Chapter 4: Unforeseen Cross Paths

Reminder: English is not my first language. If you will notice some grammatical errors please bear with it for now! Thanks.

Disclaimer: I don't own Brothers Conflict. Just my OCs!


"Chi! Maybe you should hurry we're going to be late." Juli pouted while watching Ema looking for something.

"I know… just.. a moment I was looking for my phone… Ah! Finally, let's go Juli." The said squirrel jumped on her shoulder and both exited her room. When she reaches the living room most of her brothers are there and watching on the TV. Wataru was the first one to notice her presence and smiled happily, while the rest of them followed his gaze and they saw Ema walking down the stairs wearing an open-necked long sleeves pink shirt, button-through blue skirt reaching her knees, a sling cute bag and a pair of flat shoes, her hair was down and a hairpin on its side showing the side of her face down to her neck. Everyone in the room awed at her and trying to hide their flushed face, excluding for Louis who's smiling so tenderly.

"Wow! You look so beautiful onee-chan!" Wataru exclaimed and went in front of her.

Ema pats his head and smiles at him. "Thank you Wataru-chan. Thank you also Louis-san for doing my hair."

"You are always welcome Chi-chan." His gentle answer to his sister.

"My imouto-chan was so cute… Can we come also~?" Tsubaki trying to hug her from behind but Juli sneered causing him to back away immediately and scowled at the squirrel.

"I'm sorry Tsubaki-san… Maybe next time." Ema said and securely held Juli to calm him down.

"That's right! No wolves are allowed to come with you chi!" Juli lashed out while Ema was still holding him firmly so that he won't attack any of her brothers.

"Aww… Okay! But next time just the two of us then~"

"Tsuba-nii!" Yusuke's protest was heard in the background.

"Like hell I would let that happen!" Juli shouted this time.

Azusa punched his twin lightly on his shoulder and glanced at her, a warm smile gracing his mouth. "Just enjoy your time with your friend Ema."

"Thank you Azusa-san."

"Be careful…" Yusuke muttered and a blush seen on his cheeks, she curtly nodded her head and beamed at him.

Lori, who was quiet the whole time went to her side. "You should wear your hair down like that it suits you."

"Thank you Lori-san, I'll do it sometimes..." She uttered giving him a genuine smile.

"Looking cute on your outfit imouto-chan, such a lucky friend to have your time today right Suba-chan?" Kaname's comment and winked at her. Subaru didn't answer him and concealed his flush face by looking at the other direction.

"Where are you going nee-chan? And who's this friend you are meeting?" Fuuto asked seriously with crinkled eyebrows. He didn't like the idea of his nee-chan having a date to a friend. Even if she was her close friend.

Tsubaki scoffed. "You didn't know brat?" A smirk on his lips as he asked mockingly his younger brother, Fuuto shot him a glare.

"Are you stupid? I should not be asking about that if I know." Tubaki frowned at him and about to retort when Azusa stopped him and dragged him away from Fuuto.

"Sorry Fuuto if we didn't mention about that… Ema told us about meeting her childhood best friend again that's why they are having a bonding time today to catch up." Masaomi explained. "And she's attending the same school with you so maybe you will see her there and meet her." Fuuto silently sigh in relief and got curious again, maybe some time he will go to his nee-chan's classroom to see this childhood best friend of her.

"Chi! We need to go, we're gonna be late!"

Snapping her attention at Juli and bobbed her head in agreement. "I need to go... I'll be back before sun down." Smiling at them again she headed towards the elevator.

"Bye bye onee-chan! Have fun!"


ᴥ ᴥ ᴥ


"Chi does she even know the train station?" Juli asked with concern. Ema was running faster since they are late with the said meet up.

"Yes, I gave her directions so she will be fine."

"I hope so… Mi-chi is not really good in directions."

She giggled. "Yeah… But she's smart, I'm sure she won't be lost…"

"Oh look chi! I can see her!" With an excitement in his tone Juli tugged Ema's hair a little and point Rina's direction. Ema saw her sitting on a waiting bench and kept looking at her phone.

"Rin-chan!"

The said girl snapped her head at her direction and beamed. "Ema-chi! Finally!" She exclaimed and standing from her sitting position. She was wearing a loose-fitting printed white shirt, a jeans short matching a pair of sneakers and sling bag, her hair was in pony tail not braided like she usually do.

Ema stops in front of her and gasping some air. "I..I'm… S..Sorry…"

"It's okay at least you're here. And by the way you look so cute on that outfit!"

