Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Year: 20XX

Location: Japan

Planet: Earth

When the two stepped out of the house, the first thing Michikatsu noticed was the sky.

The sky openly displayed the majestic colors of blue and white as it painted the heavens. A color that is quite rare to see on Mars since nature there is always covered with red and black colors. It spreads out above them, bestowing the world with its vibrant attributes as it lit up the environment in brightness. The sun is much closer, allowing this unfamiliar heat to seep into the older Michikatsu’s body, and he doesn’t know what to feel about it.

To Michikatsu, this is the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. So much so that he stands there just outside, basking, with his mouth gape open, staring at the blue sky with astonishment.

When the teenager realized that his other older self isn’t following him, he turned around in confusion. “Hey! What are you standing there for?”

This snapped the man back to reality, blinking rapidly as if he could remove the shock. “Yeah, I’m coming.”

He is slowly adapting to this world’s strange balance or gravity, but regardless, the temperature here is very different. Mars used to be such a colder place, however, when the advancement of technology was able to make that planet manageable to live on, the temperature there turned cool. Oftentimes, it is cold since Mars from time to time overwhelms the well-made machine heaters planted in the area with its freezing temperature.

Unlike Earth though, it’s like this planet is independent. It decides on its own. Earth is certainly uncontrollable.

Michikatsu learned a thing or two about this planet at school, and that is the various changes Earth can produce. Earth can change weather whenever it wants to, and this includes temperature. Mars can indeed change the weather on its own as well, however, it is now usually controlled by the supreme government. If the people wanted a summer hot day, then it will be granted. If they wanted rainfall, then the machines can provide it. It’s just different on Earth because the concept of the seasons is not applied on Mars.

So, Michikatsu has every right to be surprised and be in awe at such a hot and humid atmosphere.

The mansion he resides in may technically make this happen, but this is too different and unique. Earth is producing its humid day, while Mars can’t. The fact that Michikatsu is experiencing such a phenomenon is insane to him. This… is natural.

So, this is how it is before…

The younger Michikatsu scowled at the man. “If you linger there a bit longer, we’d get caught. He might wake up at any time!”

Sadly, he doesn’t have the luxury to process everything or take in the magnificent world he is in at the moment. “I know. I’m sorry about that… It’s just,” the man released a sigh, “I’ve never seen a blue sky.”

With that, the teenager softened his expression. “Oh, right. I keep forgetting that you’re an alien.”

“Hey!” The man looks down at his younger self with a scowl of his own. “I’m still a human. The only difference is the planet, dumbass.”

But the young one merely waved the older away. “Yeah, yeah. Anyway, we need to run.”

“What? More running?”

“Don’t complain, dude. And what do you mean by more running?”

The man released another sigh, showing just how tired he is, and shaking his head. “Just… never mind. We need to go somewhere else where Yoriichi will never find us. Knowing him, he’s a complete genius when it comes to looking for us as his brother.” The two started speeding up their phase, walking farther away from the house. They don’t know how long Yoriichi would stay lying on the floor.

The younger Michikatsu huffed. “I know, but where?”

The man glanced down at his other self, baffled. “Excuse me? What do you mean with ‘ where?’ I’m not from here, buddy!”

“Argh! I just keep forgetting.” The teenager clutched his hair in exasperation. They are completely running now, but at this point, their energy is only going to waste if they keep running with no exact location to go to. “You might not believe this, it’s my first time to… um… walk in these streets. Sort of.”

“What?”

The younger Michikatsu could only blush. “I-I tried to walk on my own! I told him that I wanted to be independent and start learning how to walk in these streets when going to school, but…”

Well, it wasn’t your fault. The older one mused. “I’m not going to blame you nor make fun of you.”

This had the teen sighing in relief. “Thank you. It’s difficult to convince an older brother who’s insane.”

The terrain is familiar for the older Michikatsu. The civilization in their advanced era hasn’t changed so much on Mars since the infrastructure here is similar to what they have. They still practice a lot of modern techniques, for sure. The difference he could spot now is the buildings or the houses everywhere. It’s so… simple and modern. It lacks layers of iron barriers that protect houses from storms because all Michikatsu sees are wood and cement. He is still immensely awed at the sight of these practically ancient houses.

“Okay, here’s an idea.” Unfortunately, the older Michikatsu’s stamina is severely lacking as he is currently panting loudly in an attempt to catch his breath. “Let’s head to Hakuji’s.”

The man isn’t alone though as the younger Michikatsu is also breathing heavily. Running wasn’t on their forte, apparently. “Are you stupid? That’s the first place he would visit to look for us! Besides, I don’t want any of my friends involved anymore. I’ll only put them in danger!”

The man blinked. Right… People who dare to get in the way of my relationship with Yoriichi would automatically mean granting them doom. “Then, where to?”

“The police station?” The teenager suggested.

“Well, do you have any proof that we’re real victims and not kids trying to pull a prank?”

The younger Michikatsu winced. “Um…”

That was enough as an answer, so the man groaned out loud. “We’re so hopeless.”

A car zoomed by to which they halted, not realizing that the pedestrian signals is glowing red at the moment. The two were too caught up with their thinking that they haven’t been paying attention to their surroundings. The road is instantly filled with cars speeding by, but they were glad as they took this time to gather deep breaths.

The teenager looks up at the man. “Look, dude… Wait, can we not call each other dude or other weird nicknames?”

The man rolled his eyes at that, wiping a sweat trickling down his face. “And what? I’d call you Michikatsu, and you’ll also call me Michikatsu? If people’s gonna ask, they will certainly find it weird.”

“They’d find it even weirder when they see just how eerily similar of appearances we have!” The teen countered. “But names are what matters right now to avoid confusion. We have to think of other names to call each other.”

The pedestrian signal is still glowing red. A few seconds left and then they can continue running. It wasn’t just them alone in the streets. There are also people waiting just next to them, but none were looking at the two, which they are grateful for. The older Michikatsu is looking everywhere like a frantic person, unable to comprehend that he is on Earth. He still finds it strange to see such a new environment.

“How about… Kokushibo?” The sixteen-years old suggested.

The older one stopped looking around. “What?”

The teen gave the man a frustrated look as he repeated. “Kokushibo. And can you not look around everywhere? You’re only going to make yourself look weird. It’s enough to make people know that you’re from another planet or something.”

The older Michikatsu has to pause, standing there in complete silence. When the pedestrian signal lit up green, the people next to them began to move. The teenager noticed this and tugged the man hurriedly, eyeing the bustling people. “Come on, we gotta run.”

