Part 5 — Secrets Between Siblings
Meanwhile...
Back at home...
The sound of pencils moving across paper filled the room.
Ayame sat at the table with her notebook open.
Beside her...
Kaito was writing as well.
Although...
His expression showed exactly how he felt about it.
"..."
He stared at the page.
Then at the remaining notes.
Then back at the page.
"...This is taking forever."
Ayame didn't even look up.
"You've said that five times already."
Kaito sighed.
"Because it's still true."
Ayame continued writing.
"You would have finished faster if you stopped complaining."
Kaito frowned.
"...I'm motivating myself."
"By complaining?"
"Exactly."
Ayame shook her head with a small smile.
For a while...
The two continued completing their notes.
Then...
Kaito suddenly stopped writing.
"...Ayame."
She already knew that tone.
"...What?"
He looked at her.
"...Who was Haruto talking about?"
Ayame's pencil paused.
"..."
Kaito leaned forward.
"When he was trying to blackmail me."
"He said there was someone in our class who liked me."
Ayame calmly continued writing.
"...I don't know."
Kaito stared.
"You do."
"No."
"You definitely do."
Ayame turned the page.
"Why are you so interested?"
Kaito crossed his arms.
"Because it's weird."
"Haruto was acting like he had some secret weapon."
Ayame smiled slightly.
"And it failed."
Kaito immediately pointed at her.
"Exactly!"
"Which means you know something."
Ayame looked back at her notebook.
"...Even if I knew..."
"...Why would I tell you?"
Kaito blinked.
"Because I'm your brother?"
Ayame shook her head.
"That doesn't work."
Kaito looked offended.
"...It usually works."
"Not this time."
He narrowed his eyes.
"...Is it someone I know?"
Ayame stayed silent.
Kaito watched her carefully.
"..."
"You're really not going to tell me."
"No."
"Not even a hint?"
"No."
Kaito leaned back in his chair.
"...You're protecting someone's secret."
Ayame gave a small smile.
"...Some secrets belong to the person who has them."
Kaito stared at her.
Then sighed.
"...You sound like Sensei."
Ayame laughed softly.
"Maybe that's a good thing."
Kaito looked at his unfinished notes.
"...I can't believe I got defeated by two people today."
Ayame raised an eyebrow.
"Two?"
"Haruto's blackmail and your silence."
Ayame smiled.
"...Then maybe you should stop being so easy to tease."
Kaito groaned.
"...This family is unfair."
Ayame continued writing.
"...Finish your notes."
Kaito looked down.
"...Yes, Commander."
Kaito looked over at Ayame while writing.
"...You look tired."
Ayame didn't look up.
"...I'm fine."
Kaito raised an eyebrow.
"You've been rubbing your forehead since we got home."
Ayame smiled faintly.
"...It's probably just a small fever."
"I'll be fine after I sleep."
Kaito frowned.
"...Shouldn't you tell Haruto?"
Ayame shook her head.
"...No."
"He'll worry for nothing."
She picked up her pencil again.
"...Let's just finish the notes."
Kaito stared at her for another second.
Then sighed.
"...Fine."
"But if you're still sick tomorrow..."
"...You're staying home."
Ayame laughed softly.
"...We'll see."
The room returned to silence.
Two siblings...
Sitting together...
Finishing their work before tomorrow's academy.
Unaware of the quiet evening happening elsewhere.
The room was quiet.