Volume 4 Chapter 43 Summer Vacation Ends
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
With summer vacation lasting over a month, only two days remained. Continuing from last year, I kept up with my swimming lessons, but I also took up the recommendation to attend the Orii Music School¹, where I dabbled in singing and the piano. On top of that, I attended gymnastics and Aikido classes. Between those and my independent studies and keeping Suu-chan² company, I was kept so busy that time flew by in an instant. When I think that the daily routine of going back to kindergarten starts again the day after tomorrow… The time I can spend with Suu-chan will decrease…
…Well, I am still okay. Once I get home from kindergarten, I can be with Suu-chan, and while I’m actually at kindergarten, I don’t have to think about deadlines, cleaning up messes, or making excuses, so it’s an easy-going life. The problem is Suu-chan.
During summer vacation, she was so clingy that she didn’t want to leave my side for a single moment. No matter where we went or what we did, we were together. In her picture diary, which was an optional summer vacation homework assignment, Suu-chan appeared on every single page. Only two days left until a Perfect Attendance Award. Having spent her summer vacation like that, I wonder if Suu-chan can smoothly return to kindergarten life—to a daily routine where we go to separate classes. (I suppose the biggest cause of this was me. I know that. I am reflecting on it.)
But when Suu-chan appeals to me with her whole soul, wanting my attention, there is no way I could reject her. You could even say there isn’t a single opening for me to reject her. Mio-san³ and the others apparently got worried as well, so for this past week, they issued a “sleepover ban” as a form of rehabilitation. Fortunately, she doesn’t throw a fit or wail when it’s time to leave, but I can’t forget the expression on Suu-chan’s face as she watches me go with such anxiety. How should I put it… the guilt is incredible.
As a result, with her clinginess during the day (Suu-chan’s feelings) overlapping with my difficulty in keeping distance (my feelings), I can’t help but feel the situation is actually getting worse. If they were to move house…
The reason I say this is that I am currently at the Yoshikura family home. Of course, since I am a child, I am with my Mother—a parent and PTA member—and Suu-chan’s Totsuka family is with us as well. We, the children’s group, are playing a game of splashing water and shouting in the Yoshikura estate’s wide garden. Besides Suu-chan, the members include Yuma and Shiho-chan, plus the Big Sister Squad who have become elementary schoolers—Miyu-oneesan, Hina-oneesan, and Aoi-oneesan.
Still, the water guns at a rich person’s house are amazing. Those aren’t toys anymore; they’re weapons. However, only the Big Sister Squad has those water guns. It seems seniority is still alive and well, as we younger kids are fighting back with cheap handgun-types and water balloons. Quickly realizing my disadvantage, I settled into the vinyl pool under the tent, diligently making water balloons and letting them float. Rear support is important, too.
By the way, everyone is in swimsuits so that it’s okay to get wet. Everyone’s frilly swimsuits are quite cute. Except for Yuma. (Now, please don’t misunderstand. I am not a lolicon. If I were to enjoy looking, I’d have to wait at least another ten years.) If anything, I’d rather see the mothers’ swimsuits. If I turn around, my eyes meet Mother and the others, and she waves at me. Yeah. Mother is the most beautiful. Still, this year ended without me being able to see Mother in a swimsuit. It is my only regret of the summer.
”Maa-kun?”
”What is it, my Princess? I have prepared plenty of water balloons, so please do not worry.”
”…My princess… hmph, heehee…”
We are playing happily like that. You might wonder what that has to do with moving, but do you remember the occupation of the master of this house—Yuma’s Father? That’s right, he’s a realtor. During summer vacation, we have been coming to play at the Yoshikura family home at a pace of once a week or more. While part of the reason is for us children to play with friends, the one who actually has business here is the Totsuka Husband. The layout of the apartment they live in now is a 1LDK. For the Totsuka family, which has become a family of five, it is incredibly cramped. Mitsuhisa-san often grumbles that “the house is narrow,” and I often see Mio-san scouring property sites on her PC.
(I suppose the fact that we Yashiro Parents and Children are basically living there every day is one of the reasons they feel it’s narrow, though.) Recently, with Fuu-chan and Kyo-chan starting to toddle around, the sense of being cramped has increased even more. There are times where they fall and a desk or shelf is right in front of them. Thinking about the three sisters’ future, continuing to live in that house isn’t realistic. In a few years, they’ll start wanting their own rooms. For those reasons, the Totsuka family is thinking about moving.
