Summer breeze

*bzzzz*, my phone vibrated.

"Hi mom."

“Ah, hello son, I’m calling to see how the girls are doing. I was busy yesterday so I couldn't give you a call. Did you welcome and treat them well?”

“They are fine. And I'm fine too. Thank you for asking about me."

"I know you're fine, that was why I didn’t bother asking you. You heard it wrong."

“Ahaha, mom, you’re so funny," I laughed mockingly as if I were immune to emotional damage, "anyway, how is everyone over there?"

“We are doing well as always. Your father just bought a new TV, so he's been quite lively these days. You guys still doing well?"

"Yes."

"Is it onii-chan, mama? Let me talk to him too,” my little sister eagerly wanted to talk to me.

My mother gave her the phone.

“Onii-chan! Onii-chan! I caught a very large fish in the river yesterday,” my little sister enthusiastically shared her story.

"Really? That’s awesome."

“It was super easy. I'll show you how to fish when you come home. I and Azusa also caught a lot of snails.”

*Ding dong*

"I'm coming out," my mother went out to see who rang the doorbell.

“Hello miss Onishi, is Yui home?"

"Hello there. She's talking on the phone over there. Let me call her," said my mother, "Yui, Azusa came to see you."

“One second,” my sister replied loudly and clearly, "bye-bye onii-chan, I'm going out to play with Azusa now."

"See you. Have a nice day."

"Yui, don't turn off the phone, mom still needs to talk with your brother."

"Okie."

Yui and Azusa greeted each other. The two of them quickly went out to the fields to have fun.

"We're going," they waved goodbye.

“Remember to come back early for lunch.”

My mother waved to Yui and Azusa.

My hometown is a small town in the middle of the undulating mountains near the west coast of Japan. Growing up with the wet rice culture, in addition to the green colors of the trees, we are also very familiar with the yellow color of ripe wheats when they are in season along with the fluttering and vibrant colors of the summer flowers. The sound of the wind, the cicadas and the laughter of children are typical sounds of the summer in my hometown.

*Cling cling*

The wind chimes in my family house yard swayed in the wind.

“Aghh, so hot,” my father complained about the heat of summer.

"Here's your watermelon."

“Thank you, dear.”

“The field work today is as difficult as always, isn't it?"

“The weather in the summer is torturing, and yet the air conditioner is still under repair in the shop downtown. How about we buy a new one?”

"Absolutely not. I will strangle you if you dare to lay your hand on the family budget after you just bought a TV.”

“I was just joking. Please don't cut my monthly budget.”

‘Your father is complaining about the heat. You know what to do,' my mother texted me.

“I changed my mind, I just sent you a picture of a new air conditioner to buy. Check your phone to see if you like it," said my mother.

“Really?!” My father eagerly opened his phone to see the message.

They were pictures of me wearing sunglasses showing off my pool in a gangster pose, the air conditioner blowing my hair like the ocean breeze, and the fridge full of expensive ice cream treats.

'Your father was so happy that he shed his tears of joy,' my mother updated the news.

The buzzing of the cicadas resonated across the green sea of trees as the air was filled with the fragrant scent of summer flowers and the sun shined brightly through fluffy white clouds.

“Looking closely, Niko's new house is quite cozy and elegant. It's been more than two years that I haven't been to the city to see him," said my father as he put down his phone.

"But you have never gone there to visit him at least once."

"So, I was thinking, why don't we all go there to visit Niko?"

"Then I'll send him a present."

“No, no, we'll go together."

“I know you’re tricking me into using the family budget. Unfortunately, I have to visit grandma, I can’t go."

"So it's a no?"

My mother smiled and shook her head.

Transition scene:

Later that night:

“Mama, I want to go to the city to visit onii-chan,” said Yui enthusiastically while hugging my mother.

“You know, Yui is on summer break. So I think we should take her somewhere to play,” my father explained.

New updated Father vs Mother scoreboard: ‘2’ – 99

End.

Like a soothing lullaby, the relaxing sound of gentle bubbling of the water from my mini water fountain in the garden echoed back and forth with the occasional warm summer breeze.

"Mio, would you mind going out to buy me some spices? I need them to prepare the dishes for this afternoon," I said as I were checking the kitchen and planning for today's play trip.

“Sure thing,” Mio received a paper listing what to buy and some money from me.

“You just need to go straight and turn left at the intersection to reach the supermarket. If you have any problems, just call me."

"Got it."

Mio began her little adventure. Surrounding her path were bustling cafes, bakeries, and other well-designed houses on a street that were vibrating with the color green of trees trimmed to eye-catching shapes. Mio didn't expect that she had missed out on this beauty while hanging out with everyone the past few days.

