The morning light peeked through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. Ryu slowly stirred awake, feeling the familiar weight of Aoi snuggled beside him. Her face was tucked against his chest, her small fingers gripping his shirt like she was holding onto the most precious thing in the world.
Ryu smiled softly. It had become routine—waking up to find Aoi curled up by his side, her cat ears twitching slightly as she dreamed. He gently stroked her hair, enjoying the quiet moments of peace before she woke.
Suddenly, Aoi's eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at him, her cheeks flushing as she realized how close they were.
"O-Onii-chan," she whispered, a little embarrassed, though her arms tightened around him, refusing to let go.
"Good morning, Aoi," Ryu said, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "Did you sleep well?"
Aoi nodded, her face still buried in his chest. "Aoi slept very well… especially because Onii-chan was here."
"Hmm… well, I might have to leave you alone today," Ryu teased, pretending to pull away. But Aoi immediately clung to him, her face a mix of panic and determination.
"No! Onii-chan can't leave Aoi!" she insisted, her voice small but resolute.
Ryu laughed, pulling her closer. "I'm just teasing, Aoi. I wouldn't leave you."
Aoi pouted, her cheeks puffing out in irritation. "Onii-chan always teases Aoi…" But despite her words, she couldn't hide the little smile tugging at her lips.
Ryu chuckled, brushing a kiss across her forehead. "It's only because you're so cute when you're flustered."
Aoi's face turned pink, but she didn't protest, choosing instead to cuddle closer. They lay there for a while, sharing the quiet warmth of each other's presence.
**Later That Day**
They decided to go for a walk, heading toward a nearby park where they often spent their afternoons together. As they strolled along, Aoi happily holding onto Ryu's arm, a small white cat suddenly appeared from nowhere, meowing and rubbing against Ryu's leg.
"Oh, hello there," Ryu said, bending down to pet the cat. But Aoi's eyes narrowed as she watched, her arms still looped around Ryu's.
"Onii-chan, why is that cat acting so friendly?" she asked, her tone slightly huffy.
Ryu shrugged, still petting the cat. "I guess it just likes me. Cats are pretty affectionate."
Aoi's ears twitched in annoyance, and she tugged on Ryu's arm, trying to get his attention back. "But Onii-chan already has Aoi. Aoi is the only cat Onii-chan needs."
Ryu looked at her, barely containing his laughter at the jealousy in her eyes. "Oh? Is my little Aoi jealous of a random cat?"
Aoi's cheeks puffed out even more. "Aoi is not jealous! Aoi just… doesn't want Onii-chan petting other cats."
Ryu grinned, pulling her close and kissing her cheek. "Don't worry, Aoi. No other cat could ever take your place."
Aoi relaxed, her small pout giving way to a happy smile as she clung to Ryu's side. They continued their walk, the stray cat forgotten as Ryu gave all his attention back to Aoi.
After their refreshing walk, Ryu decided to stop by a cozy coffee shop with Aoi. She clung to his arm, her tail swishing with excitement as they entered, her eyes sparkling as she took in the warm, inviting atmosphere. Her clothes made everyone think that her cat ears and tail were just accessories.
Once they settled into a booth, Ryu placed their order, and Aoi leaned against him, a contented sigh escaping her. "Aoi loves spending time with Onii-chan," she murmured, gazing up at him with a soft smile.
Ryu chuckled, brushing a hand over her hair. "And I love spending time with you, too."
Just then, a familiar voice broke through the quiet of the shop. "Ryu?"
Ryu looked up, caught off guard to see Ai standing nearby, her eyes widening slightly as she took in the sight of Aoi nestled close to him. She approached their table, trying to maintain a casual smile, but a flicker of tension crossed her face.
"Hey, Ai," Ryu greeted, his tone friendly but cautious, aware of Aoi's protective streak. "It's… been a while."
Ai managed a small smile. "Yeah, it has," she replied, her gaze shifting briefly to Aoi. "Mind if I sit?"
Before Ryu could answer, Aoi tightened her hold on his arm, her gaze fixed on Ai with a wary expression. "Onii-chan doesn't need to sit with Auntie," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper but pointed enough for Ai to hear.
Ai gave a strained chuckle. "Aoi, we've talked about this," she said, attempting a lighter tone. "I'm not an 'Auntie.' I'm just a friend of Ryu's."
Aoi's eyes narrowed, and she leaned even closer to Ryu, her expression fierce. "Aoi doesn't like Auntie near Onii-chan," she replied, her voice laced with defiance.
Ryu gently patted Aoi's shoulder, hoping to ease the tension. "Aoi, it's okay. Ai is just saying hi."
But Aoi wasn't convinced. Her grip remained firm as she stared at Ai, unyielding. "Onii-chan doesn't need other friends. Aoi is all Onii-chan needs," she stated, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Ai's eyes flashed with a mix of frustration and amusement. "Protective, aren't you?" she muttered, folding her arms. "Ryu, you sure know how to attract loyal company."
