Saki's steps slowed as she reached Nodoka, her usual calm demeanour now marked with an unfamiliar hesitation. Her hand lightly tugged at her sleeve, eyes darting nervously between Nodoka and the bustling crowds around them. Nodoka mirrored her hesitation, clutching the strap of her bag tightly, her heart thudding in her chest. They stood just a few feet apart, both uncertain how to bridge the gap between months of phone calls and this face-to-face reunion.
"Hi, Saki-san…" Nodoka's voice was soft, her cheeks flushed slightly, but her eyes reflected the same joy that always warmed their conversations.
Saki's lips curled into a small, shy smile, her fingers playing nervously with the hem of her shirt. "Hi, Nodoka-chan…"
There was a brief silence between them—an awkward pause that felt both too long and too short. The words they'd exchanged so freely over the phone now seemed harder to speak aloud. Both of them fumbled through the moment, but despite their awkwardness, there was an undeniable happiness shared between them.
Teru stood silently, watching the scene unfold. She had been wary of Saki's growing bond with Nodoka. As an older sister, Teru's instinct was to protect Saki from anything that could hurt her, and letting her get close to someone outside of Shiraitodai felt like a risk. But watching her sister's shy smile now, and the soft way her eyes lit up at seeing Nodoka in person, Teru felt the knot of doubt in her chest loosen.
Saki seems... happy.
Even as she relented, Teru's protective instincts remained. She wouldn't interfere, but her watchful eyes would ensure that Nodoka wouldn't inadvertently cause harm. Teru would let this play out, for now, though the urge to step in lingered at the back of her mind.
The silence between Saki and Nodoka, though comforting, was broken by the sudden realization that the rest of the Kiyosumi team had also noticed Saki's presence. Hisa, Mako, Maho, and Yuuki stood a few feet away, eyes wide with recognition. Even Kyoutaro, who had been trailing behind with the club's bags, froze in place, staring at the two sisters.
"Wait... isn't that Miyanaga Saki?" Yuuki muttered in disbelief, blinking rapidly as if trying to make sure her eyes weren't playing tricks on her.
Maho nodded and said, "The one from that match on TV."
"And... that's the older sister, isn't it?" Mako added, her usual calm demeanour faltering slightly as she adjusted her glasses. "Miyanaga Teru..."
For a moment, the members of the Kiyosumi team were speechless. Seeing Saki, their former teammate, and her older sister— the famous Miyanaga sisters—standing together before them was a surreal sight.
Hisa, however, quickly regained her composure. While she didn't know that they are going to see them so soon, she knows that by the way Nodoka has been talking to the younger Miyanaga that they will see them. Not this soon though, Hisa approached the sisters with a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she approached Saki and Teru, her gaze shifting between them.
"Well, well, what an unexpected surprise," Hisa said smoothly, her tone friendly but formal. "We didn't expect to run into you here, Miyanaga Saki-san…and Miyanaga Teru-san." Her eyes flickered to Teru, acknowledging the older sister with a slight bow of respect.
Saki fidgeted slightly, still not entirely used to being greeted with such formality. "It's... it's good to see you, Kiyosumi Buchou Takei Hisa-san," Saki replied, her voice quieter than usual.
Teru, on the other hand, remained stoic, her gaze carefully studying the Kiyosumi team. She didn't speak right away, nodded to everyone. "Miyanaga Teru, nice to meet you," introducing herself in a calm manner.
Hisa's curious gaze shifted back to the older Miyanaga sister. "Though I have to ask... What brings you both here? I didn't think we'd run into you at the station like this."
Teru looked at Saki before responding, her voice calm and measured. "I'm with Saki," she said, her words direct. "We were nearby."
Wah, so curt but protective of her younger sister just like the rumour, Hisa thought to herself.
Saki nodded in agreement. "I... wanted to see Nodoka-chan. We've been keeping in touch, so we arranged to meet before the tournament started." Saki looked at Nodoka, blushed and said, "I hope we are not imposing."
Nodoka quickly said, "I wanted to see you too, Saki-san." She looked a little defiant at the moment, "You are not imposing."
Hisa raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued even further. She had known Saki had been talking to Nodoka, but seeing them interact in person brought a new layer of interest to the situation. Her smile widened slightly, trying not to tease her team mate.
