Hey guys, epik121 here. Onto the next chapter!


Kyousuke POV

"Ayase, I want to introduce you to my parents."

"Wh-Wh-What did you just say!?"

Ayase and I were currently on a date in a nearby city. We had finished lunch about an hour ago and were now checking out some of the local clothing stores (her choice). Since nothing much was happening, I figured it was time to reveal the news: I told my parents that I'm going out with Ayase.

"I let my parents know you and I were going out...was that okay?"

"Well, I suppose it had to happen eventually, but you should have consulted me about it before you actually told them!"

"It's not like you don't know my parents, they know you since you're Kirino's friend. So I thought it'd be okay if I just went and told them..."

"That's true...so how did they take it?"

"Take what?"

"Me being your girlfriend...were they happy? Surprised? How did they react?"

"Well, I told them last night at dinner. And it went something like this..."


Flashback to last night

As usual, Kirino, Mom, and I were sitting in our usual spots at the table waiting for dad to come in and take his seat. After a few seconds of waiting, his massive figure made its way through the door of the living room and into his chair. We all thanked Mom for the food and began to eat.

Once everyone had taken a few bites, I let out the news:

"Mom, Dad, I got a girlfriend."

Kirino immediately spit out her water in shock. Although my mother was in the middle of wiping her face dry (because of Kirino), she looked happy at the news. Dad didn't react like mom did, but I thought I saw the scowl on his eyebrows lighten up for once, so he must have reacted to the news well too.

Mom said, "That's great! To think our Kyousuke finally got a girlfriend! So, does that mean you're going to invite her to dinner and introduce us?"

I replied, "Yeah, that's the plan. Is that alright with you, Mom and Dad?"

"Of course that's alright with me! It's alright, right Daisuke?"

He stoically grumbled, "I see no problem with it. After all, if Kyousuke's serious about this girl, then I must approve of her before anything else."

Mom then asked, "So when is Tamura-san coming over?"

I was a little surprised that Mom assumed that Manami was my girlfriend, but I guess it was a pretty logical guess since she and I have been friends since we were young. I corrected her,

"Actually, it's not Manami-san."

Mom choked on some rice after hearing that. Was it that much of a surprise that I was going out with a girl that wasn't Manami? She took a few moments to calm down, but dad was actually pretty calm about it. Dad's weird like that: sometimes he gets really mad at me, but he has a strangely deep sense of faith in me.

Father asked, "So what's this girl's name? How old is she?"

"She's Aragaki Ayase, Kirino's best friend."

At that moment, I saw Kirino lower her head. Dad just looked at me with a slack-jawed expression. Mom also seemed pretty shocked, but she immediately asked Kirino,

"Kirino, did you know about this?"

She timidly replied, "Yeah...I knew about it."

"And you're okay with it?"

"Well yeah, why wouldn't I be? It's kind of nice to know that Ayase is going out with Kyousuke, actually. I don't have to worry about weird guys hitting on her anymore."

Mom let out a breath of relief, then turned to me,

"Well Kyousuke, I, for one, am happy for you. Ayase is a beautiful and diligent girl, she's a good catch for you!"

I sheepishly grinned, "Thanks mom, she really is a great girl; I like her a lot."

Then I turned my gaze to Dad to get his feedback. He cleared his throat before talking,

"Just like your mother, I was initially afraid of the effect that such a relationship would have on Kirino's friendship, but as long as she thinks it is alright, then I too am fine with it. She is a good girl, so you must be sure to treat her well. Step up and be a gentleman for her, do you understand Kyousuke?"

"Yeah, I understand dad, thanks for your advice. Mom, dad..."

I took a look at Kirino and smiled at her, "...and Kirino, thank you for approving of Ayase."

And with that, we continued to eat dinner as usual.


"So if you ask me, they took it pretty well, don't you think so?"

"Yes, it sounds like it. Then when should I come over for dinner?"

"How about tomorrow night? Anytime's fine, really."

"I see. Then tomorrow night it is. What time should I come?"

"Seven's a good time."

"Alright, I'll be sure to be on time! I feel a little nervous about this..."

"Why? it's not like you've never met my parents before, it'll be like coming over to play with Kirino, right?"

Ayase gave me an annoyed look, "Kyousuke, this visit will be nothing like going over to play with Kirino, this visit is crucial! I have to do my best to make sure your parents think well of me! I wish you would take this more seriously."

