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“In conclusion, it was the security guard behind the murder and robbery!”
Makoto and Yuma simultaneously shouted their deduction out, pointing right at the man in question. The security guard’s face paled and he sank to his knees silently, not able to come up with any sort of rebuttal.
Makoto crossed his arms with a smirk, watching the police handcuff the criminal to take him away. “Nice work, Yuma. We got another,” he said, bumping his shoulder into his twin’s.
Yuma nodded a little sheepishly. “Thanks. You helped a lot, so don’t discredit yourself.”
“Oh, I’m not!” Makoto twirled around, startling some of the other unsuspecting police with his mask. “But I do believe the credit should mostly go to you. I’m just your assistant.”
He caught sight of Yuma shaking his head out of the corner of his eye. “You are more than that. Don’t sell yourself short.”
His brother was so kind. He really was a lucky soul. “Anyways, we should head back now. The Chief will want that report written up pronto.” He reached behind him and snagged Yuma’s wrist, tugging him forward and cackling when he nearly made him trip.
“Makoto! Slow down! It’s not like it will take us long!” Yuma uselessly protested, not fighting his sibling’s pulls.
With only more laughter as a reply, the homunculus continued his tugging until they were out the door. He let go then, wanting to walk side by side with his brother. After waiting a few moments for Yuma to compose himself, Makoto got his wish. And what a splendid walk back it was, with the two chatting about both the case and their afternoon plans all the way back to the Nocturnal Detective Agency.
They entered the building, the homunculus removing his mask once the door shut. “Hey, Chief! It went well!” he shouted, plopping down onto the couch with a satisfied groan. He spread out, laying fully on the cushions.
“Hey! Quit being a couch hog!” Yuma scolded, shaking his twin’s shoulders.
“Noooo, I’m comfy!” Makoto protested with a whine.
“Fine. You leave me no choice.” A weight began pressing down on his legs, pinning them to the cushions underneath. Makoto just snickered, not bothering to move. He heard a sigh. “This isn’t bothering you?”
“Nope! Make yourself comfortable!” Makoto replied with glee. His twin wasn’t heavy and it didn’t hurt his legs. So he saw no reason to protest.
With an eye roll, Yuma did exactly that. He leaned against the back as he began on the paperwork for the case on a clipboard. They took turns in doing the paperwork so that neither grew rusty in the process. Though Makoto knew he wouldn’t ever get rusty as it was kinda ingrained in him. Regardless, he loved the opportunity to be lazy.
Yakou came into the room not long after, looking amused by the sight. “I see you became one with the furniture. Are you taking after Vivia?”
Makoto turned his head to better see the Chief. “Nah. I like laying on soft things.”
“I’m with you there. But back to business. I can’t believe you already solved that case. It was given to us this morning! You two are something else, that’s for sure,” Yakou told them with a smile. “Be sure to keep it up!”
Yuma nodded with a beaming smile of his own. “You can count on us, Chief!”
The blue-haired man ruffled the lilac hair before sitting in his own chair. “So lay it on me. Tell me what happened.”
Makoto decided to explain the events, as he knew his twin was busy with the paperwork. He laid out everything that they had investigated, painting the scene once again to their audience of one. Thankfully, their Chief also being a detective made things a bit easier, as the older man picked up on things a lot easier than others not in the field. “I see. That sounds like it was tricky,” Yakou commented as Makoto finished, leaning back in his chair. “I’m impressed you two figured it out so quickly. Well, I know you have Number One’s mind, but you and Yuma are still fresh to this career. It’s been what, 4 months? And already you are handling cases accurately and professionally. That’s something special. But don’t let it go to your heads, now! Can’t have y’all getting egos.”
Both the human and the homunculus grinned at that. “We’ll try our best, sir.”
~~~~~~~~~~
The paperwork had been finished and given to Yakou to deliver. Then, the twin detectives headed back to their apartment. “Another case solved!” Makoto commented as he stretched his arms out behind him with satisfying pops.
“Yeah. Somehow, I’m getting used to seeing the worst of humanity,” Yuma commented. “But having you and the others around me helps a lot.”
“Awww. Keep talking like that and people will begin thinking you care about us all,” Makoto teased, mask grinning.
Yuma shrugged his shoulders, the tiny bit of gloom he had previously vanishing. “Oh no. Can’t have that information going around,” he responded in a monotone voice. But he couldn’t keep it for long, the twins laughing together as they reached the door to their place. A key was put into the lock, allowing them access. But both sets of violet eyes caught sight of something at their feet. An envelope that must have been slid under the door. “What’s this?” Yuma asked as he picked it up, turning it to see all sides were blank.
