"Say… ahhh," Airi said brightly, holding a spoon toward K.
"Do I really—?" Before K could finish, Airi stuffed his mouth with food.
"Good! Now for the chocolate cake—here it comes! Say ahhh!" She scooped up another piece and pushed it toward him again.
"Just stop it already!" K snapped, both hands slapping the table and drawing glances from nearby customers.
"Geez, don't make a scene, okay?" Airi scolded softly, her smile gentle yet teasing.
K slouched back in his chair, grumbling.
"You *are* the trouble I'm facing right now."
"So that's what you think, huh?" Airi put on a hurt face, voice trembling. "I'm just a nuisance to you… maybe I should leave, then." She picked up her bag dramatically, wiping at fake tears.
Whispers spread through the café. Other customers gave K disapproving looks as Airi sniffled pitifully.
K sank deeper into his seat, face buried in his hands, embarrassment creeping up his neck.
"Wait… sorry, my bad. Do what you want," he muttered in defeat.
Airi's tears vanished instantly, replaced by a radiant grin.
"That's the K I love," she said, leaning over to pat his head affectionately.
K groaned, dropping his face on the table. *Why is my life like this…?*
---
A little while earlier—
Airi had sighed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Okay, K. You win. You lead the plan however you want—no schedules, no feeding—just whatever feels right to you." She smiled gently, offering him control.
K thought deeply as they started walking. He needed a way to spend the day with his sister without causing unwanted attention.
*If people recognize her—a famous idol—next to me, rumors could explode. And that's the last thing either of us needs...*
"K? K!" Airi called, waving a hand in front of his face when he didn't respond.
Her lips curled into a mischievous grin. She pulled out a chilled water bottle from her bag and—splash!—poured it over his head.
K froze, water dripping down his hair.
"Do you *know* what you just did?" His voice was low, eyes shadowed.
"Um… well…" Seeing his furious face, Airi spun around and bolted down the sidewalk. "You weren't answering, so—!"
"I was just trying to figure out *how* we could have a peaceful day," K sighed, rubbing his temples. "But I guess you have other plans… Fine. I'm leaving."
"Wait!" Airi darted after him, clutching his leg in a panic as he stopped. The crowd's attention locked on them instantly.
Mortified, K helped her up and pulled her into a quieter alley.
He exhaled sharply. "Alright. I can't think of anything. Do *you* have a better idea?"
"That's why I made a plan!" she said, proudly pulling out her notebook—but before she could open it, K snatched it and tossed it aside.
"Dust off that disaster plan," he muttered. "Now, any *other* ideas?"
"You just threw it away…" she sighed. "Then fine. How about this—you pretend I'm your girlfriend instead of your sister. What would *you* plan then?"
K blinked. "Thinking of you as my girlfriend doesn't change anything."
"Why? Don't tell me—" she gasped, realizing his social awkwardness. A small pitying smile formed. She rested a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry. Even if no one else is with you… your big sister always will be."
Before K could reply, she turned and walked ahead, leaving him speechless.
---
Eventually, exhausted by bickering, K gave up and agreed to Airi's plan—though he set a few limits.
After some light snacks at a café, they stepped outside.
"So our next stop is—" Airi's phone rang. She answered quickly.
"Hello? …What? It's been rescheduled? Okay, I'll come right away."
Hanging up, she turned to K and bowed slightly. "Sorry, K… the shoot that got canceled was just restarted. My manager needs me at the studio now."
K blinked, torn between relief and awkward sympathy.
"That's—uh—good… I mean—bad! But don't worry, I'll walk you to the station."
Airi giggled softly. "Really? That's nice of you."
They walked in silence for a while, stopping at the platform as a cool breeze passed through.
Airi sneaked glances at her brother from the corner of her eye.
"What?" K asked without turning. "Got something to say, Sis?"
"Well… I was just thinking. If you came home once in a while, Mom and Dad would—"
"Forget it," K cut in, his tone tightening. "I already know. They'll never be happy to see me."
"You're wrong! They—" Before she could finish, the train horn blared loudly, drowning her voice out.
"Looks like your train's here," K said. "You should go. Sorry if I caused you trouble again."
"No… I'm the one who should be sorry," Airi whispered, gaze dropping.
K sighed, then flicked her forehead lightly.
"Ow!" she yelped, rubbing the spot.
"Don't look so down—it doesn't suit you. The cheerful, clumsy big sister version of you is way better," he said with a small, genuine smile.
Seeing his expression, Airi's face lit up again. As the train doors closed, she called out brightly,
"This time we didn't finish the plan—but next time, I'll make a perfect one!"
K waved faintly as the train rolled away.
"Just don't make it *too* detailed," he murmured, half‑smiling as the noise of the crowd returned around him.