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"Onee-chan! Onee-chan! The agency gave me a bonus!" Hina announced proudly as she bounced into the kitchen.
"I’m glad to hear you’ve been working hard,” Sayo replied, barely looking up from the dishes she was doing. “What are you planning to do with it?"
Hina tilted her head sweetly. "I was hoping I could take you out to dinner tonight. Somewhere nice.”
"You… want to take me out to dinner?" Sayo spun around, her full attention now on her sister. Her eyes narrowed in suspicion, "What’s the catch?"
“Come on, can’t I do something nice for my big sis?"
Sayo didn’t trust that innocent look on her face. But after long contemplation, she resolved that Hina either genuinely wanted to spend time with her or was secretly planning to film the whole evening for her new vlog. To her horror, Sayo recently discovered that her sister runs a YouTube channel entirely dedicated to her. So while she feared how many students in their schools knew every little secret about her, that also meant there was nothing left she couldn’t handle. At the end of the day, Sayo had promised she’d try to be a better sister to Hina. Going out for a quiet meal was the least she could do.
That was her first mistake.
No matter how many years of experience she’s had dealing with Hina’s unpredictability, Sayo always underestimated how outrageous her twin could be. As cunning as she was eager, Hina knew exactly how to create that sense of false security. After all, she couldn’t allow Sayo escape too quickly and waste such a precious opportunity.
So the evening started off ordinarily as Hina waited by the stairs in a new, cute dress. Sayo immediately took note of the outfit as she descended. But remaining on high alert for whatever dubious agenda Hina had in store, she elected to not say anything. Instead, she let her sister guide them out the door to whatever secret destination she had chosen. But as Hina skipped along, prattling on about school and various loopholes she uses to avoid student council duties, Sayo’s reservations melted away under the familiar exchange.
Before she knew it, they arrived at a luxurious restaurant that looked way beyond Sayo’s weekly allowance. Before she could protest that Hina shouldn’t be splurging all her earnings in one sitting, her sister dragged her inside. Swept up by the elegant surrounding and an overly accommodating waitress, the twins were soon seated at their table.
“Hina, are you sure about this? I’ll be just as happy going to a family restaurant,” Sayo hissed from behind her overly minimalistic menu. The fact she couldn’t find a single price tag was already a bad sign.
“Relax, Onee-chan, tonight’s a treat for me too,” Hina’s eyes sparkled.
When waitress returned to take their order, she glanced between the two of them with a smile. “What can I get for you today? And if you don't mind me asking, are you two twins? You look so much alike!"
Before Sayo can respond Hina turned to her with a straight face, "Actually, she's my wife."
Sayo's eyes widened in horror, "Hina! Don't joke about that so casually!" She spun to face the waitress, mortified. "Please ignore her. Yes, we are sisters."
"Awww come on Onee-chan we could've had so much fun," Hina pouted.
Sending Hina a warning glare, she turned back to the waitress with an apologetic look. "Sorry about that. We'll have the chef's special, please.” Anything to get the poor woman away from their table before Hina says something more incriminating.
"Whatever you say... darling," Hina winked at her sister.
“Are you going to be like this all evening?” Sayo muttered under her breath. It took all her willpower to remind herself this was just another way Hina liked to get under her skin. Reacting would only encourage her more so Sayo did her best to put on a neutral expression.
Seeing this, Hina maintained her own innocent smile before her eyes darted to something else on the table. “Ooh, free olives!” As she watched Hina stuff her face, Sayo was once again reminded why they couldn’t go anywhere nice.
After dinner, Hina pleaded and begged, causing a scene till Sayo finally agreed to join her on a stroll through the mall. Sayo didn’t want to. But after the embarrassment Hina already put her through at the restaurant, she didn’t know how many more curious glances or giggles she could take.
Browsing through a boutique, Hina stumbled across the section with adorable baby clothes. "Onee-chan look they're so tiny!"
Though she approached cautiously, Sayo’s expression softened at the sight. "They are small... But you’re not having a baby, Hina.”
"How do you know I'm not pregnant?"
Sayo's eyes instinctively widened before catching Hina’s teasing smile. "Don't scare me like that! I know you’re gay so you’re not... you know."
Hina handed Sayo the clothing before rummaging through the rest of the pile. Just then, a lady comes up to them, "Oh my, is it your first?” she gushed, “Are you having a boy or a girl?"