“Let’s open it up and see!” Makoto suggested, lightly pushing his brother inside and shutting the door behind them. He removed his mask and hung it up near their keys, joining his twin at the table. He watched intently as Yuma carefully opened the envelope flap and slid a piece of paper out. And he saw the curious and optimistic expression change into a more serious one. It made him curious. “What is it?”
Yuma took a few more seconds to look at the paper before passing it over. Makoto took it, eyes scanning the printed words. It was… an offer to Yuma for a position at the World Detective Organization. “This… is real. The type of paper they use is distinct so there is no way this is a trick or scam,” he said, recalling these bits of information from the memories he inherited. He then saw his twin pulling out his cell phone. “Calling Number One?” he guessed.
Yuma nodded. “I need to make sure.” He found his grandfather’s contact, hit the call button, and put it on speaker. The pair listened to the rings, the other line picking up after the third one. “Yuma. I’m assuming you have gotten the letter and that is your reason for calling,” an older man said.
The lilac-haired detective straightened up, as if his grandfather was actually in the room. “Y-yes. And… it’s real?”
“It is,” Number One confirmed. “Your accomplishments have not gone unnoticed here. You have proven to be a capable and incredible detective. So the people here think you would be a great addition to the team.”
Yuma’s eyes glowed from the praise, something that Makoto was pleased to see. “Th-thank you!”
The older man hummed before speaking again. “Are there any immediate questions you have pertaining to this offer?”
Yuma nodded, briefly forgetting that the action couldn’t be seen through the phone. “Yeah, I have one. Um… why didn’t Makoto get an offer? He’s been working alongside me and is really good at it too!”
Dead silence was heard on the other end. It seemed that the question was much heavier than they thought. Makoto decided to state his theory. “You and the others there aren’t comfortable with the idea of a non-human clone of the world’s greatest mind working there, correct?”
Number One finally replied. “He’s there with you? And listening to our conversation?” he asked Yuma, wariness in his tone.
“Of course! We live together and he deserves to know what’s happening,” Yuma replied firmly and defensively. “I don’t care that he’s technically our clone. He’s part of my family now, so I will request you treat him with respect.”
The homunculus blinked a few times in disbelief. Yuma’s confidence had grown so much, and he was using this confidence to defend him. It was so sweet and nice, something Makoto would never take for granted.
Number One cleared his throat, bringing him back to the present. “Rest assured, Yuma. I was simply surprised. I have heard from your parents about the impact he has had on you. I would not disrespect someone who is important to you.” This assurance relaxed the human, whose shoulders lowered. “Regardless, the fact still stands that we cannot offer him a position. There is only one available and you are the only one deemed worthy of this offer. Think hard on it, you have time to decide on acceptance or denial. Now, I have to go. Take care.”
The call ended, the last few beeps filling the quiet apartment. Yuma gathered the energy to grab his phone and turn it off before putting it in his pocket. Then he stared down at the table, obviously thinking hard.
Makoto turned his head to stare out the window, as he also had a lot of thoughts. A position at the World Detective Organization. That wasn’t something that just anyone could get. You truly had to be an amazing detective to be considered for their group. They solved the world’s most intense mysteries, traveling all over the globe to do so. It came with several other privileges, such as high pay, incredible benefits, and access to all kinds of resources. It was the dream of all detectives to work there. The offer of a lifetime.
But only Yuma was being considered. Which meant that if he accepted, he would need to leave this city and his companions behind. Including Makoto. And that thought seared his soul like white hot flames were burning it from the inside.
However, he could endure it. He refused to chain his brother and do anything to prevent him from going. He would sacrifice his only source of happiness and joy if it meant Yuma got to pursue his dream career.
He took a deep breath, let it out, and donned a fake smile. “Wow! You really have quite the opportunity! Very lucky indeed!” he commented with false cheer, pushing the offer letter back to his twin. “What are your thoughts, oh chosen one?”
Yuma flinched a bit, eyes landing back onto the letter. “I… I’m not sure yet. I… need some time.”
The homunculus nodded. “I’m sure you do! After all, it’s the offer of a lifetime!” He stood up from the table, rolling his neck to crack it. “I’ll go start warming up dinner. That frozen pizza isn’t going to bake itself!”
“Um…! Remember to set a timer!” Yuma shouted after him, making the smile on Makoto’s face a little more genuine.
