The next morning at school, Arisa arrived at her class and took her seat, her mind wandering. I wonder which class he will enter today, she thought, picturing Zul in her mind. I hope he will be my classmate, she murmured to herself with a hint of anticipation.
Suddenly, her best friend Miku approached her desk.
Miku gave a sheepish smile.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtCdgwrnxy
"Hey, Arisa-chan, can I copy your homework, please? I forgot to do it yesterday."
Arisa sighed, shaking her head. "Huh, again? If you keep doing this, you won't understand what you're studying, Miku-chan." Despite her words, she handed over her notebook. "Here, just this time, okay?"
Miku smiled.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlaQ7OPXX0
"Yeah, thank you, Arisa-chan!"
Before Miku could fully enjoy her relief, Eri suddenly appeared in the doorway, her presence as intense as always.
Eri crossed her arms.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTd9NpsrhHw
"Hey, Miku, trying to copy my big sis' homework again, huh?"
Miku whispered, panic flashing across her face.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDF3D2ATp3I
Geh! It's Eri! This is bad, I need to avoid talking to her.
Eri narrowed her eyes.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqmKaHuQQG
"Where do you think you're going, huh? I'm not done talking to you yet!"
Miku glanced at Arisa, her voice pleading.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgi3dRkYUEx
"Please save me, Arisa-chan. Your younger twin sister is so mean to me."
Arisa sighed and turned to Eri. "Eri-chan, leave her alone. Just let her copy it, okay?"
"Yeah, Arisa-chan, you're so kind—unlike you, Eri." Miku stuck out her tongue at Eri. "Blech! Arisa-chan likes me better anyway!" She then hurriedly returned to her seat to finish copying.
Eri frowned, clearly upset.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7kaJ2JQce
"Onee-chan, you're too kind to others. Why don't you just say no to them?"
"It's just homework, Eri-chan. No need to argue about it."
"Fine, whatever."
"Enough, Eri-chan. Go back to your class. We are about to start the first subject in a few minutes."
Eri turned to leave. "Yes, yes, I'm going now."
On her way out, Eri grabbed a crumpled paper she found on the floor, smeared ink on it, and hurled it at Miku’s head.
Eri threw the paper. "Take this."
Miku turned around, glaring at Eri. "Ouch! Damn you, Eri!"
Eri just laughed and dashed out of the classroom before Miku could retaliate.
Arisa held her forehead in exasperation. "Geez, that's my little sister..."
A few minutes later, the teacher addressed the class. "Okay, everyone, please take your seats. We're about to start the class now. Before we begin, I'd like to introduce our new transfer student." Turning to the door, the teacher called out, "Please enter the classroom."
The new transfer student stepped in. "Yes."
Huh, Zul?! Arisa thought to herself, excited to finally see him at school.
The teacher gestured to the front. "Now, please introduce yourself."
The new student faced the class.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJY1KTKmq8
"My name is Zul. I just moved to this area with my family a few days ago. Nice to meet you all."
Whispers spread. "His face looks different—is he a foreigner?"
"Okay, Zul, please take a seat over there beside Sakamoto."
Arisa waved from her seat. "Zul-kun, over here!"
"Oh, you're here, Arisa-chan." He smiled.
More whispers erupted. "Eh, he already knows Arisa-chan?" Arisa was well-known because she was the smartest in her class. Her grades were excellent, and she always got first place in exams.
Arisa leaned over as Zul reached his seat.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDSRL0sRKi
"You're finally here, huh? So we're classmates."
Zul looked at her. "Yeah, I was worried I'd be alone here without anyone I know. Mind showing me around after this?"
"Of course." She smiled.
The teacher then began the lesson. Zul had to share a textbook with Arisa since he didn't have his own yet. By the fourth period, lunch break arrived.
Most of Zul's classmates approached him, eager to know more about their new peer.
One of them leaned in.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8pPjF1Bum
"Hey, Zul-kun, are you a foreigner? Your face looks a bit different from the rest of us."
"No, I'm Japanese like you guys, but both my parents are from Malaysia. I was born here after they moved to Japan."
After most of them asked Zul everything they wanted to know, they returned to their seats.
Miku leaned forward.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NlIEk2o2T
"Hey, how do you know Arisa-chan already? You just joined today, right?"
