Evening — The Twin Sisters' House
The tiny living room looked like two hurricanes had visited and decided to stay for dinner. A drama was playing on TV, but nobody cared enough to change the channel or turn it down.
Mira was stretched across the sofa like she owned the universe, a bag of chips balanced on her stomach.
She sighed loudly—"Airaaa… I just know Elena is thinking about me," she declared, flicking a chip dramatically into her mouth and missing.
Aira, sitting cross-legged on the armchair with her book, didn't even gift Mira a full glance.
"Oh yes, absolutely," she said, turning a page.
She's probably sitting in the library whispering to herself, What was the name of that girl who got taken down by a football like a tragic hero?
Mira sat up straight. Excuse me? I am NOT a tragic hero.
Oh you're right,Aira said calmly. "Heroes fall with purpose. You fall because… well, your legs are decorative.
Mira's jaw dropped. "You're just jealous."
Of what? Aira asked. Your talent for public humiliation or your Olympic-level ability to trip on flat floors? Mira grabbed the nearest cushion and hurled it like a grenade.
Aira didn't even blink.
Her hand shot up with perfect precision snatch!
She caught the cushion mid-air like she'd been waiting for this moment her entire life.
She raised an eyebrow.
"Please. You think a pillow can defeat someone who survived living with you?"
Mira groaned, flopping dramatically onto the sofa.
Ugh! How do you always know what's coming next?Aira, smirking without so much as lifting her eyes from the book, replied,
Let's just say… I observe. You? You overreact.
Mira threw up her hands in mock horror.
Overreacting? Me?The TV drama suddenly blasted a crying sound. Mira pointed at it.
See? Even the TV feels bad for me.
That's the drama, Mira. Not your fan club.
Mira folded her arms and sank back into the sofa.
Unbelievable. I'm surrounded by enemies.
Suddenly, their mother's voice echoed from the kitchen.
Mom: "Mira! Aira! Are you two at it again?"
Mira, lounging dramatically on the sofa, rolled her eyes and grinned.
No, Mom! Just training. You know, in case I ever need to argue with my future husband.
Aira, leaning back with a sly smirk, added,
Yeah that is, if a future husband ever shows up.
A little while later, after dinner, both of them were tucked away in their rooms. The main lights were off, leaving only the gentle glow of fairy lights to spill across the walls. Mira's voice broke the quiet, soft and tentative.
Airaa…Hmm?came the reply, calm but curious.
Mira hesitated, then whispered, If... Elena likes me… you won't be jealous, right?
Aira's eyes flicked up to the ceiling, thoughtful, as if searching for words in the shadows.
I'm not jealous, she said finally, her voice steady.
I just... I don't like people who might hurt you.
Mira's lips curled into a small, teasing smile. Awww… my little ninja loves me.
Aira's own smile was quick, fleeting—almost hidden in the soft light.
But… how do you know she'll hurt me?Mira asked, a hint of vulnerability threading her voice.
Aira's tone shifted, serious now, almost like a warning whispered into the quiet room.
Because… people aren't always what they seem.
Aira paused, her eyes still fixed on the ceiling, shadows of doubt flickering across her face.
And… I don't even fully know Elena myself, she admitted quietly.Mira's hand found Aira's, a gentle squeeze in the dim light.
Then I guess we'll figure her out together,Mira whispered, a hint of trust.Aira simply replied, Hmmm.
Aira's POV (Extended Version)
Mira had drifted into sleep, as she always did—effortlessly, without a hint of worry, as if the weight of the world simply didn't exist.Her face always carried a quiet peace and I was always afraid that someone or something might shatter it.