Today is very hot… and there are the five of us waiting along among the lines of people, waiting for the Comiket to be opened. The five of us are in Akihabara, where I, in a way, have been forced to tag along to visit the Comiket. It's nothing different than the previous from some time ago, the only different thing is that Rin's along with me, making it two guys and three girls in the group. Just like what Rin told me at the start of the week, I informed Ruri about the plan of going on a double date to Akihabara. She said that she didn't mind and I told Rin about it. Rin told me that Kirino agreed to it too, and just like what had been originally planned. There'd be only the four of us, if we didn't meet Saori along the way.

So right now, I, Kousaka Kyousuke, am accompanying my girlfriend, Gokou Ruri with my best friend, Shimomura Rin that's being accompanied by his girlfriend who's also my little sister, Kousaka Kirino. Along with us is a friend, Makishima Saori. The five of us are waiting in front of the large building in Akihabara where the Comiket is being held. I'm already aware of the fact that this will be a double date, but somehow, the fact that Saori's coming along seemed to make me uneasy.

"So..." I whispered to Saori, "Why are you here again?"

"Ahh~ That's a rude thing to say, Kyousuke-shi~ Isn't it natural to tag along when you meet your friends along the way~?" she whispered back to me cheerfully.

I can't help but sweat dropping when I heard her answer and after a moment, I shifted my gaze towards Rin. I found him twirling his sideburns with a finger before he eventually noticed my sight and simply smiled. That smile, that carefree smile of his. I know that he was the one who contacted Saori and told her to meet us and acting like it's a coincidence. That Rin, he must be up to something again, I thought. Whenever he show that kind of smile, it's inevitable that he must've already planned something along the way.

"It's so hot~" I could hear Kirino complaining, "So how long am I supposed to wait in line? My feet hurt!"

"We need to take it easy. To eat something delicious is a pure bliss, but that pure bliss doesn't exist solely from eating, but also from spending the time waiting for it."

"Well said, Shimurin~"

Wait, Saori's addressing Rin as Shimurin? Where did that come from? Just because his full name is Shimomura Rin, then she chose to shorten his name just like that? I switched my gaze towards Rin and I noticed that he simply chuckled. From the fact that he contacted Saori to watch over me some time ago and the fact that Saori's actually addressing him in such a way, I think they already know each other for quite a long time.

"What he said is right. Quit complaining. You're not the only one who's bothered by the weather and the waiting." I could hear Ruri's voice coming from beside me.

"It's your fault for wearing something like that." I switched my gaze towards Kirino who's pointing at Ruri's clothes, before finally huffing. I can't help but chuckled.

"You should do something about her, you know, Rin..." I whispered to Rin, who simply arched his eyebrow, "If not she'd end up complaining all the way until the Comiket starts."

"You do have a point..." Rin whispered back to me in return before tapping his chin with a finger, "Maybe I should do something about her."

That very moment, I instinctively placed my sight upon the two; Kirino and Rin - when Rin placed his hand upon Kirino's shoulder and Kirino averted her gaze towards him. I know that she's about to ask him something, probably about why he placed his hand on her shoulder like that, but that moment, before Kirino could even finish her sentence, Rin already leaned forward and placed a kiss upon her forehead; much to my own surprise.

For some reason, I switched my gaze towards Ruri and caught her also looking at me. There was an awkward silence between us and after a few seconds, we gazed away; much to our embarrassment. When I shifted my gaze back towards Kirino and Rin, I could see Kirino complaining towards Rin about he should at least notice about where they are before doing something embarrassing like that. And just like usual, Rin simply chuckled as he tried to calm Kirino down.

And then I could Saori's giggling. "What is it?" I asked to her.

"Nothing~ I'm simply amazed at how thoughtful Shimurin could be~" she answered with ease, causing me to sweat drop once again, "But putting what Shimurin did aside, Kyousuke-shi have you done it with Kuroneko-san?"

In an instant, I could feel myself blushing like mad as I pulled a step back before pointing at Saori with my index finger, "M-M-Mind your own business!"

I switched my gaze towards Ruri for a moment and found her in the exactly same state like me. "I-It's not like we haven't done it or anything. It's just we don't have the time to fool around like that."

