CHAPTER OF CONTINUATION 17

Behold, the mighty sport car sleeping before our eyes!

Yeah! Seriously… really, I'm serious!

Too serious that I can't think that the company actually owns the car and hardly saw it to be driven by any employee.

….!

"Can you start it?" asked Ayumi once everyone were inside the silver French car.

"I don't know, let's just try."

I inserted the key and pushed the start button.

Ciik Ciik Ciiik Ciiiik!

….

The engine died.

Maybe not enough air. I once again pushed the button together with the acceleration pedal.

Ciik Ciik Ciiik Ciiiik!

VVVVVROOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMM!

"It started." Affirmed Ayase.

As I checked everything once the engine started running, basically: oil indicator and engine light were off, and handbrake light was on. Nothing, abnormal, the car was good to go. After seconds of warming up, I put on the seatbelt, switched on the air conditioner, shifted to reverse gear and put off the handbrake.

Tik… Tik… Tik… The reversing sensor resounded.

After getting a clear vision route up ahead, I drove straight to the exit.

"So, Ayumi, where am I going to drop you off?"

"Home is fine."

"Okay."

"Is this your first time driving?"

"Nah… I've driven your mother a few times before, when her driver was away. Though, this is the first time for a sport car."

"Then, how does it feel?"

"Amazing."

A short answer but means a lot, it's outrageously amazing! Even so I need some time to recognize the function each of the button presenting all over the driver seat, I somehow caught a thing or two of the basic button like shifting gear using pedal and putting off the handbrake.

I must say the engineering of this car is sophisticated.

There's also a button to change between racing mode and comfort mode which means exactly what is has said. The engine terrifically sounds better than ordinary cars and the pickup for each gear is swift.

An overall remarks for this car of all I've seen, it's spectacular.

"You sound… a little excited….?"

"Haa…? What are you—"

"Yes! Onii-chan is definitely excited!" intervened Ayase.

"Ahah! Pinpoint! As expected from his little sister!"

"I know right, it's also rare to see onii-chan seems to like something."

"Agreed, I also hardly see your brother like this despite after two years of being in the same class!"

"I can imagine that, Umm… umm…" Ayase nodded in further agreement.

"—Always with his emotionless face!"

Before allowing them to speak of me more, I shifted to racing mode and to the lowest gear and revved the engine until it almost reach 9000 rpm.

VVVVRROOOOM!

High rpm, loud engine's noise and lowest speed possible.

This might hurt the clutch and engine….

However thanks to my almost brilliant idea, their voiced were drowned deep by the noise.

"…O…iiii..nn! S….p!

VVVVVROOOOOMMMMMM!

"….h….. o doing?"

I could hardly hear them. Thereupon, I kept revving until at least we were are 30 seconds mark. Then I hit the brake pedal almost immediately.

"We've arrived." I asserted as I showed Ayumi her home.

"….Ugh… seriously, are you mad because we were talking about you?"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"…Don't fake your ignorance…."

"Definitely! Onii-chan was mad, I guarantee it!" interfered Ayase unanimously.

"ENOUGH, the day is getting late, girls aren't supposed to hang out too much. It's dangerous!"

Seeing me, Ayumi abruptly smiled.

"—What…?"

"Nothing~"

Why did she just smile…?

"Anyway, have a safe trip tomorrow!"

She set her foot outside and looked at both of us through the window.

"—Goodbye Ayase-san and Satoshi!

Then she left, entering the apartment.

Sigh…. I can't explain my feeling right now.

Knowing the front seat was empty, Ayase had her shoes thrown below the front seat. Afterward, she climbed through the middle gap and took the passenger seat.

"Ootto!"

Soon after she had a proper seat, Ayase began a conversation.

"—That was some impeccable face you made, onii-chan."

"Huh?"

"Don't you know what Ayumi-san was seeing?"

"…Huh…? I can't comprehend anything."

"Onii-chan was making a frustrated face."

"Impossible, I'm sure that was your imagination."

Ayase continued with a happier smile.

"Hehehe, no matter what onii-chan says, we got to see a priceless expression."

