The taste of his lips still lingered on hers when the doorbell rang.
Ai flinched slightly at the sharp sound, her breath catching in surprise. But before she could even move away, Shin's arms tightened gently around her, steady and comforting.
"It's okay," he whispered with a little smile. "Just the cavalry."
Ai gave a nervous giggle, but her face was already flushing as she quickly untangled herself from his lap. She stood, adjusting her shirt, tugging it down as she glared lightly at Shin.
"Your hands messed up everything again, Onii-chan," she muttered, flustered.
Shin just grinned and followed her. "You love it."
"Yes, I do," she replied—too fast, too pink.
They straightened themselves up like two kids who'd just been caught sneaking snacks before dinner, then rushed to the door with synchronized steps and innocent smiles.
When Ai opened the door, the crisp evening air filtered in, and with it came warmth—their family.
Their mother stood in the doorway first, a gorgeous woman of forty-two, with the same dark hair as Shin, flowing over her shoulders in elegant waves. She wore a tasteful, modern blouse and a sleek skirt, dressed like the perfect image of a graceful Japanese mother. Her curves were full and motherly—wide hips, a soft bust, and kind eyes that sparkled at the sight of her children.
Beside her, their father smiled broadly—a tall, well-built man with Ai's eyes and the kind of confident posture that made him look like he walked out of a drama. No facial hair, neatly styled black hair, and a relaxed presence.
And in their mother's arms, squirming excitedly, was Asahi. Seven years old, dressed in a tiny hoodie and shorts, with soft black hair and a cherubic, feminine face. He was absurdly adorable, looking like a plushie that had come to life.
"Onii-Chan!!" Asahi cried out, bouncing in their mother's arms. "Let me go! I wanna see Onii-Chan!"
"A-Ah, calm down, sweetie—" their mother began, but Shin was already stepping forward.
"I got him," he said gently, reaching out.
Asahi launched himself into Shin's arms with a high-pitched squeal, arms wrapping tightly around his big brother's neck. Shin caught him effortlessly, holding him close.
"There's my little champ," Shin chuckled, ruffling Asahi's hair.
Asahi responded by planting a kiss right on Shin's cheek and then rubbing his soft face against Shin's like a kitten nuzzling its favorite human.
"I love you, Onii-Chan! You're the best!"
Ai's eyes twitched. "Brat…" she mumbled under her breath, arms crossed.
Asahi pulled back just far enough to stick out his tongue at her. "Blehhh!"
Their mother stepped in with a soft laugh, cupping both Ai and Shin's faces at once. "My babies," she cooed, leaning in to kiss Shin on the cheek opposite Asahi's. "You've turned into such a fine young man, Shin."
Shin smiled, balancing Asahi with one arm while reaching up to hold his mother's hand with the other. "I missed you too, Mom."
Ai's expression softened a little, watching the moment. She knew their mother missed them—always did, even when she tried to play it cool.
Then their mother turned to Ai and pulled her into a deep, warm hug.
"My little Ai… you're looking so beautiful. I missed you so much."
Ai leaned in, resting her head against her mother's shoulder. "We missed you too, Mama."
After a long hug, their mother pulled away with teary eyes and a proud smile.
Their father, who had been quietly watching, let out a hearty laugh. "Now that's a welcome party. You kids doing okay? Eating well? Sleeping?"
"We're good, Dad," Shin said, stepping aside to let them in.
They all entered the house, the scent of warm soup still lingering in the air. In the living room, the family gathered. Ai and Shin sat on one side of the couch, and Asahi climbed right onto Shin's lap like it was his throne.
Their parents sat on the couch opposite them, relaxing into the cushions with the ease of people who knew this was their second home.
"So," their father began, crossing one leg over the other, "how's school life treating you both?"
"It's busy, but we're managing," Shin answered.
"Onii-Chan takes care of everything!" Ai chirped, hugging his arm proudly. "He's the best older brother I could ever ask for. He cooks, cleans, helps me with homework. I love him a lot!"
Their father chuckled, pleased. "Good to hear that. Glad you're being responsible, Shin."
Asahi snuggled deeper into Shin's arms. "Onii-Chan is my favorite person in the world too. I love you more than anything!"
"More than candy?" Shin teased.
"Even more than strawberry cake!"
Ai rolled her eyes and turned slightly away with a small pout. "He's been like this since forever…"
Asahi peeked at her from under Shin's chin and stuck out his tongue again. "Jealous~?"
"No!" Ai snapped, though her cheeks betrayed her.
Their mother laughed gently, her eyes on Shin. "You're always so good with Asahi. He really adores you."
"Mm," Shin hummed, hugging the little boy tighter. "He's like a squishy little koala. How can I not?"
Asahi beamed at the praise. "Onii-Chan, will you marry me when I grow up?"
Ai's eye twitched so hard she looked like she was going to combust. "HE'S MY—!"
Shin snorted a laugh and gently covered Asahi's ears. "Maybe we'll talk about that in ten years, bud."
Their father laughed even louder. "Man, you're raising a harem already, huh?"
"Papa!" Ai squeaked, scandalized.
"Just kidding, just kidding," he chuckled, waving his hand. "Though, honestly, I'm proud of you both. You're growing up so well. Look at this place—clean, warm, smells like food. You've got things together."
