The rain showed no signs of stopping. On the contrary, it felt like the raindrops were getting heavier by the second with each droplet banging the ground and shattering into numerous insignificant water particles.

Within the cave walls, the atmosphere grew tense. with the knowledge that an outsider knew of the Kocho sisters' familial situation. Every second felt like a dagger pointing close to (Y/N)'s throat, drawing tauntingly near the visible veins.

Unable to bear the oppressive silence any longer, (Y/N) spoke up first.

"... The rain doesn't seem to be stopping any time soon." She began in a failed attempt to start the conversation off in a lighthearted tone. "First, I'd like to apologize for eavesdropping. Initially I wanted to look for the two of you to let you know that lunch was ready. But then I heard Shinobu's loud voice so I stopped and waited for the right time to appear..." (Y/N) blabbered on.

"Now that we have some alone time, I'd like to suggest the two of you talk it out. I know I may be an outsider but I got a gist of what's going on from what I heard just now. Moreover, it'd be better to have a mediator just in case the conversation goes wrong."

The siblings looked at each other for a brief moment before Kanae smiled gently.

"That'd be nice. Won't want to return to the other girls with our unfinished business. I'll explain what's going on." Kanae began.

As for Shinobu, she continued sitting in the corner, eyes averted but it was clear that she was paying close attention to the conversation.

"For context, our parents passed away not long ago which meant that someone had to take over the Kocho Corps. As the eldest, I decided to drop out of school before graduating and took over our family's business."

"Dropped out? So you're..." (Y/N) tried mentally calculating how old Kanae was.

The older girl chuckled and responded, "I was in class 3-5, alongside Rengoku and Gyomei."

'So she's only two years older than me...' (Y/N) thought.

"Anyway, Shinobu was upset at my decision. She said that I will regret not getting my graduation certificate and enjoy school life as a student. Although I've told her countless times that it didn't matter to me and that the family business was more important-"

"-I admit, I lied. It feels awful knowing that your fellow classmates were enjoying school life and graduating together while I was known as the drop-out who had to swoop in and save her family's business." Kanae said softly.

At that moment, Shinobu finally looked up at her sister in surprise.

"Sis...?" Shinobu managed to blurt out. Kanae turned to her and flashed a helpless smile.

"Sorry I lied, Shinobu. I didn't want to worry you which is why I brushed off the matter everytime you brought it up. But now that it's come down to this... I need to be honest with myself. It feels like a slap to my face, knowing that I'll be missing out the most crucial moments in my school life."

"Then just tell our staff! We could get someone to fill in for you until you graduate-"

"Letting a stranger in on our business proposals is a definite no." Kanae quickly refuted.

"But sis!-"

Shinobu was about to stand up, seemingly slightly agitated. (Y/N) quickly placed her hands on Shinobu's shoulders, gently yet firmly anchoring her back down onto the ground.

"Hear your sister out first. Let's see what solution she can come up with." (Y/N) suggested and Shinobu gave a hesitant nod.

"However that doesn't mean that I'll give up on that graduation certificate. Once you graduate, I expect you to take over so I can return to school and finish up my module." Kanae smiled. "I've already spoken to the school about my decision and, given how our family has always been huge sponsors of the school and the importance of this matter, the principal had given me her words that I'll be enrolling in year 3 again the second you graduate. During our last argument, you gave me the courage to fight for what I want. Because of your words, I built up the courage to speak to the principal regarding this manner. If it weren't for you, I would have lived a life of regret. Of never graduating from my dream school."

Both Shinobu and (Y/N) were apalled. Did Kanae really think ahead? Yes. Yes she did.

Kanae stood up from where she was sitting and walked towards Shinobu who was still in shock. The older sister knelt down to eye level and spoke calmly.

"Can I count on you to take over my position as CEO the second you step out of school?" Kanae asked.

Shinobu did not hesitate, throwing her arms around her sister's neck and burying her face into her clothing. The emotional girl gave a weak yet determined nod.

"...Can I count on you to come visit me during sports day next month?"

(Y/N) recalled that it was an important event to her.

'Shinobu planned to expose Douma's cheating ways and win back the glory for the sake of her sister.'

Kanae tightened her grip around the small trembling body in her arms reassuringly.

"Of course I will. Won't miss it for the world."

The Kocho sisters stayed like that till the rain stopped, in each other's embrace, squeezing what sisterly bonds they have till Shinobu had to return to school while Kanae had to return to work.

But it didn't matter. All that mattered was the presence. The knowledge that they'd be each other's rock in desperate times.

It was all the girls needed.

𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬シ︎

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 : 1031