I swallowed my saliva in large amount and started rethinking.

"It's not like you hardly talk to me."

"Don't you know? I somehow can't understand what you're thinking."

Seriously? You even succeeded blackmailing me when you were younger…

But…

I don't know why they were so fascinated seeing me making such expression. Did I hardly make emotion during conversations? That might be true for my old self… I don't think I'm like that now...

"…Well, whatever you want. Let's get back."

I shifted the gear and accelerated to my apartment. Once we'd arrived at the destination, I parked the car at the basement known as B1 and went back to my room.

Crank* the door opened and the light in the room was turned on one by one. Feeling tired, I quickly lied on the bed with my hands spread broadly. Following my lead, Ayase took off her jacket and sat next to me. She gently held my left hand and each of our finger clenched into each other's, giving me the chance to feel her smooth fragile skin.

"Ayase, why don't you go back?"

"I want to stay with onii-chan."

"You make mom and dad worry, you know?"

"I've told them, so it's okay. Besides, let's give our parents their time."

"What nonsensical idea you're suggesting… you never know what they're doing in the bedroom every night."

"And…." She touched my lips on the top then looped around it.

"—They never know what we're doing in this bedroom…"

She smiled…. A lustful smile.

In response to her allurement, I mildly bit the finger.

"Auummm."

"—Gho tow schleep…"

"What? I don't understand."

I tried to spit out her finger, but.

"Ahkkk…"

She insisted on leaving my mouth and tried to keep it at edge.

"—Akkhh…! Akkhh…"

"Hehe, I don't understand any word onii-chan is saying~"

"Akkkcchh!"

This girl…

I tried to push her back using the hand I clenched with Ayase's but once she knew I was trying to make a move, she locked firmly as to prevent it from budging.

"Hehe…"

"Jhon.t…-"

I lifted my lying body, pushed everything and used my free hand to knock Ayase down.

"—Mess with me, little sister!"

Pap* she fell beneath me.

Our eyes met, looking each other in passion. But… that did not change everything, just our everyday siblings joke. After a quick second, I flicked her forehead.

"Ouch!"

"Sleep, I'm tired. We need to wake up early in the morning."

"Aww… onii-chan… can't you spoil me a little bit more?"

I stood up and moved away from her.

"I've spoiled you enough for today."

"...Aww…." she pouted, "—Cheapskate."

Taking off the jacket, I replied, "Say whatever you want," prior going to the bathroom.

After that, we cleaned ourselves and went quietly to bed.

"…"

….

The next morning, we packed some clothes as preparation while getting changed into our party outfit.

"How is it, onii-chan?" she grinned proudly as she presented herself in the dress.

Her hair was styled, straight layered with side-swept, and makeup had been applied adequately. Her choice of clothing and fashioning were splendid and still persisting the conservative look. Though, it's hard to spot any differences in the hairstyle, all the things I noticed was, it's neater.

"Yeah, it' good, honestly."

"Ahaha… thank you onii-chan. But… being said that, why don't you wear a suit? Perhaps, more of a formal outfit?"

"The invitation said I could wear anything comfortable, I think this is fine."

I wore the most favourite attire I'd been living with. I keep it in safe for a long time because I'm afraid of damaging it for whatever the situation. Furthermore, I've been wearing suit when going to work so… it's already out, I'm fed up.

"Well, if onii-chan is okay with that, I don't mind."

"Good for you to understand, let's go."

We brought in the invitation set and got into the Ferrari and headed to our destinations.

In this magnificent vehicle, I could comfortably confirm its driving quality was top-notch. To get to the designated destination, one of the ways I chose was to drive through Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, which was the shortest path to Yokohama. It's a Highway crossing the sea from Sadegura.

While driving on the Highway Bridge…

"Waaahh…. It's the sea. How beautiful…!"

"You can open the window if you'd like."

"Really? Can I?"

"Your hair will be messed up, though."

"Sheeesh! Then, no thank you."

After a moment of silence, Ayase spoke again.

"—Anyway, who exactly is inviting us?"

