Aoba:

Ah…so that was your little brother.

Noiz:

Yeah.

Aoba:

Well…it’s kind of shocking. But you’d said you had a little brother, right? How old is he?

Noiz:

Seventeen.

Aoba:

I see…he really reliable, huh? Sort of like that’s what I’d expect from Noiz’s little brother. Though he’s a lot more sociable than you are.

Noiz:

Our parents doted on him so he was raised honestly.

Aoba:

Ah…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it that way.

Noiz:

I know. I didn’t mean it that way either. It’s just the truth. Rather it’s because my little brother’s that way that I was saved as well.

Aoba:

Ah…your little brother was always worried about you, right? For all those years.

Noiz:

Yeah. When I came back at last he suddenly started crying as soon as he saw my face. Tears were streaming down his face. He couldn’t even stand. He fell to his knees.

Aoba:

I see…

Noiz:

He said he’d let me inherit my father’s company, but I refused. While I was away he’s done his best as the successor. I didn’t want to make that effort a waste. But…it’s true that I caused trouble because I left the house. When I asked if I could help him, he started crying again. Somehow, at that time, I could understand a little of why you value your granny so much.

Aoba:

Eh? Granny? Mine?

Noiz:

Yeah.

Aoba:

Ehe…I see. Hey, you said before that the reason you’ve made progress with your parents is because of me, right? It’s really for your brother’s sake as well, isn’t it?

Noiz:

Ah… Well, I can’t say you’re completely wrong.

Aoba:

Hehe…that’s pretty good.

Noiz:

What is?

Aoba:

That you’re a little concerned for your family like that. I think it’s good.

Noiz:

Honestly when it comes to my parents I don’t care at all.

Aoba:

Well, even still. Even if it’s just one person, for there to be someone you value is a good thing.

Noiz:

The person I value the most is you.

Aoba:

Ah…well…of course I’m happy for that. I’m not talking about that. It’s more about your consideration for your little brother.

Noiz:

Consideration, huh…

Aoba:

Right. Anyway, your little brother’s pretty different from you at first glance, but he really does resemble you.

Noiz:

Does he?

Aoba:

Yeah…like your facial features. When you’re looking at the profile, the shape of your nose, and stuff like that.

Noiz:

What about the rest?

Aoba:

Huh?

Noiz:

Are there any similarities aside from our noses?

Aoba:

Well…hm…I wonder…I didn’t look that closely. I just met him.

Noiz:

Are you smitten?

Aoba:

Hah? Why?

Noiz:

Because he looks like me.

Aoba:

No, nono. I’m telling you he doesn’t look that much like you. Anyway, I’m not smitten.

Noiz:

Hm…? (leaning toward him)

Aoba:

Eh–uh–what? You’re really close… (Noiz kisses him) Nngh–wh–what’s with that all of a sudden–?

Noiz:

Nothing really. A kiss is a greeting.

Aoba:

Eh–ah…oh…right, right. There’s countries where you greet people with a kiss, huh? Is it like that here?

Noiz:

But…it’s not like you can go around carefreely kissing people on the lips.

Aoba:

Huh?

Noiz:

That’s why I won’t let you do it with anyone else.

Aoba:

Huh? Ngh–nnh–then–does that mean kissing on the lips is different from a greeting after all–?

Noiz:

When it comes to you, definitely. Anyway, it’s absolutely forbidden.

Aoba:

Hah? Somehow I don’t get what you’re saying anymore. Anyway–whether it’s greeting or not I’m not just going to go around kissing anybody!

Noiz:

Oh? Then that’s fine.

Aoba:

Tch! Geez, what were we supposed to do if someone suddenly came in like before?

Noiz:

That won’t happen. Someone other than Theo would only come bursting in like that if there was a fire or a burglar. But I don’t really mind if we’re seen by anyone.

Aoba:

Wouldn’t it be bad if your parents found out?

Noiz:

I’d go as far as saying it’d cause trouble. If they found out, whatever happens would happen.

Aoba:

Ah–hah–you’re unusually mature about that, you know. You know…when it came to us your parents called us acquaintances, right?

Noiz:

Yeah.

Aoba:

Then, what about your brother?

Noiz:

Just “close friends.”

Aoba:

Right?

Noiz:

But I think he’s fine. Even if he knows about us.

Aoba:

Is that really okay?

Noiz:

Yeah.

Aoba:

The bond between brothers?

Noiz:

Something like that.