Sayo immediately dropped item, "Ah, no, I'm not pregnant." She gave Hina a pointed look, urging her to end the misunderstanding.
"Yeah, I'm the one carrying Onee-chan's baby," Hina announced far too eagerly.
"Hina! Stop it! You're making this more awkward!" Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Sayo turned to find the lady already edging away. "We… we're just here to browse. That's all,” she explained helplessly.
"Eh? But what about your unborn child?” Hina gasped, “I hope you'll at least be paying child support."
"There’s no child, and I certainly won't be paying anything. Can’t we just enjoy one day without you saying anything weird?"
Hina giggled hysterically as Sayo dragged her out of the store. "I wonder how many more times I can do that."
"If you do that again, I will take you straight back home,” Sayo threatened amidst her growing flush.
Once Hina finally stopped giggling and then hiccupping from giggling too much, they continued through the mall. Getting tired, Hina suddenly sat down in the middle of the stairs.
Sayo glanced back in exasperation, "Are you serious? You can’t just sit here there. Now get up before someone trips over you."
"But Onee-chan... think about the baby," Hina rubbed her perfectly toned stomach with pleading eyes.
Sayo had to strain every remaining ounce of patience. "There is no baby. But fine, if you're going to be difficult, at least move over to the side."
"I'm the baby."
Sayo failed to hide a smile. "Alright then, 'baby’, just don't get too comfortable."
"Awww, yes dear~”
"You know I didn't mean it that way," Sayo rolled her eyes despite the slight blush creeping up her cheeks. "Just get up already, or I will leave you here."
"All along, I should've known I'd end up with a deadbeat husband."
"Hina, you really need to stop this or I’m taking away your junk food privileges."
"How cruel~ you need to treat your wife better."
"If I were your wife, I'd definitely have my hands full,” Sayo shook her head, “Now let's go before you get us into trouble."
Hina stretched out her hand. After deliberating the consequences of giving in compared to the potentially louder consequence if she ignored Hina’s cry for attention, Sayo finally took it. "Fine, but no more silly comments, okay?"
"Not even a teensy little one?" Hina asked innocently as Sayo pulled her up.
“I guess I couldn’t stop you either way,” Sayo sighed, “Just… keep it subtle, alright?"
"Alright, alright," Hina grinned before leaning up to whisper in her sister’s ear, "I was just wondering when you'd like to consummate our marriage~"
“Hina! That is not subtle!” Pulling her hand away Sayo stormed off while Hina chased after her, apologising between gleeful laughter.
"Hey, at least no one else heard me that time!"
"That doesn’t make it any better,” Sayo grumbled, still flustered though she slowed down enough to let Hina catch up. “Can we focus on something else please? Like shopping?"
"Fine~ So what are you going to buy for your lovely sister?" Hina put on her sweetest smile.
Sayo scoffed. "Considering your recent behaviour? Maybe a book on how to behave."
"You know, a collar and leash would be another good option~”
“Will you stop?! But if you insist on acting like a misbehaved puppy, maybe a toy could keep you distracted."
Hina raises an eyebrow suggestively, "Ooh now naughty of you~”
Sayo nearly chocked on air as she whirled around, red faced. "I meant like a fidget toy or a- a ball or something! You're the one making this sound inappropriate!"
“It's not my fault. Your reactions are just too boppin’!”
Sayo wanted to die. Well, not really, but the thought of getting buried six feet under just to escape Hina’s incessant teasing was starting to sound quite tempting.
“Is there anything in particular you want?” Sayo hoped a change in subject would steer them in a safer direction. She’d already been exposed to more of Hina’s inner desires than she’d ever wanted to know.
Hina seemed to take the bait, her eyes lighting up. “Can we go to the music store? I'd love to get a new Roselia body pillow of you."
"A… body pillow… of me?” Sayo wasn’t sure she’d heard her correctly.
“Yeah, my last one… it’s probably best you don’t know,” Hina trailed off vaguely. “Wait, or are you offering to let me cuddle up to you at night instead?” Sayo barley had enough time to shove away the eager ball of affection flinging itself at her.
"That’s not what I meant! Whatever, just- just go get your pillow.”
“Don't worry, I won't do anything weird to it~”
"I don’t even want to know. Just promise to keep it out of sight if I ever go near your room, got it?”
“Sure thing!” Hina beamed, straightening up as if she didn’t just have a wrestling match with her sister in the middle of the mall. “I'm only planning to use it for kissing practice.”