"Makishima Kaori, you know… the lady we met years ago during the summer vacation with our parents?"

"I can't quite remember…. Who was it?"

"Well, don't force yourself. It's not a shock knowing you have forgotten about it."

"Ehh…. Wait."

"Hmm?"

"Did you say Makishima?"

"Yeah?"

"I think I've heard the name before…"

"Of course you did, it's—"

"Yes! I don't know whether they're related or not, I know a girl named Makishima also, Makishima Saori!"

"Sibling or some sort?"

Eh wait… Saori-chan? It's Kaori's little sister. Now I remember!

That time when she made me visited her little sister who was having a weak body…. Yes, that is!

So, her name is Saori…

"—I think Saori is Kaori little sister…See, the names also sound familiar."

"To think Makishima-san has a sister…"

"You can't expect that, it happens all the time, even your friends don't know about my existence."

Hearing that, Ayase made an ignorance face, closing her eyes in confidence.

"Well, I should be totally agreeing that. But it's somehow a different story, it was painful to mention about ONII-CHAN, who had LEFT ME ALONE WITH STUPID REASONS."

Those words stabbed me…. Light but deep.

I could reply nothing but to laugh wryly.

"….Ahaha….."

We went through an artificial island named Umihotaru before getting into tolls then Kawasaki city. After passing the hectic city, we went through Metropolitan Expressway Bayshore Route and ultimately Yokohama Port.

It took us at least 3 hours to complete the journey.

03:11 p.m.

Once we had arrived, there were guards escorting our heading once I'd shown him the parking sticker at the parking lot. There was a gigantic cruise anchored at the port and that's where we were guided. We parked at the nearest position to the cruise.

"….It's one big cruise…." Expressed Ayase.

"I agree…."

It's so damn huge, if I were to estimate its length, it should be around 1000 ft.

We got out of the car and a guard greeted us.

"Good evening sir and lady. Are you attending the party?"

"Yes."

"If that so, please use the hallway provided to enter the cruise."

"I understand."

"Have a nice day, excuse me."

The guard left.

We were both speechless seeing the cruise. I should have expected this but still, it amazed me nonetheless. And Ayase was completely out of words.

"In conclusion…. Who exactly is this Makishima….?"

"Clueless, but definitely some moneymaker…"

With a big shock above our head, we went to the hallway as asked then to the stair leading to the cruise. We were asked to show the electronic card at the entrance and then inserted into a machine. Upon checking it, the guard halted our advancement.

"Please wait a moment, someone is picking you up." The guard said.

Thus, we waited for about 5 minutes.

Afterward,

"Yo, you both are here already?"

Makishima Kaori greeted us.

She wore a butler outfit.

…What?

"What's with that outfit?"

"Assume it that I'm trying to experience being a butler."

"As far as I concern, I can see that… but why butler?"

"I just feel it."

I can't say it's bad. The appearances of her wearing it was perfect. Not to mention, the curve of her female body and tied hair was indeed attractive.

Forget it, it's a freedom, why not?

"… You could be maid?"

"Maid fetish eh…? Not bad, um, um." Kaori nodded sarcastically.

"NO!"

Without me realizing it, Ayase looked at me with disesteem eyes.

"—No, listen to me Ayase. It's just a suggestion, okay?"

Continuing with her belittle look, she replied.

"Hmmmm….. who knows huh?"

What the hell? You're the one who've cosplayed as a maid!

"Well, well, leave it you two. The party starts at five, let me show you your room before then." Saori intervened.

"—This way."

Accepting Kaori's offer, we followed her lead bypassing the entrance guards. We went to the highest floor of guest rooms using an elevator, heading straight to room 409. We weren't went through the main ground so we hardly saw anything on the cruise.

"Here."

She opened the door and showed us the interiors. It was splendid and luxurious, the wall painted golden with an air-conditioner. A king size bed colored red and there was two lamps on each side of the bed. The main lamp was attached above the ceiling and the back alley leads to the bathroom.

It's moderately spacious.

"—Have some time to ready up before the party. I'll be on the café at the ground floor if you need anything."

