Today, much to my astonishment, our class had a surprise test. It has just been a few weeks since I got admitted to this school, and already this?!
(Well, it is given from that teacher... so it's not too shocking...)
Just a day ago, Raizo woke up, so I was more worried on what he would be thinking about all this than me. He was still recovering after all. I glanced a peek at him, and he looked shockingly normal.
(Hmm? Maybe he is good in studies...? Never got that impression though.)
My lips curved into a wry smile as I looked at the teacher handing out the pages. Everyone who got it looked uneasy and that made me feel quite nervous too. This time, I felt someone staring at me, so I looked around.
It was Raizo, who was giving me a thumbs up. I smiled and mouthed, 'You too.'
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Thankfully, I had been paying attention in class for this subject, so the moment I saw the paper, all my worries washed away. I actually knew the answers! Within no time at all, I was done with confidence.
(I'll pass for sure~)
When the time was up, we all handed away our papers - followed by some groans mixed with cheers. I, too, breathed a sigh of relief knowing that it was finally over.
'Man, that was tough... Glad it's done.'
'I know dude! Although I'm pretty sure I will pass by a hair...'
'If you boys were paying attention this week, you wouldn't have been miserable like this~"
The students were still chattering about the lingering feeling of what's known as a test.
"Asuna-chii!!!" I heard Inori scream my name as she ran over.
"I-Inori?! What's wrong?" Her sudden hug caused me to falter a bit.
"Waaaah, I did so bad on that test...! What will I do?! I knew I should have payed attention in class...!"
"A... Ahaha... It's fine, at least it wasn't an exam..." I tried reassuring her as I patted her back.
"How did you do...?" Inori asked through her wet eyes.
"I-I think I did pretty well..."
"Gaaaah!!! Give me some of your smartness!! I would give you whatever in return!!!" Inori went back to crying away while hugging me tighter than before.
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10 seconds later...
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Only after Inori had calmed down, I had room to breathe. I'm pretty sure we were making a huge scene in class for that brief period...
"*sigh* Akari sensei sure doesn't hold back his punches, huh? He's the only one who ever gives us a pop quiz!" Inori complained with crossed arms.
"I know right? We are still learning kids!" Raizo joined in on our conversation too.
"Raizo!" I blurted his name out without thinking.
"Hey, hey Raizo-chii, how did you do on that test~?" Inori asked with a teaser grin, eyeing for any reaction.
"Ehhh... I dunno. Not too confident about my answers..." Raizo scratched his head nervously.
"Huh?! But you looked so normal before AND during the test! I thought you would ace it?" I was really surprised by how composed Raizo looked - completely opposite of what I'm hearing right now.
"Well... *groan* Forget about the test! It's done, over!" Raizo averted his eyes.
"Heh heh heh... You know, Raizo-chii here has never been good at stu--"
"Shut it Inori!! Leave me alone!" Raizo put his hand on Inori's mouth, his face tinted light red.
All I was able to do was watch the two have a friendly quarrel amongst themselves. Raizo definitely knows how to liven the mood. Or is he just that easy to tease?
"Oh yeah! Asuna, I came here because I wanted to tell you something." Raizo finally let Inori go and looked at me.
"I want to take you somewhere after school, so don't leave the class, alright?"
"Oh, sure! I won't." I smiled, and Raizo returned it with his own.
"Great! You will love it, I promise."
(I'm actually getting pretty excited... My first hangout with my brother... We are already feeling close like a family!)
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The chime of the bell rang loudly throughout the hallways, marking the end of the school day. I quickly packed my stuff and the moment I did, Raizo walked up to me.
"Well, shall we?"
I nodded eagerly.
We both exited the class side by side all the way until the school gate. The cool breeze freshened me up. Raizo then led me the way, walking in front.
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I couldn't bottle up my curiosity anymore so I asked, "Raizo, where are we going?"
Raizo turned to face me with a grin, answering, "Hmm... Let's see.... It's a secret~"
"Awww- Come on! Not even a hint?"
"Nope! A man's word."
Raizo laughed out loud when I puffed my cheeks in defeat. He then ruffled my hair, his other hand holding his bag. This one simple sensation seemed to sweep up any lingering annoyance I felt - in return, lifting up my mood.
Then, I had noticed we were walking along a bustling street. I was still clueless as to where Raizo was actually planning on taking me. Guess I will just have to wait and see myself...
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"Well, here we are!" Raizo exclaimed with open arms in front of a store.
"Huh? Here...?" I gazed up to see the sign reading '
"Yup! It's the best confectionery shop in the city! I wanted to take you here since it's one of my favorite hotspots." Raizo was beaming with excitement as he led me inside by my hand.
(Gosh, his sweet tooth never quits...)
