After a long, long time. New update guys. I am so sorry, but I am not leaving this story. So here it is. Please rate and review!

Chapter – 2

"Would you like to have a tour of the house?" Ukyo asked politely, scooping me out of Kaname's hold, sparing him a nasty glare. Kaname raised his hand in surrender, blew a kiss towards me and walked away, hanging a hand on Tsubaki's shoulder and joining in their conversation.

"That would be great!" I clapped my hands excitedly.

Masaomi gave a chuckle, "I thought it was my duty Ukyo?"

"A-Ah," Ukyo stuttered and pushed his glasses back, I couldn't see his expression, "I just…"

"I will come too!" Wataru volunteered.

"Don't you have homework to do Wataru?" Masaomi said with a soft frown. That got me – how could a frown be that harmless? He was so warm and comfy… just like a pillow.

I chuckled.

"What's so funny Onee-chan?" Wataru asked in confusion.

"Nothing, really." I smiled, "So, you don't have homework to do Wataru-chan?"

"I finished it earlier," He said to both of us. He pulled on Masaomi's shirt, "Now can I go with them, please please please please please please-!"

"Okay, okay got it!" Masaomi said with a long sigh, as if he gave up on something. He stood up, ruffling Wataru's hair and giving me a kind smile. My lips automatically lift up in response, "I got to go. I am busy with work."

My eyebrows knitted, "You're not coming with us?" Come on, you're the first brother I met, and I wanted to know him as much as I wanted to know Ukyo and Wataru!

Masaomi's gave me a surprised look. I blushed, looking down – did I sound too whiny?

"I-I am sorry," I said in a small voice.

Masaomi waved his hand, "Don't apologize. It's just unfortunate that I am busy with work. Maybe we could hang out later."

That relieved me a bit, "I understand." I turned to Ukyo, "Let's go?"


Ukyo led me to the third floor and I caught up, after eyeing the mysterious room who was my another brother younger than me… where was he anyways?

We bumped to two people – brothers?

My eyes darted up to a tall princely type boy who looked close to my age, hazel eyes with lips etched into a gentle and inviting smile.

Sweet mother of god he was hot.

Ahem, handsome. Bad Ema, I mentally slapped myself.

"He looks safe enough," Juli said slowly, suspiciously, "But that doesn't mean he's on the safe side!"

"Hello, I'm the tenth sibling, Iori. I am in high school, third year." Iori offered his hand. A bit relieved that he didn't share any eccentric quality with his other siblings, I shook his hand with a warm smile that made his expression flicker with something I couldn't quite catch.

"Nice to meet you." My eyes moved to the next brother.

He had closely cropped raven black hair (and his hair was amazing by the way – that gloss!), his uniform gave me an idea he was a sporty type… and an unfriendly type. His eyes were staring at a spot on my shoulder that I almost thought he was trying to burn a hole. My fear was already bashing my face with mockery. I cringed internally… am I being disliked?

"'Sup." He gave a nod, barely looking at me.

Did… did I offend him in anyway…?

"He's Subaru," Ukyo proceeded to explain, "Don't worry, he's unsociable with girls so it's a bit strange for him."

"Wha-?!" Subaru uttered out with a blush.

Is that so? I sighed with relief. I could live with that.

"You don't have to be unsociable with me. I am pretty easy to talk to." I said with a smile and a shrug, offering my hand. If more, he blushed even darker. He shook my hand – and his was very warm and rough, filled with calluses.

"Your Japanese is perfect." Iori commented casually.

"It is. I worked hard for it." I nodded, "My Japanese was only bearable while I lived with papa, but I improved it a lot."

My attention for the first time went to his uniform.

"Bright Centair right?" I asked. He nodded. I looked up to him a bit now, it was a private academy for intelligent students after all.

Intelligent and handsome. I had a princely brother – I fought an urge to giggle stupidly.

"I will lead you to your room. Later, and don't forget to dump your laundry, both of you." Ukyo said sternly. All three of us nodded and walked respectively, after being smiled at by Iori and an awkward nod by Subaru. Beside two rooms was my room, which I was told that it was Tsubaki and Azusa's. I peeked inside excitedly, forgetting for a wild moment what was awaiting.

