The school bell rang, signaling the end of the day. The classroom buzzed with the usual chatter as students packed their bags and made their way out of the room. Kazuki, as usual, took his time, letting the noise around him fade as he stared out the window. His thoughts were interrupted by the familiar sound of footsteps approaching.
Aoi appeared in the doorway, her eyes wide with excitement. A broad grin stretched across her face as she hurried over to her older brother.
"Kazuki!" she exclaimed, her voice full of pride. "I did it! I got first place!"
Kazuki blinked in surprise, glancing up at her. "Wait, you mean… first place in the entire school?"
Aoi's smile only grew bigger, her cheeks flushed with excitement. "Yep! I did it! I beat everyone in my class and even some of the seniors. All thanks to your help!"
Kazuki couldn't help but grin. He had been helping Aoi with her studies, and seeing her hard work pay off made him proud. "I told you you'd get it if you put your mind to it. You're a lot smarter than you give yourself credit for."
Aoi blushed, twirling a strand of her hair nervously. "It's not just me, Kazuki. You helped me a lot with my studies. You've been patient with me, even when I was frustrated. So, I wanted to do something for you."
Kazuki raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what would that be?"
Aoi leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a playful whisper. "I'm making you something special. As a thank-you for everything you've done for me. I hope you'll like it."
Kazuki chuckled, already imagining the disaster that might unfold in the kitchen, given Aoi's tendency to be a little careless with anything that wasn't schoolwork. "Alright, alright. I'm curious. But don't make too much of a mess, okay?"
Aoi puffed out her chest in mock indignation. "You underestimate me, Kazuki. I'm a pro when it comes to desserts."
Kazuki raised his hands in mock surrender, laughing. "Alright, go ahead. I'll be waiting."
---
Later that evening, Kazuki sat at the dining table, waiting expectantly. Aoi had disappeared into the kitchen a little while ago, and the delicious smells wafting from the room made his stomach growl in anticipation.
Aoi returned moments later, holding a small plate with a carefully prepared dessert. It looked like a mixture of chocolate mousse with some fruit and whipped cream, and though Kazuki wasn't exactly sure of its exact composition, it looked good enough to eat.
"Ta-da!" Aoi said, presenting the plate with a flourish. "I made it all by myself! I hope it's good enough to thank you for everything."
Kazuki looked at the dessert in front of him, impressed by how neat it looked. Aoi had clearly put a lot of effort into it. "Looks amazing, Aoi. You really did this yourself?"
Aoi nodded eagerly, her eyes shining. "Of course! I watched a tutorial on how to make it. And, well, I practiced a few times before finally getting it right. I even made sure to use all your favorite flavors!"
Kazuki chuckled, genuinely touched. "Thanks, Aoi. I'm honored. I'll give it a try."
He took a forkful and brought it to his mouth, his taste buds immediately being hit with a perfect combination of smooth chocolate and fruity sweetness. The whipped cream added just the right touch of fluffiness. It was definitely delicious.
Aoi eagerly watched him, her hands clasped together in anticipation. "So? How is it? Do you like it?"
Kazuki's eyes widened in surprise, savoring the taste. "Aoi… this is really good! I'm impressed. You actually made something that tastes this good."
Aoi's face lit up, her usual shyness melting away in the glow of her accomplishment. "Really? I'm so happy you like it!" she said, nearly bouncing on her seat. "I wanted to do something special to show how much I appreciate everything you've done for me. You've always helped me with my studies, listened to me when I needed you, and… well, you've been the best big brother ever."
Kazuki felt a surge of warmth in his chest, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "I'm just doing my job, Aoi. You don't have to thank me so much. But… I do appreciate this. You worked hard on it."
Aoi's cheeks flushed, a shy smile forming on her face. "I just wanted to make you happy. You deserve it, Kazuki."
Kazuki leaned back in his chair, letting the warmth of the moment sink in. Aoi might have been a little possessive and overprotective at times, but she had a heart of gold. Kazuki had always known that, even if he sometimes got annoyed with her antics. In that moment, he realized just how important she was to him.
"Well, I guess I'll have to make it up to you somehow," Kazuki said, his grin widening. "How about I help you with your studies some more? Or maybe… I'll let you pick the movie for tonight?"
Aoi's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Really? We can watch whatever I want?"
Kazuki nodded, chuckling. "Of course. You've earned it."
Aoi squealed with joy, jumping up from her seat. "Yes! This is going to be amazing!"
Kazuki watched her with a soft smile, feeling a sense of peace. Aoi was his little sister, and despite her occasional clinginess, he wouldn't change a thing about her.
"Thanks, Kazuki…" Aoi whispered as she returned to her seat, a soft smile on her lips. "I really do love you. You're the best."
Kazuki's smile deepened as he reached across the table and ruffled her hair. "Love you too, Aoi."
And with that, they spent the rest of the evening laughing, watching movies, and enjoying the dessert she had worked so hard to make. Despite the chaotic nature of their relationship at times, Kazuki couldn't help but feel content. After all, family was everything.