When will this nightmare end? Sayo didn’t know which thought disturbed her more. That Hina was engaged such an act, or the more ominous goal she was inevitably practicing for. Going pale, all she could do was stammer.
"Hina, that’s... that’s really not appropriate- you better not."
"So you'll let me practice in person?? You're so sweet Onee-chan," Hina pretended to reach for her face.
Sayo recoiled sharply. "Hina, this is exactly why we don’t spend time together! You- you’re too much!"
Seeing her sister tense up, touched her arm lightly. “Hey, I’m sorry, Onee-chan. You know I was just teasing.”
Sayo half-heartedly swatted her hand away. "All I want is for you to behave decently in public. Is that really too much to ask?"
“Ugh, you don’t need to be boring ‘miss disciplinary committee’ all the time. But fine~” Hina’s smile shifted to a smirk Sayo really didn’t like. “I'll save it for when we're... in private.”
Clamping her hand over Hina’s mouth Sayo dragged her the rest of the way to the music store. It either looked ridiculous or like a very badly thought-out kidnapping, but Sayo didn’t care. Hina had driven her up the walls all evening. The sooner her sister got whatever offensive product she wanted, the sooner they could go home.
After an insane amount of browsing and bickering, Hina left the store proudly cuddling a small plushie of Sayo. "I never realised Roselia merch was so cute," she gushed, making little Sayo wave at her full-sized counterpart.
Despite the ordeal she went through to convince Hina to settle on this more reasonable compromise, Sayo had to admit her sister had a point. "I suppose."
Making sure Sayo was still watching, Hina pressed an affectionate kiss to the doll's head. Seeing Hina so happy, Sayo’s expression softened despite herself.
"Okay, that is kind of cute. Just don’t get any ideas about practicing with the real me."
"Aww not even feeling a bit jelly?”
“Of course I’m not jealous! More… concerned, really.”
"Well, you can kiss your plushie of anytime, I won't mind,” Hina grinned. "I know you secretly bought one~"
Sayo folded her arms, "I did not- but if I did, I certainly wouldn’t be using it for... that."
“Don’t be so shy.” Scooting up, Hina gets on her tiptoes to press a quick kiss to Sayo's cheek, “See? It’s easy. And now you say, I love you too."
Maybe it was the pure genuineness in her tone or the soft sparkle in her eyes, but something stopped Sayo from pushing her sister away as she normally would. Instead, she looked away to mask her flustered reaction. "I tolerate you at most.”
"Oh look! That's the really popular dessert place!" Hina’s attention turned to a vibrantly decorated storefront.
Any sane person would immediately turn and walk the other way after enduring Hina’s torments. But on the other hand… Lisa had told her how this place was usually impossible to get into. And there didn’t seem to be a line at the moment. Glancing over at Hina, Sayo silently prayed her sister had exhausted every inappropriate joke in her arsenal. However, she instantly regretted looking upon catching the pleading look in Hina’s eyes.
"I suppose it won’t hurt to stop for a quick treat before we head home," she sighed.
Hina didn’t waste a second dragging her inside. Sayo tried to protest as Hina squished them both into a booth despite the abundant space on the other side of the table, but the gleam in her sister’s eye as she scanned the room was currently more worrying.
"I wonder if we can get free stuff,” Hina leaned in to whisper under her breath. The act was entirely unnecessary with her sister just inches away from her, causing Sayo to raise an eyebrow.
"Hina, you may be an idol, but don’t even think about trying to charm the staff for free desserts. We’ll just order normally."
"Who says it’s the staff I’m trying to charm?"
Getting up from her seat Hina suddenly lowered herself to one knee in front of Sayo. Sayo's eyes widen in alarm. "Are you insane? This is so embarrassing!" Her eyes darted around, hoping no one caught the display.
"Onee- I mean, Sayo, will you marry me?" Hina clutched her heart as she put on the performance of her life.
Sayo covered face with her hands, "Hina, stop it! You can't just propose like this in public!"
"So you'd say yes of it's in private?" She immediately shrunk back at the glare she received.
"That’s not the point. If it wasn’t illegal, I would be very tempted to kill your right now.”
"At least do it for the free dessert," Hina whispered with a wink as a waitress approached.
Sayo let out another groan, finally accepting Hina’s outstretched hand as applause rose around them. Faking a smile for the room, her eyes shot death glares at Hina who continued to grin from ear to ear throughout the ordeal.
