Being in love with Aoi was… confusing.
On one hand, nothing changed. She was still my little sister, still clinging to my arm, still pouting when I teased her.
But on the other hand, everything had changed.
Because now… every time she smiled at me, I couldn't stop my heart from racing.
Every time she touched me, my thoughts went somewhere dangerous.
And worst of all—we had to keep it a secret.
---
It started the very next morning at breakfast.
Mom sat across the table, sipping her coffee while Aoi and I ate in silence. Or at least, I tried to.
Because under the table, Aoi's foot brushed against mine.
I nearly choked on my rice.
I shot her a glare, but she only smiled innocently while sipping her miso soup.
Her foot nudged mine again, slower this time.
I coughed loudly, nearly spilling my tea. Mom frowned. "Haruto, are you okay?"
"Y-Yeah, fine!" I stammered, glaring at Aoi again.
She stuck her tongue out playfully.
This girl was going to kill me.
---
Later, on the way to school, she suddenly slipped her hand into mine.
I froze, looking around nervously. "Aoi! Someone will see!"
She pouted. "Relax, we're just siblings. No one will think anything."
"That's not the point!" I hissed, trying to pull my hand away.
But she tightened her grip, leaning against me with a mischievous grin.
"You're mine now, so get used to it."
My face turned bright red. I couldn't even argue.
---
The funniest part was how little things suddenly felt so different.
Watching TV together? Now it felt like a date.
Walking home from school? Now it felt like holding hands was forbidden fruit.
Even arguing turned awkward, because she'd suddenly say things like, "Stop scolding me, or I'll kiss you."
And the worst part? I knew she wasn't bluffing.
---
That night, as I lay in bed, I couldn't stop smiling.
It was ridiculous. It was dangerous. It was wrong in the eyes of the world.
But when I thought of Aoi's smile, her warmth, her stubborn love for me… I couldn't regret a single thing.
This was our secret world now.
A world where she was more than my sister.
She was my girlfriend.
And as crazy as it was… I wouldn't trade it for anything.