"Well then," Hisa said, her tone becoming lighter. "I suppose the rest of the day is free anyway but we still have to settle to the hotel first."
"A-ano!" Kyoutaro suddenly interrupted, he appeared in front of the two sisters suddenly with a cardboard and pen and said, "please pardon the intrusion, but if you two don't mind the bother could I perhaps convince you to write me your autograph?"
Saki blinked, momentarily startled by Kyoutaro's sudden request. She had never quite gotten used to being asked for autographs, even though she'd been the reigning champion for two years. The shy smile she'd given Nodoka lingered as she hesitated, her eyes flicking towards her sister who, unsurprisingly, appeared completely unfazed.
Saki slowly took the cardboard and pen from Kyoutaro's eager hands. "A-ah, of course…no problem," she murmured softly, feeling the weight of everyone's eyes on her. With careful strokes, she wrote her name, her hand trembling slightly as she finished.
"Thank you so much, Miyanaga-san!" Kyoutaro exclaimed, his grin widening as he stared at the autograph.
Saki offered him a polite nod before passing the other cardboard and pen to Teru, who took them without a word. She held the pen with practiced ease, as if this was just another task in a long line of routine obligations. Her signature was quick, sharp, and flawless, delivered with the same cool detachment she exhibited in her matches far from her media personality.
Kyoutaro, though, didn't seem to mind the contrast. He looked between the two signatures in awe, clutching the cardboard to his chest. "Thank you so much!"
"Kyoutaro, don't get carried away," Hisa said with a smirk, but there was an amused glint in her eyes. "Also, don't forget the bags," Hisa looked pointedly at the stack of supply bags on the ground as well as a really big backpack.
Kyoutaro who was energised by the autograph from not just one but two famous highschool mahjong players replied energetically, "Leave it to me, Buchou!" Before picking the bags.
"Should I ask for some autograph too?" Maho whispered innocently to Yuuki.
Surprisingly Yuuki jumped in front of Nodoka and raised her head and looked at Saki, "So, I finally met you. You've been talking to Nodo-chan my future wife, djey."
Nodoka's face turned a deep shade of crimson the moment Yuuki blurted that out. The sudden declaration echoed through the station, and for a split second, it felt as though the entire world had paused.
Nodoka, her eyes wide, could only manage to stammer, "Y-Yuuki!" Her voice was a mix of mortification and disbelief as she tried to process the outrageous statement. She felt heat rushing to her cheeks, her mind racing, unable to find the right words to respond.
The rest of the Kiyosumi team stared in stunned silence, mouths slightly agape. Even Hisa, usually quick-witted, looked momentarily speechless. Mako's hand froze mid-adjustment of her glasses, while Maho, who had just been contemplating asking for an autograph, covered her mouth in surprise. Kyoutaro was amazingly in his own head stuck on the word wife and Nodoka's name.
Meanwhile, Teru remained utterly stoic. She blinked once, registering Yuuki's words but gave no visible reaction.
Saki, however, looked visibly taken aback. Her eyes widened in shock, her mind struggling to keep up with the unexpected turn of events. She blinked once, then twice, processing the scene before her. Slowly, she turned to look at Nodoka, then back to Yuuki. She opened her mouth slightly as if to speak but hesitated. Finally, she murmured softly, "…Eh?" Her voice was laced with confusion and an almost dejected tone, as if she couldn't fully comprehend what she'd just heard.
"Saki-san, we are not like that!" Nodoka said while looking at Saki completely overwhelmed by Yuuki's declaration and Saki's reaction towards it.
"I will not give Nodoka away that easily!" Yuuki continued despite Nodoka's protest, "I shall be the only one who monopolise her boobs, djey!"
Yuuki's second declaration left the group in stunned silence, the air around them thick with disbelief. Even the bustling noise of the station seemed to fade for a moment as everyone processed what had just been said.
Nodoka's face turned an even deeper shade of red, her hands flying up to cover her face in embarrassment. "Y-Yuuki! Stop saying things like that!" she stammered, her voice higher-pitched than usual. She could feel the weight of everyone's gaze on her, and it only made her more flustered.
