Kai sat on the simple living room sofa, his arms wrapped around the little girl sitting comfortably on his lap. Jun, Daisy’s younger sister, was happily telling a story about a teddy bear she got from her big sister last week. Her voice was cheerful, her small hands occasionally tapping Kai’s arm as if to make sure that "Big Bro Kai" was really listening.

Haa... why am I even here, playing with a little kid?

Kai’s mind wandered. Just a few hours ago, he had finished his part-time shift in Midtown.

Chloe was absent again because she was sick, and for some reason that stupid girl had been getting sick often lately. But Kai now was used to handing out flyers alone. Still, today felt more tiring than usual. The heat inside the polar bear costume, even though it was white and shouldn’t absorb much heat but somehow it make him felt even hotter once he was inside.

As soon as he finished, he stopped by the nearest supermarket to buy a cold drink before heading home.

And there, he ran into Daisy.

The girl was pushing a cart while her two younger twin siblings ran between the aisles.

Kai greeted her, and they chatted casually like usual. Daisy said her mom was working overtime again, so she was doing the monthly grocery shopping.

Somehow the conversation flowed, and Daisy invited him over to her place for lunch together.

"Hmm... want to have lunch at my place? I think Jun... likes playing with you. You know, ever since you met at the park a few days ago, she keeps asking if she can see Big Bro Kai again," she said with a shy smile.

And now Kai was here.

At Daisy’s simple house, far from the luxurious impression of Lily’s house or even his own.

Since he arrived Jun sure kept talking about this and that, "—And the teddy bear’s name is Brownie! Big sis said he can keep Jun company at night. But sometimes Gilbert likes to take him and hide him from Jun!"

Kai smiled faintly, his hand stroking Jun’s slightly messy hair. "Ohhh, so Gilbert’s the naughty one?"

Jun nodded eagerly. "Yes! But Gilbert also looks out for Jun. It’s just that sometimes he gets shy around new... new people? Like big brother Kai."

From the kitchen, the sound of Daisy stirring a frying pan could be heard. The smell of simple cooking, fried chicken and stir-fried vegetables spread through the living room.

The house was indeed small, but it felt warm. A slightly worn-out sofa, a simple wooden dining table, and walls decorated with drawings Daisy’s siblings made when they were little.

This is so different from what I imagined from that eroge game.

In "Ryan’s" memory of the game, Daisy was described as an innocent girl who eventually broke down under pressure she couldn’t handle.

But the girl cooking in this kitchen seemed... strong. She took care of her two younger twins, went to school, and still managed to smile. Not a girl who would easily "break" like in the game’s story.

On other hand, Gilbert, the twin brother, sat on the floor not far from them. He pretended to be busy with his toy cars, but occasionally glanced at Kai with a suspicious look.

Kai smiled at him, but Gilbert immediately turned his face away, his cheeks slightly red.

He still doesn’t seem to like me. That’s fair, I’m a strange guy in their house.

Jun turned toward the kitchen. "Big Sis Daisy, is the food ready yet? Jun is hungry!" 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

"Just a little more, sweetie," Daisy answered from the kitchen. Her voice was soft and patient. "Kai, do you mind waiting? Sorry, I’m taking a bit longer to cook."

"Yeah. No problem," Kai replied. "Take your time. I’m pretty used to looking after kids."

Jun immediately beamed and hugged Kai’s neck tighter. "Big Bro Kai is so nice! Different from Big Bro Caleb who always gets mad when Jun is naughty. But Jun likes Big Bro Caleb too, because he’s handsome!"

Kai raised an eyebrow before chuckling at the innocent little girl’s chatter.

Before he could ask further, the doorbell rang.

Daisy came out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. "Who could that be?"

She walked to the front door and opened it.

"Big Bro Caleb!!" Jun immediately jumped off Kai’s lap and ran toward the door. Gilbert also stood up, though more slowly, and walked closer.

Caleb stood at the doorstep with a plastic bag of groceries in his hand. He smiled seeing the two twins. "Hi Jun, Gilbert. I brought ice cream."

"Big Bro Caleb!" Jun hugged Caleb’s leg enthusiastically. Gilbert just stood beside him, but his smile was clearly wider than when he saw Kai.

Caleb lifted his gaze and met eyes with Kai, who was still sitting on the sofa. There was no surprise on his face, just a small, polite nod.

"Kai," Caleb greeted flatly but not coldly. "I didn’t expect to run into you... here."

"Yeah I guess me too," Kai answered as he stood up. "Daisy invited me over after I ran into her at the supermarket earlier."

Caleb nodded again, as if that was explanation enough. He entered the house, handed the shopping bag to Daisy. "I brought extra vegetables and milk. Is your mom working overtime again today?"

"Hmmm~," Daisy received the bag with a smile. "Thanks, Caleb. You’re always helping out."

"Let’s have lunch together," Daisy said, glancing alternately at Kai and Caleb. "I made plenty."

They all ended up sitting at the small dining table. Daisy served the food she had prepared.

Jun sat next to Kai again, while Gilbert stayed closer to Caleb. The lunch atmosphere felt... warm, although there was a slight subtle tension in the air.

Kai took some chicken and ate it slowly. "This cooking is really good, Daisy."

Daisy blushed. "It’s nothing special. I learned from Mom."

Caleb ate calmly, occasionally answering Jun’s chatty questions.

Kai observed their interactions. Caleb’s nature was indeed very protective. Still, Kai was quite pleased that a character destined to be a "Villain" could be slightly changed by him, just like "himself", like how he changed "Kai".

Jun, sitting next to Kai, suddenly turned to her big sister innocently. "Big Sis Daisy, between Big Bro Caleb and Big Bro Kai, which one do you like more?"

The dining table fell silent for a moment.

Daisy choked a little, her cheeks turning red. Caleb stopped chewing. Kai just smiled faintly, waiting for the answer and the reactions from these two childhood friends.

Jun had no idea she had just dropped a bomb. She continued innocently, "Because Big Bro Caleb comes over a lot, but Big Bro Kai is also nice and handsome. Jun likes Big Bro Kai who listens to stories!"

Kai gently patted Jun’s head. Kids are so honest, but please... don’t drag me into this please.

Daisy put down her spoon, her face still red. "Jun... what kind of question is that..."

But that little question already hung in the air, waiting for an answer that might change many things.