Big brown taped boxes greeted me silently. Juli climbed down my shoulder to inside of the room.

"Labour time." I sighed, blushing when a soft chuckle reached my ear.

"Sorry." I apologized. Ukyo-san shook his head, looking at the packed boxes and smiled at me.

"We can help you if you want." He offered.

"No, it's alright." I shook my head, "Thanks for the offer."


"Where do I start from…?" I sighed heavily. I had my sleep to catch up to. I checked my watch. It was still five. I should be done by eight.

"How about you start from clothes?" Juli suggested plainly.

Right. Clothes. Nice way to start.

There was a comfortable silence of twenty minutes as I undid the boxes and threw my clothes on the bed. Just as planned last night. Bed sheets... pillow covers… things of necessity…

"You will not leave anywhere without me Chii!" Juli growled suddenly in a wild manner. For god sake, you're a squirrel, act like one!

"Okay Juli." I said coaxingly, his protectiveness was nice and I am always grateful for it, but, "They're my brothers. They're not wolves. I would love that you behave Juli, please." He was glaring at me.

"I don't-" Juli was near to my face as I placed my alarm clock on the study table, "Believe. That. Even for a second!" He snorted derisively.

I sighed. I didn't have that power to argue today.

I folded my clothes methodically as I pondered over my new brothers. Everyone had a different personality… but somehow, somehow I could see similarities. Masaomi was reliable, Ukyo was responsible, Kaname was… er… beats me. Tsubaki was mischevious. Azusa was caring. Iori was… perfect? Subaru was shy and awkward.

I giggled. Wataru was the cutest.

I undid another box as I started filling my vanity table with my products as my thoughts took a turn which I didn't really want to ponder upon. Yuusuke.

I scratched my cheek as I placed my comb on the table. I still couldn't believe he was my brother. He was my classmate after all! Now that I think about it, this unusual situation is somewhat awkward if I see this from Asahi- Yuusuke's point of view. Should I talk to him about it…?

It took me more than three hours to be done with everything, because I spent so much time worrying over my new family and my now found red blouse.

I sighed heavily as I threw myself on the bed, inhaling my familiar bedsheets.

"So tired." I murmured.

"Go to sleep after you had your dinner!" Juli reprimanded, landing on my chest.

Right. I inhaled deeply, there were people who I will be dining with… not alone anymore.

I inhaled me sheets deeply once again.


Slow soft warm air tickled my cheek, a sharp movement poking my eyelids as I creaked them open. Sunlight suddenly attacked my eyes, effectively waking me up. I rubbed my eyes slowly and sniffed lightly. So warm…

Juli snored softly. Warm and comfy…

Huh… I hear something…

Fluffy… warm… sunlight… unfamiliar…

My alarm blew my mind off. Literally.

"Argh!" I slapped it in irritation. I was catching up right now. Comfy but unfamiliar bed, a fluffy comforter, warm and comfortable sunlight peering through my closed orange curtains…

Right. I yawned as I realized. Wide awake. In Sunrise Residence. Moving in yesterday. Meeting… erm three, four… nine brothers.

I rubbed my eyes. This was the best sleep I had in days. I rolled off the bed, folding my comforter out of sheer habit and pecking Juli's sleeping form, better not disturb him – he didn't sleep till late in the morning just for the sake of guarding me. I realized I was early though, for it seemed that no one was awake. I did my bathroom chores, I opened the door that led to the living room and it surprised me a bit that there were people who were already awake.

"Good morning Kaname-san, Subaru-san." I greeted.

"Good morning imouto-chan," Kaname greeted back with a smile.

"…Yo." Subaru grumbled.

I nodded clumsily. I got a good look at his face this time, for he was facing me this time and drinking water. Onyx eyes glared heatedly at the bottle in his big hands, a small frown of discomfort knitting his eyebrows. I had my own frown of worry – I really hoped he looked at me properly. My eyes shifted towards the amber eyes which searched me shrewdly, but eased two seconds after it caught my eyes. A small smirk in his face told me he was strangely pleased. Both of them had towel hanging around their neck, flushed and sweaty, that gave me an impression that they had just returned from a run.

