Work Text:
A reminder popped up in the notification bar. The reunion, it says. The date is marked three days from now.
The idea of being reunited with his older brother puts a smile on Michikatsu’s face. It’s been three years since they’ve last seen each other. Three years since his older brother had a drastic change of heart. One that is most appreciated and remembered.
Michikatsu was young when their parents died. He and his brother have no affiliated family they know of, so they were left in an orphanage. It was difficult for them both physically–– and mentally throughout those times.
His older brother was not so much better than he was.
Yoriichi couldn’t recover until he was old enough. He was deeply affected mentally and emotionally to the point that Michikatsu was a victim of intolerable actions.
Michikatsu was far too young but already his life felt like it was dictated by not of himself. He spends his childhood not knowing independence and decision-making. His life was controlled like invisible strings attached to every part of his body as if he was a mere puppet. Freedom was so scarce and happiness was so rare at that time.
All because of his older brother, who was influenced by fear and trauma in return.
Michikatsu couldn’t blame him. His older brother bore the immense obligation of carrying the role of the head of their family and the undeniable pressure of facing the brutal reality of life that will not stop moving.
Yoriichi was too obsessed with his younger brother’s health and safety to the point he even dare to lock him in their room for over a month. Countless unforgivable actions were done out of trepidation had made Michikatsu nearly become crazy like his brother. It was far too unbearable… Too restricting… Too revolting.
When Yoriichi became an adult and was legal enough to purchase a house of their own and claim guardianship toward his younger brother, the efforts only worsened a hundredfold.
It was like a prison. Michikatsu spends half of his teenage life unknowing of many things as he was not allowed to speak with his classmates and teachers, did not have any friends, and is forbidden to go anywhere else except his school and the orphanage. The only person he was allowed to talk with was his brother. A dreadful notion for a boy who desired something new.
But alas, it has come to an end when Michikatsu turned sixteen.
He could still vividly remember what had transpired on that day.
“I’ll be attending a boarding school.”
Yoriichi was tidying up the table when he froze at the abrupt news delivered to him out of the blue.
Michikatsu bore an expressionless face but deep inside, he was praying that his wish have come true. So he continued relentlessly, uncaring what may have come to him. “I can’t take this anymore. I can’t live in here when you’re like this.”
It was a harsh thing to say but it was the truth.
Michikatsu was already tired from this overwhelming situation. He’s already a teenager and he has yet to taste and achieve true freedom.
The silence was almost agonizing. He could hear their light breathing from the ringing of silence. It was as if there was calm before the storm.
And for what felt like years they stood there, Yoriichi slowly turned to look his way and murmured. “I see…” Michikatsu frowned and was about to say something but was cut off by the sudden declaration from the man before him. “I give you the permission.”
Michikatsu almost staggered at those words.
Finally, it felt like those invisible strings were cut.
That day, they spent their time talking to each other. Of their regrets and decisions. Of their sorrows and actions. Yoriichi admitted to himself that what he has done is unforgivable, and he apologized for ruining Michikatsu’s childhood as he had endured those things he wasn’t to supposed to experience.
Yoriichi was extremely upset with himself and regretted doing those to his younger brother. And so, he set him free.
Michikatsu, despite the isolation, restrictions, control, and unhealthy obsession directed toward him, as well as the lack of independence, and happiness in life, finally created his first decision for a long time…
He chose to forgive him.
It’s been three years since then. Three years since Michikatsu was forced to adapt to the progress of society and life thrown at him. Michikatsu learned quickly to survive. He had a taste of freedom once again and, although it took many months to do so, he removed fear and dependency to rely on someone else.
Three years since he healed and progressed. He is an independent man now because his older brother is an understanding man.
They haven’t seen each other throughout those years. The only contact they could manage is through texting each other. However, they didn’t do that so often. So, this reunion is a must. After all, Michikatsu is moving to college now. He’d be in a different city. A whole different place. It is time to exercise his newly developed skills and hone his ability to be an independent individual.
He wouldn’t know how long will they met again once he’s settled in his college life. Thus, with the reunion coming up in a few days which the two of them have planned, Michikatsu heaved a breath and released it. His goal at the moment is to prepare his luggage for the upcoming day.
