Chapter 22: Unexpected Encounter

Disclaimer: Brothers Conflict was never mine!


The thing about watching this kind of game is really made you excited and anxious at the same time because it gives adrenaline feeling that rush in every nerves of your body, especially if your supporting team will win. It was really a new experience for me and Ema. Currently, Subaru's team was leading with one point and it's fourth quarter of the game, everyone who was supporting their team were nervous considering the only time left is two minutes and thirty five seconds, it was a nerve wrecking moment.

"You can do it Subaru-san..."

Ema whispered gently, closing her eyes and her hands together, praying to Kami-sama. Juli looks so apprehensive and surprisingly quiet in my opinion.

"Do not worry Ema-chi I know he can win this." I said without faltering my eyes and grinned reassuringly.

"Rina was right, Subaru and his team will win."

Natsume said with finality in his tone. His arms crossing on his chest and wearing his always serious look. We didn't expect to see him here, I thought it was just my imagination when accidentally saw a familiar orange blob head in the crowd as we entered the stadium. To my surprise the orange head Asahina was standing not far away at one of the entrances of the building, maybe he felt eyes on him and immediately recognized us when he stared at our direction.

I bobbed my head in agreement at his statement before biting my thumb, trying to ignore the nervous feeling forming inside me. The whistle of the referee snapped everyone's attention and announcing that the other team was asking for a time out, I still heard Ema's quiet sigh before I caught Subaru's eyes on our direction and swiftly my friend beside me waves her hand which makes the grey hair Asahina smiled. I grinned instead before staring at my other side seeing Natsume didn't react and just remained quiet.

The game went on, after the nerve wrecking moment of more than two minutes Subaru's team won the championship. The whole stadium shouted in happiness at this great achievement and I heard my friend sighing so loudly this time after a genuine smile formed on her lips.

"This is really a great game."

"Yeah! This is really an awesome experience, I didn't know this will be so exciting. I always perfer watching Judo competition or something related about martial arts. But team game like this is also enjoyable." I clapped my hands, my eyes sparkling at this new information.

"Since when did you start liking those martial art thing?" Juli asked incredulously.

I saw Ema shook her head as if remembering something. "Right, you once told us that you joined a club in your previous school Rin-chan."

"Yep! I was a member of Judo club back there."

I lost for a moment and a quick memory flash in my sight. I was actually forced to join it since Ichino decided or more likely he listed my name without my notice. After the incident with me and Menori he just told me that he added me as a member in this Judo club he was in. The jerk, it always made me annoy when I remembered that but I was also a little grateful. Since it was his way of showing how much he cared...

"That was interesting. I never thought someone like you would be fascinated with those sports."

The little comment of Natsume snapped my reverie, though his tone was passive I can tell he was trying to say that a girl like me would be interested with that kind of violent sport, my eyebrows raised as a smirk seen in my mouth. "..yeah well I'll take that as a compliment Natsume-san, since a girl like me can handle that kind of sport."

He didn't show it but I quickly saw the light tug of his lips.

"They're flirting again." Juli grumbled annoyingly. I can even feel his penetrating glare to both of us.

I heard Ema's quiet chuckled before I rolled my eyes and flick Juli's forehead, a satisfying smirked creep in my mouth hearing his hiss of pain.

The three of us remained in our seats, hoping to congratulate Subaru when most of the people are gone. It was unexpected but my phone vibrated and saw a message from unknown number. When I opened it Subaru's name flash in the screen and telling us to meet him outside the stadium. Ema and I went out first since Natsume decided to remain, we didn't question him but I think he was going to talk to Subaru alone.

"Ema-chi, I know it's not my place to ask about this but... Is it me? Or those two are not in good terms?" I looked at her and saw how gradually her happy face turned into a sad one. "Forget it. I didn't mean to pry." My soothing voice. I almost wanted to smack my head for being too nosy.

"No it's fine... It's just.. Subaru-san look up to Natsume-san so much..."

We both stopped from walking and there's this look on her face that I couldn't quiet tell, but somehow I recognized some sadness in her eyes. She felt bad for both of them. "Natsume-san and Subaru-san are really close before... all I know is that-"

I softly touched her shoulder and warmly smiled. "I said it was fine Ema-chi. I'm sure those two will be okay, sorry I didn't want to make you upset but I kinda get the gist of the story."