"Ah, I actually met her a day ago. My house is near hers in the neighborhood, so we're actually neighbors."
"Is that right, Arisa-chan?"
Arisa nodded. "Yes, he's right. He is my neighbor."
Zul turned to Miku. "You seem close to Arisa-chan. Who are you?"
"I'm Miku, Arisa-chan's close friend."
"Nice to meet you, Miku-chan."
Suddenly, they heard footsteps approaching from outside. Miku noticed and stood up, seemingly planning something. The owner of the footsteps arrived, revealing Eri, who ran into the classroom carrying food.
Eri hugged Arisa from behind.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ukWaKFtFH
"Onee-chan, can I eat together with you today?"
"Yes, yes, go ahead."
"Oh, it's you, Eri-chan."
"Eh, Zul-kun, you're in onee-chan’s class!?"
"I thought we’d be classmates together."
"Don't worry, even if we're not in the same class, you can still see me during lunch break, right?"
"That's right, it's not a problem as long as I can see you at school."
Zul noticed his classmates mumbling about Eri. "Zul-kun, just ignore them. They're always like that."
After finishing her meal, Eri stretched her arms with a satisfied sigh.
"Ah, I'm so full! Today's food was really delicious!"
She then grabbed her things and stood up.
"Okay, Onee-chan, Zul-kun, I'm heading back to class. See you later!"
But as she took her first step, someone grabbed her wrist from behind, stopping her in place.
"Wait a second! Where do you think you’re going?"
Eri turned around to see Miku gripping her hand tightly. "Huh? Oh, it’s you, Miku?"
She feigned innocence. "What do you want? Can you let go of my hand?"
She tried to pull free, but Miku’s grip remained firm.
"Not until you apologize for what you did to me this morning!" Miku demanded.
Eri stuck out her tongue, mocking her. "No way! Why should I apologize? Bleh!"
"What did you just say!?"
The two girls began to argue heatedly.
Zul stepped forward. "Hey, you two, please stop fighting."
Arisa sighed. "Zul-kun, just leave them. They're always like this when they meet."
As the classroom grew noisy with their argument, Arisa suddenly stood up and knocked on the table. Both girls fell silent.
"Both of you, enough. Miku, stop this. Eri, go back to class, or I’ll tell Mom about this."
"Alright, we'll stop now."
Miku sat back in her seat, and Eri left without another word. They both seemed scared of Arisa.
Their classmates were shocked that Arisa had stopped the argument so easily. Zul was amazed at Arisa's ability to defuse the situation with just a few words.
"I can't believe you stopped them with just a few words. That was so cool, Arisa-chan."
"Actually, their usual arguments are not as bad as today, but they went too far this time. I needed to stop them before something worse happened. I'm sorry you had to see me like that on your first day here."
Despite her young age, Arisa thought like an adult. She could solve problems with just her words, without resorting to physical confrontation. This maturity was evident in how she handled the argument between Eri and Miku.
Meanwhile, Eri, still fuming from her encounter with Miku, made her way back to her own classroom.
Eri clenched her fists.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2te8hfxxnC
"Geez, that Miku really makes me so angry. If onee-chan hadn't interrupted earlier, I would have beaten her up for sure."
As Eri approached her classroom, she found a group of boys blocking the doorway, chatting among themselves. Without hesitation, she confronted them, her face set in an intimidating glare.
"You guys are in my way. Move aside."
The boys, startled by her fierce expression, quickly stepped aside to let her pass.
"Erk, she looks pissed. Better give her space to enter," one of them whispered to the others.
At the end of the school session that day, in Eri's class, a girl suddenly fell because a group of boys had deliberately tripped her.
"Ouch..."
Her friend approached her. "Are you okay?"
She turned to the boy. "What are you doing to her, Kudo-kun?"
Kudo crossed his arms.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLHbEHYvk7
"It's her fault for spacing out and not looking where she was going."
Kudo was known as a troublemaker not only in his class but also in their grade.
"You tripped her on purpose."
"Huh, I don't need your false accusations." Then he pushed the girl’s friend too.
The girl was about to fall again but was stopped when Eri suddenly caught her from behind. "Are you okay?"
"I'm okay."
"Crap, that's Eri," Kudo's friends said.
"What are you doing? Stop all of this."
"Shut up. This is not your problem."
Eri just glared at them.