Watching a fondue pot get placed on their table, Sayo did her best to ignore Hina’s gleeful expression. "Fine, this does look pretty good. Not that I’m okay with lying. But just promise me, no more proposals."
"Don't say it like that or people will think we faked it," Hina teased.
"You can’t just embarrass me every time you want something,” Sayo angrily stabbed at a strawberry. “We don’t need any rumours of this sort spreading.”
“You’re right, the agency probably won’t be happy if they found out I married my own sister. Idols aren’t allowed to date,” Hina mused as she swirled an ungodly amount of chocolate on her fondue stick. Sayo wasn’t even sure if she’d put anything else on it. The thought of Hina licking the rod clean before sticking it right back in the pot made her shudder. That, or the fact that something about Hina’s statement didn’t sound quite right. She was only broken from her thoughts when Hina nudged her.
“Hey, don't you think we should be acting a little more in love? We don't want anyone to suspect anything.”
"Don’t you think acting 'more in love' would make it obvious that it's all for show?" Sayo returned a tired look.
"How about this?" Hina held out her fork where a piece of cake had miraculously appeared. She dropped her voice sensually, "Open wide, dear~"
Sayo’s face glowed red for the millionth time that day as she stared at Hina. “That’s—" She hesitated, glancing behind find a few of the staff watching with small smiles. Reluctantly, she opened her mouth as wide as her dignity would permit as Hina popped the treat inside.
“Now my turn!” Hina rocked back and forth in her seat eagerly. Too tired to argue, Sayo offered her a piece of fondue, trying to maintain any semblance of seriousness.
"Thanks, babe," Hina giggled as her mouth closed around the bite. Sayo bit back a rude word.
“Happy? Now enjoy your dessert and don’t talk to me till we get home."
“Eh, that’s difficult when there's something way more enjoyable in front of me~”
"If you keep this up, I will stop sharing this dessert altogether."
“But Onee-chan, we're meant to be in love!” Hina whined, “We aren't going to be that couple who break up before their wedding day.”
That managed to draw a small laugh from Sayo. "That’s probably the most realistic thing you’ve said all day. But I’m serious, no dramatic breakups in public."
"Dang it, that would’ve been a fun next skit."
“Remind me to never be near you again.”
"You’re so mean! Fine, I’ll stop.... but only if you sweet talk me first," Hina batted her eyelashes playfully. Hearing her persistent tone, Sayo rolled her eyes again.
“You won’t take no for an answer, will you? Fine, sometimes… I guess I appreciate your energy, even if it drives me crazy. Happy?"
"Ah, how romantic," Hina pretended to swoon.
"Don't get carried away. I have my limits, remember?"
"Yes, last I recall you've refused to acknowledge your unborn child," Hina mused as she pretended to stroke her stomach again.
“Don’t bring that up again,” Sayo groaned, coming very close to banging her head against the table before remembering the fondue pot was still there.
“Hey Onee-chan if you did have kids what would you name them?”
Sayo paused, considering the question for a moment. "I’ve never really thought about kids. I suppose it would hold special meaning to both me and my partner.”
“I see, I see. So you’d name our kid McCain then?”
“I’m not naming my firstborn after a bag of fries! Wait, why are we even talking about this? We’re not actually having kids!"
Seeing her sister’s distress Hina showed her first glimpse of remorse. “Did I take it too far?” she mumbled softly.
“I’m just tired. So just behave… please?” The bar was so low even Chisato would have to do the limbo. But at this point, Sayo would take any relief she could get.
“Okay,” Hina’s head drooped. “I’m sorry again, Onee-chan.”
“You better be,” Sayo gave her a wary look before returning to their dessert. It was cold. So much for their relaxing, sister bonding time.
…
Once they finally finished dessert Hina offered Sayo her hand. "Ready to go?"
Still fuming, Sayo nonetheless took it as she tried to regain her composure. “She’ll go off to college soon, she’ll go off to college soon,” she muttered to herself.
To her surprise and relief, the walk home was uneventful. But as they reached the front door, Hina pressed a kiss to the back of Sayo's hand before letting go. Sayo felt her cheeks flush at the gesture.
"You really don’t understand the concept of boundaries, do you?"
“Ehehe, I guess it’s pretty hard to hold back after we literally shared a womb for nine months.”