~~~
Two knocks on the door resonated throughout the area. Michikatsu tapped his foot repeatedly at a nervous pace. He held his luggage tight in his palm and forced himself to gulp down the thick lump in his throat. There, he stood outside his older brother’s new house.
According to the messages they’ve been passing to one another, Yoriichi is now a successful self-employed man. Having formed his own company once he graduated college as a top student, he could make his wish come true.
Michikatsu was young when he realized how intelligent and unique his brother was. He is so undeniably smart that he was proclaimed a prodigy to the public eye. His teachers and classmates praised him, his neighbors loved him, and with his numerous participation in events, clubs, organizations, and other various activities he partook Yoriichi Tsugikuni easily became a well-known individual.
His intelligence, capabilities or talents he holds, and his looks were enough to win everyone
Michikatsu was a different case.
Since he had no proper social life, he struggled to communicate with people. When he was set free by his brother, the first time around, it was difficult to even speak a single sentence with other people for he was so used to only communicating with his brother. The similarity they only share was that they are quite reserved individuals.
Despite Yoriichi’s popularity, it was said he kept to himself. Michikatsu was only ever close to what very few friends he had, and some say he is an introvert. Which in a way, is true.
But as months go by, Michikatsu’s confidence grew ever so slowly, and it is still progressing as he exposed himself to many things. Still, he isn’t as smart as his brother, and he isn’t as talented or capable and athletic as his brother, but he could handle himself well which he is proud of.
The sound of a doorknob rattling about snapped Michikatsu’s daze. He stood in attention, holding his breath over whatever is about to come.
Yoriichi opened the door ajar. All the emotions were bubbling within him, unable to formulate the right posture in front of a man who he had mixed feelings with. Michikatsu was almost blown away by the fact that he was almost as tall as his older brother. The two, despite the age gap between them, resembled almost each other quite eerily.
Perhaps in another life, they’d be twins.
Yoriichi still stands firm and nonchalant as he usually was. The calm and collected but solemn look on his face did not change in the slightest. Aside from his built structure, his height, and the way he excretes a particular miasma that showed he is a man worthy of attention, everything about him is the same.
However, he certainly is a changed man, Michikatsu mused, recalling his past with a slight grimace.
Yoriichi’s eyes glistened at the sight of his younger brother. His face lit up when he realized who this man standing by the door was. “Michikatsu!”
The mentioned man allowed a smile to grace his face. “Brother…”
Yoriichi opened the door wide this time, Michikatsu was slow to process when Yoriichi engulfed him in a tight and warm hug, startling him. “You’ve grown quite a lot, little brother.”
Michikatsu was quick to recover from the initial shock and returned the hug. “Well, you look different, too.”
They remained like that for a moment before Yoriichi reluctantly pulled away, nudging his brother in a teasing manner. “Come, I’ll give you a tour of our house.”
The younger one rolled his eyes, a smirk on his face. “You mean your mansion.”
Yoriichi slightly chuckled. “Nevertheless, it is a comfortable home that suits my needs. Let’s put away your things first in your room.”
‘I have my own room?’ Michikatsu was going to question that but decided to save it for later in favor of commenting on other related topics. “You should be proud of your work to give you this house that large for one person.”
Yoriichi simply shrugged at that as they moved upstairs. “This house is built for a purpose.”
Michikatsu glanced at him with a brow rose. “You’re planning to have a family of your own?”
The eldest paused and turned with an amused expression plastered on his face. “My work extends to a lot of branches, which means I’d be having stocks stationed in my place…” He resumed his walking, holding a casual tone. “It’s also built for you.”
Michikatsu blinked rapidly in confusion. “Wait, for me?”
“This house isn’t mine, too.” Yoriichi supplied. “It’s yours as well. These rooms are made for you to enjoy and lounge about. Allow yourself to indulge in these pleasures. You deserve it.”
The other man released a scoff in amusement. “Well, thanks I guess but I’ll have you know that I’m not living here.” Just like that, something snapped in place. Suddenly, Yoriichi halted once again. This time, it was followed by a cold atmosphere circling them. Michikatsu was not aware of the increasing tension, only thinking that his older brother was surprised. “What’s wrong, brother?”
