Morning light filtered gently through the curtains of Ayaka's room, painting the walls in warm gold. The quiet hum of the house wrapped around her like a blanket, broken only by the slow rhythm of her breathing.
Ayaka shifted in her sleep, brows knitting faintly.
"…Kai-Sama…" she murmured.
Her cheeks flushed, even in her dreams.
"…Kai-Sama… you're too close…"
She turned slightly, clutching the edge of her blanket as if trying to escape whatever her mind was conjuring, her face burning a deeper red with each whispered word.
Then—
BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.
Her alarm exploded to life.
Ayaka shot upright with a sharp gasp. "—!!"
She fumbled wildly, slapping the alarm until it finally went silent. Her heart pounded as she stared at the wall, breathing uneven.
Silence.
"…A dream…?"
The realization hit her all at once.
Her eyes widened.
Her face went nuclear.
"WHAT WAS I DREAMING—?!" she hissed under her breath as she slapped her own cheek. "Get it together, idiot!"
Heat rushed through her entire body as she collapsed backward onto the bed, grabbing her pillow and smashing it over her face.
"AAAAAA—!!"
She buried herself completely, muffled groans echoing into the fabric as she kicked lightly under the covers, refusing to face the world—or her thoughts—just yet.
Ayaka bolted out of bed and rushed to the bathroom, shutting the door behind her a little too fast. She leaned over the sink and splashed cold water onto her face again and again.
"Calm down… calm down…" she muttered, staring at her reflection.
The cool water helped—just a little.
She straightened, took a deep breath, then paused.
"…Kai-Sama…"
"Huh?"
Her eyes widened.
Her face instantly flared red again. "WHY—?!"
She splashed water on her face once more, harder this time, droplets running down her cheeks.
"…Okay. I'm fine. I'm normal," she told herself firmly.
After drying her face, she took a bath, after she was done, she stepped out and made her way down the hallway, stopping in front of Kai's room. She hesitated for half a second—then knocked.
"Hey bro. Wake up, it's morning."
A few moments passed.
Then the door opened.
Kai stood there with messy hair sticking out in every direction, eyes half-lidded, shirt slightly wrinkled. He looked like he had just rolled out of bed—sleepy, unguarded, overwhelmingly real.
Ayaka froze.
Her breath caught.
Her face turned bright red in an instant.
"K-Kai-Sama…?" she hissed under her breath without thinking.
She stared at him, completely lost, heart pounding as if she'd forgotten how to breathe.
Kai blinked… then noticed her expression.
His ears slowly turned pink.
"…Kai-Sama?" he repeated awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. "Umm..w-where'd you get that nickname from? I liked it though not gonna lie…"
Ayaka snapped back to reality.
Her face burned even hotter as she quickly looked down at the floor, fists clenched at her sides.
"J-Just—get fresh," she said softly. "We have school."
She turned away immediately, heart racing far too fast for a simple morning.
Ayaka's face burned.
Before Kai could say another word, she slammed the door shut right in front of him.
Bang.
Kai froze on the other side, staring at the closed door. He raised his hand slightly… then stopped.
"…Yeah," he muttered to himself, backing away. "If I open that, I'm dead."
On the other side of the door, Ayaka leaned back against it, heart pounding violently. She brought both hands up to her face and buried it completely, shoulders trembling.
"What's wrong with me…?" she whispered, half guilty, half confused. "Get a grip… seriously…"
Her ears were still red.
—
Kai exhaled slowly, then turned and headed for the bathroom attached to his room. The sound of running water soon filled the space as he stepped under the shower, letting the warm water run down his face.
"…Kai-Sama, huh…" he murmured under his breath, a faint smile tugging at his lips despite himself.
His ears warmed slightly.
After getting ready, he changed and made his way downstairs.
The dining room was already lively.
Mrs. Ishida was setting plates on the table, Mr. Ishida was reading something on his phone, and Ayaka sat at her usual spot—back straight, expression composed… a little too composed.