“Aye, aye!” he shouted back, disappearing into the kitchen to do his task. And perhaps after putting the pizza in, he could clean the kitchen. Busywork, that was key. If he kept busy, then everything would be fine. After all, there was no need for emotions when keeping busy.
~~~~~~~~~~
The offer was brought up the next day when the twins reported to Yakou upon arriving at the agency. To say he was surprised was an understatement. “R-really?! They are giving you a position at the WDO?!” he asked in disbelief.
“Yeah. We called my grandfather and confirmed it’s a legitimate offer,” Yuma replied, handing over the letter so the Chief could read it. The blue-haired man did so, handing it back when done.
“Well now! That’s something you don’t hear everyday! Congrats, kid! Have you officially accepted it yet?” Yakou grinned with a proud look, leaning forward at his desk.
Yuma shook his head. “Not yet. I… felt like I needed a bit more time to think it over.”
Yakou nodded before looking back over to Makoto. “It’s weird that they didn’t invite you along, too. But don’t worry! You will always have a place of employment here! Can’t let that mind if yours go to waste.”
The homunculus shrugged his shoulders. “Eh, traveling isn’t my thing. I’m more than content here. So really, I’m glad it’s Yuma that gets the chance.”
“Really, though. This is amazing, Yuma. It’s certainly the offer of a lifetime. You earned it.” Yakou reached behind him and pulled out some files. “But for now, you still work here. So chop chop!”
Yuma took the files, looking grateful for a change in subject. “We’ll get right on these, sir.” He handed one set to Makoto with eagerness. “Ready to start?”
“Of course! I call the comfy side!” he declared, rushing out to claim the cushiony section of the couch. He heard his twin sigh, but it was obvious there was laughter mixed in. Good, he wanted Yuma to be in high spirits.
He threw himself on the piece of furniture, making himself comfortable. His head leaned back, resting against the top cushions. He only returned to a ‘normal’ posture when he felt Yuma sink down next to him. Then a part of him desired close contact, as if he was wanting to get his fill before his twin…
He shoved that thought out of his mind, instead flopping himself face-up across his twin’s lap. He held the files above him, making sure they lightly bapped Yuma’s face. “Aw, man. This one isn’t as exciting. The fun parts are already done!”
His brother pushed the file away from his head with an eye roll. “Desuhiko and Fubuki aren’t the best at paperwork. That means we need to help with it sometimes.”
“I know, I know.” Makoto stretched over and grabbed a pen out of Yuma’s shirt pocket. “Time for some proof-reading!”
The two began their work, checking over the paperwork and making corrections if needed. Thankfully, Fubuki and Desuhiko had written down their accounts about the cases so it was easy enough to find all the needed information from them. It was quiet, the pens scratching being the only noise. Too quiet, in Makoto’s opinion. For the quiet allowed his mind to wander, various thoughts buzzing in his ears. Like… that letter still sitting in his brother’s pocket. The vision of an empty apartment and partnerless cases.
No. That wasn’t something he needed to think about. He would hold onto his composure with a firm grip. He would not let Yuma see anything other than a supportive brother. And that was that.
~~~~~~~~~~
Yakou clearly had told the others about the offer, as they all had varying conversations with Yuma over the next week. Every single one of them was the same. Supportive, encouraging, happy for him. All the things Makoto was. Or, at least trying to be.
In reality, he was constantly fighting the urge to destroy that piece of paper. Oh, he wanted nothing more than to cut it up, burn the pieces, and then bury the ashes six feet under. But he held himself back. He could not risk the possibility of his sibling hating him. That would be the end of the world for him.
But regardless, things weren’t easy for him internally. Not that he let any of it show. He had inherited Number One’s ability to have a perfect poker face. None could see the agony he was in. Perfect.
The logical next step in his mind was to throw himself at his work. If he was too busy on cases, there would be no time to think on other things! So he constantly came in early and stayed late, often taking more of the repetitive and boring tasks.
He thought no one had paid much mind to it. Well, Yuma had noticed but seemed too distracted with the job offer to really check in on him besides an occasional quick question at dinner. But other than that? Nothing. And he had no reason to believe today would be any different, two weeks after the letter had arrived.
“Hey, Chief! Any other files you need done? Any piles of work you want slimmed down?” Makoto inquired as he waltzed into the office.
Yakou looked up from his newspaper, raising an eyebrow. “Uh… I suppose there is. But why are you so eager to do all this work? For the past week and a half, you’ve been going full steam ahead with little breaks in between. Are you alright?”
