Chapter 2. You are not alone

To some extent, Shinji even liked to study. He had no real thirst for knowledge and always preferred to go along with the tide. The studies helped him to take his mind off the problems and focus on something that wouldn't concern him. His mind and memory were compact of new information, so there was simply no room for bad memories. When he was plunged into the history and the world of magic numbers, or was climbing the mountains and passing oceans, he was forgetting about his problems just for a little while. At these moments he didn't have to think about the meaning of life or the future, and he probably didn't have to try to understand himself. Teachers and the education program helped him get rid of the unnecessary information and fill his mind with a new one. So Shinji listened to the teachers and was trying to memorize everything. He was quick in decisions and was easily solving the tasks and sums due to his focus on the subject. Here came the excellent progress in studies. No, he wasn't a straight A student, but he could help his classmates with homework and different tasks. Not that Shinji liked to help people and do someone else's work for them. He was just going along with the tide. Again. It's another opportunity to forget everything else.

However, Shinji always enjoyed helping Mana. For the past year, he barely managed to make some friends in the class. It was always difficult for him, and, frankly speaking, he wasn't really trying to become friends with anyone. It was Kirishima who talked to him first, but she had her own reasons. After all, he was the only one from her class who also entered the musical club. One thing led to another, and they became undivided friends.

After lunch, Mana stepped up to his desk and suddenly asked:

"Shin-kun, have you ever wondered why no one tapers with you? Ever."

Shinji got surprised at the question and took his headphones off.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, no one's mocking or bullying you. Don't get me wrong, but people like you get bullied a lot. And our class is not an exception. The poor Nomura always gets it in the neck."

"Maybe they're afraid of my brother? Shinji shrugged. It didn't interest him much. But Mana wasn't going to leave him alone."

"No. You're just a Yes Man," she said, trying to look indifferent. "You always do whatever you're asked to do. It's a good thing that no one has asked you to jump from the third floor yet. Or, I'm afraid you'd do it."

"Well, I'm sorry for that. Honestly. Do you want me to change?"

"To change? No, I like you just the way you are. That's why I rarely ask you to do something for me. I don't want to be selfish like others."

"You're not," he assured her and grinned. "Actually, I like it when you ask something. It's nice to help you."

"Then," she hesitated a little, working up the courage, "I have something for you. I'll ask you after the club. A little surprise for Ikari Shinji."

She snapped her fingers in the guy's face. But he wasn't thinking of the snap. He just didn't like that she mentioned his surname. It reminded him of the father.

"I don't really like surprises. I hope this isn't one of your crazy ideas. Does Otoya have anything to do with this?"

"Otoya-kun? No, no, no. Nothing like that. I think we'll do without him and he won't get offended. So you can text him that he doesn't have to wait for us after class."

Shinji shrugged again and took out an old Samsung folder phone. He couldn't use it to access the Internet, play modern games or listen to music. It was just a typical dialer. There was an unremarkable phone strap in the form of a black Maneki-neko cat hanging on it. This little trinket was a gift from Mana by way of gratuity. At the last school festival, Shinji came through for Kirishima as she had loads of work and problems.

While the young man was texting his brother, the girl continued to explain herself in a low voice.

"I just want to ... make a choice," She stumbled again.

"What choice?" the young man got distracted from the set.

"You're going to laugh," she moved closer, and Shinji once again felt that very same delight. "I just had a dream. It was so bright and real as if I wasn't sleeping at all!"

"A prophetic dream? What did you see?"

"I was wandering in the darkness and couldn't find a way out. I was so scared and cold!"

"Was it a nightmare?"

"No, I don't think so. But still, it was creepy. In short, I suddenly saw two red lights in the distance. They looked like the eyes of a beast; like they wanted to eat me alive. But at the same time, they gave me hope. Do you understand what I mean?"

"Not really ... Maybe you should keep to the point."

"Forget it! I'm leaving!" Mana stamped her foot.

"So what happened next?" Shinji tried to pretend that he was interested. And that was enough. She caught fire.

"They gave me a choice, or so I thought. Because they didn't really say anything to me. I didn't know, whether I had to go with them or stay. I decided to take risks and follow them. So I followed the lights. For some reason, I was sure that they would lead me out of this darkness and won't even try to eat me. Not warmth, but confidence was coming from them. I can't even describe the feeling. They were like beckoning me to something pleasant. Not leading to the slaughter."