An exhale resounded in the area, and Yoriichi turned again with a small smile on his face. There was a glint on his eyes and it was quick to disappear as he spoke. “I see… Well then, do tell me your plans for your… future. As of now, I shall tour you around starting with these rooms upstairs.”
The house tour took half an hour to finish. It was a big place, after all, and every time Michikatsu enters a room, he always initiates himself to try out the new things he’d seen. The lights were impressive, the closet and drawers that open quite strangely, and other things that are highly controlled with advanced technology. Michikatsu would often wonder how much money Yoriichi is making as he analyzed each piece of technology-made furniture he’d found unique.
Once they finish their tour, they rested in the living room, sharing each other’s stories of what has happened over the past few years they haven’t been with each other. They never talked about the past; never brought up Yoriichi’s… progress. They don’t want to ruin the mood anyway.
Michikatsu badly wanted to ask about Yoriichi’s well-being. He knows that ever since their parents died, Yoriichi had behaved quite strangely. He grew obsessed with Michikatsu’s safety, becoming paranoid and controlling as the years go by. And suddenly, when Michikatsu made the news that he was going to leave him, Yoriichi appeared as if he sprang back to reality, and his attitude disappeared in a beat.
Michikatsu felt the need to bring that up but everything was going so well. Their relationship is never this close. Never this calm. He doesn’t want this mood around them ruined. All he wanted is to have his older brother back… To know what it feels like to have a supportive and big brother. A family.
So, as the night came, Yoriichi cooked a delicacy in celebration of Michikatsu’s return. The luxurious food had the youngest drooling at the sheer amount of food in front of him.
The reunion went rather well.
“A day prior, I had your room cleaned for your liking,” Yoriichi spoke out. “If you wish, we could buy whatever furniture you wanted to add to your room. Ah, and clothes, too. I’ll have my staff purchase whatever fits your tastes. I’d be sure to pay for the trends of fashion if you’d like.”
“Oh, no, no.” Michikatsu dropped his spoon in panic, his dessert left forgotten. “You don’t need to do that. I’d be staying here only for a week anyway.”
Michikatsu is busy. He’d been arranging and making plans for his college. There are a lot of papers to do if he is to be transferred to another city to study there. He’s also to take numerous college entrance exams to ensure that if his desired school wouldn’t take him, then there may be another opportunity. Although this house is beautiful, he wanted to try something new to exercise his social skills.
He didn’t realize the silence looming over them. He didn’t see the shadow on Yoriichi’s face. There was that tension in the air again. It felt… familiar. ‘Ah, I’m just overthinking things.’ Michikatsu thought, shaking his head internally.
When Michikatsu glanced up to look at his brother, he almost leaned back in shock at the blank expression directed at him. Memories flash in his mind. The strict face. The controlling behavior. The tight grip on his arms. The keys to his room. The lock on the door. The image of Yoriichi holding a thunderous and blank expression. It disappeared in a blink of an eye, and Yoriichi’s serene face was there, along with a reflective gaze on his face.
Michikatsu released a sigh at the onslaught of harsh memories, not knowing why he suddenly saw that. He blinked multiple times to recover.
‘Snap out of yourself, Michikatsu. Yoriichi changed. He is a changed man. Grow up.’
Instead of the cold expression Yoriichi used to wear, there was curiosity on his face as he tilted his head slightly in wonder. “What do you mean, Michikatsu?”
Something about that question sent warning bells ringing in Michikatsu’s head. However, he brushed that feeling away. “I…” For some reason, he dreaded to say it. “I’m not going to live here, brother.”
Yoriichi remained quiet.
Michikatsu opted to continue.
“I’m going to college in another city. I’d possibly even live there and get a job of my own.” He winced as if he was in pain to deliver the words. “I don’t know how long we’ll see each other again, which is why I initiated this reunion.”
The stillness is loud between them. If the tension from earlier was noticeable, this can’t be compared to that.
The miasma around them was palpable and thick. As if a heavy cloth fell on them, weighing down Michikatsu’s shoulders. He found himself gulping down the lump in his throat, and tapping his foot on the floor repeatedly in an anxious pace.
Tap tap tap tap tap.
Yoriichi isn’t saying anything. Instead, his eyes were scrutinizing Michikatsu’s plate. The dessert is unfinished.