Kai noticed immediately.
He deliberately walked past her seat and sat down behind her.
Leaning forward slightly, he said in a calm, teasing tone,
"Good morning, Onee-Sama."
Ayaka stiffened for a fraction of a second.
"…G-Good morning," she replied quickly, not turning around.
Mrs. Ishida paused mid-motion while placing the last plate on the table.
Her eyes slowly moved from Ayaka to Kai.
Then back to Ayaka.
A small, knowing smile curved her lips.
"…Oh~?" she hummed. "Did something change between you two?"
Ayaka froze.
Her entire face turned bright red in an instant.
"W-WHAT ARE YOU SAYING?!" she shouted, slamming her hands on the table. "S-SHUT UP, MOM!!"
Mrs. Ishida laughed softly, clearly enjoying herself. "My, my. You're awfully loud this morning."
Mr. Ishida let out a quiet chuckle without looking up from his phone, the corner of his mouth lifting as if he were thoroughly entertained.
Kai nearly choked on his food.
"H-Haha… good weather today," he muttered, face burning as he stared intensely at his plate, suddenly very interested in his breakfast.
Ayaka crossed her arms tightly, cheeks still flaming, refusing to look at anyone.
"…I hate this family," she muttered.
Mrs. Ishida only smiled wider.
They finished their meal far too quickly.
Ayaka ate with stiff, hurried movements, barely tasting anything as she avoided looking up. Kai wasn't much better—he shoveled the food in as if racing an invisible timer, cheeks still faintly red.
Chairs scraped back almost at the same time.
"I'm done," Ayaka said quickly, already standing.
"Y-Yeah. Me too," Kai added just as fast.
Neither of them waited.
They retreated to their rooms in near silence.
Ayaka shut her door and leaned back against it for half a second, steadying her breathing before changing into her school uniform with sharp, practiced movements.
Across the hall, Kai pulled on his uniform just as quickly, buttoning his shirt with slightly clumsy fingers, his thoughts anything but calm.
A few minutes later, both stepped out again—uniforms neat, bags ready.
They were ready to go to school.
They said their goodbyes at the door, quick bows and hurried voices, then stepped out into the morning air together.
The walk to school was quiet at first, the soft sounds of the neighborhood waking up around them. Ayaka walked slightly ahead, her bag held close, Kai just half a step behind her as usual.
Then—
She felt it.
A gaze.
Across the street, a man had slowed his steps, his eyes lingering far too long on Ayaka. His stare crawled over her in a way that made her shoulders tense.
Kai noticed immediately.
His expression changed in an instant.
He turned his head slowly and met the man's eyes—his gaze sharp, cold, and unmistakably hostile. There was nothing friendly in it. Nothing hesitant. Just a clear, dangerous warning.
The man stiffened.
Kai stepped closer to Ayaka and smoothly switched sides with her, placing himself between her and the street. Without a word, he reached out and grabbed her hand—tight, firm, unmistakably possessive.
Ayaka's breath caught.
Kai didn't look away.
Not for a second.
He kept his eyes locked on the man as they walked past, his grip unyielding, his presence screaming a silent threat: Don't even think about it.
Only when they had put some distance between themselves and the man did Kai finally look forward again. He let out a quiet sigh, the tension easing from his shoulders.
He loosened his grip slightly. "We're fine now—"
But before he could let go, Ayaka tightened her fingers around his hand.
"K-Kai-Sama…" she whispered.
He froze.
She was red—completely, painfully red—but her grip didn't waver. "D-Don't let go… please," she said softly. "C-Can we… hold hands until we reach school? I-I think I'll be scared otherwise…"
Kai's face flared just as red.
"Ah— I— y-yeah," he said quickly, fingers curling around hers again, this time just as tight. "O-Okay."
They walked on like that, hands firmly intertwined, neither daring to look at the other. Their steps slowly fell into sync, hearts racing, warmth spreading through their joined hands.
