Ren sat on the edge of his bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. The quiet hum of the fan filled the silence of his room. The evening air was heavy, a lingering heat clinging to his skin.
It had been a few days since he was discharged from the hospital, and yet—
He glanced to his right.
On the chair by the desk sat Tachibana Hiyori, arms folded, her small face set in determination.
"…You're still here," Ren said flatly.
"I am." Hiyori didn't even blink.
Ren rubbed his temple. "You know, most normal little sisters would leave once their brother told them to."
Hiyori shook her head firmly, her pink pig tails swishing. "I can't. Not tonight."
"…Why not?" Ren leaned forward, resting his chin in his hand. "Are you really that attached to me?" He let a teasing smirk play on his lips.
Hiyori's cheeks reddened instantly. "D-Don't say it like that! It's not about being attached!"
"Oh? Then what is it about?" Ren raised an eyebrow, enjoying the reaction.
