Thunder had started to roar, clouds had begun to cover the dark night sky, blocking the sight of all stars and the moon.

Heavy winds had blown, dragging along all the dusts and dead leaves, waggling our clothes.

It was a sign that the day will rain…. soon enough.

"The train will leave momentarily."

"Please stay behind the yellow line."

Pssss

"Oi, the train is leaving. Aren't you going to ride on it?"

Kurara was frozen, standing still… like a stone after seeing the presence of Kirara.

"Ki…ra…ra…?" she mumbled, with quiver in her voice.

"It's your sister, don't you want to say hi to her?"

All of my questions I asked remained unanswered.

What's up with her? It is just your sister.

I left Kurara behind and went to greet Kirara.

"Yo, going home?"

"Yea, how about you master? Where were you from? Shopping?"

"Well, you can say that. How about you?"

"Oh, I got some works to do, my colleague suddenly got sick, so I need to fill her shift time for today."

"I see…"

"Is that Kurara?"

She bent her head and looked at Kurara who's slowly walking toward us.

"Ah, yea…."

….

"Were you guys together?"

"That's-"

"Yaho~ Kirara, what a coincidence."

Suddenly, Kurara caught up with our conversation.

"As expected it's Kurara! What are you doing here?"

"Hea…. Eh… some business…" she laughed wryly.

Seeing Kurara was acting weirdly, I blatantly asked her.

"What's wrong with you? Feeling sick?"

"N-no, nothing…."

She is not Kurara when I was alone with her 5 minutes ago, somehow she is worrying about something.

"Say…. I'm just thinking, maybe were you guys on a date or something? Ha…. Ha…"

Out of the sudden, Kirara asked us like it was a bad joke.

"That's right." I nonchalantly replied.

"Eh?"

…..

"Hm? Didn't you hear me? We did go for a date."

"It's a joke right...?"

"No."

"…"

She remained silent for a while, then she continued.

"At least tell it was a joke…" she rumbled, silently.

She was glancing beneath the ground, which made me harder to look at her facial expression.

What's wrong with her? Contagious sibling?

"Why would I tell a joke when it exists as a fact?"

Pap!

She slapped me in the face, right on my bruise that had yet to be healed.

"Idiot! Moron! Stupid!"

She shouted those insults to me and ran off while bursting out tear.

What was that about?

That's unbelievable for Kirara to do something like that.

"What's wrong with her?"

I turned around to face Kurara while covering my bruise with my hand, but surprisingly, she was in shock too, at the same time…. she's somehow angry.

"You are the worst."

Pap!

She slapped me on the other side of my face.

"Oy, what are you do-."

Before I could finish my words, she ran off to catch up with Kirara.

"..."

Ouch, those hurt me a lot…. A slapping combo between two sisters.

Seriously, what the hell was that about?

You are the one who forced me to come with you!

And I never learn that telling the truth is not good.

….

Ah! Forget it.

I sat on the near bench, waiting for the next train while enduring the pain on my cheek.

The rain had started to pour onto the surface of the earth… as if it's describing my current condition.

The peaceful and fun dating day turned out…. to be the worst…. and unpredictable…. disputing day

Horrible luck.

….

Ugh…. This is fatal, maybe I should reconsider what I have done, because my cheek is even bleeding…. but not that bad.

I took my time to think while walking my way to my room.

No matter how hard I tried to look for the crime I might committed, I couldn't find any.

Yep, absolutely I wasn't wrong, I just stated the fact to Kirara.

"Where are you going?"

While I was busy thinking, suddenly I heard a voice…. it was father's.

"Ah…"

I responded to him, weakly…. the incident happened earlier had further discouraged me to engage a proper conversation.

"Hm, your bruise, doesn't it getting worse?"

As always, he didn't show any expression.

"It doesn't concern you."

"Oh, I see."

He replied to me in the simplest way that a father shouldn't, but I could feel he was worrying about me… just a little bit.

Maybe I should consult him about this problem of mine, he's an older man after all.

He should know what could be done to overcome this illogical complication.

"Say, Oyaji."

"Hm?"

He held the doorknob as he stopped opening the door to answer my call.

"I've got a problem."

….

"Speak it up."

"Let's say, there is a girl saw me going out with another girl…. A girl whom I barely meet and talk…. But… she-"

I stopped, I could no longer continue to explain.

Somehow, I felt a pain in my chest…. Really, really painful compared to the injury on my face.

Seeing me desperately trying to continue the explanation, he said.