Ryu gave her a half-smile, reaching over to gently rub Aoi's back. "Well, Aoi's special to me. No one could replace her," he replied, hoping his words would reassure Aoi and soften the mood.
At his words, Aoi's expression softened, her grip loosening just slightly as a triumphant smile spread across her face. She nestled closer, casting one last defiant look at Ai.
Ai sighed, giving up with a small wave. "Alright, I get it. No one can compete with Aoi," she said, a hint of regret in her voice as she took a step back. "Take care, Ryu."
As Ai walked away, Aoi let out a soft huff of satisfaction, her body relaxing against Ryu. "Onii-chan is safe now," she murmured, a glint of pride in her eyes.
Ryu chuckled, pulling her close. "You really are something, Aoi."
Aoi gazed up at him, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "Aoi just loves Onii-chan and doesn't want anyone else around."
With a smile, he wrapped an arm around her. "Don't worry. I'm all yours, Aoi."
They spent the rest of the afternoon in the peaceful warmth of the coffee shop, Aoi nestled against Ryu, reassured that nothing could come between them.
That night, as they returned home, Aoi seemed quieter than usual. She glanced at Ryu, a hint of sadness in her eyes.
"Onii-chan," she began hesitantly, "do you… really want Aoi with you all the time?"
Ryu looked at her, surprised. "Of course I do, Aoi. Why would you ask that?"
Aoi hesitated, her fingers fidgeting. "Aoi… sometimes feels like she's just causing trouble for Onii-chan. Maybe… maybe it would be better if Aoi… left."
Before Ryu could respond, Aoi slipped out of his grip, darting out the door. Ryu stood there, stunned for a moment, before rushing after her.
"Aoi! Wait!"
He searched the streets, finally finding her sitting alone by a quiet park bench, her face hidden in her hands. He approached her slowly, kneeling down beside her.
"Aoi… why would you think you're a burden?" he asked softly, reaching out to gently lift her chin so she'd look at him.
Tears shimmered in her eyes as she looked at him, her voice barely a whisper. "Aoi just wants Onii-chan to be happy… but what if Aoi is just making things harder?"
Ryu's heart ached at her words, and he pulled her into a tight hug, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Aoi, you make me happier than anyone else ever could. Don't ever think you're a burden. I want you with me, always."
Aoi clung to him, her tears slowly stopping as his words reassured her. "Onii-chan really wants Aoi?"
"More than anything," Ryu whispered, holding her close. "You're my everything, Aoi."
Aoi sniffled, her cheeks flushing as she looked up at him, a shy smile breaking through her sadness. "Aoi loves Onii-chan so much."
Ryu smiled back, leaning down to press a soft kiss to her cheek. "I love you too, Aoi. Now let's go home, okay?"
She nodded, and they walked back hand-in-hand, Aoi's spirits lifted by Ryu's words.
Once they returned home, Aoi changed into her pajamas and climbed into bed beside Ryu. The room was
dim, illuminated only by the soft glow of a nightlight. Aoi nestled against him, her head resting on his shoulder, feeling the warmth radiating from him.
"Onii-chan…" she whispered, breaking the comfortable silence. "What does it mean to be a girlfriend?"
Ryu paused, his heart racing at the question. "Well, a girlfriend is someone you care for deeply, someone special to you," he explained, choosing his words carefully.
Aoi's eyes widened, a spark of curiosity lighting up her face. "Is it like being a wife?"
Ryu felt a mix of emotions at her innocent question. "Kinda, Aoi. It's someone you share a special bond with, like a husband and wife."
Aoi beamed, her face lighting up with excitement. "Aoi wants to be Onii-chan's girlfriend!"
Ryu's heart fluttered at her declaration, but he hesitated. "Maybe, Aoi. But I'm still figuring things out myself. You're really special to me."
Aoi's eyes sparkled with hope. "Does that mean I could be your girlfriend someday? Like when I grow up?"
Ryu smiled, trying to keep the conversation light. "Yes, but that might take a while."
Aoi frowned slightly, contemplating his words. "But Aoi can wait! Onii-chan is worth waiting for!" Her enthusiasm was contagious, and Ryu felt his heart swell at her determination.
He chuckled softly, leaning closer to her. "You really mean it, huh?"
"Yes! And when Aoi is older, I'll be the best girlfriend and the best future wife ever!" she declared, her voice filled with conviction.
Aoi saw those terms on internet, as I thought her how to use it.
Ryu chuckled again, ruffling her hair affectionately. "You really are something special, Aoi."
Aoi smiled brightly, snuggling closer to him, a look of contentment on her face. "Aoi just loves Onii-chan."
As they lay there together, Ryu felt a profound sense of peace wash over him. Aoi was right; they had a bond that was unlike anything else. No matter what the future held, he knew one thing for sure: they were meant to be together, but in sibling fashion. He don't yet see her more than just his precious little sister.
END OF CHAPTER : 4 : EVERY DAY