"Other people on the phone"
"Normal dialogue"
"What do you mean you want me to go on a date with Yoshida?!" I couldn't help but ask angrily, eye twitching. I could practically feel my father wince from the other side of the phone.
"That's not what I said, I just think you should get out more and you've known Hiroto Yoshida for years..." I closed my eyes taking a deep breath to calm down.
"Of course it has nothing to do with the fact that he is the son of one of your associates. And my social life is perfectly fine thank you very much." My nails dug painfully into the skin of my palm, disappointment clouding my judgment.
He doesn't call for months and that's the first thing that he wants to talk about?
"I'm just worried about you, Hanako. When was the last time you went out with someone other than Ema?"
"Just this week actually, something you would have known if you ever called!" I bit my lower lip almost drawing blood in the process. "Hanako I-.."
"No! Don't try to apologize, not when you have been doing this for years!" I tried to laugh, but it came more as a sob than anything else. "I can take it, really I can. But please, don't do this to Ema. Don't ignore her when she cares so much about you. She needs a father."
"Hanako-" I hung up before he could say anything before closing my phone knowing he would likely try to call me again. I let my body fall back on the bed with a sigh, how many times did we argue about this? Too many times to count
"I need a drink..." Not waiting for another minute, I went to take a well-needed shower. The warm water feeling like a blessing.
I finally convinced myself to wear one of my more revealing outfits, a simple strapless black dress that hugged the chest area before flaring out at the waist.
It showed quite a bit of cleavage while remaining modest with its length, ending to the mid-thigh. I then added a pair of red heeled booths with a similar red leather jacket before twirling in front of my mirror.
I reopened my phone with slight apprehension. 9 missed calls from dad
I sighed, at least he had stopped calling about an hour ago. With firm resolve, I composed a familiar number with a small smile.
"Hey Kaho*, does that offer about getting some drinks still stands?" I asked knowing that Kaho would never turn down some drinks. If there was one thing that Kaho Hayami was renowned for, it was her drinking and partying habits.
"Really? You're coming after all? That's great! We haven't seen each other in a while!" Her definition of awhile being about two weeks.
"I can't wait! Where are we meeting?" I asked while playing with a strand of my long hair.
"That bar next to the shopping district, you know the one we went to celebrate Lilly's birthday? In about two hours, we're all meeting at eight, but we both know Lilly's going to be late and Yuuma might not make it."
"That's really too bad, he's really been busy with work. I barely see him anymore. Oh well no matter, I'll see you later" I heard Kaho laugh slightly. "Sure, see you later!"
"Hana-nee? You in there? We haven't seen you since lunch" I heard a light knock on the door and I smiled before opening the door.
"Ema! I'm glad to see you little sis! Think you can help me with my hair?" I asked while pulling her inside. She blinked her doe eyes at me curiously, looking at me from head to toe.
"You're... going out?" I nodded while applying some mascara, almost losing an eye in the process.
"Did something happen?" Ahh my sister always worrying about something.
"No why?"
"You seem bothered about something." She accused while crossing her arms, perceptive little thing she was.
"Had a small fight with dad, college stressing me out like always. I really need a drink"
"Want to talk about it?" She asked with a sweet smile. "No, what I want is for you to help with my hair"
"Fine. Be like that, act like nothing happened" She sighed rolling her doe-like eyes.
"Want to straighten it or put it in a braid maybe?" Ema asked while I finished applying some make-up.
"Hmm... Straight, it will be easier to tame." I commented while looking at a rebellious curl of hair.
"Good choice" She said while getting out my hair straightener. She plugged it next to my bed which she sat on while I sat on the floor careful not to wrinkle the dress too much.
"So? How's school doing?" I asked while angling my head up to make it easier for Ema.
"Hm... Boring. Yuusuke has been acting really weird lately though..." Hanako raised a brow knowing full well of the boy's little crush on her sister
"How come?" Ema than proceeded to explain with all the details exactly the strange way he acted around her while continuing to gently straighten my thick hair. Bless her patient nature.
