"ＨＥ'Ｓ ＭＩＮＥ!"

C16: "...I..."

I could just pretend I was sick or I could even book another activity on the same day. I was busy planning in my thoughts when I was disturbed by Briana Shakira-san raising her voice.

"S-Shirosaki-senpai, Please forgive me about today. I swear, I would give your spo-"

Before she could finish her words that were spoken rather nervously signing that she was fidgeting a lot. I cut her off by waving my hands frantically as I politely exclaim to her that I forgave her.

"No, no Briana Shakira-san. It's not even your fault, so you don't have to worry. I also didn't want the spot "

I gave her a sweet smile as I spoke in a reassuring tone while I whispered the last words. Briana wasn't taking the words thoroughly and kept apologizing making me panicked as I kept reassuring her that it was okay. The act made Noe curious and butted in our conversation as he asked for information.

"Wait, wait exactly what is going on? What's wrong with Hana-chan??"

Noe asked as his eyebrows furrowed while his tone conveyed genuine worry. I raised my voice to explain the situation but I was cut off by Briana sadly explaining the whole story.

"You see..."

Briana started as Noe paid full attention to Briana's every word. 'What a good brother...I wish my brother was like that...' I thought plainly as I tried to remember the face of my past brother. 'But it's not the time to tell back my past life story since it'll bore you...' I snickered as I tried to keep focus towards Briana who is babbling the whole story to Noe. I watched Noe's pale expression as he tries to take all in, I couldn't help but stifle a small giggle.

"That's why! Shirosaki-senpai, please don't hate me!"

I snapped from my trance hearing Briana's outcry. Her diamond-like baby blue eyes were spilled with tears making my palms reaching to her face and brushed the tears off. Noe eyes widen as he panics at the sight of her little sister tears.

My heartfelt a twinge of guilt hearing her sincere apology. 'I wonder how did she was chosen as the villainess in the first place?!' I wondered as I cursed the otome games creator for the cruel truth. I avert my attention to Briana as I calm her down while I softly smile to raise the effect.

"Briana-sama, you didn't do anything wrong. That's the only thing you have to understand. So, please don't cry."

I assure her again and hopefully, for the last time. She stopped crying and wiped her runny nose as she kept her gaze down, not meeting my eyes. This act bothered me guessing that she didn't fully understand my words. I couldn't help but heave yet again, another sigh knowing the ride will take longer than I anticipated.

|•°|T I M E  S K I P|•°|

"Master Noah, Misstress Briana, we have reached the Shirosaki residence."

Hearing the butler exclaim our destination made mine and Briana-san chat stop. 'Ehhh but I was having such a nice talk with her...' I whined as I hoped to continue our talk about Noe's childhood another time. Realizing the situation I release a small groan of disappointment as I move to stand up.

That's when I felt a heavy pressure on my shoulder, making me froze as I turn my eyes to the left seeing  Noe's head resting on my shoulder. 'I wonder if he's asleep?' I thought as I went back leaning to the cushion of the car. I curiously went closer to his face and heard a light snooze while my face was closer to his, Noe's head tilted making his bangs swayed a bit making me have a glimpse of his dark brown eyelids. My eyes widen as I study his features. 'What, his face looks are above average...'

"What's wrong Hana-senpai?"

I jolted hearing Briana's voice as I face her who speaks with a questioning tone. My face turned flustered as I showed him the head on my shoulder. Briana's eyes widen as her mouth opened into an 'o' shape. Suddenly, her lips pulled into a mischievous smirk. I got a little creep out as I kindly asked her why she was smiling in such way. "That's out of character Briana-san...' I thought as I waited for her answer.

"Nothing~its just onii-chan seem to be in a good spot."

She said between her giggles. It made me in loss of words as I stare at her if she was a foreigner. 'Even though you whispered the last part, I still heard it!' I shouted in my mind. I repeat her words as I process the meaning behind it. Call me an idiot but...

'I still don't get it but I never wanted the spot!'

[❇]

END OF CHAPTER 16: "...I..."
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