Tsukasa had spent the following week with Shijima Mei and her family. After realizing he had nowhere to go they decided to let him stay in the guest room. Mei let him borrow her charger to charge his phone when it ran out of battery. He didn't bother turning it back on though as he was sure nobody really missed him anyway.
Today they were having pancakes for breakfast.
"These are my favorite Yugi-kun!" Mei beamed as she took a bite. "You'll fall in love."
Tsukasa chuckled as he took a bite, he immediately felt like he was in heaven. "These are so good Shijima-san." He began eating them, savoring their flavor as if it were the last meal he'll ever have. Technically it would be though, once the festival was over they would have to go back in one week before school starts again. He hated the idea as he really enjoyed spending time with Mei.
Mei noticed his frown and decided to ask him what was wrong. "Why the long face Yugi-kun?"
Tsukasa blinked and looked up at Mei. "Oh, um… well after the festival, I guess I'll have to leave…"
Mei hummed for a bit before an idea popped into her mind. "Why don't you just stay here? I'm starting at a new school this year, I had to transfer so I'm pretty nervous… you can come with me."
Tsukasa felt his heart skip a beat at that, could he really be able to start somewhere new and fresh? Away from Amane? He felt his throat dry, no, he can't do that. "Sorry… I can't."
Mei pouted but nodded in understanding. "That's a shame, been enjoying doing art with you! You're so creative Yugi-kun." She giggled.
He blushed a bit. "Ah thanks so much, Shijima-san."
"Shijima-chan, that way it sounds like we're friends."
"Friends?" His blush deepened at the idea. He finally made his first friend! Without Amane's influence! He felt extremely happy he didn't realize he had the biggest grin on his face.
Mei was a bit surprised that he would be so happy about that but considering how upset he looked when he entered her parent's ramen shop she figured the boy was probably lonely. "Yeah, friends!" She giggled.
He was a strange boy but for some odd reason, she found him entertaining. It's too bad they probably won't see each other again.
She felt kind of sad, it's weird how quickly she got attached. "Say why don't we make bracelets before you leave?" She suggested.
He didn't hesitate to nod and get all giddy. "I'd love that! Used to do that with Sakura a lot… until she left."
So he did have friends, maybe they left him? Mei didn't know but she was curious. "What happened to her?"
He got all gloomy. "College."
Mei sipped her tea. "Ah… adulthood."
…
It was the day of the festival and Amane still felt sick to his stomach. His parents were wondering why Tsukasa hadn't answered his phone, he had to keep making excuses. He was getting kind of tired of lying to his parents but his friends thought it was better to lie than for them to freak out about Tsukasa missing.
"Amane let's look for Tsukasa some more before the festival starts later today," Nene suggested as she was trying to pick out what lovely kimono to wear.
Amane didn't have the heart to get up today and do anything, he's been having fun, sure, but his brother missing was haunting him every night. What if he was kidnapped!? He hasn't even shown up at the hotel at all, no way he would survive out on the streets, he swore to never end up like that again.
Even as they looked it really was no use, he just straight up disappeared.
So you can guess why Amane looked extremely gloomy as he dressed in his yukata in order to go have fun today. Nene did keep telling him there was no way Tsukasa would miss out. But again… what if he was kidnapped!?
He got hit in the head for his frantic mind.
"Everything will be okay! Just calm down." Nene kissed his cheek which seemed to do the trick.
For a bit, Amane decided to just momentarily forget his brother was missing. "Alright, I'm calm."
They held hands and entered the festival together with their friends. Truthfully everyone was worried but they knew Amane would continue freaking out if they showed it.
They went around walking and buying snacks once in a while.
"Kou buy me a candy apple." Mitsuba pointed towards the stall.
Kou's eyebrows furrowed. "Don't you have money?" He asked.
Mitsuba sweatdropped. "Well… you see…" He began to get a little fidgety and nervous.
Kou was starting to get concerned. "You okay?" He grabbed his hand and looked at him expecting an answer.
Mitsuba blushed. "I spent it all on… a surprise! So don't ask and just buy me the apple!" He pouted as he crossed his arms.
Kou blinked and blinked again, he really should be used to his boyfriend's antics. "I see well alright then I'll buy you one." He chuckled as he kissed his cheek.
Mitsuba continued blushing as he discreetly hid the gift he got for Kou.
Meanwhile, Akane was trying to win some goldfish for his dear Aoi.