"What's with that glare? Do you want to get beaten up? Get her, guys," he commanded his friends.
"Eri-chan, watch out."
Eri avoided their attack and punched them back, and a fight broke out in the classroom.
Meanwhile, Arisa and Zul were walking together to go home, passing in front of Eri's class. "What's this noise?" Arisa said.
One of Eri's classmates said to her, "Arisa-chan, your sister got into a fight."
"Huh, again?" Arisa stepped forward.
"Stop it, Eri. Enough." Kudo and his gang, now scared, backed away.
"No, I haven't had enough. I was in a bad mood today."
The girl from earlier stopped Eri by holding her from behind. "Enough already, Eri-chan. No need to beat them up so much."
"Leave it. These guys went too far today."
Arisa suddenly entered the class. "Eri, enough. Stop it."
"Onee-chan..." Eri lowered her fists.
"These girls are scary. Let's run, guys." They grabbed their bags and ran away.
"Eri, what are you doing? Why did you punch them? I've told you before not to get into fights so easily and to restrain yourself."
Eri grabbed her bag and ran away.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8ZoeL2dPR
"This is not your problem. Don't act like you're my parents."
"Eri-chan." Zul chased after her.
The girl Eri had helped earlier reached Arisa to explain what had actually happened.
The girl described what happened. "Arisa-chan, this is not actually Eri-chan's fault. She actually stood up for us earlier."
Arisa stared. "What? She actually helped you guys?"
"Yes, the boy started it first and wanted to punch her earlier, which caused the fight. Please don't be angry with her."
Arisa took a breath, feeling relieved.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5JobrdWnB
"I see. Thanks for telling me that. So, I'm the one who's wrong here."
Meanwhile, Zul, who had been chasing Eri earlier, managed to catch up with her at the school park. Eri had stopped, exhausted from running.
Zul approached her. "Hey, Eri-chan, wait! Why were you running earlier?"
Eri turned to him, her voice tinged with frustration. "Why do you care? Do you want to yell at me too, like onee-chan? I know I made a lot of mistakes today."
Zul shook his head. "No, I just wanted to catch up with you. Let's go home together."
Zul gestured to a nearby bench.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6u6etZfQoe
"Before that, let's sit on that bench and catch our breath."
Eri looked down.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1kSRQI8P3
"I'm sorry, Zul-kun. You've seen me act like this on your first day here."
"Don't worry about it. Just calm down for now, okay?"
"Hey, you were actually helping that girl, right? That's why you got into the fight earlier. You wanted to defend those girls and yourself. Am I right?"
Eri looked at him, surprised. "Yes, but how did you know?"
Zul smiled. "I just guessed. I know you don't get into fights without reason, like the moment you saved me from the bullies two days ago. I trust you."
Eri’s voice softened. "Zul-kun, thanks for trusting me."
Zul smiled. "Hey, how about you come to my house this evening? We can play like before."
Eri's face immediately lit up; her earlier upset forgotten in her excitement. "Really? Then I'll come to your house soon!"
Just then, they heard a familiar voice calling out to them. "Eri-chan, Zul-kun!" It was Arisa, running towards them.
"Arisa..."
"Onee-chan?"
As soon as Arisa reached them, she jumped forward and hugged her younger twin sister tightly.
Confused by the sudden embrace, Eri asked, "Onee-chan, what's this for?"
Arisa took a breath, still holding Eri.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hUdo4m34j
"I'm sorry, Eri-chan, for yelling at you earlier. I've heard everything from the girl you saved. You didn't start the fight. I'm sorry for blaming you. Can you forgive me?"
Eri looked down, touched. "Onee-chan..."
After a moment, Eri grinned mischievously. "Alright, I'll forgive you, but only if you treat me to an ice cream on our way back home."
Arisa chuckled. "Haha... what's up with that?"
"Understood, I'll treat you."
Zul watched the sisters with a warm smile. "Good for you guys, you made up with each other."
After they arrived at their house, Arisa and Eri were holding hands, with Zul accompanying them.
While enjoying their treat, Eri turned to her sister. "Onee-chan, Zul-kun asked me to come to his home to play. Do you want to join us?"
Arisa looked at Zul. "Eh, is it okay, Zul-kun?"
Zul nodded with a smile. "Sure, why not? I was actually planning to ask you too."