There were people took their pets for a walk, children running around, and some happily spent time with their friends and loved ones. Along with the astir sound, it all created a bustling and lively scene in its own way.

“So this is summer in the city,” she smiled.

Arriving at the supermarket, Mio was still surprised at the welcome robot in the front door.

“I need to quickly get used to these modern things.”

“Welcome young lady, please try out our seasonal fruit drinks at Kona drinks. We are having special summer drinks for a limited time at the moment,” Mio got spoked as an employee standing at the door handed Mio a flyer.

“Eh…Thank you…” She calmed down.

“Hello customer, the dried fruits are discounted up to 30%. Please consider giving them a try.”

"Welcome miss…"

Mio speechlessly looked at the promotional brochures and flyers in her hands.

“Let's see, the first thing is seasoning.”

She looked around and soon froze when she saw numerous of different types of seasonings.

*Beep*

“Thank you for your purchase. if you pay by credit card, please scan this QR code.”

"Heh?" Mio tried to process what she just heard.

“Excuse me, do you know which way to AB Street?”

“Excuse us, could you please take a picture for us?”

“Hi, could you take a minute to answer the quality of life in the city survey?”

Arriving home, Mio was still overwhelmed with everything.

“Mio, are you okay?”

“This city is scary.”

I smiled at her.

“Don't worry, you did a great job. Now let's prepare lunch together."

"Ok..."

I took the ingredients from the bag Mio bought.

“Mio, you bought the wrong ingredients.”

“Eh? Really? I'm sorry, I'll go out and buy them again."

Mio hurriedly prepared to go out again.

“Mio, wait up.”

“Ouch!” She soon tripped while preparing.

“There there, you don't have to be in such a hurry, Mio. You don't know which ingredients are missing yet," I approached Mio to check on her.

"But…"

“Don't worry about that. I'll ask Himari to buy them when she gets home from school."

“You…are you not mad at me?”

"No, silly. Stay still, ok? Let me see if you got hurt."

"I'm fine, I can do it myself,” Mio covered her face with both her hands in an X shape.

"I can't believe it, we cleaned the house so you two can have a lovely time together huh?" Sora spoke to us from behind.

“Sora?!” I and Mio were surprised at her sudden appearance.

"No worry, no worry. The floor is clean. You two can even flirt while laying down."

“What are you thinking?” I asked her.

“Look, my sister is having a nosebleed. See, it's all because of your sweet words."

I looked back to check on Mio. Her nose was now bleeding. I supposed it was because she felt face flat on the floor.

“Hey, don’t just make things up, idiot,” Mio got up and chased after Sora.

"Help, there is a monster chasing after me."

“Mio, stop it. Your nose is still bleeding," I tried to pursuit the two of them.

"Let me join in too."

"Nitori, we're not playing."

Along with our laughter, under the summer sun, Himari was listening attentively to her class lecture, my sister was having fun with her friends as my father was harvesting with everyone while my mother was cleaning the house.

“Our course ends here. Be careful on your way home.”

As she got out of class, Himari's friends came to see her after the course ended.

"Himari, wanna go eat some ice cream before you leave?"

“Today is not possible. I'm sorry."

"No problem. Your friends came to visit you all the way from your hometown so we understand. Then let's go home together."

The three of them walked together on a familiar path.

“Look,” Natsumi showed the landscape photos she took in her phone.

“Splendid.”

“You guys should try camping. It’s really fun.”

“How can it be fun camping solo like you?" Said Tsumugi.

"That’s where you are wrong, miss. Everything has its own fun and enjoyment.”

Natsumi then turned to Himari.

“That's right. You should take your friends on a camping trip, Hima-chan. I'm sure they'll love it. I'll help you prepare and suggest camping spots."

“Thank you. I will discuss this with Niko-senpai.”

"It's been over a week without seeing each other and you two travelled everywhere. I’m so jealous," Tsumugi commented.

"I can't believe someone with their family went abroad for summer vacation and yet still say she's jealous of us," Natsumi couldn’t believe what she just heard.

“I’m telling the truth. I've never gone camping or hung out with friends in different places like Himari and you. I too want to experience them at least once.”

"Then why don't we go out together next time?" Himari suggested.

“Sounds good to me. So where should we go?"

“Shouldn't we focus on studying for the upcoming test right now, Natsumi? Yet you’ve already thought about going out," said Tsumugi.

“I think we should try camping together.”

"Not you too, Himari."

"Hahaha."

Upon reaching the ice cream parlor, Himari waved goodbye to her friends.

