-Knock Knock Knock Knock-

"Huh?" My eyes cracked open as bright orange rays came in through the window. I groaned and sat up, my ear-buds falling off. 'I seemed to have fallen asleep.'

-Knock Knock Knock-

"Chuu? Are you there? Chuu!~" I heard Juli's squeaking from the other side and opened the door for him. "What happened, are you okay?"

I nodded and rubbed my eye. "Yeah, just tired was all."

"Oh? Did you not sleep well, imotou-chan?" My brown eyes went up to the monk as he stood at my door. "If so, you should have slept with me. I wouldn't have minded." He added a wink, and Juli hissed at him as he entered my room.

"Kaname-san, good afternoon." I sat back on my bed while he leaned against a wall. "You don't have work?"

"No, there's not much happening at the temple, so I decided to stay home. Why? Do you really want to get rid of me?" He looked heartbroken. I knew it was a joke but I felt bad that he suggested such a thing.

"No, no. I was just wondering."

"But I want to get rid of you!" I heard Juli squeaked and I held him in my hands to keep him still.

"Juli, stop it."

Kaname chuckled. "Heh, the knight in shining armor doesn't seem to agree."

I sighed and ran my fingers through his fur. "Sorry about him."

"No, it's okay," he said as I silently scolded the squirrel. "Ah, interesting stuff you have here." I followed his gaze to my corner of acrobatic tools. He walked over to the trampoline and Diabolo.

"Ahh, yes. I brought them to practice a bit. You know, stay in shape and all." I followed his hand as he picked up the Diabolo. "And also, since I figured you all would be busy with work and school."

"Would you care to show me a few tricks?"

I felt my heart flutter with excitement as I eagerly took the objects into my hand. "Sure thing."

Juli jumped on the desk and I stood, unwrapping the Diabolo from the string and putting it down. I took a deep breath and curtsied. "Please enjoy my performance." Kaname chuckled as he sat on my bed.

Then I began. I started out with simple tricks, making the Diabolo spin and bounce off my string. I spun quickly while doing so, making it in time to let the yo-yo glide back on the string. Then I moved on to more advanced moves. It made my happy to hear Kaname's cheers and his gasps of surprise; it made me proud of my talents.

"Wow! You're really good, imotou-chan." Kaname leaned back and smiled, earning a giggle from me.

Annoyed, Juli jumped down and ran to the monk. "Why you...!"

I suddenly stepped to the side. "Kiiiii!" Unable to notice where Juli went, I accidentally stepped on his tail.

"J-Juli!" In a quick retreat, I stepped off his tail. However, doing so made me loose my balance, causing me to launch the Diabolo in the air.

"Gah!" I yelped as I fell forward.

-Thud!-

"Ow ow ow..." Using my elbows, i propped myself up.

"A-Are you okay, imotou-chan?" The warmth beneath me moved.

I gasped and looked at the smiling monk below me. My cheeks flamed up with embarrassment when I realized the situation I was in.

"K-Kaname-san! I'm so sorry!"

I began to lift myself up.

"Ugh..." I heard a groan and looked at the ground to see Juli unconscious with my Diabolo beside him.

"Juli!" I gasped out and was about to rush to the squirrel's aid when I was stopped.

Kaname's arm snaked around my back and pulled me back down. With a blush on my cheeks, I stared at Kaname's hazel eyes with my brown ones.

"Kana-" He pressed a finger to my lips as he smiled.

"He'll be fine, imotou-chan. Let me dwell in this heaven a bit longer." His free hand reached behind my head and I felt my hair being tugged gently as he ran his fingers through them. "Your father must be proud of you." At the mention of him, I turned my head to gaze to the balcony.

"I guess..." 'You'd be surprised.'

"Imotou-chan?" I responded with a 'hmm,' my eyes still staring out. "Is something the matter?" I felt his hand on my cheek, and in surprise, I faced him.

"I-It's nothing." There was worry in his hazel eyes. I looked down and then felt Kaname shift. His arm left my waist as he used it to prop himself up, but his hand stayed on my cheek.

