Aikatsu Era!

S1 E18: Bundle of Gold ☆

Gin Shibagaki 柴垣 ギン

"Enjoy every bit of summer, even in spring! Summer Tropics Lemonade, the Sunlight of Spring!"

I looked at the television screen in the dressing room. Kiyoko's advertisement has motivated many people. She possessed a fresh aura that nobody else can imitate.

"That's your sister, isn't that, Shibagaki?" asked one of my colleagues. I nodded.

  "Kiyoko and I are very different," I said. "Sometimes it feels like we aren't siblings."

  I'm pretty sure that everyone has compared us at some point. Kiyoko is so social, cheerful and energetic. I'm the exact opposite.

  I was never really good at socialising. The closest "friend" I had was probably Kiyoko. But we're not as close as before.

I wish I had more guy friends. A lot of girls I knew were either emotional or talkative. At least I can understand boys better, being one myself. However, do I have the ability to make friends with guys?

Sighing, I continued to do my Math homework. Concentrating was hard because my mind was still swimming in thoughts.

Great, now I can't stop thinking about my sister.

—————

5 years ago...

"Look, Onii-chan!" Kiyoko said excitedly, pulling my arm. "Takoyaki! Takoyaki!"

"I smell it too, Kiyoko," I told her. Many people were queuing up at the takoyaki stall.

Jumping energetically, Kiyoko asked, "Do you think Mom and Dad will let us eat takoyaki?"

I sighed. "Yeah, but..."

There were a lot of people. They all wanted takoyaki. How could I get any with that many people in front of me?

Kiyoko dragged me to the end of the line. "Yay! I want takoyaki! Let's eat together, Onii-chan!"

After a while, we were about to order. I shivered in nervousness. How could I talk to the lady at the counter?

"I don't know whether I can do this, Kiyoko..." I spoke.

"What are you talking about, Onii-chan?" she asked in confusion.

"Next!" the lady called. Oh no, I thought. It was our turn.

She smiled at us. "Hello! What would you like?"

Anxiety took over my body. I tried to speak without seeming awkward.

"I-I-I... tako-takoya-yaki...want-please..." I stuttered.

"I'm sorry, could you speak up?" the lady asked.

I reluctantly nodded. "Tako-takoyaki..."

"Could you say that again?"

"We want some delicious takoyaki, please!" said Kiyoko confidently. "Oh, and I'd also like some pear tea. What about you, Onii-chan?"

I nodded. The lady quickly got two bottles of pear tea as I paid.

"Your takoyaki will be coming right up!" she told us with a smile.

I sighed and looked at Kiyoko. She anticipated the takoyaki.

"Hey Kiyoko," I started. "Thanks for helping me there..."

  My sister grinned. "No problem, Onii-chan! You're always so shy!"

  I wanted to protest, but she was right. I was not good at socialising.

  "Your takoyaki is done!" the lady told us. "Please enjoy them, Shibagaki Kensaku's children!"