"So how long you were wandering?"

"Not long. They led me to some balmy meadow. It wasn't a day, of course. The sky was spattered with stars, and the meadow was strewn with flowers!"

"And?"

"And that's it. Then I woke up."

"Sorry, I don't follow."

"It kind of gave me the idea that it is time to change something in my life," Mana hesitated for a second. "That I have to make a life-changing choice."

"Wow, cool. What kind of choice?"

"You'll see, Shinji. I hope you'll like it. I really hope so."

Having said that, she quickly slinked away to her friends. They began asking her something, but she only looked at Shinji and smiled. Her cheeks pinked a little. Nevertheless, he had no idea what was on her mind. Though Mana was a pretty girl, she might take some eccentric actions. That's why the young man stopped trying to understand the logic of her actions. Or show surprise.

What choice she has to make? Maybe she'll drag him to the mall again to choose another dress or swimsuit. She never asked Otoya to go shopping with her because he would peek into the fitting-room. But Shinji was patient and only occasionally muttered under his breath. What if it's a date she was talking about? Then, maybe, Mana meant that she needs to make a choice between the brothers? In that case, Shinji didn't stand a chance. Otoya would definitely give him a head start. Ikari nervously chuckled: "He already did." Still, he didn't want to use it at all.

After the classes, Mana and Shinji went at a leisurely pace to the musical club. The girl was surprisingly quiet and laconical. As if he communicated her a virus called "self-scrutiny". Kirishima became lost in her thoughts, which was quite unusual. So Shinji was on pins and needles. She could do anything in such a state.

"Finally!" Aizawa Minami exclaimed, banging on her wristwatch. "We've been waiting for you."'

Minami, a student of the third A class, was the club leader. She was rather vigorous and had an acute mind. And she was such a beauty that even pretty Kirishima couldn't beat her and was always in the sidelines. Perhaps the reason for this was her long and well-groomed black hair. Or maybe it was all about her long shapely legs. She was always wearing a skirt above her knees. It was against school rules, but many girls with such legs were taking up their skirts. Some way or other, Shinji was beckoned to her. But he couldn't dare to make the first step or at least become friends with her. As he did with Mana. Minami was popular at school and was always busy. The young man was afraid that she wouldn't want to be friends with such a boring and ordinary guy.

"Ikari-kun, today we count on you," a long-haired girl started giving orders, clicking her fingers. "You're the only one who plays cello here now. You can practice for now. I know you have learned the "Air" by heart. I'll join you later. The others – come up to me now."

No one dared to disobey the imperious Aizawa.

Shinji took his worse for fear cello and settled in the middle of the room so that he could create a smooth acoustic. Other guys gathered in the corner of the room, where Minami was explaining her plan in details and was handing out notes. Takashi clearly disapproved of the plan, and Mana tried to defend the leader. Musicians are creative people, so sometimes they can be too emotional. Shinji wasn't surprised to hear another fight. Over the past year, there have been dozens of them. He even took part in a couple of them that surely wondered everyone. At such moments, Aizawa always took his side, saying that even if quiet Ikari thinks so, it should be true. She believed that Shinji was so quiet not out of uncertainty, but out of wisdom. Though, he couldn't find any wisdom in himself. At these particular moments, he was feeling good, nice and warm.

People think that in the club of classical music there is always silence, peace, and complete idyll. Boredom to death. In fact, the club that Shinji attended in Junior High School was just like this, so he liked it a lot. But here, in Chigusa High School, there was Aizawa Minami. So the room was always full of clatter and chatter.

The young man didn't really have a great sense of humor and never used sarcasm. But he wanted to emphasize the senselessness and an amusing side of their hot dispute. Furthermore, they weren't disputing on Aizawa's plan anymore. That's why he chose "Allegro", Mozart's thirteenth serenade, to be an opening act. Sure, it's not so beautiful and charming without violin but he still decided to give it a try.

Having laid the bow on the strings, Shinji sighed and closed his eyes. A second later he started to play.

The room and its every corner were filled with music. The waves were vibrating with the sweet music of the cello.