While concrete details haven’t come down yet, the time Suu-chan and I can stay as neighbors might not be that long. Depending on where they move, there is a possibility we won’t be able to meet easily. If that happens, I’ll have to do something about Suu-chan’s dependence on me… Since Mother’s transfer talk completely disappeared and we were able to attend kindergarten even with different classes, I might have been taking it a bit too lightly. This year’s summer vacation was a good opportunity to reconfirm that. …That said, how can I soften Suu-chan’s level of dependence? I can’t think of a concrete plan, though.
”—Maa-kun.”
”What’s wrong?”
”I’m tired, so I’m going to take a break.”
”I see.”
When she says that, Suu-chan sits right next to me and starts playing by pushing the water balloons aside. I’m listing all these excuses, but the one who wants the current situation is probably me. There is a part of me that feels relieved that she wants to be by my side like this, and that she needs me. (If it came to that, couldn’t our Yashiro family move too? The current apartment is more than enough for two people, a Parent and Child, but…)
After a while, it seems the Totsuka Husband’s business was finished, and the noisy water play came to an end. Mayumi-san used a garden hose to roughly wash off the grass and dirt stuck to our bodies. Since that wasn’t enough to get us clean, we went inside. Carrying towels and hopping around, the girls’ group was led to the large bathroom, while the boys’ group was led to the shower room. The treatment of the boys compared to the girls…
I don’t have any complaints, though. Since the girls’ group has more people, it’s a natural flow for them to use the large bathroom. Besides, it’s a bit late to complain about boys and girls being treated differently. However, do not underestimate it just because it’s a shower room. It is at least wider than the bathroom at our house, and there’s even a bench to sit on. Rich people’s houses are amazing.
”Are you two okay~?”
”Yeah, we’re fine!”
”We’re fine.”
Through the shower room door, the voice of our supervisor for the boys’ group, my Mother, reached us. While she’s worried about just two children, Mother didn’t come in with us. It would be bad if she got wet since she doesn’t have a change of clothes, and Yuma was all pumped up, saying, “We can do it by ourselves!” Since Nanami-san also said, “I’m relieved if Makoto-kun is with him,” it was just me and Yuma in the private space. (To be honest, I’m happy to have earned their trust, but like the Totsuka Husband, I’d like to have a place for discussion. Mainly about where the responsibility lies if something happens.)
”Makoto, should I do the splash-splash on your head?”
”Yeah, please.”
”Got it! Close your eyes tight!”
”Yes, yes.”
Since it’s a house he knows well, Yuma also wants to look after me. However, Yuma, I hear that on days we don’t come, you take a bath with the girls’ group… No, there’s no deep meaning behind that. And so, we washed our bodies and our heads as well without incident, finished changing, and returned to the living room.
The girls’ group… as expected, they take a long time. I can hear happy shrieks coming from the bathroom. While waiting for the girls’ group while playing a video game with Yuma, a refreshed Suu-chan comes running over to me. “Maa-kun, do my hair.” “Understood. Sorry Yuma, time out for a second.”
Since we brought swimsuits, getting wet was within the range of expectations. In other words, I also brought tools for drying. After getting a word of permission from Nanami-san and borrowing an outlet, I started drying Suu-chan’s hair with a hairdryer. Then, Shiho-chan came chasing after Suu-chan with her hair still damp, apparently worried about her. “Ah! Suu-chan is having Makoto-kun do it!” “Mm. Maa-kun is good at doing hair♪”
Suu-chan answered with a blissful expression. However, this flow… “Really? I want Shiho’s done too!” “Mugh…” Suu-chan had dug a beautiful grave for herself. She was bewildered by the innocent pressure from Shiho-chan. In the washroom, they’d have to wait for the Big Sister Squad of three to finish with the hairdryer, so it was certainly faster over here. You have to take care of a girl’s hair. However, Suu-chan’s feelings are the top priority. It would be easy to refuse, but would that be too overprotective…?
”…Suu-chan, what should we do?”
