Saturday
The chirping of birds wakes me up in the morning. I open my eyes and find myself covered in my blanket.
I get up from my bed and walk to the bathroom. After washing my face, I brush my teeth and freshen up. Once I'm done, I step out of the bedroom and head downstairs.
As I reach the bottom, I'm distracted by the delicious aroma coming from the kitchen. I can also hear voices.
"-Yeah, Haru-nee has been a great help for me. She even tried to learn how to cook, Mother."
"Is that so? Then I'll make sure to send more recipes to her."
"I'll make sure to learn them too."
"Good to hear that, Touka-chan."
The voices belong to my mother and Touka. I see them sitting at the table, engaged in a warm conversation.
I snap back to reality and approach them.
"Good morning, Touka, Mother."
"Ara, good morning, dear," my mother replies with a smile.
I wait for a response from Touka, but all I get is a silent gaze. I can't help but find it cute.
She's still thinking about what we talked about last night, isn't she...
Last Night
"So, you two are going to sleep together?" Kousuke asks with a smirk.
"Idiot, don't say that so loud! And how the hell did you come up with that idea?" I whisper back.
"Well, your sister isn't home, and Kei-chan is sleeping in her room. That means the only room left is yours, so it makes sense if Touka sleeps with you."
"You think my dad would allow that?"
"Well, duh?" Kousuke shrugs.
"This idiot..." I mutter under my breath.
"H-Hey, guys..." Hiro suddenly cuts in, his voice slightly uneasy.
"What is it?" I ask.
"Is it just me, or are the girls glaring at us?"
Kousuke and I exchange glances before turning toward them.
...
Yeah.
It seems Kousuke's loudmouth has caught their attention.
...
"H-I-M-E-Y-A-!"
Touka suddenly stands up and grabs me by the wrist, dragging me outside.
Outside
"So, do you have anything to say for yourself?" Touka asks, crossing her arms.
"Uh... It's not my fault?" I try to defend myself.
"Hmm?"
"Right?"
Her eyes narrow at me, and I feel a shiver down my spine.
"...Well, Kei-chan and Kirihara-kun do have a point..." she finally mutters.
"Touka?! Really?!"
"But think of this as our little secret, okay? We don't want to cause a ruckus."
"I promise."
"Good. Now, let's go back inside and end this conversation for today." She turns on her heels and walks past me.
"Yeah..."
Present
Well... we may have overdone things last night.
"What are you guys making right now?" I ask, watching my mother and Touka work in the kitchen.
"We're making some omurice," my mother answers cheerfully.
"Whoa, I can't wait!" I take a seat, but before I can relax, my mother stops me.
"Go and get Kei-chan upstairs, will you?"
"Alright, Mom."
Of course. Something felt missing—Kei isn't here yet.
I make my way back upstairs and stop in front of Kei's door. I knock lightly.
"Kei, breakfast is ready. Come down already."
There's no response.
I knock again. "Kei?"
Still nothing.
I sigh before opening the door slightly. "I'm coming in."
Inside, Kei is curled up in bed, still asleep. Her long hair covers part of her face, and her blanket is wrapped around her tightly.
"Geez..." I mutter. I walk closer and gently shake her shoulder. "Kei, wake up. Breakfast's ready."
"Mmm..." She stirs slightly but doesn't wake up.
I sigh again. "Alright, you leave me no choice."
Without hesitation, I grab her blanket and pull it away.
"Ah—!" Kei immediately sits up, glaring at me with drowsy eyes. "Nii-san?"
"Good morning, sleeping beauty. Breakfast is waiting." I grin.
Kei stretches her arms with a yawn. "...I'm coming."
"Good. Don't take too long." I leave her room and head back downstairs.
When I return, the table is already set. Touka and my mother have finished making the omurice, and the plates look absolutely delicious.
"Kei's on her way," I say as I take my seat.
"Good," my mother replies. She then turns to Touka with a warm smile. "Touka-chan, why don't you serve Himeya first? You made this, after all."
Touka hesitates for a moment, then nods. She picks up a plate and places it in front of me.
"Here," she says, her cheeks slightly flushed.
"Oh? Thanks," I reply with a grin.
I pick up my spoon and take a bite. The moment the soft, fluffy eggs and savory rice hit my tongue, I know—this is good.
"Whoa... This is amazing," I say honestly.
Touka looks away, pretending to focus on her own plate. "...I-It's nothing special."
My mother giggles. "You're getting better, Touka-chan."
Before I can say anything else, Kei finally comes downstairs, rubbing her eyes.
"Finally awake?" I tease.
"Thanks to you." she mumbles, taking her seat.
We all dig into our breakfast, and the atmosphere is warm and comfortable.
Later That Day
After breakfast, I help clean up the dishes before heading outside for some fresh air. The sun is shining brightly, and the gentle breeze feels nice against my skin.
As I stand by the front yard, stretching my arms, I hear footsteps approaching.
"Himeya."
I turn around to see Touka standing behind me.
"What's up?"
She hesitates for a moment, then shifts her gaze to the side. "...Can we go out somewhere today?"
I raise an eyebrow. "You mean like a date?"
Her cheeks turn slightly red. "W-Well, not exactly! I just... I just thought we could hang out. That's all."
I chuckle. "Alright, alright. Where do you want to go?"
"Hmm... How about the Aquarium?"
"... Alright, let's hit that place."
As I go back inside to grab my things, I realize something.
Today feels... peaceful.
No crazy misunderstandings and no sudden drama.
Just a quiet, simple day.
And honestly, I don't mind it at all.