Pitch-black.
A world devoid of any color. A cold, solitary expanse. A place where she didn't have to think. Where no one would come to bother her. Where she could forget the sadness, forget her duties, and leave the rest of the world behind. Be one with herself.
A sudden pulse. A beeping sound.
Rythmical, but irritating.
Sigh...
Lumine opened her eyes slowly. She had yet to accustom herself to the darkness of her room. It was probably the afternoon, but the heavy curtains prevented all light from coming through.
Lumine was tired.
''Did I doze off again ?''
She wiped the drool from her chin. Good thing she had set up an alarm. She tapped her phone, and the beeping stopped.
''Rise and shine, princess.''
Saying that the voice startled her would be an understatement. Lumine sprang up and grabbed a knife before pointing it at the intruder. The man, on the other hand, did not even flinch. In fact, he looked amused.
''How did you get in ?''
''Wow. I leave you on your own for two weeks and you forget about your old buddy ?'' Enjou scoffed. ''That hurt my feelings.''
Lumine massaged her temples with a sigh. ''I just woke up. Don't scare me like that.''
''Yeah, yeah, whatevs. I'm here to deliver your next assignment.'' He threw a brown envelope at her. ''Hope you have something formal to wear, we took care of everything but that.''
She shook the envelope lightly, and tried to guess its contents. Boring paperwork stuff, probably, and maybe a fake ID. She looked at Enjou expectantly.
''And what about my payment ?''
''I can give it to you right now.'' Her colleague pulled two lollipops out of his pocket, dead serious. ''Lemon or strawberry ?''
The temptation to roll her eyes was great. ''Enjou, I'm serious.''
''So am I, actually.'' He waved off her glare. ''Sorry, princess, but with your current track record, you can't say that you've been that useful to the Abyss. You're doing this one for free.''
''And if I refuse ?''
Enjou inspected his nails without even bothering to look at her. Suddenly, he snatched her phone from the table. Lumine tried to get it back, but he was taller. With a light chuckle, he examined the lock screen.
''That's a cute wallpaper you've got there.''
''Give. It. Back !''
''Were you and Aether at the beach when you took that picture ?'' he continued, unbothered. ''You looked so much happier back then. I wonder how you'd feel now if something were to happen to him.''
Her tongue went solid. She felt a sudden weakness in her knees.
''You...you wouldn't dare.'' she uttered, her voice barely audible.
''I wouldn't dare ?'' Enjou calmly placed her phone back on the table. He gave her a sadistic smile that chilled her to the bone. ''Aether goes for a morning jog three times a week. He likes to hang out with his friends after school. He has a part-time job at a grocery store that's a ten-minute walk from the dorm he stays at. He went to Wanmin Restaurant with a girl several weeks ago. He went shopping with that same girl four days ago. They bought mostly groceries, but they also took the time to check out some clothes. He also bought a new bottle of shampoo. Do I need to keep going, or are you beginning to put the pieces together ?''
Her stomach ached. She really wanted to throw up. The idea of her brother being in danger because of her actions, or rather, lack of actions made her feel sick to no end. Faced with a terrifying organization that feasted on her fear, all she could do was humbly admit defeat.
Lumine's head hung low. ''I understand. The assignment will get done. Just...please forget about my brother.''
Enjou's twisted smile grew tenfold. ''That's a good girl. And don't worry. Painting some walls with your brother's guts would be too much work anyway.'' He forcibly held her shaking chin up. ''Just show some results, okay ?''
''I will.''
To her own surprise, her eyes remained dry. Maybe she was just getting used to it ? Or she had already shed too many tears during her time in the Abyss. It could be both.
Enjou finally headed for the door.
''Well then, I will see you later. Maybe. Would be a shame if this pretty face ended up behind bars.''
The door closed behind him and she was alone. All alone.
…
Lumine was exhausted.
''…''
''…''
Aether didn't know what to do.
When faced with a harsh situation, humans find a way out. Their willpower can move mountains. To survive, they formed societies, created weapons, built houses, learned how to defend themselves, studied medicine, educated the young, created currency...
Aether was pretty sure he never learned how to deal with the situation at hand. He had a pretty good impression of himself. Aether thought he was average-to-rather-good-looking.
But this guy was hot.
