"I know you like her. I know you like her."
Don't even try to refute it...
Those words kept ringing in my head, even after I changed clothes and laid on my bed.
Do I really like Alisha?
Were my eyes really giving it away?
Did she really notice...?
I kept asking myself.
"Ahhhh! What is this feeling?!"
I yelled as I covered my face with my pillow.
Ahhh… there's nothing good that'll happen if I just keep thinking about it.
I should just study.
I opened my textbook and stared at the page.
> X multiplied by coefficient B equals...
"I KNOW YOU LIKE HER."
"Ahhh! I can't study!!!"
After multiple failed attempts to focus, I finally gave up and collapsed back onto my bed.
If Alisha noticed it too...
Then... is she also in the same situation as I am?
I was deep in thought when my sister quietly sneaked into my room and tossed a stylish pair of shirt and pants onto my face.
"Ahhh! What is this, sis?!"
I asked in an annoyed tone.
> "It'll be your weapon to grab Alisha's heart tomorrow,"
she said with a sly grin.
"Sis! It's not like that!"
> "Shhh. Shut that mouth of yours.
When I see something—I see reality.
Now get your ass moving and try the clothes on already."
"Okay, okay, sis! I'll be your obedient dog..."
I muttered as I pushed her out of my room.
Once I finally kicked her out, I looked down at the outfit she gave me.
The texture felt high quality.
The colors complemented each other perfectly.
And most of all—
It looked like it would fit my body just right.
"Hey, sis? Thanks for this outfit.
I'll wear it tomorrow, I promise,"
I said, looking at my reflection in the mirror while holding the clothes up.
> "No problem, Mr. Lover Boy.
As long as you make sure Alisha becomes my sister-in-law, ehehehe..."
she said with a devilish giggle.
"Also—let's get your hair done too!
Let me show you the miracle hands of your amazing sister!"
She laughed, raising a razor dramatically.
"Are you sure you know how to cut a guy's hair, sis?"
I asked anxiously.
> "Believe me. I'd never do anything that would hurt you.
You're my beloved little brother, after all."
After hearing that, I reluctantly nodded and sat down, letting her do her thing.
As she snipped at my hair, I asked,
"...Sis, what did my eyes look like that made you think I liked Alisha?"
She paused for a moment, then softly said,
> "Your eyes... looked relaxed.
Calm.
Peaceful, whenever you looked at her.
And when you saw her blush because of you
— it was like your eyes turned into sparkling gems.
Alive. Beautiful.
Those tired, dull eyes of yours finally showed vibrant color."
She hugged me gently from behind.
"I'm really happy that your eyes are filled with something now.
But don't force anything, okay?
Just let it flow.
Let your feelings take you where they're meant to go."
"...Yes, sis.
I'm really grateful you're my big sister."
I smiled, tears starting to form in my eyes.
Marianne also smiled as her eyes welled up.
> "Yeah... and I'm really happy you're my younger brother."
That warm, affectionate atmosphere wrapped around us
as she continued to cut my hair until she was done.
"Alfred, look in the mirror. Did I do a good job?"
she asked with a soft, proud voice.
"Yeah... it suits me.
Thank you so much, sis."
I paused, then added,
"You should get some rest now.
I know you had a lot of school work today,
and even after all that,
you still took time to help me get ready for tomorrow."
"I can't thank you enough...
But if my words can give you some peace—"
> "Have a wonderful sleep tonight, sis."
I smiled as I looked at her.
Marianne, already teary, began to cry more—yet smiled at the same time.
> "Yeah… thank you.
Sweet dreams too, Alfred.
You've got a big day tomorrow."
"Yes, big sis,"
I replied softly as she walked out of the room.
Once the door closed, I let my body and mind finally relax.
The softness of my bed…
The calm, quiet night...
I began to recall everything that had happened.
Meeting Alisha.
Spending time with her.
Getting teased non-stop...
And that touching conversation with my sister.
It was unfamiliar—
but strangely comforting.
As I replayed those moments in my head—
one by one—
My body slowly sank into the arms of sleep.
Like a child,
without a single worry in the world.