Chapter 21: Demonstration
In the Living Room, Aragaki Takiya and Shiina Mahiru were sitting apart on either side, while the main long sofa was occupied by the two Little ones. However, the eyes of both Little ones were focused on Aragaki Takiya.
"There's no need for many words of thanks; it was just an umbrella after all, and you've already returned it..."
Looking at Shiina Mahiru sitting opposite him, although she was somewhat far away, Takiya still felt a bit unaccustomed. The reason was that the halo around her was too dazzling; 'Angel' seemed to be the name the students at school called her.
"While that's true, I'm still very grateful for your help. Besides the umbrella, I hope you'll accept this as well..."
As Shiina Mahiru said this, she was also sizing up the boy sitting across from her. He had chosen that seat himself. Unlike the other male students in her class, the boy in front of her deliberately picked a spot further away and was intentionally avoiding her gaze.
"I'd better not—"
"It's just a bag of snacks, and it was Kaede's idea, so please accept it."
"Is that so? But since you two know each other, why did Kaede suddenly run away that day?"
Listening to Shiina Mahiru's explanation, Takiya realized a blind spot from that day. He hadn't forgotten that he ended up getting caught in the rain because Shiina Kaede disappeared. Does that mean he was being teased by her?
"Ah... that."
Hearing what Takiya said, Shiina Mahiru was clearly a bit flustered. Obviously, both she and Shiina Kaede had overlooked this issue.
"That, that... it was like this. Big Sister's exam results weren't very ideal this time, so I teased her. She got angry and ran out. And it was because she was angry that I asked you, Big Brother, to go give her an umbrella."
At the critical moment, Shiina Kaede's little head spun rapidly, and she finally came up with what she thought was a perfect idea—though it was only perfect to her.
"Does first in the grade count as 'not very ideal' results?"
Takiya glanced at the silent Shiina Mahiru beside him. He just felt that things weren't quite as Shiina Kaede said, but the other party didn't seem to have a reason to lie to him... "Ah... that, it really was like that. It's just my fault for being too impulsive at the time."
Seeing Takiya's somewhat doubtful expression, Shiina Mahiru quickly smoothed things over. Although she didn't like lying, this was a special case. If possible, she didn't want to expose Shiina Kaede's identity too early.
"I see. I was wondering about that just now. But I didn't expect your sister, who looks so obedient, to enjoy playing such jokes. Poking at someone's sore spots isn't a good habit..."
Even though he knew it might just be an ordinary joke from Shiina Kaede, Takiya couldn't help but speak up as a reminder. He had encountered such situations before, and he could only say it felt very bad. If possible, he hoped to reduce the occurrence of such behavior around him.
"Hehe, it won't happen again~ because I've already apologized to Big Sister."
Seeing that Takiya believed the excuse, Shiina Kaede breathed a sigh of relief in her heart. Perhaps because of Takiya's kind reminder, she unconsciously moved an inch closer to him, but this small movement drew the dissatisfaction of Moeha beside her.
Ever since Moeha could remember, she only had three people she was closest to: one was Sayuri, one was Eriri, and the other was Takiya beside her. Because Takiya had been away from home due to illness later on, she missed him extra much. Now, Shiina Kaede's small movement was undoubtedly challenging her bottom line.
"Hmph~"
A soft hmph came from Moeha's little mouth. At this moment, she directly ignored Shiina Kaede and ran straight to Takiya's side, sitting on his lap. The plan was a success; this action dealt a direct critical hit to the opponent.
"That used to be my spot..."
Watching Moeha's actions, Shiina Kaede tried her best to suppress it, but an angry expression still appeared on her face. In her world, she still had her father and mother as a happy family of three, and back then her Aunt didn't have blonde hair, so where on earth did this girl in front of her come from?
"Kaede, it's getting late. We should head back."
The expression on Shiina Kaede's face was naturally caught by Shiina Mahiru sitting beside her. To avoid letting the cat out of the bag, she decided it was better to take Shiina Kaede and leave first.
"Ah? Is it already time to go home..."
Hearing her mother's words, Shiina Kaede instinctively looked out the window. Sure enough, it was already dark; it was indeed time to go home. But... she was so unwilling!
"Alright, then Big Sister and I will be going now, Big Brother..."
Although she still wanted to stay a bit longer, Shiina Kaede restrained the impulse. However, this expression of being reluctant to leave fell into Takiya's eyes.
"She must have become friends with Moeha..."
Takiya thought to himself, and considering that Moeha was always home alone, he spoke his thoughts aloud.
"Be careful on the way. Come and play with Moeha often in the future~"
"Eh?"
Takiya's sudden words caught Shiina Kaede off guard, but she immediately realized this was an opportunity, so she agreed right away... "Phew~ finally quiet."
After seeing off the Shiina'sisters', Takiya finally breathed a sigh of relief and sat on the sofa. Seeing her father looking tired, Moeha quickly handed him some juice she had poured. Such thoughtful service naturally earned Takiya's praise.
"By the way, Moeha, I couldn't say it while the Shiinas were here, but if someone knocks on the door in the future, you must make sure you know them before opening it."
Looking at the Little Loli standing beside him, Takiya put down his cup and pulled her close as he spoke.
"Okay, I understand."
Seeing her father's concerned expression, Moeha couldn't help but smile. Although she was very annoyed by Shiina Kaede's little actions earlier, it didn't affect her mood when she was alone with her father.
"By the way, Papa, why did you ask Kaede to come to our house to play often just now?"
Thinking of what Takiya had just said, Moeha was still somewhat puzzled. Even though she was often home alone, it didn't really affect anything, which led to her not understanding Takiya's reasoning.
"That's because Moeha is often home alone, so Papa wanted to find someone to keep Moeha company. If you stay alone for a long time, you'll get sick from being cooped up."
As he said this, Takiya didn't forget to pat the Little one's head. He hadn't forgotten what she was like when she first met him—that mental state? It was really quite terrible.