"You know, you can tell your big brother anything." In a circle motion, he caressed my cheek with his thumb. "And I will tell you the wise words Buddha has to offer." The bed creaked with the sudden shift as the monk leaned forward. Before I could reply, I felt his warm lips on my forehead.

A fresh blush was on my cheeks and my eyes widened. My brown orbs shot up to his hazel ones. My lips were parted, wanting to say something but the words were stuck in my throat. He was smiling at me, hand still on my cheek.

The floorboard creaked, snapping me out of my daze.

"Why you...!" Juli, out of his own daze, screeched out and lunged at the man. "You perverted wolf! I will scratch your face so hard even a dog won't stand to see you!"

Kaname removed his hand so he can defend against the small animal. "Juli..." Standing on the foot of the bed, I reached out to pull my protector off when the floorboard creaked again. I whipped my head toward the source to see the familiar long orange hair. "Hikaru-san?" 'What was he doi-' Then I began to process what kind of situation I was in. 'Shit! Did he see what happened?! Just how long was he standing there?!' In panic, I immediately distanced myself from Kaname, who was still being tortured.

"And here I thought you wouldn't be caught in my brother's charms." He pouted and started walking towards us.

"I-It isn't what you think, I swear!" I waved my hands in front of me. "I tripped and...! From my Diabolo trick...! Juli then...!" My explanation was scattered, and I wanted to smack myself for being unable to lay out the situation. In defeat, I hung my head in shame. "I'm sorry..."

"What are you apologizing for, Erin-chan?" Hikaru walked to my bed and plucked the squirrel off Kaname. "And you. Don't run around while an act is being done." He placed Juli atop my head and smiled. "Okay?"

I blinked at his words. "What...?"

"Next time, try giving a show in a more open area. I'm sure everybody else would enjoy seeing it." He bent down and picked up the yo-yo and sticks. "I know I did." He handed them to me with a smile.

"W-Wait... Y-You were watching?"

Kaname let out a sigh as he rubbed his face, feeling sting of the rodent's wrath.

"For most of it, yes." He winked. 'So... He was just teasing us? And I was worried that he just saw the end.'

A relieved sigh left my lips, as if I had weight lifted off my shoulders. 'But wait, why didn't he stop his brother sooner?' I warily looked at him, seeing a satisfied smile. I felt like he was planning something...

"Hikaru, you interrupted my time with imotou-chan." Kaname was about to grab me again when painted nails grabbed his ear. "Ow!"

"Yes yes, that's enough for today, don't you think?" Hikaru still had a smile on his face as he dragged his older brother to the door. He yelped in pain, stumbling a bit.

"Imotou-chan!" Kaname called out at the door's entrance. "Next time, come to my room. I'll show you a performance you have never seen before." He winked, a flirtatious look on his features.

Juli hissed menacingly, which made him retract a bit. I nervously waved him goodbye. Once gone, I slumped to the ground and let out a heavy sigh.

'That was so close...' I touched my forehead, where Kaname kissed and a blush crept on my face.

"I told you to not stay alone with those hungry wolves!" I ignored his words, unable to listen after all that happened.

"Hikaru-chan, you spoiled my moment with my dear imotou-chan," Kaname whined.

"Now now, who knows what you could have done without my intervention." Hikaru still had a smile as they walked to the elevator.

"So? What are you doing here anyway? There's no family event, not that I know of." The older brother scratched the back of his head.

"Ahh, just dropping by.~"

"Dropping by? Don't you have a deadline to meet?" The monk raised an eyebrow.

"Maybe.~ Actually, I wanted to ask Erin-chan some questions, but that can be saved for another time." The two entered the lift.

"Is that all?" Kaname asked, after a few seconds of silence.

"Oh? Are you implying something?" Hikaru said with a small smirk, earning a sigh from the brother.

"You know what I mean."

"I just want to make sure none of you are making our sister uncomfortable during her stay here." A pause. "So? What about you? I don't believe you were trying to make our sister one of your... 'Followers.'"

