Sam pushed open the café door, the familiar scent of coffee and baked goods filling his senses. He spotted Anna at a corner table, casually sipping a milkshake with a cheeky grin on her face.
His suspicion grew.
With a sigh, he slid into the seat across from her. "Alright, what's this about?"
Anna rested her chin on her palm, smirking. "No 'Hello, dear sister'? No 'Thanks for calling me out on such a fine day'?"
Sam rolled his eyes. "I know you. You're up to something."
Anna feigned innocence. "Me? Up to something? Sam, I'm hurt."
He raised an eyebrow.
Anna chuckled before leaning forward. "Alright, fine. I just wanted to talk."
Sam crossed his arms. "Talk about…?"
Anna took a long sip of her milkshake before answering. "You and Mahiru."
Sam immediately stiffened. "…What about us?"
Anna's eyes twinkled with mischief. "So… when's the wedding?"
Sam nearly choked on air. "W-WHAT?!"
Anna burst out laughing. "Oh man, that reaction was priceless!"
Sam groaned, rubbing his temples. "You seriously called me out here just to mess with me?"
Anna waved a hand. "Okay, okay, fine. I did want to mess with you a little, but there's something else."
She suddenly looked more serious.
"Listen, I know I tease you a lot, but… I was really happy seeing you like that on your birthday," she said, her voice softer. "You looked genuinely happy, Sam. Like, really, really happy."
Sam blinked. Anna rarely dropped her mischievous act, so hearing her talk like this caught him off guard.
"Mahiru's a good person. And I can tell she really cares about you," Anna continued. "I just wanted to make sure you knew that."
Sam felt a warmth spread in his chest. He looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. "…Yeah. I know."
Anna grinned. "Good. Now, as your beloved little sister, I have one very important question left."
Sam sighed. "What now?"
Anna leaned forward with an evil smirk.
"Have you kissed her yet?"
Sam nearly flipped the table. "ANNA!!"
—---
Meanwhile, outside the café…
Mahiru stood frozen just outside the door.
She had planned to surprise Sam by coming to the café, but just as she was about to step inside… she had heard Anna's very loud question.
Her face turned completely red.
What do I do now?! If I go in, Anna's going to tease me too!
She quickly turned on her heel, deciding to come back later.
For now, she needed to calm down.
Her heart was not ready for Anna's interrogation yet.
----