Hoshino's POV
In the distance, I spotted someone with long, wavy black hair flaring behind her as she made powerful strides towards us. She was wearing a black leather jacket with a tight crop top underneath, revealing the dragon tattoo on her neck. She had tan skin accompanied by a sharp grin. Yeah, there's no mistaking it… That's Julie.
I clicked my tongue, and my sister tensed up. I like Julie, actually– I think she's fun to hang out with. It's just that the timing couldn't have been worse.
My sister reluctantly pried herself away and took a few steps behind me, hiding in my shadow.
Julie waved her hand in the air, trying to catch our attention. When neither of us reacted, she put her arm down and decided to shout out to us in the middle of the arcade—paying no mind to the judgmental stares she was receiving.
"DAMN, ARE YOU GUYS BLIND OR SOMEIN'? CAN'T YOU SEE ME RUNNIN' UP TO YOU?"
My sister flinched slightly at Julie's loud voice, and I could feel her tugging on my jacket from behind me. I took a quick peek at her; her hand was trembling. I let out a troubled breath. Just great.
By now, Julie was only a couple of steps ahead of us. Before she could close the gap any further, I took a step forward, controlling the distance between her and my sister. I have to say something before she notices anything. But the words caught in my throat when I saw her face. She had a gentle, nostalgic smile. My cousin was many things, but gentle wasn't one of them.
She let out a soft sigh as she closely examined me and then my cowering sister. There was no pity in her eyes; it was almost like… she was looking at something out of reach. Julie was always an open book, but for the first time, I couldn't read her.
"Damn, you guys were just kids the last time I saw you two like this. It takes me back…"
My eyes narrowed slightly.
"What do you mean by that?"
Her smile grew a little forced. My cousin never forces herself to do anything she doesn't want to. So the fact that she did it for the first time ever since I've known her made me think it may be best to just drop it.
"Ohh, nothing, never mind my rambling. Looks like I'm growing senile these days!" She waved her hand and laughed it off with her usual loud, boisterous laugh.
"Senile? You're only 30 years old, you might want to get that checked out."
Julie and I let out strained chuckles as Lily's grip tightened on my sleeve.
I hate these superficial situations more than anything. A bitter taste began to permeate my mouth, but I couldn't afford to let it show. So, I did what I do best– I lied.
"It's been a while since I saw you guys! Every time I see you, you get older and older!" Julie exclaimed.
"Aren't you being a little overdramatic? It's only been a couple of months."
As I spoke, I took quick, subtle glances at my sister. Her head hung low as she tried to avoid eye contact. I don't know how much Julie knows, but things can't continue like this. I reached out and gently grabbed my sister's hand. Her head shot up, looking at me with a shaky gaze. Instead of saying anything, I held her hand tightly and put a gentle smile on my face. Tears gradually began to form in her eyes, but she quickly shook her head and swallowed it all down.
"St-Stop being so mean to her! She was just trying to be nice!"
My sister awkwardly kicked me in the shin, her eyes darting between Julie and me, gauging our reactions. I glanced over at Julie, and her shoulders fell as she relaxed. She calmly approached Lily and crouched down to her level.
"Awwwww, you're still so cute! You haven't changed a bit since you were a baby!"
Lily frowned.
"Excuse me? I think I've changed a lot!"
Julie let out a quiet, but genuine laugh, and went to pat my sister on the head. Lily stiffened slightly, so I lightly squeezed her hand to remind her that I was right beside her. A small smile made its way to Lily's face. Julie gently ruffled Lily's head. Keeping Lily's attention on her, she looked towards the direction I was in and gave me a small nod.
It looks like she managed to figure some things out after all, go figure.
There was a brief moment of silence before Julie asked.
"So, what are you guys doing here? I haven't seen you guys hang out with each other in a- well, ever really. You're usually only out together when your parents are with you."
I felt that my sister's hand tighten at the mention of our parents. But I just played it off in my usual casual tone, trying to keep Julie's attention on me before she could notice my sister's distress.
"Oh, Lily just wanted to go to the arcade, but she didn't have any money. So she barged into my room and kept complaining until I finally said yes."
Julie blinked a couple of times, replaying my answer in her head, then burst out laughing.
"HAHAHAHAHA, I can definitely see her doing something like that. I didn't think you'd actually say yes, though. I guess even though you look emotionless, you're a good brother after all!"
She said while wiping a tear from her eye.
"No I'm not." I responded instantly, but I made sure my face remained impassive.
She probably didn't notice anything different, but I would be lying to myself if I said I didn't feel a little embarrassed at being called a good brother. It kind of ruins my image of the "laid back little cousin" she has of me. But it can't be helped.
"H-Hey! Don't make me sound like a spoiled little kid! Julieeeeee, he's bullying me."
My sister's voice came out a little too childish when she said that. Lily's smile turned slightly strained, but Julie gave a loud snort and dramatically waved her hand.
"Don't worry, I'll take care of him for you."
"Thank you, I love you, Julie!"
"I love you too, kid."
Lily let out a sigh of relief, her shoulders relaxing. Looks like Lily is hiding it well now… As that thought came into mind, my chest tightened. If she starts hiding things like I do… no, I don't want to think about it.
Without getting swept up in my own thoughts, I rolled my eyes and asked.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. So, what are you doing here? Don't you have work?"
"That's what I should be asking you first. Don't you two have school? Are you skipping?! Who the hell taught you that?!"
"You're quite the inspiration, y'know."
Julie was far from your image of the 'Ideal high school student' when she was still in school. I remember how she'd tell Lily and me about how she'd school, get into fist fights, break the rules, and always get in trouble with her parents. Well, that's all in the past now– kind of. She's still kind of thug-like now, but she has a stable job and her own place.
"Whoa, you better not tell your parents that, your Mom might kill me!"
"Hahaha, yeah, Mom is pretty strict. That's why you're going to keep it a secret for us, righttttt?"
Julie scoffed offendedly.
"Yeah, no shit. I'm not going to rat you out, don't worry about it. Just don't do it too often, school's important."
"I don't wanna hear that from you."
We all let out a little laugh. For the first time today, it felt like a weight had been lifted off my chest.
Lily glanced at our hands, then back at me, like she was making sure it was okay. I gave her a small supportive nod. She slowly let go of my hand and walked towards Julie. But before she did, she turned around and flashed me a bright smile.