"Wait up Hima-chan, I almost forgot," Natsumi handed Himari a pack of tea she bought from where she went camping, “it's their famous local green tea.”

"Thank you."

“See you again.”

~

"I'm home."

“Ah Himari. Lunch is ready.”

Himari went to the kitchen.

"What a heavenly smell."

"Himari-chan, welcome home."

“Hi Nitori, are you helping Niko-senpai prepare lunch?”

"Yes. We tried making crème brûlée today.”

"It looks delicious," Himari was wowed with the result, “huh, where are Sora and Mio?” She curiously asked.

“They're helping me with the housework upstairs. Be ready, lunch will be served soon," I answered.

"Ok."

Himari helped us place the dishes on the table. All five of us happily shared lunch together.

The heat of this afternoon had somewhat eased as it was getting cloudy, and the trees were starting to dance with the wind.

“Mio, you still up?”

"Yes."

"Did something bother you today?"

“Eh, not really. I was just looking around.”

Himari sat down with Mio. They silently observed the garden.

"The breeze is nice, isn’t it?"

"It sure is," Mio smiled.

The gentle sound of the wind lifted their silky hair up and down softly like waves.

"It must be strange without the sound of cicadas, wind chimes or the whisper of trees in the summer," said Himari.

Mio nodded.

“Is it too quiet for you, Mio?”

"No. Although there are no familiar sounds like in the countryside, I do not see the city life is unfamiliar. Even in times like now, I can still see the field where we used to play when we were young.”

"Me too."

Sometimes all it takes is a breeze to bring back the wave of nostalgia – On Nitori’s sketchbook, she wrote at the bottom of her drawing.

After completing the drawing, Nitori yawned and stretched. She then went to bed to take a nap next to a sleepy Sora.

"Himari-chan, can I ask you for a flavor?"

"I’m listening."

“Could you help me get to know the city life?”

"Of course."

"Thank you."

“Don't worry too much Mio. No one is mad at you."

"Eh...I'm not worried."

“You’re very predictable, your emotion always shows on your face. You can run but you can't hide from me.”

"Himari-chan, you're scary."

“Hehe, I'm just teasing ya. Senpai told me already. We will help you. So don't be sad, senpai got worried seeing you like that too."

"I’ll try my best."

"It's all good now. Shall we read some books together? Let me introduce you to my favorite books.”

"Okay."

Mio stood up and walked towards the bookshelf together with Himari.

“Am I really that easy to read?”

"Yes."

Himari dealt 25 damage to Mio.

“Haha. Do not worry. You're cute that way, you know," Himari smiled.

Transition scene:

"Guess what's the number behind me!"

After researching and learning how to be less predictable, this was the only method Mio came up with to prove to everyone that she wasn't easy to read.

End.

“Papa, hurry up, hurry up,” Yui excitedly urged my father to hurry to the airport.

"Okay, I'm almost done."

“Yui's stuff is all packed. Have you got all the necessary papers with you, dear?"

"Already. But after checking again, I think I still lack some paper that are used for the exchange of goods.”

"Nope. I won't give you more money," my mother smiled at my father.

Thirty minutes later, the taxi arrived. My mother greeted my father and Yui.

“Waaahhhh!”

"Yui, don't run around too much. You might get lost."

“Papa, a big plane. It’s so cool."

Yui was constantly attracted to everything that caught her eye. My father had the privilege of going on an adventure with her when she ran around like that.

“Please fasten your seat belts until the lights go out.”

The plane started taxiing.

"Papa, the plane is rolling."

"We're getting ready to fly."

The plane started to leave the ground. While Yui was overjoyed, my father experienced the dread of flying for the first time.

Arriving at the city airport, I greeted my father and Yui together with everyone. Thank you, my friend, for lending me his 7-seater car.

Not only Yui was attracted by the surrounding scenery, but the other 4 girls also couldn’t not be drawn to the beauty around them.

“Ooowaaa! Onii-chan, you have your own pond? Hey, can we fish?”

"You can't fish in the pool, Yui."

“You’re wrong big bro, of course it is possible. You understand what I mean, Nitori?"

"Of course."

“We will be the fish ourselves,” Sora pointed her index finger at herself.

“Huh?” I couldn't understand what she was thinking.

"Okay, let's go swimming Yui."

“Let’s go~”

Sora, Nitori and Yui. An energetic trio.

"Your tea is here," Himari poured tea for my father.

"Thank you."

My father took a sip from his cup.

"So when are you two getting married?"

“I'm fine, thank you for asking," sitting from the opposite sofa, I was just a moment away from dropping my phone.