‘Yoriichi is a changed man. Yoriichi is a changed man. Yoriichi is a changed man.’ The mantra echoed internally in repetition.
Michikatsu did not have the courage to look at his older brother’s eyes again. Somehow fearing that that blank look will return, materializing on Yoriichi’s face once more. So he looked down, observing his hands as if it was the most mesmerizing thing in the world. He should’ve looked up. He should’ve seen the look morphing on Yoriichi’s face.
He should’ve seen it.
But he didn’t. Couldn’t.
“That’s… great.”
The remark had Michikatsu snap his head up in attention, now glancing at Yoriichi in surprise. Yoriichi is wearing gentle and optimistic features. A small smile on his face. His calm shoulders. None shows the appearance of the insane man Michikatsu recognized. Instead, Yoriichi had this steady air swarming about, easing the uncertainty off Michikatsu’s shoulders that he didn’t realize it was packed with tension.
Still, Michikatsu couldn’t help but hesitate. “You’re… supporting this?”
“Why, of course, brother mine.” Yoriichi resumed consuming his food as if the silence from earlier didn’t occur. “You’re pursuing education, which I am also quite involved in. You’re following a path that I approve of.”
Michikatsu didn’t hear the slight distaste from Yoriichi’s tone. He was too elated to notice such a small detail. “I’m glad you agreed with this! Look, I know that I could’ve gone to college here but I saw a great opportunity for me in the city I’ve chosen to stay.” He blabbered on, watching Yoriichi eating who did not bother to share a glimpse at him anymore. “I’ve decided to pursue engineering. Though what kind of engineering course remains to be seen since I haven’t exactly decided yet. Oh, but science sounds great, I’m not completely sure…”
They converse with each other lightly, deciding to move on from that awkward moment that had happened.
But it lingered on the back of Michikatsu’s mind. Unable to simply forget about it when it opened an old scar that he desperately hoped to heal.
~~~
It was late at night. Michikatsu, exhausted from his trip, went to bed and immediately dozed off.
The door opened with a slight creak, and it slowly shut as another presence made its way to the sleeping figure.
The bed dipped under the intruder’s weight. The man removed the strands of Michikatsu’s hair to better see his face.
Yoriichi stayed there until the clock ticked to early morning.
~~~
During breakfast, Michikatsu had a wonderful meal for a long time.
Though it is still a simple breakfast, it was prepared and served as if he was in a luxurious five-star restaurant. Yoriichi was quite intent on putting on a show and testing his cooking skill he often used.
“You deserve the best of everything, Michikatsu,” Yoriichi said with a gentle smile. “And among them is the best food as well. Or perhaps even more than best.”
Michikatsu rolled his eyes playfully. “You exaggerate too much.”
“Not for you.”
He simply shook his head in amusement and began munching down his breakfast. The first taste was enough for him to hoard the rest of the food in his mouth. He never usually was hungry in the mornings but Yoriichi’s cooking was a specialty not to miss and it sure was the most delicious breakfast he ever had.
As a student, Michikatsu couldn’t treat himself to better restaurants to satiate his desire. He always refuse to go out with his friends to eat somewhere as he decided to save up his money for his college. Despite Yoriichi’s generosity in sending money to him every week when they were apart, Michikatsu disliked the notion of depending on Yoriichi again.
Because he’s a free man now. No longer shall he continue to rely on his older brother if he wishes to become an independent individual.
Michikatsu was so used to depending on someone else before and now he wished to unchain himself free. After all, he is no longer controlled or isolated from choices.
As he consumed his food, Michikatsu tasted a tangy flavor for a moment before it was overwhelmed by other welcoming flavors. He blinked in confusion but chose to ignore that insignificant detail as he continued to munch on.
After breakfast, they decided to plan their week.
Yoriichi was busy but since he is a self-employed man, he could change his schedule for the entire week to spend time with his younger brother. Of course, this led Michikatsu to feel guilty for disrupting yet Yoriichi was having none of it as he stated that family comes first.
“It’s our reunion. Not one thing shall ever disturb our togetherness.” Yoriichi pats Michikatsu’s shoulder then squeezed quite possessively as he declared. “You’re here with me now. Within my line of sight.”
Michikatsu doesn’t know how to deal with that information but simply smiles and nods.