"Oooh~ Is that so~?" I could hear the teasing tone in Saori's voice, "Even though you two said that, I can perfectly see that the two of you are blushing right now~"

"You're taking it wrongly, Saori." Rin's voice made me shift my sight towards him, hoping that he'd say something that'll make sense or at least make Saori understand, "I believe that what Ruri-chan's trying to say is... 'Instead of doing it here, I'd rather to do it somewhere else where I could do it to my heart's content'!"

"That's a pretty good way to see through someone, Shimurin~!"

And I could see Ruri kicking Rin's shin, "Don't interpret things so weirdly!"

Rin jumped one step back, coming to a stop when Kirino placed a hand against his shoulder and asked him if he's alright or not. Rin said that it was nothing and I know perfectly that he's alright. That carefree and childish smile is still placed on his lips. Even though he teased us by saying that, I know that's just his own way to show that he cares for us.

"But putting aside the foolish thing Rin just said, w-what Ruri just said is right. W-We really should take our time and get to know each other better first before doing something like that..." I tried to reason with them, "... isn't it?"

I switched my gaze towards Ruri. She's gazing away but I could notice the red hue upon her cheeks. Just like me, she's also embarrassed. Well, it can't really be helped, after all.

"What Kyousuke-shi thinking is..." Saori's voice made me shift my sight towards her, "It's 'I will show my girlfriend how cool I could be without even doing something like that! And once we get to know each other better... I'm sure she'll pay me back with sexual favors!'"

"W-W-What kind of translation is that?" I shouted as I pointed at Saori with my index finger, "Can't you just translate it normally without adding odd things?"

I then shifted my sight towards Ruri, only to notice that she's backing away as she crossed her arms against her chest in a defensive manner, looking at me with disbelief, "W-W-What are you planning to do in a place like this?"

"That's very bold of you, Kyo~" I could hear Rin's whistle.

"You're really gross! The worst!" I could hear Kirino's voice.

"J-Just what are you planning to do to me in a place like this...?" Ruri's voice once again reached my ears.

"Nothing! Like I said, all of you are misunderstanding it!"

"Really... I still don't get why do all these people line up for hours in this place?" I commented as I rubbed my cheek with the back of my hand, starting to feel uncomfortable with the unbearable heat.

"If you don't experience it for yourself, you won't be able to understand it, Kyo." Rin said to me with a chuckle, "But still, it's better than yesterday."

I arched my eyebrow, "Yesterday?"

"Oh, Shimurin didn't tell you, Kyousuke-shi?" I shifted my sight towards Saori when I heard her voice, "Both myself and Shimurin gave this place a thorough check yesterday, to make sure that going here today would be easier~"

"You say that... so you're planning to come with us along from the very start?" I commented with a sigh, "Rin told you about it, isn't it?"

"I don't understand what you're trying to say Kyousuke-shi~ Our meeting previously, it's entirely a coincidence~"

She's just avoiding to say the truth, I know that very well and that's the reason why I sighed. But really, I don't really get the point of having Saori along. But for some other reason, I'm not as worried as I was before. Now that I can really tell that Rin was the one who invited Saori along, I'm not that worried anymore. He must've planned something for all of us; I could trust him at that.

"We've made our way through almost all of the circles around here..." I commented again when I noticed that even though it's still quite uncomfortable inside of the building, it's starting to get cooler as the amount of people starting to decrease, "Maybe we should head back soon too?"

"No! Not yet! There's still something that I need to buy before going back!" I could hear Kirino's determined voice, causing me to shift my sight towards her, "I received the information that there's a new update for the SisCalypse in the new limited edition disc!"

"A limited edition disc?" I looked at Saori, hoping for some answer.

"It's a collector's item. A disc that contains a new data and update for the new SisCalypse game." I could hear Rin's voice, "But to remember that at this time around... I think it would already be too late. Let's go after her."

Just like what Rin suggested, we make our way after Kirino. We found her in front of the stand that's supposed to be selling the limited edition disc for the SisCalypse. The stand has already been closed and a "Sold Out" sign could be seen upon it.

"Well, I expected as much." I could hear Rin's comment, "A rare collector's item like that... you would have needed to line up as soon as it opened to get it.."

That's not really the problem, Rin. I'm sure that she'd cheer up in no time. But putting that aside, how do you even know about that?

