"Rin!!!"
Early in the morning, Kaede's scream echoed through the house. Rin, eating toast in the living room, looked up as her sister came charging down the stairs.
"What is with those clothes in your room?! Did you buy those?! When did you get those and why did you hide them from me—"
Rin tilted her head blankly as Kaede's voice reached a fever pitch.
"Don't play dumb! Explain those clothes!" Kaede's face was red enough to squeeze apple juice from. She felt a mix of shame, shock, and a hint of jealousy. "That... exposed,镂空 (cut-out) lingerie... you bought it, didn't you!"
"Yes," Rin nodded.
Kaede bit her lip. "Rin! You're a high schooler! Why are you buying such lewd things? That's just a few strings! You can't even call that clothing!"
"But Yukiha, Ai, and the others all bought them," Rin said with an innocent look. "They all like them."
"Ugh! They're all little perverts. Rin, don't learn from them."
"Why? Don't you like them, Sister?"
"Are you kidding?! Of course I don't like such filthy clothes! I'm a proper girl! Why would I wear something meant to seduce men!" The tsundere was in full defensive mode.
Rin nodded. "Actually, I bought a few for you too. Since you don't like them, I'll just give them to Saki as a gift..."
Kaede froze like a statue. "Wait—!" She looked down, her bangs hiding her eyes. Her hands gripped the hem of her shirt, her voice trembling. "You... since you already bought them... it would be a waste. Even though I don't like them, it's the thought that counts. I... I suppose I can accept them."
Rin, enjoying teasing her sister, let a small, devious smile tug at her lips. "Want to try them on now?"
"Eh? Right now?!"
"If you don't want to, that's fine. Maybe you want to save the debut for the person you like?"
Before Kaede could respond to Rin's mental assault, the doorbell rang. "I'll get it!" she shouted, fleeing the conversation.
Rin sighed, finished the dishes, and walked out of the kitchen just as Kaede led a beautiful girl into the room.
"Good morning~~"
The girl had wavy long hair, emerald green eyes, and a radiant, bubbly smile. Her skin was as white as milk, and she had the "girl-next-door" charm that made people instantly like her. She waved at Rin. "Long time no see, Rin~"
Rin, however, didn't care for the girl's friendly smile. She frowned slightly. "I thought you were coming at noon. Why are you so early?"
"Because I couldn't wait to see you guys!" Hazuki chirped, lunging forward to give Rin an enthusiastic hug. Rin felt a bit weirded out but didn't push her away. She gave a stiff, polite hug back.
They had been classmates in middle school, and while Kaede was close to her, Rin had always just been a regular classmate. This sudden burst of intimacy was uncomfortable for her, but she kept her expression neutral.
"I thought you two would sleep in since it's the first day of break," Hazuki giggled. "But you're both up. Is it because you were too excited to see me?"
"Not really. Just used to waking up early. Sit down, I'll get you some tea," Kaede said, leading her to the sofa.
"Thanks, Kaede~ wait, where's Hayato?" Hazuki looked around. "Your childhood friend who's always with you. It's a holiday; isn't he here?"
Kaede's expression stiffened.
"Did something happen?" Hazuki asked, sensing the mood.
"A small accident," Rin said coolly. "We have nothing to do with him anymore."
"No way! You've been friends for years. You just gave up on him?" Hazuki leaned in, her eyes gleaming with gossip. "Tell me everything. Maybe I can help~"
Kaede clearly didn't want to talk about it. Rin ignored her, walking to the table to wipe it down. Hazuki's smile faltered for a second. Fortunately, the doorbell rang again.
"Meow, meow, meow—"
Alex walked in, holding a white kitten by the scruff of its neck. "You little pest. It's one thing to follow me, but you refuse to take a bath. We're visiting someone; do you want to bring fleas into their house?"
"Meow~~"
This kitten was strange. It hung around his house but refused to come inside. Where did it sleep? The roof? And how was its fur always so perfectly white?
Alex felt someone watching him. He looked up at a third-story window of a nearby building. A boy quickly ducked behind the curtains. Alex recognized him. The twins' childhood friend? He lives that close?
Looks like he has a grudge, Alex sneered. Too bad for him; his chance with the twins was dead.
The door opened. "Morning, Rin... who the hell are you?" Alex asked, looking at the stranger who opened the door.
"Alex," Rin and Kaede appeared behind her. The twins were beautiful in their casual home wear, but Alex's attention was locked on the new girl. He narrowed his eyes.
"She's a middle school classmate, Hazuki. She's visiting today. You're early too; I didn't prepare breakfast for you," Kaede grumbled, though she went to the fridge to grab some bread anyway.
Alex stepped inside, his gaze fixed on Hazuki. He didn't even tease Kaede. Hazuki was staring back at Alex with a mix of shock, awe, and confusion.
The twins noticed the tension. Do they know each other?
"I'm Alex. What's your name?"
"Asking for my name right away? Just call me Hazuki," the girl smiled sweetly, her eyes crinkling into crescents. she stepped closer, her perfume filling his lungs. "Alex-kun, you're quite special~"
"Back at you. You're special too," Alex said meaningfully. "You're their old friend? Why do I smell the scent of a 'Green Tea Bitch' (manipulative girl) on you?"
Hazuki's smile nearly shattered. What is with this guy? Why don't I feel the usual disgust and repulsion I feel toward men? Why can I stand so close to him? Who is he?