"—And… the party will be held at the main hall beside the café…-Well, you will know right away if you just see it."

"…Alright…"

"Okay, then. Enjoy your stay."

Kaori left the room, desolating us siblings.

Somehow….. Curiosity stroke me again. I wanted to explore the whole ship.

"Ayase, I'm thinking of strolling outside, what are you going to do?"

"Hmm…." She checked on her hair.

"—My hair is kind of all over the place, I need to tidy it up. I'll contact oni-chan when I'm done."

"Got that."

Thus, I took my leave, stopping at the door.

"Alright, where do I start…"

We came from the left side which is the shortest route to the elevator and I assumed the right side also had an elevator. From where we came, I hardly saw any good view of the ship. I think it'll be a vain if I take the same route.

"Kaori also left through the right side…."

So, let's take the right route.

I proceeded as what I had been thinking. As expected, there was three elevators. I took one of them to go the G floor.

Ting!

I directly been at the café.

….Guess the left side elevator will lead to the outer rig of the cruise.

The café was also top-notch, western styled and it well decorated with high-grade furniture. Nothing failed to amuse its customers with its round tables along a white linen and affluent chairs. At the center of each table, there was a bouquet of rose delectating the atmosphere.

Scouting around the café, I saw Kaori was in charge of beverage section. Hence, I approached her.

"Yo, working?" I greeted her while she was sheening a glass.

"Hey, as you can see. I'm working as a butler."

I took a sit.

"Yeah… you had me, I never expected that you actually work as butler."

"You want something to drink?"

"Give me something non-alcoholic."

"Oh? You don't drink wine or maybe 'sake'?"

"Nah… I don't like those things."

"I see…-Well, it's not like we're serving alcoholic drink."

Then get your ass and make one!

"—Is lemon tea okay?"

"…Yeah…."

While Kaori continued her work, I observed my surrounding. I saw many type of people, people that clothed casually like mine, people with her formal suit and dress. Though, I saw majority of them wore casual attire.

After a while,

"Here you go."

Kaori finished concocting my order. The drink was decorated with a mini umbrella and a lemon was cut halves and hanged on the side of the glass.

"Thank you."

I sucked quarter of the content.

Ahh… it's refreshing. A commendable drink despite being made by someone I thought she couldn't…

"…"

During my leisure time, I had heard a voice.

"Hey, Kaori-san… Have you seen Kirino?"

Hmm?

Quickly, I turned my sight toward the incoming voice.

Once my eyes met the speaker…-

"Gekh…!"

He also spurted, "Gekh..!"

Kousaka Kyousuke….

He wore a complete black suit while maintaining his normal hairstyle.

"Why are you here…?" I asked.

"…I got invited… you?"

"Well…. I got forcefully, invited."

"Oohh? You two know each other?" Kaori intervened.

We both looked at Kaori simultaneously.

Not knowing how to handle the awkwardness, we both started a staring contest at Kaori.

"…"

….

Ah…

"—Um? What's the matter you both?"

I kept my silence while Kyousuke tried to break it.

"…Nah.. it's nothing… You're right, we've known each other… -Anyway, have you seen Kirino? We got separated somehow…"

"No. The last time I saw her was with you."

"…Ah… I see…"

"I think she would be coming here."

"…Yeah, perhaps she will."

"Would you like another drink while waiting for her?"

"Sure."

And he took sit next to me then turned his sight toward me.

"—So…. Is Ayase here too?"

As an answer, I gave him a ferocious stare.

"—Akckk… I mean, Ayase-chan…is here?"

I sucked another quarter of the tea.

"She's in the room."

"—Where's the others?"

"You mean the circle members?"

"Yeah."

"So far I came here with Kirino… Saori was helping arranging the party, about Kuroneko…. I lost contact with her."

"—And oh… where's Sakurai? Did she get the invitation too?"

"I don't know about her. She probably got one since Saori had her number."

After done, Kaori served another tea to Kyousuke.

"Here you go."

"Ah, thank you."

I looked at Saori and slurped another quarter, leaving the glass almost empty.

