Chapter Text
Michikatsu Tsugikuni’s older brother is extraordinary. Always was, always is. It is proven he possessed exceptional skills at such a young age. With lack of efforts needed whatsoever. Some may call him a blessing from the gods, some may say he was born a monster, and some would declare the boy is gifted with abnormal observational skills.
His older brother learned how to read and write at the age of three. At the age of five, it is said he had once merely watched a pianist playing the piano from a small restaurant. When he tried the piano himself, right on the spot, he mastered playing the instrument exquisitely slowly and surely.
At the age of six, according to a teacher, he was caught solving a mathematical equation usually solved by high school students on a whiteboard. The day before apparently, those high school students that were present at that time had noticed a boy standing by the door of their classroom, observing them while they were helping each other answer that particular equation. No one knows how long the boy stood there just watching them. No one paid him any mind; thought that the strange boy was just curious about their boring discussion. But the very same boy answered the equation, the one those students had a difficult time knowing the answer, by the next day.
At the age of eight, he was able to perform martial arts outstandingly, including the way of the sword; kendo. He didn’t attend any organization to learn them, rather, it was rumored he saw a clip from social media that gave basic instructions about them.
At the age of ten, he was praised for being at the top when it comes to sports. He was shown to have a talent for physical endurance. Not only was he smart, but he was very athletic. Because of that reason, many children had a liking for him.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni is the definition of perfection. Even more so now that he’s nineteen. He is every parent’s dream, everyone's wish to become… A grown man with blessed gifts. A man who is strange yet possesses the abilities to become someone great… to become successful.
He is perfect. However…
His younger brother… is not.
Michikatsu struggled to even write and read at the age of five. He does not possess any talents or incredible skills at all. And unlike his older brother, he can never completely master or learn any skill on the spot or even in just a few spans of days. In other words, Michikatsu fails and fails and fails… a lot. No matter how many times he tries, there is always a limit to what he can do. He can’t be perfect like Yoriichi. He can’t be like Yoriichi. He can never be the older brother. That’s why he is envious.
The young boy is deemed a disappointment. The reason… is that he is a normal kid, while his older brother is born a prodigy. Obviously, the people expect a lot from Yoriichi, so much so that they are in utter surprise that Michikatsu is the total opposite of his older brother.
When they come to realize this, their eyes switch away from him and only focus on the greatest of the two siblings. And because of this, Michikatsu always resents his brother. He is immensely jealous of Yoriichi. Especially his inhuman ability to do anything.
Yoriichi gets to live a life full of praise and appreciation. Many girls fawned over him due to his handsome features. Adults would have stars on their eyes just looking at the special boy. It irked Michikatsu that his brother gets to have the looks and brains!
What made the youngest hate his brother, even more, is that Yoriichi… never seems to feel blessed by it all. Yoriichi never felt special. He didn’t think he was special.
The older sibling remained stoic, plainly calm, and almost empty when showered by compliments. His expression did not betray any emotions. He barely talks. People can just ignore that though, and just want to see how he expresses his skills to the world. And even if he does talk, he sounds gentle and calming. It’s infuriating that he does not value himself in high regard.
Indeed, Yoriichi does not put himself above even though he certainly is.
The man knows how good he is at basically everything, but he doesn't care about it. He cares little about possessions. He merely blinked when a huge sum of money was given to him. He shakes his head at fame. Yoriichi is special but he doesn’t see it that way. And it appears that’s how he is, and everyone accepts it. Except for his younger brother… Michikatsu can never accept it.
It confuses the young one as well because why isn’t he happy? Did big brother even realize how amazing he is? Why is he not using his gift to become one of the greatest? Why? Why? Why!?
Michikatsu's jealousy is understandable. Though he may not be the only one who’s feeling envious of his brother, out of everyone else, his jealousy is immense. Of course, it would be… They’re siblings! They were being compared! It’s unfair. It’s depressing. With their obvious difference in skills, some may even think Michikatsu’s adopted. He hated being called the odd sheep of the family.