By the time the school gates came into view, neither of them had loosened their grip even once.
They reached school together—still holding hands.
The school gates loomed ahead, students flowing in through them in small groups. Kai and Ayaka walked side by side, hands still tightly intertwined, neither of them daring to mention it.
They crossed the courtyard like that.
Past curious glances.
Past whispers.
Ayaka's heart was pounding so loudly she was sure everyone could hear it. Kai kept his gaze forward, ears burning red, but his grip never loosened.
They reached their classroom.
Just as they stepped inside—
"Ayaka! Good morning!" a cheerful voice called out. "You're finally here—we were waiting for you!"
Claire stood by her desk, waving energetically. Then her eyes dropped.
To their hands.
Her grin widened instantly. "Oho~? What's this~?"
The realization hit both of them at the exact same time.
They let go immediately.
Too fast.
Ayaka practically jumped back, face blazing as she turned away. Kai looked to the side, red from ears to neck, pretending to suddenly find the wall very interesting.
"IT'S NOT WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE—!" Ayaka blurted out, panicking. "I-It's just—! There were some creepy people staring at me on the way, so—so Kai helped me, that's all!"
Claire blinked once.
Then twice.
"…Ahhh~ I see," she said, nodding slowly, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. "That makes sense."
Ayaka sighed in relief. "R-Really?"
"Totally," Claire replied casually, turning back to her seat. "Glad you're safe."
Ayaka sat down, shoulders still tense.
Kai took his seat behind her, heart still racing.
They both knew.
That wasn't the whole truth.
The bell rang.
Their teacher entered the room, setting her materials down. "All right, everyone, take your seats. Let's begin."
The lecture started.
Pens moved. Pages turned.
But neither of them could focus.
Ayaka felt it—someone watching her.
She glanced to the side for just a second.
Kai looked away instantly.
Too late.
Their eyes met for a brief heartbeat.
Both of them turned red at the same time.
Ayaka faced forward again, cheeks burning, her fingers gripping her pen too tightly. A moment later, she felt something brush her hand.
Kai's pinky.
Just barely.
She froze.
Slowly—carefully—she shifted her hand.
Their pinkies touched again.
This time, neither pulled away.
Kai swallowed hard, eyes fixed on the board as his finger curled slightly around hers.
Ayaka's shoulders trembled as she fought the urge to smile.
The teacher continued lecturing.
Notes were written.
And beneath the desk—
Their fingers stayed linked.
The lunch bell rang, sharp and loud, snapping the class out of its sluggish haze.
Chairs scraped back as students stood up, the room filling with chatter once more. Ayaka gathered her lunch quietly while Kai followed behind her, both of them still awkwardly aware of each other after everything that morning.
They sat together, though not too close.
Not too far either.
Kai had barely taken a bite when someone stopped in front of him.
It was her.
The girl from before.
She stood straight, fingers clasped nervously in front of her skirt, trying to look composed despite the tension in her eyes.
"Tenjou," she said softly. "Um… about the other day."
Ayaka stiffened instantly, chopsticks pausing mid-air.
"I… I wanted to hear your answer," the girl continued, forcing a small smile. "About going out with me."
The noise of the cafeteria seemed to fade.
Kai stood up slowly.
He bowed his head slightly, expression calm but firm. "I'm really sorry. I thought about it, but I can't accept."
The girl blinked.
"I don't feel that way," Kai added politely. "I didn't want to leave you waiting."
There was a brief silence.
Then she smiled—gentle, a little sad, but sincere. "I see. Thank you for being honest."
She hesitated, then added, "I hope… we can at least be friends, then."
Kai nodded. "If you're okay with that."
She let out a small laugh. "Yeah. I am. Oh—my name's Lia."
"Nice to meet you," Kai replied.
Lia waved once and walked away, disappearing into the crowd.
Ayaka hadn't realized she was holding her breath until it rushed out all at once.
Her chest felt… light.
Warm.
Relieved.
