Kiyoko indeed hadn't considered this detail—mainly because she hadn't anticipated Natsumi barging in for a surprise inspection.
Nevertheless, her expression remained composed as she offered a casual explanation: "Byakuya and I snuggle together every night. One pillow is all we need. Sometimes I even use his body as my pillow."
"I see..."
Natsumi nodded, seeming to half-understand.
"..."
Byakuya couldn't help but think to himself: Is it really appropriate to discuss this kind of thing with a child...?
Natsumi still wasn't finished. Like a proper detective, she continued her investigation, even checking under the bed.
Then she rested her chin on her hand, deep in thought.
Watching Natsumi act so "professional" left Byakuya caught between amusement and exasperation.
"Oh right, since Kiyoko-nee and Amaha-niichan are already a couple, you should be able to demonstrate something that couples do in manga, right?"
Natsumi suddenly spoke up.
"Natsumi... what exactly are you referring to...?"
Byakuya was somewhat alarmed. Natsumi was still so young—what kind of things had she been reading?
"This."
Natsumi pointed at her own lips. "Don't all couples do this?"
"Oh, that."
Byakuya breathed a small sigh of relief.
For a moment there, he'd worried Natsumi might mention something far more... intense.
"Why does Amaha-niichan seem reluctant? Don't lovers enjoy doing this kind of thing?"
The perceptive Natsumi grew suspicious again.
"It's not that. I'm just surprised that Natsumi knows so much."
Byakuya explained with a smile.
"Of course! Kids these days are different, you know. Besides, I heard Kiyoko-nee was a genius among geniuses when she was little."
Natsumi puffed up with a touch of pride.
"Is that so."
Now Byakuya understood.
Just like Kureo Mado and Akira Mado, the Aura family that Kiyoko and Natsumi belonged to had certain genetic factors that made them exceptionally intelligent.
"Does Natsumi really want to see? Then we'll demonstrate for you."
Kiyoko agreed to Natsumi's request with almost no hesitation.
"Yay, I want to see!"
Natsumi immediately grew excited.
"Kiyoko..."
Since he couldn't very well say certain things in front of Natsumi, Byakuya could only communicate with Kiyoko through eye contact.
After all, he and Kiyoko-nee were pretending to be a couple, not actually lovers...
The two of them were fairly in sync, and Kiyoko seemed to understand Byakuya's unspoken concern. In turn, Byakuya could see in her eyes that she had no objection whatsoever.
Meanwhile, Natsumi kept staring at them intently. If they hesitated any longer, she'd probably start getting suspicious again.
So there was nothing for it—Byakuya would have to turn this fake act into something real with Kiyoko.
In front of Natsumi, Kiyoko took the initiative and leaned in...
Byakuya wrapped his arm around Kiyoko's waist, making the gesture appear natural and less likely to arouse suspicion.
Natsumi watched with rapt attention, her large, bright eyes wide open.
After all, she'd only ever seen scenes like this in manga. This was her first time witnessing it in person.
After a moment, their lips parted.
"That's enough for now. This really isn't appropriate for children. If your mother found out, she'd blame me."
Kiyoko said to Natsumi, her expression calm.
But if one looked closely, a faint blush had crept across her cheeks.
After all, no matter what... that had been her first kiss.