Volume 4 Chapter 2 Being Together is Better
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
At Hinomori Kindergarten¹, the very first thing you learn-and practice repeatedly so you can see it, write it, and find it-is your own name in Hiragana.
”Sheep Group”
”Totsuka Suzuki”
”Rabbit Group”
”Yashiro Makoto”
It was the reality I had expected. It wasn’t a mistake; our names were listed in different classes. Even though I thought I had prepared myself, I felt a significant shock. (Maybe we’ll be in the same group…) That desire might have been stronger than I had logically processed.
Since birth, we have spent so much time together; I have watched her grow up right by her side. Just as it has been until now, I wanted it to stay that way forever. Because I’m not a parent, just her childhood friend, I’m the one who can actually do that.
”Phew…”
I let out a short breath and forced my thoughts to pivot. Once you enter society, things rarely go your way. In fact, that’s the case the vast majority of the time. Besides, from a long-term perspective, this decision was surely “correct” and wasn’t unreasonable, so I could accept it. But…
I turned my gaze toward Suzuki, who was frozen in front of the class list. I couldn’t quite tell what she was thinking from her expression. However, Suzuki is the type who insists on being with me to that extent, always showing such a happy face just by doing so. She might not be able to accept the reality in front of her.
I thought it was pitiful. But in the end, a problem we had been postponing had simply arrived. Our classmates already experienced this “wall” a year ago. She can finally have the experience of standing alone, away from the family that protects her, facing an unknown environment full of strangers. As for me… well, it’s unnecessary. My “inside” is what it is.
But Suzuki is different. No matter how smart, kind, and cute she is, she is a total beginner who has only just started life. Even while calling ourselves just childhood friends, it’s no exaggeration to say our relationship is already like family. Because I am nearby, she is losing out on precious and important opportunities for growth. To her, kindergarten is probably like a slightly strange park with many kids the same age where she goes with her family. It’s a situation where someone she can spoil is always nearby, where she can rely on family when she’s lonely or troubled, and where she can feel at peace without any effort.
If we could stay within arm’s reach forever, maybe that would have been fine. But reality isn’t that easy. Especially since Suzuki is a girl and I am a boy. If she grows up like this and a need to separate eventually arises, she might end up having to spend a painful and difficult time. I think that would be more pitiful.
If I consider Suzuki becoming independent as an individual from now on, even if it’s painful, letting her get used to it now while she’s in kindergarten-an environment where she can still be supported-is my role as an adult and an act of kindness. Besides, there are close friends in the new group. Among the many kindergarteners, I must be grateful to the kindergarten for considering Suzuki and giving her an opportunity to grow.
(…It’s okay. My thoughts are organized. Now, no matter what I witness, I should be able to handle it calmly.)
”–Were you able to find your names?”
”Yes, it’s fine,” said Makoto.
A Teacher, who must have been watching us from behind, called out.
”Suu-chan, shall we go?”
When I said that, Suzuki gave a small nod. Since people were waiting behind us, we had to move quickly. I took my indoor shoes out of my backpack and put my outdoor shoes in the bag instead. Readjusting my grip on my tool box, I headed toward the second floor where the middle-class classrooms were. While the other new middle-class Youngsters were noisy and excited just because their classroom was on the second floor, we climbed the stairs in silence.
Then, arriving in front of the classroom that would take care of us for the next year, it was time for a temporary parting. Now that our groups were clear, Suzuki finally opened her tightly shut mouth.
”…Maa-kun, we aren’t together?” said Suzuki.
Her voice was weak and thin, as if she had barely managed to squeeze it out. If I listened carefully, I could tell she was trembling.
My heart suddenly tightened at that single sentence. No matter how many plausible reasons I lined up to claim justification, it didn’t change the fact that Suzuki was experiencing a painful and difficult feeling right now. I couldn’t find any words to say in return and could only catch her pleading gaze.
”…I want to be with Maa-kun…”
Just that. That was all Suzuki wanted. And yet, I couldn’t make it happen. There was nothing I could do. Perhaps that frustration showed on my face.
”Waaah…”
Suzuki’s tear ducts, which she must have been holding back, finally burst. Large droplets created several stains on the tote bag she was holding. Why did this situation happen? Who made a mistake? Where did it go wrong? What could have been done so it didn’t turn out like this? Facing the grimacing Suzuki, I, who was still able to remain calm, might be heartless.
”Being in different groups sucks, doesn’t it?” said Makoto.
”Nngh…” Suzuki sobbed.
”I wanted to be with Suu-chan, too.”
”Sniff…”
I took her tool box and placed it on the floor, then took out a handkerchief and wiped her tears. I gently hugged her and pulled her close, rubbing her back as she sobbed and stroking her head, letting her vent those emotions. After a while, she calmed down. At the same time, my thoughts did, too.
”Kindergarten is only for the morning today. As soon as it’s over, we can be together immediately. …Do you think you can do your best until then?” said Makoto.
I looked into her face and spoke slowly to reassure her.
”…Mm,” said Suzuki.
Although she nodded for me, her expression didn’t brighten. I knew that because she was a “good girl,” she wouldn’t say no if I asked her. Therefore, I triggered my final trump card: the secret plan her mother had granted me for just such an occasion.