"Well, it can't be helped, Kirino." I tried to cheer her up, "We're already too late, so it can't be hel-"

"Shut up."

"But rest assured. I heard that there's a game competition at the main hall and if you can defeat the staff that's competing, you could get a free limited edition disc."

No, Rin. I'm more curious about how you even know about something like that?

"What? Don't give me that look, Kyo. Chase two birds and you'll get two birds. You have to be more aware of your surroundings. Else, you'll get nowhere real fast, you know."

I don't really understand what you're trying to say but stop giving me that teasing smile.

"Anyway, we better make our way to the main hall fast." I could hear Kirino's voice and when I place my sight upon her, she's already making her way towards the main hall.

I can't help but simply gave a sigh, before shifting my sight towards Rin when I hear his chuckle. "What is it?" I asked him.

"It can't be helped, isn't it? He's your little sister and my girlfriend, after all." I could hear Rin's comment and when I was about to answer, he leaned to me and whispered, "But instead of worrying about her, I'd suggest you to worry more about your girlfriend. Kirino is my girlfriend, so let me worry about her too, big brother."

"Who are you calling big brother, Rin?" I whispered back to him with a chuckle, before letting out a somewhat relieved sigh, "And mind your own business. I don't want to have you following me around telling what to do."

"Trust me in this one. And promise me that you'll hold her hand when you're on your way to the main hall." Rin's words caused me to blush almost instantly, and before I could say anything, he already gestured Saori to tag along with him; leaving me alone with Ruri. I took a moment before shifting my gaze towards her, only to notice that she's gazing at me at the same time. There was a moment of awkward silence between us before I manage to gather my courage and offered a hand to her, "L-Let's go after them."

"M-Mhmm." I could hear her voice and I could feel the warmth of her hand against mine. I can't help but smiled to myself and we made our way towards the main hall with our hands joined together.

When we reached the main hall, we found Kirino hugging Saori while Rin's trying to calm her down. I arched an eyebrow, actually wondering what happened as we made our way towards them. Saori was the first one to notice us, followed by Rin, and lastly Kirino. Before I manage to ask, Saori already spoke, probably aware of what I'm about to ask anyway, "Well, you see, Kyousuke-shi... the rule is the same like the last Comiket. If you can beat the staff, you will get the last limited edition disc for free as a prize. But as you can see-"

"The two didn't manage to defeat the staff. Well, I've heard of people saying that the staff is also a high-ranking player in the PC version of the game, but honestly, I didn't expect him to be that strong."

Once again, Rin... how did you know about something like that?

"It can't really be helped." Ruri commented, giving a seemed to be tired sigh as she stepped forward, "Maybe I should give this one a try and-"

"Wait just a second. If you're kind enough, would you let me give it a try first?"

What? Rin's offering himself to play SisCalypse? What is he...? "O-Oi, Rin! Wait just a second! Do you even know how-"

"To be honest, I don't really know what I should do. I never play SisCalypse too in the first place. But I just have to win, right?"

That carefree smile of his and the childish twinkle on his eyes made me speechless. In the very end I just gave a sigh. For a moment, he made me hesitate. He claimed that he never played SisCalypse in the first place and all he knows about the game is that he needs to win from the staff. I don't expect to win but... that thought came to a stop when I heard people start cheering. When I shifted my sight towards the huge game screen, the character that Rin chose already standing victorious. And not to mention that he actually defeat the staff with a perfect score, without even a scratch upon his character.

"This is a new record!" I could hear the MC shouting through the microphone, "To actually defeat our best staff with a perfect score like this! May we know a little about you?"

I shifted my sight towards Rin. He took the offered microphone from the MC, taking a moment before giving a sigh. As he held the microphone with his left hand, he slowly lifted his right hand upward with his index finger pointing at the sky, "Grandma used to say this... coming through a prosperous village and right now searching through a cold yet solitary path, the man who will rule both above and below."

I can't help but sweat drop, while the people around mostly gave cheers. I shifted my sight towards Ruri, she seemed to be uninterested. I shifted my sight towards Saori, and found that she's actually giggling.

"Such a bold statement!" I could hear the MC shouting through his own microphone once again, "May we know how did you manage to defeat our best staff?"