~~~
As reunited brothers, they chose to spend their time outside.
There wasn’t much to do aside from exploring the city. From one place to another, they roam the streets where they proceed to enjoy the food and items from countless vendors, then visit the malls and purchase stuff or two. All the while, the siblings chatted casually and commented on the day and their surroundings.
It was a pleasant change. Michikatsu’s dreams when he was young have come to life–– to reality. It was indeed a dream come true and he savored every single moment with his older brother like this. For he never experienced this during his youthful days.
He reveled in this bliss; welcoming this brand-new experience with a big smile on his face. He finally understands what it’s like to hang out with a sibling. A perception that is sure to make his younger self wonder what it’s like, or rather jealous, for this grand new start.
Michikatsu allows himself to feed his inner child this feeling of happiness. This family feeling.
It was a strange concept to him yet worth experiencing more.
Suddenly, a sharp pang of pain went directly to his stomach. His throat burned and his whole body felt heavy instantaneously. He would’ve lurched forward and fallen if he didn’t clutch Yoriichi’s shirt in support.
Yoriichi, in alarm, immediately gathered his younger brother in his arms and moved them away from the bustling streets. Michikatsu leaned against a railing, trying to catch his breath at the harsh and sudden pain. He felt as if he was struck in the stomach. The pain thrummed within his body, drowning his senses and stabbing his organs like crazy.
The pain disappeared as fast as it came.
Michikatsu’s heart thundered rapidly. The pounding of his veins was loud in his ears than the crowd around them.
It scared him to no end.
“W-What was that?”
“Michikatsu.” Yoriichi shakes his brother almost in a frenzy manner. There was a look of panic and fear in his eyes. “You lost yourself there. What’s going on? Where’s the pain? You didn’t respond to me when I called you many times already.”
‘He was calling my name?’ Michikatsu thought in a daze. ‘The pain must’ve lost my sense of awareness.’
“It hurts… My stomach…” He curled his arm around his waist and rubbed them like he could soothe the pain away. “And my throat, too.” He cleared his throat as he said that yet his voice ended up cracking. “T-That was… That was painful. So much pain.”
Yoriichi was frowning now. The disturbed and alarmed look did not go away. “We’ll go home. You need to rest.”
Michikatsu suddenly felt dizzy and utterly parched. “God, was it something I ate?” He felt strong arms wrapping around his figure and he looked down to realize that his older brother is supporting him. ‘I couldn’t even stand up properly!’
“These vendors must’ve done something with their food.” Yoriichi’s eyes were cold. He lost his panicked appearance and is now replaced with a familiar expression. One that Michikatsu dreads to see.
Void of emotions at all.
“I knew this was a bad idea.” Yoriichi seethed under his breath.
Michikatsu couldn’t catch the whisper, so he gathered the strength to even look up. “What?”
Yoriichi only shook his head, unwilling to repeat. “Try to walk faster. We need to go home quickly to administer you some medicine.”
“Oh, we don’t need medicine, brother.” Michikatsu quickly uttered, trying not to appear weak despite his wobbling legs. “It must’ve been a stomach ache.”
Yoriichi’s eyes narrowed with a deadly glint. “I’ll be the judge of that.” It was a tone that implied danger. If Michikatsu dares to speak a single word against him would mean they would be entering a path that must be avoided. So Michikatsu remained silent. Not wanting to ruin this day any longer than he already had.
~~~
Michikatsu thought that the stomach ache would disappear overnight.
The stomach pain did disappear. However, he is currently facing a much more worrisome circumstance. Whatever food he ate gave him some horrendous side effects because his coughing fit, headaches, sore muscles, and lack of appetite had somehow emerged after his initial pain.
These came out of nowhere. It is unfamiliar and strange.
‘What kind of food poisoning is this?’ Michikatsu mused glumly, groaning out loud as another round of headaches hit him.
Last night, Michikatsu only had a simple meal.
Yoriichi made quite a delicious soup in hopes to bring him healthy nourishment after eating the food from the street vendors. In a way, Michikatsu hoped that food packed with health benefits could easily battle the pain he had to endure. Yet, much to their dismay, Michikatsu continued to suffer the next day.
