My Brother's a Jinchūriki!

Chapter 108: Intermission

Kotetsu bent to drink from a water fountain in a hall and sighed. "Why did she even bother coming? If she came just to poke fun of me, she does that enough already." He leaned in to drink again, and a finger slid up his back and sent a shudder through him. He jumped back with a sputter as the water splashed his face, and he blushed.

"K-Kiri?! Cut that out!"

She laughed, putting her hands on her hips as she leaned forward slightly. "Aw, but it's funny to see you get all worked up."

"I-Idiot!" He wiped the water from his face and crossed his arms. "We're not kids anymore."

"Huh?" Kiri pretended to frown and then prodded his chest. "So? Why does getting older mean that we have to stop having fun?"

"At least show a little restraint around the examinees." He let out a sigh and shook his head. "I'm supposed to be an official that's helping out with the exams. I can't look like an idiot in front of them."

"Psh." She waved her hand. "You don't look like an idiot."

"H-Huh? I..." He scratched his head. "...Thanks, I guess."

"You look like an adorable idiot." Kiri grinned and threw her arm over his shoulder and pinched his cheek with her other hand. "There's a big difference."

"Oh boy." He rolled his eyes. "Do tell."

"See, an idiot is just an idiot, and is someone you feel bad for. But an adorable idiot is someone who is endearing and lovable." She grinned and patted his flushing cheek with her hand. "Which is you." She poked his cheek. "Look at you, with your cute, little, squishy, adorable, idiotic cheeks."

His blush spread to his ears and neck. "U-Uh..."

"Hey, Kotetsu..." Kiri's voice dropped to a sultry whisper and she leaned in close until their lips nearly touched. His face blushed a deep red and he yelped quietly. "While I'm here..."

"K-K-Kiri! W-What are you—?!"

"I wonder... what kind of face you'd make...if I did this?"

He squirmed as she slid her hands up his chest and traced the outline of his mouth with the tip of her index. Then, she flashed a grin and pinched the bandage across the nose between her thumb and forefinger, and began to lift it from his skin.

"You still love to tease him as much as ever."

Kiri jumped back and narrowed her eyes at Hayate, who approached.

"I'm saved..." Kotetsu let out a heavy breath, then patted the bandage to be sure it was still in place.

"Hayate, I almost had it that time!" Kiri huffed, crossing her arms as she tapped her foot on the ground.

"Sorry." Hayate coughed and then put his hands into his pockets. "I wouldn't have stepped in, but Kotetsu looked like he was going to have a heart attack."

"And for good reason!" Kotetsu frowned at Kiri, pointing at her. "Stop doing stuff like that!" He turned to the proctor, also pointing at him. "And you! We're not kids anymore! You don't need to help her harass me!"

"Is it really harassment if you enjoy it?" Hayate muttered and coughed, and Kotetsu blushed and his mouth gaped slightly.

"W-What'd you say?!"

"Nothing." Hayate smirked slightly and looked at Kiri. "So, you came to watch the matches?"

"Yup!" She grinned and rested her elbow on his shoulder. "It's been a while since we last saw each other." She lowered her voice to a whisper, then held up her hand to block her mouth. "How are you and you know who doing?"