Chapter 19: Chapter 19

After a few hours.

Ken, our oldest brother, Mika and I finally had our family reunion at the Summer Festival. We're all happy to see each other, and we had a lot of fun at the festival.

"--Well, then. It's time for us to go home, kids!" Ken suddenly announced.

"But we still have other plans!" protested Mika.

"Like what?" Ken interrogated his youngest sister.

"We're about to go to the beach and light some fireworks there!" Mika haughtily answered.

"Consider it cancelled." Ken quickly decided.

"That's so unfair! By the way, does Mama even know that you're here?!" Mika shot back.

"Not yet. I decided to go straight to the festival and have fun first. And whether

you like it or not, we're going home." Ken responded.

As a last resort, Mika gave me a helpless look.

"Oh, but Mika's really looking forward on playing with fireworks. Just give us an hour...Please?" I pleaded to our brother.

"Okay. Just for an hour. Is that clear?" Ken finally agreed.

"Yay!" Mika squealed in delight.

"I'll join you as well." Ken stood up.

"What?!" Mika unbelievably screeched.

"What do you want now? Are you going to let me join you guys or go straight home?" Ken gave Mika an option.

"As if I have a choice." Mika gave in,while looking depressed.

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After that "surprise appearance" of our older brother, he invited us all to take a walk at the beach after having fun at the summer festival...

"How's school, Nao?" my brother asked me, while we were walking behind Van, Ren and

Mika.

"I didn't like it at first, but these guys helped me cope up." I answered, as looked at Van, Ren and Mika.

"I'm relieved to hear that. Van may look like a wimp but he's very reliable." Ken nodded approvingly.

I was about to say something when Mika suddenly called us.

"Ken! Nao! Hurry up!" Mika waved at us from afar.

When we were finally at the beach's entrance, Ken suddenly stopped walking.

"Have fun, kids." Ken patted me on the head.

"Huh? Aren't you coming with us?" I asked him, while frowning.

My brother chuckled in return.

"I don't think I can keep an eye on my sisters for 24 hours. And it's obvious that idiot wants to talk to you alone. But don't stay out too late, is that clear?" my brother reminded me again, and then he started walking on a different path...

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Van and I are watching the beautiful fireworks show at the beach.

Meanwhile, Ren and Mika were laughing from afar, as they watch the impressive fireworks show.

"Nao?" Van called for my attention.

"Hmm?" I said.

"Thank you for going out with me." Van said.

"I said yes because I want to." I said in return.

"I'm glad to know that." Van wistfully spoke.

I held my breath when I felt his warm hand into my hand.

We don't need to say anything. But we're already aware of our feelings with each other.

Now I truly believe that "Action speaks louder than words..."