From that day on, the relationship between these three became much closer. They were always together when going anywhere, except at school where they were in different classes.
At school, Zul seemed close to Arisa because they were in the same class. However, outside of school, when playing, Zul spent more time with Eri.
The Sakamoto family—along with twins Arisa and Eri—and Zul's family had grown close since Zul transferred to the twins' school a few months earlier.
A few weeks later, the two families decided to have a picnic together in the mountains to strengthen their bond.
As they reached the picnic area, both fathers immediately set about preparing the barbecue. Meanwhile, Arisa, despite being only ten years old, was helping her mother and Zul's mother with the cooking.
Zul’s mother looked impressed.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtWPZT5eTM
"Wow, Arisa-chan! You're only ten, but you can cook already?"
Arisa blushed slightly. "I asked my mother to teach me."
Mrs. Sakamoto chuckled. "She begged me so much to teach her cooking. How could I refuse?"
As they continued preparing the meal, Mrs. Sakamoto looked around, her brow furrowing. "By the way, where did Zul and Eri go? Lunch is almost ready."
She turned to her husband. "Honey, have you seen where Zul and Eri went?"
Mr. Sakamoto pointed toward a nearby forest. "I saw them heading that way. Should I call them back?"
Before he could move, Arisa stepped forward. "I'll go get them, Dad. You stay and finish the barbecue."
Her father smiled. "Thanks, Arisa-chan. I'm counting on you."
Zul’s father chuckled as Arisa left. "She’s quite mature for her age, huh?"
Mr. Sakamoto nodded. "More than I expected."
Meanwhile, deep in the forest, Eri had found a tall tree that caught her eye. With the agility of a squirrel, she scrambled up the trunk and out onto a sturdy branch.
Eri waved from the branch. "Zul-kun, come up here! The view is amazing!"
Zul stood at the base of the tree, his face etched with worry. "Eri-chan, that's so dangerous! Please come down!"
"Don't worry, it's perfectly safe." Her precarious perch suggested otherwise.
Suddenly, they heard a familiar voice. "Eri-chan! Zul-kun! Where are you?"
"Oh, it's onee-chan! We are over here, onee-chan!"
Zul waved. "Arisa-chan, we are here!"
Arisa approached them, relief washing over her face as she spotted Zul. "There you are. What are you doing out here? The food is ready, let's head back." Then she paused, looking around. "Wait, where's Eri-chan?"
Zul remained silent, simply pointing up at the tree branch where Eri was perched.
Arisa's eyes widened in shock as she spotted her twin sister high up in the tree. "Eri-chan! What are you doing up there? It's dangerous! Come down right now!"
"But onee-chan, the view is so nice from up here!"
"I don't care about the view. It's not safe. Come down this instant!"
As Eri began to carefully make her way down the tree, Arisa turned to Zul. "Zul-kun, why didn't you stop her?"
Zul looked down sheepishly. "I tried, but you know how she is when she sets her mind on something."
Arisa sighed, nodding in understanding. It was true, her twin sister could be incredibly stubborn when she wanted to be.
Eri admired the view when—CRACK!—a branch snapped. "Aaah...!" She fell.
Zul rushed to catch her, but she crashed onto his back.
Arisa ran toward them.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5i67wmYbD
"Hey, both of you, are you okay?" Worry showed in her voice.
Zul winced slightly. "I'm okay, but I have some scratches."
Eri, despite the situation, let out a chuckle. "Oops, sorry Zul-kun. I never expected that branch to suddenly break, hahaha!"
Arisa’s frustration grew.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX301eC12eP
"Why are you still laughing after what happened, you idiot? What if Zul-kun hadn't caught you, or if you'd landed on the ground? You could have been seriously injured!"
Zul tried to calm the situation. "Relax, Arisa-chan. No need to get upset now."
Suddenly, their parents came rushing over, having heard the loud bang. Zul’s mother, Julia, rushed over. "Hey, you guys! What happened here?"
Arisa’s mother stepped forward.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXSu2vxf2Q
"Why are you so late? The food is ready, you know."
Arisa immediately reported the situation to her mother.
"Onee-chan, what were you doing?"
"I'm sorry, Eri, but you've gone too far today. I can't cover for you this time."
Mrs. Sakamoto, upon hearing the story, approached Eri with a mix of anger and worry. Without warning, she slapped Eri across the face.