Aoba:

I see…

(a knock at the door)

Noiz’s Mother:

I’m coming in.

Aoba:

A-ah, please!

Noiz’s Mother:

Ah, it’s fine, please remain seated.

Noiz’s Father:

There’s no need to restrain yourself, so please be at ease.

Aoba:

Ah–yes. Thank you very much.

Noiz’s Mother:

Was the tea to your liking?

Aoba:

Oh, yes. It was really tas–delicious. I was surprised.

Noiz’s Mother:

I’m happy to hear it. If you’d like more please don’t hesitate to ask.

Aoba:

Yes. Thank you.

Noiz’s Father:

Theo came by earlier, didn’t he? He made quite a clamor rushing over. He didn’t cause you any trouble, did he?

Aoba:

No, not at all!

Noiz’s Mother:

That child…as soon as he returned home he threw down his bags and dashed down the hallway to this room. Even though he doesn’t behave that way usually.

Noiz’s Father:

He seemed very flustered.

Noiz’s Mother:

Theo’s quite fond of his older brother. But still it’s strange. What had gotten into him? I still don’t understand. When they were children it wasn’t as though they spent much time together.

Noiz’s Father:

Children have their own world, don’t they? No matter what you think of it, it can’t be helped. We won’t understand it. That’s what it is.

Noiz’s Mother:

That’s true. It’s his only brother, so perhaps siblings are just like that.

Noiz’s Father:

That’s what you’d call familial affection.

Aoba:

Ah…

Noiz:

(stands) Let’s get going.

Aoba:

Ah–yeah…

Noiz’s Mother:

Oh, are you leaving already? You should take some more time to relax.

Noiz:

I’ve got plans after this.

Noiz’s Father:

Aoba-kun, please feel free to stop by at any time.

Aoba:

Ah–yes. Thank you very much.

Noiz:

Let’s go.

Aoba:

Thank you for the tea.

Noiz’s Mother:

Please come again.

Aoba:

Yes…please excuse me.

(they leave)

~interlude~

(Aoba sighs)

Noiz:

What?

Aoba:

Nothing…it’s nothing. I don’t know how to say it…

Noiz:

About my parents?

Aoba:

Mh…

Noiz:

You probably felt it as well. They aren’t even aware of it themselves. Being unaware is even more vicious than having bad intentions. They really firmly believe that they’ve got good intentions. They brandish the just cause of doing it “for the sake of others” but in reality they only want to protect themselves. That sort of mindset is far more cruel than hurting someone on purpose. But…they don’t notice that. Probably me as well. I thought I was the strange one, that it wasn’t wrong of them to to protect Theo.

Aoba:

Mmh…

Noiz:

After all I didn’t think that I was normal. So it was fine. What? It was beyond my imagination.

Aoba:

I’ve just met them now, so I don’t want to bash someone I’ve just met. But I really…feel like now that I’ve felt it for myself I understand. “Children have their own world.” “No matter what you think of it, it can’t be helped.” They aren’t even trying to understand their own kid. Saying it like that…

Noiz:

Even still you could say that the primary cause is because parents are all alike in lacking training. It comes down to being a person who cares about their children. Well, if you divide it up that’s just what it is. But it’s not like it’s going to change if you think about it that much.

Aoba:

But–

Noiz:

Being bound hand and foot by the curse of my parents is how I used to be. Now…I’m fine. Because you’re here.

Aoba:

Noiz…

Noiz:

The rest is, well, my little brother too. Even at my parents’ side I think he’s grown into an upright kid.

Aoba:

That’s…if I can borrow the meaning of what your parents said earlier, it’s because children have their own world, right? Your parents used it to say that they don’t understand the world of children, but your little brother’s the same as you so I think that he understood your suffering.

Noiz:

Hah…well. That might be it. Anyway, we’re done with the pleasantries so let’s go home.

Aoba:

Mhm. That reminds me, what did you have planned after this?

Noiz:

Nothing really. I just wanted to hurry up and get out of here.

Aoba:

You’ve got today off, right?

Noiz:

Yeah.

Aoba:

Then, once we get back into town, let’s go somewhere.

Noiz:

Where?

Aoba:

Hmm…maybe a park?

Noiz:

Just that? Isn’t that boring?

Aoba:

It’s fine, it’s fine. It won’t’ be boring at all! We’ve got plenty of time to spend together. Let’s take it easy.

Noiz:

That’s true.