"Its like... A moment he's nice to me, he enjoys spending time with me and the next I annoy the hell outa him! Why can't he just makes up his mind?" I couldn't help the laugh bubbling in my throat.
"He's a teenage boy, trust me, I've seen worst. At least it's not like he is stalking you or anything." At least I hope, Yuusuke's crush on my sister was cute borderline amusing.
I know he won't act on those feelings, I can respect that. The day he decides -if it ever comes- to confess his feelings for her or worse hurt her feelings, then we might have a problem.
"Still... I just want us to be one big family, how is that going to happen if he keeps treating me this way?"
"Maybe you should talk to him about it, I truly doubt he's doing it on purpose." I told her as she finished straightening my hair.
"You really look good, the dress really suits you" Ema being the darling she is complimented me, again. I thanked her, wrapping an arm around her as I sat on the bed carefully.
"Don't mention it! I really like styling your hair and it gave us time to talk. Want to play a game of zombie hazard before supper?"
"Hm... No sorry, I think I'll go eat something right now so I don't need to explain why I'm all dressed up." Ema giggled with one of her rare teasing smirks. "Afraid Ukyo won't let you go when he sees you?" ... I seriously need to give the girl some more credit...
and stop her from watching those series, definitely the series.
"Haha" I laughed sarcastically. "Very funny, but no since I need to take the bus I'll leave a little early" Her carefree face suddenly turned to one of concern.
"The bus? Is that really safe?" I sighed with a small smile while grabbing a bag matching with the dress.
"Don't worry, I'll probably go sleep at Kaho's place for the night. If not I'll call a taxi. You know I won't do anything stupid" A little white lie once in awhile never hurt anybody, right?
"Just be careful..."
"I always am sweetie" We both got out of my room and I kissed her forehead before we parted ways. Probably going to play video games until she falls asleep with Juli. I sneakily avoided making to much noise knowing most brothers were currently in their respective rooms.
"Hanako?" A small squeak escaped my lips as Masaomi, stealthy, like a ninja (if anybody gets this I'll-), appeared behind me. His hair was messed up, his usually straight clothes wrinkled and eyebags under his eyes.
"Sorry I didn't mean to scare you." He apologized, his tired eyes widening as he got a better look at my outfit.
"You look gorgeous" I suddenly felt like a high school girl having her first serious crush. My whole face heat up and nervously played with a strand of hair.
"Th-thanks..." As if finally understanding what he said, his cheeks brightened slightly.
"Sorry, that came out of nowhere. I'm kind of tired, but you really are." He sheepishly looked away as I begun to frown noticing his worn-out state.
"You should go rest Masaomi. You look like you had a rough day, want me to bring you anything to eat? I'm sure Ukyo won't mind you eating in your room for tonight..." He looked at me strangely for a few seconds before laughing slightly.
"You do realize I am not a child right?" I flushed once again at the familiar accusation. "I am not sick Hanako, but you are right, I did have a rough day. I think I will go to bed early, could you tell Ukyo not to wait for me at lunch?"
"Sure." I shrugged while looking up at the tall doctor. "Thank you." He began opening his door without entering his room as I just stood there looking at him. "Oh. And Hanako?"
"Yes?" I asked before meeting once again his twinkling warm brow eyes. "You look absolutely ravishing in that dress, be careful with your friends" My eyes widened and my lips parted in complete and utter shock.
"Wha-?" He gently closed his door leaving me shocked and staring at his closed door like an idiot. "Did he just..?" I huffed a bit before practically running to the elevator determined to eat quickly and finally have my goddamn drink.
Thankfully, Ukyo hadn't yet begun to make supper so I quickly made myself a simple sandwich eating it at the speed of light. Leaving a note to Ukyo about going out and Masaomi not coming down to eat either, I then left the residence as discreetly as possible.
