The Ice Cream Challenge

Kazuki had just settled down on the couch, ready to enjoy his rare free time when Aoi suddenly bounced into the room, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Onii-chan, I want ice cream!" she announced, leaning over the back of the couch and giving him her best pleading look.

Kazuki sighed, already sensing where this was headed. "Aoi, there's no ice cream in the fridge. You ate the last one, remember?"

Aoi pouted, folding her arms. "Well… that's why I'm asking you to go get some more!"

Kazuki raised an eyebrow, looking at her with mild annoyance. "Why don't you go get it yourself?"

"Because I'm tired, and it's too hot outside!" she whined, plopping onto the couch next to him. "Plus, it's way better if you go!"

Kazuki shook his head. "No way. I'm not going out in this heat just because you're craving ice cream."

Aoi thought for a moment, and a mischievous grin spread across her face. "Alright, how about we play a game to decide? If I win, you have to go and buy it for me!"

Kazuki glanced at her, considering the offer. He was confident he'd win, and besides, it would put an end to this debate. "Fine. Rock-paper-scissors, best of three?"

Aoi grinned, nodding eagerly. "Deal!"

They faced each other, each focusing intensely on the game as if it were a high-stakes battle.

"Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!"

Kazuki threw out rock, while Aoi flashed paper, covering his hand.

"Ha! One for me!" she said, giggling.

Kazuki narrowed his eyes, determined. "Alright, let's go again."

"Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!"

This time, Kazuki went with paper, but Aoi threw scissors, grinning victoriously.

"Yes! Two to zero! Looks like you're going to the store, onii-chan!" Aoi pumped her fist in the air, clearly delighted by her win.

Kazuki slumped back on the couch, sighing in defeat. "Fine, you win. I'll go get your ice cream."

He grabbed his wallet and headed out, grumbling under his breath about Aoi's persistence. The sun was blazing, and the walk to the convenience store felt longer than usual. But despite his complaints, Kazuki found himself smiling, amused by his little sister's antics. She had a way of getting what she wanted, and he couldn't say no to her enthusiasm.

---

When he finally reached the store, Kazuki scanned the ice cream freezer, picking out Aoi's favorite flavors—chocolate chip and strawberry. He even grabbed a vanilla one for himself, figuring he'd earned a treat for his efforts.

After paying, he headed home, the coldness of the ice cream a welcome relief against the summer heat. As he entered the house, Aoi came rushing to the door, practically bouncing with excitement.

"Onii-chan, you're back! Did you get the good flavors?" she asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.

Kazuki rolled his eyes, handing her the bag. "Of course. Here, enjoy."

Aoi's face lit up as she took out the ice cream, eagerly tearing off the wrapper. "Yes! This is exactly what I wanted!"

They both sat down at the dining table, unwrapping their treats. Aoi took a big bite of her chocolate chip ice cream, a look of pure joy spreading across her face.

"Mmm! So good! Thanks, onii-chan," she said, beaming at him with gratitude.

Kazuki smirked, taking a bite of his vanilla ice cream. "You really made me go through all that just for this, huh?"

Aoi grinned, swinging her legs happily. "Well, you lost fair and square. A deal's a deal!"

As they sat there, enjoying their ice cream together, Kazuki felt a rare moment of contentment. He didn't often get to just relax with Aoi like this, and it reminded him of simpler times when they were younger and carefree. Despite her playful antics, he appreciated moments like these when they could just enjoy each other's company.

Aoi glanced over at him, noticing the soft smile on his face. "What're you smiling about, onii-chan?"

Kazuki shrugged. "Just thinking… it's nice spending time like this. Even if you did make me go out in the heat for ice cream."

Aoi giggled, nudging him playfully. "Aw, you love it, admit it!"

He rolled his eyes, but there was a warmth in his gaze. "Maybe I do."

As they finished their ice cream, Kazuki couldn't help but feel grateful for these little moments of happiness.