Every time Yoriichi has to do something that requires his “gift”, the youngest would look away. Seething in utter jealousy and hatred, overflowing with desire to get away from his older brother. Michikatsu almost represents a volcanic eruption. Filled with lava of envy.
Though jealousy is indeed a familiar feeling… However, that’s not the only feeling Michikatsu has felt when it comes to his brother. A feeling that no one else can understand. The closer Michikatsu is to his brother, the more this feeling grows. It’s uncomfortable. It’s confusing. But he had gotten this feeling ever since he experienced… particular moments with his older brother which gave him chills down his spine.
Indeed, Yoriichi is a gentleman at heart. Kind, sweet, and reliable. He’s very responsible. He is a child which almost every parent wants. He is smart, and handsome, and is most likely to become a successful person. That’s what everyone sees. That’s Yoriichi’s personality. But again, not to Michikatsu. Yoriichi is Yoriichi, but even worse.
To Michikatsu, he feels unnerved by his brother's stares and soft smiles. To everyone else, it is kind and heartwarming. Michikatsu shudders when his older brother gets close to him. To everyone else, they feel delighted that Yoriichi even approaches them since it is quite a rare occurrence. Michikatsu can’t seem to breathe properly when Yoriichi even talks to him. But to others, their heart flutters just hearing the firstborn's voice. The older brother always likes to stick with the youngest, and it’s smothering. But no one sees it that way, since they thought of it as a big brother being protective of his little brother. It was more than that.
It’s disturbing.
Michikatsu is damn glad he realizes Yoriichi’s true self, but he realizes it all too late. Too late to run away from it.
It all started a few years ago. And at that time, he was blind to Yoriichi’s actions. Only feeling envy and neglect. He looked up to his brother so much because of his abilities despite the jealousy, not realizing the full potential of danger his brother could cause. Because he was foolish and young.
~~~
The youngest was nine years old, and his older brother was twelve.
Young Michikatsu sat between the wide-open legs of his brother, spreading them till it circles his small frame. With his back on Yoriichi, he played with his toy robot while the latter nonchalantly brushed his thick hair with a comb.
The younger sibling really didn’t want to sit in the space between the legs of his older brother. Because Yoriichi is extremely close. Though it’s alright for brothers, he’s rather fine playing with his toy just sitting beside him. But of course, the older brother pulled him closer, have preferred to be at a much closer distance where he could reach Michikatsu. Having not much of a choice, Michikatsu forced himself to relax and let his brother do whatever he wanted. It can’t be helped after all. Yoriichi prefers his company more than anyone else.
Everything was peaceful.
When Michikatsu felt a little bored as time flew by, he sat straighter and turned his head to look at Yoriichi’s deep crimson eyes. Back then, he didn’t find it unnerving, but he felt protected by that gaze. He felt warm.
Back then, he didn’t realize that those very same eyes would haunt him forever.
Although, even at this age, he had already felt jealousy toward his special older brother. He may be young, but he is aware of the difference in treatment between the two. He may have loved his brother so much, yet he still resents himself for being pathetic and burns in rage at him when one of Yoriichi’s accomplishments is being mentioned.
“Big brother.” The young one called, innocent eyes staring directly at Yoriichi’s own soft eyes. Those eyes managed to capture the hearts of people. I don’t see them as anything special at all.
There is no emotion found on the older one’s face, always so solemn and reserved. But this time, Yoriichi's eyes seemed to have their own emotion because he stared at his younger brother with love. People always think of him as cold and aloof. But his emotion and expression alone are only or exclusively for his younger brother. No one knows better than that except Michikatsu, who felt flustered that he was the only one at the center of his attention.
“Yes?”
“Don’t you have training today?” Can you get out of here?
“I do.”
“But why haven’t you left yet?”
Yoriichi’s answer sounds so innocent and caring. Something so sweet even between brothers. But Michikatsu didn’t know, or never realize back then, that this answer had much more meaning and intent. “You’re my top priority. Training won’t stop me from relishing every moment with you alone.”