"Why is your little sister managing your birthday party while you do superfluous work?"

"Ooohhh? You remember Saori-chan?!" she suddenly unnecessarily asked unneeded question.

"…Yea… Just a moment ago…"

"It's nothing particular, I just feel it's such a hassle so I passed."

Your own birthday…?

Well, precisely it's HER party. What am I talking about.

"Did you properly plan this party...?

"At first, it should be just casual party in our circle. But we came out with a great idea, and here we are!"

"And... what idea it might be…?"

"Well, you will see later."

"Now you say…." Kyousuke sucked empty his tea.

"—Did you meet Kaori-san and Saori-san long ago, umm… Aragaki…?"

"Satoshi is fine, calling Aragaki will confuse between Ayase and me."

"…Um… I got it." He nodded.

"Let's see… when I was in middle school… I guess?"

"…Wooh… that's quite a long time ago…"

"...Yeah…. it just memories…."

Terrible memories I wish it wouldn't happen…

A silence occupied the atmosphere, leaving only small talk of other people resounding the café.

Soon after…

"Ahh..! This is where they are!"

Kirino was coming together with Ayase. She wore a white dress, almost like a wedding dress but more to the simplicity. Her hair was tied at the back like the high raise bun.

We both looked backward, welcoming them.

Seeing Kyousuke, Ayase continued the greeting.

"Good day, onii-san."

"….Ah…. good day Ayase…-chan…"

"My goodness Kyousuke, why did you leave without telling me at the pool?" Kirino expressed her dissatisfaction.

Suspecting the sibling's conversations, Ayase and I both went, "Hmm? Kyousuke?"

Hearing us, Kyousuke went panic and immediately put a rejection sign.

Kirino by response, covered her mouth as if she had spoken unneeded words.

"—Ahh….No, no! YOU, why did YOU leave on your own?!"

"Ahahah…" he laughed wryly.

"—Please Kirino, don't beat around the bush. We got separated by the sudden crowd…Ahaha….."

"Ooooh….! I see!"

Kirino expression became stiff.

Grasping the chance, Ayase's eyes turn cold.

"Say ONII-SAN…. Is SOMETHING still happening?"

Both Kirino and Kyousuke turned extremely supressed. Their fake laughter faded in a heartbeat.

"—ONII-SAN?" Ayase again asked with even more ravenous voice.

Upon knowing they were stuck in the situation, Kyousuke looked at me and whispered.

"Oiih! Please help, she's your little sister right?!"

Casually I replied.

"I refuse."

"Why?!"

"Because it's fun."

"…..! You goddamn sadistic brother!"

"Heh." I spit out an imperious laugh.

"ONII-SAN, ASNWER ME? DID YOU NOT HEAR ME?" Ayase's voice packed the atmosphere.

"…Wait, wait Ayase…. There's explanations to this…" Kirino tried to calm Ayase.

However, she was ignored.

Once again, Kyousuke begged me.

"…I'm seriously going to die!"

"…."

Okay, I think this is enough.

I stood up and walked toward Ayase. Giving her a benign pet on the head, I asked.

"Ayase, what made you… feel uneasy?"

She lowered her voice.

"It's nothing big… Just somehow, I thought this…PERVERT, did something to Kirino."

Kyousuke swallowed hard.

"Calm down… maybe they have their reasons. Give them time."

Well, I doubt they have relevant reasons at all.

"…Okay… if onii-chan says so…."

"The problem is solved."

Both Kirino and Kyousuke released a relief sigh.

"Really amusing!" Kaori reentered the conversation.

Hearing that, Kirino and Kyousuke kept up with their anxious face.

The next second of our silent celebration of peace, a butler came whispering Kaori's ears.

"…Umm…."

"…."

"Alright, I got it."

Looking at us, she announced,

"The party will start soon, I need to get ready. I recommend you guys to enter the hallway now. The entrance is there." While pointing toward a door, signed 'Main Hall'.

We nodded in understanding.

"—See you there."

She left with the butler.

04:40 p.m.

"Is she going to be the host?" asked Ayase.