Before they could do so, the older one voiced out almost weakly. “A-Actually, I got a similar idea for the name, too.”

This made the teen stop, turn slowly, and glanced up at the man with an expression of disbelief. “Seriously?” Then the corner of his lips tugged up.

For some reason, this caused the two to snicker even in such a tense situation. “Well, we are the same being, so…”

The younger one simply shrugs with a small smile on his face.

The two continued running. With no plans in mind, they simply ran and ran in any direction they could go. The younger Michikatsu, having only a little knowledge about this area of the town with great disappointment in himself for not exploring the place around since it was only a few years since he had moved here, could only go so far by leading themselves to a beach. With a reason in mind that his elder brother, Yoriichi, would not even think of such a location where the two will currently hide. “Let’s hide in here for now.”

When they made sure that they are further away from people’s sight, their feet digging into the sand, the teenager could no longer hold himself up so he throws himself to the ground, sitting down heavily with a thump. His shorts are now covered with sand, breathing in and out the salty air with eagerness. “My stamina is crap!”

He thought that his other older self would also plop down…

However, the man before him didn’t. Instead, the older Michikatsu’s eyes were blown wide, staring at the loud crashing wave of salty water. It’s as if he had seen a miracle in front of him. “I-Is that… the ocean?”

“Hm?” The younger Michikatsu just looks at it with no interest. “Yeah.”

Suddenly, the man couldn’t help himself but lift his arms as the wind blew towards them. It was indeed salty and warm, and he felt giddy all of the sudden because of the view before him. “It’s so beautiful.” The wind whipped his hair as he bask in the new surroundings, not caring how it hurts his eyes due to the saltiness and from staring intensively. It’s like he’s digging this view deep in his mind.

When the teenager glanced up at him, seeing the awe in his other older self’s expression, a small smile made its way to his lips, and stares back at the ocean. “Yeah.” Then, he points out the sky as well. “Notice how the sky and the ocean have a similar color.”

The man nodded at the observation, staring at the horizon with unblinking eyes. “The ocean is a bit green, but it stretches out a darker blue.”

“That’s because it’s going deeper. It’s why it is so blue.”

The older Michikatsu hummed. “It’s my first time seeing a horizon.”

The teenager simply chuckled. “Of course, it is. You’re an alien.”

This cause the man to roll his eyes for the umpteenth. “Oh, right. The nicknames. Kokushibou, was it? Shall I call you Kokushibou or just Michikatsu?”

“I’ll be Michikatsu,” the younger one stated. “Since this is my universe, it is only right to have my name remain as it is. Otherwise, if there are people who might recognize me, it’ll just confuse the both of us.”

“Okay, so I’ll be Kokushibou then.”

Michikatsu nodded, a smirk plastered on his face. “Nice to meet you, Kokushibou.”

Kokushibou merely laughed at this. “Hello, Michikatsu. It’s going to take a while for me to get used to this.”

“Right,” Michikatsu grinned. After a few minutes of calm, their hearts no longer pounding fast, they proceed to discuss more of their dire situation. “So, what now?”

Kokushibou gave the teenager a confused look. “Why are you asking me? I don’t know!”

“Who’s the adult here?” Michikatsu retorted. “You, duh!”

“Oh, yeah? Who lives in this universe? You!”

“But I barely know anything about escaping from a crazy brother! Out of the two of us, I think you have the most experience about escaping him before.”

Kokushibo had to scoff. “You’re right, I had done quite a lot of attempts of escape from Yoriichi, but why would you assume that those attempts were successful? He’d always find me.” He brushed his messy hair that is whipping on his face. “You should know better since we’re the same individual. We both know more than anyone else that our older brother, no matter what universe, is perfect, especially when handling us as Michikatsu’s.”

But the teenager wasn’t moved. “Ha! Do you wanna know why I would assume such a thing? Oh, well look at yourself!” Michikatsu eyed Kokushibo up and down from his sitting position. “You succeeded! You escaped him. If your older brother in your universe is perfect, then why are you here?”

With that mentioned, Kokushibo only stood there in silence.

Michikatsu brushed off the sand that is now sticking to his legs. “So, you see? You’re the successful one in here. I don’t know much about escaping, but you do. And it looks like your previous attempts had made you quite an experienced person handling the problem. The problem being Yoriichi Tsugikuni and his genius mind.”

The man had to process this for a minute, seeing the point of his other younger self. “Huh… I guess you’re right.” Kokushibo mumbled. He looks down, just realizing the existence of sand that he stood on. The man knelt, having relaxed his aching muscles already, and opt to play with the soft sand as he grabbed a handful. “It’s like all my efforts haven’t gone to waste. But even if you think I’m an expert at escaping, I am useless now. This world is not my own, and I’m sure there are various rules I don’t know that are implemented here.”

Michikatsu reveals a small smile. “But I am here.”

Kokushibo lets go of the sand, slipping them from his fingers, and glances at the teenager next to him. “Then, I’m counting on you.”

~

There are too many obstacles blocking their path to obtaining true freedom. It is an issue the two Michikatsu can’t solve quite easily. Generally, they can’t survive when they have no knowledge about adulthood. Kokushibo, or the older Michikatsu, was isolated throughout his whole teenage years, only understanding a few things about the necessities in life from school. Even though he could’ve learned something from school, the bad side was that the school staff, most especially the principal, respected Yoriichi Tsugikuni so much that he was given special treatment and permission to control Michikatsu’s schedules and education as a whole.

The only way the older Michikatsu could gather information when it comes to survival was through Hakuji, who taught him the basic things people needed once they reach adulthood. Hakuji knows about their complicated sibling relationship back then. He had taken pity on his friend when he learns that Michikatsu’s education is restricted since Yoriichi practically ordered the school’s teachers to only teach his younger brother what he approved of. Thus, information is being secretly shared between two friends.

However, it isn’t going to help the two Michikatsu now.

Kokushibo had specifically pointed out the major issues they currently have. First is the location. They need a place to hide, somewhere farther away from where Yoriichi wouldn’t find them. The second is money. Without money, how are they going to get food? Sure, they could stay on the streets for now, but when the time comes, they would need money to get them shelter, food, and water. The third is reaching out to connections. If Michikatsu could contact Hakuji for help, then everything may be fine. But the thing is… Yoriichi might be keeping an eye on the boy, knowing for sure that Michikatsu and Kokushibo will surely need Hakuji’s help.

Kokushibo had to groan out loud. “Oh, man. I went through the portal just to get away from my brother, only to end up encountering him again. But this time, it’s another Yoriichi I have to handle.”