And then Yoriichi revealed one of his rarest smiles. A smile that made Michikatsu’s stomach churn. The older sibling placed the comb down, circling his arms to the young one’s waist, pulling him even closer to his chest. Yoriichi curled himself to his younger brother, who in return, was muttering silent complaints about the hug. Michikatsu tried to remove his brother’s arm to no avail, barely hearing his following words.
“Not even the world can separate you and me apart.”
~
Time passed. The youngest sibling was thirteen years old when his mother and father’s relationship had failed. Yoriichi was sixteen and was already very and incredibly responsible. Their father and mother would often neglect the two; having their own personal and selfish problems to the point that they even ignore their kids. It’s when the older brother has to step up and handle everything.
Every day, their parents would have a shouting match. Every day, one would come home late drunk. Every day, one would go missing for a whole day, only to return the next. Every day, Michikatsu would miss his parents’ love. But neglect from his parents caused him to care less and less about them. And every day, Yoriichi’s responsibility grew.
As the older brother, Yoriichi must fill his brother’s heart with love. It always pains him to see Michikatsu struggling not to cry when he sees their mother passed out in their kitchen, drunk and on drugs. It pains Yoriichi, even more, when their father rarely comes home. Michikatsu likes their father much more than their mother. So it is always painful for the younger one to experience this.
Because Yoriichi didn’t want Michikatsu to feel neglected or unloved, his responsibility grew as high as a mountain, basically becoming a parent for his brother.
Yoriichi would cook meals, clean the house, send Michikatsu to school, and help him do his assignments. Thus, Michikatsu no longer felt worthless or neglected when this was kept up. The reason being is his older brother’s actions. But the more this goes on, the more he cares less about his parents. And the more this continues, the more smothering and suffocating Yoriichi can be. But since all Michikatsu sees is the effort and love Yoriichi had put into and gave only for him, he ignored the many broken rules his older brother had made when it came to space or personal boundaries. Michikatsu never thought about practically being controlled because he learned to appreciate the hard work his older brother had done. Back then, he was blind.
Throughout those days, the younger one still loved his parents even if they were broken. At some point, Michikatsu had enough of Yoriichi knowing everything about him. Now that he’s a teen, he wants privacy and independence. Yet all those felt like a luxury when his older brother was lurking around nearby. All he wishes is to have their strict parents back, but of course, that is merely a dream. Despite the many good things his older brother had done for him, he thinks this love is too much.
There are moments when all the actions done by the older boy felt quite… What's the word… Offensive? Too much? To Michikatsu, at least, it is offensive because it’s annoying and quite unnecessary. It felt like… Yoriichi is superior to him, acting high and mighty. Like he knows a lot more than him. It felt like Yoriichi was looking down on him.
Action speaks louder than words, and those actions tell him that Michikatsu is incapable of living and surviving without his older brother. That alone should have sent red warnings to his brain.
For instance, when Michikatsu was simply just learning how to wash the dishes because neither his mother nor their father was present at home, wanting to start being independent and acting like a grown-up, he was suddenly lifted into the air. A tight grip moved him away from the kitchen. It was silent and unexpected, and to Michikatsu, it crosses the line of personal space.
“What the…!? Brother, put me down!” It’s embarrassing now that Michikatsu is thirteen, and he was carried like a damn baby being lifted high in the air. Much like how Rafiki in the Lion King movie lifted Simba. Just… Just how strong is Yoriichi!?
When Michikatsu was placed down, he turned around in fury and was about to yell out at his older brother when he saw a whole different level of coldness plastered on Yoriichi’s face. His brother was kneeling, looking up slightly at Michikatsu. Yoriichi remains expressionless. So expressionless, in fact, that Michikatsu swallowed his words he was about to yell out and gulp the thick lump within his throat. The boy did not move an inch.
His brother spoke, his voice serene but void. “If you want to wash the dishes, tell me.”
Michikatsu blinked, clearly baffled. He shook out of his fear. “I-I’m just doing the exact same thing as mother!” Is my brother crazy or what?
“Still…” Yoriichi all but stared him down with those deep and dark red eyes of his. “You need my supervision.”
