Holy crap, this took forever to write. Enjoy~
Watershed
People really need to use their indoor voices
Ichimatsu gave a tired yawn as he turned to the next page; his eyes engrossed with the textbook sitting on his lap.
"Here you go, Nii-chan!"
He looked up to see Jyushimatsu smiling as he placed the hot cup of tea in front of him.
"Thanks."
He watched the younger brother curiously shift his gaze downwards to the book and then to his laptop on the table. A word document was opened up and he noticed it was full of nothing but English words. Jyushimatsu scanned the text trying to mouth the first sentence in broken English.
"Gu-Gyuritins, todai Ibu wirr bi paresentin mai-"
"Do you need anything?" Ichimatsu said boredly, leaning his head on his palm.
Jyshimatau pulled his head back quickly and asked in a meek voice.
"Big exam?"
"Mm, I have a presentation tomorrow."
Ichimatsu took a sip of his tea before turning back to his book. "I am required to say it entirely in English."
"Oh... do you need to read this out in front of the class?" the younger said this gesturing at the laptop.
"No, fully memorized," he answered in a dry tone. "Afterwards, I have to answer questions and debate my argument in English as well. The whole point is to prepare us as if we're in a board meeting with foreigners."
Jyushimatsu's eyes gleamed with interest.
"Wow, that's really impressive Nii-chan!"
"Huh, really." His voice seeped of sarcasm, but unfortunately went unnoticed by the younger's enthusiasm.
"Of course! Learning another language to its fullest is such an accomplishment. Especially when you're older it's really difficult. I mean, what your class has to do is nothing compared to what we learned back in highschool." Jyushimatsu crossed his arms with a disappointed grin. "I could never really get the hang of it. Too hard for me I guess."
"Well, it's to be expected," Ichimatsu said with a raised eyebrow. He took a pencil and marked a note on the page. "Seriously, it's no big deal."
"Ah… haha right," Jyushimatsu chuckled nervously now showing embarrassment. He averted his eyes away, scratching his chin absentmindedly. "Still, I think it would really help to speak another language for certain situations. English is only considered an extracurricular in my field area. You and Karamatsu Nii-san could-"
Ichimatsu glared. "Could what?"
"...Nevermind."
"I'M GONNA THROTTLE HIM!"
Jyushimatsu and Ichimatsu both turned their attention to the kitchen where their older brother was screaming into his cellphone, texting furiously on the screen.
"Choromatsu Nii-san," Jyushimatsu called out worriedly. "Are you alright?"
The elder turned to them. With angry, heavy steps, Choromatsu stormed into the room they were in. "It's been a day and a half already and I still can't get a hold of that irresponsible, selfish brother of ours. Where in the world is that good-for-nothing?!"
Jyushimatsu walked over to Choromatsu, gently patting his shoulder. "Choromatsu Nii-san, you should calm down."
Ichimatsu groaned and rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Are you STILL on about that? Give it a rest already. This isn't the first time Todomatsu went dark." He growled. "Even Shittymatsu quit his whining and stopped his insistent calling."
"Karamatsu had no choice," the second son retorted. "He had to go to work."
"My god, you two shitheads are making such a big deal out of this," Ichimatsu shook his head. "It's Todomatsu we're talking about. Besides, Iyami's doing fine now."
Choromatsu took umbrage at his remark and glared scoldingly at him. "Honestly Ichimatsu, this is serious," he argued. "Iyami has been nothing but a good friend to our family. This action, this CRIME, is something that brings nothing but shame. At this point, Todomatsu will become..."
For a split second, the eldest's eyes darkened. With a grunt of frustration, Choromatsu shrugged off Jyushimatsu's hand and pulled out a folded piece of paper from his pocket.
"Fine! It you want me to stop talking about it, since you're both home and Karamatsu Nii-san is off tonight, I say that before you leave we can have dinner together."
Ichimatsu cringed with displeasure. "Gross."
