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Sae had always thought that Rin was a little strange. However, as his big brother–now a mature and responsible eight-year-old–he tolerated his little brother's oddities.
For example–Rin would always cling to his side as they walked home from school, his small hands clutching Sae’s sleeve, even though their mother always told Rin that he was too old to cling to his brother now. Or, he would insist on waiting for Sae until the end of his soccer practice, even if it meant sitting alone on a bench for an hour, his legs swinging back and forth impatiently from the edge of the seat.
Sometimes, he would stare at Sae as if he were the most amazing person in the world, his eyes wide with admiration that never failed to make something squirm inside Sae’s chest.
Strange, yes. But it wasn’t annoying–not really.
It was just... Rin.
“You don't have to follow me everywhere, Rin," Sae said one afternoon, glancing at his little brother, who was curled up beside him on the couch, stubbornly pressing against his side despite the wide space available.
Rin turned his eyes from the television to Sae, looking confused. He blinked at him stupidly. "But you’re my big brother," he said simply, as if that explained everything.
Sae frowned, unsure how to respond. "That doesn’t mean you have to stick to me like glue."
Rin pouted, his brows furrowing. "But I like you, nii-chan..."
Sae could only click his tongue in response, looking away, feeling that strange, squirming feeling in his chest again. It happened, whenever Rin said things like that. "...Do whatever you want," he muttered, ruffling Rin’s messy hair.
Rin then beamed, bright and happy. He really was strange.
But, Sae didn’t mind it.