Mrs. Sakamoto’s voice trembled.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mVjStzLMl
"Again? Why do you always do such stupid things? You always make me worry about you! Why can't you be a good girl like your sister?"
Eri stared, stunned. "But mom, I... I..."
"No more excuses," Mrs. Sakamoto cut her off. "Now, go back to our picnic spot. We need to talk."
Tears welling in her eyes, Eri shouted at Arisa, "Onee-chan, you stupid!" before running back to the picnic area.
Zul's mother turned her attention to her son. "Zul-kun, are you okay?"
"I'm fine, mom. Just a few scratches."
Mrs. Sakamoto stepped forward.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEI5fFXrkyD
"I'm so sorry, Miss Julia. My daughter has caused trouble for your son today. I truly apologize for that."
Julia waved off the apology with a kind smile. "Don't worry about it. I'm just glad nothing worse happened to them."
All of them returned to their picnic site after that, and Eri got yelled at by her mother again.
Eri kept silent and sulked as she walked away from her mother. After she left, Mrs. Sakamoto sighed. “Geez, this girl... why is she so hard-headed?”
Mrs. Julia approached with a concerned look. Mrs. Sakamoto noticed her and forced a small smile. “Oh, Mrs. Julia, sorry you had to see that. I lost my temper.”
Mrs. Julia spoke gently.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfkQ10vuww
“It’s fine, but... was that really necessary?”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“I know you’re worried about Eri-chan, but do you think comparing her to Arisa-chan helps?”
Mrs. Sakamoto hesitated.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanb6GeTOkh
“I didn’t mean to compare them. It just... slipped out.”
Mrs. Julia spoke softly.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhdM8xmSs4
“I know. But even if you don’t mean it, words like that can hurt.”
Mrs. Sakamoto exhaled, rubbing her temples. “She’s been distant lately. No matter what I say, it feels like she won’t listen.”
Mrs. Julia placed a hand on her shoulder. “Just give her time. And next time, try to talk to her without comparing.”
Mrs. Sakamoto nodded. “You’re right. I won’t do that again.”
Mr. Julia waved.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefLFLMbmAq
“Lunch is ready. Let’s go.”
As they started having their lunch, Arisa turned to Zul with a warm smile.
Arisa offered him some food.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeK21VDCa4H
"Here, Zul-kun, for you."
"Thanks, Arisa-chan."
Eri followed behind Zul silently, taking her food from Arisa without saying anything. Instead of joining the family gathering, she decided to eat alone on the side.
Zul noticed Eri eating by herself and decided to approach her.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVATYY9VQ3i
"Eri, can I join you to eat here?"
Eri just nodded while continuing to eat her meal. Both of them remained silent for a while, the only sounds being the distant chatter of the family and the rustle of the breeze through nearby trees.
Eri looked down.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelDHMT4Xgt
"I'm sorry, Zul-kun. If I had listened to you and onee-chan earlier, none of this would have happened to you."
Zul smiled.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OjXCDIF2m
"This? Don’t worry. I’m just glad I caught you."
Eri hesitated.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Dl6wLB6Bu
"Hey Zul, am I not a good girl unlike Onee-chan?"440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUZRZo4w3v
Eri remembered her mother's earlier words comparing her unfavorably to Arisa.
"What are you talking about, Eri? Of course you're a good girl. You have your own unique personality — playful, adventurous, and doing things your own way. Your big sister has her own personality too. Don't bother with comparisons, okay?"
Eri’s mood lightened.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrUfgw5WEj
"Thanks, Zul. You've changed so much. You're no longer the same Zul who used to cry like a baby when I first met you a month ago."
Zul blinked, surprised.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tTqZ5ULlj
"Really? I never noticed. Maybe your words back then moved me. You're the one who said I shouldn't cry and should stay strong because I'm a boy, remember? After that, I thought I needed to change and be strong just like you, Eri."
Eri chuckled.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpftDpkwJRL
"Oh, I forgot about that."
"Also, Eri, you should actually apologize to your big sister instead of me. She did what she did earlier because she was worried about you, you know."
Eri nodded.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxav0XdGvE
"Yes, you're right. I should apologize to her for not heeding her warning and for being harsh and calling her stupid before."
Eri stood up. "Zul, come with me."