"Thank you Rin-chan, you look cute also."

"Mi-chi!"

Rina's eyes flickered when she saw Juli on Ema's shoulder, her smile broadened. "Juli! My squirrel adorable friend!" She grabbed and squeezed him in a tight embrace. "I missed you so much! Do you have a girlfriend now? Kids? I want to meet them!"

"Y-You… are s-squishing m-me Mi-chi!"

"Oh, sorry…" Letting him go and putting him back on Ema's shoulder.

Juli shot her a glare. "And I don't have a girlfriend or kids!"

Rina giggled at his outburst. "Really? That's a shame… Oh well I'll find a female squirrel so that you'll build a family! How does it sound?" With an impished grin on her face now she saw how Juli's face turned red.

"Mi-chi! You never changed, you're still mean to me!" He puffed his cheeks in irritation and this time they both laughed at him.

"Alright alright… I'm sorry. There…" Stroking his head and kissed him, Juli tilted his head to hide his embarrassed face. "So… Where are we going first?" Rina asked while staring at the train that just came.

"Well… Let's see when we get there. C'mon Rin-chan!" Holding her hand instantaneously she dragged Rina inside the train.

Once reaching their destination Ema drags Rina to a nearby mall to watch a movie, Ema wants to watch a romantic film while Rina wants a Sci-fi film so they both decided to play 'rock, paper and scissors' for whoever wins will watch the movie she wants. In the end Ema won the game and they both watched the latest romantic movie that month, Rina pouted her lips and just waited to finish the movie. After that, they went to a nearest ice cream shop since Rina was craving for a chocolate flavored ice cream, Juli ordered his favorite vanilla ice cream and Ema her strawberry flavor. They also went to an ocean park which is the new sightseeing place in that city, then to a toy store since Ema wants to buy a gift for Wataru.

"I'm famished Ema-chi…"

She grumbled while touching her tummy. "Already Mi-chi? You just ate awhi—" Juli stopped when Rina glared at him and hide at Ema's back. Ema smiled a little and pointed a fast food chain just in front of the toy store.

"Let's have some snack there."

Rina's eyes glimmered and snatched Ema's hand. "Yay! Let's go."

Looking around they luckily found an empty table. "I'll take your order so wait here." Ema said. They both bobbed their heads and watched her retreating form. When Rina made sure that her friend was gone she glanced at Juli and gave him a toothy grin while Juli gave her a suspicious look.

"Why are you smiling like that Mi-chi?"

"Sheesh… I'm just going to ask you about Ema-chi's new family." Rolling her eyes and continued. "So are they treating her nice?" Placing her hand on her cheeks and tilting her head to the side.

He crossed his arms, irritation swiftly clouded his face. "At first they were fine Mi-chi… But later on I found out that most of her brothers have feelings for her! Those wolves!"

"Feelings? You mean they like her as a woman?" Her face turned serious. Rina knew that Yusuke like Ema more than a sister but knowing most of her brothers like her in a romantic way is a different matter.

"Yes! That red hair freak had a crush on her! That basketball player stole her first kiss, even though it was an accident but still! And the twin I mean the triplet! Including that monk pervert and the idol brat! Lori may be quiet but he was also interested to chi! Even their youngest!"

"Wait, Ema-chi has an idol brother? Wow, that's cool~~"

"Mi-chi, I'm being serious here."

"Sorry." Scratching the back of her neck she grinned apologetically. "So~~the red hair freak? Are you referring Yusuke?"

"Yes! You should watch Chi at school for me Mi-chi." Rina bobs her head.

"And who's the basketball player?"

"Subaru! That guy is quiet but he's a danger!"

Subaru? He's the one that stole Ema-chi's first kiss? But he doesn't look like to steal a kiss from a girl… he's too shy to do that. Oh well, looks can be deceiving huh…

"The triplet?"

"Those scoundrels… beware of them Mi-chi especially that Tsubaki and Natsume, they are so pushy! Azusa may not be that way but still."

"Uh hu… The pervert monk wait, she have a monk brother? That's nice, maybe I should ask some advice about my—" Stop midway from her sentence when she noticed Juli's dull expression and nervously laughed. "Never mind, uhm the idol brat?" Juli shook his head before continuing from his explanation.

"Kaname is a monk and a pervert, really! When you meet him beware around him. And Fuuto was a jerk but still interested to Chi."

"Lori?"