"Hush. Might as well spite Todomatsu and make some hot pot for everyone. So I need you two to go to the store and buy these ingredients."
"Can we do this another time? I have a presentation to-"
"Dad said we should have dinner together while they're gone," Choromatsu countered. "It would ease Mom to do so. Besides, you'll do fine like you always do."
Ichimatsu frowned, wanting to say something, but instead silently clicked his tongue. "...Of course."
"Here you go," Choromatsu said handing the paper to Jyushimatsu. He then stretched his arms up in the air and moved his head from side to side; the sound of soft, short cracking coming from his stiff upper body. If Ichimatsu guessed, he figured the older brother must have spent a lot of hours bend down on his laptop again.
"If you need me," Choromatsu added. "I'll be upstairs for a bit. Call me down when you get back."
He waved them off before walking out the door and heading up the stairs; grumbling the whole way up.
Once it got quiet, Jyushimatsu sighed out a long held breath and walked back to Ichimatsu.
Ichimatsu scoffed. "What a joke," he muttered to himself. "A good friend? If I remember correctly, Iyami was nothing but a greedy pain in the ass when we were kids."
"Come on Nii-chan. Let's get going."
With no point arguing anymore, Ichimatsu closed his laptop and followed his brother out the door.
"Thank you! Please come again!"
The female clerk waved goodbye as Ichimatsu and Jyushimatsu exited the grocery store. Both of them were carrying a large bag filled with various meats, vegetables, and other toppings.
"Haha he went overboard with the list didn't he?" Jyushimatsu stared at the copious amount of food. "Though he shouldn't have decided on such a big dinner so soon. But what can we do. It's Choromatsu Nii-san after all."
Ichimatsu kept staring at his cellphone screen as they walked the streets of the city. His expression sullen as he tapped over to his messages.
'What is he thinking?' He thought to himself.
It was a fairly cloudy, mid-afternoon. It was still pretty chilly, overpowering the patches of warm sunshine that escaped out of the grayish clouds. The snow had settled since yesterday morning, but the sidewalks were still covered with a thin layer of ice; making it somewhat difficult to walk on.
Although they were overall forced to go outside; on the way to the store, both of them felt good to get away from the stuffiness of the house. Mostly away from Choromatsu's wrath.
Jyushimatsu took a slow long inhale; enjoying the cool freshness of the winter air despite it giving him a slight pinch on the nose.
"He looked kind of scary back there didn't he," Jyushimatsu noted. "Well, we better get home before the fish cakes spoil."
'I don't get it at all.'
"Nii-chan?"
'Damn those idiots...'
Jyushjimatsu raised a curious eyebrow to Ichimatsu. A brooding air seemed to be releasing out of the latter as he eyed his phone with odd intensity.
"Nii-chan, is everything alright?"
"Huh?" Ichimatsu snapped his head up, finally acknowledging his concerned-looking younger brother.
"You seem upset. Since yesterday actually. Are you stressed about your presentation?"
"Mm," the young man hummed in response. "Something like that."
"Ah...okay then. I don't think you will have to worry though. You always do really well after all."
Ichimatsu glanced over to his brother's face. The younger was biting his bottom lip nervously as if there was something waiting to come out. "Hey," he spoke. "If you got something to say, say it."
The latter turned to him and then after a few seconds nodded; grateful for the permission given.
"Could Todo really have done something like this to Oji-san?" Jyushimatsu asked carefully.
His words filled with genuine honesty but Ichimatsu could sense a hint of fear present; as if the younger was worried he was saying something wrong.
"I mean, I remember how many times he got into fights in high school but...this?"
"It's not surprising really," Ichimatsu replied. "He barely graduated highschool, which is a miracle to be honest, and he hangs out with those dropouts all the time."