Oh, there was a reason. But he was not about to reveal it. “I was just thinking ahead! We can get stuff done so that things aren’t overwhelming when Yuma moves on and we are down a person!” He turned, intending to walk out. “There’s unsorted files in the lobby area, right? I’ll go do those!”
“Wait. Makoto, can we talk?” Yakou suddenly asked. When looking back, the boss had a serious face and stared directly at him. “You’ve been different recently. Something is happening behind the scenes and you aren’t letting others help. So tell me, what’s wrong?”
The man was sharp. But still, he wouldn’t allow his mask of false cheer to come off. “I don’t know what you mean, Chief! Nothing is wrong whatsoever! I’m almost offended that you think I’m anything else!” Makoto cheerily stated.
“Makoto…” Yakou said slowly, his serious expression unchanging.
The homunculus continued on. “If anything, I’m overjoyed! Yuma gets the chance to make a significant difference in the world! And better yet, everyone is supportive of this potential opportunity! What’s there that could possibly be wrong?”
Yakou’s eyes widened, like he did when he pieced something together. Had he… seen through the mask? The next question further proved this theory. “But if Yuma does take that job, he will leave this city behind. Leave the Nocturnal Detective Agency behind. Leave you behind. And you are dreading that moment, aren’t you?”
Makoto froze, hearing his internal thoughts spoken aloud by another. It was difficult to hear, his breath hitching as he spoke again. “D-don’t be ridiculous. That’s not… that’s not…”
“But it’s the truth, isn’t it?” Yakou cut in.
Makoto’s vision grew blurry as his eyes started welling up with tears. It felt like something in him had finally broken under all the pressure, and he felt his knees give out from under him. But Yakou’s arms wound around him before he collapsed, having rushed out of his chair to catch the homunculus. “There we are. Let it all out,” he soothed, bringing the smaller man closer in a comforting embrace.
“I… I don’t want him to go. It’s… so incredibly selfish of me, but I don’t want to lose him. He’s the… only one that really understands me, who truly cares about what I want and think. He’s my only family. And he’s about to go to a place I can’t follow.” He took a shaky breath, clutching onto Yakou’s shirt tight. “I don’t want to restrict him in his life and choices. That’s… why I’ve been trying to be so supportive. But… it hurts so much. What can I do… to make it stop?”
Yakou rubbed his back with a sympathetic smile. “Sometimes, you can’t stop the painful feelings. But take it from me, bottling all that stuff up and letting it fester will only make it hurt more later on. There’s no shame in feeling sadness or grief. Don’t ever forget that, alright?”
Makoto managed a tiny nod before fully letting go. He just sat there with Yakou, getting his feelings out in the quiet of the Chief’s office. He didn’t bother keeping track of the time, just allowing himself to feel the strong human emotions.
Finally, his tears lessened and his breathing began evening out. And he started feeling a massive headache coming on. “Why the pain? Such a bother,” he complained as he rubbed his temples.
Yakou understood which type of pain he was referring to and laughed softly. “Drink some water and take a few painkillers. Take a breather. And if you need to go home for the day, that’s fine too.”
Makoto initially wanted to insist on continuing to work, but the pain from his headache and exhaustion from the stress hit him hard. “Actually, I might take you up on that offer. I think I’ll take a day off to rest. Can you let Yuma know when he comes in?” he asked as he pulled away from the Chief.
The blue-haired man nodded, ruffling the homunculus’ hair like he often did with his twin. “Of course, kid. Get some rest. Text me or the others if you need anything, okay?”
With a tired smile, Makoto got to his feet. He slid his mask back on, not wanting to need to explain his reddened eyes to anyone he might pass. As he walked back to his apartment, thoughts swirled in his head as they were prone to do. The mental pain of losing his sibling was very much still present. But it wasn’t as sharp and piercing as it had been earlier. Guess people were correct about talking helping with intense emotions and stress.
He vaguely was aware of arriving at his place and getting in. Locking the door, taking shoes off, hanging his mask back up, all routine things. And after swallowing a few painkiller tablets with a glass of water, he collapsed on his bed. His eyes closed and he let his exhausted mind rest for the first time since that letter arrived.
~~~~~~~~~~
A few hesitant knocks on his door woke him up from his sleep. With a groggy groan, Makoto raised his head to look at the clock on his nightstand. 7:30 pm. He had slept practically the whole day! Impressive.
But he didn’t have time to marvel at this, as his bedroom door slowly opened. Yuma was there, with a steaming bowl of soup. “Um… I wasn’t sure if you had eaten and Chief Yakou told me you went home due to not feeling well. So I… got you this and warmed it up.”
