Ugly Sister, Beautiful Brother

Minami woke up groggy, her hair a tangled mess as she blinked at the ceiling.

For a brief moment, she felt normal.

And then—

The memory of last night hit her like a truck.

Her face turned scarlet. "That idiot kissed me!"

She groaned loudly, grabbing her pillow and shoving it over her face. "I was supposed to forget about it!"

But her stupid brain refused to comply.

With an irritated huff, she rolled out of bed, shuffled to the mirror, and examined herself. Her reflection scowled back at her, her dark circles prominent, her hair resembling a bird's nest.

"Tch. See? I'm ugly." She poked her own cheek. "Why would Onii-chan even say that nonsense?"

Then, she remembered the way he had pulled her wrist, the warmth of his hand, the way he leaned in so casually—

Minami slapped her own face. "Nope. Nope! Not thinking about it!"

With a newfound determination to act completely normal, she hurried to get dressed and stomped her way into the kitchen.

Kazuya was already there, leaning against the counter, scrolling through his phone. His messy bedhead somehow looked effortlessly stylish, and the light from the window made his sharp features even more obnoxiously perfect.

Minami narrowed her eyes.

"Morning," he greeted lazily, not even looking up.

"Tch." She grabbed a slice of toast and started chewing aggressively.

Kazuya finally glanced at her and smirked. "You look grumpy."

"I always look grumpy," she muttered.

He set his phone down, tilting his head. "Still mad about last night?"

She choked on her toast. "Wha—?!"

Kazuya casually took a sip of his coffee, completely unfazed. "I mean, I did kiss you."

Minami turned red. "WHY WOULD YOU BRING THAT UP FIRST THING IN THE MORNING?!"

He shrugged. "Just wondering if you finally realized you're not ugly yet."

She grabbed the nearest napkin and threw it at his face. "SHUT UP, ONII-CHAN!"

Kazuya laughed, catching the napkin effortlessly. "So that's a no?"

She pointed an accusing finger at him. "You're enjoying this way too much!"

He grinned. "Maybe a little."

Minami groaned, sitting down with a thud and shoving more toast into her mouth, trying to ignore the way her heart was beating way too fast.

"Whatever," she muttered between bites. "I did forget about it, you know."

Kazuya leaned forward slightly, resting his chin on his hand. "Oh? Then why are you blushing?"

Minami threw her toast at him.

Kazuya dodged effortlessly, laughing.

Another morning, another day of his endless teasing.

But somehow, despite everything…

She didn't hate it.

---

The sound of running water filled the kitchen as Kazuya stood by the sink, his sleeves rolled up, meticulously cleaning the dishes. His broad shoulders and tall frame made even the simple act of washing dishes look effortless and graceful.

Minami sat at the table, resting her chin on her hands as she watched him absentmindedly.

It was always like this.

Her tall, handsome, perfect Onii-chan, taking care of everything.

She should have been used to it by now, but a part of her always felt a little strange watching him do so much.

Kazuya wasn't just her older brother—he was the one keeping everything together.

He worked as a model, earning ridiculous amounts of money just by existing and looking unfairly good. And with that money, he made sure she had everything she needed.

A house. Clothes. Food. School.

Him.

And yet, as Minami sat there, tapping her fingers against the table, she couldn't shake the feeling that he'd forgotten something.

Something important.

She squinted at him. "Onii-chan…"

"Hm?" Kazuya didn't look up, rinsing off a plate.

"Did you forget something?"

He blinked, tilting his head slightly as if thinking. "Forget?"

"Yeah," Minami huffed. "Something important."

Kazuya hummed, as if deeply considering it. "Nope. Don't think so."

Minami's eye twitched. "You're joking."

He smirked, still not looking at her. "Am I?"

Minami knew that smug tone. "You totally forgot, didn't you?!"

Kazuya finally glanced at her, his lips twitching in amusement. "Remind me?"

Minami clenched her fists. "MY 16th BIRTHDAY, YOU IDIOT!"

Kazuya exhaled a dramatic sigh, shaking his head. "Ahhh, that's what it was. I thought it was something important."

"IT IS IMPORTANT, BAKA!!"

Kazuya chuckled, finishing the last dish and setting it aside to dry. "Relax, relax." He dried his hands with a towel before walking over to her.

Minami crossed her arms, still pouting. "I can't believe you forgot my birthday…"

With a lazy grin, Kazuya sat down beside her. Before she could react, he reached out and placed a warm hand on her head, ruffling her hair.

Minami stiffened. "H-Hey!"

"You really think I'd forget something like that?" His voice was softer now, a little less teasing.

Minami blinked up at him, caught off guard by the sudden shift in tone.

Kazuya kept his hand on her head, lightly petting her. "So," he murmured, "what do you want, Minami?"

She swallowed. "W-What do you mean?"

He smirked. "Presents, obviously. You want a new game? Dolls? Clothes? Books?"

Minami hesitated. "I…"

She wasn't used to asking for things.

She had everything she needed because Kazuya always made sure of it.

What else could she even ask for?

Kazuya noticed her silence and chuckled, gently flicking her forehead. "Come on. Don't tell me you haven't thought about it."

Minami rubbed her forehead, glaring. "Tch. Maybe I have!"

"Then tell me."

She pursed her lips. "I dunno… maybe…"

Kazuya waited patiently, watching her with a soft, expectant gaze.

Minami clenched her fists, taking a breath.

"Maybe… I just want to spend the day with you."

Kazuya blinked.

Minami immediately regretted it. "N-Never mind! Forget I said anything! A game's fine! Or a book! Whatever—!"

But before she could backtrack any further, Kazuya flicked her forehead again.

"Ouch—!"

He smirked. "If that's what you want, then that's what we'll do."

Minami stared at him. "Huh?"

"I'll keep the whole day free," he said smoothly. "We'll do whatever you want."

Minami felt her face heating up. "R-Really?"

Kazuya leaned in slightly, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Unless you'd rather have a doll instead?"

She smacked his arm. "SHUT UP!"

Kazuya laughed, ruffling her hair again.

Minami pouted but couldn't stop the small smile forming on her lips.

Maybe he was an idiot.

But he was her idiot.

And this birthday was already shaping up to be better than she expected.

END OF CHAPTER : 2 : BAKA!