At that, he took a moment to remember their high school years when Todomatsu began to change. At first they thought it was just a phase. First, he would just ignore or complain when someone told him to do something, or say a snide comment when he was in disagreement. Then he started skipping school for days on end without telling anyone. Afterwards, he got worse; failing in his classes and spending time with other problematic people. He remembered one night when Todomatsu came home late with bruises on his knuckles and the putrid smell of cigarette smoke clinging to his clothes.
When their parents finally found out, their mother was crying for hours, heartbroken over what had happened to her 'sweet little baby boy.' Their father and Karamatsu were furious, but no matter the scolding and the punishments, no one was able to stop him. Not to mention, their mother would never dare to cut him off from money, their home, or anything drastic. As time passed and the youngest continued to act up, how he was now became the norm for the family.
Ichimatsu continued.
"Plus, he and Iyami hate each other. Have for years. It was bound to escalate at one point or another."
Jyushimatsu looked back at him expectedly. "I feel like there's a 'But' in there."
"It's nothing."
When Karamatsu had asked Todomatsu why he did these things, the boy laughed in his face like it was the most funniest question in the world.
"Because I want to, that's why. Doing what all you simpletons do is no fun anyways~"
Choromatsu had taken the most offense to this statement and ever since then, the second son would always be the one to call out on everything Todomatsu did and make a big issue over any wrong doings that would occur.
To Ichimatsu, it all seemed so pointless and tedious.
If Todomatsu wasn't going to change or listen to anyone, even to their own mother, than it was just a lost cause. However, it was especially annoying how Choromatsu always wanted him to help back him up alongside Karamatsu.
He wanted to refuse outright, but of course, their mother was very supportive of Choromatsu. She encouraged Ichimatsu to help him out whenever needed, worried that Choromatsu would be too stressed if by himself.
So Ichimatsu did, and forced himself to act like another concerned older brother if only to please and ease her mind.
He absolutely despised it all; having to be dragged into this inane predicament. He just wanted everyone to mind their own business. If he had the choice and courage, he would tell his mother that Todomatsu could do fuck all for all he cared.
Unfortunately, that wasn't the case this time...
Ichimatsu looked back at the recent messages he received once more. He hated to admit it, but Jyushimatsu was right.
This was something he couldn't understand. Couldn't let go.
"Todomatsu, what is going on?"
8:13am
Todomatsu: "Haha oh yeah now I remember (^^") Oopie poopsie!"
Todomatsu: "But really, Buck Teeth deserved it."
Todomatsu: "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to stay away from Karamatsu and Brother dearest for a while"
Todomatsu: "Thx again Ichimatsu~"
Todomatsu had sent him these texts the following morning after Iyami's attack. Despite everything he knew and told Jyushimatsu otherwise, Ichimatsu couldn't help but be pulled with such disbelief. He was perplexed.
'There was no way Todomatsu would admit to doing it would he?'
He wasn't lying when he honestly believed the younger could do such a thing and he really didn't care. Todomatsu has already done such shameful things so there was no doubt he would go further if given the opportunity.
'Even still, would he really risk it with jumping Iyami of all people? Why not a random stranger? And why even text me this in the first place?'
That conversation was nothing but a nuisance since then. Todomatsu's behavior was even more strange that he couldn't help but try to dissect and analyze each text with intense scrutiny. This whole thing was taking up all his concentration and making Ichimatsu even more frustrated.
There was the sound of a soft cough and Ichimatsu was suddenly reminded of the company he had walking beside him.
'Oh, yeah.'
He pulled back his unkempt hair; taking a deep breath.
"Anyways don't bother with it. You have a game in a couple of days right? Focus on that. Don't bother with this. Whatever they do, it's none of our concern. "
The corners of Jyushimatsu tugged slightly upwards. He turned to stare at the ground in front of him.
"Right...sorry for asking."
Ichimatsu nodded back in confirmation. 'That's right,' he thought. He couldn't let Jyushimatsu know how bothered he was about all this. 'Focus on your life and I'll focus on mine. Just stop this train of thought right now.'
