Chapter 213 - Big Sister

"Ara, here!"

Chiaki's voice rang in the cozy place, and Ara spotted her as soon as she got there. They were at a posh café near Shibuya crossing called L'OCCITANE. Ara chose this as a meeting place as the nice golden yellow façade was not hard to miss, and the overall atmosphere inside was relaxing. Also, depending on the hour, the café was not so busy, so it was the perfect place to rendezvous.  

Aside from that…

"I ordered your favorite crème brûlée," Chiaki told Ara as soon as she arrived at the table.

Suzuki Ara grinned. Another reason why she chose this place was because of the dessert she had been craving for a while. The crème brûlée at this café was eleven dollars each but totally worth it since it was not only delicious, but it was also huge. One order of it could be easily shared by two people.

"Thanks! We're you waiting long?"Ara asked, her silver eyes scanning the other as she took her seat.

Her pair of mischievous orbs twinkled appreciatively at Chiaki's choice of clothes. She was wearing a peach-colored coat over a white turtle neck sweater, paired with skin-tight black jeans and a pair of high-heeled boots. Even if Chiaki didn't buy the most expensive clothes and shoes out there, she totally looked classy with the way she wore them.

Ara's very tall for a girl, but the other was also considered tall given she's only three inches shorter than Ara. But her high heels made up for that, and so, even if they stood together they looked good.

"No, I just arrived around ten minutes before you did. I hope you don't mind I already ordered your dessert. I heard a lot of people asked for them already and I was worried they'd run out."

Ara grinned at her words. Chiaki was really a nice big sister.

"I don't mind. Thanks for getting it for me. It saved time. I didn't realize I'm so hungry until I saw the café from across the street."

"Eh? But didn't you have a party today?" Chiaki's eyes were wide at her as she studied the younger woman's face. "Don't tell me you didn't eat?"

The last question was delivered in disbelief that made Ara smile guiltily at her.

"I ate but not a lot," Ara confessed. "I was running high on adrenalin I couldn't really eat a proper meal. I just munched on some appetizers earlier."

"Oh dear," Chiaki shook her head disapprovingly at her, and immediately pushed the menu towards her. "You should eat something else first before the dessert then. Have a sandwich or a salad."

Chiaki fussed over her as she did over her brother, and Ara couldn't help but appreciate her more. She wondered how could someone as wonderful as this could feel she's not enough for her brother – well that was if her suspicion on why she seemed to silently reject Aki's romantic advances was right.

"I'll have a salad then," Ara readily agreed, and they both ordered one each for them.

"Ah!" Chiaki yelped as if she just remembered something very important. "I'm so dumb! I apologized for not attending today, but I totally forgot to properly congratulate you on your marriage."

Chiaki reached across the table to clasp her hand with Ara's and gave her a squeeze and an apologetic smile. Ara squeezed her hand back as she shook her head.

"It's alright. You were very busy. Besides you're already making up for it by accompanying me today," Ara assured her.

"I'm actually surprised you'd want to go out when you just got married," Chiaki confessed. "I'm more surprised you're back at Denenchofu actually. Are you going to continue staying there or you're moving –"

Chiaki stopped talking as her eyes scanned the room for anyone who might be listening. But there was no one close to them at the moment since it's not peak hour when more people would want a break. Nevertheless, she leaned over to whisper to Ara instead, but still opted not to mention any name of a place for security.

This made Ara like her more. Other women would have flaunted to all and sundry their connection or obvious friendship with the Suzukis – what more the Homura House where Ara was now it's new lady.

"– moving in with your husband."

"Nah," Ara answered as she shook her head." Things came up at work so he had to leave. He let me go back with big bro while he's away."

Chiaki nodded in understanding. "Well, it'll be easier for you since you have exams. Your brother can help you while he's not there – oh wait," she paused as she grinned at Ara. "You don't need help – at least not from the idiot."

Ara chuckled at her words. Based on her words, Chiaki still considered herself very close to her brother. She used to call Aki idiot a lot when they were younger. Of course, her brother's not really stupid. It's just that Chiaki had higher marks at school than him.

It was the reason why she was able to attend a prestigious university. She was a full scholar there, while Aki had to pay half the tuition since he's only ranked second when they graduated in high school. Academic scores had been their competition since preschool, and Aki only ever won against Chiaki sometimes.

Ara was ranked first; ergo she didn't need to ask for help.

"How about I ask you if I need help instead? Be my tutor!"Ara suddenly said, surprising Chiaki.

"But aren't you the top of your class and in school?" Chiaki was confused. "Why do you still need anyone to help you?"

Ara shrugged. She was already expecting this question, and so she had an answer prepared. "Yeah, but that was before my accident," she said seriously as she pointed at her head. "I had a head injury, right?" she asked, and when the other nodded, she continued.

"I don't have amnesia, but I at least have some damage in my brain from my injuries," she declared the blatant lie unblinkingly, making the other put on a horrified expression as Chiaki covered her mouth.

"Oh my God. I'm so sorry to hear that!"