Phew…

(I’ve been especially busy as of late. I should take the time to rest whilst I have a gap in my schedule.)

(A moment to clear my mind of my daily stressors…)

Crapcrapcrapcrap, MY CAMERA!! I just spotted an ant carrying a HUUUGE caterpillar!!

Woah… Watch it!! Geez, do you even know how to stand still? What, were you some kinda tuna fish in your past life or s⁠—¹

Sorry, dude!!

I wanna…see too… I wanna know what…kinda caterpillar…it is…

(…On the topic of bugs, Environmental Health Week² is soon. I heard there were quite a few submissions for President Kuraku’s proposed Eco-Friendly Insect Repellant Competition.)

(The deadline for submissions is next week, and the results are to be announced in a month. If the amount of candidates exceeds our expectations, we’ll need to hold a meeting on Monday to redo our schedule for the judging proce⁠—)

*gasp*

(…I should stop. I was planning on giving my brain a rest.)

(Instead of clearing my mind, I let it wander. I still have much to learn…)

Muneuji, would you like some tea?

Oh, Kamina-san.

I was thinking of resting for a bit. I noticed you were in here, so I brought enough tea for both of us.

Ah, I see. Thank you for your kindness.

Relaxing here with a cup of tea has become a sort of household custom, hasn’t it?

Yes, being able to drink while sitting on the tatami mats makes for both delicious tea and a tranquil heart.

I do agree, but you seemed far from tranquil when I walked in. You looked troubled.

Well…

If something’s bothering you, you’re free to ask your big brother for help. I always have time for my little brothers.

…Truthfully, I’ve been searching for an effective way to relax. I’d like to create some time away from my responsibilities so I can rest, but I’m finding the task difficult.

So you’re trying to learn how to unwind.

Kamina-san, you’re far busier than I am, but I often see you taking breaks in this room.

If there exists some sort of secret to effective relaxation, I’d be honored if you could teach me.

I’ve never thought about it that deeply. But if I had to say…

If your mind starts wandering off, being aware of it is an important first step.

Once you’re aware, redirect your attention to your breathing, the sound of the shishi-odoshi, or the taste of your tea.

Focusing on those can help keep your mind clear for longer amounts of time… At least I believe so.

Breathing, sounds, taste… Essentially, it’s best to concentrate on your senses.

That’s incredibly helpful. Thank you for the advice. Allow me to put it into practice.

Give it a try.

*inhale* Hahh…

(Muneuji’s a hard worker, so I have my worries about him, but I’m glad he recognizes the importance of resting.)

(I came here looking for a fun conversation with my little brother, but I’ll refrain. Instead, I’ll take this time to refocus myself too.)

……

I present to you my newest creation! The Cutie-Curlie Helmet Unit 0!

Looks like one of those things they put on your head when you get a perm.

Ooh, very good observation! This machine targets your cuticles and makes your hair slimy-smooth in no time at all! Truly a miracle worker!

Wait, slimy?! I thought you said it would make my hair silky! That’s why I agreed to this in the first place!

Ahhh…? Yes, that is what I said. Silky-smooth.

Pop. Piihyoro, make sure you don’t move while it’s on. Big no-no, okay?

Huh, wh⁠— Uh, umm, what if I move by accident…?

Don’t worry, it’ll just toss you around a bit. Okay, here we go… Clickity! ♪

EEEEEEEK! Never mind, I can’t do this! Renga-san, caaaatch!!

Woah, don’t chuck it at me!

I’m home⁠— Huh?

Ohh, perfect fit.

H-Hachinoya-san, I’m so sorryyyyy! I need you to be the sacrifiiiice!

…Hm? Is Nagipeko gonna be alright?

Yowa-sama came to me for consultation during the design phase, but I did not detect anything life-threatening concerning the device.

Oh, phew. If you say so, then he should be a-okay!

More importantly. Chihiro, are you once again unable to contact Kuguri?

Yeah, again, right? I’m, like, quintuple texting him and he’s not even reading my messages! He’s not coming home these days either. Literally where is he?

And, like, I’m pretty sure Nayuuki’s gonna blow up soon…

Based on my analysis of past events, there is still time until then.

Then I guess we’ll just have to wait it out. Taotao’s been all weird lately too, so everything’s a mess…

Huh? What’s the deal with Kinouchi?

Oh, Ryuunya! So, like, you know that one game? Prometheus’s Bonfire!

Ohh, that’s been pretty big lately. I’m guessin’ he got into it too?

Yep! He plays it literally all the time. It’s kinda scary honestly! I gotta snap him out of it before he passes out.

Can I not have a single second of silence in this house? I’d appreciate it if they could at least take it outside.

Ahaha, well, they’d probably run into even more trouble outside. Especially with Netaro’s little experiment.

Hey, guys…

Did you need something, Chief?

Muneuji-kun and Yuki-nii haven’t moved or opened their eyes at all.

What? In all of this noise?

I thought they were just taking a break, but they’re literally not moving a single muscle. I’m getting a little worried.

Let’s try talking to them.

……

Muneuji-kun, Yuki-nii…?

That voice… Chief, it’s you.

Oh, is something the matter?

O-Oh, thank god! It’s so crazy in here, but you guys weren’t moving at all, so I thought you fainted or something.

I was trying the relaxation method Kamina-san taught me. Is it truly that chaotic…?

Now that I think about it, there does seem to be a lot of people in the house today. It’s nice and lively.

“Nice”? …Did you seriously not notice it until now?

It doesn’t look like you had earplugs in.

No, we were just very focused. I apologize for the confusion.

No, no, we’re sorry for interrupting you…! Take as much time as you need!

Thank you.

*inhale* Hahhh…

(Kamina-san was doing it too…? It takes a lot of skill to be able to relax in the middle of this mess.)

(…I’m honestly kinda jealous.)