“At least this time, you’re not alone,” Michikatsu muttered, rubbing his arms up and down. They’ve been staying on the beach for hours, not caring the slightest about the afternoon heat which causes them to sweat profusely. Now that it is nighttime, the wind blew colder and the two are receiving chills from the freezing temperature.

They planned to wait until it gets dark. It’s harder to take a glimpse of their faces when there is no light in the area. Daytime is when people are at most active after all, and once night falls, the possibility of getting caught would surely lessen.

“The moon is up, should we get going?” Michikatsu asks.

Kokushibo nodded. “Well, it’s not like Yoriichi is close by.”

“We never know for sure. He has a car, and I’m sure he’d be driving everywhere just to search for me.”

“Do you think he’d contact the police?”

Michikatsu eyed the man with certainty. “No. He knows that if he asks the police for help, we’d team up and tell them that we’re being imprisoned. He is smart, so I believe that contacting the police isn’t the right course of action when he knows that he’s the one doing cruel things.”

Kokushibo agreed. “Yeah, you’re right. I forget that he wanted us to be secluded from the world. Meeting other people is the last thing he wanted for us to do.”

Michikatsu had to look down as if what he had heard disturbed him, bringing back awful memories that he wishes to forget. The teen had to take in another deep breath and released it like he poured out all the stress from his body. “I’m very… upset. I’m upset with myself for continuing to ignore the obvious signs. Time and time again, I always thought of how weird he has become even after years of separation. I noticed that strange behavior ever since I was a kid but I kept ignoring it.”

“No,” Kokushibo started, licking his dry lips wet. His skin started to ache and itch for some reason. Perhaps it’s because of the salty air. “No, you’re not alone. I believe the reason why we couldn’t do something so soon is that we chose to ignore those signs. It’s our sweet older brother, right? He’s family. Yoriichi is family. It’s always normal to think that he’s doing this for the sake of our well-being. He is our big brother. But in time, once we noticed how unhealthy and overwhelming his love can be, it sort of… destroys that relationship because we longed for something else.”

“I mean, we couldn’t help it, right?” Michikatsu glances up at the man once again. “We noticed just how suffocating this is. Restrictions, orders, and total control. Even though he keeps saying that it’s for our own good, it’s just… we couldn’t help but think of unfairness. Siblings aren’t supposed to be like that.”

Kokushibo shrugs. “I don’t know where and how Yoriichi developed that attitude. I also don’t know why he developed that kind of mindset, too. But I understand him. I understand that it is his duty as the older brother to protect the younger sibling. However…”

“It’s just wrong?” Michikatsu suggested. “He showed it in a wrong way?”

Kokushibo nodded at him. “Right…”

“Yeah, I had that thought, too.” Michikatsu sighs. “I had asked him why before. But his answer isn’t good enough for me.”

“Mhm, it’s not a good excuse, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it wasn’t. He said he’s doing this to keep me safe, away from the cruelties of the world, and that I don’t have to face danger anymore. But that’s not good enough.”

Kokushibo frowned at this. “Same for me. I really don’t know how he developed this obsession of his. Can’t he see that imprisoning me would only make me suffer?”

“You’re right. It’s killing us slowly in a way.” Michikatsu said.

“But now that we’re both free from our brother’s grasps… I guess we can start anew?”

Michikatsu chuckled when he heard the slight change of tone. “You sounded unsure there.”

Kokushibo rolled his eyes, a small smile on his face. “Well, we’re not in a good situation at the moment.”

“Ah, true.” Michikatsu rolled his shoulders, looking up at the dark and starless sky. “We should really go now.”

The two stood up, their bones groaning in the process of sitting in the sand for so long. They both shook away the sand sticking on their clothes and skin, then proceed to walk out of the beach. Already, the older Michikatsu groaned in exhaustion. “Damn it, I wish there’s a day without dealing with Yoriichi.”

“Continue wishing, 'cause I don’t think it will happen soon,” Michikatsu mumbled next to him, eyeing the road and the cars passing by with caution.

“Do you have a location in mind? Any location that you think Yoriichi wouldn’t go searching. I don’t care if it’s going to be a dirty place.”

Michikatsu took a long time to think. There are some places he thought of, but he isn’t sure if it’s a perfect place to stay for the night. He had to consider a lot of things. Security is the top priority if they both wish to have a good sleep. Not only that but if that place could serve them both for a few days, then they might even last long with that much protection it can give.

“I could name only a few though. But some of those places I could think of aren’t really… suitable to stay for long.”

“Such as?”

Michikatsu tilted his head in thought. “The bridge. The park. Maybe the mall? The school, too.”

“Seriously?”

“What! That’s all I could think of!” Michikatsu scoffed and crosses his arms. “I was thinking of some public areas because it might be the places he’d be struggling to search for us.”

Kokushibo merely scratched the back of his head. “How about places where it is uncommon? You know… darker areas?”

“And risk ourselves getting killed? No way!”

Kokushibo rolled his eyes. “Fine, then! Let’s go to the park.”

Michikatsu nodded once, “the park is good. Though I don’t know if it’s still open at this time.”

Kokushibo raised a brow. “But it’s a big space, right?”

“Yes,” Michikatsu nodded again. “Hakuji and I used to go there to hang out. Hakuji’s father would drop us there and allow us to play around. We’d occasionally play some sports and also do some studying during weekends.”

“Okay, then the park sounds good to me.”

Now that they have a location in mind, the two start to walk at a hurried pace since they can be seen due to the street lights in the area. Both are deeply aware that Yoriichi will never stop searching, which causes them to walk anxiously while they headed to the park. The location is far, perhaps a thirty-minute walk from the beach, but luckily… nothing happened.

They soon found themselves easing the tension off their shoulders, realizing that it might take a while for Yoriichi to find them. Or perhaps never. Regardless, it didn’t stop them from going at a faster pace, sometimes eyeing the corner of the road and glancing at the cars to make sure it wasn’t following them.

The people in the streets are unfamiliar, no one spared the two look-alikes a glance. Much to their relief, these people simply ignore them, minding their business. Finally, after what felt like ages, the two Michikatsu’s spotted the park in their peripheral view. The two rushes there immediately but were then stopped at a certain sign planted at the entrance which is linked with yellow chains to block the pathway.

“Damn it.” Michikatsu cursed.

“What now?” Kokushibo asked, wiping the sweat away from his face.

Michikatsu looks around, searching for guards who might be lingering in the area, then glanced at some passerby at a good distance. The teen proceeds to look at the sign, then the area before them. “We can sneak in.”

