Ever since that day behind the gym, Aoi and I had been extra cautious. We made sure to keep our distance at school, avoided walking home too close, and stopped sneaking hugs where anyone could see.
At least… that was the plan.
"Good morning, lovebirds~!"
I nearly dropped my bag the moment I heard that sing-song voice.
Standing in front of the classroom door was her—the girl who caught us hugging. Her grin was wicked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Aoi froze beside me, blushing furiously. "W-We're not—!"
The girl leaned closer, whispering just loud enough for us to hear. "Relax, I haven't told anyone. But you two are so obvious, it's adorable."
I grit my teeth. "Stop messing around. This isn't a joke."
She giggled. "I know, I know. Don't worry, your precious secret is safe with me." Then she smirked at Aoi. "Though I have to say, Aoi-chan… I didn't expect this from you. Falling for your own brother? How bold~."
Aoi squeaked, covering her red face with her hands. "S-Stop teasing me!"
The girl only laughed, clearly enjoying herself.
---
It didn't stop there.
At lunch, she "accidentally" sat with us, leaning across the table.
"So, Haruto-kun, do you like Aoi's cooking the best? Or is it her smile? Or maybe… her hugs?"
Aoi kicked me under the table so hard I nearly choked.
During cleaning duty, she whispered, "Careful, someone might think you two are dating~. Oh wait… you are."
By the time the day ended, I was exhausted.
"Haruto," Aoi pouted as we walked home, "she's going to ruin everything!"
I sighed, rubbing my temples. "No… she's not. If she wanted to expose us, she would've done it already."
Aoi frowned. "Then why is she—"
"Because she likes teasing us," I muttered, feeling my face heat up.
Aoi puffed her cheeks, grabbing my sleeve. "Then I hate her."
I chuckled softly despite myself. "…Don't worry. No matter how much she teases, nothing can change how I feel about you."
Aoi's blush deepened, her pout fading into a shy smile. "…Promise?"
"Promise."
Behind us, an all-too-familiar voice suddenly chimed in.
"Aww, how sweet~."
We both jumped, turning to see her trailing behind us with a smug grin.
"Y-You're following us!?" I shouted.
"Of course," she said with a wink. "This is way too fun to miss."
---