The homunculus heard and felt his stomach growl, as if it had been waiting for those magical words. He sat up with an obnoxious yawn, stretching his limbs out before taking hold of the offered soup. He took some bites, savoring the taste and warmth it provided.
Meanwhile, Yuma ran a hand through his longer hair, frowning when his fingers found knots. “You really should put your hair up into a ponytail before falling asleep. It would prevent it from getting this messy,” he chided, briefly stepping out to grab a hair bush. He returned, sitting next to his brother and began brushing the tangled hair. “You focus on eating, and I’ll help with this. And I won’t take no for an answer.”
Well, Makoto saw no reason to refuse. So he continued consuming his food while his twin helped with his hair. He had finished and put the bowl on the nightstand long before Yuma was done, relaxing at the feeling. But eventually, the question on his mind spilled out. “So, why are you suddenly doing all this? Not that I’m complaining. But it is… different.”
Yuma put the brush on the nightstand next to the empty bowl before returning his hands to his lap. “It’s the least I could do for you. After all the stress I’ve been putting you through.”
“What do you mean? You aren’t causing me stress!” Makoto insisted, getting a bit worried now.
Yuma scooted backwards on the bed and hugged him from behind. “I am. Or more specifically, that letter to me is. I know, Makoto. I know now how much you’ve been hurting for my sake.” The human rested his head on the homunculus’ back, tightening the embrace slightly. “I heard you say it to the Chief this morning. And I know it wasn’t fake.”
Makoto froze, his fears practically taking form. “You… you weren’t supposed to hear that.”
“I’m sure you were trying to keep it hidden from me for my sake. But I decided to come in early right behind you and overheard the whole thing through the crack in the door. You didn’t notice, which proves how much stress you’ve been under. And I’m so sorry.”
Makoto shook his head violently. “Don’t apologize! You’ve done nothing wrong. I’m being pathetic. I should be better than this. Family should be supportive of their kin, right? And you’ve been given-”
“Don’t you dare say ‘the offer of a lifetime.’ I can’t stand to hear that string of words any more,” Yuma interrupted sharply, annoyance lacing his tone.
It made Makoto instantly shut his mouth, having never heard this sort of thing from his twin. It was a tense few seconds before he dared to speak again. “I’m… guessing you’ve heard it too much recently.”
“You have no idea,” Yuma groaned. “Everyone keeps telling me how amazing this is. How uncommon offers from them are. That I should take it gladly. But… I don’t know. In all honesty, I find it too overwhelming. It’s been stressing me out to no end.”
It was around then that the homunculus realized that he hadn’t really checked in on his twin’s actual thoughts on the offer. He mentally kicked himself, but accepted that the past was done and over with. No redos. The best thing he could do was ask now. “And… how are you feeling now?”
The arms around him tensed. “I’m tired. I just want to come to a decision and stick with it. I want to go back to how things were before that stupid letter.”
Makoto analyzed the words, extracting as many facts as he could from the sentences. And his conclusion was a favorable one. “Then why don’t you? Make the choice and get it over with,” he suggested.
His brother lifted his head and nestled it on his shoulder. “You know what? You’re right. I’ll do it tomorrow. I’ll go to their branch in this city and give my official answer. And… I want you to come with me when I do.”
Makoto smiled genuinely. “I will gladly.”
~~~~~~~~~~
The building was grand and amazing, floors stretching up into the sky like a mountain. Everything inside the lobby was also pristine and clean. Only best for the World Detective Organization. It certainly kept the twins’ eyes entertained for the short period of time in which they had to wait.
Apparently, position offers had to be denied or accepted at a physical location for records sake. In addition, other staff had to be present as witnesses. So complicated when it really didn’t need to be. Ah well. At least they got a field trip out of it.
Also, he was very much enjoying the various reactions to his mask. It never got old and he could tell that Yuma was also beginning to enjoy it.
Eventually, they were called into a secure looking room and were sat at a table where six others were. One of them the twins recognized immediately. Number One was seated at the head of the table, watching them both carefully.
Yuma now was a bit more nervous, having not expected his grandfather to be present. But Makoto didn’t let him be that way for long, leaning forward and attracting all the attention. “Quite a party we got here! And who are all you lovely detectives?”
One of them, who had some kind of odd mask on, glared at him with distrust. “And who are you supposed to be? We were told only one person was given an offer.”
“Oh, I’m no one of consequence. Just a concerned family member here to offer support! Feel free to ignore me,” he chirped, leaning back in his chair like he was lounging on a comfy recliner.
