The atmosphere at Maurice Ferré Park this morning felt lively. A gentle breeze from the beach carried a faint scent of salt water, mixed with the smell of wet grass from last night’s rain. Kai walked beside Daisy, carrying two small bags of snacks and drinks they had just bought from a kiosk near the park entrance. Daisy’s twin siblings, Jun and Gilbert, ran ahead, pointing at ducks swimming in a small pond.

"Kai, you didn’t have to go through the trouble of buying all this," Daisy said softly, her face slightly flushed. She held Jun’s smaller hand. "I could pay for it myself."

Kai just smiled faintly and shook his head. "It’s fine. Consider it a treat for a friend. Besides, these are just small snacks, not gonna make me go broke."

Actually, I’m still learning how to get closer with you without being too obvious. Daisy is the type who gets awkward if she gets attention too directly after all.

They looked for an empty bench under a big, shady tree. Gilbert immediately sat down and eagerly opened his bag of potato chips, while Jun was more relaxed, choosing to drink his orange juice first. Kai sat next to Daisy, keeping a respectful distance so she wouldn’t feel pressured.

"So... your siblings are really cute," Kai said, observing the two kids. "You’re the one who usually looks after them, right?"

Daisy nodded, her smile gentle. "Yeah. Mom often works night shifts at the supermarket, so I take care of them. Caleb helps sometimes... but lately he’s been busier, so he rarely stops by my place."

Kai nodded slowly, listening. He opened his bottle of mineral water and took a small sip.

Daisy... somehow when you look at her from the outside, she seems innocent and sweet, but there must be a burden she carries alone. Come to think of it, this is the second time I’ve talked with her without anyone else around since we met at the arcade.

"If I may ask... how’s your relationship with Caleb now?" Kai asked carefully, his tone neutral. "You know on other days at school it seemed better, right."

Daisy was quiet for a moment, fiddling with the straw in her juice glass. Jun and Gilbert were busy playing on the grass not far from the bench, so they could talk somewhat freely.

"He’s... good. The most loyal childhood friend. But sometimes he’s too protective. Back in middle school, whenever any guy tried to get close to me, he’d get angry right away. I know he likes me... but I can’t return his feelings." Daisy looked down, her voice soft. "My dad left us when I was in 6th grade. Since then... I’ve been a bit afraid of guys who are too possessive. Caleb knows that, but sometimes he still... forgets his boundaries."

Kai listened without interrupting. He just nodded slowly, giving Daisy room to continue. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

"But lately he’s been better. Maybe because I told him honestly once. I said I only see him as a brother. He looked sad, but he said he’d try to change." Daisy smiled a little, though there was some sadness in her eyes. "I’m glad he’s starting to understand. I don’t want to lose my childhood friend... but I also don’t want to give false hope that I can’t fulfill."

The trauma of her dad leaving... that’s what makes Daisy so cautious around guys. Caleb acts as a protective older brother, but sometimes it turns into obsession. Good thing he’s starting to realize his limits. Well... it’s because me right.

Kai took a piece of bread from the bag and split it in two, giving one to Daisy. "You’re strong, Daisy. Taking care of your siblings, going to school, and still having time to think about other people’s feelings. That’s not easy."

Daisy accepted the bread, her cheeks slightly red. "I’m not that strong... sometimes I get tired too. But seeing Jun and Gilbert laugh... that’s enough to keep me going."

They were both quiet for a moment, enjoying the park atmosphere. Gilbert ran over, pulling his sister’s hand to join him in a game of tag. Daisy laughed and stood up, but before leaving, she turned to Kai.

"Kai... thank you. You’re the first person who’s listened to a story like this without immediately giving solutions or judging. Most people just say ’Caleb is a good guy, give him a chance’ or ’you’re too cold toward him.’"

Kai smiled faintly. "Sometimes people just need to be listened to, not fixed. You can tell me more anytime."

Daisy nodded, her eyes glistening a little before she ran off to join her siblings. Kai stayed seated, watching the three of them from a distance.

She really is the type who sacrifices for family. Daisy’s route in the game is tragic because of her father’s trauma... but here, I can help her stay this innocent Daisy. No need to go down that dark path of her being... yeah not gonna say it.

Time passed pretty quickly. They played, chatted lightly, and ate snacks until the sun rose higher. Around 8:45 AM, Kai checked his phone and stood up.

"I have to go home now. Still have some family stuff," Kai said while helping to clean up the trash.

Daisy nodded understandingly. "Thank you so much for today, Kai. My siblings really enjoyed it too."

Gilbert and Jun waved enthusiastically. "Kai, come play again tomorrow!"

Kai smiled and gave a thumbs up before parting ways. He walked out of the park with light steps.

Today was productive enough. I know more about Daisy. She doesn’t need a prince charming... she needs a friend who will listen.

After long walks to back in the house. he finally arrived. As kai opened the front door around, as soon as his shoes were off, he heard quick footsteps from the stairs.

"BROTHER!!! Coming home this late?!" Risa stood at the bottom of the stairs with her hands on her hips, her face in a maximum pout. Her hair was still messy from just waking up. "Where did you go? I woke up at 7, and you weren’t in your bed!"

Kai raised both hands in surrender. "Maurice Ferré Park. Met Daisy and her siblings. Played together, had some snacks, chatted. Nothing special."

Risa approached with heavy steps, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. "Big Sister Daisy? Really... you really don’t have any intentions, right?"

Kai laughed softly and ruffled his sister’s hair. "None. She’s a friend and also your girl buddy right. Besides, I promised you, didn’t I? Today we’re going out together."

Risa was still pouting, but her cheeks puffed out adorably. "Promise? If you lie, I’ll... I’ll... sulk all day!"

"Yeah yeah, promise. Now let me shower first, I smell like sweat. You get ready too. We’ll go out later this afternoon, you pick where we going out today."

Risa immediately brightened up. She hugged Kai’s arm for a moment before letting go quickly, pretending not to care. "Hmph. Hurry up and shower. I’ll wait downstairs."

Kai went upstairs with a smile. As soon as the bathroom door closed, he heard Risa whispering softly from the bottom of the stairs.

"Such a brother, always collecting girls like some Pokémon..."

Kai just shook his head behind the door.

My little sister... sometimes cute, sometimes annoying. But that’s Risa for you.