"Hmph," I could hear Rin's voice slowly echoing through the speakers as he speaks through the microphone, "For my loved one, I will always evolve and get stronger. Always as much as necessary."

And when I sweat dropped more, the more people cheered for what Rin just said. Unintentionally, I shifted my sight towards Kirino, only to find her blushing after hearing what Rin said through the microphone. I can't help but letting out a small chuckle at that, but still being careful so Kirino won't see me chuckling. Who knows what she'll do to me if she caught me chuckling after I saw her blushing like that?

As the MC concludes the event, I saw Rin made his way down the stage. The first one to greet him was Saori.

"That's really great, Shimurin~! I didn't expect you to be really good when it comes to gaming!"

Suddenly, I remember that Rin used to be a really good gamer when we were little. Don't tell me that he's been doing some gaming up until now? If he's been doing something like that, that could be the reason why he could beat that staff with a perfect score.

Ruri was the second one to greet him, "To think such a lowly being who claimed himself as a champion can be defeated by the likes of you. It's wise enough for you to offer yourself forward before I curse him to death."

Rin simply chuckled after hearing that and unintentionally, I chuckled along with him.

After that, Rin made his way towards Kirino. Kirino stood at the back, not so far behind me; seemed to be not confident enough to greet him when he got down the stage. She placed her hand together, as if feeling uneasy when Rin got closer and closer to her.

"W-What? D-Don't stare, it's embarrassing."

"Here you go." Rin offered the SisCalypse limited edition disc that he received as a prize to Kirino, "I'm giving it to you."

Kirino seemed to be hesitating for a moment before slowly placing her hands upon the limited edition disc that Rin's offering to her, before pulling it from his palm and holding it against her chest, "I-If you don't want it that much, then I'll hold it for you. B-Be grateful."

"I'm very grateful, thank you very much."

And that very moment, I could see the blush upon Kirino's face got even worse.

"Oi, Rin..." I whispered to Rin as we made our way out of the Comiket building, "Are you sure that it's alright to leave her playing some games like that?"

"Kyo... it seems that you still have a lot to learn, don't you?" Rin whispered back to me with a chuckle, "You should never place 2D and 3D in the same position."

"Before we go home, why don't we stop by this place and eat something?" Saori suddenly spoke when we passed one of the cafes in Akihabara, particularly the one with the sign 'Special Prize Provided!' attached to the window, "I heard that this cafe's holding a kind of interesting event for the customers and if the customers could win, they'd be rewarded with a prize."

"I'm up to some challenge, it'll be fun." That was Rin.

"I don't really mind," Aniki said, "We should get something to eat first before going home. It wouldn't be healthy for us to get back home with an empty stomach, isn't it?"

"I have no other choice." That's Kuroneko.

"O-Oh well... let's go inside and get something to eat already, alright?" I said, as I tugged Kuroneko along with me. And shortly we're inside of the cafe, waiting for our orders to be delivered to the table.

"While waiting, would you like to play some games?" one of the maids offered to us, "There are games that could be played by all of you and there are games that could be played by couples too! Right now, we're holding a special event for couples! If you want, we could-"

"I'm up to the game that could be played by couple." Without even waiting for the maid to finish, Rin already spoke.

"This one over here is my girlfriend," Rin said as he gestured towards me, and I can't help but blushing that very instant. I was about to say something, but was cut when I feel Rin's hand placed upon my mine, "And not only me, my best friend here is up to the game as well. Naturally, he's accompanied by his girlfriend too." That instant, I shifted my sight towards Kuroneko, who gazed away and I don't even need to see her to tell that she's blushing. At that, I can't help but simply smiled.

"Understood! Just wait here for a moment! I will be back with the special game!" Without even giving us the time to give a proper explanation, the maid made her way back. And just like what I'm expecting, both myself and Kuroneko instantly complain towards Rin that very moment.

"W-What are you thinking? Saying that you're up to some challenge and taking up the offer for the game!" I complained to Rin once the maid's out of sight, "Y-You should at least consider my feelings too... a-and at least ask about what I'd feel about it too..."

"T-That's very true! Just what are you thinking, lowly being? To think that you would put me in such an embarrassing state..." Kuroneko complained to Rin just like me, but I could feel her gaze on Aniki from time to time, "B-But i-it's not like I'm against it fully... you better be grateful that I'm still sparing your life right now."