Whatever happens to them they should mend it soon... Siblings are like gems anyways, their precious and irreplaceable.

"..tch those two are fools in my opinion." Juli huffed exasperatedly. "Because of them chi is now upset!"

Aww... Juli is such a sweet pet. He really knows what to say.

"I'm fine Juli and thank you." Ema's lips tugged up slightly and patted Juli's head.

"So since Subaru-san and Natsume-san are not here yet want me to buy you drinks? I actually got thirsty after watching the game. Any requests? It's my treat."

"Now that you mentioned that Rin-chan I want a soda." Ema muttered.

"Soda it is then. What about you my adorable squirrel friend?" I smirked when I noticed how his eyes twitched in irritation at the endearment.

"Would you stop calling me with that stupid long name!"

"But I like it. You are adorable especially when you get mad like now, and obviously you are a squirrel and my friend that's why..." Shrugging off my shoulder and my smile got even bigger when his scowl deepened.

"Still! It's...it's annoying!"

"Aw man...then you leave me no choice but to use the other one." My fake distress tone before sighing loudly at the end.

The sadistic side of me felt please at his horrified look he was giving. That's good at least he still remembered it. "W-What? Oh no...oh no not that one we already agreed not to call me with that ugly name! And don't smile like a clown that creeps me out!"

I pouted. "Meh...that's harsh."

Ema chuckled at our antics. "That's not true Juli, Rin-chan you're really pretty when you smile."

"Aww. Thanks Ema-chi! You too also." My attention landed to Juli again this time. "Well, since you compare my smile into those scary clowns I will not treat you...

..

..

..

..

..

Juju-chin."

His face twisted in admonishment before it settled with utter embarassment. His whole body turned red. Literally! Like he was gonna explode any moment.

"-pfffttt! Hahahaha! Damn I missed that kind of reaction hahaha! Oh my hahaha I-I can't breathe hahaha!"

"Rin-chan some people are staring at you."

Ema said in a manner of scolding her sister.

"L-Let them haha...damn, when was the last time I laugh that hard?" I wiped some tears formed in my eyes and composed myself.

"It's official I hate you."

He muttered, clearly not happy at the sudden mentioned of his old pet name. Which I'm proudly made when I met him first. Ema giggled at his brooding look but gave me a look trying to tell me to stop messing with her pet.

"Aww... That was too mean, hate is such a strong word Juju-" I stop midway when his sharp glare pierce me. "-I mean Juli, right! I won't be able to sleep for few days when you say that now and I'm sure if I didn't get enough sleep then I'll get tired and then I won't be able to go to work which is the only source of my fund and then it will affect my schooling and my grades will drop and..."

"Okay okay! I get the picture! You sneaky girl... Using psychological method on me..." His frustrated words before crossing his tiny arms on his chest. "Fine, I don't...hate you." He puffed his cheeks.

A quiet laugh escaped my lips and gave him a genuine smile after that. "..eehh that's so sweet I love you too Juju-chin."

I wink to my friend and immediately left the two to buy the beverages. Juli's screeching voice was slowly vanishing in the background as I was skipping away from them.


It didn't take long to buy the drinks since I saw a nearby vending machine in the area. I was heading back that moment when a familiar silhouette catches my eyes, my steps faltered, blinking my eyes many times before it widens realizing or confirming my suspiscion. There standing possibly twenty feet away from me is Menori Anakawa. She was staring at me with the same wide and surprise eyes.

"Rina-san..." she whispered.

Her auburn hair got even longer than the last time I remebered which really made the said girl in front of me even more beautiful. "Menori..."

I don't really know how to say this but seeing her right now made me feel guilty and sad inside. Guilty because I didn't say goodbye before transferring considering she was still my friend. Sad because...she always reminds me of what happened...of him.

I don't know how long we've stay in that position, she was obviously hesitating and keep fisting her hands, but in the end she slowly approach me still wearing that look I can't decipher. She stopped and before I knew it she was right in front of me smiling faintly at me.

