Chapter Text
Why else would they stare like that? You thought you knew. They hated you, right? It’d been months and all they ever do is stare. Unlike Yui, they never touched you. Not a single finger, but they glared, stared right into your soul.
You tried your best to protect your foster sister. It never worked well. The two of you had never been close, and the recent situation only strained your relationship more. Yui partially blamed you for her injuries caused by the brothers. She would get angry they only attacked her. You were tired. Despite being a few months younger than her you were always left being responsible. You were always made to be the “bigger person”. This didn’t change when the two of you arrived at the mansion. With Yui being the one drained, you often did any and all the chores that she needed to take care of in order to lessen her burden.
Today the eight of you sat in the limo on the way back to school. Your notebook laid on your lap as you wrote down the list of chores you had to complete today. As usual there were several sets of eyes on you. Despite Laito’s and Ayato’s harassment of Yui they too stole looks at you as you worked. Noticing that you had several tasks in the kitchen you added making today's dessert to your list. Knowing it’s supposed to be Yui’s job today and that she would most likely be unable to do it. You were certain that the household knew you were the one performing her chores; you felt no shame in inquiring out loud.
“Kasutera, mitarashi dangos, strawberry shortcake, or all three? I have extra time so I can make it all but what do you all think? Or is there something else you’d prefer?” You look up and around the limo innocently.
You look over as Subaru scoffs. Reiji however is the one who answers you with a simple statement. “It isn’t your turn to cook today.”
You furrow your brows in confusion and laugh. “I know,” You say, smiling kindly. “I normally cook on Yui’s days… I thought you knew that, heh.” Embarrassment causing you to look down.
You were met with more stares.
“Are you kidding?” Ayato asks, looking angrily over to Yui.
“I really don’t mind like I said I have plenty of extra time. Heh heh…” You say, once again trying to save her from any wrath. Your anxiety leaking through your tone.
Once again scoffing, Subaru curses under his breath. Shu shakes his head with an annoyed look. Kanato holds his bear tighter and stares at you. Laito’s smile looks strained and his eyes hold a darker look. Reiji fixes his glasses with a sigh. The car stops soon after a while with the awkward unloading of the car.
You got started on all your chores. Spending your evening working. Letting your mind wander as you cleaned and cooked.
Everyday wore you down a bit more. You were by no means built for this. When you weren’t having to care for Yui, your friends would describe you as a childish character with a much too kind heart. You were always so stressed and the few times you weren’t the real you shined like a star. All of this responsibility of a girl older than you had you missing your childhood. A childhood you never really got when you had to act like an adult for so long.
You were surprised seeing all the drinks and sides set neatly on the table. Reiji unsurprisingly sitting waiting at the table as well, clearly the one who set the table. Putting food on the table you thanked Reiji for his help, but focused on bringing in the food. He watched you closely yet quietly while you finished your task.
Dinner and dessert passed without incident. Despite this you noticed the men looking over at you more often. You also noticed as you stood at the sink that the world around you seemed to move without you. Your stomach churned from the unpredictable motion. You leaned on the counter, stopping your final chore, to catch your breath. Your hold being too weak you end up on the floor along with a few plates.