Zul frowned. "Huh? Why do I have to come with you too?"
"Just follow me, don't complain."
Zul nodded. "Alright, I'll follow you."
I'm sure she's just shy to apologize on her own. That's why she's asking me to come with her.
Eri hesitated before asking, "Hey Zul, am I not a good girl unlike Onee-chan?" She remembered her mother's earlier words comparing her unfavorably to Arisa.
"What are you talking about, Eri? Of course you're a good girl," Zul reassured her. "You have your own unique personality—playful, adventurous, and doing things your own way. Your big sister has her own personality too. Don't bother with comparisons, okay?"
"Thanks, Zul," Eri said, her mood lightening. "You've changed so much. You're no longer the same Zul who used to cry like a baby when I first met you a month ago."
"Really? I never noticed," Zul replied, surprised. "Maybe your words back then moved me. You're the one who said I shouldn't cry and should stay strong because I'm a boy, remember? After that, I thought I needed to change and be strong just like you, Eri."
"Oh, I forgot about that," Eri chuckled.
After finishing their lunch meal, both sets of parents were talking with each other and enjoying the natural view around them. Eri and Arisa's father was chatting with Zul's father, while their mothers also conversed. Zul’s mother snapped photos, including one of Arisa reading under a tree.
Meanwhile, Arisa sat alone near them, engrossed in her favorite book. Eri slowly approached Arisa, with Zul following behind.
"Onee-chan..."
"Huh, what is it?"
She's not looking at me. I think she's angry, Eri thought to herself.
"Are you angry with me?"
"Of course I'm angry with you. You didn't listen to what I said earlier, and you called me stupid. Do you want to say more? If not, go away for a bit. I've lost focus on my reading."
Arisa-chan... Zul thought to himself, concerned.
Suddenly, Eri slapped the book Arisa was reading.
"Hey, what are you doing?"
Eri hugged Arisa.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7W8KXz6v4u
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Onee-chan. It was my mistake. I should have listened to you before. I'm sorry for calling you stupid too. Can you forgive me?" She began to cry.
Arisa sighed.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMyWAtLMYL
"Yes, yes, I forgive you. But please don't do it again. You made me so worried, you know?"440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjQPRZjjmd
She gently petted Eri's head.
"Okay, I understand." She sniffled.
I'm glad you two made up, Zul thought, a tear escaping his eye as he watched the sisters reconcile.
Arisa blinked.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzyEgjapSZ
"Huh? Zul-kun, are you crying too?"
Zul wiped his eye. "Shut up, it's just dust in my eyes."
"What are you guys doing? Wait, are you crying, Eri-chan? Did Zul-kun make you cry?" Zul's mother approached them with her camera.
"Oh, this is nothing. Zul-kun didn't make me cry," Eri said, wiping her tears.
"Here, use my napkin to wipe your tears," Arisa said, offering it to Eri.
"Mom, why are you accusing me suddenly?"
Zul’s mother laughed. "Sorry, sorry, I was just joking."
"Hey, you guys, why don't you stand over there together? I want to take a photo of you all right now."
Eri smiled. "Let's go, Zul-kun, Onee-chan!" She pulled both their hands.
"Wait, Eri-chan!"
The three of them stood together with a beautiful forest view in the background.
"Okay, smile!" She took the photo.
Zul’s mother smiled. "Yes, this is a very nice photo."
Arisa leaned in. "Mrs. Julia, can I take a look at it too?"
Zul’s mother showed her the camera. "Of course, here, take a look."
Meanwhile, Eri turned to Zul. "Zul-kun, thanks for before."
"Oh, it's nothing special like I said earlier."
"I feel you're somehow just like a big brother to me, even though we're the same age."
"Really!? Is that what you think? Hahaha!" Zul chuckled. "I also consider you as my little sister."
"Then I'm counting on you, 'Onii-chan'."
"Who are you calling 'Onii-chan'?"
Both of them laughed after saying that. Arisa smiled as she watched them laughing.
"Hey, why don't you accompany me to town tomorrow after school? Let's play games at the arcade?"
"Oh, that's a great idea. Alright, I'll join you tomorrow."
After that, they all continued to enjoy the picnic and the beauty of the forest around them before heading back to their houses in the evening.
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To be continued…………..Futagomonogatari III
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and then Add to home screen.