Athletes

"You took your time, Carl. I bet you were confessing your sins for neglecting your sisters," Clair said with a smug expression, crossing both of her arms over her chest.

"You bet. Am I just an open book for everyone to read now?" Carl joked, acting completely nonchalant as if nothing scandalous had just happened inside the holy booth.

"Hmph, obviously you are. I know all your little secrets, too."

"What kind of secrets? Ha, you're just joking around."

"Hah, you two never stop bickering. We should wait for Clara before heading back home," Silvia chimed in, finding it genuinely amusing—and strangely relaxing—to watch two eighteen-year-olds bickering like little kids.

....

"S-sorry for the wait," Clara stuttered as she finally hurried over. She was breathing heavily, her face flushed a bright, unnatural crimson, and she had hastily spritzed on a heavy layer of floral perfume.