"It's too fast for an opening."

But Shinji wasn't going to stop. He was drowning in this timeless masterpiece that appeared in the world in all its splendor a century ago. And it will certainly live to the end of time. Here they are: immortality and eternity. It only takes someone's desire to touch it.

And then, someone started playing the violin next to him, picking up his tempo. It took quite a bit for both musicians to start playing a due. And thus, the violin and the cello were playing in the same impulse. Shinji didn't see who joined him since he was playing with his eyes closed. As always. But it didn't matter because the sounds were intertwined in harmony. They were like Yin and Yang.

The second violin joined on the spur of the moment, as if in a heat of passion and jealousy, not always matching pitches. Such disharmony sounded extremely awful, so Shinji tried to help the second violin to keep the pace. It took very little for them to start playing in harmony again. And the wonderful music filled the room again, taking a different turn and lugging everyone in the room off to the beautiful world of lightheartedness and celebration of music.

When the music stopped, Aizawa gave the guy praise while the members of the club were applauding him.

"Quite an opening, Ikari-kun!" Minami said, laying her hand on his shoulder. She was a little out of breath, and perspiration sprang to her face. But she still had more than enough. "How is that for the love of music? Everyone would do well to learn from you! You should devote yourself to it like Shinji does. You have to lend your soul to it and put everything else off."

Shinji smiled shyly, scratching his head. He definitely liked that such a diligent girl was praising him. And what is more, she didn't take her hand off his shoulder, and the young man felt the heat coming from Aizawa. She leaned close to him, even closer than Shinji wanted. And he could feel her rapid breathing.

"I want you to lead the Bach part. No one can do it better than you, even I," she said in a beckoning voice so that everyone could hear. "Give it your all, I count on you."

"But how can a cello possibly lead in "Air"?"

"Figure it out!"

Having said that, she tousled his hair and went to the other participants. His heart started beating faster.

"Calm down, Shinji," he said to himself. "She has a boyfriend who studies at the university, and the family that owns their business. She is just perfect in everything. You don't stand a chance."

Then it suddenly dawned on him: he has never imagined that he could be dating with someone. Well, today he was thinking about Mana, but she's his best friend and he can't imagine her as his girlfriend. He remembered Otoya, who was always getting down on him for not trying to find one. However, his brother wasn't that experienced in this area. He gave up trying once he met Mana. And today he blustered that he would ask her out... And given the fact that Kirishima decided to make a choice today and to do it without Otoya... you can guess what she's up to. Here comes the freaking love triangle. So what's to be done? The easiest option for Shinji is to let his brother have her, because, as it turns out, he'd had her in sights long ago. By all means, it's a little frustrating. But it would be better for everyone, since Ikari thinks of the girl as of his friend. Even a close one.

Shinji glanced at pouting Mana, who was squinting sulkily as she watched Minami go. It suddenly dawned upon him that it was her who played the second violin. Having seen her like this, Shinji realized that he has to do something before it gets out of control.

Meanwhile, Aizawa wasn't wasting time. She started handing out sheets, and made Takashi-san to sit and play the second cello. She didn't forget to cheer him up and say that everything would work out fine.

"And you, Kazuo-kun, will be conducting today," the leader of the club commanded. "Alas, we don't need you playing the piano today."

"Like I can conduct," the skinny nerdy-looking boy replied. "Remember, last time it didn't turn out the way you expected?"

"But you learned your lesson, didn't you? And who knows, maybe if you'd entered a ballet club, you would have performed on stage now."

"Did you forget that Shinji's leading? Maybe he could also be a conductor?"

"And you, can you play the cello?"

Kazuo only snorted, but without any malice.

"Improvise! You're in charge of a rhythm, Shinji – of the tempo."

Kazuo finally gave up and took the sheets in one hand and a spare bow in the other. He needed the bow since the baton got broken a couple of months ago, during one of the disputes. And the School Board President refused to give money for a new one, so they had to find a way. The thing is that the President hated Aizawa, and this hatred was mutual.

After a while, everyone was ready. Minami nodded in approval, and the nerdy-looking boy commanded:

"Well, guys, take it away!"