I didn't have to wait too long for the bus, that was thankfully almost empty, the only other passengers being an old couple. I distracted myself by playing on my phone for the next twenty or so minutes receiving a message from Kaho saying she just got there as I got out of the bus.
The bar we were all supposed to meet up at was only a five minutes walk away from where I was dropped off, so it wasn't long before I was greeted by an overexcited Kaho. The slightly taller girl hugged me tightly, pearly white teeth on display.
"I'm so happy to see you! And that dress, you look beautiful!" I laughed as I released her from the hug. "I'll return the compliment, you look as breathtaking as ever" And it was the truth, Kaho always looked well put together and beautiful. The skin-tight red dress she was wearing definitely earned her a few looks.
"It's been awhile since you came with us for a few drinks, Lilly* was so excited when I told her you were coming" They do say that when talking about the devil, it shall appear do they not?
"I'm so sorry I'm late!" Lilly's face was obviously flushed as she ran into our direction, her loose marron dress flowing behind her. "I swear I didn't mean to fall asleep on that homework before leaving!"
"No matter, we should get in before there is too much people inside" I smiled before giving her a small peck on the cheek as we entered the bar without problem. A look at Kaho's plunging neckline was all it took for the guy at the door to let us in quickly, not noticing our disgusted looks.
"Think I can get his number?" My friend asked us with a smirk as we entered the darkly lit room. The bar had a few tables and sofas in the back of the room next to the bar giving it a pretty cosy atmosphere, the other half of the club was a huge dance floor that was already mostly occupied.
"You can probably get more than his number if you ask me" I grinned at her, Lilly rolling her eyes at our antics. "Don't encourage her will ya? Besides we all know she can do much better than that"
We all sat at one of the only tables left, even managing to get a free round of drinks from the kind waiter. "So how has school been going for you two?" Kaho asked us while playing with the straw of her mojito
Kaho had finished school a few months ago to work as a hair dresser while Lilly was still stuck at school with me, trying to get a degree in business while working as a part-time waitress. "Good I guess, I'm still thinking about leaving the cafe. With school I just really don't have time for a part-time job" Lilly sighed making me wince, I knew she had problems with balancing the two but I hadn't really noticed it before seeing the dark circles under her eyes.
"Are you still having trouble with rent?" I asked curiously knowing about her own family drama, Lilly lived in a small apartment ever since she and her parents had gotten into one fight too many.
"A bit" She admitted. "The landlady raised it again"
"Maybe I could ask the brothers if you could come stay at the residence for awhile. I'm sure Miss Miwa won't mind" I proposed
"I don't want to be a burden" She shook her head making Kaho give her a hit behind the head. "Idiot you're never a burden and you know you could come live with me, I still have that spare room."
"Cause' you scared away your old roommate" Lilly snorted before giving me a slightly apologetic smile.
"Besides I'm not sure I would be completely at ease living with fourteen guys" I could not hold back the wince.
"Not all of them lives there! And Wataru is an absolute angel" Kaho laughed a bit "Ah yes the famous baby of the family, I bet Ema must be jealous that you have been giving him so much attention"
"Ema? Why would she be jealous?"
"You practically raised the girl Hanako, she has enough reason to be possessive and from what you have been telling us, you spend a big amount of time with little Wataru"
"But I... I always make sure that she is alright and that I spend a lot of time with her, why would she be jealous?" I asked her while Lilly went to get us some more drinks at the bar.
"Because she has to share you" Kaho, ever so wise, snickered. "Remember junior high? When we first hung out at your place? I never saw a ten year old so scary"
"She threw a fit when you told her I would probably come back. It was hilarious!" Kaho snickered while playing with her long hair
"I love that girl, you know that. But she really can get possessive when it comes to you Hanako" She seriously stated making me wince slightly, Kaho was right.
"You really think I've been neglecting her?"
"No, that's not what I meant. I just think you should make her understand that having all of these new brothers won't make her any less important in your eyes, that you still love her as much as before"
"To say they call you stupid" My lips turned up slightly.