I didn't really know monks needed fitness… or maybe it's part of his playboy perfection.

I snorted lightly at that thought.

"Both of you are up early." I said.

"It's mostly Subaru who's serious about his fitness routine," Kaname leaned back against the sofa, a picture of ease, "And I occasionally join him." For the first time I noticed him in a casual wear. It was still hard to believe he chose the path of a monk.

I nodded, thinking about what to prepare for breakfast, putting on an apron I brought from my room, tying the knot behind my back.

"Imouto-chan, are you going to make breakfast?" Kaname asked.

"Yes, I am… everyone eats breakfast, right?" I asked worriedly. Maybe they liked eating outside, maybe they won't like my cooking, maybe they-

I turned to look at him, whatever I was going to say slipping from my mind when I found Kaname staring at me intently.

"Er… what is it?" I asked, biting my lip nervously.

"Nothing," Kaname shook his head, "I think a girl in apron is a good sight."

How did I not expect that? My face was a traitor though, my cheeks turned pink as I turned around, not sure how to quip to that.

"Hey hey imouto-chan I won't disturb you while you cook, I can be your taste tester."

"I can't concentrate like that on cooking."

"Eh~? But I won't bother. I just want to look at my imouto-chan's cute expression while she cooked."

Hah?!

"But-But I don't make expressions while I cook!"

"Is that a no?"

I glared at the counter in embarrassment. You defeat me once, I won't let that work again!

We continued bickering like that, as I spared a glance at Subaru-san, who atleast didn't appear broody and all. Maybe that was a good thing.

"Good morning." Ukyo greeted from the door, "And wait outside Kaname, you're disturbing her."

Kaname pouted at Ukyo, who cocked an eyebrow, not impressed.

"Fine fine~" He sighed dramatically and walked out of the kitchen, grabbing Subaru from behind and talking to him. Subaru looked at me once, then looked at Kaname. Were they talking about me?

"Is it okay?" I asked Ukyo nervously. He was the one who usually cooked.

"It's fine." He assured with a smile, "Would you pass me that plate?"

I passed it without complaint and we worked in companionable silence. He was a great and quick cook though. His stance reminded me of a mother.

We served breakfast as people started coming down one by one – also receiving a cute sleepy good morning from Wataru. I ruffled his hair in response. I ate my breakfast with a pleased mood.

Kaname turned on the tv.

"Miso soup is delicious." Azusa said with wide eyes.

"Did you change the miso?" Tsubaki asked, sipping his soup with a nod of approval.

I blushed. Miso soup was made by me… but Ukyo-san didn't look much pleased about it. I looked at my bowl guiltily, next time I would follow Ukyo's instructions. I looked around at the table as Kaname flipped the channels; one person seem to be missing though…

My chopsticks dropped on the table with a clatter, "Hyah!"

Something tickled the nape of my neck. All the brothers looked at me, their gaze seemed to be on someone behind me as I slowly turned around. Beautiful mauve eyes met mine. Long lashes blinked slowly, looking at my face and smiled a serene smile. He looked so different from all the brothers, like a foreigner.

"Soft and silky… nice texture…" the man who was touching my hair mumbled, nodding to himself.

"Sorry about that." Ukyo said, "That's Louis, who works as a beautician."

"I… see." He surprised me though. But a beautician, it was awesome. He kept touching my hair, his gaze hazy with… sleep? I don't know, he looked pretty tired.

"Let her go, Louis." Ukyo said, "Have some breakfast."

Louis sat down on the empty seat beside me, "I can give you a treatment for your hair. It must be difficult to manage them when you wash and dry it…?"

"Yes." I said with surprise. He got to know that just by looking at my hair?

"I will write it down for you." Louis nodded to himself, picking up his chopsticks.

I touched my hair, stroking it a bit as I glanced at an airy Louis-san. Doctor, lawyer, monk, voice actors, basketball player aspirer… it was impressive. I shook my head with a smile. I met Subaru's gaze who seemed like he was observing me. He looked away, embarrassed. I bit my lip, picking up my chopsticks while Yuusuke patted Wataru's head and grinned. Maybe I should talk to him…

The channel flipped to a show, a repeat telecast of someone… a pop star? Mocha colored eyes winked at me, making a turn and emanating loud fangirling from the public. I had to admit, he had charisma and beauty, singing was good too. I was hooked.

