The morning sun spilled golden light over the quiet neighborhood, casting a gentle glow on the doorstep of the Tachibana household. The front door stood open, letting in a breeze that rustled Ai's short nightdress and tickled the edges of Shin's neatly pressed shirt. Rika and Yuki stood just outside, both looking like they had just stepped out of an emotional whirlwind and into the calm after the storm.
Rika's eyes sparkled with a glow she didn't bother hiding. Her cheeks were tinged pink, her lips curved in a smile that hovered between dazed and delighted. She stood relaxed, content, practically glowing in the morning light. Yuki, on the other hand, looked like he'd rather die than admit to having a good time. His arms were crossed, his cheeks flushed with a soft red hue, and he couldn't meet Shin's or Ai's eyes for more than a moment. Yet his feet remained firmly in place, a subtle contradiction to his otherwise flustered demeanor.
Ai stood with her hands clasped behind her back, her petite frame leaning forward slightly as she swayed with a cheerful, teasing smile. Her voice carried like a soft melody, "Bye bye, Rika-san. Bye bye, Yuki-san~."
Shin stepped forward slowly, expression calm and affectionate, his eyes taking in the sight of both of them as if he were memorizing it. He reached out and rested a hand on Rika's head first, his fingers brushing through her soft, slightly tangled hair. She tilted her head upward instinctively, eyes fluttering shut for a moment, leaning into the gesture like a cat brushing into a warm hand. There was something utterly peaceful about the way she accepted it—like being petted by him was her reward.
Then he turned to Yuki.
Yuki flinched a little but didn't back away. Shin's hand ruffled his hair with the same gentle touch, and even as Yuki squirmed slightly, he didn't push it away. "Tch… don't treat me like a kid," Yuki muttered, cheeks burning brighter, but the corners of his lips threatened to curve into a smile he was desperate to hide.
Rika giggled softly behind her hand. Yuki glared at her, but it had no bite.
"I'll see you two later," Shin said simply.
With an exaggerated sigh, Yuki turned and headed down the steps and out the front gate, his hands stuffed in his pockets.
"See ya," he muttered over his shoulder, not daring to look back.
Rika hesitated for a beat, her feet refusing to move. She stared at Shin's face, her smile slowly softening into something deeper. She lowered her head, her voice barely above a whisper but trembling with sincerity.
"I love you, Shin."
Not Onii-San. Not teasing or flirtatious. Just Shin.
The words settled into the morning air like a secret shared with the wind.
Before he could respond, she turned on her heel and bolted after Yuki. The front door clicked softly shut behind Rika. Their scents still lingered in the hallway like an echo—sweet, warm, fleeting.
Shin remained still, a smile curving his lips. He didn't call after her. He didn't look surprised. It was as if he'd expected it, or maybe… he understood it.
Ai stood beside Shin, smiling, hands folded behind her like an innocent schoolgirl, though her mind swirled with anything but innocence. She rocked on her heels, her pink nightdress brushing lightly against her thighs. The morning sun bathed the corridor in gold.
She was pouting.
Arms crossed, cheeks puffed, her golden eyes narrowed with mock displeasure. "Geez, Onii-chan… You're really popular, huh?" she huffed, turning her face away dramatically.
"She said she loves you," Ai muttered, puffing her cheeks and looking sideways at Shin.
"I know." Shin chuckled softly. "She doesn't hide things well."
Ai squinted up at him with a pout, hands dropping to her hips. "You didn't say it back."
Shin turned, closing the distance between them. "Because one of the people I love is standing right here."
Ai's cheeks reddened instantly. "H-Hmph... you better."
Before she could say more, Shin wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close. Their lips met in a slow, hungry kiss—one that melted frustration and stoked a deeper need that had simmered under the surface all morning.
"Mmm... Onii-chan," Ai breathed against his mouth.
Shin didn't reply in words. His hands slid down her back, cupping her thighs as he lifted her effortlessly. She gasped and wrapped her legs around his hips, fingers threading into his hair.
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END OF CHAPTER : 89 : THAT MORNING FEELING!
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