“Haha. Senpai and his father have always been such close friends.”

“Here is the fruit,” Mio put the fruit plate on the table.

The three of us chatted with my father.

"Are you sure you don't need me to come with you?"

“Senpai, you are too worried. I can help Mio by myself. Besides, the original plan was just the two of us.”

Himari dealt 30 damage to Niko.

“Ouch, my dignity. Then you two be careful."

“See you later senpai."

"We are going out, excuse us," Himari said to my father.

“Um.”

*Splash splash*

“You guys should hurry up and get out of the pool. Don’t swim for too long. It's easy to get sick when it's sunny like this."

"There is no such thing. Back in the day, we didn't even get sick at all every time we played in sunny days," Sora argued with me.

“Back then and now are a complete different thing.”

“We are even stronger and healthier now.

"Said a person with a bouncy tummy."

"As if you are better, you 1-packed belly monster."

"Oi, you wanna go?"

"Come on guys, don't feel so bad. Your belly beats any pillow any time," said Nitori.

"Shut up, you sportaholic," Sora and I joined forces together.

"Like I said, we are stronger. Don't we get stronger as we grow up? Do you agree, Yui?" Sora continued her speech.

"Yes. I can even carry heavy things to help my parents, hehe.”

"Don't worry Niko, we'll be fine," Nitori reassured me.

“It is said that the ladies of our hometown are much stronger than us men,” said my father.

"Is there such a saying?"

“You don't have to work today? Mom told me you’re always busy."

“Well, since I finished all the work two days ago, I should be fine for the next one or two days.”

“Are you sure you're okay with studying and working like that all the time?”

"Yes, I think I'm good. I have everyone to encourage and help me.”

'Niko said he's fine.' – My dad texted my mother.

'Tell him not to try too much.' - She replied and put down the phone.

~

“Welcome dear customers.”

“Okay, this is the supermarket where you can stock up on food and other things,” Himari spoke to Mio.

"That I know."

"I didn't expect you to learn so quickly, I'm so proud of you."

"Being a country girl doesn’t mean I don't know what a supermarket is."

“Anyway, we need to be careful. Always keep in mind that traps are all around us."

"Understood."

Himari instructed Mio while they were going through the clothing and jewelry stores on the first day she helped Mio get used to shopping in the city. The two of them patiently endured.

“You need to move fast and conquer your desires.”

They passed shoe stores.

"No matter how many pitfalls there are, you must conquer yourself."

They passed the food stalls.

“But sometimes you can lower your defense.”

The two of them enjoyed crêpes together.

“Before you need to buy anything, look up at the signs hanging above us. They'll tell us what's in that section. Usually, the place that sells spices will often have canned goods. The places that sell shampoo will have toothpaste and related stuff.”

Himari instructed Mio on how to choose a product when there were too many options. Together they looked at the dogs and cats at the pet shop as well as cute and eye-catching stuff around the supermarket.

"Goodbye and see you again."

“Woahh, I didn't think matcha ice cream would taste this good. I think it must be bitter,” Mio surprised.

“The blueberries one is delicious too. You should try them next time, Mio.”

“We will continue to go to the supermarket next time as well? I can’t wait. I can’t get enough of that one adorable Shiba Inu. I never thought that foreign dogs breeds would be so big, fluffy and cute.”

“And I still can't forget the cute little flowerpots. Maybe I will have to work extra hard to save money for them.”

“I'll be buying the summer bookmarks collection. They are both colorful and simple. With them, I'm sure my books will definitely ace the best looking and decorated books award.”

Both of them laughed together.

“Eh…”

"Is something wrong, Mio?"

“I was so happy and I forgot you were helping me get used to everything. I'm sorry."

“You don't have to push yourself. Don't worry if you're still not used to the life here. Once you come here to study, I and senpai will continue to help you," Himari smiled and patted Mio's head.

“Now let's hurry back and prepare lunch together with everyone. Remember to keep this a secret. If everyone found out about us eating snacks before lunch, they would be very jealous,” said Himari.

"Roger."

~

"Hi *uncle*, hi senpai. What are you two doing in the garden?” Himari curiously asked.

TL note: Himari addressed Niko’s father as uncle not because they are relatives. It’s just a way to address someone who is older than you in the story’s original language.

“Greeting, you two. My father seems to enjoy this garden and the flowers Himari planted.”

"They’re beautiful. I've never seen such beautiful purple wave petunias,” amazed Mio.

"I’m proud that all of my future daughters-in-law are all so talented."

“Ahaha, he really wants to know about your planting technique Himari,” I tried to change the subject.