"But you're right, I think we should have a discussion about the issue before it goes out of hand" Lilly came back at that moment with our drinks, a smirk on her lips.
"By going out of hand you mean her throwing one of her famous fit, right?" We all laughed a bit, me and Kaho taking our glasses from her hands with big smiles.
"So talking about those brothers of yours..." Kaho slyly leaned closer to me, her brown eyes shinning in mischief. "Any of them cute?" My eyes widened in mock horror.
"Ew... They're my brothers!"
"Please, we both know you don't consider any of them your brothers and even if you did it wouldn't change the fact that they are either hot or not" Lilly rolled her eyes. "Now spill the beans"
"Ok... maybe some of them are pretty," I admitted before taking another sip of my drink. "Yes! I knew it!" Kaho cheered, Lilly sighing.
"What are you? A kid in a toy store?" Kaho ignored her completely before turning to me asking for photos.
"I mostly only have pictures of Ema and Wataru, to be honest. Kid is adorable." I told them while scrolling through my phone, Lilly trying to pretend she wasn't curious.
"Oh! Here I have one with Wataru and Masaomi! He's the oldest" I gave Kaho my phone with the picture from a few weeks ago, Lilly looking at it from over her shoulder.
Wataru had convinced both of us to go get some ice cream the three of us together, the picture showed the three of us grinning with the icy treats in hand. Wataru squished between us, using his other hand to make a peace sign.
"Cute" While both answers were the same, it was obvious Kaho was talking about Masaomi while Lilly about Wataru, her eyes shining at the cuteness that practically radiated from the younger brother..
"He is thirty-one I think and he's a pediatrician. Total sweetheart, pretty sure he doesn't have a bad bone in him. Since he's the oldest, he practically raised the younger brothers, especially Wataru since he's so young." I explained knowing Kaho would want to know more.
"So he's like an older, hotter, male version of you?"
Kaho asked closely examining the handsome man. Me and Lilly both choking on our drinks, her from laughter and me from shock.
"You have no shame I swear..."
Lilly nearly fell from her chair while laughing earning her a few stares. Kaho then took the liberty to scroll through my pictures, deadpanning when she saw about ten pictures of me and Ema making funny faces before falling on a picture of Yuusuke and Ema before going to school. Ema was smiling, Yuusuke looking away with a blush on his cheeks.
"That's Yuusuke, he's Ema's age and classmate." Lilly stopped laughing for a second, looking at the redhead. "He's kinda cute." I can't help the unattractive snort that leaves my lips at that particularly ironic statement.
"No luck for you my friend, he has the biggest school boy crush on my sister"
"Seriously?" Lilly asks, her brows raising up to her hairline. "Your parents are going to be married in less than a week, he knows that right?" I sigh playing with the bright yellow straw of my drink.
"It's not like any of us are actually related" I shrug "Besides he's too shy to make a move or anything"
"It's still kind of weird if you ask me" Kaho smirk as if sensing my trouble. "Well if my stepbrothers were that handsome I probably wouldn't care. That woman definitely have good genes if she was able to not only have fourteen sons, but fourteen handsome and successful sons"
"It's like none of them are even human. But I have to ask, does the fact that he has a crush on Ema bothers you? I mean you always were a bit protective." I frowned a bit, not denying my protectiveness with Ema.
"...It's not Yuusuke I'm worried about, boy couldn't hurt a fly if he wanted. He's not even being a little pushy about his feelings, Ema doesn't notice a thing" I sighed, as much as I loved her she had never been the most observant person.
"I'm more worried that some of the other brothers might develop some sort of feelings for her, I mean were all teenagers and young adults all living together. It wouldn't be that strange, she's an attractive and adorable girl, but she... Ema just wants a family, Yuusuke might respect that, I doubt all of the other brothers would" I admitted, waving the closest waitress over.
"...But if we follow that way of thinking, aren't you afraid some of the brothers might develop some feelings for you?" I paused for a second looking at Lilly that raised a curious brow.