He only hoped that his body will be healed. The last thing he wanted is to overstay at his brother’s house.
Michikatsu had a lot of things to do as a student. The worse possible thing that could happen is for this sickness of his to prolong than necessary.
~~~
His health is deteriorating.
Nothing is making him strong.
When they scheduled for a doctor, Michikatsu couldn’t even stand up properly to dress up. So, the only alternative way to do so was for Yoriichi to contact his doctor to come over.
“Don’t worry, brother mine.” Yoriichi had told. His voice was soothing and his warm hand brushed against Michikatsu’s hair as if he was speaking to a child. “The doctor is a close friend of mine. She will help you.”
But Dr. Kocho couldn’t even figure out herself the cause of his ailment when she arrived.
She could only diagnose it as extreme food poisoning and listed down more medicines that may assist Michikatsu in his predicament.
It didn’t provide Michikatsu with assurance. It only worsened his mood and increased his stress.
Yoriichi left to get some herbs to make tea, leaving him and Dr. Kocho alone.
However, just as he was about to doze away to forget about his unpleasant plight, he felt a soft but warm touch pressed on his forehead. It was gentle yet it was enough to stir him awake.
Michikatsu opened his eyes to see the doctor, sitting on the bed, wearing an expression that confuses him the most.
She looked like she was the one in pain. Her brows were scrunched like she was disturbed. There was a deep frown embedded in her face. More importantly, however, what he could make out from her expression that made his heart pound even in such a state was that she appeared… guilty.
‘Why? What are you guilty of?’
Michikatsu wanted to ask what was wrong but his throat clogged up, unable to speak when necessary.
“I’m sorry,” the doctor murmured. Her eyes were glowing. If he looks closely enough, he might see the tears bubbling in those gentle but sad eyes of hers.
Later, Michikatsu slept with those guilty eyes following him in the dark.
~~~
Three days.
For three days his health isn’t back to normal at all.
He’s been hacking off blood, sitting up like a drunkard, and couldn’t even lift his arms to change.
Yoriichi has been helping him. Though most of the time, it was embarrassing. Having to rely on his older brother to change and feed him, including going to the bathroom, was quite uncomfortable.
Despite the different circumstances, Michikatsu felt like nothing changed.
His full reliance on his brother and his complete compliance in following orders made his skin crawl. All of a sudden, he’s back to being a child. Lost, hidden, and chained.
‘No, you’re wrong,’ Michikatsu mused to himself. ‘He’s a changed man. Brother’s a changed man!’
But he couldn’t help himself but see it. Recalling the moments where Yoriichi was doting over him, acting like an overprotective mother-hen, and returning to his strict yet convulsing kindness was proof enough that maybe… just maybe… Yoriichi hadn’t changed at all.
“No, he’s different,” Michikatsu whispered externally this time, eyeing down his pale hands as he leaned on the wall. His lungs are burning yet he forced himself to speak. “He is a changed man.”
After all, Yoriichi had freed him three years ago.
Yoriichi understood him and allowed Michikatsu to pursue another life away from here.
Right?
Michikatsu let out a humorless laugh. “I’m just being paranoid.” Yes, that must be it…
Yoriichi was simply worried. Life is different now, it’s just that Michikatsu has landed in an unfortunate situation.
He got sick. That’s all. ‘It’s not like before. I was just sick today. Yoriichi is just taking care of me. It wasn’t the same thing as before.’
Michikatsu’s thoughts swarmed of the past and his current predicament before releasing an exhausted sigh. He doesn’t know what to think about it all. It was just so sudden. He couldn’t take it anymore.
~~~
Yoriichi was outside. He’s making delicious food again which Michikatsu appreciates the most.
It’s been a week already. He was supposed to leave yesterday. However, with his health still unable to make it to full recovery, he had no choice but to stay for a little longer.
Yoriichi permitted himself to remove the obstacles that made Michikatsu stress around. He purchased clothes to the point Michikatsu had a wardrobe of them, bought some furniture that Michikatsu liked when they were scrolling through social media one time, and slowly but surely added life around Michikatsu’s empty room.
It was odd.
Yoriichi shouldn’t have done that. He was very aware that Michikatsu wouldn’t be staying here, and yet here he was, buying things that Michikatsu doesn’t need since he was going to leave it all behind anyway.
