Chapter 15: Agreement of Emotions

Disclaimer: Brothers Conflict isn't mine.

Reminder: Again and again… English is not my first language tehe!


Ema and I were both at the rooftop and having our lunch break, Yusuke who wasn't with us decided not to have lunch with us since there was something urgent he needed to do, something about forgetting his homework in English and now he needed to cope with that and went to the library alone.

His determination fascinates me because I know he was doing this stuff (studies and reviews) to go to the same University with Ema and I didn't see anything wrong with that as long as he stands as a big brother who needs to protect his little sister that would be a nice thing to do.

My lips twisted feebly upward, watching my friend talked about their plan this Christmas and obviously convincing me to go with them but I didn't comment on that yet since I don't want to cause anymore fuss to their family. And speaking of them, I wasn't satisfied with the conversation I have with Azusa yesterday because there were few things I didn't tell him yet…

Unlike the talked I have with Tsubaki last night, I kinda felt at ease somehow after our conversation.


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"Can we talk?" His tone was in between demand and begging, I knew my perturbed appearance made Tsubaki worried also but I didn't hesitate to agree and nod my head with a weak smile on my lips.

"Sure." I uttered quietly.

I opened my apartment's door and gestured him to come inside. I instructed him to sit down on the couch while I prepare a hot tea for him and then we will have our talk that he wanted. When I finished preparing the said drink I came back to the living area and served it to him, taking a seat not far away from him.

"Uhm… How long you have been waiting for me Tsubaki-san?" I slowly asked titling my head to see his expression carefully.

"Not long… I think I've been standing outside for an hour or less... I guess." He said, his face was blank.

"Oh."

He was waiting for me that long?

"I… just came from the hospital..."

"I know." His brief words. He gazed at me and noticed my questioning look. "I asked Ema…" He added before the quietness concealed the room. Okay, so this is awkward, the abrupt silence made me anxious and I knew from the way Tsubaki's pondering look he was finding a proper words to start this conversation.

"I'm sorry." He finally said, sincerity clearly in his tone. "About last night…" I remained silent and continued to listen. "Azusa was right about what he said, I'm so selfish that I never thought of people's feelings… I never consider how you felt and how you will react about my sudden confession, I was too mad and didn't realize I was being a jerk and for that I am very sorry."

My expression turned soft seeing his guilt countenance, so this is why he wanted to talk to me. I always appreciate those people who admits their mistakes and immediately apologize for it. Tsubaki may be childish, annoying and selfish but he was really kind. He was caring and honest especially to his feelings.

"It's alright Tsubaki-san… I forgive you .. I just never thought you would like me that way…"

There was a silence again, his eyes locked on mine for a brief moment as a sincere smile crawling on his lips. "...I'm glad."

My face frowned suddenly when Ema came to my mind, I forgot he mentioned her also during his sudden confession, I don't know why he suddenly said that without thinking but I'm sure due to his emotions. At least I can finally corner him, in this way he wouldn't notice I've already know most of them have feelings for Ema. "You said…you were almost falling for my friend but I came in the picture and twisted everything, if I'm not mistaken do you like Ema-chi in a romantic way Tsubaki-san?"

He rubbed the nape of his neck and avoided my eyes in shame. "Y-Yes."

"Tsubaki-san, that is really mean of you." He whipped his head to my direction again, his posture became stiff when he noticed my hard look. "How… how can you do that to her, she just only wants to have a family, a family that will take care of her. I've known Ema for so long and I know… She longed for it since she was a child. And you, you are making it hard for her..." I chided.

There was a tense quiet between us, his eyes still avoiding mine.

"I'm sorry. Ema… Ema was really something that's why I can't help but fell for her." He gripped his hands together before I saw his lips formed a thin line. "But that was before Rina, that's why I'm going to treat her as my only sister and treasure her with my life. If that's the only way to compensate for all the mistakes I've done."

He was sincere. Absolutely sincere, and how can I get angry with that tone and words.

"You should apologize to her. I'm just a concern friend who just wants only happiness for her." I heaved a huge sigh before I gave him a genuine smile. He looked at me for a long moment before he returned my smile and nodded his head.

Silence concealed us again but the tense atmosphere eased a little.

"I already told you that I visited Azusa right?" I didn't try to hide how I've called Azusa without honorific and saw how his face pained a little at that. I feel bad though but honestly I can't just lied also to him. "We talked about what happened… and uhm he really missed you I can see it on his face."