"Who's that?" I asked curiously.

Everyone looked at me as though I said that it's raining books.

"So there are people like that!" Kaname said with an easy laugh, "Poor him, he would be insulted if he heard this!"

"Che," Tsubaki shook his head, "Fake smile."

"Singing not even that good either…" Azusa added critically.

Maybe voice actors have their criticism. But they talked as if…

"Ah," Iori caught my puzzled expression, "It's Asahina Fuuto, goes by the stage name Asakura Fuuto, an idol."

"Oh." I said with a nod. Another addition: idol.

"I am surprised," Iori leaned in with interest, "You haven't heard of him."

"I don't watch much tv." I offered.

I was finished with my breakfast and picked up the bowls of who were finished, hugged by Tsubaki before Azusa forced him to leave me so that they don't get late for their job. My phone vibrated in my pocket. Message from John.

I tensed.

I picked up the bowls and walked to the sink and grabbed the sponge. It had been a while I talked to John. I tensed even more and sighed. He promised… he promised he won't tell anyone.

I scrubbed a plate with more force than necessary.

I wiped my hands on the tea towel as I turned around, Kaname seemed to be drinking water as read my text.

You okay?

Just that and I knew John conveyed so many feelings. That was him in a nutshell. I texted him back about everything that happened yesterday, a bit relieved he wasn't online. I clenched my phone tighter as I closed it – how did this happen. We were the closest – and just because of me, we're the most distant. He's the last memory I hold on to from back home.

I looked up to see Kaname checking his phone.

Yuusuke-kun entered the kitchen and grabbed his bottle. I raised my arm to acknowledge him, but he gave me a cold shoulder and went upstairs. I looked down sadly. Why did Yuusuke-kun hate me?

"Eh, Kaname-san?" I asked hesitantly.

"Yes, imouto-chan?" Kaname answered in a sultry voice, texting on his phone.

"Do… do you think, er," Okay, it was a bit difficult to ask, "Do you think Yuusuke-kun hates me now?"

Kaname looked up from the phone screen, a surprised look on his face, "Why do you think that?"

I bit my lip, "About yesterday… he didn't seem too happy to see me."

Kaname pulled on a thoughtful look, "I could tell you about that…" He leaned in, a smirk pulling his lips, "Do you really wanna know?"

"Yes?" I leaned in, intent.

"Then imouto-chan, you have to tell me why you had such a serious expression a moment ago." He said, wiggling his index finger on me.

Why?

"Just that?"

Kaname smiled, "Just that."

"I was remembering something." I answered quickly, that was easy to answer.

"About?" Kaname pressed on.

"'Just that?'" I reminded with a smile.

Kaname shook his head, smirking at the message he received in his phone, "You're smart, imouto-chan."

I rolled my eyes good-naturedly, maybe this person wasn't bad at all, if you ignore his playboy ways "I have played that game too many times, so yeah."

"No." Kaname-san said seriously, "It was too much of surprise of him. So no, he doesn't hate you. He will get over it."

I looked up at him, searching for the weight of the truth that shone in his amber eyes. He was serious. I blinked in surprise as Kaname stood up, sitting beside me as he hooked my chin and leaned in.

"No one hates you here, okay?" Kaname-san whispered, his breath hitting my face "We're all happy to have you, imouto-chan."

Can I trust that? His sincerity burned my eyes… oh shite, am I going to cry?

"Oh… okay." I said, pulling his hand away from my chin, laughing uneasily, "You really are a playboy."

"I am." I didn't see his expression, but his voice sounded like it was carrying mixed feelings. I let out a breath.

"Sorry." I looked up, "But you're a nice brother. I am happy to have you all too. More than you people could imagine." I grinned heartedly.

"That's a dangerous expression." Kaname murmured nonchalantly, attending his ringing phone. I wasn't sure what he meant. What? I looked dangerous? Then what was he?


