k59 : nothing much to say, really.. except that i wish i can write without getting side-tracked.. i hope u'll like it though^^.. thx for reading XD...
to Tsubasaquill : thnk u.. i was not very sure about how do i do for that one, but ur comment really bring my spirit up^^.. please do, i'll do my best^^.. thx for reading~!
Chapter 8 – 'Fated Reminder'
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Ainosuke shut his eyes and shield himself behind Ohuchi. The pair in front of them just looked so scary right now. Even Ohuchi was having a hard time calming the furious pair.
"Sayama-sensei, Kato, please hear him first!"
The police tried to consult them, but could only smile sheepishly when they glared at him instead. The school nurse then turned her attention to her pupil once again. Her sharp gaze made Ainosuke cringed.
"Don't you know that we were worried sick about you? Kato-san and I were frantic when the hospital called and informed us that you had suddenly vanished this morning!"
Sayama's face was scarlet as she tried to contain her anger. Her fists were clenched on her either sides. Ainosuke looked at her apologetically, but was taken aback when tears started running down her cheeks. She let out a deep sigh before marching towards her student and engulfed him in an embrace.
"I was so worried," she whispered.
Ainosuke widened his eyes in surprise. This was something that he didn't expect to happen most out of the other options. His features softened and he rested his forehead on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry, sensei."
Both student and teacher were just standing there, finding comfort in each other presence.
Ohuchi smiled upon seeing that scene. But when he heard someone sighed, he turned around with a small frown and was met with Kato who was rubbing his temple.
"At least he was safe. Right, Ohuchi-san?"
The called police's frown grew deeper, as if he was contemplating hard. His arms were crossed in front of his chest. He took a look on the still hugging pair before turning back at his ex-partner.
"Kato, can I talk to you for a minute?"
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The man walked out of the plane, covering his eyes as the sunrays that shone were blinding him.
Letting out a big sigh, he started take steps through the corridor, into the building. The other passengers were chattering away both in front and behind him.
"Niichan, where are we going after this?"
Yumeto froze on his place. He promptly turned around, only to see a scene which made his heart ache.
It was a pair of siblings; the older was probably in high school while the younger couldn't be older than 7 years old of age. They both had a big smile plastered on their faces, chattering away about their vacation plan. The older had a death grip on his brother's small hand, making sure that the little one wouldn't get separated away from him.
The ex-crime planner curled his fingers to a fist, his left hand held his bag tighter. Opening his fist, he stared down at his palm.
He used to do the same with this hand. He had always held his brother's hand just like that during old times, when Ainosuke was still a ball of energy. No, even now, his little brother was still just the same as back then, just less hyperactive. If he had lowered his guard even only by a little bit, the small kid would free himself and run all over the place, forcing him to run after that little devil.
How he missed those times dearly.
"Excuse me."
An unfamiliar voice brought him out of his trance. He looked over to see the same pair of siblings he was seeing earlier were now standing in front of him. The older brother had talked to him, so he forced a smile.
"Yes? What can I do for you?"
The teen returned the gesture. His brother was constantly bouncing up and down on his toes.
"Are you familiar with this area? We're kind of confused our way."
He looked at the brothers questioningly before taking the piece of paper he offered. Recognizing the place drawn in the rough map, he gladly pointed out where they should go.
"Thank you for your help. Then, we'll–"
"Why are you alone?"
Before the older siblings could finish his sentence, his brother had cut in. Yumeto stared at the little child. Those innocent eyes were filled with curiosity. 'Just like him…'
"Reiichi! That was rude! I'm sorry about that. He's just like to talk."
The older bowed at him, but Yumeto only chuckled.
"Don't worry. I have a little brother myself. Believe me, he was just as fussy as your brother when he was this little kid's age, though he still is now. I think."
The teen nodded again, smiling knowingly before gasping.
"Ah, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Satoshi. This little rascal over here is Reiichi. Come one, what do you say?"
He nudged his brother by the back of his head. Reiichi put his hand on where his brother had hit him lightly and pouted. But once he turned to Yumeto, the pout vanished and the child flashed him a cute smile. He held out his little hand.
"Hi! Nice to meet you! What's your name? You said you have a little brother, right? Where is he? Is he of the same age as me? What's his name? What–"
"Reiichi!"
"Sorry…"
Yumeto laughed wholeheartedly. Wonder when was the last time he did that. He took the child's still extended hand, earning himself a bright smile. He grinned back.
"I don't mind, really."
He squatted down so that he was on the same eye level with Reiichi.
"I'm Yumeto. And, I'm sorry but my brother will turn 16 this year. But, hey, he is just as cute as you. And add as cheeky to that too… and…"
Yumeto trailed off as he had a nostalgic expression on his face features. Unconsciously, he had started listing what he had thought of his little brother.
How Ainosuke, as a little kid, always sat on his laps whenever he had the chance, even when he knew his brother was busy doing his works. His cheeky grins that he always showed afterwards. How the kid would grab his hand and dragged him to where he wanted to go. How his cheerful laughs always managed to brighten his days…
"Yumeto-niichan?"
Yumeto snapped back from his trance and look to the owner of the voice. Both siblings were now looking at him weirdly.
"Sorry, you said something?"
The kid pouted, "I asked where your little brother is. Why isn't he with you?"
Yumeto was stunned by the question.
'Why was Ainosuke not with him?' Wouldn't it be more appropriate with his situation if the question was changed into 'why he wasn't with Ainosuke now'?
"He…" Yumeto cleared his throat before flashing a smile, "I'm here for a business matter, so he can't go with me."
Both siblings nodded.
"Then, I hope you finish your business thing fast. I bet he misses you! Just like how I always do when my brother is not around."
Yumeto widened his eyes upon hearing that innocent comment as the kid hugged his brother. The older sibling just smiled and ruffled his brother's hair affectionately.
Ainosuke… missed him…? Would he really? After all he did, would Ainosuke still miss him?
Of course he does, you idiot. He's your little brother!
Satoshi lifting his brother was what made him looked up. He stood up and watched in amusement as Reiichi giggled and wrapped his little, chubby arms around his brother's head while sitting comfortably on his shoulder.
"Come on, Reiichi. We already bother Yumeto-san enough, he also has something to do. And we only have until 8 in the evening before going back here for mom and dad. Then, Yumeto-san, thanks for your help. We'll be going."
The teen bowed his head to him. He then walked away while Reiichi waving his hand energetically at him.
"Bye bye, Yumeto-niichan! I hope you meet your brother again soon!"
Yumeto waved back at them, a smile plastered on his face. As soon as they were out of his view, his smiled dropped into a frown.
Just as he was finally able to make himself to leave, he was reminded of Ainosuke again. How both of them used to be in the old days was reflected in Satoshi and Reiichi.
The man slumped down on a bench, leaning his head back. He stared blankly at the ceiling as he lost in his thought.
After a while, a chuckle escaped his mouth as he ran his hand through his hair.
Fate sure was a cruel thing….