Why…? she thought, face heating up. Why do I feel like this?!
She frowned at her food. This is stupid. I don't care. I really don't.
…Right?
Her cheeks burned anyway.
Lunch ended soon after.
Classes resumed.
The afternoon dragged on, sunlight shifting across the classroom as the teacher continued lecturing. Ayaka tried to focus, she really did—but every so often, she felt Kai's presence behind her.
At one point, a folded note slid onto her desk.
She froze.
Slowly, she opened it.
It was blank.
She turned around.
Kai looked away instantly, ears red.
Ayaka stared at the empty paper, then slowly covered her mouth to hide her smile.
Idiot…
The final bell rang at last.
Students poured out of the building, laughter filling the air as backpacks were slung over shoulders. Outside the school gates, Kai stopped walking.
"Onee-Sama," he said.
Ayaka turned to him. "Hm?"
"I… have something I need to take care of," Kai said, avoiding her eyes. "I won't be heading home with you today. can you take a taxi please?"
She huffed, cheeks faintly pink. "Okay, just—don't be late."
Kai smiled softly. "I won't."
She turned away first, walking toward the taxi stand. After a few steps, she stopped and glanced back.
"Kai."
"Yeah?"
"…Be careful."
He nodded.
As the taxi pulled away, Ayaka rested her forehead against the window, heart strangely unsettled.
She didn't know why.
But she hoped—
Whatever he was going to do—
He'd come back safely.
The taxi screeched to a stop, the meter ticking one last time before going silent.
Kai stepped out, the late-afternoon air heavy with the smell of oil and asphalt. He looked up at the sign in front of him.
Higashi Customs
The letters were bold, slightly worn, mounted above a wide shutter half-open to reveal the glow of fluorescent lights inside. The sound of metal clanking, engines revving, and air compressors filled the street.
So this is it…
Kai clenched his fists and walked in.
The shop was busy—cars on lifts, mechanics moving with practiced efficiency, the sharp scent of grease hanging in the air. A few workers glanced at him, then went back to what they were doing.
Kai approached the counter.
"Excuse me," he said, voice steady despite the pounding in his chest. "I need to speak with your boss."
The man behind the counter looked him up and down. "You got an appointment?"
"No," Kai replied. "But it's important. It's about Tenjou Auto Works."
That name did it.
The man's expression shifted—just slightly. He exchanged a glance with another worker nearby, then sighed. "Wait here."
He picked up the phone, turned his back, and spoke in a low voice.
"…Yeah. There's a kid here. Says it's about Tenjou Auto Works… Yeah. He insists."
A pause.
The man looked back at Kai again, eyes sharper this time.
"…His name? …Kai."
Another pause—longer.
"…Understood."
He hung up and set the phone down.
"…The boss will see you," he said quietly. "Go to the back office."
Kai swallowed.
Hiroshi.
The truth was finally within reach.
The back office was quiet, separated from the noise of the workshop by a thick metal door.
A man stood near the desk—broad shoulders, tired eyes, streaks of gray in his hair. He turned slowly when Kai entered.
"…So you're the kid," he said. "Kai, right?"
Kai nodded. "You're Hiroshi?"
The man exhaled and motioned for him to sit. "Yeah. Sit down."
Kai remained standing.
Hiroshi studied him for a long moment, then reached into a drawer and pulled out an old, worn photograph. He placed it on the desk and slid it forward.
Kai's breath caught.
In the photo, a man and a woman stood side by side, smiling gently. The man had sharp eyes and a calm expression. The woman held a small child in her arms.
Hiroshi spoke quietly.
"This man… is Hayashi Tenjou."
Kai's fingers trembled.
"And this woman is Shiba Tenjou."
His vision blurred.
"…The child she's holding," Hiroshi continued, voice steady but heavy, "is you. Kai Tenjou."
The room felt like it was spinning.
Kai stared at the photograph, chest tightening, ears ringing.
"I knew them," Hiroshi said. "We worked together. They were good people. Really good."
