"Oni-chan?"
Sonoko's eyes brightened at the word, lighting up her entire face.
"Ran-chan, how can you call Akihiko 'Oni-chan'?" Sonoko demanded with playful suspicion.
"Is there a history I don't know about?" she teased, stepping closer.
Ran stammered, cheeks coloring. "Wh-what? Nothing!"
"Still shy, I see. Blushing means hiding something—spill it, or I'll tickle you!" Sonoko warned, grinning.
Ran's hesitation flickered as she remembered their childhood game.
She swallowed and nodded. "Okay, I'll tell you…"
"I met Akihiko after my mother's car accident," she began.
"She rescued him, brought him home—he was injured and alone."
"So, Mom's truly lucky—like some light‑novel twist!" Sonoko gushed.
"But this time, the roles reversed: Aunt Eri took in a brilliant young man."
"Stop joking," Ran shot back, nudging her friend.
"My mother is a respected attorney—no whimsy there."
Sonoko beamed. "Then 'Oni-chan' suits you, Ran!"
Ran huffed. "Don't push it."
Akihiko's gentle smile tilted the moment away from teasing.
"Ran, why hesitate? Is 'Oni-chan' unworthy?" he asked softly.
Ran's answer emerged in a breath. "Oni-chan."
Her voice, like a faint thread, wrapped around Akihiko's heart.
He narrowed his eyes in quiet approval.
"Louder—I missed it," Sonoko teased.
Ran shot her a look. "Don't be ridiculous."
Their laughter chimed like wind‑bells through the café.
As Akihiko rose to leave, Sonoko sighed, watching him go.
"He's so gentle—nothing like the proud prodigy rumor."
"Kindness and respect for life go hand in hand," Ran replied.
"I envy you for having such a brotherly figure."
"And I envy you for having such a warm friend," Ran countered with a smile.
Sonoko's eyes danced. "Ran-chan, what if I confessed to him—would he say yes?"
Ran balked. "You'd dare?"
Sonoko huffed. "Of course! I admire handsome geniuses!"
Ran laughed and flicked her hair. "I'm not so sure—"
Sonoko lunged playfully. "I'll get you for teasing me!"
An autumn breeze drifted past the café, stirring golden leaves.
After class, Akihiko strolled home, savoring the crisp air.
His destination: Aunt Eri Kisaki's upscale apartment.
A thirty‑minute walk led him to a gleaming lobby.
Inside, he expected silence; instead, he found Eri Kisaki already waiting.
She rose from the sofa, sleeves rolled up, hair loose around her shoulders.
Her relief at seeing him safe was plain in her gaze.
"Auntie, you're home early," Akihiko noted, sliding off his shoes.
He studied her comfortable attire—a simple white blouse, soft trousers.
She gestured to the opposite couch. "You had a tough day?"
He shrugged, dropping his backpack.
"School's drama reached a climax."
Eri offered a faint smile. "I heard—your reputation precedes you."
Akihiko leaned back, eyes thoughtful.
"Ran-chan didn't tell you?"
Eri laughed. "Why would she? I have my sources."
He raised an eyebrow. "Sources?"
She folded hands in her lap. "A detective's instinct."
Akihiko smirked. "Then I'd better prepare for tomorrow's headlines."
Eri's warm laughter filled the room.
"Just promise me you'll stay safe."
Akihiko's gaze softened as evening light spilled through the window.
"Always, Auntie."
Outside, city lights began to twinkle beneath a velvet sky.
Inside, they sat in companionable silence—family by choice, united by trust.
Tomorrow would bring new cases. Tonight, peace reigned.