"Hmm... And what if I was?" he joked. However, Hikaru wasn't in the mood.

"Kaname." With a stern male voice, he glared at his older brother.

The blond raised his hands in surrender. "Joking, joking!" The green-eyed man let out a sigh. "Hey, you're not innocent either. When I kissed her, you wanted to pull her off, didn't you?"

-Ding!-

"Huh? Kana-nii? Wait, Hika-nii? What are you doing here?" Shocked, the redhead stared at his two brothers questioningly as they entered the lobby.

"Ah, good afternoon Kaname-san, Hikaru-san."

"Didn't I tell you to call me onii-chan, imotou-chan?" There was a playful smile on his lips.

"Oi! Kana-nii!" The annoyed Yusuke cried out.

Smiling, Hikaru let out a wave. "Well, I was just passing by. I'll see you all again, soon." He left the apartment complex, hearing his siblings' goodbyes. "Ahh.~ Looks like even Erin-chan got caught up in our little conflict." He entered his car. "It's a shame she's only here for a limited time, though." He smiled. "Well, let's see who will get to her first, then."

I sighed. After all that happened, I found myself at the Residence's backyard, carrying a trampoline along. I placed it under the grand tree, mesmerized by it's tall beauty for a second before I stepped on the trampoline. I asked Juli to be alone before I went outside. I wanted to be with my thoughts as I bounced like a spring.

The events that happened today replayed in my head; Iori's protective hold, Fuuto's close encounter, and Kaname's kiss.

I subconsciously did a small flip.

'Iori-kun...' His words ran through my head again.

"Don't go... Don't leave me again."

'Something horrible must have happened to him, but what?' I really wanted to ask, he wasn't acting like his normal, calm and princely self. He was almost... Demanding to not leave him. 'Still, I need to thank him properly when he gets home for saving my life. I would've been road kill if he wasn't there.'

I looked at my left wrist, remembering the iron grip he had. Then I raised my right hand. The hand I slapped the idol with. It must have stung, but his words just made me so angry. I bit my lower lip as I considered apologizing to him. 'But that asshole didn't know when to quit it!' My hand became a fist and I squeezed. In a few seconds, I relaxed my hand and looked at it in sorrow. The slap might have been too much. 'He's a bastard, but he's still young... Shit, what kind of older sister am I if I hit my younger brother.' I sighed heavily.

Then I remembered Kaname's excited cheer, claps, and gasps when I performed the Diabolo in front of him. He reminded me of the huge audiences that came to see us perform on Star Dream. I thought of my colleagues that cheered me on and pat my back, proud of my hard work.

The corner of my lips pulled up and I placed my hands against my chest. I let out a content sigh and touched my forehead. 'Though that kiss... Was unexpected. Probably just a way to seduce me.' I remember Juli calling him a perverted wolf, so that was probably how he was, flirting with women.

"Chuu?" I looked up at the voice that spoke my nickname and smiled.

"Hi Chii! How was school?" I jumped off and jogged to her.

"It was okay, but what were you doing?" She had a look of worry on her face.

"Ahh, you know. Enjoying the air, cleaning my mind under the cherry blossom tree." I grinned, but she still looked concerned.

"Did something happen?" 'Can she really tell?'

"Oh nothing your big sister can't handle." I ruffled her hair and then saw Juli jump on her shoulder.

I blinked. "Ju-... Did you?" I looked at him quizzically, fearing what he told her.

"He did. Kaname-san didn't hurt you though, did he?" Ema took a step forward and looked straight at my eyes.

"N-no! Really, it was an accident. Please, don't worry about it." I shot a glare to the squirrel, who just 'hmphed' and crossed his arms.

"If you say so." She moved away.

"Hey, do you want to go to a nearby bakery? The fruit tart there is very good." If I was Juli, my ears would have perked up at the mention of the delicious treat. My eyes twinkled and Ema smirked and laughed, knowing full well my answer. "Hehe, c'mon! We'll get changed and then head out, okay?" I excitedly nodded my head and followed my sister back into the apartment.

