Chapter 15: Sisterly Heart-to-heart

Airi sank deeper into the warm bathwater, letting out a contented sigh as the steam curled around her. Just as she was about to close her eyes, the bathroom door creaked open.

Marina stepped inside, her violet eyes downcast, cheeks slightly flushed. A soft pink towel wrapped snugly around her body, clinging to her delicate frame. Airi blinked in surprise.

"Sis, your face is so red. Are you feeling okay?" Airi asked, tilting her head, concern laced in her voice.

Marina hesitated before shaking her head. "No, I'm fine… but Airi, your face is even redder," she countered, her lips pressing into a small smile.

"This…!" Airi immediately sank lower into the water, her blush deepening. She knew exactly why her face was burning—three hours of rather loud… activity with Blake had left her both exhausted and thoroughly embarrassed. Realizing that Marina had probably heard everything, Airi avoided her gaze, suddenly feeling awkward.

Marina, on the other hand, let out a quiet sigh as she sat at the edge of the tub, absentmindedly trailing her fingers through the water. Airi studied her closely and, after a moment, decided to bring up the elephant in the room.

"I know what happened with Oono today," she said, her voice softer now.

Marina flinched at the mention of his name, her shoulders tensing. "Silva told you, didn't he?" Her voice was quiet, almost defeated.

Airi nodded. "Sis, don't waste another thought on him. You never even liked him, did you?" She let out a small scoff. "I always knew he was bad news."

Marina was silent for a moment before nodding reluctantly. "I just… didn't know how to say no back then," she admitted, hugging her arms around herself. "He confessed so suddenly, and I didn't want to hurt his feelings, so I… I agreed."

Airi rolled her eyes. "You're way too nice for your own good, Sis." Then, a teasing smirk spread across her lips. "That's why you need a man like Blake."

Marina's head snapped up, eyes wide. "W-What?!"

Airi chuckled. "Oh, come on. Don't think I haven't noticed how you've been looking at him." She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a playful whisper. "You like him, don't you?"

Marina's whole face turned crimson. "N-No! I mean—he's your boyfriend! How could I—"

"Uh-huh, sure," Airi drawled, clearly unconvinced. "But it's okay, Sis. I get it. Blake's… well, he's something else." She let out a dreamy sigh before shooting Marina a mischievous grin. "And honestly? I wouldn't mind sharing."

Marina nearly fell into the tub. "Airi!"

"What? He's amazing, and we both like him." Airi flicked some water at her sister. "Besides, Blake could probably handle both of us."

Marina gasped, scandalized. "I can't believe you just said that!"

Airi giggled. "Oh, please, like you haven't thought about it." She leaned in closer, her teasing tone turning sultry. "Just imagine it, Sis—"

"Enough!" Marina clamped her hands over her ears, refusing to listen any further. But despite her protests, a small, traitorous part of her mind entertained the thought for a second too long.

Airi burst into laughter, thoroughly enjoying her sister's flustered state. "Alright, alright, I'll stop—for now," she relented, raising her hands in surrender.

Marina huffed, still red-faced, but a small smile tugged at her lips. The tension that had clouded her heart all evening began to fade, replaced by a newfound warmth.

Airi tilted her head, watching her sister carefully before speaking again, this time more sincerely. "Look, all I'm saying is… you deserve someone who makes you happy, Sis. Whether it's Blake or someone else, don't settle for less."

Marina blinked at her, then slowly nodded. "Thanks, Airi."

"Of course!" Airi grinned, reaching out to pull Marina into a warm hug. "Now, enough sulking! Let's just enjoy a nice, relaxing bath together, okay?"

Marina chuckled softly, finally feeling at ease. "Alright, alright."

Airi suddenly moved again, pinning Marina down. Shockingly, her fingers slipped on her chest!

"Ah! Airi, stop it!"

Feeling a tingling sensation, Marina let out a startled cry.

"The book says doing it more than twice a day is bad for your health."

"Oh? What does that mean? You'll have to explain it to me thoroughly!"

And just like that, the sisters spent the rest of the night laughing and teasing each other, their bond stronger than ever.

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Re Worked