"I had a really nice time today, Karamatsu-niisan," Ichimatsu says while petting a cat, the ring Karamatsu had given him earlier that day glinting in the dimming sunlight.

"I'm glad. I did, too, my dear Ichimatsu," Karamatsu replies. He really did enjoy his day.

While it hadn't started out the best, Ichimatsu bullying him a bit worse than usual, things had started to look up after his visit to Professor Dekapan.

Honestly, he'd only gone there to ask for pain killers that would work better and last longer than store-bought medicines. His passing comment wondering if Ichimatsu truly did hate him so much was meant to go unnoticed. Instead, Dekapan had latched onto it, rummaging through his things until he pulled out a silver ring. A simple thing, no stones or engravings.

"If you have him wear this, you can find out, dasu!" He'd said.

Ichimatsu had been reluctant at first, unwilling to accept anything from Karamatsu, but eventually relented, seeing as his brother wouldn't.

After putting it on, his demeanor changed completely, thanking Karamatsu for giving it to him.

They proceeded to spend the whole day together, going to a restaurant for lunch, walking through the park, they even held hands sometimes.

At first, Karamatsu hadn't known that the ring was the cause of his shift in attitude, considering he hadn't even bothered to ask what it did, thinking his brother truly appreciated the gift upon closer inspection. By the time it occurred to him the ring might be why, he was already much too happy to think much past enjoying his brother's company like this. Being treated so well and getting along for once.

He hadn't even considered potential consequences.

Ichimatsu stands, then, smiling at his older brother.

"Should we head home? It's about dinner time."

Karamatsu nods, reaching again for Ichimatsu's hand.

However, just before their fingers can come together, he hears a small clink.

Time seems frozen as Ichimatsu stares down blankly at the ring that had just slipped off of his finger.

Hours seem to go by before he bends down to retrieve it. He stares at the circle of silver in his palm, before switching his gaze to Karamatsu's face.

Karamatsu had been so stupid, happily caught up in the moment, didn't even think of what might happen once the ring was removed.

His heart is pounding in his chest, he can't breathe, doesn't dare.

Slowly and all at once, Ichimatsu's face twists with rage.

"What the hell is this?" He demands, voice barely above a whisper, but dripping with fury.

"I-I…" Karamatsu stutters, finally breathing again, but in short gasps, panic gripping his entire being.

When Ichimatsu takes a step closer, he shuffles slightly back. His mind is screaming at him to run, while he still can, but fear keeps him rooted to the spot.

Suddenly , Ichimatsu is grabbing him by the collar of his hoodie, screaming in his face.

"What is this?! What did you do to me?!"

Not waiting for an answer, he shoves Karamatsu away, throwing the ring to the ground with all of his might.

By the time Karamatsu recovers his footing, he's screaming again.

"You thought you could get away with fucking with my head like that?! Forcing me to spend time with you, be nice to you?! Tricking me into liking you?!"

"I'm-I'm sorry! I… I was desperate! I was just so desperate for you to not hate me, I didn't-"

A fist connecting with his jaw cuts him off and sends him to the ground. Dazed, he's unable to defend himself when Ichimatsu climbs on top of him, fists flying, blows landing on every inch of him they can hit.

"You thought I hated you before? I hate you even more now!"

It's all Karamatsu can do to cover his damaged face from a majority of the remaining onslaught. Eventually, Ichimatsu stops, breathing heavily.

He stands, delivers a final kick, and walks away, leaving Karamatsu sobbing and wounded on the ground of that dirty alley, where he remains all through the night.