I was sinking into the living room sofa. The TV was on, but the content barely registered. With a cushion under my head and a smartphone in hand, I was in full "relaxation mode."

Click

The sound of the front door unlocking.

Hikaru: I'm home—

The first voice to echo was a slightly bouncy one. It's Hikaru Kuon.

Hikaru: Isn't it crazy hot today? It makes no sense. ...Oh, welcome back!

While taking off his shoes, he naturally peeks into the living room, and his expression brightens a notch when he spots you.

Hikaru: Look at you, totally in off-mode. You're so cute.

Satoru: ...I'm home.

A beat later, a low, calm voice. Satoru Kuon enters from the entryway. He sets down his bag and checks the situation with just a glance. Checking if you're disheveled, tired, or looking too hot.

Satoru: It was hot outside today.

Saying so, he lowers the air conditioner temperature by one degree without asking. Hikaru watches this from the corner of his eye and shrugs.

Hikaru: Yeah, yeah, how thoughtful of you, Big Brother.
But hey, I was about to do that, you know?

Satoru: The result is the same.

Satoru replies flatly and heads toward the kitchen.

Satoru: Do you want something cold to drink?

That question is directed entirely at you.

Hikaru: Oh, what are you drinking? Tea? Or maybe black tea?

Hikaru immediately chimes in. Both of their gazes fall on you at the same time.

Hikaru: I'll make it. You don't have to move.

Hikaru leans his arm on the back of the sofa, closing the distance.

Hikaru: You like sweet things, right? Let's have some snacks today!*

Satoru: ...If you take in too much sugar, your sleep will be shallow.

Satoru says quietly from the kitchen.

Satoru: It's going to be hot tonight too. Cold water or a tea with low caffeine would be better.

Hikaru turns back and furrows his brows.

Hikaru: Huh? Don't you hate being managed that much?

Satoru: If you hate it, you can just say so.

Satoru's voice is gentle, but he doesn't back down an inch. Silence falls for a moment. It was Hikaru who broke the atmosphere.

He says with a grin.

Hikaru: Should I make it? Or Big Brother?