297 Chapter two, 2017, schism: 9 (1/2)

'What the hell? First real walking talking session this year. You arse!'

But no matter how much Ryu grumbled he just couldn't compare what they were doing now to his own attempt just days earlier.

It didn't help that sis ran Urufu's errands with a brightness in her eyes that hadn't been there since Nao cheated on her.

'And Nao, you coward, you've not shown your face since.'

Which technically wasn't true. His face had shown up more than once. Usually together with Kuri's, on ads on billboards, television, the Internet and magazines. His fame grew, backlit as it was by Kuri who had stayed the sensation for half a year now.

”Kuri,” Ryu started and glanced at his sister.

As every time before Kuri just shook her head. She grabbed his hand and leaned closer. ”I'll be there whenever she wants a shoulder to cry on, but I'm not interfering directly with Nao.”

”But they should at least talk, or let me punch his face.”

Kuri smirked and tightened her grip. Her hand was smooth and warm, just about perfect like anything else on her body.

'Damn, she's not listening.' Ryu flashed his most winning smile at one of the new members from Irishima High, and got the predictable result in return, plus a small bonus. The girl threw Kuri an uncertain smile.

Ryu looked at his girlfriend just to find out what kind of predatory grin she had served the poor girl, but there was none, just an amused and welcoming smile. 'OK, that one didn't work. Let's push her some more.'

”What was your name, again?” he asked the girl.

”Ryu, really! It's Chiyo. She's so cute so you really should remember her name!” Kuri said in mock exasperation and let out a bubbling laughter. It came to an abrupt stop, and Ryu felt her flinch.

'Now what? Oh, of course.'

That bell like laughter had rung farther than she planned. Further ahead of them Ryu saw Urufu turn, mesmerised by the sound.

'Well, you're an arse, so why don't you just hurt a little bit more!' Ryu tugged Kuri closer, and for the first time since they agreed on her boyfriend girlfriend deal she tried to pull away.

'Crap, I didn't mean for you to hurt as well.'

The thought barely registered when Ryu saw his sister beelining for Urufu. Some problem or another she hadn't been able to help a team solve, Ryu guessed. Just as she reached her target she threw him and Kuri a measuring look. It quickly turned into an angry stare.

'What's she up to?'

Noriko nestled in all the way under Urufu's arm, and Ryu saw him give her a surprised glance while at the same time typing out some outline on a touch-pad.

”Is it really that cold?” Kuri's voice said.