He clenched his jaw. "Years ago… I heard they died in an accident. Both of them."
Kai's knees felt weak.
"I also heard the child survived," Hiroshi went on. "But after that… nothing. No records. No answers."
He bowed his head slightly. "…I don't know how your family died. I don't know what really happened that day."
Silence.
"I'm sorry," Hiroshi said.
Kai's hands shook violently now. His lips parted, but no sound came out.
Mom…
Dad…
His chest burned, emotions crashing into him all at once—shock, grief, confusion, something hollow and sharp twisting deep inside.
After a long moment, Kai bowed—deeply.
"…Thank you," he said, voice cracked. "For telling me. For remembering them."
Hiroshi nodded. "…Take care of yourself, kid."
Kai turned and walked out of the office.
Out of the shop.
Out into the street.
The world felt unreal as he climbed into a taxi, clutching the photograph tightly in his hands.
"…Home," he said quietly.
The car pulled away, carrying him back—with the truth heavy in his chest.
Footsteps approached.
The front door opened slowly.
Kai stepped inside.
Ayaka, who had been waiting restlessly, rushed to the entrance the moment she heard the sound.
"Kai—! You're late, what happened? Are you okay? You didn't even message—"
He walked past her.
Didn't look at her.
Didn't answer.
Ayaka froze for a second, then hurried after him. "K-Kai…?"
Kai sat down on the living room sofa heavily, elbows resting on his knees, hands clasped together. His gaze was fixed on the floor—empty, distant, completely unlike him.
The air felt wrong.
"…Kai?" Ayaka moved closer, heart pounding. "You're scaring me. Say something—"
"Call Mom and Dad."
His voice was low. Flat. Serious.
Ayaka blinked. "H-Huh…? Why? What's going on—"
"Call them," he said again, cutting her off.
She swallowed. "At least tell me what happened, I—"
"CALL THEM. RIGHT. NOW."
His voice snapped—louder, harsher, edged with something cold and frightening.
Ayaka flinched hard.
Her whole body stiffened, fear rushing through her veins. She had never heard him sound like that. Ever.
"O-Okay—!" she blurted out, spinning on her heel.
She ran to her parents' bedroom door and knocked frantically. "M-Mom! Dad! Please come out—now!"
Inside the living room, Kai didn't move.
His hands trembled slightly as he clenched them tighter.
Ayaka stood frozen by the hallway, chest tight, eyes wide—scared, confused, and watching him like she didn't recognize the boy sitting there anymore.
Footsteps approached.
Mr. and Mrs. Ishida entered the living room, confusion written across their faces.
"Kai?" Mr. Ishida asked gently. "What's going on? Ayaka said it was urgent."
Kai slowly lifted his head.
His eyes were red—but dry. Like he'd already cried everything out on the way home and something worse was holding him together now.
"…Sit down," he said quietly.
Ayaka stood near the hallway, hands clenched at her sides, heart pounding.
The three of them sat.
Silence stretched.
Then Kai spoke.
"I went to Tenjou Auto Works and Higashi Customs today," he said. "I met someone who knew the Tenjou family. He showed me a photo." His voice wavered for the first time. "A man. A woman. And a child."
Mrs. Ishida's breath caught.
Kai looked straight at them. "That child was me."
The room felt like it stopped breathing.
"…So," Kai continued, forcing the words out, "I want the truth. No more lies. Please."
Mr. Ishida closed his eyes.
Mrs. Ishida reached for her husband's hand, gripping it tightly.
"…We always knew this day would come," she whispered.
Mr. Ishida nodded slowly. "Kai… what you heard is true."
Ayaka's nails dug into her palms.
Mr. Ishida spoke, voice heavy. "Years ago, both our families went on a trip together. The Ishida family… and the Tenjou family."
Kai's chest tightened.
"We were brothers. Real brothers."
Kai's breath hitched.
"That makes you and Ayaka…" Mrs. Ishida said softly, "…cousins."