"Seems like it." answered Kirino.

"Let's go."

Despite saying that, I gave a clear path for the girls to take the lead. After they took a few steps ahead, I came closer to Kyousuke by slowing down my steps.

"Hey, I hardly say this to other person."

"Huh?"

"…I think… something outrageous is going to happen."

"How'd you know….?"

"Hunch."

"…Huh? Hunch? Can we believe it?"

"Well, if I say if you still love Ayase, I would certainly kill you right now."

"Acckkhh?!"

"But you're not, so you're still alive."

"…Ah… ha…. Don't scare me like that…"

"Presumably, depends on your reaction just now, you still had some feeling for her right?"

"…N-no!"

Hell, you will not be scared if you don't love Ayase at all. That's so obvious…

I… can't accept that... though….

"Anyway, nothing escapes my observations. Kaori definitely has something in her mind… And…"

"—Not just her…"

"So... you're saying your speculation is closer to like…. An esper?"

"Don't be an idiot, esper doesn't exist. Only pertinent person that could make good calculation and estimation exists."

"—You see those girls walking in front of us?"

"Kirino and Ayase-chan?"

"They're lesbian."

"….?!"

Even after experiencing shock, he quickly came to his sense.

"—Maybe you're right…"

"Huh? Are you serious? I was just joking."

"I'm not sure about your joke… I can tell you that there's one day where Ayase confessed that she would marry Kirino by all means if possible…."

I'm not in the place to say this, Ayase and Kirino are being lesbian is not quite true. Overly affection Ayase toward Kirino plays a big role here, it's only one-sided excessive love. Whatever the reason… my imagination of Ayase and Kirino being lover is limitless.

No.. Just imagine, if they were to engage in an intercourse…. Those skins, lips….

Oh…

—Stop!

Seeing us stopped suddenly, they confusingly stared at us.

"Anyway, just be prepared if something unexpected happens. The chance in unlikely though… I hope."

He nodded.

Thereafter, we began synchronizing their step and eventually arrived in the main hall.

We were fascinated big time, the hall was extra huge. Like five times the normal hall we had been. The hall was filled with people of many brand whether they looked rich or looked ordinary… and the most interesting fact was quite majority of them wore normal clothes.

These should be almost all of the passengers and at the café were just partial of them.

It…. Took my curiosity quite a lot….

Why would they wear something so casual to a grand party like this? This exceeds my expectation.

And these people…

…

There's a big circular wall centering the hall with variety of food served on the tables. In a pattern of per five meters, a set of tables and chairs were provided with a jug of orange juice available.

04:59 p.m.

Ktak!

The light was turned off completely and the hall fell in darkness.

After a few seconds…

05:00 p.m.

Ktak!

The light was turned on.

Everyone focused on Kaori who was standing on the stage.

….What…

She now wore his black casual biker jacket, giving speech on the stage.

"Ladies and gentleman! Thank you for coming to my birthday party! You have thousands of my appreciation."

"—As scheduled, the party is starting now! The main event will be held two hours from now, so stay tuned!"

"—For now, I don't have anything to say, so feast!"

A round of applause echoed the hall.

…What a carefree speech, unlike her little sister….

While everyone was busy getting the food and beverage, I happened to meet eyes with Kirara from afar, beckoning to come outside.

"Hey guys, I'm going out for a little bit." I told them.

Without confirming their approval, I went straight to Kirara after successfully evading the crowd.

"Yo." I greeted her.

"Good evening, mind going outside?"

"Sure."

We went through the nearby door and opened it.

SHHHUUUUUUHHHHH~

The sea breeze welcomed us. The broad sea was before our eyes and the cruise had set sailed minutes ago. The sun was setting with its yellow reddish glow, slowly saying goodbye to the day.

I followed Kirara until we reached the barricade and loafed near it.

"Isn't this nice?" she said as she held her floating hair blown by the breeze.

Kirara was in a violet dress with its side shoulder decorated with a short lining of moderate flowers… and her hair, was undone to give a look of long hair. Almost the same like I met her during the photo shoot sessions three years ago.