When I asked that, she looked at me, looked at Shiho-chan, and then looked at me again. “………Shi-chan is special.” It seemed there was a conflict, but it was apparently okay for her best friend Shiho-chan. After I finished drying Suu-chan’s hair, I dried Shiho-chan’s hair as well. If Suu-chan uses the comb and I use the hairdryer as a joint operation, I can be somewhat satisfied. Just then—
”Ah, Shiho is having Makoto-kun dry her hair!”
The Big Sister Squad, having finished drying their hair in the washroom, returned. And they showed the same reaction as Shiho-chan. Suu-chan was there too, but… well, that’s how it goes… “Yeah! Makoto-kun is good at doing hair!” “…Mugh!?”
The grave that was dug became even deeper at the hands of her innocent friend… However, since the Big Sister Squad had already finished drying their hair, I managed to escape the crisis for the time being.
—
Summary:
The summer vacation ends with Makoto reflecting on Suu-chan’s extreme attachment and the looming possibility of her family moving. The children enjoy a final water play day at the Yoshikura mansion, highlighting the social dynamics between the different age groups. The chapter concludes with a lighthearted scene involving Makoto drying the girls’ hair, further solidifying his ‘capable’ reputation.
—
Trivia:
- Suu-chan’s attachment has reached a point where she included Makoto on every page of her optional summer homework.
- The Totsuka family is feeling the physical strain of living in a 1LDK with growing toddlers.
- Makoto has never lost a staring contest since birth.
- Yuma’s father is a realtor, which facilitates the Totsuka family’s move planning
—
Character Insight:
Makoto’s internal conflict shows he is starting to derive his own sense of stability from being needed by Suu-chan, creating a mutual dependency rather than a one-sided one.
—
Lore And Worldbuilding Context:
The author uses the hairdryer scene to emphasize the ‘harem’ tropes common in the genre while maintaining the innocent setting of childhood.
—
Glossary:
Notes:
• Suu-chan – A refined young girl with soft skin who values etiquette and ‘lady’s grace.’ She holds Makoto to a high standard of grooming.
• Suu – A female student in the Rose Class. Very close to Makoto (Maa-kun). Has mud on her cheeks and makes high-quality dorodango.
• Ai – Dark‑brown short bob frames a fit former long‑distance runner now teaching Middle Kids homeroom. Cheerful yet blunt, she’s the kids’ beloved “Mom,” quick with regional dialects when stressed, fiercely competitive in Cops‑and‑Robbers, adores muscles, and a fan of Makoto‑kun’s leadership. Single, devoted to her classroom family, wary of parents, and protective of every student.
• Mio – Mio‑san, chairperson of the Totsuka council and mother of Suzuki, is a recently postpartum, stylish gray‑clad figure with a baby‑faced charm and G‑cup silhouette. Playful yet grounded, she guides Makoto, Suu‑chan, Fuu‑chan and Kyo‑chan, bakes with them, encourages Shiho’s hobbies, serves as Akari’s confidante, films and teases the children, cooks for her family, manages the household, mentors Maa‑kun in hair‑drying while protecting UV, and is Akari’s childhood friend and neighbor.
• Shiho-chan – An early‑arriving student, this child is often seen waiting with Suu‑chan at school. As Suu‑chan’s close friend, he/she tries to act as a ‘stopper’ for her mischief, and is close enough to Yuma’s family to stay over at their home.
• Totsuka – Totsuka Mio is the wife of Mitsuhisa Totsuka and mother of Suu-chan. She is a hardcore gamer, part of the neighbor family that supplies hand‑me‑down consoles to the protagonist’s household. Mio attends parent‑teacher conferences and worries about her daughter’s growing dependence on Makoto.
• Shiho – Four‑year‑old Rose‑Class girl with a side‑up ponytail, kitten‑themed hair clip and placemat, uses training chopsticks, loves picture books and Hiragana, swims, makes mud dumplings with Makoto’s tips, quietly competes with Suu for Makoto’s attention and often follows Suu‑chan to meet him. Daughter of a lawyer; Suu‑chan’s close friend and also fond of Makoto.
• Hina – Shiho’s older sister presents a gentle aura with long hair and a flowing dress. Though typically quiet, she lights up with excitement whenever she wins.