His feature turned upset again at my statement. "I see." A guilty and depressed Tsubaki was not really a pleasant sight. I bit my lower lip before releasing a sigh. Again.

"Tsubaki-san."

"Yes?"

"When did it start? You, liking me?"

I asked without hesitation as his face got a little surprise at my inquiry, he looked at me for few moments and smiled finally.

"I don't know actually, it just occurred to me one day... When we first met, I actually don't like you but the moment you gave my phone back and took a seat next to me and decided to stay I concluded that perhaps you aren't that bad... You are too kind for a completely stranger. I wanted to see you and have a proper talk again but I guess I was too absorbed with my thoughts and feelings that day and even forgot to say thank you to you for at least helping me in a way." My eyes widened a little. "And then the family dinner came, when Ema finally introduced you to us I was so surprised and happy at the same time to the point that I wanted you as my friend, at first I thought because you are very intriguing that I can't help to know more about you... I'm feeling at ease whenever you're around and I know it sounds ridiculous and irrational because we just met twice or thrice… but honestly it doesn't matter to me." He cleared his throat, as if realizing he's been babbling too much. "What I'm trying to say is not because you are beautiful but… because you… You are kind and caring… especially to Ema, to us. Your cheeky personality, your smile, your presence… everything about you warms me here and it actually confused me at first…" He pointed his gut and I didn't miss the tinge of pink on his cheeks. He immediately diverted his face to hide his embarrassment before his fine features darkened in annoyance. "Until that night when I saw that kiss mark, something snapped inside of me. That's when I recognized those emotions... The jealousy and pain. It became so clear to me at once that moment."

I kept my mouth shut for few seconds, trying to absorb all the things that he said. He was clearly telling the truth and for me to doubt this was plain stupidity. But that's the problem, I can't accept his sweet confession, his sincere feelings because I would be the baddest person in this story if I lie again, I already lied to them and I din't want to add another lie in my list. It's too much for me...

"Rina." I stared at his handsome face again. "Would you tell me who did that kiss mark belong to?" His serious tone, my lips kept sealed at his query and avoided his gaze.

"...it's better that you didn't know Tsubaki-san."

This time I held his gaze, his serious mask didn't last long when I kept my mouth shut and in the end he sigh in defeat. I cleared my throat, getting his attention and pinned his lovely violet eyes once again on mine. "Tsubaki-san, listen carefully... Azusa and I have talked about this and I already told him about my feelings… I'm fine being friends with you guys. I don't want you to make it awkward or expect anything from me... I don't really want to hurt you both. I care for all of you from the bottom of my heart and that's the truth." I gripped my hands together. "You are like my brothers to me. Just like Ema-chi feels towards you."

Silence covered between us again, my eyes never leaving his form while his bangs hiding his own, I can't tell what in his mind now but I'm sure he was thinking properly about my words.

"For now…" he looked at me seriously. "For now, I will accept your rejection Rina. If there is a chance that maybe someday you will fall for me or to Azusa, I'll wait until then... So I'm still hoping."

Just like Azusa's words. Yep they are definitely twin. I thought of his words for some minutes, I rubbed the bridge of my nose before sighing in defeat. It seems that both of them are so stubborn about this and I can't do anything but to let them do what they want, whatever the future provides for us I will gladly accept it. "You can still date anyone you know besides, that handsome face of yours wouldn't miss by just some pretty girls there." I teased lightening the mood, finally we both agreed on this.

He curled his lips. "So you found me handsome ne? I'm flattered Rin-chan~" His childish attitude came back and I felt relieved and sad, I know he was not comfortable with this but I couldn't do anything. The last resort is to avoid any actions to make their feelings grow stronger for me. Right, that will be the best thing to do…

"Of course, actually, I found all of you handsome and don't you dare tell it to them. It's our little secret." I grinned.

Yeah, maybe this will be the best for us.


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"So yes, we are going to Naeba Ski Resort to celebrate the Holy Night since Futo-kun was having a live concert also there and I was hoping you'll come because Masaomi-san and Ukyo-san agreed about it, actually I didn't' even suggesting it yet but they suddenly opened it up and… Rin-chan?" I didn't quiet catch what she said but I knew she called me and that stopped me from my reverie. Her face contorted in disapproval.

"You are not listening."

She pouted before an audible laugh heard from me. "Sorry… Ema-chi I need to tell you something."

She fluttered her eyes at my sudden seriousness. "Uhm… Sure what is it?"

"Did you notice something weird about your brothers especially the twin and the idol?"

