(inside the cafe)

Aoba:

Uwah~ this smells great!

Theo:

The coffee here is quite delicious. (he sighs) Savoring and enjoying this time is truly revitalizing.

Aoba:

Ehe. Theo-kun, you’re–

Theo:

Please, call me Theo. There’s no need for honorifics.

Aoba:

Then, how much younger than Noiz are you, Theo?

Theo:

Two years.

Aoba:

I see. You’re pretty diligent for a seventeen year old.

Theo:

No, that’s not it at all. As proof of that nearly every day for lunch I’ll leave the office and come to this cafe.

Aoba:

You have lunch here every day?

Theo:

Yes.

Aoba:

Then that means…could it be that when I thought that I saw Noiz it was really you?

Theo:

Ah…I don’t believe that my brother would come to this shop. I think it was me.

Aoba:

Ah, I see. From the side I thought it was definitely Noiz.

Theo:

I’m often told that I resemble my brother from the side.

Aoba:

That must be it.

Theo:

I enjoy the food here as well as the coffee. Although the owner is very particular about providing homemade dishes, the simple familial flavors are very delicious.

Aoba:

I had lunch here a while ago. It was really good. I haven’t eaten anything else that’s really grabbed me like that.

Theo:

Although the reason why I think that the dishes here are exceptionally good is likely because I’m nostalgic for homestyle comfort food.

Aoba:

Eh?

Theo:

At my house we have exclusive chefs who cook our meals. My mother would always cook for me when I was younger, but not anymore.

Aoba:

I see…

Theo:

Yes. That’s why, against my better judgement, I come to this shop–ah, I’m sorry for speaking of something so strange.

Aoba:

It’s fine. (he drinks some coffee) Theo, have you ever been to Japan?

Theo:

Ah, no. Not at all. I think that I would like to go, but I haven’t yet.

Aoba:

Then how about whenever you get the chance to come to Japan you come over to my place.

Theo:

Huh?

Aoba:

I live in a placed called Midorijima, it’s kind of a small island. You’ve got to come and try our food. It’s a little different from this cafe, but it’s really good.

Theo:

Ah…

Aoba:

Your brother even had some of my Granny’s donuts although he was muttering “It’s sweet” the whole time.

Theo:

Brother…ate donuts…?

Aoba:

Yeah. Are you surprised?

Theo:

Rather than surprised…I can’t even imagine it. The brother I know is only the brother I knew when I was very young and the brother who’s recently returned.

Aoba:

Ah, I see…sorry.

Theo:

No, please don’t apologize. Aoba-san, you met my brother during the time when he had left the house, didn’t you?

Aoba:

Oh, yeah. That’s true.

Theo:

Would you tell me about that time?

Aoba:

That time?

Theo:

The time my brother spent with you. About the time he spent away from the house.

Aoba:

Ah…that’s fine but I’m not really good at talking about that kind of stuff so I might say something rude.

Theo:

That’s all right. Please don’t worry and just say what comes easiest to you.

Aoba:

That’s fine? But where should I start…hm…anyway, let’s start with my first impression of him.

Theo:

Yes.

Aoba:

When I met him on Midorijima he was surprisingly cold and inexpressive. I couldn’t understand what he was thinking at all. It felt like he was so arrogant that he didn’t care about other people’s feelings at all. That’s why at first I was like “What’s with this guy?” I didn’t think we’d get along well at all. But…after I met him a lot of different things happened. As I started to get more involved with him I started to think that there was something a little strange about him.

Theo:

What do you mean by strange?

Aoba:

He’d stay calm even if he was injured, and when I’d try to help he’d get bizarrely worked up. He didn’t have any sense of pain, right?

Theo:

Yes…

Aoba:

When I found that out, how do I say it…I felt like he really didn’t know anything. I can’t really explain it, but anyway since he couldn’t understand people’s pain he couldn’t understand their feelings or even their genuine sympathy. That’s why his attitude was always so sour and he tried to not get involved with anyone. Once I thought of it that way, he seemed really immature. I wanted to do something for him. Well, I was just butting my nose into his business.

Theo:

You wanted to do something for him…

Aoba:

Yeah. Because if you’ve gone your whole life without knowing how to relate to other people, it’s lonely. It’s hard, I think. I thought that if he’d lived on that way someday he’d crack and break down completely.

Theo:

Ah…

Aoba:

And then, after that a lot happened too. Even if it was only a little bit, he opened his heart up. He fussed over my injuries and things like that. Hah. I was really happy then… It felt like my feelings had reached him. But, I’m not trying to say it succeeded just because of me.

Theo:

Uh…what do you mean? As you’ve said just now, you felt as though your feelings reached my brother.

Aoba:

That’s true…hah. But that guy, under it all he’s really kind. That’s why he closed his heart off from himself and tried to live so he wouldn’t hurt anyone else. Of course, when it comes to stuff like his feelings towards his parents it’s really complicated. He felt like he couldn’t trust anyone. Even if he had started recklessly picking fights and rampaging about, I wouldn’t think it’s that strange. But…he didn’t do that. He closed his wounds off inside himself and let it all slip past him.

Theo:

I…couldn’t do anything. Even when my brother was injured, when he closed his heart off. Nothing…

Aoba:

Ah…

Theo:

I truly regret that fact. My parents were adamant about separating my brother and I. They wouldn’t allow me to go near the room where he was hidden away. But…when I’d stand in the hallway just wanting to be near to him I could hear his cries from the room. I…didn’t know what I should do. I wanted to help him but I couldn’t help him. The thought truly tore at me.