Saki blinked, caught off guard by Yuuki's words. For a moment, she didn't know how to respond. But as soon as she heard Nodoka's flustered denial, a soft, relieved smile crossed her lips. 'Oh... I see,' she murmured, her voice almost drowned out by the station's noise. Her shoulders relaxed as the tension between them faded.
Teru remained stoic, though a subtle twitch of her eyebrow indicated she was mildly irked by the commotion. She glanced at Yuuki with a disapproving look, though she didn't say anything, deciding it was better to stay out of the chaos.
Mako, however, couldn't help but chuckle amused at the first year's outburst, breaking the tension. "Yuuki, you really know how to make an entrance, don't you?" she teased, fixing her glasses as she grinned at her overly enthusiastic teammate. "Poor Nodoka."
Yuuki, on the other hand, puffed her chest out proudly. "I'm just being honest, djey! Besides with her boob monopoly she can hide tiles under it!" she said, her voice full of confidence as she glanced at Nodoka.
"I am not!" Nodoka adamantly denied, "and how is that related? ... Nevermind, please don't answer that."
Nodoka groaned, lowering her hands but still looking mortified. "We're not… like that," she mumbled again, avoiding eye contact with Saki, who was standing quietly, watching the scene unfold with an expression that was still unreadable.
Maho, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up, her voice full of curiosity. "So… you and Saki-san have been talking this whole time?" she asked, looking between Nodoka and Saki with wide eyes.
Nodoka nodded, still flustered but grateful for the change in subject. "Y-Yes. We've been… keeping in touch," she said, her voice quieter now, glancing at Saki for confirmation.
Saki, feeling a bit more composed, smiled shyly. "We talk a lot," she added softly, her eyes briefly meeting Nodoka's. The atmosphere between them warmed again, the awkwardness of their initial meeting fading.
As the group began to recover from the surprise of Yuuki's bold declarations, Hisa clapped her hands together, bringing everyone's attention back to the task at hand. "Alright, alright. Let's head to the hotel and settle in. We've still got plenty to do before the tournament starts." She glanced at Saki and Teru with a welcoming smile. "You're welcome to join us if you're free."
Saki hesitated, looking at Teru for her opinion. Teru, after a brief pause, simply nodded. "We have time," she said calmly.
Nodoka's face lit up slightly at the prospect of spending more time with Saki, though she quickly composed herself. "That sounds nice," she said, her voice soft but sincere.
Saki looked at Nodoka, a shy but genuine smile on her face. "I'm really glad we could meet like this," she said softly, her voice almost drowned out by the noise of the station.
Nodoka returned the smile, her heart fluttering in response. "Me too, Saki-san." Saki then picked up Nodoka's bag.
Nodoka then immediately said, "Oh that's not necessary, I can carry it, Saki-san."
Saki then simply smiled and said, "Don't worry, Nodoka-chan. I'll carry it, I insist." Saki fixed the strap on her shoulders, "You must be tired."
"Thank you…Saki-san," Nodoka blushed.
As the group began to move, Kyoutaro recovered from his daydream, scrambled to pick up the bags.
The group made their way down the bustling streets of Tokyo, their footsteps blending with the hum of the city. The Kiyosumi team walked together, with Saki and Teru trailing just behind. Hisa led the way, her sharp eyes scanning their surroundings, while Nodoka stayed close to Saki, occasionally glancing up at the towering buildings that lined the streets.
Curious, Hisa turned to Teru. "So, is Shiraitodai also staying at a hotel nearby?"
Teru gave a small nod. "Yes."
Hisa raised an eyebrow. "Shiraitodai's high school is about an hour away by train, right? Must be a pain traveling back and forth, if you had to."
Teru gave a small shrug, her expression calm as ever. "That's why we're staying at a hotel."
As they continued walking, a grand structure came into view, standing tall in the distance. Its sleek, modern design shimmered in the afternoon sun, catching the light like a jewel among the crowded cityscape. Hisa's eyes sharpened as she spotted it.
"There it is," she said, pointing ahead. "The Tokyo International Forum. That's where the big stage is, where the Inter-High will be."
The team turned their heads, following her gaze. The sight of the venue stirred a sense of excitement among them, the reality of the tournament drawing closer with every step.