Her eyes widening as if she knew the answer to that. "Yes! Tsubaki-san and Futo-kun especially, Tsubaki-san, he seems normal now I mean when I say normal he… he stops uhm.. advancing? No that's a strange word to describe.." She muttered almost to herself. "..he acts like a real brother to me the same with Futo-kun and Azusa-san…"

"You mean…"

"They aren't acting like they used to me before, they are still caring and sweet but I know something changed Rin-chan…" She sounded relief and happy though and it's refreshing to see her like this.

"Actually, their weird behavior has something to do with what I will tell you."

I started the day of the school festival where Futo showed up suddenly when she left me to buy some beverages. I told her what he did and said that time, then when I came with her to visit and saw Tsubaki in the living area alone, how he confessed to me and Azusa interrupting us. And the conversation I have between me and the twin last night…

"Oh my…" I looked at Ema after finishing my story and can clearly see the worried and sadness in her eyes. "… I never thought they.."

I shook my head and faintly smiled at her. "I already told them my true feelings and about the possibility of me falling for them, I would be lying that's not possible but there is always a chance you know… you can't tell what will be the fate's plan in the near future." I gazed up the sky and a thoughtful look on my face. "But honestly your brothers aren't that bad, so yeah there is a possibility…"

"You're so valiant Rin-chan and I envy you for that… " I snapped my head to look at her again, her face troubled. "I can't tell towards them what I really feel and… I was really scared to hurt them."

Ema was so kind…

"I understand your sentiment, but would it be better if anyone of them will push their feelings to you again might as well tell it right away to avoid confusion… and perhaps conflicts?"

"Yeah… I guess you are right about that… maybe I should do that, if ever they…" I boobed my head in understanding as I beamed at her finally. I think after the talked I have last night with Tsubaki I kinda felt relieved… the same with Azusa, but I still needed to talk to him again since we sort of missed some things unlike the talked I have with Tsubaki.

"You're visiting Azusa today right?"

"Yes, are you coming?"

I curtly nodded my head. "Yep, I think the talked we have yesterday wasn't finished yet."

"I see, well, I can spare a time for both of you." She beamed at me.

The comfortable peace between me and Ema didn't last long when she opened up again their family's plan this Christmas and celebrating it in a Ski Resort (damn, white Christmas is my favorite.) because the idol brat was having a live concert… yep I almost forgot about that which reminds me about my plan on setting Ema on a blind date. "I think I'll pass Ema, c'mon this is a family time I don't want to be a freeloader." I quirked my brows, still slightly smiling at the same time.

"But… They all agreed of you coming with us, wouldn't be that fun? And besides, you don't plan on staying alone at your apartment. Right?"

I rolled my eyes when she gave me that puppy eyes again.

"Nope, I'm planning to cover up my missing days in my job, besides I'm almost out of money." She pouted at me but I didn't give in at her sad look. Though it made me guilty I don't want to get more attached with her brothers especially Futo and the twin…

"Bu-"

"I'll just spent the New Year's Eve with you… is that okay now?"

Her eyes lit up at my suggestion.

"Really? Then it's a deal! I'll just text you after we get back."

She warmly smiled. My lips tilted upward a little before releasing a quiet sigh.

"Okay." My brief answered. "And I'll set you up on a date by the way."

"Rin-chan!"


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True to my words I went to visit Azusa again with Ema this time, grateful that we've been dismissed early today. Yusuke told us that he still needed to stay at school for some matters, I didn't try to ask him even though I knew from the way he move and talk he was lying. Still, I let him be and both me and Ema bid our goodbyes to him. When we reached the hospital we saw most of the nurses and some few girls roaming in front of Azusa's room and some of them were quietly peeking inside which made us confuse at the sudden commotion.

"Uhm… Do you think something happened to Azusa-san?" Ema asked worriedly, I didn't reply to her but I can't help but get worried also because why would there be so many nurses in a patient's front room right? I grabbed Ema's hand and softly tapped one of the nurses.

"Excuse me? Uhm did something happened?"

The nurse stared at us before she shook her head and giggled. Yep when I say giggled, like a school girl who saw her crush passed by! I almost raised my eyebrows when I saw her red face.

"Oh no, we just didn't expect that Mr. Asahina has so many handsome brothers including him though…"

Ema and I sweat dropped with her statement.

"Wait, if I'm not mistaken you are their sister right?" this time she asked Ema with a glint in her eyes, uh oh. I don't like the way she stared at my friend.