(Aoba sighs)

Theo:

We had always gotten along very well in the past. I loved my brother and he played with me often. He was very gentle. He always looked out for me. But…my brother often fought with the other children. When that happened the adults would get angry with him. Because of that, my brother gradually stopped smiling. My parents as well, until it came to light that he couldn’t feel pain they were very kind to him. That was…for something like that…even as I saw the changes of everyone around us, I couldn’t do anything. I couldn’t even defy our parents. I was weak…and cowardly– When my brother left, I thought this. I would inherit my father’s company.

Aoba:

Why…did you think that?

Theo:

If my brother were to return, at that time I would want to release him from this household. Inheriting my father’s company means binding my life to this house. I couldn’t do anything for my brother. To make up for that, I thought that I would bear every burden of our family. My brother no longer wanted to be bound by our house. When I said that I would inherit the business, my parents were very pleased.

Aoba:

Ah…

Theo:

That’s why when my brother returned home and said that he wanted to offer his aid, I was truly glad. I was so happy that I rushed to him in tears. My brother’s expression and mood had become more more tender than what they were before. Because of that, I felt that my brother had truly returned. I felt it from the bottom of my heart. That’s thanks to you, Aoba-san.

Aoba:

Ah–no, no. I really just gave him a push. He changed the rest on his own. Anyway…there’s something I’ve been wondering for a while.

Theo:

Yes.

Aoba:

Probably…the reason why he did his best to protect himself was because you were there.

Theo:

Oh–because of me?

Aoba:

Mhm. He said that his little brother was the only one who was worried about him.

Theo:

That’s…but…

Aoba:

I’m not trying to get you back for what you said before. It’s just that the fact that you wanted to help him reached him. If someone’s alone and they have someone who’s worried for them I think it’s really reassuring. It’s like it supports you. I think that’s especially true for him. That’s why the reason he’s the way he is now is thanks to you as well.

Theo:

Aoba-san…you’re just as my brother described you.

Aoba:

Eh? What did he say about me?

Theo:

That you’re not the sort to give up at all.

Aoba:

Ah…

Theo:

And then that you’re an eccentric sort who’s good-natured, occasionally stubbornly optimistic, and always affectionate to your old model AllMate.

Aoba:

Ah–that guy…

Theo:

He said all of that with a smile. My brother did.

Aoba:

With a smile?

Theo:

Yes. I believe it was unintentional, but the corners of his lips certainly perked up. When he speaks of you, Aoba-san, my brother somehow seems very happy.

Aoba:

I-is that right?

Theo:

Um…may I ask something very strange?

Aoba:

Huh?

Theo:

Ah…you and my brother…that is…what’s the nature of your relationship?

Aoba:

Eh–? Th-that’s…aha…close friends…

Theo:

Close friends…truly?

Aoba:

Ah–uh–what…do you mean?

Theo:

When my brother speaks of you and when you speak of my brother I feel that the mood about you is very similar.

Aoba:

The mood?

Theo:

Yes. How do I put it…the atmosphere feels tender and you seem very fulfilled. I don’t think that you get that sort of mood from a normal relationship. Furthermore, it’s the first time that my brother has brought anyone home with him.

Aoba:

Oh…in other words?

Theo:

Um…if I’m mistaken then I truly apologize…this may seem very forward of me, but…I think that perhaps the relationship that you have with my brother may be more than just close friends…

Aoba:

Ah…

Theo:

If I’m mistaken I’m truly sorry! I have no basis for this, it’s only my assumption–

Aoba:

Hah…no. You’re…not mistaken.

Theo:

Then you are…?

Aoba:

Ah–geez–I–I’m bad at lying. I can’t just say that you’re wrong at a time like this.

Theo:

Ah…

Aoba:

That’s…as his brother what do you think…about that kind of thing…

Theo:

What do you mean?

Aoba:

That your brother’s…dating a guy. Just how do you feel about that…

Theo:

Oh…honestly, I’m surprised. Part of me thinks “it’s as I thought” but also “is that really true?”

Aoba:

Is that all?

Theo:

What do you mean, “is that all”?

Aoba:

Ah–more–is there anything else you’re thinking?

Theo:

When he’s with you, my brother seems very open and relaxed. That’s why now that I know you’re really dating I rather approve of it.

Aoba:

How do I put it…you don’t feel like it’s wrong or anything?

Theo:

Eh? Ah…no, I don’t really feel that way. It’s as I’ve said, my brother seems very at ease with you so I’m relieved as well. I don’t see it as strange at all.

Aoba:

Ah…I see. Heh. It’s just like he said.

Theo:

Eh?

Aoba:

Noiz said that if you knew about us you’d probably understand. When I asked why he thought that, he said it was just because of the sibling bond.

Theo:

Brother did…

Aoba:

You guys are really close, huh?

Theo:

Aoba-san…

Aoba:

Hm?

Theo:

I truly owe you my thanks.

Aoba:

Eh? Why?

Theo:

My brother has definitely changed because he’s with you. From now on please take care of my brother.

Aoba:

Eh–that’s–ah…um…you as well! Let’s do our best.

Theo:

Ehe. By the way, you always call my brother Noiz, don’t you?

Aoba:

Ah? Mhm.

Theo:

Are you aware that Noiz is not his given name?

Aoba:

Ah, so it isn’t…I thought it was a strange name for a rich brat.

Theo:

Yes. When I heard you calling him Noiz I thought it was strange. For my brother, he likely wished to discard of everything that was associated with our family. That’s probably why he used an alias.

Aoba:

So that’s it…

Theo:

I could tell you his real name as well, but I’ll refrain. Please ask him directly yourself.

Aoba:

Yeah.

Theo:

Yes. Ah, we’ve gotten completely caught up talking together. We should go to meet my brother now.

Aoba:

You know where he is, right?

Theo:

Yes. Most likely, my brother is now…