But who is going to stop the man from doing what he wants? It’s not like Michikatsu had the strength to even scold his older brother.
Michikatsu was done resting for the day, deciding to exercise himself by trying to get up and walk around.
He knew he wasn't allowed to do that yet. The doctor had said so. His body is far too weak despite his continuous consumption of food and medicine. However, he grew tired of just lying in bed and doing nothing. It’s not fun and it’s not healthy for him, too. For once, he wanted some change. He always welcomed change. And he’s going to make that happen.
So, without further ado, Michikatsu sat up and crawled to the edge of the bed. His bones are groaning from lack of movements over the past few days and his muscles are growing weak already at the suddenness. It did not deter him though as Michikatsu is dead set on walking to see just how worse his body has become.
It was like his body was screaming at him to lie back down when he slowly stood up. Every part of him is aching. It was like he woke up from a hundred years of slumber. His lungs were beginning to reach their peak when he dared to take a few steps. It was insane!
After a few minutes of slowly moving in his room at a turtle's pace, the burning did not go away but slightly died down. It was still there. The pang of pain lingered on his form yet it was only a matter of time before he got used to it. As he walked and walked, taking this chance without his brother’s sight on him, slowly, he gained his energy to even perform some extensive moves.
Michikatsu exited his room with much risk and consideration. He grew tired of seeing the same walls and decor around his room, so he opt to leave even though he knew Yoriichi would disapprove. The sting in his stomach remained as he walked through the empty hall. His tired lungs are telling his brain that it needs its rest yet Michikatsu ignored the pain. Being cooped up in his room does not provide well for his mental health, he reasoned with himself.
He found himself stopping at one particular door. An inkling told him that this must be Yoriichi’s room.
‘It’s not exactly forbidden to enter his room, right? Since he always barges into my room without knocking anyway.’
Michikatsu felt tense already but he reached out for the doorknob and twisted it open, much to his hesitancy. He quickly shuffled inside. The pounding of his heart did not alleviate the throbbing pain of his muscles once he closed the door behind him.
It was a rather simple room for a rich man like his brother. There is nothing unique to consider of. Except for the fact that it’s quite high-tech and nice. The bed isn’t quite large and the area is slightly big. Though the room is indeed nice-looking, it appears dull and… empty. There is a lack of decoration and furniture. Only one drawer is placed beside the bed. The walk-in closet adds up to its luxurious feeling yet it didn’t impress enough in the eyes.
Michikatsu heads to the drawer, absentmindedly opening them to test his fingers’ strength. It was quite shocking that he never truly used his hands nowadays. Yoriichi is adamant about feeding him and taking everything that Michikatsu has no trouble doing himself. It was quite annoying that Yoriichi has been spoiling him too much.
‘I’m a capable man, for goodness’ sake! I can move my hands just fine.’
His hand twitched and his blood run cold at the sight before him.
There’s a box neatly wrapped on the side, hidden by unused rubbish. Michikatsu moved them away and grabbed the box with a label:
WARNING: POISON. DO NOT CONSUME. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
And below the warning label was a symbol. A withered skull. A sign of death.
‘Why does brother have this––’ Michikatsu gulped and his hand started to shake in nervousness. ‘Hidden in his drawer?’
The box looked eerily familiar. It was the same dark brown box that Dr. Kocho had handed to Yoriichi, saying that it contained Michikatsu’s medicine for his sickness. She told him to be careful with it and Yoriichi nodded obediently, like a good brother caring for his sibling.
Before she left, the doctor glanced at Michikatsu one last time. Her face was covered with that guilty look again before they morphed into her usual professional mask.
Michikatsu couldn’t see the cover of the box because Yoriichi immediately took them away.
At that moment, he released a wavered breath as he opened the box. Apprehension trickled down his skin, making the hairs stand up.
Poison.
“Michikatsu.”
He dropped the box. Unfortunately, the vial did not break but let out a loud thump on the floor, leaking dangerously under his feet.
“Michikatsu.”
He didn’t turn around. He couldn’t manage to do so. Not when his older brother had made a big mistake. Not when he still hadn’t changed.
“Michikatsu, please look at me.”