“But we’d get caught!” Kokushibo stated in uncertainty. Anxiousness is taking control of him once again.

“I don’t see any cameras anywhere, and there are no guards either.”

Kokushibo turns in a complete circle, his eyes roaming around for any nearby person. “But we’re too exposed, right?”

Michikatsu grumbled in frustration as if wanting to get this over with. “Look, do you want to hide from him or what?”

There was a determined look on the younger one’s face. Kokushibo can also see the exhaustion in those eyes. “Fine!” Kokushibo growled, the feeling of uneasiness didn’t leave him. “Let’s just make a run for it. Hopefully, no one sees us.”

Without hesitation, Michikatsu jumped over the chains and ran inside the park. Kokushibo tensed up. “Hey, wait!” The young man also jumped over and sped up, all the while, aware of the tension increasing without knowing why he felt so insecure at the moment.

The teenager navigated the park quite expertly as if he knew which direction was the best spot to hide. It made Kokushibo trust in his other younger self as he followed him, assuming that Michikatsu knows what he was doing. However, as they continue to run deeper, there are fewer lights in the area. This slows Kokushibo down, not liking the fact that as they go deeper, the darker it has become.

“Hey, Michikatsu!” The man calls out. The teen halted, turned, and looks at him questioningly. “Are you sure this is the right spot?”

“Yeah, you’re the one who wanted darker areas to hide,” Michikatsu responded. “If it’s all right with you. But you don’t have to worry much. I’ve been here before.”

Kokushibo looks at the darkness before him. It’s not that he’s afraid. It just means that their visibility will be blocked by darkness. “Yeah? Have you been here during nighttime?”

“Nope,” Michikatsu said, also aware of how dark it has become. “Well, I know for sure that this place is a good spot because it’s hidden away from view. Hakuji made sure of that.”

“But…” Kokushibo gulped. A gust of wind blew on them, making the bushes rustle nearby. It only adds up to the haunting atmosphere. “Are you sure that no one might be occupying this area? If anything, there could be some… other people residing here, too.”

Michikatsu shrugs as an answer. “We will continue to not know unless we tried, right?”

Something about those words sent chills down the man’s spine. He doesn’t know why, but those words sounded endearing to him. It also brought some sort of encouragement. But there’s not much of a choice left anyway. If they prefer a safer place to hide, then this is the only way.

“You know what,” Kokushibo resigned, trying to remove the fear invading his thoughts. “Let’s just do it.”

Michikatsu watched the man’s face like he was searching for something. He nodded at him when he saw the resolved look. “Okay.”

As the two continued to go deeper into the dark, the uneasiness didn’t leave. Instead, it only got thicker to the point even Michikatsu felt it. It’s a bad feeling, but they don’t know what caused it. As much as they want to bring it up, wondering why all their senses are on high alert, they focused on walking instead. The cold night is quite harsh on them, leaving the two in desperation to find something that blocks the wind that kept blowing harshly.

Michikatsu paused, then walks to the side, stepping on the thick grass next to him. Kokushibo follows. They were heading towards a wall of chunky vines that trailed up to the top of the trees in the area, like a massive snake slithering, and down to the ground that is also covered with giant roots. It’s like there’s a mini forest taking place in the middle of the park, with its haunting appearance due to the unkempt roots and branches sticking out of every tree, a sign that these trees have been here for a long time.

Kokushibo can only stare at it with pure amazement, seeing the wonders of growth on these trees that have lasted so long. When he noticed that Michikatsu is navigating himself within the thick vines, he was utterly confused.

“Is this even allowed?”

Michikatsu answered. “I don’t know,” then he paused for a bit. “Maybe, no?”

Kokushibo stopped the urge to roll his eyes again. “Yeah? I can tell. Based on what I learned from school, the forest contains lots of creepy things including animals that bite.”

“Well, thankfully, there is maintenance around,” Michikatsu said, stepping on some vines and turning to look at the man in the eye. “I don’t think there’s much to worry about. The people who work in these areas keep the surroundings clean, making sure that people who go in the park will be safe from danger.”

“And when will those workers come by?”

Michikatsu shrugs. “I don’t know.”

“Oh, great…” Kokushibo crosses his arms at that. “So, this is a temporary hide-out then. We could only stay here for about a day or two.”

“On the other hand though,” Michikatsu’s voice turned slightly gleeful. “The park is huge, so we can hide from them.”

“Wow, sounds exhausting.”

Kokushibo walks beside Michikatsu, urging the teen to continue to navigate their hiding spot for now. As they both got closer to the trees, Kokushibo realizes that it isn’t that huge. They simply dodged through untangled vines sticking in the air, and sidestepped some larger stones and roots, until they made their way to the middle of the mini-forest. It’s slightly surprising, considering how thick some of these vines and roots are, and yet there’s a small and open space in the center. It’s like a cave, or perhaps a secret lounging area.

It was quite clean. The space can fit about four people, but other than that, it looks comfortable to stay on. But certainly, there are going to be creepy creatures crawling in if it isn’t properly maintained.

“This is it?”

Michikatsu plopped himself down, not caring how dark the surroundings were or how slightly wet the ground is. The only light they have is the moon entering through the gaps of leaves above them. “Yeah… I know it isn’t to your liking, but this is all I’m familiar with.”

Kokushibo sat next to him, “I guess this will do.”

“You’re fine with this?”

“Well, if you said so yourself that this place is familiar, then I’m counting on you to get us somewhere that is good for us. And since this is it, I have no right to complain.”

With that, the two Michikatsu’s rested for a while, laying down and staring at the trees, completely immersed in their thoughts.

It was indeed a tiring day for the two, most especially for the older one who belongs to a whole different world and timeline. But the older Michikatsu couldn’t lay rested. Even as his breathing calms, and his heart rate slows… his mind has been invaded with thoughts of his older brother. Not this world’s Yoriichi, but the other world, the one where he is from. His older brother.

He lets his mind wander, allowing himself to think about Yoriichi and imagine what is currently going on. He didn’t think of himself. Somehow, he isn’t thinking about what he’s supposed to do here on Earth. A planet where he isn’t from and a world where he doesn’t know much. To him, he’d worry about his adaptability in the future, but for now, it was his older brother that is the center of his thoughts.

Yoriichi is probably mourning his death right now. Michikatsu could only imagine his older brother’s face… He pictured Yoriichi with a face that is angry, distraught, and distorted with so many mixed emotions. Because for certain, that man is always so serene and calm, never showing a glimpse of a strange expression on his face and even behavior that people will certainly find odd to see. So Michikatsu allows himself to imagine that face that is certainly plastered with emotions.

