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Daiki was in the kitchen. It'd been too long since he last visited, and Akihiko was cautious.
His brother was the only one who cared enough to raise him growing up. He had always sworn to guide Akihiko through the right path in life, a path away from the broken family they were born into. As long as he never strayed from the path, he would be happy. At least, that was what Daiki always said. Akihiko had no reason not to believe him, as his brother was wise enough to succeed in every aspect of life. Daiki had given Akihiko something in life to work towards. No one else in his family offered any glimmer of hope for his future. That’s why there was such an irreplaceable hole whenever his brother was away from home.
He was relieved to see him back, but he feared what his brother might have to say to him. Akihiko knew he had been slacking off and straying from the “right path” recently. His close group of friends weren’t always the best influences. While Akihiko enjoyed the time he spent with his friends, there was a voice in the back of his mind that reminded him of the lessons Daiki had taught him from a young age. He knew he hadn't been following his brother’s advice and feared what would happen if Daiki confronted him in person. He didn’t want to find out if his brother was disappointed in him. He avoided confrontation before, but now there was no avoiding it. Now, Akihiko would have to find out.
Akihiko took a deep breath and stepped into the kitchen. He found his brother leaning against the fridge with a cup of coffee in his hand. Palpable tension filled the air. Akihiko wanted nothing more than to put an end to this uncomfortable atmosphere. He hoped he was just imagining how Daiki was refusing to meet his eyes. After a few clock ticks, Akihiko broke the silence.
“Brother… It’s been a while.” Akihiko looks to the side nervously. “We haven’t seen each other in months already, haven’t we?”
Daiki stared into his cup of coffee in silence.
Akihiko swallowed, trying to think of something to say. “Um… Congratulations on being promoted! As expected, you’re amazing.” Akihiko paused, remembering his guilt in not celebrating the promotion earlier out of fear of confrontation. “I’m sorry I couldn’t join you for lunch, I was at practice and-”
“Akihiko.” Akihiko’s words die in his throat.
“Aren’t you ashamed?”
Ashamed, the word rang in his head. His brother had never talked to or looked at him so coldly before. It triggered a guilty conscience that he had pushed away all this time. It was there every time he hung out with friends instead of studying. It was there when he saw his test scores after months of slacking off. Wherever he went, it followed close behind. It had Daiki’s voice. Akihiko couldn’t run away from it this time.
“I saw your midterm results…” Akihiko’s breathing grew heavy. “I should’ve expected as much.” Akihiko felt his guilt weighing him down as his brother stared down at him. No…
“But oh, well… At least you’re having fun.” Please, don’t go away… I’m sorry… “Good luck with that.” Please, don’t go away!
“I don’t recognize you anymore… You’re ending up just like them.” I’ll change! I promise! His brother was right, he knew. He couldn’t continue like this. He couldn’t end up like the rest of their family. He had to live a prosper life. He had to change.
Akihiko had let his light burn out, and now he was lost in the dark. Daiki had every right to leave Akihiko to wander alone. Akihiko had betrayed him, after all. He couldn’t disappoint his brother again. He had to prove that he wasn’t a lost cause. He wouldn’t repeat his mistakes. So please, don’t leave me alone, his mind screamed as his brother turned around. Akihiko began to panic as he watched him walk away. Brother, wait!...!
Before he knew it, Akihiko was on the ground. His head frantically lowered to the floor. “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry, brother.” He heard Daiki stop walking. “Please, give me another chance,” Akihiko begged, unable to hold back tears. “You’ve been working so hard to secure a good life for me… Y-yet all I’ve done is slack off. I’ve been ungrateful, I see that now. I-I’ll change, I promise, so…” Akihiko suddenly felt a hand on his.
“Akihiko…” The warm and caring tone that Akihiko knew returned. “Don’t cry… Raise your head.” Akihiko did as he was told, looking up to what was now a kind smile on his brother’s face.
“I promised, didn’t I?” He lifted their hands in line of sight. “That I’ll guide you by the hand, always. So I understand. It’s okay.” Akihiko did not understand the sudden mood shift, but that didn’t matter in the moment. His brother decided to show forgiveness, so he knew that everything would be okay. He decided at that moment that he would do everything he could to earn the mercy his brother gave. He would prove himself worthy – he had to.
Akihiko looked to his future for a moment. If he continued as he had been, he would have never achieved a prosper life. However, he was given the opportunity to take a new path, one with a bright future ahead. He couldn’t let this opportunity slip through his hands, and he couldn’t see the smile fall from Daiki’s face again.
He would make something out of himself. He would follow in his brother’s footsteps. He wouldn’t let him down.
Akihiko’s light was burning out, but he would be okay, as long as he had his brother’s light by his side.