"...hi Rina-san."

Her quiet words, I carefully watched her expression and could tell the worryin her eyes, she kept biting her lower lip and avoided my gaze as much as possible. My face softened seeing her like this... She didn't change at all her mannerism still the same when she's nervous.

"Hello Menori, your hair got longer than I remembered... You look prettier by the way."

"T-Thanks...you also, you become more beautiful."

We were covered in awkward silence. She keeps fidgeting in her position but something's telling me that she was nervous not to my presence but something else. She keeps glancing at her back, as if someone will show up.

"..uhm, what are you doing here? I mean beside watching the game." I asked lightly, trying to help her get ease.

"oh uhm I was here to support my cousin, but I guess it's not their time to win the championship. Though it was really a good game."

"Yeah, definitely."

"W-What about you Rina-san?"

"Well I came here to watch the game of my brother's best friend. Ema-chi, I mentioned her to you right?"

Her doe eyes widened. "You finally saw her again?" A grin broke on my mouth as her lips formed a very sincere smile. "That is a good news I'm glad you two saw each other again. I'm really happy for you Rina-san..."

"...thank you."

An awkward atmosphere covered us again, but what distracting me the most is how her eyes lingered behind her. Stealing glances as if waiting for someone.

"I-guess I should go, they're waiting for me."

My sudden words caught her attention again, panic crawled on her feature. I saw how she fidgeted then her lips kept opening trying to tell me something then closing it again. After few seconds of hesitation a long heavy sigh heard from her.

"I'm sorry!"

I blink my eyes for about three times.

"...it was my fault why between you and Ichino-kun ended that way." She looked at my wide eyes, brimming with tears as she wipe it gently. "I was so selfish, I...I was not able to tell you the truth."

I shook my head and this time I gently smile in return. "It's fine." My gentle and quiet tone." Besides, it was all in the past. It is true that you can't changed what had happened but you can always learn from it. But I won't deny how really upset and disappointed I am to you...maybe even mad, but that was before..."

Her fine feature saddened.

"..but I've already forgave you. I just have to convince myself to look at the bright side and told myself that maybe some will do the same thing. When love involves you just either become... Selfless or selfish." I finished before I softly touch her shoulder and squeezed it lightly and let her go. "..just, I'm happy for both of you."

"Wait Rina-san." Her hand swiftly caught mine, gentle yet desperate. She didn't even let me go after I look back at her. "..we, we never get back together... I mean after you two broke up." She mumbled almost whispering the last part. The sad look on her face told the truth though and even I was blank all the time I was really surpise at this revelation.

"Ichino-kun...he truly loves you." She looked at me almost pleading me to believe in her. "..didn't you know that after you transferred he, he changed. He was not the same guy I used to know. Yeah he was still smiling but it was never the same... It will never be the same Rina-san."

"Menori-"

"Please...even though we have something before he was still my friend and best friend seeing him everytime like that...it just breaks my heart."

I just realized how she uses the term love in present and see that she still cares for him but not in a way that she used to. Back then when obviously she was madly in love with him. Indeed the last time I saw him at the ski resort his aura...something really changed in him.

"Menori! Finally found you."

A very too familiar voice called the name of the girl in front of me. My body turned stiff hearing that again, Menori on the other hand gave me a concern look. Have she predicted this will happen or she did purposely distract me to talk to her this long?

"What's wrong with you txting me to be here, I was in the middle of my class. I thought something happen to you!"

I panic when the sound of footsteps are getting closer the thumping of my heart is getting louder and louder until all I heard is the sound of my beating heart. I took a step back but felt Menori's warm hand and when I look at her facade she was begging. Begging for me to stay...

"Oi Menori who are you talking-"

The abrupt stop of footstep numb me and before I knew it Menori let me go and turned her back on me facing the newly arrive person and move a bit to the side showing his form finally in my view.

"Rin..."


"Mi-chi was taking so long..."

Juli said, his tapping his foot in irritation, Ema nodded her head in agreement. "Maybe she's on her way here but suddenly saw someone she knew."

"Well she should hurry up I'm kind of thirsty now." Ema chuckled at her pet even though he looks annoyed he was obviously concern.