'This is not your problem.'
The two continued walking; making there way to the crosswalk. Ichimatsu tried to concentrate his attention on the signal lights; trying his best to distract himself. It was short lived as he looked back at Jyushimatsu; a worried expression still on his face. Looking at him made Ichimatsu even more annoyed and angry Todomatsu.
'Dammit, why does that idiot have to always cause trouble?'
"Thank god I'm leaving tonight," he muttered, "Nothing good ever happens around here."
Jyushimatsu turned to him and quietly chuckled. "Yeah, you're right about that."
Just for a second, Ichimatsu could have sworn he saw something in the younger's expression but quickly brushed it off as nothing.
If there was one positive whenever he came back home, it was that Jyushimatsu was the most tolerable of all his brothers.
He was polite, never caused trouble, and never tried to get involved in their family's constant drama (or at least Ichimatsu made sure he stayed uninvolved). The elder often questioned about the younger's mild temperament at times but he guessed he was always like that. He enjoyed that about Jyushimatsu. If there was one thing he expected every time he visited home, it was that he had nothing to worry about when it came to his younger brother.
"Well still," he yawned out. "If anything happens, be sure to text me alright?"
"Yes, of course. Thanks Nii-chan!"
"You're not sticking your nose into anything unnecessary right?"
"Hehe, you don't have to worry about that. I normally just hang out with my teammates or classmates if anything happens."
"Hm, good."
Suddenly, Ichimatsu felt a tap on his shoulder. The two turned around to see it was Totoko; a warm, energetic smile greeted them.
"Ichimatsu-kun! Jyushimatsu-kun!" she said, voice full of pep.
"Ah, Yowai-san," Ichimatsu bowed slightly.
"So formal!" She pouted. "Visiting home I see. Hehe, went shopping as well huh? I just finished my class. Do you mind if I walk home with you two?"
"Not at all!" Jyushimatsu with a friendly grin. "You look lovely today."
"Oh you're so sweet," she blushed. Totoko moved up next to Ichimatsu with curious, invested eyes. "Sooooo how's your classes been if you don't mind me asking?"
Without much thought, he answered in a disinterested tone. "It's alright. Some classes are harder than others, but that's to be expected. I quite enjoy it there. Plus my roommate isn't annoying."
"Have you made any friends yet?"
"A few with my classmates. We often eat together during study groups. They're pleasant people as well."
"That's good to hear," Totoko said relieved. "I was a bit worried since you have never been away from home before. I thought you might be a bit lonely."
Ichimatsu wanted to snort in reply. As if he'd miss this shithole.
"Not really," he answered instead. "It's refreshing actually. I was able to adapt pretty easily to the environment. Especially being surrounded by others with the same goal as me."
"Hehe, I know what you mean." she glanced over at Jyushimatsu. "Jyushimatsu-kun and I share a couple of classes and we often work together on assignments. It's nice when you go through something together than on your own, isn't it?"
"I guess."
"By the way, still haven't heard from Todomatsu-kun?" Totoko gave a concerned frown. "Chibita-kun told me what happened, but I still can't believe it."
Ichimatsu wanted to rip his hair out.
'This again?' he yelled in his head. 'Can everyone just stop talking about it already?'
"No, not yet sadly," Jyushimatsu answered. "Choromatsu Nii-san was still trying earlier. He's been in such a bad mood since then."
"Aww the poor thing," she said with a sympathetic look. "Honestly, that boy shouldn't be stressing out his family like this."
Ichimatsu wanted to agree but kept his mouth shut. He really didn't want to confirm it to himself how much this whole thing was eating him.
The young woman then hummed in disappointment. She huffed out a sigh.
"Well, I was hoping that Todomatsu-kun would show up on his own but... I think I know where he might be at."
Ichimatsu perked his ears up. "You do?"