“You came only as support? I suppose I’ll allow it,” the man with an animal ears hat stated.
“So long as you don’t make too much of a disturbance,” a woman with headphones added.
“Really, you all could lighten up a bit. This is supposed to be a welcoming environment. Anyways, welcome to the WDO, you two,” the taller blond haired woman said, the older man next to her simply nodding in agreement.
The table went around and did the introductions. Aphex, Zilch, Pucci, Melami, and Zange. An interesting cast of characters. Too bad they would have such a limited time with them.
Zilch was the one to begin the talk this time. “So you are aware of the reason for us gathering here. You have been offered a position to work as a detective for the World Detective Organization. This opportunity is only offered to those that are deemed worthy and well suited for the work. Now tell us all, what is your answer?”
All eyes were on Yuma now, something he was very aware of. The lilac-haired detective clenched his fists and took a deep breath. He exhaled, sat up in his seat, and gave his answer. “I decline.”
Dead silence filled the room. It was as if none of the others ever expected such an answer. But it didn’t go on for too long. “What!? You’re saying no!? No one would be insane enough to refuse this opportunity! Is your head on right? Or do I need to come over there and fix it for you?” Aphex practically roared, standing up and marching over to Yuma threateningly. But Makoto stood in front of him, stopping him in his tracks.
When designing the mask, he had to create faces for all kinds of emotions, including a few he was sure would be rarely used due to his general temperament being easy going. But now? He was thankful for them, as his mask displayed his rage with the scary demonic purple design. “You are not to say or do anything even remotely harmful to my brother. You don’t want to know exactly how many torture methods I know how to preform. The human laws can’t punish me, as I don’t exist to them. So, choose your next words carefully,” he hissed in a frigid voice.
Aphex stared into the glowing red eye, silent and still aside from an instinctual trembling. He backed away after a few moments, sitting back down. This satisfied Makoto, who decided to stand right behind Yuma as his mask returned to its usual design. “Now that we are past that rude interruption, shall we continue?” he asked cheerfully, scanning everyone in the room again. All except Number One looked unnerved, none offering any more challenges.
Yuma cleared his throat and spoke again. “Um… like I said, I do appreciate the offer, but I can’t take it. The price it requires me to pay is too high. My friends and family are way too important to me for me to just leave them behind. So I will have to decline.”
“I see,” Number One finally spoke, scooting his chair back and walking around the table to them. Yuma also got out of his chair, standing next to Makoto as the two stared up at the taller older man. He then set his hands on the twins’s shoulders. “I thought you might say that. It took a lot of courage to come to that decision and voice it. Having people to rely on can be a strength for a detective. So go back to your agency with confidence. Work hard and persevere through the tough times. Though, having a coworker with my mind is quite a boon, wouldn’t you agree?”
Yuma smiled up at his grandfather with relief, nodding. “It’s certainly helpful.”
Makoto removed his mask to smirk up at his mind’s double. “I’ll keep him in check. Can’t let his skills and mind get dull and rusty. But I’m sure you knew that, right?”
Number One smirked back, ignoring all the startled shouts and questions from the other detectives behind him. “Correct. Now go make the world a better place.”
~~~~~~~~~~
Practically the second they returned to their apartment, Yuma collapsed. Makoto predicted that this would happen, so he caught his sibling and carried him over to his bed. “Quite a day, right?” he joked, laying the human down on the comforter and pillow.
“That was… way more intense than I thought it would be. Especially you. Who knew you could go feral like that?” Yuma closed his eyes and allowed himself to relax. “But it’s done. No more stressing about it. And tomorrow, it’s back to our regular lives once more.”
“I can’t wait! Both for that and to see everyone’s reactions that you turned it down. It’s gonna be quite a show! This time, I definitely will film it,” Makoto declared, sitting on the bed next to his twin.
“Oh yeah. That’s gotta happen. Why me, world? What did I do to deserve this?” Yuma lamented.
The homunculus laughed at that, then met the violet eyes that mirrored his own. “Yuma, I don’t think you know how much choosing us means to me. I will never be able to thank you enough for this.”
His brother glanced to the side with a small smile. “Well, I won’t lie that declining was me being selfish and not wanting change. But I understand. If our roles were reversed and you had gotten the offer, I’m sure I would have done the same.”
Makoto grabbed hold of his sibling’s hand, squeezing it tight. “Twins, through and through.”
Yuma squeezed back. “And I hope it never changes.”