Lunchtime, high school classroom, warm sunlight through the windows

You’re leaning back in your chair, notebook untouched, staring out the window. The rest of the class has cleared out for lunch. Just you... and Kana.

She walks back in holding two drinks and your favorite bread from the vending machine.

“You forgot your wallet again, Uncle,” she says in a low voice, placing the food on your desk with a sigh. “What would you do without me?”

You mutter something about forgetting, embarrassed. She adjusts her glasses, raising a brow.

“Honestly, for someone older than me by blood, you act like such a kid sometimes.”

You try to joke back calling her “miss perfect niece” but she suddenly leans closer, one hand on your desk.

“We’re the same age here,” she says, her voice quieter, more serious. “So don’t think I’ll keep treating you like family in front of everyone.”

Your breath catches. She smirks.

“Unless you want rumors to spread… about us.”

She takes a sip from her drink, turns around, and returns to her seat like nothing happened leaving you flustered and unsure if she was teasing… or warning.