"Haruka! Your future is more important! Why don't you listen to me!"
Haruto's voice rose without him realizing it—a tone he'd never used with his sister before.
Haruka's eyes widened in shock, her shoulders tensing as she clenched her fists to steady herself.
"I… After Mom died, you barely spoke to me… Do you really not want me by your side anymore?"
Her voice wavered, her gaze locked on him, the glimmer of unshed tears threatening to spill over.
"No, of course not!"
Haruto reached out to take her hand, but she slapped it away, the sting hitting deeper than he expected.
"I just want what's best for you," he said softly.
Haruka's face twisted with hurt.
"What do you know is best for me? We're barely even close as it is!"
She shot to her feet, leaving the table without a second glance.
Haruto dropped a few bills on the table and rushed after her. "Haruka, please, just hear me out…"