This infuriates the younger brother. “No, I don’t! You’re not my parent!”
“Even so, you are my younger brother. You don’t know what you’re doing.”
“I’m not a stupid child!”
“Yet you’re acting like one.”
Michikatsu bit his tongue, realizing he isn’t going to win this. “Can you just stop lording over me? You may be older than me, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to treat me like I still need to be babied!”
Out of nowhere, much to his surprise and dismay, Yoriichi glides his warm hand on the younger one’s cheek. Creeping in silently and unassuming. Michikatsu’s shoulders tense, not knowing where this is leading. Then, Yoriichi’s two fingers, the thumb, and index squeezed his cheeks tight but not painful enough. Yoriichi wiggled the fatness of the younger one's cheeks, causing the latter to blush. “But you’re my baby.”
This time, the next blush isn’t because of embarrassment, but of rage. “What’s your problem, big brother!?” Michikatsu shooed the hand away.
The brother didn’t reply. Michikatsu sighed in frustration. “I’m old enough to do things myself, weirdo! Mother and father are not here to help do household chores, and sometimes, you’re busy with whatever you’re doing. You can’t control me!”
“The last time you wash the dishes yourself, you nearly cut yourself,” Yoriichi said all too suddenly as a matter of fact.
The younger brother fumbles. “I– No, wait… I-It was just an accident, idiot. You’re overreacting just because I cut myself when cleaning a knife. It won’t happen ever again!” He doesn’t want to remember that god-awful memory where he ended up crying so hard by a mere cut on his index finger, with his brother cleaning the wound worriedly as he muttered words of reassurance and also wiping the endless flow of tears.
“Indeed, it won’t.” The older one’s voice is filled with finality. “You’re my responsibility, Michikatsu. If you get yourself hurt, I’d blame myself for not being a good brother.”
What the fu– Michikatsu’s eyebrows furrowed, stunned, and angered. “How is that– That doesn’t make any sense at all. Just cause’ I hurt myself, doesn’t make you a bad brother.”
It was like a switch. Yoriichi’s face softened, no longer stern and cold. “Don’t you understand, little brother?” He smiled that smile again. “I care for you so much. The last thing I ever want to see is to have you hurt.”
It’s unnerving. I hate it. Get away from me. “What, you think you’re way better than me? Even though I hurt myself before, you thought I wouldn’t learn my lesson?” The younger boy frowned. “You’re just being annoying, big brother.”
“If it means to get you away from trouble, I’ll become even better until you’ll never have to feel pain and suffering again,” Yoriichi said in pure certainty. Michikatsu frowned even more. “After all, you’re my little brother. I need to take care of you and give you the childhood you deserve.”
If only Michikatsu learned the true meaning of that message, he would’ve been a free person. At that time, he thought his brother was looking down on him because he couldn’t take care of himself. It’s like that incident had triggered something.
A wound? People experience that all the time.
That moment should’ve shown just how far Yoriichi goes for his brother. Willing to carry any burden or responsibility as long as he could maintain this relationship forever. Because he’s the older sibling, and Michikatsu’s the only one who is deemed to be his true family. Yoriichi must preserve that at all costs. The younger sibling wasn’t able to see Yoriichi’s overprotectiveness, and desire to keep him safe to the point he will never be able to shed blood.
Although this occurrence may be just simple or ordinary to some people. It is, however, not for the young one’s case. Since Michikatsu finds it very odd of his brother’s reaction when he is just washing the damn dishes. It is a completely normal thing to do. It is unexpected, yes. Yoriichi is not one to react in such an exaggerated way. But… perhaps the reason why this situation is even more strange and undecipherable is the look his brother had on his face.
~
“Mother and father are not here to take care of you. They’re failures. They’re doing it wrong.”
“That’s why only I can do that. I am your only family. So, you don’t have to struggle anymore.”
“I will renew your childhood, brother. Where I will be your guide. Mother and father can’t do it themselves.”
“The world is cruel. It won’t take you from me though. You won’t have to cry from the pain it brings you.”
