...
Their relationship had conveniently been established right before New Year, so during the holiday period, the feelings between Lucian and Ines Fujin grew wildly like bamboo shoots after rain, climbing higher day by day.
He discovered that Ines Fujin was quite different from Seiun Sky. High attack, high defense—and when they went out, she took the lead, arranging everything while constantly asking for Lucian's opinions and caring for his mood.
Ah... so this is what dating an older sister feels like? Wonderful. Anyway, Lucian was now perfectly willing to call Ines Fujin "sister" even in public.
"Little brother, did you forget something today?" Ines Fujin extended her slender hand. "My hand is empty."
"Now?" Lucian immediately understood and reached out, fully enveloping her hand in his.
But she wasn't satisfied and took it further, interlocking their ten fingers tightly.
"That's better." Ines Fujin then tapped her glossy red lips. "But now this place is empty."
"Got it." Lucian leaned down, pecking at Ines Fujin's soft, warm lips like feeding a fledgling bird, then listened to her habitual soft, muffled hums.
Following her rhythm made everything feel incredibly relaxed for Lucian.
Ines Fujin pursed her lips as if savoring and spreading Lucian's kiss evenly. "A bit thirsty. What do you want to drink, little brother? I'll go buy."
"What are you getting, Big Sis Ai?"
"Emmmm, the new milk tea release. I don't have to worry about weight gain~"
"Then I'll have one too. It's fine to have it occasionally."
"Then wait here obediently..." Ines Fujin paused mid-sentence, then decisively changed her mind. "No, you should come with me. I don't feel safe leaving little brother here alone."
It seemed the scene of Lucian being boldly approached by that girl for his contact info on the road last time had left quite a psychological shadow on this Ines Fujin.
"Big Sis Ai is getting possessive?" Lucian teased deliberately.
"Is that not allowed?" As she spoke, to prove "ownership," she tiptoed up and lightly bit his lower lip in punishment. "Let's go?"
"Okay."
...
After buying the milk teas, Ines Fujin and Lucian simply found window seats inside the shop and sat down.
"Mine doesn't taste great—too much creamer, and the tea base isn't rich enough. Worse than what I make myself." Ines Fujin snuggled against Lucian's side, smacking her lips and shaking her head in dissatisfaction. "Let me try yours, little brother."
"Mm." Lucian slid his milk tea over.
"Is this how I taught little brother to feed me?" Ines Fujin looked at him with a smile.
"There are so many people here..." he protested quietly.
Occasionally being asked like this, he could even empathize with how Seiun Sky felt when being bullied.
"Then big sister will feed you." Ines Fujin took a shallow sip through the straw, then turned and passed it to Lucian mouth-to-mouth.
She still minded appearances somewhat, shielding Lucian's face so no one could see.
But such couple behavior—even in public—was nothing unusual anymore.
Ines Fujin licked her lips. "Tsk tsk, still not that great."
"Just don't buy this kind next time." Lucian took a sip—honestly, it wasn't bad.
"Mm mm." Ines Fujin took out her phone and opened the camera. "Let's take a photo to commemorate today's date too."
Ines Fujin loved recording everyday life. In all the days out with Lucian—from a dinner, a movie, to a beautiful fallen leaf—she carefully documented everything.
But she never posted them online. Instead, she edited them with dates and saved them in her phone's album.
"Click—"
In the photo: two milk teas side by side, retro table and chairs, soft lighting. Their matching couple tops were in frame too.
Of course, the most eye-catching part was the tightly interlocked ten fingers right in the center.
Ines Fujin put her phone away with satisfaction. "Time's about right. Let's head back and make lunch."
"Okay. What does Big Sis Ai want to eat today?"
She deliberately drew out her tone playfully. "Eat... little Lu brother."
"That's not allowed. Pick something else." Lucian shook his head. Sometimes her burning gaze really could melt him.
"Eat little Lu?"
"Isn't that the same thing..."
...
Ines Fujin had to thank the New Year holidays—her mom was off work too, so she didn't have to worry about leaving Hanakami and Tsukigami at home when going out with Lucian.
The so-called "head back to make lunch" naturally meant going to Lucian's place.
Finally having some alone time together, Ines Fujin didn't want to waste it.
So when Lucian tied on an apron and prepared to dive into the kitchen, Ines Fujin immediately followed him in.
Usually Lucian handled the cooking while she washed and chopped vegetables. Though her technique wasn't as skilled as his—potato strips uneven in thickness, carrot slices varying in width—she did it with exceptional seriousness.
Lucian had told her, "I can handle it alone. Big Sis Ai can rest on the sofa, watch some TV."
But Ines Fujin refused. She said, "One person can make delicious food, but they can't make happiness."
So Lucian could no longer refuse.
...
After their ordinary yet romantic lunch for two, they usually cuddled on the soft sofa to watch TV.
When heavy fatigue weighed down their eyelids and their eyes could no longer follow the fast-changing scenes on screen,
Ines Fujin would turn off the TV, sink deep into the sofa first, open her arms toward Lucian. "Otouto, time to sleep~"
For Lucian, this was a brand-new experience.
Because Ines Fujin let him pillow his head on her soft stomach.
But today was an exception.
"You... can pillow a little higher." Ines Fujin gently held Lucian's face, as if tracing his distinct features.
Lucian propped himself on either side of the sofa, moving up along her body, lowering his gaze to look at her.
He said nothing—just slowly, slowly leaned down. It was a silent invitation to kiss.
Light as a dragonfly skimming water—one kiss, two kisses... gathering her petals.
When his arms grew tired from propping, Lucian lay down fully, clearly feeling her steady breathing and faint heartbeat. He slowly closed his eyes.
At times like this, Ines Fujin would gently stroke Lucian's hair.
The room was so quiet that only their intertwined breathing remained. In the tranquil flow of time, the two quietly fell asleep.
...
That evening, Ines Fujin sent Lucian the photo she'd taken at the milk tea shop that morning.
Without much thought, Lucian casually forwarded it to Silence Suzuka... oh, not casually.
...