It was another cloudy morning, with gray clouds veiling the once vibrant blue sky. The world seemed dimmer, lacking its usual energy, and everything appeared dull and lifeless.
A low rumble echoed through the skies, sending flocks of birds scattering in fright. The air carried a sense of stillness, a suggesting sign to those familiar with Tengu City that it was going to rain soon.
Shido, Kotori, and Tohka walked down the street on their way to school. Tohka remained close to Shido, blissfully munching on a piece of bread. However, if one looked closely, one would notice a faint blush dusting her cheeks for some reason.
Meanwhile, Shido stifled a yawn, his tired expression suggesting a restless night. A few steps behind them, Kotori observed the two with a neutral gaze, silently taking in their carefree attitude. Dark circles lingered under her crimson eyes, a clear sign that she, too, hadn't gotten enough sleep.
Last night, Kotori sat curled up on her bed, hugging her pillow tightly. The storm outside raged on, with thunder occasionally splitting the sky, each strike sending a deafening roar through the air. The sheer force of the sound was enough to make anyone jump in surprise, and for Kotori, who was currently in her Imouto Mode, it was pure torment.
Her entire body trembled as she huddled in the corner of her bed, desperately clutching her pillow while wrapping herself in a blanket as if it were a shield that could protect her from the relentless rainstorm. Each rumble of thunder sent a shiver down her spine, and the flashes of lightning illuminated her fearful expression.
"Onii-chan..." Kotori muttered weakly, her voice barely above a whisper.
She wished for Shido to come to her, to offer the warmth and reassurance she desperately needed. Normally, she would never admit to such vulnerability, but in moments like these, when the storm clawed at her nerves, all she wanted was her brother's presence.
Yet, her silent prayers went unanswered.
Instead of the comforting sound of footsteps approaching her room, she was met only with another booming clap of thunder, shaking the very walls of the house. The downpour outside only seemed to grow heavier, its rhythmic pattering against the windows doing nothing to soothe her anxiety.
A single tear formed at the corner of her eye, trailing down her pale cheek. Her crimson lips quivered as she curled up even tighter, feeling smaller than ever.
Determined to seek comfort, Kotori finally mustered the courage to leave her bed. Clutching her blanket tightly around her shoulders, she hesitantly stepped onto the cold floor, her bare feet making soft taps against the wooden surface.
With each rumble of thunder, she flinched, but her resolve didn't waver. She needed her big brother's warmth, his presence was the only thing that could soothe her tense nerves.
Slowly, she made her way to Shido's room, her hands trembling as she reached for the doorknob.
Just as she was about to push the door open, Kotori suddenly heard a faint sound from inside.
Although it was so loud outside due to the heavy downpour and frequent thunder strikes, that voice could still be discerned with her hearing.
Despite the heavy downpour and the frequent crashes of thunder, the voice was still clear enough for her to pick up with her sharp hearing. She froze in place, her fingers hovering over the doorknob as curiosity and hesitation filled her mind.
Kotori is still young, and despite teaching Tohka many indecent things that could make Shido fall, she is, in reality, just a novice when it comes to deeper relationships between a man and a woman.
She may have acted knowledgeable, confidently giving advice with a smug expression, especially when she was in Commander Mode, maintaining her authoritative and composed facade, but when it came to actual experience, she was as clueless as Tohka, if not more so.
And right now, as she stood frozen outside Shido's room, hearing that faint voice from within, a strange uneasiness crept into her heart.
Nevertheless, she found that voice somewhat familiar. Kotori was certain it didn't belong to Shido. But then… who else could be in his room at this hour?
Her brows furrowed as she thought deeply. Could it be Tohka? That would make sense, Tohka, just like her, might have sought out Shido's warmth on this cold and stormy night.
But something felt off. If it really were Tohka, wouldn't she be louder and more direct? This voice was softer, and somewhat bashful as if she was doing something embarrassing
Then, a sudden thought flashed through Kotori's mind.
She recalled a certain morning when she had tried to wake Shido up, only to be met with an unexpected and infuriating situation.
Recalling those scenes in her head, a blush spread across Kotori's adorable cheeks, unfortunately, no one could see her expression.
Adding to the faint sound echoing inside the room, Kotori subconsciously gritted her teeth while her blush deepened. Without anyone noticing, Kotori's ribbon had changed to black. Her expression grew complicated, a mixture of anger, annoyance, and a faint hint of shyness became visible on her face.
The shift in her personality was drastic as Alter Kotori had taken over. Yet, despite her usual commanding character in this state, a subtle warmth lingered on her cheeks, betraying the emotions swirling inside her.
Taking a deep breath, she clenched her fists and steeled herself. No matter what was happening inside, she was going to put a stop to it.
Kotori didn't barge in like last time. Instead, she carefully rotated the doorknob, pushing the door open little by little, creating only a slight gap.
Yet, as the door creaked open, the faint voice from inside became clearer, making her breath hitch. Her crimson eyes narrowed as she finally caught sight of the figure inside Shido's room.