The familiar glow of the TV was the only light in the living room. As planned, Tsukasa was back at her parents' house for the weekend. She had one more exam next week, but other than that, she was free to take it easy for now. Her mom was in the kitchen making dinner, filling the room with a comfortable, familiar smell. Lying on her stomach with her head resting on top of her arms, it was the perfect environment to drift off.

When her eyes opened again, the first things she saw were two big eyes and long purple hair. She also felt a hand on her back, which helped her wake up. It took a moment for her brain to process that Kagami was staring back at her, grinning widely. "Sis?" Tsukasa mumbled. "When did you get here?"

"About fifteen minutes ago. You were out like a light when I came in." Kagami's hair was tied back into a long ponytail, as opposed to her usual twintails. It had been too long since they even spoke to one another, but now they finally had a chance to catch up. She had gone to a liberal arts university in a big city, while Tsukasa went to a smaller school with a good culinary program. Right now, though, none of that mattered.

"Hey, would you mind getting closer?" Tsukasa asked, still a little sleepy.

Kagami found a good position behind Tsukasa so she could hold her and placed a cushion under their heads. The twins got more affectionate with one another after Tsukasa started dating Masaru, not wanting to let a boy get between them. The extra touching was especially welcome after being away from home for so long, unable to do this sort of thing with anyone at all.

"You're as cuddly as ever," Kagami said. "Have you talked to Konata or Miyuki lately?"

"I've been meaning to, but Kona-chan never answers her phone, and Yuki-chan hardly has any time to talk. Maybe we'll be able to meet up when we get a longer break."

"Yeah, same here. I kind of miss Konata calling me to try and copy my homework. I hope they're doing okay. What about Nomura-kun? Are you still dating him?"

Tsukasa nodded. "Yeah, but we haven't been able to spend much time together lately. He said he had practice this weekend, so we won't be able to see each other."

"That's a pity." Kagami brought her mouth closer to Tsukasa's ear and dropped her voice. "So, just between us, how far have you two gone?"

Tsukasa wasn't sure what she meant. "You mean where have we gone on dates?"

"I'm asking if you've slept with him."

"We've taken a few naps together, but that's about it. Why?"

"No, no, no!" Kagami brought her voice down to a whisper, obviously not wanting their parents to overhear her. "Have you had sex with him yet?"

It took a moment for Kagami's words to sink in, but when they did, Tsukasa's cheeks felt like they were on fire. "No, we haven't. We're still trying to take things slow, so it hasn't come up." Masaru once told her that he didn't even have sexual feelings for her until they had already been dating for a few months. She couldn't bring herself to admit it, but her own fantasies about him were getting more and more intense. One day, maybe after he turned eighteen, she wanted to give her first time to him. For now, though, she wasn't in a hurry to do it.

"Well, if he tries to pressure you into anything you're not comfortable with, let me know." Kagami cracked her knuckles before picking up one of Tsukasa's hands. "I'll always be here for you, you know?"

Spending time with Kagami satisfied a different desire than being with Masaru. They knew more about each other than anyone else. The way their hands fit so perfectly into one another was a reminder off the special bond they shared. All their fears and doubts had long been laid bare.

"It sounds like you really missed me," Tsukasa said softly.

Kagami squeezed Tsukasa's hand a little tighter. "Yeah, I have. We used to do everything together, but then college ripped us apart. It's not easy to build a whole new social circle. I think I can count all the people at school whose first names I know on one hand. College would be so much easier if our old friends were still here."

"You know you could just call me if you needed someone to talk to, right? I'll always be here for you, too."

Kagami kissed Tsukasa on the cheek. "Of course. Anyway, I think dinner's just about ready, so let's go."

Reluctantly, the twins stood up and headed to the kitchen, where their parents were waiting. Inori and Matsuri hadn't been able to make it, so it was just the four of them tonight.

"So, how is college life treating you two?" their dad asked.

"Exhausting," Tsukasa answered. "I have to study a lot harder than I used to."

"I'm just about holding it together," Kagami replied. "I got roped into a study group with a few people in my English class, so it doesn't get too lonely."

"That's good, but don't forget to take time for yourself as well," their mom added.

The family returned to their meal. Sometimes it was nice just to have someone sitting across the table, even if they weren't saying anything. Tsukasa didn't have much time to cook for herself while at college, so this was a nice break from the simple dishes she had been making lately.

"Hey, I've been meaning to ask something," Tsukasa's dad said to her as they were taking their dishes to the sink. "What's the name of that band your boyfriend plays in?"

"His band? They're called Wilting Magnolia." Tsukasa only listened to them occasionally since their music was a little unsettling to her. She would probably never forget the first time she heard him growl like a beast onstage, but she knew it was all an act.

"Wilting Magnolia, huh? Do they have a YouTube channel? I might have to check them out."

"Er, I don't know. I'm not sure if you'd like their music anyway." Too worried about what her parents would think if they knew what kind of band he was in, Tsukasa took her leave from the table and went back to her room.

The feeling of Kagami's lips lingered on Tsukasa's cheek as she lay on her bed. It was the first time her sister had kissed her, and she didn't know what to think of it. Did she just miss Tsukasa so much that she couldn't help herself? Or maybe she's just getting clingy. Whatever the reason, Tsukasa didn't dislike the feeling. Obviously, she wouldn't say she was in love with Kagami per se, but the love she felt for her was unlike that of anyone else, including Masaru.

Guess I should text him before I forget, she thought. She looked around for her phone, but it wasn't on her person or the bed. Thinking she may have left it in the living room, she opened the door.

To her surprise, Kagami was on the other side, holding the phone. "Looking for this?"

Tsukasa took it from Kagami. "Oh, thanks. I was just about to go get it." Her hand was reaching for the doorknob when she noticed that something was wrong. Kagami's eyes were red and swollen, as if she had been crying. "Hey, what's the matter?"

"It's just...never mind. I'm fine." Kagami turned away and started walking towards her own room.

Tsukasa reached for her hand. "I've gotten pretty good at telling when you're lying, you know. Like when you said at dinner that you weren't lonely."

"I just don't want mom and dad to worry, that's all. Now can you let go of me?"

Frustrated, Tsukasa pulled Kagami closer and hugged her as tight as she could. "Sis, I love you, and I don't want to see you sad. Do you want to come cuddle some more?"

Kagami sighed. "Yeah. I'd like that a lot."