"A prince type that's why he's a threat!"

"How about the youngest? How old is he by the way?"

"Ten. But that kid is smart! He was using his charm and cuteness."

"Oh Juli you are overreacting he's just a kid." She shook her head and tapped the squirrel's nose.

"Believe me Mi-chi!"

"Yeah whatever… so, as I count correctly there are nine brothers… What about the rest? Are they also interested to Ema-chi?" Looking back at Ema's direction that was still ordering their food and turned her gaze back at Juli.

"Oh yeah right Louis is safe he's with me sort of he's kinda mysterious though. Masaomi and Ukyo seem to like Chi but they also know their limit so the two are fine for me… And Hikaru! Well… This guy is still a puzzle to me but be careful around him Mi-chi he's a cheeky one and seems to know what's happening around him. I don't know if he likes chi just like his brothers but I think he's safe."

She curtly nodded. "Hmm… Guarding Ema to them was a hard job Juli since they are all living under the same roof… What's gotten into Uncle Rintarou's mind? I mean leaving his only girl to a place with thirteen men." Her exasperated words.

"I have to agree." Juli nodded.

Placing her hand under her chin before grinning at him. "You know, I can't help her with this problem…"

"What?! You're her best friend Mi-chi you should help her with these wolves, they will surely hurt Chi if we didn't stop them!" Stomping his feet on the table and started telling stories about how these wolves advancing to Ema and son on, she rolled her eyes and softly tapped his head.

"You know Juli, people tend to like someone when they saw something interesting in them or they found her unusual and they all like Ema-chi in a different way because honestly who would not like someone so kind and lovable like her, plus she was pretty cute…" A toothy grin showed on her face.

Juli groaned in frustration. "Unbelievable... Mi-chi...unbelievable." She laughed at his reaction which made the squirrel to deepen his frown. "Not funny Mi-chi."

"Ok ok... I'm kidding! Geez you're no fun... No way in hell I will let that happen Juli!" The said squirrel bats his eyes in confusion. "You are right these brothers of her are making our dear Ema suffer, but I was wondering why Ema-chi didn't share this difficult situation she was in." she continued. "I feel so bad for her somehow, all she ever wanted was a family but her brothers made the situation unexpectedly difficult with their growing feelings for her."

"You and Chi have the same personality Mi-chi and you know she doesn't like to bother you for this complex problem she was in. She's more concern to you."

"I know that…" Her voice was low and a warm smile appeared on her face.

"That's why I need your help with these wolves."

"Okay, I'll help you guarding Ema." His eyes glimmered and jumped on her shoulder.

"Really! But you have to be careful also Mi-chi." She softly smiled at him and touched his head. "Don't worry my squirrel adorable friend! I can handle myself! Okay?"

Juli gave her an irritating look. "And stop calling me that!" She chuckled but stopped when she noticed some people are staring at her direction.

"Crap..."

"What's the matter Mi-chi?"

"They thought I lost my mind since I was talking to a squirrel."


ᴥ ᴥ ᴥ


"An arcade? Seriously Ema-chi you know I hate this kind of place…" A bored look on her features while pointing the said place.

"Please... Just let me play once… twice I mean and then I'll stop." Ema intertwined her hands together and giving her friend a puppy eyes.

Rina moaned in frustration. "Damn, don't give me that look…"

"Pretty pleaseee…"

"You know Mi-chi, she won't stop bothering you if you don't let her do what she wants." Juli exasperatedly sigh.

"Yeah… I know that, same old same old." Tilting her lips upward she gazed at her friend. "Fine, but I'll wait there okay?" She pointed a tea café nearby.

"Okay! Thanks Rin-chan. Come with me Juli."

The squirrel pouted. "Fine." Rina chuckled at the distressed look on Juli's face and watched their back as they enter the arcade.

When their forms vanished from her sight Rina decided to go to the tea café that she was supposed to stay while waiting for Ema. Luckily she found an empty table considering the tea café was full and deciding to have an order she pulled out her book inside her bag and started reading silently. Few minutes have passed before someone unexpectedly approached her direction.

"Miss?"

Looking away from the book she was reading Rina stared at that person who gently tapped her from behind. She saw a man with orange hair, he has hard yet soft violet eyes and wearing a formal suit, a headphone around his neck and a birthmark under his chin, she have to admit the guy was really good-looking.

"Can I help you?" She finally asked after observing him.

