The teasing didn't stop. If anything, it got worse.
Every day, she found a new way to corner us. Whispering in the hallway. Throwing hints in class. Smirking whenever Aoi blushed or I panicked.
Finally, I'd had enough.
After school, when she caught us once again walking home together, I turned to her. "That's it. I can't take this anymore."
Her grin widened. "Oh? Giving up already?"
I clenched my fists. "No. I'm done hiding."
Aoi gasped, tugging on my sleeve. "H-Haruto…?"
I took a deep breath, then looked the girl straight in the eye.
"You want the truth? Fine. The truth is—I love her."
The world seemed to stop. Aoi's eyes widened, her lips parting in shock.
I continued, my voice steady even though my heart raced. "She's not just my sister. She's the one I care about most. I can't imagine my life without her. Tease us all you want, laugh if you want, tell the entire school if you want. I don't care anymore."
Aoi's face turned bright red, her hands trembling. Then, suddenly, she stepped forward, grabbing my hand.
"…I love him too," she said softly, but with a determination that shook me to the core. "More than anything. So if you want to tell people, go ahead. We won't deny it."
The girl blinked, her smug grin fading into something else—surprise.
For once, she was speechless.
"…Wow," she muttered at last, her eyes darting between us. "You two are really serious, huh?"
"Dead serious," I replied, tightening my grip on Aoi's hand.
Aoi smiled nervously, but her eyes shone with resolve.
The girl let out a long sigh, then shook her head with a half-smile. "You know… I thought this was just some silly crush. But now, looking at you both… maybe I was wrong."
She turned away, waving casually. "Don't worry. I won't tell anyone. Your secret's safe with me. But…" She glanced back with a mischievous smirk. "I'll still tease you. It's way too fun."
Aoi groaned, burying her face in my arm. I chuckled, stroking her hair.
For the first time, though, the teasing didn't bother me.
Because now… our love wasn't something to be hidden.
It was something we had both chosen to protect, no matter the cost.