Tall, slim, just the right amount of muscle, pristine nails, bright smile, soft voice, great sense of style (that red jacket complemented his blond hair so well, Aether made a mental note to buy one.), and most importantly, his green eyes were absolute weapons.
Weapons that were looking at him with a mix of confusion and embarrassment.
Thoma cleared his throat and tried his best to not come off as rude. ''In case you didn't hear me the first time, I'm here to pick up Miss Kamisato. Is she here ?''
''Uuuuh...''
Thankfully, Ayaka snuck up on him before he could say something stupid.
''Thoma !'' she beamed at him. ''It's been a while, are you well ?''
Aether took advantage of the fact that they weren't paying attention to him to gather his thoughts. So Ayaka knew this guy. In fact they seemed pretty close. Really close.
''But where are my manners ?'' Ayaka giggled courteously. ''Aether, this is Thoma. We've known each other for more than 15 years now.''
15 years, great. Aether was trying to not pass out, but it was fine. Lovely, even.
He wasn't even sure why, but he had to get her attention.
''Ayaka, can I talk to you for a minute ?'' he asked.
''Oh, uuh, sure !''
Aether grabbed her by the wrist and dragged her behind the kitchen counter. After making sure that Thoma wasn't listening in, he finally asked :
''Are you leaving ?''
Ayaka seemed a little blindsided by his question. ''Well, I've been summoned to the Kamisato Estate, so Thoma came to pick me up. My brother probably wants to know how I've been. It's a bit of a family tradition.''
''Yeah, about Thoma...'' Aether scratched his cheek, only too aware of how stupid his question was going to sound. ''He's your butler, right ? Or is he...''
''Well, I guess he's more than just a butler.'' she answered bluntly.
Of course. Why wouldn't she like a handsome dude like him ? Seemed really nice too...
Pain.
Aether felt his heart ache and he didn't know why. Ayaka was just a roommate, right ? Right ? He definitely had grown a little attached to her, but not like that, right ?Aether wasn't in love. He definitely wasn't.
But it still hurt so ba-
''He's a bit of second older brother to me.''
Wut.
Ayaka brought a finger to her chin. ''When I was little, I thought I had a bit of a crush on him, but I quickly realized that I liked him as another sibling. Hope that's a satisfactory answer.''
That wasn't a satisfactory answer at all ! Why in the world would she phrase it like that ? Was she making him go through an emotional roller-coaster on purpose ? And how did the pain in his heart just magically disappear ?
Aether didn't want to know the answer to the last one.
Ayaka looked puzzled. ''Did you assume that Thoma and I were-''
''I did not assume a thing !''
His roommate was now trying to contain her laughter. ''Aether, were you being jealous ?''
''I- uh...can we talk about this some other time ?'' he pleaded while avoiding her eyes.
Were Ayaka's eyes playing tricks on her, or had Aether's face flushed for a brief moment ?
It wasn't a bad sight. And she certainly was not against the idea of Aether assuming she was in a relationship and acting all strange over it.
The way he scratched the back of his head was cute, to say the least.
''Milady, are you ready to go ?'' Thoma's voice snapped them back to reality.
''Coming !''
They both got up and hurried back to the door. Seeing that her roommate still looked troubled, Ayaka figured now was a good time to turn the tables on him.
Before departing with her butler, she leaned into Aether's ear and whispered :
''Since I'm going to stay at the estate for the night, you'll have to explain yourself over the phone. I'll be expecting your call~''
She had never seen Aether close a door so quickly before.
...
Aether let his back slide down the door, completely spent. He caught a glimpse of his reflection in the mirror across the room.
His face was beet red.
''This girl is going to be the end of me...''
''Thank you Thoma, you may leave us now .''
As soon as his butler left, Ayato's shoulders relaxed. All of the clan's duties aside, his position still was a lot of work. Keeping the Yashiro Group afloat financially, having several business meetings a day and making speeches at various venues was taxing. But he still carried on, tenacious and unstoppable, just like his father before him.
But whenever Ayaka showed up, his work ethic would go out the window.
Kamisato Ayato was an older brother, before being a businessman.
''So, how is my adorable little sister doing ?''
''I've been great, thanks.''
Reviewing his sister's grades was old-fashioned, yes, but Ayato thought of it more as a way to spend time with her than anything else.
That being said, a small detail still caught his attention.
''Only placed fourth in the mock exams ?'' He gave her a questioning look. ''You're usually first. What happened ?''