"I... never really thought of that if I'm being honest. I don't think they would, besides if they did I know how to take care of myself and how to...manage things. Ema not really, that's what I'm worried about."
"You don't give yourself enough credit Hanako, sure Ema is an attractive girl, but she's not the only one. One of them might be crushing on you and you don't realize it" Kaho stated, but before I could tell her that it wouldn't change anything since I wasn't interested like that in any of them, the handsome waiter from earlier came to a stop to their table.
"Can I offer you ladies some shots?"He was awarded with a blinding smile from Kaho who immediately accepted his offer. "What do you have?" Lilly asked curiously, her accent showing slightly
"Tequila." Lillly immediately grinned. "I'm in" I simply shook my head in affirmative, Kaho batting her eyelashes in the young man's direction. "Want to take a shot with us cutie?" She asked.
He obviously hesitated as he poured us some shots in small glasses he took from his tray. "No sorry, I have a 'no drinking on the job' rule. Maybe some other time." Kaho giggled "Any time" The three of us drowned our glasses, the fiery taste of alcohol burning my throat in a pleasing way.
The waiter left after giving us a few more shots, the room spinning a bit after a few ones, the music blasting into my ears. The dance floor was full of people dancing, grinding against each other and drinking more and more.
"You girls want to go on the dance floor for a bit? I spotted a few really cute guys" Lilly pouted a bit, her green eyes shining because of the alcohol.
"Flirt." Kaho laughed while getting up and dragging Lilly with her on the dance floor with a silly smile.
"Hey wait for me you two!" I laughed quickly getting up and following them, fumbling with my bag before hastily putting it over my shoulder.
Considering the fact that the whole dance floor was full with drunk and probably horny people, it wasn't too surprising that only after a few minutes of dancing together, the three of us somehow got separated by the mass.
I found myself dancing with a few strangers, most were drunk, non-surprisingly. My whole body felt as if it were on fire, the many bodies around me and the alcohol heating me up. The heat almost becoming unbearable, my head spinning.
I decided to leave the dance floor once I saw that both my friends were having fun.
Kaho, unsurprisingly, was dancing in the arms of a handsome stranger, Lilly having left the dance floor as well, was talking with a group of girls I recognized as girls from high school. I made my way to their table with a smile and informed Lilly I was going to take some fresh air outside after doing a bit of small talk with them and taking a few more drinks.
"You want me to come with you?" I shook my head seeing she was having fun with the girls -most of their names, I had forgotten. "I'll be fine, see you girls later" I smiled, the nameless girls doing the same. Walking straight proved to be a challenge as I got out of the bar.
*Kaho Hayami (Kaho is her first name and Hayami her last) is one of Hanako's closest friend, they both met in junior high school and have been good friends ever since then. They both are very close, calling each other by their first name without any honorifics. Kaho is currently twenty-two years old being two years older than Hanako and Lilly. Kaho is a very beautiful and seducing young woman, rarely taking anything seriously. She often flirts with random guys and enjoys partying and drinking, but will become serious when Hanako and Lilly are concerned. Kaho has straight black hair that reaches the middle of her back as well as dark brown eyes full of mischief. She has a very curvy body and is pretty tall, guys always falling at her feet.
*Lilly Adams is another friend of Hanako and Kaho, born and raised in America. She moved to Japan at fifteen years old, her first friend being Kaho who helped her greatly adapt to the new country and introduced her to Hanako who was in the same class as her. Lilly is in every way a spitfire that doesn't take too kindly to anyone insulting her origins or friends, she is very loyal. The girl is currently twenty like Hanako -being only a few months younger- and two years younger than Kaho. She has short blonde hair barely reaching to her shoulders with green eyes and a slightly tanned skin, with noticeable American features. She is often self-conscious about her body, most of the time about her lack of chest (especially next to Kaho and Hanako) Note : she is always late, it often gets her into trouble