“At least pretend to sound sorry.”
…
After her shower that night, Sayo came into the living room to find Hina is relaxing on the sofa. She quickly tried to turn back but Hina caught sight of her.
“Onee-chan! Um… I wanted to apologise again for embarrassing you so much today. Please don’t be mad.”
The unexpected awkwardness in her tone made Sayo pause. Though just remembering all the humiliation she was put through reignited a storm of frustration, at the end of the day, that was Hina. Ever playful, but never ill intending. Sayo let out a resigned sigh.
"It's alright. I know you were just having fun but... maybe tone it down next time?"
"I promise.”
With this peace treaty, Sayo settled beside her on the sofa. As she turned the TV on, Hina slid over and rested her head against Sayo’s shoulder. A fond smile crept onto Sayo’s lips as she glanced down. At least this was one part of Hina she’d gotten used to.
"Comfortable there?" She adjusted herself slightly, making sure her sister was settled.
"Hey Onee-chan, what would you do if we got divorced? Do I get half your stuff?
"Again, we are not even getting married. And if we were, I think we'd have much bigger things to worry about than dividing belongings, such as I don’t know… the law? And family reunions."
Hina let out a chuckle. Picking out a stand of her own hair, she began to carefully tie it around Sayo's finger.
Sayo watched in amusement. "What are you up to now?"
"It's a ring," Hina happily showed off her handiwork. "Now we're officially engaged! Problem solved."
Sayo stared in disbelief for a moment before bursting into laughter. "You can’t just make a ring out of your own hair and call it official! But I suppose it's kind of cute… if you were anyone else," she quickly added.
Hina’s satisfied grin turned troubled. "But Onee-chan... whose last name would we take?"
“Hina, if you keep joking like that people will think you’re genuinely stupid. That’s probably the only thing we won’t have to worry about in this ridiculous scenario.”
Hina rolled over lazily till she's directly on top of Sayo, crushing her against the sofa. This drew a surprised laugh from her twin, “Hina, you’re squishing me! Move a little, will you?” After struggling fruitlessly against Hina’s grip, Sayo resigned herself to her fate. "Alright, fine. I guess we’ll just sit here doing nothing all night.”
Hina let out a content hum. After several moments of this comfortable stillness, Sayo met Hina’s gaze. "You know… despite all your teasing, I do appreciate these moments with you," she admitted softly.
"Do you want to keep having them forever?" Hina relaxed her grip slightly.
Sayo's expression softened further. "I suppose in a way, I can't imagine my life without you in it." Hina’s cheeks flushed for the first time that day. Sayo couldn’t help but smirk, “I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who can get flustered.”
"Hey Onee-chan... do you know why I've been teasing you so much?"
"I’ve been wondering that all my life. So what's on your mind?"
"Well... It's because I... well,” finding herself unable to finish, Hina averted her gaze.
Seeing this, Sayo’s curious expression turned serious. "Hina, is something wrong? You can talk to me."
Thinking deeply for a second, Hina finally turned back. "Before I do, can I ask you for some advice? It’s someone from school um... Tomoe-chan! She's been having feelings recently... for someone she's not meant to."
Sayo nods attentively as she pictured the tall drummer. Obviously, things would be complicated if you developed feelings for a childhood best friend. Or friends. But always seeing the girls from afterglow together, Sayo wasn’t surprised it happened sooner rather than later.
"It sounds like Tomoe-san is in a tough spot. What kind of advice does she need?"
"Well, she… um, she thinks she might be in love with… with Ako-chan, but she doesn't know for sure," Hina fumbled awkwardly .
Sayo’s eyes widened as she processed this new information. Though the Undagawa sisters were certainly close, Tomoe didn’t seem like someone who’d be in love with her own sister. But at the same time, was that really something one can judge from appearances? Though startling and altogether unconventional, the biggest surprise came at realising she wasn’t as repulsed as she’d expected. If this made Tomoe happy and by extension, Ako, then it wasn’t Sayo’s place to judge. Rubbing her temple, she nonetheless accepted that her image of her bandmate would never be the same.
Sayo had never been good at talking or emotions. That was Hina’s thing, since she never seemed to stop doing either. Yet, Sayo’s time in Roselia had changed her more than she wanted to admit. Yukina’s self-confidence, Lisa’s openness, Rinko’s empathy. If she needed to channel all those traits, it was now.