Ayaka scratched her cheek. ''Yeah, about that...I haven't been studying as much lately. Let's just say that my roommate knows how to get my attention.''
Seeing how high her brother's brow was reaching, she tried to clarify things a bit.
''B-by which I mean, we've been hanging out a lot lately, and since all of it is a bit new to me...''
''You wanted to make the most of it and have fun.'' Ayato finished for her with a smile. ''I understand, sis.''
''Thank you Ayat-''
''Though I've been meaning to ask...''
Uh-oh.
Her older brother's eyes squinted dangerously. ''What is this Aether fellow like ?''
''Here we go again...''
Ayaka sighed. It was probably best to explain this in the most platonic way possible. She took a deep breath.
''Aether does fairly well academically. Most of our teachers agree that he could be among the top students if he wanted to. He is also athletic, charismatic, and has a lot of friends. He likes to have fun and is a big fan of jokes, but he's no troublemaker. There. That's the kind of person he is.''
Content with her answer, she puffed her chest. That was an honest presentation of Aether, one that any classmate could have given.
But Ayato wasn't satisfied. He saw right through her, and could read his sister like a book.
And right now, it felt like he'd just reached an exquisite chapter.
''What about you, though ?'' he pressed on with a mischievous grin. ''You two are roommates, you should know some things about him that others don't. What did you first think of him ?''
Hook, line, and sinker. Ayaka just had to play along and be completely honest.
''Well, at first, I thought he was going to annoy me to no end.'' She blushed slightly at the memory. ''But I guess I've really warmed up to him. He just has something that makes people open up to him. In just a few months he has become someone really special to me, and-''
''Your special someone, eh ?'' he cut her off, too happy of the implications.
Ayato dodged the pen that was immediately flung at him.
''Aether and I are not like that !'' she blurted out, her face now matching Thoma's jacket.
''You're making it sound like you two are more than roommates, though. There was a certain fondness in your voice just now.''
Another pen flew by his ear. He cut off her ammunition supply by grabbing the pen case.
Ayaka pouted at her brother. ''We're just friends. Close friends.''
The clan head smiled. How long had it been since he'd last seen his sister act so bashful ? Way too long, probably.
Deep down, he knew that Ayaka had been denied a proper childhood. Even before the passing of their parents, being a part of the clan came with many responsibilities, many expectations that took up all of her time. She was expected to behave like an adult when she was not even ten.
As a result, she never had the chance to make any real friends aside from Thoma.
Maybe that was the reason why he encouraged her to leave the nest when she reached her teenage years. Go to a prestigious school, meet people your age, and be happy. That was the least he could do for her.
''Ayaka.''
''Hmm ?''
''Are you happy ? With your student life, I mean.''
Ayaka seemed to think about his question for a moment. But the answer was already clear.
''I keep experiencing new fun things, and I'm no longer afraid to get close to other people.'' Her lips curved up into a purehearted smile. ''More than happy, I'm feeling alive, Ayato.''
…
''Then I've reached my goal. You've changed a lot, Ayaka, and in a good way.''
Ayaka lied down on her bed. It felt so comfortable and soft. Countless memories from her childhood began to flood her brain. She let them flow inside, closing her eyes in order to savor them more. In this moment, she felt at peace.
Her room was exactly like her : elegant, but with a personality of its own. This familiar place comforted her, and made her feel nostalgic at the same time.
''Any minute, now...''
Her phone rang at that exact moment. She immediately took the call, and her ears were welcomed by Aether's soft voice.
''Hey, there. Still not asleep ?''
''No, not yet. How was your day ? Did you manage to survive without me ?''
Aether chuckled. ''I've been doing just fine. Unlike some people, I can eat my own cooking without putting my life in danger.''
''Hey !'' she fake-yelled at him. ''I'm learning, mind you.''
''I know, I'm just messing with you. How are things at the estate ?''
''Everyone is in good health. Ayato took the day off, but rather than enjoying himself, he said he'd rather spend time together with me.''
''You better enjoy his company then.'' Aether's tone shifted a little. ''Make the most of the time you have with him, okay ?''
''Oh, I will !'' She remained silent for a moment before continuing. ''By the way he seemed really curious about you.''
''Huh, me ?''
''Yeah, he asked all of these strange questions about you and how others see you.''
''Oh, really ?'' She could almost hear him smirk. ''And how do you see me, Ayaka ?''