"Enough, you may stop."

He closed his eyes for a moment, gasped some air and continued.

"I don't believe I have a son like this."

Huh?!

"Wha-"

"My son was a genius, hardworking and determined person, out of all he's an arrogant, brave brat. He could ace in everything, studies, games, arts…. But this, merely a kid who has lost his talents."

"….."

Those statements…. ticked me.

Do you want to challenge me that much?!

I clenched a fist, and proudly said.

"Oi, damn oyaji... I'll show you that your current son is exactly the same as he used to be."

"Hmph."

He let out a mocking smile without looking at me.

"And one more thing, I don't know about your problem nor do I want to know, but…. Never make a girl cry."

Ktack*

He entered the room and left me behind with a short advice.

I never thought I would get something, but this is unexpected…. Almost like he could predict what I would say.

I could hear the conversation between Ayase and him from outside of the room. His attitude toward me and Ayase are completely different.

He was friendly when talking with Ayase, and that what makes me jealous.

As soon as I entered….

Ayase ran to me.

"Woa…. It was right."

She was surprisingly looking at my face.

"What….?"

"Dad asked me to treat onii-chan because the bruise is getting worse."

Heh… that damn father. I hope he could mind his own business.

"Come onii-chan."

Ayase grabbed my hand and asked me to sit on the sofa.

My father wasn't in the living room, might have left for sleeping.

While Ayase was putting an antiseptic on me, she noticed something.

"Onii-chan, what's this? A hand imprint…?"

"Oh… this…."

Yea…. Those slaps especially from Kirara was really a strong one, it even left a trace.

"Did you get slapped?!"

"Ah… something like that…."

"Who did this?"

"Someone…."

I could only answer her with hesitation and guilty.

Seeing me with the weak-minded, she rubbed the bruise violently.

"Ou-ouch..ouch… what are you doing?"

"TELL ME THE TRUTH."

Along those words, I could feel the threat.

…..

"Okay, okay, I got it. So please stop doing that."

"So, who is it?"

"It was…. Kirara…."

"AND?" she pushed my cheek even harder.

"Ouch! And it was Kurara!"

"Oh, I see."

Finally, she stopped doing that painful thing and treated me properly.

My little sister, can be reliable too…. before I even know it.

"Just to tell you, I didn't do anything wrong."

"Nah, onii-chan was definitely wrong."

"Why?"

"Because Kurara and Kirara one-chan won't do such a thing."

But they did!

"—Anyway, I trust onii-chan that he will do anything in order to fix that."

She packed up the first aid kit and kept it in a cupboard.

Before getting in her own room, she said.

"Don't worry onii-chan, no matter how guilty you are, I will always be with you."

Those words have calmed my mind and heart, injecting me with a full of energetic aura.

The faith, the love… for the first time I have felt it… probably because I was sad.

"Ayase…."

"Hm?"

"Tha-thank you."

"You are welcome, onii-chan." She smiled.

On the next day, I tried to keep in touch with both Kirara and Kurara, but no reply was received.

They didn't answer my call… might as well ignored my message.

So, I tried to go to Pretty Garden's room to find out any clue about them.

But my effort went nothing.

Sigh.

What actually am I doing here? No one's here yet I'm searching for them.

Maybe I should go and visit their house….

But, I have the feeling it could make things worse.

Hm, let's just idle around the neighbourhood instead, and rethink what should have be done.

At the entrance of apartment….

Vroom*Vroom*

A motorbike sped from a far distance and finally stopped in front of me.

The biker took off her helmet and her face was shown…. It was Makishima, wearing his casual black jacket.

"Hey, boy. Come with me."

"Hah? To where?"

"Come on, hop up. I will take you to my house."

"Why would I?"

"I want to show you something."

She explained while handing me a helmet.

Well, might be a good opportunity to kill time.

"Okay."

I put on the helmet and got on the bike… to Makishima's house.

….

"..."

The hell is this? A mansion?!

This woman named Makishima Kaori lives in a very big house… no I mean a mansion.

There's a garden… neatly organized and, a fishpond, built around a fountain as the water is clear as the crystal.

"Something is lingering in my mind…."

"Hm? What is it?"

"Are you some sort of noble's daughter?"

"Well, you can say that, hop down. I'll introduce you to my cute little sister."

Pom!

She barged into the house like it was nothing…. Or maybe to prove that it is her house.

"Saori! Saori!"

She shouted as she was calling for someone.

