Intermission: The Importance of Sequence in Relationships
Within Toyohashi Station Building's Carmia, a section adorned with clothing stores, two girls strolled along.
One of them bore the name Nukumizu Kaju. Every so often, she paused to gaze into the displays of the storefronts.
Walking alongside her was the tall Asami Gondo, who playfully tapped Kaju's petite head.
"Nuku-chan, if there's a dress that catches your eye, why not take a closer look?"
"Even if I express interest, it doesn't imply a desire to purchase. No matter how much Kaju likes it, children's clothes aren't for me."
"Children's clothes?"
Gon-chan, also known as Gondo Asami, followed Kaju's line of sight.
Displayed were tiny-sized children's clothes suitable for toddlers.
"Wow, they're adorable. What's the story with these?"
Kaju approached the store's hanger rack, delicately tracing her fingertips over the garments.
"I'm contemplating what type of clothing would be fitting once the baby starts walking."
"...?"
What could she mean? Gon-chan, who had been pondering with a tilted head, turned pale in an instant.
"Nuku-chan?! Did something happen with your older brother?!"
"What's wrong? No need to worry. As usual, Kaju and my older brother are happily in love."
...It seems there's no cause for concern. Gon-chan breathed a sigh of relief.
"So, what's the news?"
"Well, it appears my older brother has made a decision."
"Oh, really? That's wonderful... isn't it?"
Is the "world's most wonderful" older brother finally getting a girlfriend?
Observing Gon-chan's reaction attentively, Kaju placed her hand on her chest and closed her eyes.
"Yes, Kaju will respect her brother's wishes. And once he finds a girlfriend, the next step will be—"
"The next step?"
Kaju opened her eyes and declared with determination.
"The next step is for Kaju to become a little aunt."
"Is it really okay in that order...?"
Kaju nodded silently.
"But, you see, both my brother and his partner are still high school students. So, Kaju needs to step into the role of her brother's child's mom, right?"
"...Do I really have to?"
"You do."
Kaju took a small jacket from the hanger rack, pretending to cradle it against her chest.
"When I held a relative's baby, it felt like this. Once they're over a year old, carrying them sideways gradually becomes challenging..."
Muttering to herself, Kaju spoke to Gon-chan, carefully choosing her words.
"Even so, that's a story for much later, right? Do we have to address it now?"
"Kaju has been undergoing bridal training since she became aware of things. So now it's time to start preparing to be a mom."
"I see... we have to get ready..."
"We do."
Once it reached this point, no one could deter them.
Though there seemed to be a misunderstanding about the older brother having made up his mind, the issue wasn't there.
Gon-chan, observing Kaju's arms mimicking the cradling of a baby with an air hug, felt as if she glimpsed the image of a small child—and promptly shook her head.
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