"We try," Shin said modestly.
Their mother reached out and gently patted Ai's knee. "And you've become such a lovely young lady. I hope you're not overworking yourself."
Ai smiled. "Not at all. With Onii-Chan around, it's easier."
Their mother looked touched. "You two always had a special bond. Even as kids, Ai would cry if she wasn't near you."
"Mom!" Ai gasped, blushing.
Shin laughed. "She still cries when I don't text her back fast enough."
"I do not!"
Asahi piped up innocently, "She called Onii-Chan like fifteen times when he went to the store few months ago."
"ASAHI!"
Their father let out another booming laugh. "Oh, this is great. I'm glad we came tonight."
As the family continued chatting, Ai occasionally glanced at Asahi with quiet jealousy. The way he nuzzled against Shin's chest, the kisses he gave freely, the clinginess—it drove her up the wall, even if she was used to it.
At one point, Asahi had both arms around Shin's neck and one leg draped over his brother's thigh, humming contentedly.
"You're not even subtle about it," Ai whispered.
Asahi replied in a singsong voice, "He loves me more~!"
"You're seven!"
Shin interrupted by tickling Asahi gently, making the boy burst into bubbly laughter. "Now, now. There's enough of me for both of you."
Ai stuck out her tongue at her little brother, who returned the gesture triumphantly.
Their mother watched the whole exchange with a dreamy smile. "Honestly, watching you three makes me so feel like I've stepped back in time… You were all so close back then, and you still are. It makes my heart so full."
Ai looked away, cheeks flushing with a mix of pride and embarrassment. Her mother's words always had a way of cutting straight through her defenses.
Shin gave their mother a warm smile. "We've always been a team, right? Still are."
Asahi's tiny hands clutched at Shin's hoodie like he never wanted to let go. "I wanna be on Onii-Chan's team forever."
"You already are," Shin said softly, brushing the bangs from the boy's forehead. "Always will be."
The soft hum of the evening surrounded them, and the house had never felt warmer. The scent of the soup from earlier still drifted from the kitchen, and the lights gave everything a cozy golden glow.
Ai shifted a little closer, resting her shoulder against Shin's as she reached across him to poke Asahi's cheek. "You're clingier than ever. Aren't you a big boy now?"
"Nope!" Asahi answered proudly. "I'm a baby forever if it means Onii-Chan cuddles me."
Shin chuckled. "Well, that's a dangerous deal."
Their father stretched with a sigh, his arm lazily draped over the backrest. "So, how long until Asahi refuses to sleep alone again? Ten minutes?"
Ai groaned. "Don't remind me… The last time you guys visited, he snuck into our bed in the middle of the night."
"He kicked me in the face," Shin added with a grin.
"Worth it!" Asahi chirped.
"You're the worst," Ai muttered, but there was no heat in her words.
Their mother clasped her hands together, visibly trying not to giggle. "Well, how about we all eat together? I brought some side dishes to go with your dinner. It smells like miso soup?"
"Yeah, Onii-Chan made it," Ai said proudly. "And karaage. It's delicious!"
"Oh?" Their father leaned forward, eyes gleaming. "Then I better taste it before Asahi eats all of it."
"I didn't eat that much!" Asahi protested, though he was already squirming down from Shin's lap toward the kitchen like a magnet pulled him.
They all moved toward the dining table, laughter trailing behind them like a ribbon of light.
---
Dinner was chaos—but the beautiful kind. Chopsticks clinked, soup was refilled three times, and Asahi couldn't sit still. He bounced between chairs, sometimes eating from his own bowl, sometimes stealing bites from Shin's plate, and occasionally trying to feed Shin back in return.
"Onii-Chan, say 'aaah'!"
Shin opened his mouth obediently and let Asahi feed him a rice ball. "Delicious. Better than my cooking."
"Liar," Ai grumbled, munching on her karaage. "You totally made that rice ball."
"Still counts," Shin teased.
Their mother smiled softly, refilling Ai's cup with tea. "You two really do live like an old married couple."
Ai nearly spat out her drink. "M-Mama!"
"What? You cook together, clean together, argue, tease each other, and cuddle on the couch. What else would I call it?"
Asahi nodded seriously. "It's true. They're weird, but I love them."
Their father let out another deep laugh. "At this rate, Asahi's gonna grow up spoiled and unable to live without his Onii-Chan."
"I'm already there," Asahi said proudly.
Shin leaned over to Ai with a smirk. "You too, huh?"
"Sh-Shut up," she whispered, face burning.
But then her mother's voice cut through again, softer this time. "Ai, you've really grown up. You're so beautiful now. Your eyes shine just like they did when you were a baby. But they've got something more now… confidence."
Ai paused, caught off guard by the warmth in her mother's voice. Her hands stilled on the table, and she looked up, eyes shimmering.
"…Thank you, Mama," she whispered.
Shin smiled gently, watching her. She could still be brash, dramatic, and ridiculous, but moments like this—he saw the woman she was becoming. The girl he'd always protected, stepping out on her own… just a little bit more every day.
After dinner, they moved back to the living room. Asahi was practically glued to Shin's side on the couch, lying across his lap like a lazy cat while Ai sat curled up beside them, her head on Shin's shoulder.
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END OF CHAPTER : 138 : ASAHI!
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