”By the way, Suu-chan.”
”?”
”Tonight, a sleepover²–“
”–A sleepover!?” shouted Suzuki.
”–er… Yeah, that’s right, a sleepover,” said Makoto.
Before I could finish, she reacted as if snapping at bait. Her expression regained its brightness, though she was a mess of tears and snot.
”…Can I sleep with Maa-kun?”
”Yeah.”
”…The bath together, too?”
”That’s right.”
”…I’m gonna burrito³ in the blankets!”
”Shall we?”
”Will we read a picture book together before bed?”
”I’d like to read one,” said Makoto.
”Can I read the photo album?”
”Yeah, of cour–… wait, what?”
”Sleepover…!” Suzuki chirped.
I felt like there was a keyword that bothered me, but I was relieved by her pragmatism, which showed not a trace of her previous anxiety. I took a wet wipe out of my backpack and cleaned Suzuki’s face as she squeezed her eyes shut for me. Since this was also a meeting with new friends, I had to make sure she looked proper.
”Suu-chan, you’re okay now.”
”Thanks,” said Suzuki.
I didn’t forget to give a final push by whispering “Suu-chan is cute” to her as she thanked me shyly.
”Do you think you can work hard?”
”Mm, I’ll work hard.”
After one last tight hug, Suzuki mustered her courage and entered the Sheep Group classroom. Shiho-chan, who had been watching worriedly, called out to her immediately, so she should be fine. Even in a different group, she isn’t alone.
”Ah… well, whatever…”
I realized Suzuki had taken my handkerchief with her, but there would be plenty of chances to get it back later. I took a spare out of my backpack and headed toward the Rabbit Group classroom, while receiving warm gazes from the Teachers…
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Summary:
Makoto and Suzuki discover they have been assigned to different classes for the new kindergarten year. While Makoto attempts to rationalize the separation as a necessary step for Suzuki’s independence, she suffers an emotional breakdown. To soothe her, Makoto uses a pre-planned ‘sleepover’ strategy, which successfully restores her spirits before they head to their respective classrooms.
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Trivia:
- The ‘photo album’ request by Suzuki: This briefly confuses Makoto, suggesting Suzuki may be developing interests or viewing materials that Makoto doesn’t expect from a child.
- Narrator’s internal/external divide: Makoto’s struggle to stay ‘logical’ while his heart ‘tightens’ shows his growing genuine emotional attachment, despite his adult memories.
- Gender dynamics: Makoto notes that their separation is inevitable partly because she is a girl and he is a boy, hinting at future social or biological distance
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Character Insight:
The dynamic shifts from constant proximity to a forced ‘independence test.’ Suzuki’s absolute reliance on Makoto is highlighted by her trembling voice and eventual crying, while Makoto’s role as her ‘anchor’ is solidified through his use of the sleepover as a reward system.
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Lore And Worldbuilding Context:
The chapter details the structure of Japanese kindergarten (‘nenchu’ or middle class) and the significance of ‘kumi’ (group) assignments in early childhood social development.
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TL Notes:
The term ‘minomushi’ (bagworm) was localized to ‘burrito’ to better convey the visual of being wrapped tightly in blankets to a US audience.
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Glossary:
Notes:
• Totsuka Suzuki – Totsuka “Suu-chan” Suzuki is a doll-like 4-year-old with dark braided pigtails, a topknot, sleepy sparkling eyes, and pink rain boots. A model student and Makoto’s fiercely possessive, self-proclaimed girlfriend, she is quiet, helpful, and competitive in word games. Daughter of Mio and Mii-kun, she is clingy, affectionate, and often clutches a pink candy tin while navigating life with quiet grace.
• 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.
• Suzuki – Totsuka “Suu-chan” Suzuki is a doll-like 4-year-old with dark braided pigtails, a topknot, sleepy sparkling eyes, and pink rain boots. A model student and Makoto’s fiercely possessive, self-proclaimed girlfriend, she is quiet, helpful, and competitive in word games. Daughter of Mio and Mii-kun, she is clingy, affectionate, and often clutches a pink candy tin while navigating life with quiet grace.
• Makoto – A four-year-old (93cm, 13kg) Rose Class student who is actually a reincarnated 30-year-old salaryman. Dressed in a white shirt, blue vest, and cap, he acts as the group’s calm, analytical “Boss” and caregiver, carrying essentials like hand cream. Revered by peers as a mature, athletic idol, he mediates conflicts and protects Suu-chan. Despite his father’s gender confusion, he remains a dependable, cynical leader.
• 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.
• Shiho-chan – A member of the friend group who arrived early and is close enough to Yuma’s family to stay over.
• Shiho – A four-year-old Rose-Class girl with a side-up ponytail, she is Hina’s younger sister and a close friend to Makoto, Suu-chan, Yuma, and Suzuka. Often seen with her favorite hair clip, kitten-themed placemat, and training chopsticks, she loves picture books and worked hard to learn Hiragana. She enjoys swimming, makes mud dumplings using Makoto’s advice, and quietly competes with Suu for Makoto’s attention.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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