"Ah…yes." Ema answered unsure of the situation.

"Ohh… you people are gorgeous!" She giggled again. "Say, can we please ask their numbers? I mean… you know we just want to be friends with them…"

Her inquiry caught the attention of other nurses who heard the little exchanged and surrounded us immediately asking Ema about her brothers, well since I was beside her I needed to protect my friend. Damn, how should we get out of here?

"Can you set up a date for me and Dr. Asahina?"

"What's the name of the blond guy?"

"Does that jersey guy still single?"

"Can you introduce us to that guy who has earphone around his neck?"

"Is the long hair guy into girls? Cause you know I don't mind if ever he's a gay…"

"I really like that guy with stylish hair, he's so handsome."

"If ever Mr. Asahina gonna be discharged tell him I'm available."

I almost rolled my eyes at their questions and weird statements, now I know who they are talking about but they shouldn't be mobbing here. This is unprofessional people!

"Rin-chan…"

Ema whispered beside me, I gazed at her and saw the troubled look on her small face. I inwardly sighed in frustration and frowned at them. If they won't stop bugging my friend I'll do some drastic measure.

"There you are…"

All of us stared at Kaname's charming look as he came towards us, he came out of nowhere and making me look at him in suspicion while the mob of girls let him through with a dreamy look on their faces. I quirked my lips a little when I saw their reaction, I can't blame them though since Kaname was really handsome… just a bit perverted. I jerked at the sudden arm resting on my shoulder and stared at Kaname, he was also holding Ema like he did to me and still wearing his ever charming smile.

"How long have you been standing here we are waiting for both of you." His sweet tone made me twitched. "Let's get inside Azu-chan will gonna be happy to see you." He slowly lead us inside Azusa's room as he winked to the nurses (who collapsed literally on the floor) and closed the door, I quickly locked it to stop them from peeking. Kaname chuckled at my action but I just rolled my eyes before releasing a huge sigh, I still needed to thank him even though he just suspiciously popped out of nowhere. I was snapped in my thought feeling Kaname's hand softly squeezing my shoulder to get my attention, that's when I saw Natsume, Subaru, Hikaru and Louis. They seem to be talking some things but momentarily stopped when they saw us.

"Uhm… Hi?" I said, waving a little at them.

"Hello Mi-chan, Chi-chan." Louis greeted us first.

"I didn't know you would be here…" Ema muttered beside Kaname but I knew she was lightly smiling at them.

"What happened to you two? Why you look so relieved?"

Hikaru asked, I didn't miss the amusement in his eyes like he knew what happened outside.

You sly fox…

I grumbled. "Yeah well a mob of girls was outside the room if you are aware and we almost got trapped! And my innocent Ema-chi here were fired by many questions of who were these good looking princes and as her friend who was very powerless to protect her needed to do their job since these princes weren't there." I said dramatically while wiping my fake tears.

Hikaru's chuckled heard in the background. Natsume only smiled while Louis look so apologetic to me.

"Mob of girls…?"

Subaru asked to himself, sheesh he was cute when he do that.

"But one prince came to rescue his princesses right?"

Oh right, I forgot about that.

"Ah yes! Thank you for that Kaname-san, you're a life saver~!" Since he was still holding my shoulder I hugged him which caught the blond unexpectedly, before he could even composed himself I let him go and grabbed Ema beside him and went to Louis side.

"Well, I feel bad now, we didn't know you've been through a lot to get in here." Natsume who was on the other side spoke wearing his working attire and his ever serious mask but his tone somewhat impish.

"Pch, lucky you, that idol brat isn't here." I mumbled to myself.

"It's okay, like Rin-chan said, Kaname-san really saves us out there." I nodded my head in agreement.

"Anyways, I'm so glad to see you are doing fine Azusa"

I think the air inside the room became heavy, honestly I'm not naïve not to notice the sudden seriousness of Natsume, Subaru and Hikaru while Kaname's façade was blank. I have to admit it was quiet unfair why I'm calling Azusa without honorific but I didn't know they will make a big deal out of it. Even Ema looked a little surprised.

"So~ Ema-chi and I didn't expect you to be here since most of you are busy I guess..." I grinned, hopefully lessening the heavy mood in the air.

"Rin-chan was right. I am really happy to see you here and I know Azusa-san feel the same way."

Thank goodness, Ema catch up so easily.