As the man closes his eyes, noticing that the teen next to him is also falling asleep, he lets his guard down. Michikatsu releases a soft sigh, unable to continue imagining. The thoughts about his older brother are slipping. Exhaustion took control, and he lets it.

~

“Michikatsu, wake up.”

Ah, even in dreams, Yoriichi is there. He couldn’t even get a good dream. It’s always been like this. In nightmares, dreams, and reality, Yoriichi is always there. That odd man is occasionally smiling, talking, and hugging him in those dreams or nightmares. Sometimes, those dreams were good, but it’s always the nightmares that overwhelm imagination. As much as Michikatsu appreciates his older brother’s hard work in caring for the family… sometimes, it’s just too much. It’s unbearable. Now even in dreams, it remains the same.

The way his name kept being mentioned over and over again is infuriating. Always catching his attention.

“Michikatsu…”

Except… that sounded quite realistic.

Panic ensues.

The sleepiness disappeared in an instant. The older Michikatsu opened his eyes, his body moving almost automatically as he sat up in such a rush that his mind couldn’t comprehend what was going on at first. There was a moment of doubt and denial. There was a moment of disbelief. It was a nightmare. Just a nightmare. Just a hallucination––

The man let out a scream at the sight.

This caused the teenager next to him to fling himself up, waking up forcefully at the screech. Many emotions entered the younger Michikatsu. First was exhaustion, then confusion, and then replaced with alertness. Fear was the last.

Before them is Yoriichi Tsugikuni.

The teen also let out a scream.

Yoriichi’s eyes never left the teenager, kneeling just next to him. When the younger Michikatsu noticed the proximity, he reacted straight away, crawling backward to create distance between them. His back hit something, realizing that he stumbled upon the older one from behind.

But suddenly, a hand shot out which left Michikatsu gasping in fear. Michikatsu tries to avoid it, but his effort was futile. Yoriichi grabs hold of his younger brother’s arm in a tight grip, a sign that he’s not letting go.

When Kokushibo saw this, instantly, he stood up with his bones groaning. He attempted to kick the older man in the face, throwing his feet at him with great force. But Yoriichi swiftly catches the foot with his palm, not flinching even the slightest bit as his eyes remained on Michikatsu.

“Let’s go home,” Yoriichi said to the teenager. His baritone voice remained the same. Calm, almost empty, but strict. “We are not supposed to encounter such an anomalous occurrence.”

Anomalous occurrence?

Then, Yoriichi’s maroon eyes traveled from the teenager to the young man next to him. The two made eye contact for the first time. Kokushibo winced at the intense look he was given, ultimately reminding him once again of his failures time and time again as he freed his leg from the grip harshly.

Kokushibo didn’t know what he was doing, but he hauled Michikatsu by circling his arms on the latter’s smaller frame and pulling him. It was a sudden decision. Not even a choice left. It was done out of pure desperation. Yoriichi’s grip faltered and instantly tried to take Michikatsu once again when Kokushibo lifted Michikatsu away from the reaching hands. It was the adrenaline bursting within him that made Kokushibo run from the forest, holding the teenager in his arms.

It was still dark. The sun isn’t even up yet. But the two were left running in silence. Not a word is shared between the two Michikatsu. Questions are bubbling in their minds, but they can’t utter them now that they are caught.

It’s like awakening their survival instinct as Kokushibo propped Michikatsu back down, their hearts racing and already wide awake. The realization has yet to fully catch up to them. But they accepted the twist of events happening in a matter of seconds. There was nothing to deny since they faced doom once again as they can both sense that man from behind.

Unfortunately, Kokushibo’s exhaustion wasn’t completely away. He couldn’t run fast enough. Yoriichi lunges forward, throwing himself towards the younger man since he’s the closest. Kokushibo’s body was suddenly engulfed by warmth. He tumble down to the rough surface, and the air got knocked out of his lungs. But the fall wasn’t enough to wound him or injure him. Instead, it felt like he was carefully shielded from the heavy fall. Yoriichi’s arms covered him in a way that his head and body wouldn’t even crash to the ground.

Kokushibo struggled the second he was embraced tightly. He fought ferociously, but his arms and legs were pinned. “Let me… go!” He groaned, muttering curses from left to right. He swung his legs, urging his muscles to function the way he wanted.

Unexpectedly, he was able to wrestle the arm that is tightly wrapped on his shoulders. Even Yoriichi did not expect such strength. And it was only there that Kokushibo realized once again that he and Yoriichi almost have the same build and frame, making it easy to equalize with him.

Yoriichi noticed this, breathing heavily that he has to open his mouth slightly to let air in. Straight away, a thought entered his mind in a moment of struggle. It was at that exact position that Yoriichi used his intelligence.

Not a moment of hesitation. The man immediately changed his balance and position, still pinning the older Michikatsu in his arms. Yoriichi proceeds to make use of his flexibility and speed, activating his athletic self.

It was something the two Michikatsu doesn’t have. They do not possess the power or the athleticism, especially in terms of strength, and Yoriichi used that advantage to break that equal strength between them so that he will remain in complete control.

Kokushibo noticed the change. Yoriichi’s body was fluid as he changed the position of his arms and legs to the point that Kokushibo can’t fight it. Dread filled the young man in an instant. He can no longer fight against Yoriichi when there are techniques involved. He could just sense how utterly weak he is against his brother who is undeniably stronger than him.

But all hope is not lost…

There was a movement in the corner of Yoriichi’s eyes. He moved away just in time, letting the older Michikatsu go in the process, as his own younger brother attempted to kick the side of his chest. When the heavy weight was removed from the top of Kokushibo, the teenage Michikatsu immediately closes the distance to help him up. Kokushibo is panting heavily from the wrestle, staring at the older man.

Yoriichi remained sitting on the floor, watching the two with those maroon eyes. But this time, there was hurt that reflected on them as he looks at his younger brother. “Michikatsu?”

The teenager froze.

That voice. It sounded broken and silent. It created a pang in Michikatsu’s heart. It was like something heavy was placed on it. But he tries to ignore it, tries to shake the guilt and sadness away when he looks at his older brother from a good distance. He gulped down a thick lump formed in his throat. “Brother… h-how did you…” He trailed off, immediately tensing up when Yoriichi moved.

The man stood up, and it caused the two Michikatsu to prepare themselves for another round of running. But Yoriichi simply stood there, wiping the dirt on his shirt, all the while, glancing back and forth at the two.