Taking a deep breath, she turned back to Hina. "That's definitely complicated, especially since they're sisters,” she began carefully. “Tomoe-san should think carefully about her feelings and consider how it might affect their relationship before she says anything."
"I... I see…" Hina's face sank.
Noticing this change in mood, Sayo gave her a knowing smile. "I understand that you’re confused. Relationships are complicated."
"W-who says it's about me? I'm totally fine!"
"You don't have to pretend. I know how much this is bothering you.”
Hina slumped back in defeat, "Onee-chan... what should I do?"
“Just take your time,” Sayo placed a hand on her shoulder, feeling a small sense of pride. This was going well. For the first time, she was acting like the ‘Onee-chan’ she wanted to be. And more importantly, Hina was actually listening to her.
“Hina, the best thing you can do is be there for Tomoe-san. It will be difficult for her, realising her little sister has… more than sisterly feelings, but I’m sure she will still understand,” Sayo spoke sincerely. For a moment, Hina just stared at her.
"Onee-chan.... you're kind of an idiot aren't you?"
Sayo’s eyebrows shot up. "What do you mean by that? Was my advice not helpful?”
"Figure it out yourself!" Pushing her off, Hina got up and stormed out of the room. Watching Hina leave, Sayo’s confusion skyrocketed. With a sigh, she realised she might have said the wrong thing.
And that was here second mistake. Little sisters are so complicated.
...
Hina acted pouty all of the next day, leaving Sayo to helplessly piece things together. She couldn’t shake a pang of worry as she sat quietly, reflecting on their conversation while her guitar laid nestled in her arms where it’d been for the past half hour. What could she possibly be missing? Hina came to her about a sensitive matter involving an underclassman and as far as Sayo was concerned, she gave valid advice. Was her tone too harsh? Lisa often teased her about deadpanning, but Sayo was convinced that wasn’t the issue. Eventually, she gave up trying to practice and put her guitar back down, determined to get to the bottom of her sister’s puzzling behaviour.
Hina glanced up sullenly as Sayo knocked on her bedroom door. "What is it?"
"Hina, I just want to say I’m sorry. I’m not quite sure what I did wrong, but I didn’t mean to upset you,” Sayo cautiously stepped closer.
"Do I really have to spell it out?" Hina’s eyes flashed with a mix of emotions Sayo couldn’t quite read. "This isn't about Tomoe-chan! I made that all up."
"Hina... why would you lie about something as serious as that?!” In honesty, Sayo didn’t know what she was feeling either. Shock? Anger? Relief?
“Because I was scared about how you’d react if I told you the truth,” Hina mumbled, refusing to meet her eye.
Sayo’s brows softened slightly, “Hina, you’ve always worn your heart of your sleeves, it’s who you are. So whatever it is, I promise to listen, just like with everything else."
"That’s not true though," a single tear tricked down Hina's cheek. "Yesterday I was trying so hard to get close to you... to figure out if we had a chance..."
A nagging feeling rose in the back of Sayo’s mind. The final thread she couldn’t quite grasp through the fog. Almost like there was something blatantly obvious she was missing…
Sayo’s eyes widened. "Hina… I'm sorry if you felt like I wasn’t paying attention to you. I may not say it out loud like you do but… I do love you.” A blush crept up on her cheeks, but Sayo knew how important honesty was in that moment with how vulnerable her sister looked, no matter how uncomfortable it made her. “I may have acted cold in the past, but the truth is… I’m grateful you’re my sister.”
Nothing could have prepared Sayo for ger sister suddenly flinging herself into her chest and outright sobbing all over her shirt. "You still don't understand Onee-chan!” Hina balwled, “Your love isn't the same as mine!"
Startled and completely out of element, Sayo gave her back a few awkward pats. Seeing this stifle the crying, she continued rubbing small circles over the same area. "You may be right. I’ve never understood what’s going on in your head.” Sayo admitted, her voice softening with each word. “But please, help me understand what you’re feeling right now.”
Hina finally looked up, sniffing. "Onee-chan, you’ve always been my one and only. All those jokes I made, I was half joking. You’re… the one I want to spend the rest of my life with."
It was as if the wind had been knocked out of her. Sayo could only stare, the words replaying in her mind over and over again like puzzle pieces getting jumbled up in a box. Then suddenly, it all fell into place.
“So wait, all this time… your question about Tomoe-san... you feel that way about… me?”