I can't help but smiling a little bit after hearing what Kuroneko just said. I know that her feeling to Aniki is mutual and now that I have Rin, I don't think I should worry about her. Aniki could help her, I'm very sure of that. And after that, I could hear Saori whispering to me, "Aahh~ Some people just found it hard to be honest, don't you think so, Kiririn-shi?" I shifted my gaze towards Rin. I saw that carefree and childish smile once again. I don't really know what to say. Maybe I'll complain to him later, when I find much better words to say.

The maid came back to our table after a few moments, carrying a glass that's filled two pocky sticks. "Alright~ Now please allow me to explain the goal of this game. As you can see, I have two pocky sticks right here. And we also have two couples right here with us. Each couple will eat this together, and once you're at your limit, you're allowed to stop. There will be a prize awaiting you depending on the size of the leftovers~"

"T-There's no way we could do something embarrassing like that!" I shouted in embarrassment.

"Ahh~ Kiririn-shi, could this possibly be your first date?" I could hear Saori whispering to me, causing my blush to get worse that very instant, "Don't you think that it would be a waste to back away from this game? There's a prize waiting too, you know~"

I clenched my teeth in embarrassment. I know that it's not like me to back away after receiving such challenge, but I can't help it. I shifted my gaze towards Rin and I noticed that despite the fact that he's smiling, one of his eyebrows is actually arched. Maybe he's wondering why I said such a thing to the maid... but still... I can't deny the fact that I'm embarrassed...

"F-Fine.." I said in the very end, trying to swallow my embarrassment at the same time, "I-It can't be helped so I'll do it."

"What do you think, Kyo? You'll do it?" I could see Rin's addressing Aniki with that question.

"We-Well... I won't push it... as long as Ruri doesn't mind, I-I'll do it."

I shifted my gaze towards Kuroneko. She's gazing down at the table and just like me, having those red hues placed upon her cheeks. "I-It's not like I mind or anything. Be grateful that I'm willing to do this with you, lowly being." she said in the very end. And I just smiled.

"Alright, shall we begin?" I could hear the maid speaking again and when I was about to say something to her, Rin already took one of the pocky sticks and placed one of the ends of the pocky stick upon his mouth; before leaning forward towards me. I blushed even more but I tried to swallow my embarrassment when I noticed the carefree smile upon his face and the childish twinkle upon his eyes. I leaned forward and bit the other end of the pocky stick. I closed my eyes for a moment to swallow my embarrassment, but much to my surprise, when I opened my eyes, I could see the same kind of blush already decorating Rin's face. Deep inside, I can't help but smile. Despite all of his pranks, I guess Rin actually know what's the meaning of embarrassment too.

"Are you ready?" the maid said, "Well then, start!"

Even though she said that, both Rin and myself ended up staring at each other with embarrassment. I'm looking directly into his eyes and I know that he's doing the same. Our faces must be red with embarrassment, but I suppose something like that is just natural. I think anyone would be embarrassed if they're doing this while being watched by the other people.

"Y-You start eating first!" I said to Rin.

Rin remained silent before taking a bite and leaned a few centimeters forward and in exchange, once he's done, I took my bite and leaned forward a few centimeters as well; still staring at each other in embarrassment. Somehow, at the same time we gulped before starting to take our turn biting the remains of the pocky stick and only coming to a stop when it's only a bite away before we're actually kissing each other. Our hands are joined and our noses are only a few millimeters away from touching. I stared at Rin, feeling nervous all of the sudden, and definitely not knowing what to do at such a situation. I gripped Rin's hand and I could see him staring at me.

"Well, are you two about to give up?" I could hear the maid's voice.

Before I could react, before I could say anything, I could feel Rin's lips against mine. He took the last bite and actually kissing me this very moment. Instinctively, I close my eyes and kissed him back in return; coming to a stop only a few seconds later as I could feel him pulling himself back. I pulled back as well before gazing away, trying to avoid Rin's sight as I placed a finger upon my lips. A few seconds later, I tried to shift my gaze towards Rin and caught him already looking at me. That instant, I gazed away once again, trying to get rid of my embarrassment. Even though we're actually going out... why am I feeling embarrassed like this?

