The dolphin show was still going on.
But Shiina Taki was absent-minded. Even though she forced herself to keep her attention on the performance, before long, her gaze would uncontrollably fall on those two figures in the front row sitting close together.
The light shining on his side profile, Kaito's outstanding facial lines, and that natural closeness between them… all of it made her feel like she was the outsider.
"Tch!", She let out a very faint tongue click, shifted irritably in her seat, tried to look away, but couldn't stop herself from sneaking glances back.
Yahata Umiri saw her friend's restless state clearly and shook her head in secret.
She even kind of wanted to take out her phone, snap a photo of Taki right now, and title it 'On the Self-Training of a Loser in Love'. It would no doubt become valuable material for teasing her for a long time.
Of course, that was only a thought.
Even if she was a loser in love, once she blew up, she still had a certain degree of intimidation.
'But still…'
'Can a man really be this beautiful?'
Her eyes skimmed lightly over that unforgettable figure's back, and Umiri felt a little understanding of Taki's feelings.
In the face of such ultimate purity and beauty, how many could really turn a blind eye? Like moths chasing light, knowing they'd be burned by the flames, yet still throwing themselves forward, sweetly willing.
Although Taki's behavior was a bit too pathetic… she was, after all, one of her few friends.
Miss Umiri thought for a moment and decided to do something.
She nudged the girl beside her lightly with her elbow, leaned in a little, and in a voice only the two of them could hear, said seriously, "I just remembered a science video I saw before… Taki, do you know how dolphins reproduce?"
Taki snapped back to herself, tilted her head in confusion, "Huh?"
"It's said that dolphins' courtship rituals are quite complicated."
Yahata Umiri ignored her puzzled face, her gaze on the pool not far away, "The males have to show off their strength, wisdom, and singing voice. Only after fierce competition can they win the females' favor."
Facing the big-drum band member's blank look, she paused, then said meaningfully, "In a sense, it's quite similar to humans, isn't it? Hesitating and standing still will only make you a loser in love. Commonly called, a defeated dog."
"W-wait a second!", Taki finally reacted, her cheeks turning red at a speed visible to the naked eye. She instinctively lowered her voice, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.
"Who are you calling a defeated dog?"
"Don't be in a rush," Yahata Umiri's tone was calm, as if she were saying "Nice weather today", "I was only explaining dolphin behavior to you. Or is it that, Taki, your mind went somewhere else?"
"I…!", Taki was choked speechless, and she couldn't explain herself either, otherwise wouldn't that just be confessing on the spot?
Seeing her fuming to the point of nearly getting internal injuries but not daring to talk back, looking like a total pushover, Miss Bassist's expression stayed composed.
But if someone who knew her well were here, they'd notice that in those jade-green eyes, a faint smile flashed.
The commotion in the back row wasn't big. Even though the two of them were already speaking in low voices, it was still impossible to escape Kaito's perception.
But he didn't take it to heart, just thought it was friends bickering, and kept his attention on the dolphin show.
According to research, dolphins' intelligence is comparable to a six- or seven-year-old child. They are very clever animals, especially friendly toward humans, and will even actively rescue sailors who fall into the sea.
But cleverness sometimes also means mischief. Like six- or seven-year-old kids, at that age where they're teasing cats, chasing birds, and annoying everyone.
Following the music in the venue, a particularly mischievous dolphin suddenly leapt up, slapped the water hard with its tail, and deliberately splashed water toward the audience.
This sudden move caused many of the people in the front rows to let out cries, their bodies more or less sprayed with water.
Kaito reacted instantly, almost instinctively leaning sideways and raising his arm to shield the girl beside him.
The cold water droplets mostly fell on his arm and shoulder. He could've blocked it with spiritual power, but thinking about how many eyes were in the venue, he chose not to be too flashy.
The short-haired gray-haired girl stared blankly at the boy right next to her, his sleeve soaked for her sake, and the smooth line of his jaw, her heartbeat skipped a beat.
"Onii-chan! Are you okay?", On the other side, Mortis also leaned in, but she found it more fun than anything, even though her own bangs got a little wet. She busied herself reaching up to wipe the water off Kaito's face.
Sitting a bit farther away, Mutsumi, and Taki and Umiri in the back row, escaped unscathed thanks to their seats.
But the big-drum band member didn't feel any relief.
Looking at the faint blush on Tomori's cheeks, and Kaito's completely unhesitant protective posture, it was as if her heart had been stuffed with ten lemons.
Umiri timely handed her a tissue, "Here."
Taki came back to her senses, took it in puzzlement, "…Thanks, but I didn't get wet, I don't need it."
"I know," Umiri nodded, her face expressionless, "That's for you to wipe your tears with." [T/N: Burn ❤️🔥]
Shiina Taki: "…"
'And here I thought this girl had a sudden burst of conscience!'
The big-drum band member, stabbed in the chest yet again, was unusually furious.
———
By the time they came out of the aquarium, half an hour had already passed.
Although there had been a small incident halfway through, that harmless prank hadn't affected everyone's mood.
As it was getting late, today's eventful "date" finally came to an end.
After politely saying goodbye to him, Shiina couldn't wait to drag Yahata away, clearly wanting to pour out her heart.
Takamatsu looked reluctant to part, clearly wanting to stay longer, but after a call from her mom urging her home, she too left.
With all the nuisances gone, Mortis felt refreshed.
'At last, it is time for me and Onii-chan… well, add Mutsumi in too, so it is actually a world of three.'
Even though those annoying lightbulbs had wasted much of her precious time and she hadn't managed to sneak a taste, it didn't matter.
No matter how many thieving cats there are, once time's up, they still have to go home, right?
Holding the powerful title of "little sister," able to openly and legitimately live under the same roof with her Onii-chan, that was her heaven-sent advantage.
'Only, speaking of which…'
Mortis was itching restlessly.
'Now that such a good chance has come, should I seize the moment tonight and try to take things a step further?'
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