"I am taking this seriously!"

"Geez, as long as you understand. Oh, what should I do to give your parents a good impression? Should I bring cake or fruits?"

"Nah, don't bring anything, stop worrying about it so much. It's not like we're getting married, y'know?"

She gave me a 'pretending to be angry' look.

"You would know all about that, wouldn't you? Always throwing around the word 'marriage' so easily. I thought you asked me to marry you when I confessed?"

"Oh yeah, I did, didn't I?"

I cheekily smiled and said,

"Then maybe I'll propose to you tomorrow night in front of my parents, how does that sound?"

"I think that would give your parents a heart attack."

"I think that would give Kirino a heart attack too."

She giggled and replied, "Probably, so proposing tomorrow night is a bad idea, isn't it?"

"Sounds like it, I guess we'll have to wait a couple years."

"There you go again, you're always teasing me...Onii-san. It feels like nothing has changed when you tease me like that."

"Maybe. Except that I'm in love with you now."

Ayase blushed as she took my hand in hers.


The next day, at 7PM sharp, Ayase rang the doorbell to my house. I rushed down the stairs to get to the door first, but Kirino had already opened it. She and Ayase were talking, but when I arrived, Ayase greeted me. She came into the foyer, unstrapped her shoes, and stood between me and Kirino. She gave us both a look of determination, took a deep breath, and said,

"Okay, I'm ready! Wish me luck!"

She was really blowing this out of proportion. Even Kirino was a bit confused at Ayase's anxiety.

Kirino went ahead into the living room. I held out my hand to Ayase, and although she seemed a bit embarrassed first, she firmly laced her fingers in between mine and we walked in as a couple right in front of my parents. My parents were already sitting at the table; my mother giggled in girlish delight as she saw me walk in with Ayase while father just sat there with that foreboding grimace on his face as always.

Ayase formally greeted both my parents and bowed. Dad appreciated the proper manners, but Mom told Ayase to not be so formal since we all knew each other already. She and I took our seats, thanked Mom for the food, and began to eat.

The eating only lasted for a few minutes though; Mom couldn't help herself from asking,

"So Ayase-chan, how did you come to like our Kyousuke? Although you're friends with Kirino, I didn't know you were friends with Kyousuke too, how did you two meet?"

I was going to tell mom to wait until we were done eating, but Ayase quickly replied,

"Well, some time ago, Kirino invited me to her house and I caught a glimpse of Kyousuke then. Some crazy things happened at that time, but by the end of the visit, Kyousuke and I had exchanged emails, and the relationship grew from there I think."

"Heeeeh, so it was love at first sight?"

"Well it was a little more complicated, but it was something like that!"

Mom ate it right up, "So romantic! Kyousuke, you are so lucky to have a first love like this!"

Just a little complicated? Easily the understatement of the century if you ask me, but then again, actually explaining the relationship between me and Ayase would probably be impossible. Even I have trouble understanding it at times.

I saw Mom nudge Dad, "Hey Daisuke, don't you have anything to say to Ayase-chan?"

Dad took a moment to finish chewing his food, then gruffly said, "How well do you know Kyousuke? Are you sure you fell in love with him for the right reasons?"

This question was too much, it would definitely ruin the atmosphere. I quickly intervened, "Come on dad, we're having dinner. What kind of question is that?"

"Kyousuke, this is an important question. I will not have you with a girl that does not truly adore you."

"Dad, we just started going out, you'll scare her with this kind of talk. Besides, we–"

Right then, I felt Ayase place her hand on mine underneath the table. I questioningly looked at her and found her staring back at me with a determined 'let me handle this' look. I immediately understood, so I backed off and let her do the talking.

She bravely turned towards my father and said, "Mr. Kousaka, I...I am absolutely sure that I love Kyousuke!"

Despite Ayase's outright declaration, Dad didn't react in the slightest. He simply responded, "Why do you love him? Are you aware of all aspects of his character?"

"I fell in love with him because he is always, always looking after me – oftentimes at his own expense, and never expects anything in return. If there is ever a conflict between Kirino and me, he jumps in the middle of it without hesitating. If I ever felt like crying, he would do anything to cheer me up. He takes care of me so well even though I have treated him poorly at times. But I know there is more to him than just his kindness; I am familiar with his silly and perverted side, which has infuriated me countless times over the course of our friendship. Yet my heart feels compelled to forgive him time after time, because I love him. For all of who he is."