When we entered our own rooms, we changed out of our attire. I got out of my jogging clothes and donned on a yellow and white T-Shirt that had a golden star in the middle, and blue jeans. I tied a thin sweater around my waist and checked myself in the mirror. I retired my hair into a ponytail and fixed my bangs, smiling in content. I grabbed my brown shoulder bag and headed out. I met my sister and Juli at the lobby. With her hair kept in a side pony-tail, she wore a pink and white striped shirt and gray skirt. She had a white shoulder bag.

We began to walk, talking on the way. I couldn't bring myself to tell her about the two incidents, however, no matter how much I wanted to confide in her. What if she thought highly of the prince and idol? Without thinking, I sighed.

"Is something the matter?" I visibly flinched, realizing my mistake.

"What? No, nothing's wrong." My words dripped of lies.

"Chuu, you know that you can tell me anything," Chii said sternly, her motherly side kicking in. She stopped walking and turned to me.

"No, really. It's nothing!" I waved my hands, trying to signal that everything was okay. Trying to change the subject, I passed by her. "Now come on, I want to try this fruit tart!"

Yet, before I could press on, Chii called out to me. "We're already here, Chuu." When I turned my head to her, she pointed to the shop she stopped in front of. I sweat-dropped.

"Oh..."

The sweet smell of fruit and bread filled our noses when we stepped into the bakery. I skipped over to the showcase, looking at every cake and baked goods they had to offer. My eyes gleamed when they spotted a certain dessert.

"Hehehe." My head snapped up when my sister giggled. I admit that I acted like a little kid about to buy cotton candy fit the first time. Nervously, I rubbed the back of my head and grinned sheepishly.

"Ehem!" One of the women behind the counter cleared her throat. "Excuse me, but no pets allowed." She eyed the gray pet that rested upon Ema's shoulder.

"Oh, forgive us. Can I just keep him in my bag?" Ema takes the fussing squirrel in her hands.

"Are you kidding me?! I'm not doing anything!"

"Juli," I said, looking at him solemnly, "rules are rules."

"Just make sure you keep him in there. Don't let him out."

Ema opened her bag and Juli reluctantly hopped in. "Of course, ma'am."

Smiling at the lady reassuringly, I continued looking. Spotting another cake, I pointed at it. "Do you still love strawberry cheesecake?" Ema followed my finger to the strawberry topped cake. Her eyes seemed to sparkle, and I smiled.

I stood up and got out my wallet. Chii narrowed her eyes at me. "Chuu..."

"Ah don't worry about it. I can't let my younger sister pay for me. It's not like I'm broke or anything."

Her mouth turned into a frown. "Are you sure?"

"You really worry too much Chii." I asked the worker for the two cakes. When I handed the yen to the clerk, a thought popped up in my head. "Do you want to eat here, Chii?" She glanced up at me and nodded, walking over to a small table by the window. I brought the sweets over and sat down on the other side.

We ate in silence for a moment, thinking of a topic to talk about.

"Oh, by the way, did you meet Fuuto-kun yet?"

'Uh-oh.' "I did, last night." I continued eating and tried to enjoy the sweet fruit flavor.

"Really? What did he say?"

I swallowed my food. "Ummm... Nothing much," I lied.

"That little brat was rude to Chii when we first met!"

"Juli!" We were surprised at the sudden outburst, and as my sister tried to calm our pet down, I nervously glanced around. When my eyes met a certain narrowed set of eyes, a chill went down my spine. I bowed my head down apologetically and turned away, not wanting to cause a ruckus. Everything seemed to calm down so we relaxed in our chairs.

'He was rude to her, huh?' "So... Fuuto-kun is a cocky idol, isn't he?" Ema looked up at me. "Yeah, he said some stuff. But it seems that he's taken a liking to calling me 'circus idiot.'"

I heard Ema let out a small sigh. "Sorry... He may be like that, but he has his kind side. He's still just a kid after all." Hearing those words sent a pang of regret to my heart. 'A kid...'

