I ran straight into my bathroom, determined to wash away every trace of the lazy morning. A long, hot shower later, I made sure I smelled like sugar, flowers, and a little bit of "I'm better than you."
Coming out wrapped in my towel, I stood in front of my wardrobe for a solid ten minutes like it was some kind of life-changing decision.
"What should I wear to show him I don't care but also make him regret breathing the same air as me?"
I finally chose a cute top and a skirt, combed my hair until it behaved, and took a deep, dramatic breath. Showtime.
Walking down the stairs, I spotted everyone already gathered in the living room. My mom waved me over.
"Hikari, sit here, beside Mrs. Yoshi."
Oh great. Aunt Mika.
She looked at me with a warm smile. "Why did you run away when I said hello, hmm? You forgot me already?"
I laughed awkwardly, scratching my neck. "No, no, Aunt Mika! How could I? I was just… shocked to see you after so many years! My bad if I, uh, looked like a running criminal."
While I said that, my eyes were busy doing their own thing, searching for him.
And there he was.
Kaito.
Black shirt. Black pants. Sleeves rolled up. Hair still that silky black shade like midnight sin. Sky-blue eyes that looked like they could drown you if you stared too long. His lips soft pink and a bit thick
And oh my God, did he just get hotter?!
He used to be that bratty kid who'd steal my snacks and call me a gremlin. Now he's a whole walking sin in human form.
His body? Built. His voice? Probably illegal. His face? I could write poetry about it and still fail to do it justice.
He was talking on the phone, his expression serious. Maybe… he has a girlfriend? Oh god, he so has a girlfriend. Look at that face. That's the face of someone who texts "goodnight" to someone prettier than me.
My thoughts spiraled until
"Hikari?" My father's voice cut through. "What's wrong?"
"Huh? No..nothing! Nothing at all!" I quickly smiled, pretending I wasn't just mentally drooling.
Mom and Aunt Mika kept chatting like long-lost besties, while my eyes wandered to my brother-in-law, Haru, yes, that's Kaito's older brother. My sister married him years ago. He's handsome, brown hair, kind eyes, total gentleman.
And yes, before you ask, I know he's hot. But chill, he's taken. I respect that. (Mostly.)
Anyway, let's not break the fourth wall too long, back to the story.
I plopped down beside Haru with a big grin. "Brother! Long time no see! How are you doing?"
He smiled warmly. "Oh, I'm doing great, Hikari. Did you miss me?"
"Of course…" I paused dramatically. "…not."
He laughed. "I knew you'd say that. Your sister's doing fine, by the way."
I chuckled. "Aw, I was kidding! Of course I missed you! Just a little."
He leaned closer and whispered, "Aren't you gonna talk to Kaito?"
"Hm? Him? That walking ego? No thanks." I whispered back.
"He's just awkward right now, you know. It's been thirteen years. He's not that bad," Haru said, then added under his breath, "though yeah, he's a bit of an asshole."
I grinned. "Let's get to the point, does he have a girlfriend?"
Haru frowned. "I don't know. He doesn't tell me anything. Keeps everything secret."
"Ugh, useless brother."
He tugged my ear playfully. "Excuse me?"
"Okay, okay, useful brother. Very useful!" I laughed.
Dinner went on. Everyone was chatting and laughing while I… was just staring at him. Like, really staring. If staring could kill, he'd have turned into a handsome ghost by now.
After dinner, he went out for a walk, hands in pockets, that calm, confident stride.
I excused myself, pretending I needed "fresh air." Lies. I followed him like a certified stalker, my slippers making soft sounds behind him.
Then he suddenly stopped, turned around, and looked right at me.