Part 2: The Withdraw

Part 2: The Withdraw

"Ran...I-I...I want to...Can I...I feel...I..."

"Ken what is it?" Ran probed gently, eyes a flicker of hope from Ken's expression. He edge closer. Ken edge back.

"I..." Ken starts, his mind much clearer now that Ran spoke, "no, it's not right," Ken abruptly turned away, and made a move to stand up. Ran grabbed his arm. He would not let it pass. Not something as important as this.

"Tell me," he insisted, his breath slightly hitched, "what's not right?"

"I-I can't...you don't understand, I..." Ken trailed off. Ran takes both of Ken's arms gently, turning Ken to face him.

"Ken...we've been living...we've known each other for so long. We'll figure it out together..."

"But..."

"...who else knows you better than I do?"

Yes, you understand me the most...

"Don't you believe me? Don't you trust me? Don't you trust yourself?" Ran pushed.

...that's why I can't afford to lose you.

Ken smiled and pulled away, like he did in the mall. "Nothing's wrong...onii-san..."

Ran looked downcast, closing his eyes, closing his heart again. The intimate term for a brother, yet to the both of them it seemed like a barrier that cannot be crossed. Ken left the den then, leaving Ran behind.

From the far wall, a pair of beady eyes watched the whole exchange. Who knew a midnight trip to the bathroom could entail so much?

To be continued...