"I almost got it…" He threw the ring and it immediately landed on one. "YES!" He pumped his fists in the air at his victory.
Aoi clapped at his success. "That's so cool Akane, ten points."
He got on his knee as he presented the fish to his beloved. "Anything for you Aoi-chan." He was crying a stream of happy tears.
She took the gift and quickly gave him a kiss on his lips as a reward. "I love you Akane-kun."
"I love you too Aoi-chan." He had never been so happy in his life.
Nene watched as her friends were enjoying their time together, she had bought some snacks and was sitting at a bench with Amane who still seemed gloomy.
"You know…" He began, Nene's full attention on him. "I once went to a festival with Tsukasa… we had so much fun… it's where we made that promise to always be together no matter what." He sighed sadly as he ate his chips.
Nene felt extremely sorry for Amane's predicament, she didn't want to be selfish either and tell him to forget it and have fun. "I'm sorry to hear that… I'm sure he'll turn up soon." She tried to cheer him up but she knew she was failing.
Regardless Amane felt like he could confront anything with Nene by his side. "Thanks." He kissed her lips and grabbed her hands. "Let's enjoy our time here." He got up and led her on an adventure.
8:40 pm, with Tsukasa…
Tsukasa wore the bracelet Mei made him as he waved at her and her family goodbye. Today was the festival so he had to go back to the hotel room since they were leaving in a week. He had to make the best of it, he couldn't exactly stay with Mei either since they're moving tomorrow.
He really should have asked where they were going.
He dreaded the idea of having to confront everyone after missing for two weeks. Now that he thought about it he hadn't turned on his phone yet.
Once he got to the hotel he slowly opened the door half expecting glares but instead was relieved that the room was empty. He went in and had a change of clothes, he got out his yukata for the festival and turned on his phone. Immediately he was bombarded with messages and missed calls.
3 missed calls from Mom
30 missed calls from Amane
2 missed calls from Natsuhiko
1 missed call from Sakura
3 new messages from Mom
50 new messages from Amane
1 new message from Sakura
His heart almost jumped at seeing the number of messages he had from Amane. Before reading those he decided to check the messages his mom and Sakura sent him.
From Mom:
How are you doing sweetie?
From Mom:
How come you don't answer the phone?
From Mom:
Amane told me you were having too much fun to answer, glad you hear that!
Tsukasa looked at that last message in confusion. Does she not know he turned off his phone and spent the last two weeks avoiding everyone?
Amane couldn't have lied to her right?
Unless he did.
From Sakura:
Sorry for not answering sooner!
I'm doing great :)
I got settled in and even met my new roommates
I hope you're doing well~
Tsukasa suddenly felt bad for doubting Sakura. Of course, she must have been busy, it's college after all! Gosh, he felt dumb.
To Sakura:
From Tsukasa:
I had my phone off, sorry I didn't answer your call… been feeling lonely lately…
He sighed and read the many messages Amane sent him. They were all pretty much spam of the same message.
From Amane:
Tsukasa please answer me!
Where are you!?
They didn't stand out much except for the last message he sent him this morning.
From Amane:
Tsukasa come back please… I'm sorry… let's talk when you get back
He rolled his eyes, oh now he wants to talk!? After ignoring him the moment they got here and then getting upset at him when he does things he usually does all the time.
Sorry for ruining your trip!
He groaned and quickly got dressed since the festival was starting soon. His phone vibrated signaling a new message.
From Sakura:
To Tsukasa:
Sorry I left you alone, I'm sure Natsuhiko is probably upset I left, I know he's going to follow me =;
Stay strong okay?
I'll visit you during Christmas and we can do our usual tradition of wearing ugly Christmas sweaters
To Sakura:
From Tsukasa:
Yup, we pretended to drink alcohol when you left, we were two depressed puppies lol
I'll be okay… I just hate Amane rn… he invited me to what was supposed to be just a couple's trip and ended up telling me I ruined everything…
From Sakura:
To Tsukasa:
He did WHAT!?
Incoming call from Sakura
With Amane…
Amane didn't know why he suddenly got shivers the moment his phone went off three times in a row signaling a new message.
"Maybe it's Tsukasa?" Nene said as he unlocked his phone.
His hope immediately shattered as he saw it was just messages from Sakura. He was about to pout until he realized- why would Sakura message him?
His blood ran cold the moment he began reading the messages.