"Yeah, you're right..." I had a sorrowful tone in my voice and my sister looked at me in concern. I forced a small smile and waved her off. "Anyway, let's get going." I stood up and swept up my crumbs. Ema did the same. After I dumped the trash, my eyes looked back to the sweets. 'I still need to properly thank Iori-kun, and apologize to Fuuto-kun.' I walked over to the displays.

"Chuu? Do you still want something?"

"Ah, no." I looked hard at the scrumptious desserts, trying to decide which would be best to give them.

"Then what is it?" I felt Chii's presence beside me.

"Do you know what sweets Iori-kun and Fuuto-kun like?" It wasn't a surprise to me that she was stunned by my question. I could feel her eyes staring at me with curiosity.

"Um, I don't know their preferences-"

"So you think that strawberry shortcake would be fine? Or chocolate cream cake? Maybe I should get both, but then I would have to choose who gets which."

"Chuu, why are you getting them cakes?"

"I think... I'll just get both." Ignoring my sister's question, I asked for the two desserts, wrapped separately, and paid for them. "Thank you. Sorry for the trouble earlier." I gave a small smile and waved at the clerk.

"Chuu!" I began to walk out of the store. "Onee-chan! Wait up!" Ema ran in front of me, stopping me in my tracks. "What is with you? Buying them sweets all of a sudden... You aren't..."

Juli jumped out of my sister's purse and on my head. "Don't tell me you have fallen for those wolves?!"

"N-no! That's not it." I didn't want them to think of me like that, but I guess it almost seems that way, doesn't it?

I grabbed my sister's wrist and dragged her in the direction of Sunshine Residence. Truthfully, I could feel the cold state that lady was giving us as we made a commotion in front of the bakery.

"H-hey! Let go, and tell me what's wrong!" After a few more steps away from the shop, I loosened my grip and let her arm fall.

"They're thank you and apology cakes..." I saw my sister have a confused look on her face.

"Wha- Thank you and apology? For what?" She was walking right beside me now, and I sighed.

"When I went jogging this morning, I met Iori-kun. We talked a bit, and when I went to leave, I didn't notice a car on the road." I heard Ema gasp. "He saved me though, from getting into an accident." I didn't add more to the story. If she knew, my little sister would worry about it, too.

"Chuu-chan, wait, are you really okay?" Squeaked Juli as he looked down at me.

I glanced up and smiled. "Yeah. It was my fault anyway. I should have paid more attention to my surroundings, and I won't use this an excuse." I ran a free hand over the left side of my face. "Heh, you think I would've learned by now after visiting New York a few times." I laughed at my foolishness.

"So you're giving Iori-san a cake as thanks for saving you," she concluded. I nodded.

"Then... That leaves an apology cake for... Fuuto-kun?" I could tell that she noticed my head bowed and my shoulders slumped.

"Yeah..." I bit my lower lip, thinking of what to say. "I... I hurt him. I really didn't mean to, but in the heat of the moment I... He's just a kid, and my younger brother." I took a deep breath. "And that's why I am going to give him an apology cake."

"Oh, I see."

"You shouldn't even have though about it, Chuu-chan! That evil wolf hurt you and called you names, I bet. I say he doesn't deserve that dessert, the cheeky wolf."

"Hey, what kind of older sister do you take me for?" I tried to brighten up the mood with a witty sentence and a soft giggle.

"Fuuto-kun teases us all, Chuu. But I know deep inside, he's kind." She placed her hand on my shoulder, the warmth spreading out. Ema really has a calm way of settling things, and a gentle touch to reassure that everything will be okay. That's what I adore about her.

I grinned and pulled her into a big embrace. "I love you, Chii~" I rubbed my cheek affectionately against her's, making her blush.

"Ch-Chuu!~"

"Teehee!"

A/N: Shoot, I'm really close on the deadline for this one, huh? It's almost midnight... Well, after re-reading what I had, I decided to make adjustments.

Also, I feel like I'm loosing my OC, Erin, due to watching a lot of anime. D: Don't worry though, I'll get her back!

Anyway, I hope you all enjoy the sixth chapter, so please read and review!