Four

An enormous fish swims along the side of the glass. The aquarium itself is like a giant fish tank with trails, stairs and escalators in between for visitors to walk around. The lighting inside is generally dim, maybe for the sake of creating a deep sea environment for the sea creatures.

Even though it is Saturday, there aren't too many people, to Ryuu's relief. It would be much difficult to keep the kids near if it is crowded.

'Wow can you see that Kotaro? That fish is so biiiiig!' Taka yells with excitement as he is pointing at the fish.

'Keep your voice down, stupid,' Hayato scolds him quietly, smacking the toddler softly on the head. It is surprisingly quiet in the aquarium.

In a really good mood, Taka doesn't grumble about being hit. He opens his mouth and watches the fish swimming quietly.

'Sorry for causing you troubles again,' Ryuu says, holding Kotaro in place 'Having to visit the aquarium with us during the holiday must be boring for you.'

'I should be the one who apologize,' Hayato replies, watching the smaller fish swim in a large group. 'After all you planned to spend Kotaro's birthday with him alone.'

That idiot just won't stop wailing and throwing tantrums until old hag promised that he can go too

Hayato tried to bargain with him, telling him that they would go next week since Kotaro would want to spend time with his big brother alone. However, as unreasonable as Taka, he yelled and cried , 'I want to celebrate Kotaro's birthday with him too! Kotaro is mine!'

Hayato has no idea when Taka gets the habit of declaring his ownership of Kotaro. The memory alone brings Hayato a mind-numbing headache.

Before Ryuu manages to say anything, Taka spots the sharks' tank on the other side of the room and starts dashing towards it.

'I should've put a leash on him, that brat,' Hayato mutters while following his little brother

'Nnn…' Kotaro says as he sees the sharks' tank too. Ryuu smiles and walks quickly towards the Kamitani brothers. Though they had been to another aquarium with Inui-senpai a few months ago, Kotaro seems to be equally interested in admiring the sea creatures. He has been looking forward to the visit and kept giggling whenever he saw fish or water in the past few days.

It's lucky that this level of the aquarium is quite spacious and there aren't many visitors . Whenever the kids see a new kind of fish, they scurry along the glass and disappear within seconds.

They finally settle in the room which they can see jellyfish with light of different colours reflecting on the glass. The kids are staring at the creatures in silence. They stand really still. Only their eyes are tracing the lazy movements of the jellyfish.

The elder brothers take the chance to rest on the bench nearby. Ryuu seems to be fascinated by the umbrella-shaped animals. He is gazing at the cylinder with his mouth agape. This reminds Hayato of the time when they were watching some chicks hatch at school.

Hayato didn't expect Ryuuichi to be as excited as the kids when he was told that they had the chance of witnessing little chicks' birth. He was patient enough to go to school early in the morning and wait for the moment.

'But I fell asleep before they hatched,'

Hayato remembers Ryuu telling him that, looking a bit disappointed. But then he said he was glad that Kotaro managed to see that. The smile on his face was so genuine and innocent that it took a moment before Hayato could remember to reply.

The same faint smile is on Ryuu's face now. He watches the way the jellyfish moves around the water and finds it amusing.

Hayato wants to see more moments like this, when Ryuu doesn't need to be a member of the babysitting club or Kotaro's elder brother or the chairman's well-behaved foster-son.

He likes it when Ryuu can just relax and be himself, when he can smile for himself but not for other people's sake or happiness.

When Hayato feels the familiar ache in his heart again, he starts to realize what is going on with himself.

Blinking a few times and wakes from his jellyfish daydream, Ryuu turns and sees Hayato looking at him, with a thoughtful expression on his face.

Feeling embarrassed for spacing out, Ryuu blushes and says tentatively, 'Um… Kamitani?'

Hayato maybe indifferent or too straightforward most of the time, but he is absolutely not stupid. He has been wondering about his unusual attention and concern towards Ryuu in these few weeks. The feelings he has for the teen in front of him become overwhelming, which he can't convince himself to ignore anymore.

