Eyes everywhere.
The precious gem of LDS.
Isn't that the little brother of Akaba Reiji?
He must be a genius like him.
It would be a let down if he wasn't as competent like his brother.
Reira, you need to work harder if you want to be as successful as your brother.
The last voice was of his mother, Himika Akaba, that always told him to get better and to be as good as his brother.
He felt suffocated.
His grades were quite good and he wasn't a bad duelist, but it seemed that for everyone around him it wasn't enough, and no matter how much he tried to improve himself everyone looked disappointed, even when he managed to do the same thing he was nothing but his shadow.
You're a disappointment.
He woke with a startle, gasping and shuddering, looking around until he noticed that he was on the same dark cabin he was watching duels with his brother.
"Did you have a nightmare?", Reiji asked, turning his face slight to him.
"… Yes", he nodded quietly.
Reiji got out of his chair and patted his head, before placing his hands on his shoulders, slight concern showing on his normally serious expression.
"You should be home and rest on your bed"
"I don't want to", he shook his head.
He hated staying at home. The place was too big and silent, empty and cold, he would rather sleep on the floor near his brother's chair than stay on his big room alone.
Reiji sighed, but didn't look annoyed the slightest as he gripped his shoulder in a reassuring way again before taking him on his arms and carrying him.
"Nakajima", he called.
"Yes President?"
"Keep an eye on the other duels and report to me if you find something off", he ordered, "I will be back by tomorrow morning"
"H-Hum… There's no need for that", Reira apologized, looking down.
"It' fine, I already saw the duels I needed to see", he held him closer, adjusting his weight so it was easier to carry him as he walked, "You're my priorityright now, you need a good night rest"
"But…", he buried his face on his brother's shoulder, holding his neck.
"… What did you dream about?", he asked, all out sudden.
"…The same as always"
"I see…", he whispered, as he adjusted his hand to pat his head again, "You're doing fine. Don't let what people says gets to you Reira"
"But mom…"
"Mother can be a bit stern, that I can't deny", he spoke softly, "But I think she, like everyone else is mistaken in trying to make you do things that took me ages to accomplish. The fact that you even manage to get so close to that is a feat in itself and people forget to acknowledge it"
Reira felt his lips tremble.
He almost felt like crying. But with relief to hear the words he wanted to hear for such a long time.
Even if it brought him pain for being compared to such a great person, in the end he still felt grateful to be Akaba Reiji's brother.
"Brother…", he quietly sobbed.
"… I will sleep with you tonight, just to make sure you don't have a nightmare"
"Thanks", he felt his eyes already closing as he made himself comfortable.
"Sleep well little brother"