Totoko nodded. The three of them stopped walking and went over to the side to prevent themselves from blocking any pedestrians.
"So you guys know how Todomatsu-kun wears those black scuffed combat boots right?" Totoko questioned. Ichimatsu was unsure. He never really bothered to look at what shoes the idiot was wearing, but nodded anyways.
Jyushimatsu shrugged. "I guess. What about it?"
"Well I saw them when I went over to Dekapan Ojisan's place yesterday morning."
"Dekapan-san?"
That was interesting. According to Karamatsu, he called Dekapan yesterday and the former medical doctor stated he hadn't heard from Todomatsu since two weeks ago. Ichimatsu looked at the girl confused.
"Yup it was definitely Todomatsu-kun's boots." Totoko nodded confidently. "I even asked him if he had seen him but he said no."
"Huh?" Jyushimatsu chimed in puzzlement. "Really?"
"Dekapan Ojisan was also acting pretty strange. When I saw him, he looked like he didn't even sleep that night. He looked exhausted and pretty shaken up about something."
Totoko then gave a worried frown.
"I don't think he noticed it."
"Noticed what?" Ichimatsu asked.
"He said he was fine but I don't know. I...I THINK I saw blood on his clothes."
"Blood?" Jyushimatsu's eyes widened in surprise. "A-are you sure Yowai-chan?"
"I'm not sure really. I only talked with him for a short time because I was only there to pick up Papa's ointment. I could have just been seeing thing... I hope..."
She shook her head and smiled at the two.
"This is a predicament isn't it?" she tried speaking back with a playful manner. "I mean it could have been red paint for all I know. Maybe Ojisan was taking up a hobby in art recently. Or tomato sauce if he was cooking? But it seems all so suspicious."
"Yeah, it is." Ichimatsu said. Not wanting to hear anymore of this, he turned his head to Tokoto.
"Uh...Still, Yowai-san, I really have to apologize that you had to worry about us. Todomatsu isn't your problem and you shouldn't have to stress yourself so much over what's probably nothing. I'm sure both he and Dekapan are fine. So please, forget what's going on and let us deal with it."
Totoko's smile widened.
Jyushimatsu shied away, knowing better not to get in her way as she walked in front of Ichimatsu and flicked him hard on the forehead.
"Excuse you, Matsuno-san! Maybe I was just seeing things, but don't brush off my concern for you boys unless you want a hook to the eye." Totoko glared, lifting her fist threateningly.
"Ow." Ichimatsu flinched in pain and rubbed his throbbing forehead. 'I rather not. Geez your flicks always feel like punches.'
The childhood friend then gently patted him on the head. "I swear, what am I going to do with all of you?"
Totoko started walking past them. "Well, I think I'll walk home by myself now. Ichimatsu put me in a sour mood after all!"
"I'm sorry?" Ichimatsu looked confused.
She turned around one more time to the two brothers, waving with a smile. "I'll see you in class Jyushimatsu-kun! Do keep me updated with Todomatsu-kun will you?"
With that, she crossed the street and went on her way; leaving the two alone once more.
Ichimatsu sometimes couldn't understand that girl. He glanced over at Jyushimatsu who just shrugged in reply. "Well, you made her mad pretty fast."
"I was only telling her the truth. I can't believe even she got dragged into this."
"Yeah, I understand. But Yowai-chan is Yowai-chan I guess."
"Damn, this whole weekend has been extra shitty. Todomatsu always has to fuck something up."
"It'll be alright Nii-chan. I'm sure everyone will get over it soon. Whatever Todomatsu is up to, it has nothing to do with any of us. Like you said, right?"
Ichimatsu wanted to just nod in agreement but he couldn't help clenching the grocery bag tightly in his fist.
He tried to control himself and stay calm.
"Right."
He needed to take a few long breaths, that's all. He was too stressed for this.
"Right..."
"Yup it was definitely Todomatsu-kun's boots. I even asked him if he had seen him but he said no."