"For now, though," Hisa continued, her voice more casual as she gestured toward a nearby building, "we're headed to our hotel." She pointed to an old, yet sturdy-looking structure just a short distance away.
As the Kiyosumi team approached the hotel, the atmosphere shifted from the bright streets of Tokyo to the quieter, more subdued entrance of the old building. The faint hum of the city was replaced by the creak of wooden floors and the soft murmur of guests inside. Hisa led the group through the doors, holding them open for the others as they filed in.
Just before stepping inside, Teru paused and gently tapped Saki on the shoulder. "Saki," she said quietly, leaning in just enough for only Saki to hear, "I saw a place selling ice cream nearby."
Saki blinked in surprise, glancing at Teru with a mix of curiosity and confusion. "Ice cream?"
Teru nodded, her face as calm as always, she knew her sister wouldn't find it weird if she finds some sweets. "It looked good. We can go check it out while they settle in."
Saki hesitated for a moment, but Teru's suggestion seemed harmless enough, besides onee-chan and sweets. She turned toward Nodoka, who had been standing by her side the whole time, and gave her a soft smile.
"I'll be waiting outside," Saki said shyly but sweetly as she gave Nodoka her bag back, her voice light but filled with warmth. Her gaze lingered on Nodoka for a second longer than usual, as if to reassure her. "Don't take too long, okay?"
Nodoka nodded, watching as Saki and Teru slipped out of the entrance, the door quietly closing behind them. With a small smile of her own, Nodoka turned back to join the rest of the Kiyosumi team, who were already speaking with the front desk about their room arrangements.
The Kiyosumi team made their way up to their hotel room after checking in, the faint scent of old wood and polished floors greeting them as they entered. It was cosy—simple but welcoming—with tatami mats covering the floor and shoji doors lining the walls. The soft lighting gave the room a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere.
Hisa and Mako were the first to set their bags down, claiming spots near the window. Yuuki and Maho just dropped their bags in the room before heading out to explore the place. Kyoutaro is in an entirely different floor being the sole male member of the team. Nodoka, however, moved a bit more quietly, her thoughts lingering on the moment she'd shared with Saki at the entrance.
She couldn't help but replay the scene in her mind—the soft, shy smile Saki gave her before slipping outside with Teru. It was so like her, that quiet warmth, the way her gaze lingered just long enough to send Nodoka's heart fluttering. Even now, just thinking about it made her chest feel tight, a mixture of fondness and uncertainty swirling together. Saki always had that effect on her, leaving her both comforted and a little off-balance.
Nodoka began unpacking her things, trying to focus on the task at hand, but she couldn't shake the way Saki had said, "Don't take too long, okay?" There was a gentleness in those words that made Nodoka's cheeks heat up all over again.
Hisa exchanged a glance with Mako, a mischievous smirk creeping onto her face as she watched Nodoka fumble with her bag. She turned to her; her voice casual but laced with teasing.
"So, Nodoka," Hisa began, stretching out her words. "We didn't know you invited your 'girlfriend'." She lifted her fingers to add exaggerated air quotes around the word "girlfriend."
Nodoka froze, her hand halfway to her bag. Her cheeks flushed a deep pink as she quickly turned to Hisa, her eyes wide with embarrassment. "She's not my girlfriend!" she blurted out, her voice a little too loud as she fumbled with the zipper on her bag, her heart racing.
Girlfriend? Nodoka's mind scrambled to catch up, the word echoing in her thoughts. Her feelings for Saki were complicated—she'd never really let herself think about it like that. But still, she couldn't deny the way she felt around her, the way Saki's presence brought a sense of calm, like no one else did.
Hisa raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying Nodoka's reaction, while Mako snickered from the other side of the room, crossing her arms casually.
"Sure, sure," Mako added with a playful tone. "Nodoka can't wait to see her 'girlfriend,' huh, Buchou?"
Nodoka huffed, her face growing even redder. "Saki's not my girlfriend!" she insisted, rushing through her unpacking as if that could help her escape the teasing. She turned her back to them, hoping they wouldn't see how flustered she had become. But her thoughts betrayed her—why did her heart jump at the thought of Saki being more than just a friend?