The hurt in those maroon eyes disappeared as fast as it came.

Yoriichi switched his gaze from his own younger brother to the young man. Kokushibo couldn’t help but feel so small under that stare. Even though his posture is unassuming, Yoriichi emits an aura like no other. In Kokushibo’s perspective, it’s the eyes that are the most expressive. So, as Yoriichi stands there with a calm facial expression, his eyes were kind and soft, showing signs of love towards his younger brother who without a doubt had broken many rules.

It was enough to make the two shudder.

Yoriichi’s soothing voice breaks the silence of the night. “You look so different, Michikatsu. How old are you?”

Kokushibo realizes that he was talking to him. He didn’t answer the question right away, preferring to study his brother– well, not his brother– to spot any suspicious movement despite him looking so tranquil. “I’m not really any different.”

Unexpectedly, Yoriichi smiled.

Veins throbbed on Kokushibo’s forehead. Ugh, stop that. Get out of my sight.

“No,” Yoriichi disagrees, still smiling with such tenderness that even the younger Michikatsu’s nearly shivered at the sight. “You’re taller, and…” the man paused, narrowing his eyes at the observation. “Hm… something I do not approve of.”

The younger Michikatsu tensed at those words as Yoriichi continued. “I don’t think I like to see how tall you’ll grow, Michikatsu.” This time, he is addressing his own little brother, eyeing the smallest of the two. “It appears that exposing you to the sun may do no good. But don’t worry, that will have to change in the future.”

There was a stunned silence between the two.

Michikatsu was furious.

How dare he!

The way his older brother said that was humiliating, in a tone that is calm but words that are horrendous to listen to. It was unlikely for Yoriichi to voice out his thoughts. Michikatsu didn’t even expect to hear that from him. But this just proves how sick this man was.

“Fuck you!” Michikatsu curses, snarling at him. “How can you call yourself a big brother when you wish to trample me! You wanted to keep this sense of inferiority that I have all just to boost how superior you are! What, you wanted me to stay small and weak forever? So that you’d maintain your power as the one who is stronger and taller in the house? So that I couldn’t be equal with you!? Is that why you aren’t allowing me to go outside, you sick fuck! You completely disgust me!”

“I wasn’t making you feel inferior, brother.” Yoriichi’s brows furrowed as if he was disturbed at the words he just heard. “That wasn’t my intention.”

“Then, why the fuck did you even say that, you piece of shit!” Michikatsu growled, his hands balling into a tight fist. “I won’t pretend that I haven’t heard you voice out your sick thoughts, right now. That audacity you had as if you have the confidence to win this is just pathetic.”

The expression Yoriichi wore changed in a matter of seconds which Michikatsu nearly winced at. His eyes became dull, and his lips twisted into a frown. “Stop cursing. It doesn’t sound good from you––”

“Shut up! Just shut up!” Michikatsu screamed out, his chest heaving in the process. “You can’t win. I’ll never let you. How do you get the confidence when we’re gonna win and get ourselves out of here, hm!? I know for sure you’re planning ways to keep me locked up in the house without getting myself exposed to the sun. I won't go back to that prison. I won’t get locked again by you! Don’t get cocky!”

“I’ll say the same to you,” Yoriichi said. “Don’t be too confident in yourself as well. Because this will all stop in this very instant.”

Kokushibo blinked.

What?

Suddenly, all the hairs on Kokushibo’s skin stood up. Chills ran down his spine at the declaration. It wasn’t a good feeling. At all.

The young man’s voice trembled. “W-What do you mean?”

It’s like the world slows down. Something was going to happen, and they can all feel it in their bones.

Kokushibo’s heart pounded so hard he thought he might collapse right there at then as he watches Yoriichi lift his arm and… point at something behind the two Michikatsu.

Kokushibo gulps at Yoriichi’s index finger that is pointing behind him. A gesture in which the man is indicating something… or someone is coming out from behind the two.

Yoriichi said, unperturbed and unassuming. “If it weren’t for him, I don’t think I can ever find you. I was just a mere distraction.”

The two Michikatsu’s spun, bracing themselves for what is to come.

There… in the distance. A purple mist appeared, enlarging itself slowly as the mist formed circles repeatedly until it towers them all. It suddenly burst into familiar purple lighting. The haze twists and slithered as it shaped into a diamond. The sight was enough to make Kokushibo’s mouth dry.

It looks familiar, so familiar in fact that he is shaking in fear.

A portal.

Kokushibo tensed when something came out, approaching them slowly.

At first, he thought it was his older brother, the other Yoriichi, but… there was an odd-looking metal entering through the portal in a heedful manner. The metal steps on the ground. That metal is shaped like a human leg, and it was enough for Kokushibo to know that it’s an Artificial Intelligence Robot that is cautiously entering the purple gateway as if testing out the waters before it finally decides to allow the whole body to join in as well.

Kokushibo wasn’t prepared.

He fell to the ground, wounding his palms, the moment he saw the machine reveals itself whole as it comes out of the portal.

The robot stood still as if waiting for a certain someone to enter.

And indeed, someone came in next.

Yoriichi Tsugikuni follows, walking in with elegance. The second the man steps onto the Earth’s surface, his hardened eyes were instantly searching. They immediately softened when it lands on the one he was looking for. “Michikatsu… thank goodness.”

But Kokushibo, the older Michikatsu, wasn’t even looking at him. Even though the man, his very own older brother, whom he is afraid of is finally here to get him, it’s not the one that catches his attention at the moment. What caught his attention is the robot itself.

The robot stood there, lifeless yet brimming with technology as it hummed mechanically. It was waiting for orders. Eyes forward and stance straight.

It couldn’t be helped. Tears are bubbling in the older Michikatsu’s eyes. Even his chest tightened which cause his breathing to become rapid. He blinked a couple of times as if he could remove the sight before him. This resulted in tears flowing freely on his cheeks, tasting the salt entering his lips.

Yoriichi, the scientist, takes two steps closer ahead of the robot, glancing at every single person in the area. Then, he snapped his fingers to call out to the robot just behind him, reaching out a hand. “Akaza… Can you hand me the device?”

The robot moved like a human. It was similar to Yoriichi Type Zero. Except, Michikatsu doesn’t know how Akaza functions.

“Yes, sir.” The machine’s chest opened, revealing an invention hidden there. Akaza takes it out and places the device on Yoriichi’s palms.

“Is it ready for usage?”

“Yes, sir. The Memory Erasure device is charged and ready.”