“I refuse to see you bleed. I refuse to see you get hurt. Please let me do it. Let me do everything so you don’t have to burden yourself.”
“That’s why I am here. I will be the one to take care of you. Forever.”
“I love you, brother. You’re my only true family. I can’t let the world have you, and I’d do anything for you to be here with me.”
Michikatsu’s dreams sure are weird… He’d receive strange obsessive words about his brother saying those things every night. It was only his imagination speaking. His dreams… or nightmares. Yoriichi wouldn’t really say that… That’s not how he is. Right?
~
Everything changed suddenly on one particular night.
Both of their parents were present at their home, starting a loud shouting match that woke one particular boy up.
“No! I had enough… I’m tired, and just…” It was silent for a short while. Their small house felt cold and gloomy. Due to its thin walls, even though their voice became small and silent, they are still audible. “I’m planning a divorce. This isn’t working for us.”
Yorichii’s heart thundered, clutching a sleeping Michikatsu in his arms even tighter. The two decided to sleep together tonight out of Yoriichi’s insistence. The younger one complained a little, saying that he’s older now to sleep alone in his own room, but acquiesced out of guilt when Yoriichi started looking glummer.
“Fine. I was going to mention that anyway.”
This isn’t good. Yoriichi nuzzled his nose to his younger brother’s soft hair, inhaling his scent for comfort. The sleeping boy merely mumbled incoherently, lying still despite the tightening grip of Yoriichi’s arms circling him.
“It’s settled. I’ll take Michikatsu. You’ll take Yoriichi. I don’t know if you realize that, but that boy gives me the creeps.”
“That’s fine by me! How could I marry such an idiot!? Yoriichi is a boy with many gifts! I’d prefer him over the talentless one.”
“At least Michikatsu is a normal boy! Sure, Yoriichi is gifted, but I don’t know how blind you are not to see what Yoriichi had done to those people–”
More screaming and yelling followed. Yoriichi didn’t hear any of them anymore. All he could think of was how to keep Michikatsu by his side forever.
As he held his brother in a tight embrace, it was at the exact moment he started planning to make things go his way. Even if he must do it forcibly. And eventually, if this plan works, then he can have Michikatsu all by himself.
Both of his parents were indeed pleased to have raised a son with immense gifts. They did praise him, cared for him, and helped him… but for him, it wasn’t enough. No, it was enough, but it wasn’t what he wanted.
They are quite foolish. All they could see was an angel. Who does things that please them. Who obeys their every word. Who also pleases the world in return. He attracts people with just a word. It’s enough for them to follow his every whim. That’s how good he is. To them, he is everything.
Except he isn’t an angel. He can’t do everything. He is… imperfect.
If he is perfect, then why couldn’t he bewitch his little brother? Their parents were captivated by him, but Michikatsu wasn’t. This is why Yoriichi is quite obsessed with having his brother by his side. They’re siblings and supposedly should be there for each other. That’s how it works. But Michikatsu continuously rejects him. Even though the younger boy admired him deeply, there’s always been a look of hatred burning in his eyes.
But that’s not the total reason Yoriichi was obsessed with him. Michikatsu is his younger brother. Too young to handle the world, but has already experienced suffering and criticism just because he isn’t born special.
The desire to protect his innocent brother started when the young boy failed to do the same thing Yoriichi could do at a particular age. And at that time, Michikatsu looked so confused, helpless, and weak when people commented on him negatively. It pains Yoriichi to see his younger brother so humiliated over the fact he isn’t gifted. It hurt, even more, when Michikatsu started feeling hated and unloved.
Seeing the utter devastation plastered on his little brother’s face, it was at the very same moment it lit something up within Yoriichi. The need to protect Michikatsu, the need to shield him away from pain and suffering, the desire to keep him happy at all costs, and his wish to stay beside him forever became Yoriichi's goals.
Though Yoriichi doesn’t realize that he started a toxic relationship. All he knows is that this is his way of showing love and care for his younger brother. In his thoughts, this is how the relationship between siblings should be. He doesn’t care if it crosses the line. What matters is that he can provide protection and love to Michikatsu, and have him all to himself.