I looked out of my window, grinning at the beautiful sunshine that was pouring out, it was comparatively warmer than yesterday. My gaze went down to the pretty flowers down. Red tulips seem to be on the verge of blooming, and at the side was a sea of valerian. So pretty. The colors just brightened my mood.

Checking them out won't hurt, would it?

"Where are you going Chii?" Juli asked me, who was leaning against the window sill, basking in the sunlight.

"Out."

"Where 'out'?" Juli snorted derisively, "I just told you to be careful of this wolves and – are you even listening to me!?"

I was past the door and I laughed out loud. Juli was too uptight in case of males sometimes.

I walked to the elevator, pulling in the white sport shoe I was wearing as I got inside the elevator. I pressed the ground floor button as the lift door closed.

"Wait!"

A hand snaked to the door before it could close down. I looked on, impressed, very nice reflex.

It was Subaru.

He froze.

I recovered myself quickly, holding the elevator door and looked at him. He gave the barest of nod, rubbed his short black hair and got inside. His cheeks tinged pink for some reason. Stifling silence welcomed us.

"... So you play basketball?" I asked curiously.

Subaru bristled, answering with a broken, "Y-yes."

"That's really cool." I said honestly, "Since when?"

"Eight." He muttered lowly.

I smiled, "Can I watch you play sometime, if you don't mind? I like watching basketball."

"Sure.", the pink hue in his cheeks now turning red, "You follow basketball?"

"Nah, just used to watch my friends back home… uh. Yeah. But I follow football."

If he thought something about my awkward pause, he didn't mention it. Last thing I want to mention was my depressing past.

"Are you going somewhere?" Subaru asked.

"I am going to see the garden." I replied, "The flowers are beautiful."

Subaru looked like he was about to reply, but the lift choose to open just at that moment.

"W-Well," Subaru said roughly, "I am getting late." With that curt reply, he raced out of the lift as if… he was escaping. I sighed. Hopeful wish, indeed. I just have to wait – to let them be comfortable with me, then maybe they would slowly open up to me. But I didn't expect him to even talk to me.

Suddenly a memory of Kaname and Subaru's conversation flashed in my mind... no it couldn't be... Kaname wouldn't do that for her... would he...?

I walked up to the garden, my thinking halted - distracted by the beautiful view in front of me. Those were valerian… and blanket flowers, too! And orchids caressed my senses, sending me to a soothing calm.

"So pretty!" I smiled, walking down to the tulips that seem to be still growing.

I leaned down to admire the valerian, just to take a small sniff. No one will shout at me… now right?

"You like flowers?"

"Oh my god!" I jumped almost a foot, clutching my chest, turning around.

"Iori-san! You scared me." I sighed in relief, taking a deep breath.

Iori looked startled himself – most probably by my reaction – but he grinned as I calmed myself.

"I am sorry," He apologized, "I didn't mean to surprise you at all."

"It's alright." I waved off his apology, shaking my head, "No harm done."

"You speak English when you're surprised." Iori said amusedly, as if he found that funny.

I shrugged, "I do it sometimes." I walked a bit far from the flowers, placing my hands in my pockets, "And the answer to your previous question – yes, I do like flowers, very much."

Iori-san gave a smile wider than ever. I tried not to gape at him – is that even possible to look so princely? I mean, he's like a flower himself!

"I was just… admiring the valerian." I added sheepishly.

Iori chuckled heartily.

"They're pretty." He agreed, walking to the plant and plucking out one. He handed it to me. I looked at him, and accepted the plant, inhaling the scent. So nice.

"Thank you Iori-san." I realized something when I saw a pleased expression on his face, "You planted these."

"I did." He said with a nod.

"Amazing." I mumbled, deep in thought.

He was perfect… too perfect. My eyes flickered to those distracted hazel… mysterious hazel eyes. It swirled with thoughts I was barred, forbidden to read. It carried a portion of sadness, but it seemed be eclipsed – hidden behind his composure.

I wasn't sure what to think about that.

"You know," Iori said in that same distracted voice, "Valerian in flower language means 'Readiness'."

"Oh?" I said, biting my lip, caressing the flower with my finger, "What I have to be ready for? Some sort of war…?" I frowned, "Maybe the next week test?"

Iori just gave me an enigmatic smile.