"I well… all the tables are full and I just saw that you were alone so I was hoping if I can I seat here…? Just for a while." He smiles slightly. Rina blinked her eyes but didn't respond, the guy rubbed the nape of his neck in awkwardness. "Sorry… Do you have someone with you I didn't mean to intrude I was waiting for my client, I'll just wait… "

"No, it's okay… I'll be leaving in few minutes and besides I don't mind having some company for a little while."

"Thank you." He smiled again. Nodding her head in acknowledgment and turned her gaze back at the book she's reading. The silence between them is not awkward, it was comfortable and pleasant which truly surprised Rina because she never experienced this to a completely stranger. A good-looking might she add.

"A romance novel?"

She blinked her eyes. "Ahh yes."

"Hm, I like reading this kind of thing but I'm into mystery."

"Really! I am also and comedy, I'm not really a fan of this but the plot caught my attention, it was rather entertaining."

"Can I see the back page?"

Rina handed her book and waited for him to finish reading it before Natsume smirked to himself and gave back her book. "Infidelity huh… I never knew you would be entertained in this thing. Are you even allowed to read this kind of book?"

She rolled her eyes. "Oh please I'll be turning eighteen in few months besides no one is gonna scold for reading this kind of stuff. Anyways, I am not talking about infidelity, it's the main characters I was curious, especially the women."

Natsume cocked his brow in curiosity. "What do you mean? Can you at least give me a little background?"

Rina started talking, Natsume didn't know what comes into his mind that moment but the girl was weird at first, but the more she talks he just realized that he was kind of fascinated. Perhaps because she easily got along with him considering they both like reading books or maybe because he felt at ease with her presence. Just like with Ema…

"And they both love the guy so much, but I think the other woman should be with him not his wife."

That caught Natsume's attention. "Why is that? Most readers would side on the wife."

"I knew that but in this story told the whole background of the other woman, actually she never had a good start with the guy, she hated him for his cockiness and all since she was his secretary but he got into an accident and she was there, she saved him. She remained at his side since he forgot his family and wife…"

"Hm, that's kind of cliché."

"Yeah, but I kinda like her personality she reminds me of someone dear to me, you know she tried her best to ignore his advances, his affection. But I guess you can't really deny your feelings towards the person you really love don't you think? That's how cruel love is. If it's not playing you, it's using you instead…"

Natsume quietly watched her void expression, somehow he can feel that she was not talking about the story anymore and it was quiet disturbing to see her completely blank… gone the happy and easy-going girl.

"Excuse me sir can I take your order?" The waiter asked, interrupting both of them, Rina cleared her throat and took her green tea as she drank it silently.

"Ah just black tea." Natsume answered.

"Okay, is that all sir? Maybe you should try our latest combo dessert for a couple like you."

Rina choked up hearing that statement. "W..We're not a couple!" She managed to say and using her handkerchief she frantically wiped her mouth and gave the waiter a glare.

She didn't see the smile form on the man's lips. "She's right we're not what you think." He said this time.

The waiter embarrassingly says his apology while stuttering and leave them alone. "Geez… That idiot made it awkward." She said while frowning.

"Sorry, it was my fault..." The man said and gave her an apologizing look.

"Nah, it's okay." Staring at her wrist watch she placed her book inside her bag again. "I think my friend is done, thank you for keeping me company even though for a short time, I really enjoy talking to you uh—"

"Asahina… Asahina Natsume." He said. Rina Tried to cover her stunned look by smiling and was hoping he didn't notice her forceful smile.

An Asahina again? What's with them and their looks?

"Inagami Rina. Please to meet you. Well, I really have to go… Bye Natsume-san." Bowing her head and giving him a bright smile this time she walked out the café. "Too bad though... He's my type." She muttered and shrugging off the thought after.

Natsume watched her retreating form and a smile gracing his lips, her silhouette gradually disappeared from his sight, finally he turned his gaze away and quickly saw something on the table, the girl named Rina left her handkerchief. He took the said thing and stared at it for a long moment. Thinking if he would return it since he can still go after her or keep it until they'll meet again, he hope so.

Staring at it again he decided to choose the latter.

"Maybe next time, if we see each other again… I'll give it back to you Inagami-san." Natsume mumbles to himself and put it inside the pocket of his coat. While waiting for his client the rest of his time was clouded with thoughts with this certain girl.


Yay! Another chapter is done and honestly I'm not quite satisfied, funny right? Anyways... I would love to know your thoughts about this!

-Aza