After fully enjoying the pool we ended up having an early dinner.

Next to the leisure pool facility there was a barbecue area.

It seems the appeal is that they provide all the necessary tools and ingredients so you can use it empty-handed.

Since it’s a day off it was packed with people.

"Ah that one isn’t cooked much yet so wait a bit longer. Eat this meat first, it's about to burn."

"Big bro really likes taking charge at times like this."

We gathered around the grill.

Takatsuka-san was there with us too.

Well she was the one who brought us here so of course she is.

"But I always imagined barbecue as eating stuff on skewers. This is different."

"Metal skewers would be dangerous so Umi wouldn’t be able to eat."

"Well this is fine. Cooking things individually like this makes it easier to eat."

Maybe because she’s used to outdoor stuff Takatsuka-san has been skillfully grilling the food this whole time.

"Mitsuki don’t eat only meat, okay?"

"Hey Umi you gotta eat your green peppers too."

"Umi wants to eat meat too!"

Umi who is sitting away from the grill puffs her cheeks angrily.

As the food gets cooked we pass meat and vegetables onto Mitsuki and Umi’s paper plates so I barely get a chance to eat.

But it’s better to prioritize kids who are still growing.

"You’re still a good big brother."

Takatsuka-san sets aside a portion for me and hands me a plate.

"Leave the grill to me and you eat properly too."

"Eh really?"

"Taking care of your family is fine but you should enjoy your day off too."

"Okay. Thanks."

I sit down and finally join the eating group.

It ends up being a strange setup where Takatsuka-san cooks and the Hayama siblings eat.

At school she’s popular for being cool and androgynous but right now she gives off a bit of a dad-on-holiday vibe which makes me laugh a little.

After finishing the barbecue and while cleaning up the trash.

"Today was really fun thanks to you Takatsuka-san."

"You’re being honest for once, that's rare."

"I’m not ungrateful. You also looked after my sisters."

Meanwhile my sisters are running around playing tag on the grass outside the space we rented.

"Is that so? Maybe I just used your precious sisters as bait to get closer to you."

"I thought that at first but you really are good at taking care of people."

Then I remember when the old lady at the pool mistook us for siblings.

Takatsuka-san looked embarrassed but also a little lonely.

"If you’re that good at taking care of others I wondered if being an only child might feel lonely... sorry for being nosy."

"You really are nosy."

Takatsuka-san laughs.

"But you don’t need to worry. It’s because I only interact with people occasionally that it feels enjoyable. I’m not lonely. That’s the one thing I don’t want you to misunderstand no matter what."

"S-sorry... I acted like I understood without knowing."

"Well it’s fine. It suits you to be kind and easy to fool."

Saying that Takatsuka-san grabs the tied trash bag and heads off to the disposal area in the barbecue space.

It’s hard to read what she truly feels but the fact that I’m curious about what she really thinks probably means I’m lowering my guard around her.