After they parted, Meako came into her home and started to take off her shoes. She hung her bag and saw her brother was in the kitchen, and said calmly like every other day.

Meako: Are mom and dad home yet?

Kurai: No, I had to get a lift with Saburo. They’re still in traffic.

Meako: Okay.

Meako: Are you all ready for tomorrow?

Kurai: Yep, I got everything done before I left.

Meako replies: Good.

Meako: I should probably ask him now while he still is in a good mood.

Meako: I saw you while I was out today.

Kurai: Really, where?

Meako: At a vending machine near that old ice cream shop in the town center.

Kurai: Really? I didn’t see you.

Meako: I saw you talking to one of my friends.

Meako says to herself nervously: There is no point in beating around the bush.

Meako: Kurai, you kissed her. I saw. You don’t have to lie, she told me.

Meako says to herself once again: Now you have no choice but to tell me the truth.

Kurai answers: Ahh, you saw that.

Meako: Why didn’t you tell me you were dating somebody—and Hikari of all people?

Kurai: Dating? (he said in an obnoxious tone) I did kiss her, and I didn’t know that she was your friend. (Under his breath he muttered: not like it would’ve changed anything.)

Meako: What do you mean you didn’t know who she was? Then why did you kiss her then?

Kurai: Because I wanted to. (He said while scratching his head.)

Kurai: She really was cute though.

Meako: You really have become a jerk. Is this how mom and dad raised you? Just when I thought you were changing, you go and do this.

Kurai: Don’t get so worked up; it was just a kiss. And besides, I think she might have liked it.

Kurai’s imagination of the situation: Good.

Hikari's imagination of the situation: Not good.

Meako: You—how can you even say that? What person in their right mind would like being kissed by a complete stranger?

Kurai, annoyed by his sister's nagging, says: You can tell her I am sorry if it would make you feel better. Anyways, I am going to bed. There is no point in talking about this any further.

Meako: What am I going to do now?

Please subscribe if you like the story.