From Sakura:
YUGI AMANE HOW DARE YOU INSULT YOUR BROTHER
From Sakura:
WHY THE FUCK DID YOU INVITE HIM IF YOU WERE GOING TO MAKE HIM FEEL BAD!?
From Sakura:
Excuse my language I'm just…
I'M VERY MAD RIGHT NOW
He gulped audibly as his hands began to shake when he began to type a message out.
To Sakura
From Amane:
I didn't mean to I swear!
I've been looking all over for him I've been stressed the fuck out trying to find him!
I feel bad already!
From Sakura:
To Amane:
He's fine, he stayed at someplace, he won't disclose where but he's well-fed and okay, he sounded like he wanted to cry when he told me what you did…
I fucking told you to look out for him even more now that I'm gone, we've always looked out for Tsukasa because he's always been emotionally unstable
I know it's not our job but we love and care for him so we do it anyway
Be a big brother and talk to him
Amane didn't bother to respond, instead, he pocketed his phone and began looking around for Tsukasa. If he called Sakura that meant he was either back at the hotel or somewhere around the festival.
He needed to finally have that heart to heart with his brother.
It was long overdue.
Back with Tsukasa…
The festival was nice now that he managed to talk to Sakura. He was able to at least semi vent all his current feelings to her but he couldn't exactly tell her everything either. He still had no idea what to do with his inability to let Amane go.
To finally live his own life.
He sighed realizing he really missed his time with Shijima Mei, she was super nice and again, the first friend he's made without Amane's influence.
He looked at the bracelet she made him and smiled fondly. He'll definitely always treasure this.
"Yugi-kun?"
He immediately recognized that voice and quickly turned around. "Shijima-chan!?"
Mei was standing there with some snacks wearing a pretty green kimono with her hair down and a smile on her face. "I didn't think you'd be here! My parents let me come since it's our last day in this town." She quickly went to his side. "I'm so glad we can see each other one last time."
Tsukasa had the biggest grin ever, he felt too happy to say anything. He could have his proper goodbye! "I'm glad too! I felt extremely sad about never seeing you again." A pink hue appeared on his cheeks. How embarrassing was that- he barely met her and he doesn't want her to leave.
He's too childish.
Mei smiled at him. "I feel the same way honestly, never been as close to anyone… it's always been just me."
His eyes went wide. "Really? But you're so cool!" He beamed a little too enthusiastically.
Mei was taken aback but immediately felt a warm feeling. "Well, you see… I've always been alone… people think I'm weird." She whispered that last part.
Tsukasa could relate to that. "People think I'm weird too… probably worse." He sighed as he laid his chin on the railing looking out to the beach.
She looked at him curiously and decided to give him some advice. "You know when I was younger my parents wanted to force me to live their dreams."
He looked at, feeling his jaw drop, was she about to tell him her life story?
"They wanted me to be someone I knew I wasn't and when I got sick I spent a lot of time by myself- they got too overprotective… when they realized how miserable I was they finally let me be my own person… I was so happy! Finally, I was able to be on my own, the problem was… I didn't know how." She chuckled as she continued to remember her younger days. "I was lost for so long until… I discovered art."
Tsukasa kept staring at her, intrigued by her story.
She took this as a sign to continue. "When I did I was super good at it you know, I found my calling, my parents were supportive and I was finally able to be my own person… I was able to finally let go of the things that held me back." She looked at him and grabbed his hands and intertwined them with hers. "You can do it too Yugi-kun, you can be your own person!" She smiled at him fondly.
Tsukasa's heart jumped out from his chest, how was she able to read him like that!? "How did you know…?"
She giggled. "Because… I had that same look too. Granted I don't know what your life story is but just know that you can let go."
He felt tears running down his cheeks. "I just… my real parents always hated me and the only person I've ever held onto in those dark years was my twin brother Amane… we promised each other we'd always be together but then he suddenly changed and grew his own interests, even ended up falling for a girl!" He clenched his fists. "He gained new friends, got himself a girlfriend, everyone loves him, he was able to stop relying on me, he was able to be his own person and yet… I was never able to fully do that… everything I've ever had, any friends I had, were all because of him… I didn't want to let Amane go." He finally let himself feel vulnerable in front of someone other than his brother.
Mei heard him out, all his pains, his frustrations, she understood them all. "You're afraid of letting go and messing up aren't you? You're afraid of being alone and you're afraid of being left behind."