Once she finished her answer, I looked at dad to see his reaction. For once, he had a genuine, satisfied smile on his face. In response to Ayase's declaration, all he said was,

"I see. Very well then."

But that was all he needed to say. I know he isn't a man of many words, but the few words he does say are absolute and definite; that's the way he is. If he approves, then he approves for good, and he just approved Ayase. She turned her head to look at me, and I saw her flushed cheeks and relieved eyes. Ayase must have been really nervous, but she did an awesome job. It makes me proud to know that I have such a strong girlfriend.

Her pleading eyes seemed to be asking me: I did a good job, right?

I praised her by patting her on the head: Yeah, awesome job Ayase.

She smiled at me: no translation needed.


Kirino POV

"To my future self,

Um, where should I begin?

The reason I'm leaving this message right now is so that I never, ever forget the feelings I have today.

Because if I ever forget the feelings that I have today, I'll stop being me.

If I'm listening to this and I'm not myself anymore...I'm sure that'll never happen but...I hope you'll hear my voice and remember:

Remember these feelings of great, great frustration. These feelings of never wanting to lose. And remember my Onii-chan, whom I dearly love.

Future me, have you grown fast like Onii-chan? Have I become a kind and cool sister? Have I knocked Onii-chan's socks off and gotten him to praise me?

Right now, I can't do any of that. So if I can, I'll be happy. I'll be really, really happy. Starting today, I'm going to work hard to make that come true.

I know it might be impossible, but I've decided to make my dream come true."

...

"To my future self,

I listened to the message I recorded for myself, but it was pretty embarrassing. Maybe I'm listening to this now, remembering the me I used to be, and feeling embarrassed again.

Sorry, but listen to me again, okay?

Future me, was I able to marry the person I love? I was told I never can. I was told I could never tell anyone.

It really ticks me off! But, I'm sure what she said was right...and I don't know what I'm supposed to do. I'm really worried. I want to ask someone for advice, but I can't turn to father, mother, or the one I rely on the most.

I'm sure everything would go back to normal, but I still can't say it.

If I fail, it will all be for nothing. It feels like it'll turn out the way she said. And I know it will, so I'm scared.

I'm sure I'll only have once chance. I have to be brave when that time comes. And please, think:

Please keep on thinking! Please find a hint! What can I do to avoid failure? What do I need to do to make my dream come true? What do I need to do to make him love me? What do I need to do to be with him forever?

Right now, I have no idea...so I'm asking for your advice, future me: the me that's become great...no, the me that's listening to this right now.

Please...what do you think I should do?"

...

These are the past recordings that I left for myself, that I left for the future me that is now the present me. I don't really know why I'm suddenly feeling so emotional, but Kyousuke bringing Ayase over for dinner really got me thinking about things. After dinner ended, Kyousuke walked Ayase back home. During that time, I went to my room, rummaged through my belongings, found my ipod and listened to the messages from the past.

Kyousuke only brought Ayase over to introduce her to our parents, but in a sense, it felt like Kyousuke was introducing Ayase as his fiance or something. I know I'm overexaggerating this, I know that he just brought her over as his girlfriend, but still: knowing their two personalities, they may very well be on the path to marriage right now. They're both so headstrong and straightforward with their emotions. When Kyousuke gets fired up for something, it's impossible to stop him. Same goes for Ayase. Seeing Kyousuke's display of affection and Ayase's declaration of love in front of our parents made me realize it: it's safe to assume that those two will be together forever, through marriage and through life.

This realization stirred my emotions, and underneath this torrent of feelings, I felt the urge to confront my past self. My confused relationship with Kyousuke has more or less been resolved, so it's time to address all the questions I had as a child.

So I opened up my ipod to the recording window, gave myself a second to think of what to say, pressed the play button and relayed my answer:

"Hey past me, how are you doing? Are you still struggling? Wow, what a stupid thing to ask, because I already know the answer: even I, the present me, was struggling with this up until a few weeks ago. I know how much you've struggled, I know how much you will struggle, and I know how all of this is resolved.

First of all, let me answer your first question: no, I haven't lost my feelings for Onii-chan – I actually call him Kyousuke now, isn't that cool? – so I'm still me. Don't worry about the possibility of losing these feelings, it'll never happen.