And it is something that he has never experienced before.

It takes a few seconds before Hayato notices that he should probably give a respond 'What is it?'

Ryuu fidgets a bit, looking at his hands then looks up again, 'Actually I'm really glad that you are here with me today.' He smiles apologetically, as if he has done something very wrong.

Hayato raises an eyebrow and waits for his elaboration. It becomes more and more difficult for him to maintain his usual poker face in front of Ryuu these days.

'I mean… I did plan to spend Kotaro's birthday with him alone… but then it maybe a bit too lonely for him.'

Hayato wants to point out that his little brother would definitely feel more content if there are just the two of them who come here. He knows very well that the kid is never lonely when Ryuu is by his side.

Someone claims that the worst enemy for those who are in love with Ryuu is his little brother. Well, that probably is true. Kotaro is always his first priority. It's very likely that whoever chooses to be in a relationship with Ryuu would feel neglected or jealous.

A few seconds later, Ryuu chuckles and says, 'Maybe it's just me who feels lonely… Of course I like to spend time with Kotaro alone too but …I mean…I am really at ease every time I am with you 'cause you're so reliable,' Ryuu moves his gaze from the tank to Hayato. 'My worries just vanish whenever I know you are nearby. Thanks for being here with me today.'

Hayato looks at his warm, smiley face. He is sure that Ryuu means every word he says but doesn't realize it sounds so much like a confession. It's just fortunate that Hayato is clever enough not to misinterpret. He sighs, 'Kashima, you're an embarrassing guy.'

'Eh?'

This is the innocent, honest face which makes half of the girls in the class go crazy for him. Hayato leans closer, trying to see if it will cause any reaction out of him. The shorter teen blushes, feeling his own increasing heart rate.

'Anikiiii! I wanna peeeeeee!'Taka calls while running towards them

The moment breaks. Ryuu is sitting very still while Hayato looks at the kid without turning.

Of course… it's Taka again

Hayato shakes his head and stands up.

It is already nine o'clock when they arrived at Ryuu and Kotaro's home.

'Ryuuichi-sama, Kotaro-sama, welcome home,' Saikawa greets politely as he opens the door

Hayato nods at the butler and exchanges goodbyes with the when he wants to leave, Saikawa says, 'Please wait, Hayato sama. I've baked a large chocolate cake for Kotaro sama's birthday. Please stay and eat.'

Once hearing there's dessert, Taka struggles in Hayato's arm. He sighs and puts him down, letting him run into the house after Kotaro, who walks in after he has got Ryuu's permission.

'Please come in, Hayato sama,' Saikawa motions

'Sorry, can I talk to Kashima alone for a moment?'

'Of course,' he replies, bows and excuses himself

Still standing at the doorstep, Ryuu tilts his head, confused.

'Kashima, can you lend me your hand?' Hayato asks, expressionless 'There's something I want to confirm.'

Being clueless as usual, Ryuu extends his right hand. Hayato holds it for a few moments, feeling his heart beat raising steadily.

Ryuu's hand is warm and light. It's slightly smaller than his but a bit rough because of all the chores and works he does for the kids. When Hayato recalls the way he ruffles Kotaro's hair, he can't help but squeeze it softly.

Ryuu stares at their linked hands, then glances at the taller teen. Ryuu is surprised to see the faint smile that tags on his lips. For some reason, he feels his heart beating fast and blushes, for the second time of the day.

'Thanks, Kashima.'

Hayato allows his hand lingers a bit longer than necessary before letting go, 'I think I understand now.'

He opens the door and walks in. Ryuu looks at his own hand, somehow feeling cold and empty. It takes him three seconds before he remembers to follow.

'What have you understood?'

Hayato stops, turns, grabs his hand again and continues to walk 'Let's go in.'

Ryuu just manages to nod, getting distracted by the fact that they are holding hands. He feels his face heating up.

Then this time Ryuu finally notices the strange feeling in his heart.