As soon as we entered, the sweet scent was wafting through the air, giving an inviting vibe. It would be heaven for any sweet addict. The place was quite small, but it had a mysterious warm feeling.
Suddenly, I felt hungry.
*Grrrrgg*
"A-Ahhh...!" I blushed with embarrassment as I dropped my eyes to the ground.
I heard Raizo chuckle lightly from the side.
(Why does my stomach always have the worst timing?!)
"See? You didn't really have a proper bento today, huh? So, have whatever you like! Everything here is top-notch."
(What? So, Raizo is just being considerate...? I thought nobody would notice...)
Somehow, his kindness filled my heart with happiness. I've been noticing that Raizo is ALWAYS there for me as a brother. The alien feeling of having siblings was slowly subsiding and I was able to enjoy and treasure these moments together.
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We both scoured through the displays of sweets and baked goods until a middle aged man showed up.
"Well, if it isn't Raizo! Haven't seen you in a while. How have you been?"
"Yeah, it's been a while! I've been good, just bringing my sis here to taste one of the best places."
"Ahahaha! You know how to make my day! If you like it so much, how about paying up extra then, hmm?"
"A-ha, I would, if you also give me extra to what I order." Raizo joked back.
Raizo and the man seemed to have a great time chatting and teasing one another. He must be a big regular here for even the worker to recognize him every time. I grinned at the laid back atmosphere.
"Well, Asuna. What would you like to have?" Raizo finally asked as he looked my way.
"Oh, I don't know... All of them look so good!"
I was viewing back and forth from some scrumptious creamy pastries lined up to the golden flaky pies besides them. There were also some cute cupcakes and crispy cream puffs. It was a delight to just stare.
Seeming to feel desperate, Raizo jumped in, "If you can't decide, I'll recommend one of my specials."
I agreed.
Raizo gestured to the man saying 'the usual' to which he nodded and went behind the counter-top. Seconds later, the man brought out a box and laid it in front of us.
I took a peak and saw a crispy looking pie filled with a drizzly strawberry sauce and wrapped with a sunny coloured crust baked to perfection. It looked and smelled divine that my mouth started to water.
"It looks delicious!" I squeaked.
"Yeah? Wait till you taste it! Without a doubt, Glazed makes the best pies in the city. Although, I really love even those sour fruit pastries as well as the banana-vanilla cake..."
While talking, Raizo looked just like a kid on a field trip that I couldn't help but let out a giggle.
(It's never dull around him.)
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In the end, I had to promise Raizo about visiting this place again with the rest since he had a whole list of his recommendations waiting to be tasted. Still, I didn't regret it.
It was almost evening by the time we exited after saying good bye to the happy man. Even through the paper bag, the scent of the pie was still strong and fresh. Raizo told me that he had the perfect place in mind for us to eat the pie. Of course, I gave him the free reins to continue.
Soon after, we ended up in a vast field of blooming flowers. Even under the dim moon glow, I could already tell that it was a breath taking place. I've always lived in the same city as Raizo, but never have I ever stumbled upon this area.
"Wow! Look at all the flowers!" I exclaimed as I clasped my hands together with happiness.
"It's beautiful, isn't it? Mizore-nee would have loved it."
"Really? Does she like flowers?"
"Yeah, all kinds of flowers. She does take care of her own too!" Raizo replied.
(I learned something new about Mizore! I'll be sure to remember it from now.)
Raizo informed me that this flower field was almost like an imaginary place - mostly because it's too beautiful that one would really believe to be dreaming. Because of the belief in general, the route was cut off and it became desolate. At least until now in the modern age, a few have started coming here, unharmed. And Raizo was one of them.
(No wonder... I never heard of this field from anyone I know.)
I felt it really a waste not to see such a view and admire it even once in your life.
Raizo and I sat on a hill and opened up the box. The cool feel of the grass was a perfect touch in contrast to the warmth of the pie in my hands. After cutting it in half, both of us took a bite simultaneously.
The crust seemed to be melting on my tongue and the kick of the strawberry tartness created a perfect bliss in my mouth. I didn't want to even finish it!
Seeing my face, Raizo gleamed with happiness as he continued his piece.
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A few minutes later...
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"Haaaa...! I'm stuffed! Great as always."
Raizo patted his stomach before lying down on the grass. I did the same. The dancing flowers swayed with the cool breeze. It felt so soft that I kind of got drowsy.
"...Thank you for today Raizo. I had a lot of fun." I whispered to him while staring at the twinkling sky.
"Mm, anytime. So, our first brother-sister hangout was a success!"
I nodded.
Yes. Today was a great day. I got to know Raizo a bit better and also got to see his favorite places. I wished this very moment of peace wouldn't finish.
(I guess having siblings isn't so bad after all...)
What I wasn't aware of was that something very big was about to happen...
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