Innocent Feelings

Aika held onto Kai, her eyes drifting to the mirror across from her and the cabinet as she tightened her grip on his arm, her voice barely a whisper. "Brother, will you stay here?" she asked, her fingers pressing into the muscles of his back.

Kai pulled away slightly, looking into her eyes with gentle reluctance. "Hannah needs me. I can't stay here tonight," he answered softly, his voice filled with a warmth that only came when he spoke to her.

Aika's expression faltered, her gaze dropping to the floor in disappointment. "Okay..." she whispered, almost to herself, her arms falling limp to her sides. The weight of her words seemed to hang in the air—It's always like this. I'm always alone.

Sensing the shift in her mood, Kai leaned down, gently lifting her chin to meet her eyes. "Okay..." he said softly, his voice filled with assurance. "I'll stay. I'll sleep with you tonight."

Aika's body relaxed as she let out a soft, relieved breath, her arms instinctively wrapping around his waist. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice softer now. "And will you take me to school tomorrow?" she added, the vulnerability in her voice unmistakable.

Kai smiled, a tender expression playing on his lips as he nodded. "Of course. I don't have a mission tomorrow."

Aika snuggled into him, her face rubbing against the fabric of his coat. "Can we lie down now? And turn off the lights?" she asked, her voice now a quiet plea, her eyes filled with unspoken tenderness.

Kai kissed her forehead gently, before pulling away to turn off the light. As he returned to the bed, Aika had already settled in, wrapping herself in a blanket, clutching a pillow close to her chest. Kai, feeling the warmth of the room and the tension in his body, removed his coat with a practiced motion, hanging it on the back of the chair nearby. He then pulled his t-shirt over his head, revealing his toned, athletic form. The soft light from the lamp cast a gentle glow on his skin, accentuating his physique.

Aika watched quietly from the bed, her eyes lingering on him for a moment before she quickly looked away, a faint flush coloring her cheeks.

Kai climbed into bed beside her, his movements careful and slow. He turned to her, a soft smile on his lips. Aika, now nestled into the blankets, looked up at him, her face softening as her vulnerability became more apparent. She smiled, though it was small and gentle, and nuzzled herself into his neck, wrapping her arms around him. "I love you, Big Brother," she murmured quietly, the words barely above a whisper.

Kai's heart swelled with affection, his arm pulling her closer. "I wonder who's the kid, you or Aira," he teased, his voice warm with affection. "But I love you too, Aika."

She giggled softly, and for the first time in a while, the weight of her troubles seemed a little lighter, her heart at peace in her brother's embrace.

Aika's fingers poked at his muscles experimentally, her movements light and curious, like a little child discovering something new. She couldn't help but trace the outline of his toned chest, feeling the firmness beneath her touch. Looking up, her gaze met his calm, closed eyes, his expression relaxed as he lay beside her.

"Brother," Aika murmured softly, her voice tender and shy, "if we weren't siblings, I'd be your girlfriend instead." Her words came out with a gentle blush creeping across her cheeks.

Kai flinched at her words, letting out a soft laugh. He was taken aback by the innocent yet bold statement. "Silly," he teased, trying to keep the situation light. "I'm old."

Aika didn't stop. She continued poking his chest muscles, pressing them lightly, as if testing the strength beneath her fingers. She glanced up at him again, her voice a little quieter now, but the admiration in her tone was unmistakable. "Hannah is really lucky to have you, Brother. You're such a green flag. And... you have the emotional intelligence that most girls would want in a guy." She paused, her thoughts drifting before she added softly, almost wistfully, "I wish we were classmates instead, so I could be your girl."

Kai chuckled at her persistence, finding it endearing. "You're silly," he said with a teasing grin. But beneath the teasing, there was an underlying tenderness in his tone, as he always tried to be there for her. "Just sleep already, alright?"

But even as he said that, his mind lingered on her words. She looks up to me too much, it's almost like she sees me as a... ideal? He couldn't help but feel a twinge of discomfort. She was his sister, and he was the one meant to protect her, not be the object of her affections. She's young, but I wish she'd see how much more she has to offer the world... without that heavy exterior she's built up.

Aika's heart fluttered when she heard Kai's words, despite the playful tone. Does he really think I'm silly? I guess he doesn't know how much I mean it. She turned her attention back to his chest, her fingers brushing lightly across the muscles again, her thoughts wandering. I just wish he could see me differently. Maybe then I wouldn't feel so out of place.

As she continued, Kai's voice softened, and he reached over, pulling her gently into an embrace. "Seriously though," he said casually but with sincerity, "you're pretty, Aika. You look just like Mama. You have so much going for you." He pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her with a calm reassurance. "Many boys would fall for you if you let your guard down. Just... get a good guy, okay? Someone who'll love you for who you are, not for your looks or anything else."

Aika felt a warm flutter in her chest at his words. She buried her face against his neck, inhaling his masculine scent—a mixture of menthol and citrus. She nodded against him, a quiet sigh escaping her lips. I'll never get tired of hearing him say that. He's always been the one to protect me, to guide me... but I can't help it. I want him to see me as more.

Kai kissed the top of her head gently, his tone light but filled with care. He couldn't help but smile, thinking of the future. She's going to be fine. She just needs time to grow, just like everyone else.

Aika remained still, she can't help but to wonder—Is what she feels right? Is it valid?