A Liar's Truth [UNDER FINAL REVISION]

Ch 1: Kotatsu enthusiast

Third person's point of view 

The soft clink of crystal echoed in the private dining room, the glow of chandeliers reflecting off pristine white tablecloths. Ginka sighed, setting down her fork with an air of defeat.

"It seems there is no escaping you now, is there?" she mused, a gentle lilt in her voice.Her attempt to surprise her brother had failed spectacularly. As expected.

He smirked, swirling the red wine in his glass before taking a slow sip. "You should know by now that nothing escapes my notice."

Gakushu keeps in touch with a lot of high ranking individuals that made him aware of almost all the happenings in society. He was most likely informed of his sister's return despite no official date was announced. Thus, it wasn't difficult for him to arrange a private room.

"Of course." She exhaled, gaze flickering toward the lavish décor. "But even for you, this is quite the effort. I heard this establishment requires weeks of advance booking. Imagine my shock upon finding you here so conveniently."

"I wouldn't be much of a gentleman if I allowed my dear sister to settle for anything less." He raised his glass, waiting for her to mirror the gesture. "After all, I must train you to become accustomed to luxury. I would hate to be introduced to some—" he waved his hand dismissively, "lowly peasant as your future partner."

Ginka chuckled, though there was a sharpness in her eyes as she tapped her glass against his. "You do realize how ridiculous you sound?"

"If the shoe fits, I see no reason to deny it." 

A small vein popped in her temple. She pressed her fork down on her steak, her smile never faltering. "And that, dear brother, is precisely why no woman wishes to date you."

Gakushuu's smirk didn't waver. "You severely underestimate my appeal. I am not lacking in admirers, I assure you. It is simply that none have met my standards."

Ginka shook her head, sighing. "Your standards are laughably superficial. You may as well carve them from fantasy."

"Unlike you, I have a firm grasp on reality."

That hit a nerve.

She lifted her knife, pointing it at him with slow deliberation. "Must you always be so insufferable? Surely, you invited me for more than to ridicule my life choices."

Gakushuu leaned back, resting his chin against his palm. "That depends. Have they improved at any sort?"

She clicked her tongue but refrained from another jab. He always had the last word in these exchanges.