The world doesn’t like the young one anyway, and if that’s the case, it’s the simplest way to keep him.
Inside the dark and cold room, Yoriichi muttered at Michikatsu’s ear as he stared off at the empty wall, relishing the bundle of warmth on his arms. This might be the last time he can ever hold his younger brother with permission. “Not even the world can separate you and me apart.”
~
“Michikatsu… Say goodbye to your big brother.” Their father said, in a tone so soft and gentle. The older man is smiling but looks more strained. His tone is much similar to Yoriichi’s also gentle voice.
The boy blinked up at him. “But why, father? What’s going on? Won't big brother come with us?” Hopefully not. It may sound like Michikatsu is pleading, but he surely isn’t. This could mean being far away from his strange big brother. This could mean freedom! Away from smothering hugs. Away from those scrutinizing eyes. Away from perfection. Then, Michikatsu glances at his mother, who isn’t making any eye contact with him. Her arms crossed and her gaze shadowed. And beside her was Yoriichi. Expressionless whatsoever. Yoriichi simply stood there, with no intention to explain.
Michikatsu and his father are to live in another town apparently, and Yoriichi and his mother will be left here. It confuses him greatly because it was sudden. No explanation. Michikatsu can’t get them from his mother because she refuses to talk to him. Not only that, Yoriichi didn’t even bother telling him either.
Now, they are to be separated. Michikatsu doesn’t know when to see them again.
“No, he won’t.” His father replied. “For now, we’re going to live somewhere else, is that alright?”
Michikatsu doesn’t like being treated like a kid. He’s already thirteen. Already a teenager. But even though he hates this, at least he wouldn’t get to see Yoriichi again. “Okay.”
“Now then, say your goodbyes.” His father lightly pushed him near the two people. His mother still did not look at him, as if wanting to get out of this immediately. Michikatsu's heart felt heavy in an instant, not knowing what he’s done to make his mother upset.
“Goodbye, mother.” She didn’t say anything. But Michikatsu didn’t mind it for now because his main focus was his older brother. The main source of his jealousy, hatred, as well as appreciation. Michikatsu may have disliked him, but he couldn’t forget the moments his older brother had done for him. Yoriichi was there when times were rough. Michikatsu wanted to thank Yoriichi, but couldn’t say the words.
“Goodbye, big brother.” Michikatsu didn’t move. He didn’t step forward and hug his older brother. He just stood there and said it. Yoriichi merely smiled a small smile and waved.
Michikatsu, once again, blinked in surprise. He isn’t clingy today. But he quickly eliminated those thoughts and waved back. His father palmed his shoulder and said. “Let’s go.” And all too soon, the two entered the car that's been parked outside to which Michikatsu looked out at the window right away. His older brother remained smiling and waving. His mother had already gone back inside the house, not even sparing a glance at them.
Yet still, Michikatsu's eyes remained on his own smiling brother; his tall and lean frame stand unassuming, his posture was straight and his long hair was blown gently by the breeze.
Even when the engine had started, even when the car started to move… Yoriichi Tsugikuni remained smiling handsomely… and eerily. When Michikatsu leaned back in his seat, he couldn't help but shudder at that smile. Usually, there is always a reason why Yoriichi is smiling like that.
At the end of the day, all Michikatsu could think of was the first few words his brother had declared that started this odd sensation.
“Not even the world can separate you and me apart.”
~
At fifteen years old, Michikatsu heard some news about his mother’s passing. He accidentally heard it from his father. His father received a call and Michikatsu just so happened to pass by and heard it. It left him shocked.
His mother died. He didn’t even get to say goodbye properly. They haven’t even met for the past two years without seeing each other.
Unbeknownst to the father, Michikatsu leaned on the wall and listened to the conversation. What he could pick up from that call was the reason for his mother’s death. Apparently, there are many cases. One of which is that she had too many drinks. Another was that she took drugs. And lastly, though it is unsure… someone had poisoned her drink.