And what's more, I've become way faster than Kyousuke, and I've become the cool and kind girl that everyone adores and admires. I've impressed Kyousuke so much that he refuses to praise me because of his ego. So all of the things that you were aiming to do, all of the things that you thought would be impossible but tried to do anyway, you succeed in all of them. Awesome job, past me, I gotta stick it to you!

To the other past me: I know what you meant when you said listening to a past recording of myself is embarrassing. I'm feeling pretty embarrassed right now. But anyway, let me answer your questions now.

No, I wasn't able to marry Kyousuke. I succeeded in everything except that. No matter how fast I run, no matter how kind I am, no matter how pretty I became, I still can't marry Kyousuke. It wasn't so hard changing myself, but changing society is a bit too much for me. Sorry, but I couldn't do it.

But that doesn't mean I've lost! The one who told me that these feelings were wrong, the one who told me that I should never tell these feelings to anyone, she's the one that's lost. In the end, I will stay by Kyousuke's side forever, while the plain girl will be forgotten. Actually, Kyousuke probably won't forget about her for good since she was his childhood friend, but she won't be there to stick to him anymore. High school is over, sometimes friends just have to split apart. But there are some people who will never be pulled apart, like siblings.

Past me, I wasn't able to marry Onii-chan, but I got the next best thing: my best friend's going to marry him. That's the way for me to be with him forever. Ayase told me that she's determined to keep all of us together, and I believe in her. If Kyousuke, Ayase, and I all work to stay like this, then there's no way we'll drift apart.

Since you asked for it, past me, let me give you my advice: just keep doing what you're doing. Because what you did made me the way I am right now, and right now I'm pretty darn happy, and so is everybody around me."

I clicked the pause button to store the recording. I gave it one listen over and decided that it came out exactly as I wanted it to. I felt my most sincere feelings and my complete, collected thoughts come out in my words. The past me would be proud of me right now. Now that I've recorded the answer to the past me, it's time to leave a new message for the future me.

I prepped my ipod for a new message and held it close to my mouth. This time, I didn't need any time to prepare, because I knew exactly what I wanted to ask. I pressed the play button, and relayed the message for the future me:

"Hey future me, what's up? How old are you right now? Hopefully old enough, because if you open this message too early, you won't know the answers to what I want to ask.

So, future me, are Kyousuke and Ayase happily married now? What's their relationship like? Does Kyousuke still piss Ayase off every now and then? I wish I could see them grown up, but I guess I'll have to wait a little.

And by the way, do they have a child now!? Is he or she super cute? Please tell me it's a girl, I would love to have a mini Ayase as my little sister! Or maybe having a son first, and then having a daughter would be better so the girl would actually be a little sister! Oh shoot, I'm getting carried away...anyway, be sure to dote on their son or daughter, okay?

Also, how am I? Am I married now? It's pretty hard to imagine myself married, y'know? I'm never going to forget these feelings for Kyousuke, and falling for anyone as I have for him doesn't even seem possible. Well, a single life isn't so bad either; I can keep on working hard like I do instead of becoming a housewife.

Anyways, I have one last request for you, future me. Please continue to watch over Kyousuke and Ayase. Protect them and their family from whatever comes their way. And no matter what happens, always stick by their side. I hope that the close relationship that I have with them now is unchanged in the future. Make sure of that, okay?

Thanks, future me. I'll owe you one."

I clicked the play button to stop the recording and store it in my ipod. I wonder when I should open this up again? Maybe ten years? Twenty years? It has to be long enough so I'll eventually forget about the contents of the message. Whenever I choose to open it up again, at that time, I'll have Kyousuke and Ayase listen to it with all three of us together. I know that time will be a happy ending, I'm sure of it.

I coiled up the earphones around my ipod and placed it in the box. I pushed it into the depths of my secret closet to hide it away in obscurity. When something stirs up my memories, the future me will once again rummage through the closet and listen to the ipod just as I did right now.

But for now, I'm going to sleep. The future me is going to have plenty to do, so the best I can do right now is to get a good night's sleep.


Hey everyone, sorry for the long delay. But I finally got some of my college apps out of the way so I've got some time now. Again, I am finishing this story, no doubt about it.

Also, the past messages from Kirino are not my words. They came straight from one of the OVAs and they are in the light novel as well. Anyway, thank you all for reading! I'll get on the next chapter right away!