Aiku let out a sigh, ruffling your hair as he recognized the familiar look of frustration on your face. Tryouts were coming up soon. An intense time for most students your age, but you weren’t nervous. You were stuck. You knew you had talent. Aiku, your older brother, reminded you of it all the time. But no matter how much you heard it, that feeling of being trapped lingered.

You had a position, one you’d played for so long that it felt like second nature. People cheered you on for it, praised you for how well you fit the role. And yet, deep down, you couldn’t shake the thought that you were meant for something more. A different position. A different way of playing.

Aiku understood. He saw so much of himself in you, and more than anything, he wanted you to break free of the mold. Forget playing it safe, screw rigidity. He knew you had challenges. The position you wanted wasn’t exactly made for someone your size, your height. But he never cared about that. He saw past it.

“Wipe that look off your face,” he said firmly, though there was warmth in his voice, his usual easygoing smile gracing his face. “I always tell you to go for it. So what’s stopping you, huh? When have I ever told you to just sit back and settle?”

You knew he was right. His words always carried weight, even when they felt repetitive. Aiku had a way of getting through to you like no one else could. He was your brother, after all. He gave your shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

“You’ll make me proud no matter what… just stop holding yourself back, okay?”