"Ema."

The said girl snapped her small head to the side and saw Natsume's form approaching her slowly, hands tuck in his pant's pocket.

"Natsume-san..."

"Tch, finally he came out. Thought he was going to stay inside forever."

Ema ignore Juli's comment and gently smiled instead. "Have you talked to Subaru-san?"

There was a long pause as he stop beside her and stared ahead as if thinking a proper answer for her question. "..sort of." His brief yet gentle words.

Ema didn't say anything afterwards since she can clearly tell the obvious answer inside her head.

"Damn idiots." Juli muttered.

"Where's Rina?"

Ema stared at him again. "She was going to buy some drinks but I'm sure she's on her way back here."

"I see... Maybe I should-"

Their little moment ended when they saw Subaru running towards their direction.

"Sorry took me long." He sigh. Stopping in front of Ema. He looked her for a moment before he stared at Natsume briefly. Though Ema didn't comment on that she was glad that the two was able to talk at least. Subaru immediately noticed the absence of a certain black haired girl. "Where's Rina?"

"Oh she bought drinks but I think she's on her way back here..." She repeated the same answer.

"What's with them? Asking Mi-chi like she was their boyfriends."

Again Ema ignore her pet's obvious annoyed comment and saw Subaru bobbed his head in understanding and remained quiet after.

"I texted Masaomi-san about the result and he said that him and Ukyo-san are planning to celebrate your win Subaru-san."

"I see... It was not really necessary Ema..."

Said girl's feature softened. "Don't say that, winning the championship is needed to be celebrated besides, Rin-chan suggested this idea..."

"Rina?"

"Hm. I think she just knew you will win this game. That's how much she trusted you, we trusted you."

Subaru don't know how to feel about this sudden revelation, he was so speechless for a moment and then he smiled. His gut thump, the sensation of pure happiness and contentment knowing that the navy haired girl has so much faith in his skill.

Ema on the other hand often saw Subaru smile but seeing him smile like this startled her.

"I'm...I'm going to look for her..."

Ema heard him suddenly. "Really? Maybe I should come-"

"I'll do it, just stay here with Ema since you are still tired after that intense game."

Natsume imterrupted making Ema and Subaru jerk their heads towards his direction. Somehow that sudden statement made the grey haired Asahina narrow his eyes. "I think it would be best if I do it myself. I know very well this place besides, I still have an answer to know from her." Natsume remained silent after that. Though the two was quiet the communication through their eyes were enough to tell the words they can't. "I'll be back immediately with her. Take care of Ema." He said at last and run off.

Ema heard Natsume's sigh and saw how he run his finger through the mane of his orange locks. "Natsume-san?"

"Maybe should wait over there." He finally said and pointed a nearby bench. Ema was really confused, what just happened between the two?

"Yeah. I guess that would be best."

"What was that a while ago Chi? I feel something is off with the two when they mentioned Mi-chi."

"I'm not sure Juli but I think the two of them..."

Ema ceased from walking and her eyes widened in realization. She knew that some of her brothers feel something special to her friend. And when the mentioned of some that would be Azusa, Tsubaki and Futo, but she observed the two are acting strange... Really strange. Does this mean that Natsume and Subaru feel something also special for Rina?

"Oh my..."

"Chi? Are you alright?"

"I'm...fine."

Juli cock his brows. "You sure?"

"Yes." Giving her pet a reassuring smile.

"Ema? Something the matter?"

"Nothing!" She replied as she run to his side fast.


Subaru has a clue where he should find the ebony haired girl, since the only vending machine in this area was not far from where he left Ema and Natsume. And he was right because as he approached the place he caught a glimpse of Rina's back figure but stopped abruptly when he saw that someone's with her. A girl around her age, maybe a friend? He thought. He remained from his spot instead and decided to watch for a while before approaching her.

"Rin..."

He was not expecting another voice especially a male. Subaru move from his position to see the other stranger, hiding his presence behind a huge pillar he saw the three figures from his postion finally. From his point of view he observed the stiff back of the certain black hair, even though he can see her face he can tell from the way her posture turned rigid she was not expecting to see this person.

"..I uhm, I would leave you two be."