Hisa gave a dramatic sigh, putting a hand to her chest in mock apology. "Oh, my bad, Nodoka," she said with a smirk. "We didn't mean 'girlfriend.' I meant girl... friend," she emphasized, drawing out the words teasingly. Her grin widened. "Totally different. Didn't mean for you to get it wrong."
Nodoka groaned, her face buried in her hands for a moment. She tried to shake off the embarrassment, but Mako wasn't done yet.
"I don't know, Buchou," Mako chimed in, her voice filled with playful innocence. "She sure looked like she couldn't wait to run off and meet up with her girl… friend," she repeated Hisa's teasing emphasis, winking as she watched Nodoka's reaction.
Nodoka uncharacteristically groaned again, snapping her bag shut with a bit more force than necessary. "You two are impossible," she muttered, though there was no real anger behind her words—just embarrassment. Her mind was still buzzing with thoughts of Saki. Why does it have to be like this? She wondered, Why does just hearing her name make me feel this way?
Mako chuckled, leaning back against the wall with a satisfied smile. "Aw, come on, Nodoka. You make it too easy."
"Yeah," Hisa added, grinning as she finished arranging her things. "But don't worry, we'll save the real teasing for when Miyanaga Saki's around."
Nodoka shot them a glare, though her face was still flushed. She knew they were just messing with her, but that didn't make it any easier to handle. Saki's not my girlfriend, she told herself again, but the words felt less convincing every time.
Hisa exchanged a look with Mako, still grinning as she watched Nodoka's flustered attempts to unpack. With an easy, almost too-casual smile, she leaned against the doorframe and spoke again.
"No need to rush, Nodoka. Today's a free day, after all," Hisa said with a shrug, her tone deceptively nonchalant. "You can spend it however you like... you know, like with Saki."
Nodoka froze for a moment, her fingers gripping the edge of her suitcase as if it could somehow ground her. The blush that had begun to fade came rushing back, her cheeks warming at the suggestion. She fumbled with her things, trying and failing to suppress the sudden rush of emotion.
Mako, not one to miss the chance, added with a sly smile, "Yeah, no need to worry about us. The Miyanaga sisters are waiting for you."
That was the final straw. Nodoka let out an exasperated sigh, her face burning as she quickly stuffed her clothes into the drawer. "Buchou, Mako-senpai... seriously," she muttered under her breath, though the corners of her lips twitched, betraying her real feelings. She knew they were just teasing her—well, mostly.
Still, the thought of Saki waiting outside, the memory of her soft smile and warm gaze, made her heart skip a beat. As much as she wanted to protest, she couldn't deny how much she looked forward to spending time with her.
Nodoka finished unpacking in record time, straightening up with a flustered yet determined look. "Ittekimasu," she said quickly, avoiding eye contact with Hisa and Mako as she grabbed her bag.
Hisa just gave her a knowing smile, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Itterasshai," she called after her, her voice light and teasing.
Mako chuckled, shaking her head. "Yeah, don't keep them waiting too long."
Nodoka shot them one last look before rushing out the door, her heart pounding faster than she would've liked. Despite the teasing, she couldn't help but feel a growing excitement at the thought of seeing Saki again.
Nodoka hurried out of the hotel, still feeling the heat in her cheeks from Hisa and Mako's relentless teasing. The cool air was a welcome relief, though her heart was still pounding in her chest, anticipation filling her as she scanned the area.
It didn't take long for her to spot them—Saki and Teru, sitting on a bench just outside the entrance, enjoying what looked like ice cream cones. Saki, holding two cones, was engaged in quiet conversation with her sister, her posture relaxed. Teru, as composed as ever, took small bites of her own treat, her gaze briefly meeting Nodoka's before returning to her ice cream.
Nodoka's breath caught for a moment as Saki looked up, their eyes meeting. For just a second, the world seemed to still, the noise from the street fading into the background. Saki's face softened into that familiar, gentle smile—the same smile that always made Nodoka's heart race.
"Nodoka-chan," Saki greeted softly, her voice carrying a shy warmth. She stood, still holding both ice cream cones, and walked over, her eyes never leaving Nodoka's. "I… got this for you," she said, holding out the second cone with a small, bashful smile. "I wasn't sure if you'd like it, but… it reminded me of your hair."