Tsukasa stood there in shock once again. "Yeah… I'm afraid…" Nobody had ever guessed how he was feeling. The one who was good at guessing was him.
Mei hugged him tightly. "It's okay Yugi-kun… you don't realize how strong you are… I mean you kind of did distance yourself from your brother and even befriended me in the process, you should be proud of that."
Tsukasa suddenly felt like something turned on inside him like a metaphorical lightbulb or perhaps his brain gears turning on, no, his heart was beating pretty quickly, perhaps he finally understood. He did all of these things by himself. He really did manage to survive without Amane!
He can let go.
Amane will always be his brother, their bond is strong and nothing would ever break that. Even if they're apart they'll always be connected to each other.
Because they're family.
"Thank you Shijima-chan." He hugged her tightly. "I'll never forget you."
"You better not." She stuck her tongue at him playfully.
As they hugged each other the fireworks went off.
With Amane…
He tried not to worry anymore the moment he realized Tsukasa had been at the hotel. He had grabbed his Yukata and his phone was on the bedside table charging. It was a huge relief to know he was okay.
He went back to spend the day with Nene, finally feeling like it was okay to have fun. They all stayed together waiting for the firework show.
Amane cuddled up against Nene, Mitsuba was preparing his gift to Kou and Akane couldn't exactly let go of Aoi all day.
The moment the first firework went off the couple's shared a tender kiss as a reminder of their love for each other.
Mitsuba immediately showed Kou the gift he had been hiding. "Thought you'd like this." He handed him the new brawl game he had been eyeing all year.
Kou's eyes immediately lit up. "Sousuke you didn't have to!" He hugged him immediately and kissed his lips. "Thank you so much."
Mitsuba was a thousand shades of red, especially from hearing Kou say his name. "Any-Anything for you hella lame traffic safety earring." Curse his shuttering.
"Mitsuba one-upping all of us, that's dirty." Amane joked.
Akane couldn't help but agree. "Now I'll have to make it up to Aoi tomorrow."
They all shared a laugh as they continued watching the show. Amane wondered if Tsukasa was watching them too.
After the show, they all walked back together to the hotel sharing laughs and snacks. They all stopped when they noticed Tsukasa standing by the entrance, almost as if expecting them. He looked better than he has these past few months.
"Tsukasa!" Amane yelled out and immediately went to embrace his brother. "I've missed you so much."
Tsukasa stiffened a bit before returning the hug, tightly, he also missed him. "I missed you too…" He needed to finally let Amane know how he felt. "We need to talk."
Amane nodded. "Let's talk."
Tsukasa breathed in and out and without hesitation let out all his feelings. He told him everything, how he felt, what he was feeling, why he was feeling it. He didn't even care he was crying as he vented in front of his friends.
"You wanted me to come and I accepted just to make you happy and yet you have the audacity to say I ruined everything!?" He yelled out as he grabbed Amane's shirt. "Everything I've ever done was for you Amane! I disregarded myself because I thought you would NEVER leave me behind!"
Amane flinched as Tsukasa glared at him. "Tsukasa…"
Tsukasa immediately calmed down. "But I get it… you wanted to live your own life and you wanted me to live mine. I tried for so long to understand and let you go but I couldn't… but now I understand..." His breathing became heavy. "I don't have to rely on you, I don't have to be scared that you'll leave me behind because… we'll always be together even if we're separated."
Amane couldn't contain his tears as he watched Tsukasa smile. "Of course Tsukasa, no matter what! I'm sorry I hurt you, I never wanted to hurt you I swear, I just… I didn't want you to feel lonely anymore, I want you to trust people again… and have your own interests." He put his forehead against his twin. "I love you Tsukasa."
Tsukasa nodded as he wiped his tears. "I know… I realize that now… I love you too Amane." They hugged each other tightly. "I'll probably get back at you for that in future though."
Amane sweatdropped. "I know."
…
This took a while due to delay because chapter 13 wouldn't cooperate and I like to have chapters typed out in advance lolThis story is coming to end too, I hope everyone is excited!
Also check out my new short series called Tsukasa's Daily Life In Work And Adulting, I'll be writing that for a while until I decide which new major project to work on
Discord server: https/discord.gg/4Khf8Sx
Thanks to everyone that followed and favorited:
Sakura Cupcakes
Reviews:
Hiyori:
You guessed it!
Except it was two weeks actually lol
kawaiitohruchan:
Hello~
I just realized you're the one in my discord server lol xD