It's about your present." Lillith's expression shifted, a hint of annoyance crossing her features. "You mean the one that doesn't involve cake?" Rika stammered, "Y-Yes, that's the one." Lillith rolled her eyes. "So, what's the deal?" Before Rika could reply, William entered the room. "You don't need to look so put-out. We got you a cake, but you can wait to eat it, can't you?" Lillith's eye roll intensified. "Well, I was fine waiting until later for the cake because I still got to enjoy something sweet, but you walked in on me while I was eating." Hearing Lillith's words, Rika's face turned a deep shade of crimson, and she began to stammer.
"Li-Lillith, d-don't say things like that in front of y-your brother," Rika stammered, her face growing even redder. Lillith smirked mischievously. "Oh, so I can say it in front of people who aren't my brother?" Rika's blush intensified, and steam practically seemed to be emitting from her ears. "Tha-that's n-not what I-I m-mean." Lillith chuckled mischievously, clearly enjoying the flustered reaction she had provoked. She was well aware that Rika wasn't accustomed to such bold and teasing remarks, especially in front of others. But Lillith couldn't resist teasing her, especially when it came to matters of the heart. "Oh, Rika, you're just too cute when you're embarrassed," she said with a playful poke to Rika's cheek.
Rika swatted Lillith's hand away, her attempt to regain composure evident. "C-cut it out, Lillith," she muttered, her voice still trembling slightly. She took a deep breath, attempting to compose herself before responding. "I'm your fiancée, you know? You shouldn't tease me that much." Rika managed to say it with a mix of firmness and gentleness. Lillith's mischievous grin widened, and she knew she had struck a chord. "But Rika, it's just my way of showing affection. Besides, you know I can't resist your adorable blushing face." Rika couldn't help but let out a small giggle. "Still, it's embarrassing, especially in front of others, your brother included," Rika said, directing her gaze toward William. "Yeah, yeah, yeah, but you secretly love it," Lillith quipped, rolling her eyes playfully.
William chuckled and shook his head. "I must admit, Rika, it's quite entertaining to see you flustered," he said, a playful glint in his eyes. Rika playfully nudged him, her blush returning. "You're not helping, William," she said, her attempt to hide her smile only making it more apparent. Lillith winked at Rika, fully aware that she currently had the upper hand in this teasing exchange. "Oh, come on, Rika. Embrace the embarrassment; it's all part of the fun," she said, wrapping an arm around Rika's shoulders. Rika let out a small laugh, realizing that maybe she had been taking herself a bit too seriously. "Alright, fine," she conceded, giving in to the playful banter. "But just remember, payback is always sweeter." Lillith raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Rika's challenge. "Oh, I can't wait to see what you have in store," she replied, her lips curving into a mischievous smile.
With a content smile, Lillith looked at Rika, still holding her close. "So, what's this present?" Rika paused, collecting her thoughts, before responding. "We're going to an extinct volcano hot spring resort. The hot spring isn't the only attraction; there's a cave near the resort that's filled with various gems and crystals. It's open to the public, and you get to keep whatever you find." To William's surprise, Lillith's eyes lit up upon hearing Rika's words, prompting a victorious smirk from Rika. "I told her she'd like it, William. How is it that I understand your sister better than you?" William chuckled and shook his head. "I guess you have a knack for knowing what excites her. I'm glad she's looking forward to it." Rika shrugged playfully. "Well, maybe it's because we share the same adventurous spirit. Plus, who could resist the allure of hidden treasures?"
Lillith's excitement and gratitude were palpable. This overflow of emotions momentarily overpowered her usual rationality, and she pulled Rika even closer, resulting in a passionate kiss. The kiss continued until Rika's knees grew weak, and she found herself gripping onto Lillith's shirt for support. As the kiss ended, Rika's cheeks were flushed, and she panted slightly. Suddenly, Lillith dashed over to William and practically tackled him with a hug before running back to the room Rika had emerged from earlier, shouting, "Thank you, thank you, thank you so much. I'm going to go get ready and start packing. I should only need a few pairs of clothes, right? I'll pack five, so I have two extras."
After a brief silence, Rika's voice pierced the stillness of the living room with a simple word: "Wow!" Her voice trembled as she struggled to find the right words to express her astonishment. The lingering intensity of the kiss left her breathless and overwhelmed by a blend of emotions. "I...I've got to go get ready to leave too..." Rika stammered, struggling to stand due to the aftermath of the passionate kiss. "I knew I'd have trouble walking today, but not because of her kiss; I thought it'd be from..." Rika's voice trailed off as she was halfway to the room when a voice interrupted her thoughts.
"What was that, Rika? Why else would you have trouble walking?" The sudden interruption caused Rika's cheeks to redden, and in a burst of frustration, she shot back at William, "Shut up, William! It's none of your business!" Her heart raced as she attempted to regain her composure, her mind still spinning from the intimate moment she had just shared with Lillith.
Turning to face William, a mixture of embarrassment and defiance gleamed in her eyes. "I...I didn't mean for you to hear that," she stammered, her voice trembling slightly. William's smirk broadened, mischief dancing in his eyes. "Oh, but I did hear it, didn't I? And now I'm dying to know what you meant." Rika clenched her fists, her frustration mounting. "God, you two are way too similar... Why did I ever think marrying into this family was a good idea?" "Two reasons: 1. because you love my sister, and the second one I walked in on."
Rika's face flushed with anger as she struggled to rein in her rising temper. "You think you're so clever, don't you? Well, let me tell you something, William. Your sister means the world to me, but dealing with your constant teasing and prying is starting to make me question everything." In the room adjacent to Rika's, Lillith had been eavesdropping on the entire conversation and decided to intervene.