We then helped my father take pictures of him with my garden and house. My little sister Yui was also quick to join my father when what we were doing interested her. We all had a good laugh as my father was serious in every single picture since he didn't know how to pose, and even with our help, he would never look as cool as he imagined in his head.

*Grooowl* Yui's stomach gave off a signal that she was hungry.

"Onii-chan, I'm hungry."

"Okay, let's eat then."

We all happily set up our dishes to prepare lunch. But then we remembered we hadn't cooked anything.

Out of nowhere, we woke up in a stormy sea on a big pirate ship. In front of us, Sora was fighting bravely to hold off the giant kraken stopping the ship from advancing.

“Everyone, run away.”

"No captain, I won't leave you behind," Nitori dramatically acted.

“Captain Sora, come on board with us,” Yui called out Sora.

“No, I will stay and fight. Let's continue to make our dreams come true. Then the treasure will be ours.”

“SORAAA!”

After the storm was a bright and blue sky. The pirate ship had finally reached the marked island.

“We are finally here. Let's look for the treasure."

"Look Nitori-nee, it's the treasure."

"Let's open it."

“Woahhhh, the treasure is delicious. Nitori-nee, try this chocolate.”

“Nom nom, so delicious. Look Yui-chan, there's ramen over there."

“Are you guys so hungry that you start hallucinating?” I was speechless.

(ーー ;)

That afternoon we took my father and Yui out for a trip like the first days my friends from my hometown came to visit. My father kept sending my mother the pictures he took: pictures of him, and of every one of us. My mother back home shared those precious photos with my grandmother.

As time passed by and the sunlight started to dim, it was time we all had to say goodbye to my father.

"Do you really have to go back today?"

“Yes. I still have work in the fields. I only came to visit everyone and to take Yui somewhere for her summer break.”

“Please send these gifts to our family. Once again, we thank you both for sending us gifts.”

“Glad you all like them. Thank you for spending time with Niko all this time.”

*Thud*, I closed the trunk of the car after I finished loading up my father luggage.

“Yui, while you stay here to play, remember to listen to everyone, ok?” He told my sister.

"Okie.”

My father got in the car and waved goodbye to everyone.

“Bye-bye papa,” Yui and everyone waved to my father.

"About Yui's return ticket, let me pay for it," I spoke to my father as I drove him to the airport.

“It's fine. You don’t have to, it's your sweat and tears money. We can take care of it."

“You guys really don't have to be worried about such a thing. Family is my number one priority after all.”

“You have paid this return ticket of mine, that’s more than enough.”

“Come on, you guys should let me pay for many more things.”

"Haha, then it would be the same as we're living off of our son, I can’t allow that."

"It's okay. I also want to do many things for our family as well.”

“You just need to come home from time to time.”

"I’ll try my best."

This was my first time going and seeing the road to the airport at night. That familiar road was so beautiful and wide, it had always reminded me of many memories of my hometown and the city here. Like a magical connection between home and foreign lands, the road reminded me of the many adventures I've had in my life - both big and small.

“Listen son, I know life isn't easy sometimes, but if you feel like you can't do anything about it, that's okay. Don't feel sad, you can always talk and share with everyone at any time. We will always be there for you.”

“What's wrong? Why are you suddenly so worried about me?"

“It was just that you were suddenly become silent. I know that feeling too… I mean sometimes people will feel that everything is against them. That, along with their work always makes them feel heavy and stressed out. It’s understandable the only thing they can do is to keep quiet and slowly sink in their unhappy thoughts.”

“Haha, you must have misunderstood. I was just focusing on driving and enjoying the scenery."

“Ahh, is that so? I just have a feeling you have a lot to say.”

"I actually do, but most of them are something that I have to overcome myself. It's for my own sake."

"Sometimes it's easy to hesitate and to be mistaken that it's oneself problem and we don't deserve support. Just remember you don't have to think about bothering anyone whenever you are feeling down, especially us. Don't hesitate to give us a call once in a while, we will always be there for you."

"Don't worry, dad. Whenever I can't keep myself together, I will try to reach out to everyone like you and mom once taught me. Besides, I can't be sad when everyone is always encouraging and helping me all the time. Anyway, thank you very much, I will remember that forever.”

“What you said makes sense. Having 4 future daughters-in-law with you like that, it sure makes us parents less worried."

“Hahaha, I can’t really hear what you’re saying. The wind is too loud,” I rolled down the car window.

My mother back home smiled happily as she received a photo of me and my father together before he boarded the plane.

THAT’S ALL FOR THIS CHAPTER.