"This taste good," I could hear Rin's comment as he munched at the last bit of the pocky stick, "And just become better."

I blushed.

"O-Oi, Rin! C-Can't you at least be more aware of your surroundings?" I could hear Aniki's voice.

"Hmm? What's with it?"

"Y-You're kissing right in front of the public!"

"Since we're going out, it's fine, isn't it?"

"H-Have you no shame?" I could hear Kuroneko's voice right now; probably she's trying to back Aniki up, "T-To do such embarrassing thing in front of the public-"

"What's wrong with showing the fact that I love Kirino to the other people? I love her, of course I'd kiss her. I love her, of course I want to hog her all for myself."

My blush got even worse and I noticed that I'm trying to shrink myself, wanting to disappear because the embarrassment is just too much. Almost all of the people in the cafe are staring at us and I believe I couldn't be even more embarrassed than this. I want to disappear.

"Speaking of which..." I shifted my attention towards Rin, "Isn't it your turn now for the game, Kyo?"

I blinked. Oh right, Aniki said that he'd play along with Kuroneko as long as she's fine with it. I shifted my sight towards Kuroneko, who's staring at Aniki for a moment, before she finally gave a nod. It seemed that she agreed to play along. Well, I couldn't ignore the red hue upon her cheeks, but no one wouldn't be embarrassed when they're participating at a game like this, isn't it?

I switched my gaze towards Aniki. He already bit one of the edges of the pocky stick and right now he's looking at Kuroneko. Kuroneko herself seemed to hesitate for a moment before leaning forward and bit the other edge of the pocky stick and staring at him. For no reason, I feel somewhat embarrassed and so I switched my gaze to the other direction; before finding myself looking at Rin. Even though his expression could be considered as normal, I notice the red hue upon his cheeks. This must be what Aniki and Kuroneko felt when they watched us before.

"So are the two of you ready?" the maid asked, only to smile when Aniki gave a nod of approval, "Start!"

Unlike me and Rin before, both Aniki and Kuroneko start eating at the same pace. They're not waiting for each other for turns, but instead start eating at the same pace. But just like us, they stopped when it's only a bite away from finishing the pocky stick. And just like us, it's only a few centimeters away before their noses start touching. Unintentionally, I covered my face with both hands because of embarrassment. Even though I already did it with Rin before, I can't deny the fact that it's actually embarrassing to watch...

"S-So..." the maid asked the same question like before, "A-Are you two going to give up?"

Peeking through my fingers, I shifted my sight towards Aniki and then towards Kuroneko. The two of them are blushing like mad and somehow, I got even more embarrassed than before, so I close my eyes again, finding it a bit too much to watch them because of the embarrassment.

"I-I will repeat the question, a-are you two going to give up?" I could hear the maid asking once again and I figured that both Aniki and Kuroneko haven't finished the last bit of the pocky stick. I peeked through my fingers and shifted my gaze towards him, only to notice that he's already looking at me. I can't help but arching an eyebrow at the questioning look upon his expression, but I widened my eyes a bit when that questioning look turned into a grin.

Rin steadily moved closer towards Aniki.

"I think I'm going to the bathroom for the time being-"

Before he bopped into Aniki's back and causing Aniki to kiss Kuroneko. I could see that the two widened their eyes that very moment and almost instantly pulled back. Aniki gazing away as he scratched the back of his head while Kuroneko gazed down at the floor as she placed a finger to her lips. I shifted my gaze towards Rin and noticed that playful and childish smile upon his lips. It seemed that both Aniki and Kuroneko didn't realize that Rin was the one who caused what just happened a few moments ago.

And then I noticed Rin's expression change. "I-I'm sorry, Kyo! A-Are you alright?"

"M-Mhmm.. I suppose." Judging from Aniki's voice, I think he didn't realize that Rin was the one who made the kissing from before happened.

"What about you, Ruri-chan?"

"M-Mind your own business." It seemed that Kuroneko didn't realize it too.

I think they're too captivated by what happened earlier that they didn't realize that Rin was the one behind it. I shifted my gaze towards Rin, only that he's already looking at me like before and only in a split second, I could see the usual carefree and childish smile attached to his lips.

Today... I believe it will be another day that I will never forget.