Nodoka blinked in surprise, her eyes dropping to the pink strawberry ice cream. The pale pink shade did indeed resemble her hair, and the gesture was so sweet, so simple yet thoughtful, that Nodoka felt her chest tighten with emotion.
"Thank you," she managed to say, her voice quieter than she'd intended. Her fingers brushed against Saki's as she took the cone, the light contact sending a pleasant jolt through her. She glanced at the ice cream, then back at Saki, her heart fluttering at the idea that Saki had thought of her when buying it.
Nodoka felt her pulse quicken. The ice cream was already starting to melt slightly, but her attention was completely on the girl in front of her. "Saki-san… you didn't have to," she started, her voice soft as she looked into Saki's warm, brown eyes. "But it's really sweet of you."
Saki blushed a little, her smile growing more bashful. "I… I just thought you might like it," she murmured shyly.
Nodoka took a small bite of the ice cream, the sweet strawberry flavour immediately hitting her tongue. She smiled, savouring both the taste and the moment. "It's perfect," she said sincerely, her heart swelling at how natural and comforting it felt to be here with Saki.
Teru, finishing her ice cream with the last small bite, watched the exchange with a quiet, unreadable expression. She glanced from her sister to Nodoka and back again then cleared her throat drawing the other two's attention to her.
"Let's talk," Teru said, her voice calm but firm as she addressed Nodoka.
Nodoka blinked in surprise, her gaze shifting from Saki to Teru. The older Miyanaga's demeanor was always composed, but there was something in her tone that made Nodoka feel uncharacteristically nervous. Her mind flashed back to the brief phone call they had exchanged before, she remembered Teru's sharp words.
Saki, standing between them, looked curiously between her sister and Nodoka, clearly sensing the sudden shift in the atmosphere. "Onee-chan…?" Saki began, her voice soft but uncertain.
Teru turned to her sister, her gaze softening slightly. "Saki, wait for us here," she said with a small nod of reassurance. "Don't worry. We'll be back soon."
Nodoka glanced at Saki, her heart squeezing a little at the uncertainty in her gaze. She didn't want to cause Saki any distress, but there was something about the way Miyanaga Teru spoke that made her feel like this conversation was important. Nodding in agreement, she turned back to Teru before quickly eating the rest of the ice cream.
Saki hesitated, her eyes lingering on Teru for a moment before flicking to Nodoka. Her expression was full of concern, but also trust. With a quiet nod, Saki relented. "Okay… I'll wait."
"All right," Nodoka said, her voice steady despite the nervous energy bubbling beneath the surface. "We'll be back shortly." She gave Saki a small smile, trying to reassure her before she followed Teru a few steps away from the bench, into a quieter part of the hotel courtyard.
As they walked, the slight chill in the air helped Nodoka focus. She tried to calm her racing thoughts, but it was hard to shake the nervousness she felt under Teru's watchful gaze.
Once they reached a more secluded spot, Teru turned to face Nodoka fully, her expression unreadable. There was a brief silence between them, broken only by the faint rustling of the trees. Teru's eyes were sharp.
Finally, Teru spoke. "You're important to Saki," she began, her voice low but steady. "And because of that, I feel the need to be direct with you."
Nodoka swallowed, her heart skipping a beat at the sudden seriousness in Teru's tone. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice quieter than she intended.
Teru's gaze didn't waver. "Hurt my sister again…" Teru paused, her expression hardening. "Do it again and you won't know what hit you."
Nodoka's breath hitched at Teru's words, her eyes widening slightly as she processed the weight behind them. Teru's normally calm and composed demeanour had taken on an edge of intensity, a protectiveness that both surprised and unsettled her.
"I-I would never…" Nodoka stammered, her voice faltering for a moment before she regained her composure. She knew she had to be clear. "I would never hurt Saki on purpose. I care about her."
Teru didn't immediately respond. She studied Nodoka for a moment, her gaze unwavering, as though trying to determine the sincerity of her words. The silence stretched between them, tense and heavy, before Teru finally exhaled.
"I'm not here to question your feelings," Teru said, her voice more even now. Her eyes darkened, memories of the past clearly surfacing. "If you're going to be in her life… you need to understand the responsibility that comes with that and also the consequences if you hurt her."