The word hit him like a blow.
But before he could even process that—
"There was an accident," Mr. Ishida said. "On the mountain road. The Tenjou family's car… crashed."
Mrs. Ishida's voice trembled. "Your father and mother didn't survive."
Kai's hands clenched so hard they shook.
"…But you did," she whispered. "You were the only one."
The room spun.
"We reached the scene after," Mr. Ishida said. "You were injured. In shock. You kept crying… but you didn't recognize anyone."
Kai stared at the floor.
"You lost your memories," Mrs. Ishida said. "Everything before that day."
"So we took you in," Mr. Ishida said quietly. "At first, it was temporary. Then days turned into months. You started calling us Mom and Dad."
Mrs. Ishida's eyes filled with tears. "We loved you. From the very beginning. Not out of obligation—out of choice."
Kai's breathing broke.
"…Why," he whispered, "didn't you tell me?"
Silence.
"…Because you were finally smiling again," Mrs. Ishida said, voice breaking. "You were healing. We were afraid that if we told you the truth too early… you'd shatter."
Mr. Ishida looked down. "That fear turned into hesitation. And hesitation turned into years."
Kai's shoulders began to shake.
"And Ayaka…?" he asked hoarsely.
Ayaka flinched.
Mrs. Ishida looked toward her. "…Ayaka remembered everything."
Kai's head snapped up.
"She was old enough," Mr. Ishida said. "She saw the accident. She remembered you. Remembered her uncle. Her aunt."
Ayaka's eyes were wet now.
"She begged us not to tell you," Mrs. Ishida said softly. "She said… 'If Kai forgets, then let him be happy.'"
Ayaka finally spoke, voice trembling. "You were always crying back then," she said, staring at the floor. "I didn't want you to cry again."
Kai's composure shattered.
Tears spilled over, heavy and uncontrollable.
"Why… why is everyone so kind…?" he sobbed, covering his face. "I didn't deserve any of this—"
Mrs. Ishida rushed forward and pulled him into her arms.
"You deserved everything," she said firmly through tears. "You are our son. Blood or not."
Mr. Ishida placed a hand on Kai's shoulder. "Always."
Kai cried—harder than he ever had.
Then, shaking, he bowed his head deeply.
"…Thank you," he said brokenly. "For saving me. For raising me. For loving me."
No one spoke.
Only the sound of quiet sobbing filled the room.
Night settled quietly over the house.
The lights in the living room were dim, the air calm after the storm of emotions earlier that day. Kai and Ayaka stood a short distance apart, neither quite ready to retreat to their rooms yet.
"…It's late," Ayaka said softly. "We should sleep."
Kai nodded, then hesitated.
"…Onee-Sama."
She paused.
He swallowed, eyes flickering with uncertainty—and something else he didn't fully understand yet.
"So… we're not real siblings, right?" he said carefully. "I mean—if we're cousins, then we're not actually—"
"Onee-Sama?" he continued, voice barely above a whisper. "So that means we can—"
"JUST SHUT UP ALREADY!!"
Ayaka spun around instantly, her face burning a furious, explosive red.
"W-Why would you even say something like that out loud?!" she shouted, flustered beyond belief. "I-It's late! You're tired! Go to sleep and stop thinking weird things, you perv!!"
Kai blinked, stunned. "I-I was just—"
"I SAID SHUT UP!" she snapped again, then immediately looked away, fists clenched. "…Good night."
Before he could respond, she turned on her heel and hurried down the hallway, disappearing into her room and slamming the door shut behind her.
Kai stood there for a moment, stunned—then slowly scratched the back of his neck, ears burning.
"…Good night, Onee-Sama," he murmured.
He turned and headed to his own room.
That night, in separate rooms—
Ayaka buried her face into her pillow, heart racing far too fast.
Kai lay awake for a long while, staring at the ceiling, thoughts tangled and unfamiliar.
Eventually, sleep claimed them both.
The night grew still.