• Miyu – Yoshikura Miyu is Yuma’s elegant elder sister, known for her poise while hosting Makoto and her speed as a runner in the Older Class. As the leader of the “Big Sister Squad,” she typically presents herself in a grey dress. Recently, she experienced a brief period of “baby regression,” though she is currently napping quietly.
• Yuma – Yuma Yoshikura, a frail four-year-old with an idol-like face and quiet charm, is the youngest and smallest in the Rabbit Group, eldest son of a wealthy realtor, and Makoto’s close friend. In Rose Class, he’s adored by many girls, leads the ‘train’ line with excitement over acorns and nature, struggles slightly with math and has low stamina, yet thrives in creative play—building blocks, folding paper, making clay models of his father’s car, and role-playing husband in Moe’s house-play. Born April 1, he’s cheerful, popular, and deeply beloved for his gentle, imaginative spirit.
• Aoi – An older girl with a short, boyish haircut in denim shorts and a T‑shirt, she anchors District 3’s relay team and is part of the Big Sister Squad, famed for her fierce competitive racing skills that constantly challenge teammates and earn their respect. She often visits or is visited by Makoto, treating him affectionately, which sparks Suu’s jealousy.
• Maa-kun – A young boy in the Rabbit Group at Hinomori Kindergarten. He is highly intelligent, capable of second-grade math and multiplication. He is described as calm, stoic, and helpful, often acting as a ‘handler’ for more energetic children. Akari’s son, nearly five years old. An extreme polyglot and polymath who secretly studies news, martial arts, and multiple languages. Highly sensitive to his parents’ moods. Also referred to as Makoto-kun. Narrator’s son in the Rabbit Group. Popular with other girls but maintains distance. Previously protected Suu-chan during the ‘April Incident.’
• Mitsuhisa – Mitsuhisa, 33, 184 cm, 71 kg, toned and reserved, is a giant‑physique father of three (Suu‑chan, Fuu‑chan, Kyo‑chan) married to Mio. On modified childcare leave he’s protective, doting, play‑acting with his daughters, feeling neglected by the eldest but favoring the twins, distant with Akari, dark‑bantering with former teammate Makoto, and unsettled by his influence. Also known as Mitsuhisa‑san, father of the Totsuka family, on work‑from‑home leave, theatrical when his daughters prefer Makoto, and enjoys playful competition.
• Fuu – One of the twins, approximately four months old. Currently learning to swivel their head and grab objects.
• Kyo – One of the twins, approximately four months old. Shared traits with Fuu-chan.
• Mayumi – Mayumi Goto, an elegant, refined mother‑friend, often wears soft pastel dresses. She accompanies her daughters Hina and Shiho to swimming lessons and helps them change. Trusted by Mio‑san, close to Nanami and Akari, she serves as the central hub of the grade’s parent‑information network, balancing maternal care with warm friendships among other mothers, and is also close to the mother of the rumored boy Makoto.
• Makoto – Four‑year‑old Rose‑class student, 93 cm, 13 kg, in a white shirt, blue vest and cap—actually a 30‑year‑old salaryman reborn. Calm “Boss” who hands out hand cream, mediates fights, protects Suu‑chan, earns respect. Dry narrator in the Rabbit Group, uses logic and coin tricks. Known as Akari’s son, nicknamed Maa‑kun, popular Middle Kids student. Target of Suzuki’s affection and Mitsuhisa’s teasing.
• Nanami – Yoshikura Nanami, a humble, polite mother of Yuma and Miyu, runs an elegant upscale home that doubles as a showroom. A dedicated Makoto Fan Club member, she thanks Makoto for shaping her son’s habits, coordinates his birthday, hosts tea parties, and manages his high energy while offering gracious hospitality. She worries about his flirtatious behavior with classmates and his slower physical development, and is a close friend of the narrator.
• Suzuki – Suu‑chan, a doll‑like five‑year‑old with dark braided pigtails, a topknot, sleepy sparkling eyes and pink rain boots, is Mio and Mitsuhisa’s eldest daughter. A model student with uncanny intuition, she calls herself Editor‑in‑Chief of Makoto’s photo records, reads clocks to track his arrival, clutches a pink candy tin, and clings to his arm, proclaiming herself his girlfriend. Shy around strangers, she’s fiercely devoted and jealous.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
Leave a Reply