Eri called me saying we should go out and have some fun since we were done with our examinations. She had perfect timing; it was time that I told her what was really going on in the Sunrise Mansion.

"Hey there imouto-chan." Kaname-san greeted me "Are you heading out?"

"Hi Kaname-san. I'll be hanging out with Eri. Do you have some business to do?" It was rare to see Kaname-san dressed so formally

"Something like that."

"I'm glad Eri called. Waiting for the results is nerve wrecking so I should busy myself. I did all that I can do."

"I see. I want to give you some advice, but it's been so long since I took my university exams. But if anything happens" he took my hand and kissed it "You can come work at my place."

"No it's okay…Besides, I should believe in the iris that Iori-san gave me."

"Iris?"

"In the language of flowers it means 'trusting in good news' so I should be more optimistic."

"I see." I felt my hand being squeezed a little

"Is something wrong?"

"No. You go and have fun."

"Okay. I'll be back before dinner."

We were in the mall enjoying our lunches.

"This is great. I've been studying nonstop so I'm glad that I can finally breathe again."

"You're over exaggerating. But you have a point. Worrying about the results won't help anyway."

"By the way, you said you wanted to tell me something."

I nodded. "But not here. We need to find a private spot."

Once I secured a good spot, I told everything that happened so far. As expected, she was shocked and furious. But she listened intelty and did not speak until I was finished

"This was something that I was afraid of. And, it came true. I know that you're the type of person who cherishes their family so all those confessions from the men who were supposed to be your brothers stressed you out." I nodded in reply "So, what are you going to do?"

"I already decided to give them my answer. I thought long and hard. I have to reject them. I can't return that form of love."

"I see. You're right, rejection might be painful but it's better than keeping their hopes up. With time, they will move on and they will still support you as brothers."

"Yes." I do not like it, but this is for the best. I must give them my reply.

One day Natsume-san contacted me as he managed to get some off time from work. I was reminded of the reward so we arranged to meet up the next day. A new game center named Yokohama Eden Parks was set up while I was studying. I was invited as a beat tester for the pre-opening. I put gaming on a hold so I could put all my focus on the exams. Now that it was over, I can get back into it.

After a good gaming session, I sat down to relax "That game was so interesting. I wanted to try it out even more."

"Please give me a break." Natsume-san brought two warm drinks "I don't want to be defeated repeatedly in the games my company makes. It would be better if that game was simpler."

"Then it would be less interesting. It's fine if it has some challenges."

"When I asked you to sample the games, regular people can't follow it."

"Natsume-san, you have a habit of saying rude things for no particular reason. Then again, you're just sore about losing to me."

"How cheeky. Anyway I'm glad you're enjoying yourself."

"Yes. This is nice."

"I told I would give you a reward after your exams right? Besides there's something I want to ask you."

"What is it?"

Natsume-san hesitated but then he said "Is there any particular game that you want to play?"

I checked the pamphlet "There's too many. I can't make up my mind."

"If there are any leftovers, we can come back another day."

"Yes. Let's come back with everyone else. The game we played just now allows up to ten players."

"Whoa there, are you planning on giving all of us a whooping?"

"That's not what I meant. Yusuke-kun and Wataru-chan love to play games. Subaru-san is the type that would be good as well because of his reflexes. He did become a professional."

"Professional? What's this about?"

"Oh, you didn't get the message. Subaru-san was scouted by a professional basketball team last year. He has been in Kyushu for two weeks now."

"I see." Natsume-san looked down. There is still friction in their relationship. But then, I saw Natsume-san smile a warm smile full of pride "He really did his best." I knew it, Natsume-san still supports Subaru-san even if the latter thinks otherwise.

It was already sunset as we left the building. I asked Natsume-san to drop me at the curve. I can walk home.

"Thank you for today. I had a lot of fun."

"We'll go there again when you officially pass."

"I am really glad that I have you and the others. You all have been supporting me. By the way, didn't you have something that you wanted to talk about with me?"

He sighed "No it's fine. I wanted you to have fun."

"Okay see you later." I left the car. It still looked like Natsume-san had something to say but he held himself back. I decided not to push him. But, I wonder, is it okay to leave it at that?

"Ayaka!"

As I turned around, I was pulled into a hug.

"Natsume-san?"

"Ayaka, I'm sorry. I know that I am not the best man, but I can't hide these feelings. I wanted to let you know no matter what." he pulled me away so that I can look at him properly "I am-"

"What are you doing?!"

"Subaru-san!" That's right, he told me that he would be coming home today.

He was shocked but he quickly became angry "Get away from her."

"Subaru"

"I told you to get away from her!" He rushed forward and punched Natsume-san sending him to the ground.

"Natsume-san!"

"What did you plan to do Natsu-nii? What did you plan to do with her?!"

"Please stop!" I stood in the middle "You don't know how Natsume-san feels-"

"It's okay." I turned around to see Natsume-san get up and rub the light bruise on the corner of his lip "I wanted to tell you. I love you!"

Natsume-san…loves me?

"Don't mess around!" Subaru-san glared at Natsume-san "I won't lose to someone like you who ran away!" he shouted and went inside

I told Natsume-san to sit down while I went to the fountain to douse my handkerchief. I gave it to him so that the swelling will go down

"Hey, what happened between you two? What did you run away from?"

"I used to do track-and-field until I entered university. In the end, I gave it up. I couldn't stay the ideal big brother Subaru wanted. I didn't want to teach him the graveness of reality and acted cool. I disillusioned Subaru without saying anything to him. But, with his own power, he opened the path to become a professional. Your existence was a big part of it as well." He stood up "But, I don't plan on losing either. It doesn't have to be now. Please let me hear your answer one day. Later." He left

I had to do something. I rushed into the house and headed straight for Subaru-san's room. I pressed the intercom

"Subaru-san, it's me." I waited for his response

"Sorry, but can you come back later? I haven't cooled down yet."

"…Then, allow me to say this. Natsume-san is proud of you. He was so glad to hear that his little brother is going to become a professional." That was all I had to say. The rest is up to Subaru-san.

It was still early in the morning when I woke up. I walked over to the veranda and I saw Subaru-san. Judging from his outfit, he was leaving the mansion. I rushed downstairs.

"Subaru-san!" I called out to him.

"Ayaka…"

"Where are you going?"

"Practice, in order to get into the professional league. I won't be back for some time. Until yesterday afternoon, I didn't know how much Natsu-nii thought of me. Acting like a kid, I thrust Natsu-nii away from me, and I hit him in front of the woman I love more than anyone else. Can I really be forgiven just for that? That's why, I want you to forget. Forget everything that I've said to you up to now. The way I am now, I can't do anything to make you happy." he left and never looked back

I could not stop him. But... I could not forget. The same applies for the others. Even though I wanted to forget, I just could not do it. I had made my resolve to give my answer to them and I will. But, it looks like I have to spend more time reflecting and sorting out my feelings. I do not want to lie to myself.