"Is something bothering you, Rin?" Kyousuke asked, looking at his little sister who was sat next to him on the bed. She had her legs pulled up to her chest and a sullen expression on her face. Something was obviously on her mind.

"Hmm." Rin blew out a puff of breath. Her brow furrowed. "You know, Kyousuke..." She paused.

"Yes?" Kyousuke leaned in, peering at her face.

It probably wasn't all that surprising she was feeling troubled, considering the magnitude of what they were doing together. They were having to meet in secret and tell all sorts of lies to prevent the truth from ever coming out. It was a considerable burden to bear and he had been well aware of that when they started.

Keeping secrets wasn't easy, especially one of this magnitude, but there was no other choice. The weight of this sin was heavy enough that friendships could be destroyed was the truth ever to be known and they couldn't possibly risk it. It had to be kept out of sight at all times. Kissing, fondling, even holding hands, were strictly forbidden unless they knew they were alone and there was no chance of their being seen. Kyousuke did find it a bit maddening at times, and he was sure Rin did too.

"I don't really like it." Rin's body heaved with a great sigh.

Kyousuke placed a hand on her shoulder. "You don't like what?"

"You know, this... having to keep it a secret from everyone."

Ah. So he had been right on the mark after all. Kyousuke exhaled. "Rin..."

Rin met his gaze, guilt shining in her eyes. "I don't like having to lie and keep secrets from our friends." And she meant everything she said with all her heart. When she was looking at the smiling, unsuspecting faces of her friends and listening to them talk innocently about matters of love, it always felt like a knife was being twisted in her gut. "I wish we could just tell everyone."

Kyousuke knew exactly how she felt. Her feelings were the same as his own after all. He wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in the crook of her neck. "Believe me, I know. But it's just not the right time yet."

Rin leaned into him and relaxed against his warm body. "It's never going to be the right time, is it?"

Kyousuke didn't reply. There was no point in doing so when they both knew what the answer was.