The house really is big…. decorated with many expensive furniture, grand-ish chandelier, maroon carpet and even golden statues. The walls were furnished with variety of artworks.

The floor is shiny and glittering as it were be cleaned very often.

After a few seconds of calling, a cute little girl appeared from the upstairs.

A girl with long slushy blue-black hair, wearing a white attire with a maroon skirt…. Beautiful like an ojou-sama.

"Come here, Saori, one-chan wants to introduce you to this guy."

After seeing me, the girl quickly covered her face.

Makishima then went upstairs and dragged her down here.

"Here, don't be ashamed, introduce yourself."

She forced the girl to separate her hands that were covering her face.

"Ah.. um…a….."

The girl was too scared to say anything.

"Haha, sorry for that. This girl only goes to all-girls school, so she never talks with a man aside from her family."

"Oh… I see."

She must be that one of the shy girl…. Which is a hassle for me to handle.

How is this girl will grow up I wonder?

I gasped some air and told her in an irritated tone.

"It's okay, if you don't want to tell me, then you don't need to."

…..

"Ah… I'm sorry, I'll introduce…. myself properly. I'm Makishima… Saori, nice to meet…. you."

Her voice was tiny and gruff, yet she still managed to talk.

What's with this sudden change of mind?

"I'm Aragaki Satoshi."

Bizz*Bizz*

Suddenly, a phone vibrated from inside Kaori's pocket.

Tik*

"Ooh! Will it be ready soon?"

"Hmm."

"Um."

"Okay, I got it. I'm on my way."

Tik*

"As you have heard, I got some business to do. So I'll be leaving you for now. Bye."

"Wai-"

She left us without giving me a chance to speak.

….

In other word, you want me to play with your sister while you are away?

"..."

I turned my head to look at the girl.

"What do you want me to call you?"

"That's… a…. "

She was still afraid to talk to me…. After a few moments, she swallowed her saliva and regained her courage.

"Sao…ri is fine….."

"Okay then, just call me Satoshi."

"Um…."

She nodded slowly.

"So, Saori, what do you want to do now?"

"Books."

"Ha?"

"I want to read book."

"Oh... I see, that won't be a problem. I'll try my best to keep up with you."

"I got it."

She led me the way to her room on the upstairs.

Ktack*

"Please come in."

The room….. is spacious as the living room in my house. Not to mention, it contained stuffs that an ojou-sama would have…. There was a huge bookshelf, with diversity of literature on board.

Other than that, it would be bunch of normally 'expensive' furnitures.

Now I remember, if I'm not wrong, Makishima told me that her little sister has a weak body thus limited her sister to only do indoor activities.

Hm…

Then I noticed the girl was reading familiar cover… so I took a closer look.

It was….

"Do you like it?"

"Ah, yea."

"But for me, I rather hate it."

"Ehh? Why? This is a good and popular novel you know?"

"Yea, I know. The thing is, I don't understand how is this novel could be popular. The story is too deep."

"That what makes a novel meaningful!"

"No… don't you notice that the story is a bit clinch? The author wrote it as he felt like that."

"You mean…. The protagonist was having a hard life and his decision always brings trouble to others..?

"Yup, I'm surprised that you know what I mean."

"But isn't that his eye fault? Being able to foresee people's misfortune is just….-"

"No…. the author is the reason…" I lowered my voice.

I paused for a while, thinking of something…. Then I continued.

"By the way, I have heard that the author won't be continuing the novel."

"Wha-? Seriously? This is the last volume available and the story is too early to end it!"

She was surprised after hearing the rumours, then she showed her disappointment.

"Don't make a girl cry."

Sudden reminiscing of my father's word.

….

"But…. it just a rumour. No confirmation is officially announced yet."

"Oh, really? Thank god…."

She put her hand on her chest and let out a long exhalation.

And so, we were discussing about the novel, engrossing into it without realizing how time had passed by.

It's already late night.

….

What the hell is Makishima doing? She's late!

Isn't she supposed to take me back?!

In addition, I don't own her contact information which puts me in a deeper trouble.

"Say, Saori, any words from your sister? She should be taking me home right now."

"No… not really."

"I see….."

Argh! What should I do now…..?

I don't think train is still being operated at the time like this.

Hm….

Seeing my worried face, Saori offered me.

"Why don't you just stay overnight?"

"Really?"

"Yea."

"Then, with pleasure."

I accepted without any further consideration because…. it is better than staying outside.