Hina nodded weakly, fear evident in her eyes. Sayo didn’t know how long they sat in silence, simply staring at each other. Was it ten seconds? Thirty? Even an hour? Yet a single thought nagged at the back of her mind. Despite all of Hina’s teasing and efforts to rile her up, Sayo never felt angry. It was a part of her she’d never understood. Most good sisters would immediately shut down such behaviour, yet she’d almost secretly savoured it. Obviously, there was something fundamentally wrong about that.
But hearing Hina now, how she also welcomed those same feelings….
Finally, she cupped Hina’s face. "Hina…” Sayo began, trying to hide the tremor in her voice, “I think I might feel the same way.”
Hina gawked at her, wide-eyed before letting out another small sniffle. "Promise you're not just saying that so I'll stop crying?"
"I promise. I was confused myself, but now that I know how you feel… well, let’s just say a lot of things are starting to make sense,” she blushed.
"I know I took the joking a bit far and marriage and kids is a long way off but, Onee-chan,” Hina glanced up with the most hopeful eyes Sayo had ever seen. “Will you go out with me?"
"I… I think we should at least give it a try.” Hina radiated pure joy as she squeezed Sayo more tightly. Suddenly she let out a groan. “What’s wrong? Are you feeling sick?” Sayo asked in alarm.
"No, just realised that since I already proposed to you once, that dessert place isn't going to give us any more fondue when I propose for real,” Hina looked devastated.
“You really don’t understand priorities, do you?” Sayo laughed.
Taking her twin’s ring finger, Hina kissed it gently. "When the real time comes, I promise it’ll still be very special." Ok, Sayo would have to be a monster to not find that cute. "Hey since it's getting late can I sleep in your bed tonight?” Hina continued with a mischievous smile, “Unless that's too improper for you."
The tone made Sayo blush. "You always sneak in regardless of what I say, so why bother asking? Just try not to steal all the covers this time."
“I get cold easily~ Plus you never let me cuddle with you.”
Sayo feigned exasperation, “Alright, alright! I guess it makes sense for us to cuddle now. Just don’t squish me too much."
"Well, without my Onee-chan body pillow, I'm sure we'll have tons of space~"
"You bought that into my bed!? You know what- I don’t’ want to know,” Sayo pinched the bridge of her nose. “At least I don’t have to worry about competition anymore.”
"Hmmm although it's a shame to get rid of it when I could still use a bit more practice.”
Sayo raised an eyebrow, "And you think a body pillow would really give you that?"
"Guess you'll be the judge of that." Hina reached out to cup Sayo's face, letting their lips hover an inch apart. Sayo's breath caught for a moment, her heart racing. Finally, she closed her eyes. A moment later, she felt Hina’s lips against hers, kissing her tenderly. Felt the warmth spread through her as she found herself kissing Hina back, almost breathlessly.
Pulling away, Hina began to giggle. "Guess that body pillow really did come in handy."
Sayo chuckled along, feeling the head radiating off her own face. "Lets… never talk about that thing again."
"No problem~ Especially since I've got the real you now," Hina gave her sister a squeeze.
“Yes, yes, now we really should get to bed.”
Hina tightened her grip around Sayo's shoulder with a defiant smirk. “I’m tired. You’ll have to carry me.”
Shaking her head with a smile, Sayo slipped her arms under Hina, lifting her easily. "Alright, you big baby. Now stop squirming so much."
"Don't worry, I'll save that for the bedroom~"
"H-Hina! You can’t just say things like that!" Sayo’s face turned bright red as nearly stumbled.
Hina’s arms flew to Sayo’s neck. “Hey careful! You can't be dropping your precious baby like that!” she whined.
“I’m sure you were dropped many times as a baby to turn out like this,” Sayo shivered at Hina’s touch, but nonetheless readjusted her hold.
“And yet you still love me.”
"You're going to be the death of me, you know that?"
"It’s 'till death do us part', isn’t it?" Hina nuzzled closer.
The blush had now crept to her ears, yet it came with an unfamiliar sort of warmth Sayo didn’t dislike. “Is this what I’ve signed up for the rest of my life?” she sighed, cradling her twin closer.
"Just because we’re dating doesn’t mean I’ll stop teasing you." Hina’s lips brushed playfully against Sayo’s ear before dipping down to kiss her neck. Sayo let out another sigh, but for an entirely different reason. This was going to be another long night.