"…Totally…"

I stared at her deeply.

"…."

"—You…look pretty."

Turning her sight toward me, she replied.

"Ehem… you'd better not sweet talking to me."

"…Why…? I'm being honest."

"Yeah, yeah… I believe it, you're being honest."

"What….?"

"Nah, it's nothing… I'm just assuming that it's your new tactical plan to do something to me."

"…Ahaha…. That's cruel." I laughed wryly.

She then pointed her finger toward the upper level of the cruise. Obediently, I followed her to the uppermost deck through the stairs provided.

At the deck, there was three sets of table and chairs including umbrella with bases jutting at the center. To enhance the view, several pots of orchids were arranged around the barricade.

"…"

After a couple of silent moments, I decided to start.

"See Kirara…. Umm…."

I took a deep breath.

And exhaled.

"—I'm thinking to—"

Before I even finished my sentence, she hushed me silently using her tiny finger. Thus, she smiled.

"Not yet."

I was surprised, as well as being oddly suspicious.

"—We will talk once the party is over." she said.

Then, she put down her hand.

"….Ha…. weird."

"What is it?"

"You're the one who was eager to know the answer, now you told me to wait?"

"…Well… yeah, in fact… I've waited too long…."

"So… why?"

Without properly answering the question, she took steps further away and quickly turned around, cuing a gun, pointing on me.

"It's a match!"

What's with this declaration? Am I going to fight her or something?

That's what I've wanted!

Bring it on!

With an indefinite confidence, I replied.

"Whatever the match it will be, I bravely accept it!"

Her face was literally filled with joy.

"You're not going to run away? Like you always do?"

"Even I were to run away, I can't escape it forever. I'm a man to fulfill his promise!"

"We just see…. Listen, listen carefully…!"

"—Whatever is going to happen, it is real."

"Sure, you know too well that bluff won't work on me."

"…Yeah… I know you too well…."

The sun had completely set. The cruise's sources of light were magnificently switched on.

"—Oh… it's getting dark. Why don't you return to the hall?"

"Yeah, sure."

"—And, don't forget to stop by at my room, I'll make your night unbelievable!"

"Hahahaha… Your temptation is out of date you know? You can stop teasing me."

"I will make you! I promise!"

"Goodluck."

Hence, I returned to the hall through the same route, taking Kirara's words to oblivion.

The time passed by as I made a rendezvous with Kyousuke, Kirino and Ayase.

"Where were you going, onii-chan?" asked Ayase.

"I met an old friend."

Looking at the surrounding and ultimately at Kirino and Kyousuke who were standing next to each other, I asked.

"So, what's the main event?"

"…No idea, we've asked around but they don't know." Replied Ayase.

"Or…. Perhaps, they pretend that they don't know…" Kirino continued while making her face under a suspicion.

"Huh…? Why?"

"I don't know…. When we asked something like that, they slyly changed the subject."

I looked at Kyousuke while questioning him using an unspoken expression.

"Yeah…. I noticed that too." he said.

What is this main event?

I'm so curious…

06:55 p.m.

Tap! The light was turned off, once again the hall fell in darkness.

As per normal situation, we would wait until the light turn back on.

"…"

06:57 p.m.

It's quite a while….

"…"

06:59 p.m.

My head was feeling a terrible sense from far apart.

What is this…?

07:00 p.m.

Tap! The light was back on business.

"LADIES AND GENTLEMAN!" Kaori's arrival drummed the hall.

I noticed suddenly, there was a letter in my front pocket coming out of nowhere.

"Hm? What is this?"

I looked at Kyousuke, he also got the same thing. Afterward, we agreed to read it together.

Mine, written….

To Aragaki Satoshi:
Your little sister and her best friend are our hostages.

HUH….?!

I looked at the back, side and front. Ayase and Kirino went missing!

My sudden worries met with Kyousuke's after reading the letter.

Afterward, I sharply stared at Kaori who was on the stage. We traded eyes as she was snipping me with an evil smile and confident eyes, and me…. with a face that had its nerved cramped.

KAORI….