"Dekapan Ojisan was also acting pretty strange. When I saw him, he looked like he didn't even sleep that night. He looked exhausted and pretty shaken up about something."
...Right?
Todomatsu: "And how bad was Buck Teeth beaten up pray tell?"
Todomatsu: "Was that all that happened to Iyami?"
"He said he was fine but I don't know. I...I THINK I saw blood on his clothes."
"Nii-chan? Are you okay?"
Todomatsu: "Haha oh yeah now I remember (^^") Oopie poopsie!"
Todomatsu: "But really, Buck Teeth deserved it."
Todomatsu: "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to stay away from Karamatsu and Brother dearest for a while."
Todomatsu: "Thx again Ichimatsu~
.
.
.
.
.
Fuck it.
"Jyushimatsu," Ichimatsu asked. "Remind me. Shittymatsu is getting out of work soon correct?"
"Eh?" The younger was startled at the commanding tone coming from his brother. "Um yeah," he answered looking over at his phone. "In 15 minutes or so."
"Where?"
"I think he is working at the music shop right now."
Ichimatsu gave a curt nod, turning his heels and walking the opposite direction from home. "Alright, I'm going to regret this. Come on."
"Wha- Where are we going?" Jyushimatsu hurried behind him, bewildered.
"We're going to pick Shittymatsu up and head over to Dekapan's."
Jyushimatsu was taken aback, surprised at what Ichimatsu was possibly thinking.
"Wait Nii-chan, are you-"
"Yeah."
"But you said-"
"I'm making it my problem. Let's go get the little idiot."
It had been almost 48 hours since Todomatsu brought in the Matsuno lookalike to Dekapan's home.
The unknown boy was still unconscious upstairs. His fever decreased considerably since then but Dekapan had to place an IV on him to keep him nourished as he showed no signs of waking up. As promised, the DNA test was currently going underway. Once Dekapan got the results, he would let Todomatsu know and both of them could decide on what to do next.
Dekapan gave a concerned look over at Todomatsu who was lounging on the couch, playing around on his cellphone.
He was wearing some spare clothes Dekapan had lent him; the teen's clothes currently being washed due to the snow, sweat, and blood from night before. Todomatsu had specifically asked for something with a turtleneck, and when Dekapan asked, the young man just shrugged saying it was because of a cold. He offered the boy some medicine but he refused, which worried the doctor further.
Beside that, the elder had also been wondering whether Todomatsu would be curious and check up on the stranger's well being. He had been anxious of Todomatsu reacting negatively to everything going on. However, that did not seem to be the case.
Todomatsu had been quiet. Strangely quiet.
After Dekapan finished his nap the other day, Todomatsu stayed silent. He didn't ask any further questions over the lookalike or even step foot upstairs. He almost didn't seem interested or caring at all. He acted as though the person in the room above wasn't even there.
All the time spent in his home, the teen just stayed on the couch and fiddle with his phone; only going up to use the bathroom or head outside to get food.
"Todomatsu-kun?"
"Leave me alone Ojisan," the boy spoke bluntly. "I'm not in the mood right now."
Dekapan strode over to Todomatsu, about to brush a hand on his forehead. "I'm sorry Boya, but I must ask again, is everything alright? How is your cold? Are you feeling any better?"
The latter swatted the hand away with a grunt. "I'm fine," he said before trying to resume with what he was doing on his phone.
Undeterred, Dekapan continued questionly. "You can tell me what is bothering you if you wish. It's not good to keep it all in."
Todomatsu sat up, turning around and glaring up at the older gentleman.
"I said I am fine! How many times do I have to tell you?"
"I am just quite concerned. You have been very quiet so-"
"Quit your babying will you? Gosh, you're so annoying."
Normally, if it was anyone else, they would have reprimanded the young man's behavior and kicked him out. Fortunately, Dekapan was used to Todomatsu's attitude, having let the boy stay many times in his home, especially when the youngest Matsuno had nowhere else to go. With sadly, was pretty often.