Yoriichi nodded at him. “Good,” then he flicks his wrist, glancing down at his watch. “Let us prepare. We shall not waste any more time.”

“Understood.”

The Yoriichi from this world approaches him, walking past Kokushibo and Michikatsu’s frozen forms. He calmly walks to the other Yoriichi as if he hadn’t seen anything phenomenon. “Are you sure this device of yours will work?”

The Specialist looks at his other self and replied. “Yes, it will work. It has been tested before.”

Yoriichi seemed to be satisfied with that. “That’s great… Could you do me a favor?”

The scientist tilted his head at him in interest, a brow raised. “What for?”

Then, Yoriichi moved his head. He eyed his Michikatsu, whose mouth gaped open in terror and shock. He and Michikatsu made eye contact. It was like all the air was stolen from his lungs as he saw something in his older brother’s eyes. At first, Michikatsu thought he was imagining it. But it was obvious.

It was there.

A mischievous glint flashed in those maroon eyes, and just like before, it disappeared in an instant in a blink.

Michikatsu released a breath shakingly, not liking where this is going. His hands are trembling. The thought of what his older brother is going to do next increased his panic and anxiousness.

“I need you to erase Michikatsu’s memories,” Yoriichi said nonchalantly. “To the point that he only remembers me. I don’t want him to think of anyone and anything else but me.”

Michikatsu also sheds a tear. His legs gave up on him as he, too, falls. He openly sobs, still staring at his brother with unblinking eyes over what he had just heard. He wanted to say something, but even his throat failed him.

This is so unfair…

It’s expected already. It should’ve been expected.

I’m a failure. I’m a failure.

“No, no… please, don’t.” He utters weakly, voice breaking as he broke down in tears, shaking his head vehemently. “Please, big brother. A-Anything, but this…”

But Yoriichi only looks at him with a sad smile. “I’m sorry but…”

Michikatsu’s heart dropped.

“But this is for your own good.”

Ah, those words again.

Kokushibo wiped his tears away, not even looking at Michikatsu beside him as he said emptily. “Sorry for dragging you… into this.”

Michikatsu said nothing. How can he when he lost every feeling and emotion in just those terrible words from his brother alone? He is nothing. He is nothing but a shell of emptiness and failure. Time and time again he is reminded of just how perfect his brother was. Every single day, it’s always Yoriichi who can get things his way. Because that’s how the world is. It’s always cruel to him.

Is death the only option at this point?

The device hummed in life as it glowed dark red. Yoriichi the scientist activated the Memory Erasure, clicking some buttons and pressing some numbers.

“We need to execute it this instant,” the specialist said. “Every minute we spend here will abruptly change the time in my universe. It took me about a month to set up the portal so that it aligns in this universe since the portal wasn’t completed.”

“I see…” The other Yoriichi glanced back at him with a look of understanding. “So, it may only be just a few hours in here, but in your universe, it’s already been a month.”

“Precisely. When my Michikatsu entered the portal that leads him to this timeline and dimension,” he glances at Kokushibo, “it changes the course of time. I’m sure he’s been in this world for only a certain amount of hours, but… it was painstakingly long in my universe.”

Kokushibo, too, did not say anything. His glare was cold and harsh. But Yoriichi was not perturbed. Instead, the older man looks quite hurt as he continued. “I thought I lost you, Michikatsu. For a month, I’ve been endlessly working on the portal since it was never easy to change its path to the world you had recklessly entered. I missed you, immensely.”

But the only words Yoriichi received were… “Fuck you. Go to hell.”

The scientist merely lifted the device, and the tone of his voice changed, using the stern one he used when he was around other professionals. “Let us handle some preparation so that the memory erasure shall go smoothly.” He eyed his other self standing beside him. “If you please sit next to your Michikatsu so that I can do what I need to do.”

The other Yoriichi nodded and walked away, moving closer to his Michikatsu. The man plopped himself down next to his younger brother and snaked his arm to the latter’s waist. He pulled Michikatsu close so that their knees will touch, embracing his younger brother with care and possessiveness. “It’s all right. Everything will be fine now.” The man wiped his brother’s tears sticking on his cheeks as if to comfort him.

Michikatsu is completely drained. Empty and devoid of emotions. But even though he has lost all hope… for some reason, he still attempted to make things a little better for his sanity. “Please, wait.” His voice is weak and croaky from the crying.

The scientist obliged. “Is there anything you need?” Even the sternness on his voice was replaced with tenderness as he is obviously talking to another Michikatsu.

Michikatsu gulped down the thick saliva forming in his throat. “Listen… Just–” he ignored the heat of the palm resting on his waist that seemed to grip on him tightly. “Instead of erasing my whole memory like big brother wanted to, h-how about…” He hesitates here, but since he already brought up this topic, he decides to continue. “How about just erase the events that are just taking place now?”

There was a moment of silence.

But Michikatsu propels on, wanting to convince this other world’s Yoriichi in such desperation. He doesn’t want to lose all of his memories. He may have lost or failed to run away from his older brother, so this is the only chance of winning against him even though it’s only a little effort done to make him feel better. But still, to him, losing all hope is worse than having to wait for hope to arrive.

Michikatsu doesn’t want his memories erased, especially when there are a lot of good times with his friends he wants to remember. The fact of losing his memories will lead to not knowing what the outside world is like terrifies him. And if he lost his memories, then that means he has submitted to his older brother’s control because his will is no longer his own. Also losing the fire within him in the process. But if only today’s memory is gone… then his drive to continue hoping and planning for an escape will still be intact. The fire within him that continues to urge him to fight back is important. It must not be erased, and he must preserve that at all costs.

“I-It’ll be like nothing happened!” Michikatsu started. “I’d just… wake up and realize that it’s just gonna be the same old day like any other days before this.” He didn’t even realize his voice is wavering. “No other Michikatsu. No other Yoriichi. W-We both don’t have any recollection today. No memories of these events at all. We’ll just be confused about it, b-but… it’s like I never meet you.”

The scientist regarded him with a contemplative eye. There was another moment of silence until the scientist glanced at his other self and asked. “What do you think?”

Michikatsu nearly winced. Ah, shit…

But surprisingly, his older brother consented without hesitation. “If this is what he wants, then let’s do it.”

Michikatsu had to hold back a sigh in relief. He thought there was still going to be a lot of convincing, but luckily, there was not much effort needed.

Yoriichi the specialist tinkered with the device once again, clicking some buttons and typing some random numbers. The device created a different noise as it vibrated. It appears Yoriichi has changed the function of the device. “The device is ready. Please prepare…”

“But before all this!” Another voice interrupted. This time, it was Kokushibo. The young man stood up, trying his best to ignore the imposing robot, Akaza, next to him. “I-I just want to say something.”

