning and doing the laundry.
It's a big help to have her helping around here in the mornings, but it's been a bit troubling recently.
The problem is not in Sakura, but me.



""
Frankly, Sakura is beautiful.
She's one of the best looking first years, and I'm sure there are lots of guys who want to date her.
And on top of that, she's been growing in certain places recently and some of her casual gestures have started to catch my eye.

…That's what I mean by a small problem.
Maybe I'm just feeling guilty about being attracted to my friend's sister.
Usually I'm fine, but when I'm caught off guard like just now, I blush… does this make me an unsuitable Senpai…?

Gonna have to go with 'yes' on that one.