Michikatsu saw the window on the corner of his eyes. Everything around him is swirling. His dizziness had amplified from the stress and panic and fear. His legs are weakening from the revelation. Every inch of his body is in pain yet adrenaline entered the moment he saw what was in the box, flushing out the searing pain. His blurry vision centered on the windows next to the bed.
“Don’t even think about it.”
But Michikatsu couldn’t hear him.
All he wanted is out. Out. Out. Out!
With all the pain bearing him down, Michikatsu ran as fast as he could… reaching the window. He was no match against his older brother whose body is healthy, fit, and strong. He felt himself being tackled and he let out a loud groan from the impact.
“No! Get off! Get off!” Michikatsu roared, punching and kicking with all his might.
However, Yoriichi is a prodigy. He knows his strength, his capabilities. He knows how to do anything. And a perfect man like him always wins no matter what. So, Yoriichi used the training that he had learned when he was young. His superior knowledge had overwhelmed his younger brother, who was fighting back in a futile attempt.
Michikatsu is poisoned. He could have held himself well if he had his healthy and strong body back. They almost had the same height and build; Michikatsu could’ve overpowered him. He had friends who had taught him martial arts but he couldn’t apply them when his organs are widely affected by this poison the doctor had created.
“Three years. Three damn years, I thought you were a better man.” Michikatsu choked out, clawing his fingers at Yoriichi’s grip on his hair. “I thought you changed! But… But you’re still so p-paranoid and an obsessive freak!”
“You don’t understand, brother mine,” Yoriichi grunts when Michikatsu successfully kneed his solar plexus, but he didn’t let go, completely determined to have complete control over his brother. “Things could have gone a lot worse than you think if you continue to indulge yourself out of my sight.”
“No!” Michikatsu screamed, and his throat was stinging already from the high vocal. “It’s you who didn’t understand! You’re still so afraid of losing me! I know how to handle myself. I know how dangerous everything is! But I could survive! I could do it all alone without you!”
“Don’t you see, Yoriichi!?”
Michikatsu reached out to scratch Yoriichi’s face with his nails. It failed since the eldest was swift to take down his arms in a matter of seconds.
“I saw, Michikatsu. I saw what happened to our parents! It’s you who didn’t see!” Yoriichi was growing desperate now. His eyes were covered with helpless tears, glinting from the light. “It could happen to you, too. When our parents didn’t return on that day, I was scared that it would be your turn to you leave me.”
Michikatsu couldn’t speak anymore.
“Did you know what Mother and Father told me before they took their vacation?” The last word was spoken full of malice. “They promised to never leave us… That they would never disappear before my eyes.”
Michikatsu couldn’t remember. He was too young to know this. He was too young to be aware of the state Yoriichi was in at that time. It must be devastating. It heavily traumatized Yoriichi. He couldn’t get any help either because no one was there looking out for them. It was just the two of them against the world.
“And then it happened.” Yoriichi’s voice was low and his eyes were moving elsewhere like he was remembering a vile memory. “You left me.”
Michikatsu paled, unable to process what was going on. He had given up fighting. Not when his older brother had those eyes.
A blank expression. An empty and void of emotions. That maroon eyes promising of pain and suffering.
Yoriichi halted his restraints on his younger brother when he realized he is no longer fighting back. “I tried raising you to be dependent on me so that you will never know how to survive without me.”
“Yet it appears… I have failed.” Yoriichi’s clouded expression turned somber. “So, now I’m going to take away your independence. Then, you’ll never leave.”
For all it’s worth, Michikatsu looked his brother in the eye and knows that he had lost.
~~~
His future is gone.
Michikatsu couldn’t see a way out of his delicate state.
He couldn’t fight off his brother as he was continuously being fed food containing poison.
Where was the time when he and Yoriichi talked animatedly with each other? When he and Yoriichi strolled around the city as if they were two close friends? When they were both smiling at each other and sharing stories?
It was fake. All fake.
So he sat there, mourning for himself and his plans.
He shouldn’t have come here, that much he regretted. If only he could turn back time, perhaps he could have avoided this path. However, he is confident enough to think that whatever choice he picked and the path he has chosen, his destiny will always lead to this.
For this is his fate, and he shall suffer from it.
So, here he was… back to reality. Like nothing changed in the first place.