033. The Protagonist Who Never Sets Flags

It wasn’t until the end of school that Jiang Yu finally snapped out of his reverie; the classroom was nearly empty by then. With a quiet chuckle and a shake of his head, Jiang Yu calmly picked up his backpack, tucked away the sketches and draft proposal he had worked on during the day, and strolled home at a leisurely pace.

On the way, he stopped at a nearby supermarket to buy some groceries, replenishing what he had used for yesterday’s hamburger patties and this morning’s breakfast. The streets in the afternoon were filled with students heading home, laughing and playing, savoring the youthful days.

The spring sunlight was gentle, fading as the afternoon wore on, while a light breeze occasionally swirled, carrying a handful of cherry blossom petals that quietly settled on the shoulders of passersby.

Jiang Yu enjoyed the current orderly rhythm of his life—busy each day with things he loved, returning home to a sister who was always ready with playful affection, making more friends at school, and surrounded by caring elders and friendly colleagues at his workplace.

This brought Jiang Yu a sense of peace long absent, after a previous life spent toiling day and night, witnessing the treacheries of the workplace for the first time.

“I really hope nothing ever changes…” he murmured softly, then quickly gave himself a playful slap.

Don’t jinx it, you fool!

…

He walked with a light step to his apartment door, glanced at the time, and realized it was already past four in the afternoon—he’d spent a while daydreaming in the classroom.

Just as he reached for his keys to unlock the door, it swung open silently.

Startled, Jiang Yu jumped back from the entrance—only to see his sister, dressed in a peculiar outfit.

Umari was wearing a red jacket, her waist-length hair tied up and tucked beneath a red beret embroidered with the letters U.M.R. She wore coffee-colored shorts, over-the-knee black stockings, and dark red ankle boots.

“…Umari?” Jiang Yu called out tentatively.

“…Big brother, you’re home!” Umari answered, equally bewildered, staring at Jiang Yu who seemed just as confused.

“Ah—yes, I’m home.” Jiang Yu replied instinctively.

“Welcome back!” Umari responded on reflex.

Then the two of them looked at each other and burst out laughing.

Wiping tears from the corners of his eyes and unable to suppress his smile, Jiang Yu finally asked, “Ahem… Umari, where are you off to dressed like that?”

A fleeting panic crossed Umari’s face, but she quickly forced it down. Still, Jiang Yu, who had been watching her closely, caught the moment.

“Ah—I… I’m just going out for a walk…” Umari tried to sound natural, though it did little to convince.

“…Are you telling the truth?” Jiang Yu pressed his fingertips together as if in contemplation, gaze fixed on her face, radiating the confidence of someone certain of his own judgment.

“…I just wanted to go buy snacks and cola,” Umari confessed in a pitiful tone, eyes cast down.

Jiang Yu’s eyes widened in surprise. “You finished what I bought for you already?”

“…Just the potato chips,” Umari tried to explain.

“And the cola I got you yesterday?” Jiang Yu asked, incredulous.

“It’s always good to prepare ahead—one must have reserves!” Umari argued, attempting a feeble excuse.

“…So you’re not going to eat dinner tonight?” Jiang Yu raised the grocery bag, frowning slightly.

“Of course I’ll eat!” Umari retorted instantly.

Although I’m glad you like my cooking, if after snacking and drinking cola you can still manage dinner, I’ll truly be impressed, Umari…

“…If you eat snacks before dinner, you won’t be allowed to have cola anymore, alright?” Unable to think of a better solution, Jiang Yu decided to use the threat of justice for his sister’s health.

“Eh… That’s not fair, big brother, you’re bullying me!” Umari pouted in protest.

“…At least realize I’m doing this for your own good, okay?” Jiang Yu said helplessly, rubbing his forehead.

“How about just one bag, big brother?” Umari tried to bargain.

“No,” Jiang Yu refused firmly.

“Hmm… Hmph! You’re so mean!” Umari puffed her cheeks and, looking unhappy, prepared to head out for her snacks and cola.

“Come home early, Umari!” Jiang Yu called out, unable to keep from laughing.

Then, Umari suddenly spun around, made a funny face at him, and skipped downstairs with a grin.

Watching her leave the apartment building, Jiang Yu finally carried his backpack and groceries inside.

…

While waiting for Umari to return, Jiang Yu quickly prepared dinner: he steamed the rice, reheated yesterday’s miso soup, and stir-fried some shredded pork with green peppers. A simple meal was ready.

Halfway through cooking, Umari came back, lugging a large bag of snacks—not just potato chips, as she’d claimed, but things like pudding as well.

After dinner and washing the dishes, Jiang Yu took out his work uniform to head to Kyoko Kato’s café for his evening shift.

He greeted Umari and left, soon arriving at the café.

Upon entering, he was met with playful or admiring glances from his colleagues, which made his temples throb.

After exchanging greetings with Kyoko Kato and Ayane Mizuno, Jiang Yu prepared to start his shift.

He sat down at the piano, instinctively glancing at the seat where Shiha Kasumigaoka had sat yesterday. This time, it was occupied by a stranger.

He couldn’t tell whether he felt relieved or slightly disappointed. Shaking off stray thoughts, he focused, and began his performance.

Three hours slipped by in an instant. As the guests lingered, wishing for more, Jiang Yu gave a slight bow and exited the stage.

He ran home, laid out his sketches and proposal drafts on his bedroom desk, while Umari was just heading for a bath.

Taking advantage of her absence, Jiang Yu opened his laptop, determined to finish “Spring Things” tonight so he could participate in the upcoming Shinagawa Literary Newcomer Award.

By the time he had written about forty percent of the seventh chapter, he suddenly felt cold droplets sliding across his skin, sending chills through his scalp.

He slapped away Umari’s mischievous hands, stood up, stretched, and massaged his aching back.

Almost immediately, he felt two little fists gently tapping his shoulders.

A smile curled at his lips, and he turned, ruffling Umari’s freshly washed hair. It carried the scent of shampoo, and her flaxen locks were as soft as silk.

Seeing Umari squinting with laughter, Jiang Yu chuckled, stopped his motions, and tapped her forehead lightly with his finger.

Then Jiang Yu returned to his room, grabbed a change of clothes, and went to take his own bath.