But I will need to tell mom about it.

To mom:
Toniight I'll be staying at a friend's house.

Bizz*Bizz*

From mom:
Okay, but make sure you return tomorrow morning, we'll be going home.

Tack*Tack*Tack*

Suddenly, the door was being knocked from the outside.

"You may come in."

Ktack*

A butler entered.

"Ojou-sama, dinner is ready."

"…"

A real butler? I didn't see him around when I was entering the house with Kaori.

"Yea, I'm coming."

She looked at me and held my hand.

"Let's go Satoshi-kun."

…..

This chance may come only once in a lifetime…. For an average kid like me.

I'm impressed because for the first time, I had a lavish dinner. I would thought this dinner cost more than the price of my clothes.

Once we're done with dinner, Saori informed the butler,

"Tonight, Satoshi-kun would be staying overnight here."

"Understood, I'll prepare a room."

"Are? We are not going to sleep together?"

I tried to tease her.

After hearing the statement, her face became red.

"Wh-wha-what are you talking about?! Of-of course we wouldn't!"

"But you said it."

"Wh-when?! Pervert!"

Haha, cute.

I might fall for her.

"Understood, enjoy your night Ojou-sama."

Suddenly, the butler had spoken.

"Eh?"

…..

After the remark, Saori didn't even show any resistance…. Just kept quiet, blushing….

Ultimately, we would be sleeping in the same room, the room we used to sit and talk.

….

Midnight had passed.

"Are you sleeping yet, Satoshi-kun?"

And we were about to sleep, Saori was on the bed… while me… also on the bed but at the side which was far away since the bed was big enough for four people.

Our body wasn't facing each other…. Laying our body by side.

"Nah, why don't you do it now, I'm tired."

"Will you ever come here again and play with me?"

"I don't know."

"Um….."

She must be a little lonely… or more than that.

"Don't worry, your sister soon will play together with you."

"What makes you say so….?"

"You will figure it out… later."

"I think it's impossible….. nee-san is an hyperactive person, she likes to do many things… especially outdoors activities."

"I know that… but she made something valuable… just for you."

Night…. it was so dark. The lamp had switched off.

But we could see the light of the moon shined through the window.

"You know…."

"What?"

"You are my first male friend I have made…. In my life."

"Oh… then it's good for you."

"You're not happy…?"

"Not really, it's normal for me."

"I see."

But those simple words, were spoken with a disappointment… in a happiness.

"Let's just go sleep, I need to wake up early tomorrow."

…..

Chirp*Chirp*

It's morning, the summer sun had started to wildly radiate on our skin.

And I'm presently scolding Saori's sister.

"What the hell were you doing yesterday?! Weren't you supposed to take me home?"

"Relax, I just got my hand full overtime. My bad."

If apologizing could solve anything, then this world won't be needing cops! Damn it.

"Ma…. Let's just leave it be."

Saori tried to appease me.

I turned my head toward Saori.

"Oh, by the way Saori… do you want to read the next volume of the novel?"

"Yep, I'm looking forward to it." She said it with a bright smile.

"I see….. Well then, goodbye."

I got on Kaori's bike and left.

"Goodbye…. See you."

A vain hope…. That you could see me again in the future, but… who knows?

Before leaving our one week-rented apartment, I met with Kurusu and Sanada together with Kaori.

Beside me, there was Ayase holding my hand.

"You are really leaving?" asked Kurusu with a sad face.

"Yea, don't worry…. We will meet in somewhere else."

"Really?"

"No."

"Uu…. You are really mean."

She gasped some air and continued.

"Well, that's Satoshi-kun for me…. Goodbye, Ayase-chan." She said while waving her hand, looking at my sister.

"Goodbye, Kurusu-onee-chan."

"Stay well Hoshino's customer." Sanada said.

"Oh, I forgot boy… thank you for playing with my cute little sister." Kaori thanked me.

"Nah, it's nothing."

Oh, yea, I need to find out about Kirara.

"Say, in any case, do you guys have any news about Kirara?"

Everybody remained quiet….. only smiles were shown to me.

"Hm?"

Still, no answer.

"Boy, get your act together."

She put both her hands on my shoulder as she was encouraging me.

What is she talking about?

Their reaction toward me is weird... and left me with a puzzle of life which is hard to be solved.

And so, my family and I departed from the apartment to return to our normal double storey house.

In the end, I couldn't contact Kirara nor get any clues about her and her sister.

Maybe I won't be seeing her… ever again….