Nodoka's chest tightened at Teru's words. "I do understand," Nodoka replied quietly, her gaze steady despite the nervousness still lingering in her chest. "I don't want to cause Saki any pain. That's the last thing I'd ever want."
Teru's face stoic. "Then prove it," she said simply. "Words alone won't be enough."
Nodoka nodded, the weight of Teru's words sinking in.
There was another moment of silence before Teru finally stepped back, her posture relaxing slightly. "That's all I wanted to say," she murmured, the sharpness in her tone easing. "I trust you'll keep that in mind."
Nodoka took a breath, nodding again. "I will."
With that, Teru turned, her composure fully returned. "Let's go back. Saki's waiting."
As they approached the bench where Saki was waiting, Nodoka noticed the concern in Saki's eyes immediately focus on them, her hands still clutching her now-melted ice cream cone. Teru gave a small nod to her sister, and Saki visibly relaxed, her lips curving into a soft smile.
"Everything okay?" Saki asked Nodoka, her tone light, but her eyes searching for reassurance.
"Yeah, everything's fine." Nodoka stepped closer to Saki, brushing her fingers against hers in a small but comforting gesture. "Sorry to keep you waiting." She took her handkerchief from her pocket and gently wiped Saki's hands.
Saki's cheeks flushed slightly, and she shook her head. "I don't mind waiting… Your handkerchief is getting dirty."
Teru glanced at the time on her phone, her demeanour shifting as she spoke. "I have to go back to our hotel," she said, her tone calm but purposeful. "Call me if there's a problem."
Nodoka felt her heart race at the authority in Teru's voice. She understood the weight of the words; it wasn't just about logistics—it was a reminder of the protective barrier Teru had constructed around Saki. The older Miyanaga's presence always had a way of unnerving her, a sharp reminder of her own insecurities.
With a firm gesture, Teru raised an eyebrow. "Your phone."
Nodoka blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Flushing slightly, she quickly let go of Saki's hand and fumbled for her phone. "H-Here," she stammered, handing it to Teru.
Teru took the phone without a word, her expression still composed as she swiftly input the hotel details. The brief moment their hands touched sent a shiver down Nodoka's spine, an electric reminder of the tension that hung in the air.
"Not too late," Teru said quietly, locking eyes with Nodoka. The unspoken message lingered between them, and Nodoka's chest tightened. She understood that this wasn't just a reminder about curfew; it was about Saki's safety, about the importance of her role in Saki's life.
Nodoka nodded, her voice steady. "I understand."
Teru's gaze softened ever so slightly, satisfied with Nodoka's response, before she turned her attention back to her sister. "Be careful, Saki," she said, her tone gentler now, almost affectionate. The shift in her demeanour was subtle but unmistakable, a sister's quiet concern wrapped in her usual composed exterior.
Saki smiled, her eyes lighting up at the warmth in her sister's voice. "I will, Onee-chan," she replied softly, her trust in Teru evident in her tone.
With a final glance at the two of them, Teru nodded and turned to leave, her movements graceful and deliberate as she walked away. As she disappeared into the distance, her presence still seemed to linger, a quiet but undeniable reminder of the bond between the sisters—and the protective wall that Teru had subtly placed around Saki.
Nodoka let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding, her shoulders relaxing slightly now that Teru was gone. She glanced at Saki, who was still watching her sister's retreating figure with a thoughtful expression.
"Your sister… really cares about you," Nodoka said softly.
Saki turned to her with a gentle smile, nodding. "She does. She's always been that way, even when she doesn't say much." There was a warmth in Saki's voice, a deep affection that made Nodoka's heart swell. Saki still with the gentle smile shyly scratched her neck, "Onee-chan…didn't say anything bad right, Nodoka-chan?"
"She didn't say anything bad," Nodoka smiled back, her fingers instinctively reaching for Saki's hand that was on her neck, finding comfort in the quiet, unspoken connection between them. "Well," she said lightly, "I guess we'll have to make sure we're not late, right?"
Saki giggled softly, her earlier concern melting away in the warmth of Nodoka's presence, her hand instinctively held Nodoka's hand tighter. "Yeah, I guess so," she replied, her tone playful but sincere. "So, let's go Nodoka-chan?"
Nodoka's cheeks turned slightly flush now conscious of their hands, "Hmm, let's go Saki-san."