However, this time it was different. Todomatsu had been acting incredibly defensive every time the doctor tried to talk to him. He noticed that the more he engaged, the more the latter would get visibly upset and lash out easily.
"Did something happen while I was asleep?"
"I swear to...Can we please stop talking old man?"
"I'm just concerned as to why you've been acting like this."
"I'm perfectly normal. YOU are the one acting all weird! Like I said, I'm in a terrible mood because of a cold. That's all!"
"There's something bothering you, I know it. Are you worried about the boy upstairs?
Todomatsu tensed up.
"It has to be about him right? Perhaps you are worried about the DNA test?"
For a second, Todomatsu had this fearful expression on his face before baring his teeth angrily at the doctor.
"Urgh...No! I told you it's nothing!"
He suddenly got up from the couch and stormed to the front door.
"Oiya?" Dekapan quickly followed. "Todomatsu-kun?!"
"Heh, you know what?" Todomatsu said, struggling to put on his boots. "I'm gonna get some fresh air. Maybe when I come back, I won't be bombarded with stupid questions."
"Wait, Todomatsu-kun! I didn't mean to-"
However, as Todomatsu pulled the door wide open, both he and Dekapan were startled to see Ichimatsu, Karamatsu, and Jyushimatsu standing outside; Jyushimatsu's outstretched hand in the air as if ready to knock.
"So...you were here." Jyushimatsu muttered hesitantly, more confirming to himself than anyone.
All five stood there for a moment completely shocked.
Todomatsu was the first to snap out of it, glaring at the three older brothers.
"Are you kidding me?" Todomatsu took a step back revulsion. "Why are you guys here?"
He was met with a scornful look. "I should ask you the same," Ichimatsu retorted. "By the way, what was up with those texts you sent huh?"
"Texts? What are-"
Before Todomatsu could say anything else, Karamatsu pushed past Ichimatsu and Jyushimatsu, and entered through the door.
"I apologize for intruding Dekapan-san."
In a flash, Ichimatsu, Jyushimatsu, and Dekapan watched in horror as the eldest son grabbed Todomatsu by the collar and punching him square in the jaw.
"Nii-san!?"
"Oi, Shittymatsu!"
The two middle brothers followed inside with their backs against the wall; alarmed and unsure of what to do.
The recipient was thrown back with force, stumbling over in surprise. No one moved.
Karamatsu stood over the younger but said nothing, fists still clenched tightly to his sides.
Todomatsu blinked a few times. He slowly rubbed his increasingly sore jaw, before gasping out what almost sounded like a snigger. He looked up at Karamatsu with a smirk of disbelief.
"Todomatsu-kun, are you alright?" Dekapan knelt over to the boy but was harshly shoved off.
The younger sibling got up, amazed when he noticed wiped up blood from his hand.
"Well," he huffed out. "I certainly didn't expect that hehe…WHAT THE ABSOLUTE HELL KARAMATSU! ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?!"
Karamatsu grabbed Todomatsu turtleneck again while the latter grappled his shoulders in response.
"No, actually," Karamatsu spoke in a scarily calm manner. His deep, threatening voice sent shivers down everyone's spines. Anger seemed to seep out from the eldest brother; his eyes dark and menacing.
"I can't believe you."
His grip tightened. "You coward. Hiding and taking advantage of Dekapan."
It honestly scared everyone with how Karamatsu spoke. However, Todomatsu tried to stay unfazed; seizing his fingernails further into the older's shoulders and glared daggers at him.
"Get your hands off me! You're crazy you know that!"
"How could you continue to act like nothing's wrong after what you did to Iyami-san?"
"Iyami-san? What do you-...S-s-shut up alright?!" The other shouted, almost nervous. "It's none of your business Karamatsu! You shouldn't be here. How dare you show your faces here! All of you just leave!"
