Bonding with little sis

"Do you realize Aurora has homework to do and your noise right now could wake a ghost? How do you expect her to concentrate? and it's already 10:45, you have class tomorrow, don't you? Also, who told you that you could curse anyhow? Huh? Are you trying to derail the young girl?"

"I'm not—" Andrea tried to deny the accusations, but he immediately shut his mouth once his gaze landed on Aurora, who was looking at him with clear accusation in her eyes.

He scratched his head guiltily and immediately spoke into the speakers. "I have to leave now, guys. See you later."

With that, he quickly logged out of the game.

"Are you happy now?" he asked, raising his chin high.

Gianna's lips curved slightly, and she patted his head. "Yeah, I'm happy now."

Looking at her happy side profile, a hint of confusion flashed in Andrea's eyes. Why did she seem so different? It was as if her entire aura had changed, giving off a different feeling. It was still comforting—but more so than usual.

The Gianna from just a day ago would have ignored everyone. She was like a robot, doing only what she was supposed to do, never paying attention to things that didn't concern her. The only thing that could bring out such diverse emotions in her was when she was with that sick dude—what was his name again? Kaye? Yes, Kaye.

So what exactly had changed?

Or… wait.

His eyes suddenly widened, realization flashing across them.

It must be because of the death of her idol, Brianne!

After all, losing the person you loved the most could bring out a mix of emotions—more than usual.

He had definitely hit the nail on the head.

But… shouldn't it be a bad change instead of a good one?

Why did she seem happier and more relaxed instead?

Everything was just so confusing.

Of course, that was what was going on in his head, but what came out of his mouth was entirely different. "Why are you petting my head? Do I look like a baby to you?"

"Yup, baby brother."

Andrea rolled his eyes. "Fine, whatever."

"It's for a job well done," Gianna added.

"You could've given me a better reward," Andrea proposed.

"Like?" Gianna turned to look at him, raising a brow.

Andrea's eyes instantly lit up, and he responded with a sparkle in his gaze. "Some cash?"

Gianna shook her head. "I'll give you extra breakfast tomorrow."

"Deal!"

"Deal—"

"Uh… I can't wait to have you inside me, baby," came Sophia's moan, immediately silencing the conversation and plunging the room into an awkward atmosphere.

Realizing that this woman probably wouldn't stop anytime soon, Gianna glanced at the young girl still focused on her assignment.

"Go to your room, Aurora."

Having no clue what was going on, Aurora nodded anyway, packed her things, and obeyed her sister's order.

"You too," Gianna said, turning to Andrea.

"What? Why?" Andrea muttered. "I'm old enough to—"

"To your room," she repeated, her voice carrying an authority that couldn't be refuted or disobeyed.

"Since your idol just died, I'll listen to you. But only for now!" Andrea jumped up and went back to his room. He wouldn't admit that something in her voice and eyes had made him subconsciously give in.

Meanwhile, Sophia was still engaging with her lover, completely oblivious to the presence of her two underage siblings.

"Yeah, I wanna feel you so f***ing deep inside me."

"Sophia," Gianna snapped, her patience thinning, "if you're going to talk about your sex life, at least have the decency to do it where the kids and I don't have to hear it."

Sophia finally looked at her, raising a brow in amusement. "Oh? And since when is it your turn to tell me where and when I can discuss my sex life in my own home?"

"Since we live here," Gianna shot back coolly. "None of us are interested in hearing about how your morning went. The kids need to study and do their homework. If you're not going to help, at least don't distract them."

Gianna's gaze was clear and cold, her brown eyes resolute and calm.

Sophia rolled her eyes, twirling a strand of black hair around her fingers as she stood up. "Alright, alright. I heard you. We heard you. Have a good night… with no fun."

Gianna sighed to herself as the woman finally left the living room. Shaking her head, she made her way to Aurora's room.

She knocked twice on the door. "It's me, Aurora," she called.

There was some movement, followed by the door opening immediately. Aurora peered up at her with doe-like eyes and then swung the door wide open. "Sister!"

Gianna smiled as she patted the girl's head. "Have you finished your homework?"

The 'yes' caught in Aurora's throat as something flickered in her brown eyes. Then she shook her head, walking to the bed while holding Gianna's hand. "No… I still don't understand some questions."

Gianna raised a brow. "Where are they? Do you need help?"

"Yes, Sister!" The young girl immediately nodded, then, in one swift motion, shifted her workbook away, closing it so Gianna wouldn't see it.

"Number three, number seven… and number nine are all so confusing. Not clear at all!" She pouted. "Will you explain them to me, Sister?"

Holding her hand, Aurora looked up with hopeful eyes. She was such a little cutie that Gianna's heart softened like tofu.

She nodded. "Of course. Let's see…"

Joy flashed in Aurora's eyes as she immediately brought the textbook forward, pointing at the questions with the tip of her red pencil. "Here… here… and...