I was on my way home as a swift gust of wind blew scattering cherry blossom petals through the air and onto the ground. It has been windy lately so I should clean the area. I changed out of my uniform into my usual casual clothes and picked up a broom. By the time I went outside the whole yard was spotless. I saw Subaru-san coming up holding a broom and a bag most likely filled of petals.

"So you're the reason this area is usually clean."

"Yes."

"Welcome back." Iori-san greeted me

"I'm home Iori-san." I replied and turned around to see Subaru-san going back inside

"What's wrong?"

"Oh it's nothing. I should have been the one cleaning though."

"It's alright. It's Subaru-niisan's job. Everyone has their jobs in the apartment."

"Just like you're in charge of the garden." I looked at the beautiful red tulips "It looks beautiful."

"I'm glad you like it. I have a present for you." he pulled from his bag a bright tulip

I put the tulip in a small vase. It will make a nice decoration for my desk.

"In the language of flowers, a red tulip means a confession of love! Aya, who gave you this?!" Juli demanded

"I got it from Iori-san. It's just a present, there's no deep meaning about it."

"No, you can't let your guard down! This time is when the wolves are in heat because of mating season!"

"Yes, yes."

"By the way what's going on that day?" he pointed to a date on the calender that I marked

"That's the day of Subaru-san's basketball match."

"What did you say?! Are you going to cheer him on?!"

"That's right."

"No, no, no! No cheering him on!"

"It's normal to cheer your family members on." I said. Besides I promised him. I may not be passionate about sports but I support Subaru-san and Yusuke-kun because they do their best at it.

Despite Juli's protests, I caught the train and made it to the venue in record time. A good number of people came out to support the teams. It was a good match so far, the Meiji team was hanging in there with a one point difference as the game entered into the final quarter.

I felt a tap on my shoulder "You came as well?"

"Natsume-san"

"You're alone? Do you like basketball?"

"Well I'm not really a fan of sports but Subaru-san invited."

"By Subaru? Why would he invite you?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked being slightly offended, he makes it sound like it's a bad thing.

"Meiji University, player substitution. In replacement of Number 7 Yamada, Number 14, Asahina will play"

Finally, Subaru-san got his chance to play. I waved to him "Subaru-san, good luck!" I'm sure he saw me. "Come on Natsume-san, you should be cheering too."

"Right."

The match resumed, Subaru-san got the ball and made a perfect score. The game was soon in Meiji's favor as Subaru-san made every dunk possible.

"Subaru-san's amazing."

"I heard he was a in a slump but it looks like he recovered."

We were down to the last minute of the game. The opposing team had the ball. I was on the edge of my seat as the time counted down to the last couple of seconds.

"Come on Subaru-san."

The player made a shot but it bounced against the board. A Meiji player managed to recoevered the ball and passed it to Subaru-san. There was only ten seconds left so this was one of those moments where victory and defeat are decided.

"Go Subaru-san/Subaru!" Natsume-san and I shouted

Subaru-san jumped and threw the ball. The timer hit zero as the ball went in and made a successful three=pointer. Meiji Univeristiy won the game. The team celebrated

"All right!" I cheered and clapped "Subaru-san was amazing making that shoot."

We exited the venue. I thought I should greet Subaru-san but he will probably be busy celebrating with his team. Besides, I can see him at home. I should make a special celebratory meal for him.

"That was an amazing match and the team made such a comeback."

"That's right. The sky looks ominous."

I looked up to the sky, it was filled with ominous clouds "The weather report did say there would be scattered showers." Good thing I carried my umbrella just in case.

"Want a ride? My car is parked nearby."

"I'll be fine."

"Don't hold back. We're siblings after all."

"Okay." It will be easier getting home by car anyway.

Natsume-san's phone rang "It's from a business partner. Wait for me over there." he said so I nodded

I felt a raindrop so I opened my umbrella because a downpour might occur and sat on a railing.

"Hey!" I saw Subaru-san running up towards me "I did it!"'

"Yes, congratulations. You were amazing-"I was cut off as he pulled me into a hug

"Thank you for everything. It's all thanks to you. I was able to do my best because you came to my match." If he's happy then I'm happy too. He pulled away from the hug to face me

"Hey, do you have someone that you like?"

"What?"

"I'm speaking seriously. Please tell me. Are you dating someone?" I shook my head in reply, I was starting to feel nervous

"I see." he put his arms on my shoulders "Then I want you to always be by my side. From now on, always. I need you." It can't be...Subaru-san, is he...?

"Subaru." We turned our attention to Natsume-san. Oh no did he overhear?

"Natsu-nii, why are you here?"

"I should be asking that question. Why are you here right now? Where are your teammates? The supervisor? The coach?

"Natsu-nii..."

"Just because you did a good job in the match, don't become conceited, there's still the second match. It's not like you won the championship. Return already. If you are going to be an idiot, do it after you become a pro." Even if he is giving advice, that was harsh. Subaru-san did nothing wrong. "It's too early for you."

"I don't want to hear this from someone like you who doesn't put that much effort into their work." Did Natsume-san used to play basketball?

"Even if you continued, if you aren't putting it all in what you do, it's the same thing."

The rain fell as the atmosphere was quiet and brooding. These two do not get along; something serious must have happened in the past to cause such tension. I do not know what to say and do in this situation. I do not even know their past.

"I'm fed up." Subaru-san glanced at me "Think about what I said earlier." Then he left. We're siblings, I can support him but that is all I can do. Our parents' wedding made it official, going against it would ruin everything.

"Are you going out with Subaru?"

"O-Of course not! We're siblings! Why did you ask such a question?!"

"Ah no"

"You've been suspicious of me when it comes to Subaru-san. Are you blaming me for something?!" I asked angrily

"That's not what I meant."

I sighed, I hate this feeling of frustration "Just forget it." I started to walk

"Hey

"I said I'll be fine getting home by myself!" I raised my voice "I want to be alone right now." I lowered my voice

"I had no intention of hurting you. I'm sorry."

I just started walking not wanting to give a reply. I do not know how to face Subaru-san when I see him at home. I can avoid the subject but not forever and I cannot ask for advice directly. I'm happy being a member of the Asahina family. I do not want to jeopardize that for anything.