''I am not getting interrogated a second time today, mister. Actually, you're supposed to explain to me why you were being so weird with Thoma.''
Oh. Aether forgot about that. The weird uneasiness from this morning came back like it never left.
''Uuuuh...yeah. Am I supposed to have a good reason ?'' he asked honestly, his voice turning sheepish. ''I just assumed that Thoma was your boyfriend, that's it.''
''No, that's not it. You were acting different, Aether.'' She tried to make her jubilation inaudible. In all honesty, she enjoyed this little game. Doing the teasing was new to her, but she certainly enjoyed it.
Wait. Was Aether really rubbing off on her ?
''It just felt a bit strange to me. I-i'm not saying that I don't want you to be in a relationship, of course ! It's just that...you're pretty, smart, and so mature. It made me think that there was probably a ton of guys out there wanting to date you.''
''Are you one of them ?'' she didn't ask.
Rather, she took a deep breath and tried to ignore the fluttering in her chest.
''I really don't think so. On the contrary, there are a lot of girls attracted to you.''
Aether did not even try to hide his surprise. ''For real ?''
He was that dense ? Dear God. ''Well, you definitely are popular.'' she replied. ''A lot of our classmates think you're funny, and...''
''And ?'' She could not discern his tone, but his breath definitely got shorter. Well, the next words she uttered made her feel pretty embarrassed, too.
''And, by societal standards only, you're...really good-looking. It's no surprise that they're interested.''
Was she interested herself ? It was most definitely a question that she had tried to avoid until now, but she wouldn't be able to run from it forever.
''…''
''Aether ?''
''Oh, sorry. I think I was dozing off a bit.'' he lied shamelessly. He was trying to get rid of the dumb smile he had on his face.
''Do you need rest ? I can hang up now if you're feeling tired.''
''No, I'm good, don't worry !''
He was sleepy, but also feared that the conversation might end abruptly, because he had something to say. He prepared to break the comfortable silence between them, but the words he was about to utter had trouble leaving his lips. After a quick look at the stars through the window, he made up his mind. Gathering his courage, Aether said , almost in a whisper :
''You know, at the end of the school year, I'm probably going to move to another dorm. We've been an exception for a while now, but it's still not very acceptable to be sharing a room with someone of the opposite sex. Especially for a noble.''
''...''
He hated every word that came out of his mouth. These past few months had been so much fun, and he didn't want to give up on their dynamic.
Aether could only hope that she felt the same way.
''That's why next year I want to still be friends with you. To hang out as much as we do right now. I want...'' he cut himself off. The words were still lodged in his throat, so he forced them out.
''I want to be close to you.''
Ayaka wasn't sure if there was a cannon in her room or if it was just her heartbeat. The rythmical, almost painful throbbing in her chest drowned out all other sounds. It was a miracle in itself that she managed to speak up at all.
''Aether...I want to be living with you next year as well. I want our fun to continue for many more months to come.''
''Ayaka...''
She would not accept his decision. It was one thing she could never do. Her whole life, she had done what was asked of her wothout question.
For him, she would be selfish.
''I don't care if people keep spreading rumors about us doing...intimate things. Don't worry about me. I'm already used to people talking behind my back.''
The beating made it difficult to speak calmly, but her resolve was all she needed to make herself heard.
In a half-whisper that made both of their hearts race, she pleaded:
''Please, don't go anywhere.''
Aether felt like an idiot. He really tortured himself over the smallest things. Of course she would be fine. There was no need to make the both of them suffer for the sake of what others would say. She had changed a lot since their first meeting, but she could still be as stubborn as him when she wanted to.
And he absolutely loved that.
''Sure. Let's stay together, roommate.''
I'm alive ! And busy. So, so busy.
Sorry my writing's been so slow, everyone ! IRL stuff + a bit of writer's block really comboed me hard. Buuuut I'm brainstorming on another story right now. A big one, and not an AU. Well, kinda. You'll see what I mean when it comes out.
About this chapter, tho, I promised I would reveal who 'someone' is, but there's been a change of plans. They will probably appear in the next chapter.
This one was a bit more fluff-oriented towards the end, but brace yourselves, because it's about to go DOWN.
P.S : Ayaka's banner would be a great opportunity to grind primos, since she came home during the first days for me. But I'm too busy :( Also Heizou looks like a shonen protag.