It took place at a local bar.
It’s unlikely, the investigators said. There is no clear suspect who “poisoned” her drink because there are no other people who held grudges against her. The only reason why it could be called an act of murder is that none of the drinks she had taken from the past seriously harmed her, and assumingly, she became a target since no one else around the bar had gotten poisoned as well. All the beer and wine being served were clear, but there was something mixed in her drink. The police said that the one who served and prepared the drink did not put anything at all. The staff was clear. It was also reported she didn’t bring any drugs with her during checking up since it is strictly not allowed. It may be suicide, yet it is also unlikely. There is no witness, the CCTV camera at that moment was broken. There was no one suspicious.
So in the end, they filed the case with the reason for her death as continuous drinking and usage of drugs.
Michikatsu walked back to his new room. Not even shedding a tear for that woman. He may have cared for her once, but not anymore. She wasn’t the parent who helped him all those past years. All along, it was someone else who took care of him. His brother.
As Michikatsu sat on his bed, he thought about the person he still envied. Yoriichi is eighteen now, I wonder what they’re gonna do to him? I wonder what he’ll do…
Yoriichi is already an adult; a man. He can take care of himself. After all, he is an epitome of perfection, is he not? Will father take Yoriichi in then? If so, then Michikatsu would really hope not. He doesn’t want to have those eyes looking at him.
~~~
One year later, his father died.
Sixteen years old Michikatsu Tsugikuni was just watching a boring show after he arrived from school, eating ice cream his father bought for him yesterday when the doorbell suddenly rang. The teen blinked, confused. Usually, his father would just use the key to enter the house. Maybe he forgot it?
Lazily, Michikatsu stood up and stretched, fixing his unruly long hair and heading to the front door. He did not expect, however, to see a taller and built version of himself. No, it’s not him. The person looks like him, but older. The spoon he is holding falls. “Yoriichi?” Michikatsu all but whispered.
Yoriichi stands outside, with his face still devoid of emotion whatsoever. Although his expressionless self remained unchanged, his physical appearance shows a big difference from the past to the current. He is a full adult now.
The man gazed over Michikatsu's smaller frame. “Michikatsu…” Even his voice changed into a deep baritone, causing the teen to take a step back, startled.
Michikatsu's eyes are wide and full of shock, clearly in great disbelief seeing his older brother just standing outside of the house. What is he doing here? He voices his thoughts out. “What are you doing here?”
The answer came blunt, quite unkind. “Father is dead.”
Michikatsu was unable to comprehend. “Pardon?”
“Father is dead.”
His mind went blank. Father is dead? That can’t be… He saw him earlier! “Liar, he’s just going on a shopping, you–”
“He died in a car accident.”
Michikatsu’s mouth went dry, unable to speak. His eyes searched for something on his older brother's face, hopefully betraying something. But it hurts to look at Yoriichi. It’s like looking at the mirror again, snarling distastefully when all Michikatsu sees was not of him but his older brother’s face. The more his body progresses and the older the teen becomes, the more he resembles his brother than himself. Every time Michikatsu glances at the mirror, he feels like vomiting. But all the emotions came rushing back with this sudden news. Most notably, fear.
Yoriichi continued relentlessly. “The brakes didn’t work. He was driving at top speed. The police reported he wasn’t wearing a seatbelt. He died from the impact.” He said in one breath.
But Michikatsu isn’t listening anymore. He stands there, shaking out of fear for his life. Now that his father died, does that mean… Yoriichi’s gonna take care of him from now on?
He could no longer see his surroundings as if his mind went out of the world. Too shaken up over the news of his father’s death. His mind is hurting from thinking about many things at the same time. His future. His dreams. His health. Only when he felt arms snaking around his form did he snap himself out of trance and realized he was being pulled closer. For the first time in a few years, he felt panicked by the supposedly comforting hug he was given.
“Don’t worry, my dear brother. I’m here now.” He can feel the small smile form on Yoriichi’s lips on his neck, “I will never leave you now that I’m here.”