The scientist was patient, nodding at his little brother in understanding.

Kokushibo exhaled loudly. The guilt is heavy. His heart is crushed and his energy is drained. All his efforts were for naught. But he removes those depressing thoughts for now as he looks his other younger self in the eye. “I’m so sorry for causing you trouble.”

Michikatsu had to hold back tears. It may be just only a few hours, but the moments between them were amazing. Sadly, some good things have to end.

If anything, it’s like having a real older brother of his own. One who understands him, one who listens to him, and one who shares the same pain. He and Kokushibo may be just the same being from different worlds, but it’s like having another brother. It made Michikatsu’s heart ache at the thought, finally knowing what it’s like to have a real older brother who respects each other.

“It’s okay. I understand. We share the same feelings after all…”

Kokushibo bit his lower lip, trying desperately not to cry, and nodded. “Good luck.”

“You, too,” Michikatsu said with a small and sad smile.

Yoriichi pointed the machine at them after the small exchange. He wasted no time as he said. “Close your eyes. Akaza will send you home after this, and you’ll wake up the next day without any memories happening on this very day.”

Then, he presses a button. A flash of light beamed the area.

~

Year: 3001

Location: Green Island of Asley

Planet: Mars

They made it through the portal safely after the robot, Akaza, took the sleeping Tsugikuni siblings from Earth back to their home.

When Michikatsu first steps in, he felt a moment of abrupt change once again, and his legs gave away. He was so used to the gravity on Earth that he was taken aback at the lightness of the gravity here on Mars. Regardless, it made his body weak, causing him to fall.

However, before he could hit the ground, strong arms wrapped him in the waist. Those arms positioned him in a way. Michikatsu merely blinked when all of the sudden, he was engulfed with warmth, realizing that he was wrapped in a tight embrace as a body pressed on him.

Yoriichi hugged his younger brother.

They were both kneeling on the ground. Michikatsu knelt there limply, wrapped by the arms of his older brother, not knowing what to do. There was a sniffling noise coming from Yoriichi. Something wet trailed down from his neck and shirt. Michikatsu realizes that his brother is… crying.

“A month… I really thought I–” Yoriichi stopped himself from saying such a thing, preferring to hug Michikatsu so tightly, practically squeezing him until there was no space left between them. “I was so worried. Please don’t do that again.”

Michikatsu was about to say something, but their short moment was interrupted when a group of researchers flocked them both.

“Dr. Yoriichi!”

“Sir, are you all right?”

“Is he safe?”

“Where’s your brother?”

“It’s been three days since you jumped in the portal, sir!”

Nine researchers surrounded the siblings. Questions were thrown left and right. Michikatsu is completely stunned at the people swarming them. It was a perfect moment to announce that he’s in trouble, or that he’s being imprisoned by his older brother but… for some reason, he can’t voice it out.

Yoriichi, however, ignores them as he continued crying. His face nestled on Michikatsu’s throat, smearing the neck with his tears. Michikatsu is shocked to see such an emotion displayed for all to see. This is Yoriichi Tsugikuni!

When the others noticed this, they decided to ask questions later, understanding that this is a private moment between the siblings by leaving them for now.

Michikatsu panicked. He wanted to scream. He wanted to yell out that he was still in danger, or that his older brother is insane… that Yoriichi is not what they ought to seem.

But he couldn’t.

Yoriichi continued to pour everything out with his endless tears. His arms wrapped tightly around his little brother. An embrace that Michikatsu can just feel and understand the intent on it. The hug was a sign that Yoriichi is never letting him go and is never taking his eyes off of him again.

He can feel the resolve in that hug… Because Yoriichi, while crying, subconsciously takes Michikatsu’s hand and links their fingers together. “I don’t care if you hate me, Michikatsu. I’d still chase after you no matter what, even if it means jumping from one universe to another.”

~

Year: 20XX

Location: Japan

Planet: Earth

“Michikatsu, please stop scratching the door. You’d hurt your nails.” Yoriichi uttered from behind, watching his little brother sullenly making a pathetic display of desperation to go outside.

“Shut up.” Michikatsu proceeds to use his nails on the wooden door, specifically at the area of the doorknob. “I’ll burn this house if I have to.”

Yoriichi noticed that the markings on the door managed to put a dent in damaging the doorknob area, although it is only a small scratch since the door is thick, Michikatsu still manage to scratch a tiny hole in it. Yoriichi reminded himself to renew this wooden door into a metal one by tomorrow. But he has to lock up his younger brother in his room first if he wishes to change the door.

The man sighs, looking at Michikatsu’s back. “Come, I need to apply some lotion and moisturizer on your body. I don’t know how you got sunburn, but this is really dangerous.”

Michikatsu didn’t spare him a glance. “Yeah? I don’t care.” All he wishes is to be alone. But of course, his prayers aren’t heard. He suddenly felt a presence behind him, and suddenly, a hand is pressed on his shoulder. Yoriichi pulled him away from the door. Michikatsu allowed himself to get dragged by his older brother, still eyeing the door with a determined look. I’ll scratch that door if I have to.

Once they are inside Yoriichi’s room, the man sat on his bed and opened the lotion and moisturizer. “I’m being serious. I don’t know how you got sunburned so suddenly and out of nowhere. You were in this house all this time and yet… Well, I guess I need to be careful as well. I won’t allow you to go outside and get exposed to the sun. So, going near the windows is strictly prohibited, okay?”

This would’ve made Michikatsu furious, but it’s already expected when it comes to Yoriichi and his stupid restrictions. Yoriichi is the man of the house, and he controls everything. If anything, this only made Michikatsu feel more depressed than he already was. He simply stared at his older brother with a blank look. However, his voice is filled with spite. “Pointless. You won’t let me go out anymore anyway.”

Yoriichi merely shrugged. “Mhm, but perhaps this is a sign or a message of some sort. I had a nightmare last night about you. In that nightmare, you grew so tall. So, maybe you getting a sunburn is a sign that I shouldn’t let you get exposed to the sun.”

This… for some reason, had Michikatsu seething in anger. “Seriously? You let your nightmare decide for you.” He curled his hands into a tight fist.

Yoriichi revealed a small smile, ignoring the angry look he is receiving. “I just had a bad feeling about it. Anyway, sit down. I need to apply the moisturizer on your face now.”

Yoriichi also reminded himself to buy thicker curtains for tomorrow.