"No. I've had enough with you." Karamatsu shoved Todomatsu back and glared at him with equal force. "How dare I? I've been patient and hoped you wouldn't go this far, but I was wrong." His voice now boomed in a loud growl. "This behavior of your's is ending now. You are coming home. You will meet with Iyami-san. Return his wallet. And apologize to him for everything!"
"Get out of here!"
Todomatsu rushed forward and tried to push Karamatsu back out the door. However, the other stood his ground, grabbing Todomatsu by the wrist. "I won't leave until you come with us."
The youngest tried to pull away but was unable to resist the strong grip on him. He turned to Dekapan. "Ojisan, do something! Kick them out now!"
"Urrgh, that is it."
"A-ah Nii-chan!"
"Hold on Shittymatsu," Ichimatsu joined; walking up in front of Todomatsu's face. His voice had escalated with growing frustration. "Not until this idiot talks. Frankly, I have some questions for you to answer Todomatsu because the whole Iyami thing isn't the only thing you were up to that night was it?"
"Why do you care Mr. I-Don't-Want-To-Be-Involved-Like-EVER?" Todomatsu spatted out the last word. "Go back to your happy little university life will you. It was way better when you were away. Why don't you go off and study til you drop dead!"
"You…"
"E-everyone, please calm down!" Dekapan hesitantly called out but was left unheard as the three continued to scream at each other. "Oh dear...All of you, please behave yourselves!"
Standing by the hallway, Jyushimatsu watched nervously in the background, being ignored by the chaos within the household. He couldn't help but feel scared and helpless of the situation. How did this get so messed up?
He stood there just holding onto the grocery bags as they made soft crinkle sounds from his shaky hands. He wanted to help Dekapan calm his brothers down, but his body refused to move. He knew things were getting way out of hand. He had to do something. Anything. Just move-
*Creak*
He heard something by the stairs.
The fourth brother turned and was surprised to see someone clumsily make their way down the steps. The thin figure had his face tilted downwards and was clutching their head as if they were in pain.
"Ughhh...so noisy...Why-"
Jyushimatsu heart started to race as the figure loses his grip on the railing. He couldn't really understand it, but it felt as though his body was possessed, moving on its own and screaming at him.
'You need to get to them. Now.'
With fast reflexes, Jyushimatsu dropped the bags. Running over, he quickly caught the injured figure before they could fall and hit their head on the corner of a step. Jyushimatsu braced himself as they both tumbled down the stairs with a loud thump, still wrapping his arms around the figure protectively.
Jyushimatsu slowly opened his eyes and looked down on the fallen person with worry. He noticed the person was curled inwards still clutching their bandaged head which was stained with red. "A-Are you alright?! You- you're bleeding!"
"Jyushimatsu wait!"
Because of the commotion, the others had stopped their arguing and ran over to see what happened. Dekapan and Todomatsu tried pushing past them; Todomatsu rounded the corner in a full on panic.
"GET AWAY FROM HIM!"
The figure groaned and looked up at his savior.
"Yeah, just a bit dizzy-..."
Jyushimatsu eyes widened.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Everything was still.
Even the slightest shift of a heel, a flinch of a finger, or the blink of an eye would have been deafening.
With bated breath, Dekapan and Todomatsu watched Jyushimatsu and the two other brothers carefully.
The older brothers were stunned. All sense of anger gone from their faces and now drained of color. They couldn't move. Could not speak. They didn't even want to breathe in fear that what they were seeing now would shatter in front of them.
But what exactly were they seeing?
This was a trick, right? A hallucination.
This person that Jyushimatsu was currently steadying in his arms; beaten and bandaged up. This couldn't be...
"O-...Osomatsu...Nii-san?"
"..." The person slowly turned his head around, stopping at each of their faces with an uncanny gaze. His face mirrored all four of the brothers.
Finally, he answered.
"Who the hell are you guys?"
