Chapter 10: A Night of Reflection

"I'll see you tomorrow." I walked Katelyn out to her car, making sure nothing happened to her just in case but more for peace of mind than actual worry.

"It was fun!" she giggled. Her face not showing a single sign of exhaustion or boredom. I really felt glad that she didn't feel like she wasted her time brining me home. It was such a far drive so I would've felt really bad if that was the case. 

Silence naturally enveloped the two of us as we stood next to her driver's door. We just looked up at the sky, and a mess of thoughts ran through my mind. I couldn't leave her hanging, though.

Chuckling, I broke the calm silence, "Yeah, it was. I definitely didn't think this was how the day was going to go!"

"I know, right? I don't know what I'm going to tell Ophi…"

"Tell her she missed out on Mom's wonderful cooking!"

"Hehe~, I'm sure that might actually get to her. She loves food!"

We laughed at Ophi, imagining the face she'd make if she knew we were joking at her expense.

"So, um… is this where you're supposed to hug me?"

"K-Kate, first of all, you're not supposed to mention it! Second, I can, but I figured that would be kind of overstepping."

I lied. I just didn't know how to hug her naturally for some reason. You'd think it'd be so easy! Her, on the other hand…

"Aw~ Someone's shy. Here!"

Kate wrapped her arms around me, pulling me into a hug. I didn't want to make things awkward, so I reciprocated. Her naturalness made me more comfortable with this kind of closeness.

'From what I know, she probably only has close people in her circle—so that's why she's so open to contact.'

Either way, regardless of my thoughts, I loved being hugged by a beautiful girl. It definitely boosted my confidence, and it's not like a hug meant anything weird, so no need to get so worked up about it.

We separated from each other. I crouched slightly, opening the car door for her. In the process, a goofy smile spread across my face—my own thoughts distracting me.

"What's so funny, good sir?"

"Ah~ Nothing, beautiful madam. I merely indulged in humorous ideas!"

"Pfft~ Like what, Eiz?"

"That I'm simply one hell of a butler."

"If you were a butler, I'd—"

"You'd what?! How can you roll up the window like that?!"

She flicked the interior light on so I could see inside the car—and what I saw was her sticking her tongue out, her golden eyes gleaming with smug delight. She looked far too pleased with herself for outplaying me.

'Tch. Says the girl who can barely finish her own food.'

Not the best comeback, I know, but she had me a bit flustered, okay!?

After her little taunt, she drove off, her tires whispering over the smooth pavement as the car's red taillights disappeared into the dusky street. A cool wind blew across the open yard, rustling the tall hedges along our fence line. I gave her a final wave before stepping back onto the stone path leading to the door.

We were the first house in this row of magnificent homes, so fortunately, she was able to head straight out.

I, on the other hand, stepped back inside after seeing her off. Slipping off my shoes again, I made my way toward my new room. My goal? To relax and maybe get a glimpse of the previous Eizkel. Possibly even learn a bit more beyond that.

Again, that was the goal.

"So~?"

"Big Bro! Big Bro, did you two kiss?!"

"Yeah?! Yeah?!"

Mom, Euphi, and even Cain were waiting for me—bombarding me with questions about what me and Kate could've possibly done. Surprisingly, I didn't find it aggravating or embarrassing. In fact, I was all smiles.

I enjoyed a family like this. It was so much more vibrant than the quiet, structured dynamic of my last one.

Not that they were bad by any means. But with no siblings, and with my original parents always knowing I can take care of myself, it was rare to feel a bond like this. Don't get me wrong—I appreciate and love them with everything I have.

It's just this kind of lighthearted, chaotic family is really a nice change. 

"No, we didn't kiss but we did hug, if that counts."

"Awwwww. You suck, Big Bro!" Euphi groaned, her voice bouncing off the walls as she leaned dramatically against the curved staircase railing. Speaking of, I somehow didn't even notice this staircase earlier when I walked in. 

'I already knew this house was huge from the outside but there is so much I've to learn.'

Anyway that wasn't as important. 

"C-Come on, Euphi, there are steps to this!" I stuttered my little sister shouldn't be worried about such things! 

"Nope! You still suck." 

"Euphi, be nice! It's true he's a wuss, but it's okay!"

'Even Mom?!' I looked over at Cain—the only other male in this house—but...

"Yeah, Brother. You should've kissed her," he said flatly, arms folded as he leaned against the doorway to the hallway like some judgmental little prince.

'Why are these children so worried about this kind of stuff?! Wait—!'

I turned to Mom, narrowing my eyes. "It's you."

"Huh? What's me?"

"You're a bad influence on my siblings!"

"A-Absolutely not! Isn't that right, you two?"

"..."

The two of them didn't even look her in the eye.

"M-My goodness... My own children are betraying me~!"

"Mom, were you in theater class or something?" She was way too good at this dramatic schtick.

"Haha~ Are you serious, Eiz? You literally helped me on set before."

"What?"

"Stop playing, dear. You've starred in a few movies with me. Sure, not the grandiose roles I've had, but nothing small either."

'S-So she really is an actress… She does this for a living! No wonder she's so good at this. Wait—I've been in movies?!'