"Well, I was really planning to visit Azusa today since I have some spare time, seeing he was doing fine I am deeply happy." Hikaru patted Azusa's head as he said those words. ".. but I became happier to see the two of you." His tone was sincere and no teasing smile on his face.

"Likewise Hikaru-san." I grinned. I have to admit I missed these guys.

The rest of the visiting time went on small talks about Azusa's health, about their busy schedules, Ema and of course me. Louis and Hikaru bid their goodbyes first because they still have works waiting for them, Natsume though still have plenty of time that's why he was staying for a while, Kaname has day-off this afternoon so he'll be staying also same goes with Subaru since his practice finished earlier today.

"Right, I'll be leaving in fifteen minutes, I'm still going to catch up my absent days in my work." I said suddenly when I looked at my wrist watch.

"Already huh, I can give you a ride Rina…" Natsume spoke beside me. I shook my head and smiled at him.

"It's okay, it's just few blocks away, and I can walk that far." I winked at him, he didn't respond for a moment before he cleared his throat and nodded his head. "Before that can we talk for a moment Azusa?"

Ema looked at me, curiosity written on her small face, Kaname, Natsume and Subaru stared at Azusa who dipped his head in understanding and asked us to be left alone. I looked at Ema as understanding dawned on her face, Natsume and Subaru were hesitant to leave us but Ema managed to drag them out of the room while Kaname waved at us before closing the door.

It took a minute of stillness in the room when I looked at Azusa and slowly occupied the empty chair beside his bed. "I wouldn't want to make this long so I'll be frank Azusa." I tenderly started. "Tsubaki-san went to my apartment last night to talk also. He, he apologized for his action…"

"Tsubaki…"

Azusa was softly smiling but also worried. "Let's just say we did talk about his feelings towards me and I told him what I really feel. I rejected him... Also."

"I see…"

"You know, he told the same thing to me. About the possibility of me falling for you."

He didn't get surprise at my statement, his lips quirk a little and I think he was expecting this from Tsubaki.

"And you answered me that you didn't thought of that possibility."

I nodded my head. "That's true, that's why I want to tell you that Tsubaki-san and I agreed to be just friends… if ever I would fall for anyone of you I would like to let it happen naturally. So, I hope you'll be fine in it, being friends."

He was quiet for a moment before I saw him releasing a huge breath and smiled finally at me but I can tell he was kind of disappointed.

"Okay, if that's your decision. But, don't ever think I'm going to give up that easily." My eyes widen at his words. "I know you told me already not to wait or hope for anything… for now I'm okay in this arrangement but I'm still hoping someday... someday you might change your mind."

I was quiet for some moment before I gaped at him and soon a genuine smile seen on my mouth. "...you both are so stubborn."


A/N:

Boyah! Update again, one chapter is longer than I thought, anyways thanks for those people who followed and favorited my story!

to MagiXZ:

Aww.. Glad you like my OC! Just keep reading and maybe, you'll change your mind who you really wants to be with her. I'm hoping to see more of your reviews. ^_^

R&R


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~omake~

After I bid my goodbye to Ema and the rest of her brothers I immediately left the room. I was outside the hospital when I took a deep breath and let it out with a content smile casted on my face.

"You look happy?"

I almost jumped in my position hearing Hikaru's voice behind me.

"What… are you still doing here?"

I composed myself and finally gazed at him, his annoying smirk planted on his mouth.

"Before I can take my leave I was called by my boss that I am free for the rest of the day. So I decided to come back here." I dipped my head at his answer.

"Well, that's too bad I was heading to my work. I'll be on my way, see you around Hikaru-san." I paused from my track when I felt Hikaru's hand stopping me. I glanced at him through my shoulder with an inquisitive expression on my face. "Uhm… Is there anything you need?"

"I can give you a ride." I didn't even manage to decline his offer when he interrupted me. "And I won't take No for an answer." He said with a sly smirk on his lips before dragging me away to the hospital and stopped in front of his car.

"Aw c'mon Rina-san! Tell us who that hot guy who drove you off here."

"Is he single? Can I get his number please…"

"He looks like a model, perhaps you can introduce us next time?"

"He's so handsome, are you dating?"

"You didn't mention you have a hot looking guy friend."

I can clearly imagined how happy Hikaru was in my situation right now. I knew it from the way he held me on my shoulder and his flirtatious wink after he dropped me off that he was up to something, I didn't know my co-workers were literally leaning on the wide window glass and have this meaningful smiles while watching the whole scene.

Ugh, I'm having a headache, this is Hikaru's fault!


Edited: 05-01-18