There was a very long silence among the three before Subaru saw Rina let the girl's hand go and tilt her head to face her again and nod. Subaru didn't know what's going on but the scene was something bothering him, a nagging thought in his mind that Rina and this guy have a story...

After the auburn haired girl left the two the guy was the first one who took the initiative to move forward and stop right in front of her. His feauture was soft.

"It's good to see you again. How are you Rin?"

A few seconds past before he heard her quiet answer. "I'm fine so far, you know it's really unexpected but I never thought I would see you so soon."

His lips grace a light yet sad smile. "I would take you didn't got my letter then."

Grazing her cheek softly she muttered her answer. "No, I got the letter and actually read it."

The grey haired Asahina narrow his eyes. A letter?

The guy remained quiet again, he was looking at her, studying her, hoping to get a reaction about the letter he left for her.

I miss you...

Those are the three words written on that letter. Even Rina doesn't know what to think because that's not what she wants... That's not what she's expecting.

"How could you say anyway that you misses me? Are you trying to manipulate me again Ichino?" There was a sharpness in her tone. The guy though didn't seem faze by it. "If you are looking for forgiveness I already forgave okay? There's nothing for us to talk I already knew the reason why you did it-"

"No, you still have not forgiven me." He interrupted, taking another closer step to her. "Why is that Rin?"

Subaru somehow didn't like this where it's going, he wants to stop this and take her away from this place particularly away from that guy. But he remained rooted from his spot, watching and waiting... Even he started to feel a certain pang in his chest.

"Oh? Really how do you know that huh? You are so arrogant about this, are you trying to tell me that I still have feelings for you that's why I'm acting like a damsel in distress. Are you implying that I still love you?" Rina sounded irritated, or more like mad, fisting her hand hard and her eyes narrowed deeply at his lack of response. She chuckled acridly. "The audacity of you still unnerves me, I hate it when you act this way, I hate it like you know this will happen, I hate it when you just stared at me blankly, I even hate it when you just stand there!"

Subaru never thought he would witness this side of Rina, she was slipping, breaking her mask for the first time. It was unpleasant feeling to see her so vulnerable and broken like this. He wanted to drag her away from that person who causing this. "Fucking hell I look so pathetic, I hate it when you keep popping in my mind and-"

Rina gasped in astonishment finally realizing what she said. Ichino's face finally softened and didn't hesitate to take her hand with so much gentleness which makes the said girl flinched at the abrupt contact but that didn't dither him and embraced her finally.

"What do you think you're doing let me go you bastard!"

Ichino didn't follow her but instead tightened his hold, he missed her warmth, her scent, her voice...just everything about her.

"I'm sorry... I really am." He mumbled burying his face on the crook of her neck.

Subaru didn't like this, the sharp sting in his gut was getting more painful as he watch longer. He took a step forward, trying to stop what's going on. His mouth open for a moment to call her but close it again. He didn't want to but in the end decided to leave them. Each steps he could tell that this will not going to work, that he was not ever getting the answer he wants from the very beginning, that his affections for Rina will never be going to return by her. Never he experienced such pain and seeing the only girl he have fallen deeply in love with was in love with someone else was such a cruel reality. He can't stand it...


Sorryyy! Maannn that took me long but hey I'm still alive hahaha! Anyways just so you know I have reasons and reasons not to tell hehe the most important is I manage to update before the year ends yey me. So first thanks to my new followers of this story: zaria55, thefangirlfeelz, otakuchick02, nataliecheng2103, Zephyranthus, PrincessJV, Maeson, Jkttyl, and 1997bookworm! Oh my really guys tenchu, I'm just so happy that you accidentally push the follow or favorite button haha and Happy New Year to all of you!

LadyScatty:

Glad you like my OC! I just actually realized that maybe I should make her a little stupid you know hahaha but then again this is the character I've portrayed and I love her still. And about who will you prefer for her that's nice to know that you are okay with any of the Asahina brothers, and oh about Juli of course! Haha he was really fluffy and cute can't resist his charms even though his kind of loud. Over all I am absolutely happy that you found this story so far enjoyable? Hoping to read more comments in the near future *wink*

R&R

-Azalea