The weekend arrived, and Kazuki finally had a chance to relax. Aoi, however, had other plans. Determined to spend the day with her beloved big brother, she practically dragged him out of bed to spend a day just for the two of them. Shizuka wasn't around today, so Aoi took full advantage of the chance to have him to herself.
"Come on, big brother!" Aoi tugged at Kazuki's arm as they walked through a nearby shopping district. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she pointed to various stores. "Let's go in here! Oh, and here too!"
Kazuki chuckled, amused by her energy. "Alright, alright, Aoi. But remember, you promised not to spend too much of my money."
Aoi pouted playfully, holding up a cute, pastel-colored hairpin she'd found. "Come on, it's just a little treat, right?" She blinked up at him with wide eyes, fully aware of her charms.
He sighed with a small smile, ruffling her hair. "Fine. You win."
They spent the next hour shopping, with Aoi picking out small trinkets, snacks, and even a matching keychain set. She grinned as she handed him one of the keychains, attaching the other to her own bag.
"Now, even if you're with Shizuka, you'll still think of me," she said, clutching her keychain with a grin.
Kazuki couldn't help but laugh, nodding. "Of course. I'll always think of you, Aoi."
The day was fun, but soon the pair grew hungry and returned home, where Kazuki went straight to the kitchen to cook a simple dinner for them. He could hear Aoi talking from the other room as he chopped vegetables, her voice cheerful as she recounted her favorite parts of the day.
"Big brother, can we eat soon? I'm starving!" she called out.
Kazuki smirked, glancing over his shoulder. "Dinner will be ready soon. Patience, Aoi."
When dinner was finally ready, they sat across from each other, Aoi looking delighted as she dug in.
"Big brother, you're the best cook! I don't know what I'd do without you," she said between bites, her face full of admiration.
Kazuki laughed, scratching his head. "You're exaggerating, Aoi. But I'm glad you like it."
After dinner, they settled in the living room, Aoi snuggling close to Kazuki as they watched a movie. She leaned her head against his shoulder, seeming content, and Kazuki let her, realizing just how much she cherished these moments.
But as the night wore on, he realized she was dozing off, her grip on his arm loosening. Kazuki carefully adjusted her position, letting her head rest on a pillow instead of his shoulder. Aoi stirred slightly, her eyes opening halfway as she looked up at him sleepily.
"Big brother…" she murmured. "Promise me you'll always be there for me."
Kazuki softened, patting her head gently. "Of course, Aoi. I'll always be here."
With a small smile, Aoi drifted off, her hand still holding onto his sleeve. Watching her peaceful expression, Kazuki felt a surge of protectiveness, realizing just how much Aoi meant to him.
Tomorrow would be another day, and he knew Shizuka would likely take up most of his attention. But for now, he enjoyed the quiet comfort of spending time with his little sister, knowing he was just as important to her as she was to him.