The beginning was terrible. Takashi tried to handle the instrument he rarely used. He was lucky to know the musical piece. He couldn't hide the dissatisfaction and was casting sidelong glances at Aizawa. Mana didn't know the sheets too, so she constantly had to catch up the tempo or to slow down. He could see the request for forgiveness written all over her face. But she didn't need it since she was learning with the breakneck speed. Kazuo was waving his bow and silently repeating all the sheets. At the same time, he could also listen to Shinji. He was surprisingly focused, despite all his reluctance to be a conductor. As expected, Minami was the only one who could play well, without errors. But even she lacked experience and practice. Now Shinji realized why she told him to lead: he is the only one who knows how to play the immortal work of Bach. The young man was setting the rhythm until the members of the classical music club started playing in sync.

"Air on a G String" was pouring into the walls of the room, wrapping each member of the club with its melody. Bach's magic made all the boys and girls think about something else, finding pleasant memories in the hidden corners of their memory. It seemed that if the team was co-operated, they would be able to change the world, asking the angels to respond to this wonderful call.

There was another part after the first one. One feedback session after another. Even unhappy Takashi was hitting it off. Constant debates and discussions, which were tearing the club apart, were replaced by hard work. The music was becoming more harmonious. For a fleeting second, Shinji wished it lasted forever. As this immortal musical piece.

It started growing dark when Minami announced the end of the productive day and sent everyone home. Guys, having thanked each other, took their instruments and went home. Mana volunteered to clean the club room and asked Shinji to help her. And Shinji, surely, didn't mind as he was still in a blissful mood and had his head in the clouds.

"Don't forget to leave the key in the teacher's room!" Aizawa said, before leaving.

In a second, she bounced into a room again and yelled:

"You'd better not do anything indecent here!" she waggled her finger. "I'm talking to you, Kirishima!"

Mana involuntarily boggled:

"Whaaat?" she pouted. "Why me?"

"Because Ikari-kun is a decent guy!"

"Thanks for the compliment," Shinji pouted a little. No, of course, he was pleased that Aizawa appreciates it. But still, there was something offensive in it.

"I'm actually decent, too!" Mana got embarrassed.

Shinji wanted to support his friend since he couldn't recall her doing anything incriminating. However, he didn't get a chance to say it.

"A little less decent," the leader of the club maliciously said and went away.

"Well, thanks, Aizawa-san," Shinji mentally caught up with her, "you're kind of tactless."

Some angry growl could be heard from Kirishima's side, which wasn't quite characteristic of this lovely girl. It seemed that she was ready to break the mop in half.

After the sweep-up, Mana went to the open window, admiring the early sunset. The sun was already tending to the horizon, but in spite of this, there was an unbearable heat outside. There was not even a light wind.

The room was unusually quiet. No music, no talking. Only muffled sounds coming from other clubs.

"I wish I could stay here!" Shinji happily reflected. He's rarely been like this.

Mana turned her back to the window. She clearly intended to say something, and was choosing the right words.

"What are we going to do here? Shall we play another part?"

"No, that's enough for today. I just liked how quiet and peaceful it is here. And you can't hear the wild shouts of baseball players. Thanks to the weather."

"And we're here. Just the two of us. Alone."

Shinji nodded.

"Shin-kun, this may sound kind of unethical," Mans stumbled for a moment. "But, do you like Aizawa-san?"

Shinji became somewhat startled by the question. Does he like Aizawa? He most certainly does. He could feel that he was beckoned to her. But he also knew that they could only be friends. That's it. They just come from different worlds.

"Yeah, I like her." He saw Mana straining herself. "I like her as a friend. The way I like you, and you like me. I think. And, what's with all these questions?"

"Do you like me only as a friend?" Now her cheeks turned red.

Mana took his hand and pulled it to her. He got the same feeling as in the morning. His heart started pounding again. Shinji knew what Kirishima was going to say. And he had no idea how to respond. Does he like her more than just a friend? As a girl? Kirishima was always there for him. He was at ease with her as she could cheer him up. Always. Moreover, he felt alive with Mana. She helped him get rid of all the negative stuff. He definitely wanted to be near her. What if this is the true love that he was taking for friendship?

But what about Otoya then? He clearly liked Mana. Maybe, he was even in love with her. And Shinji couldn't tell whether he was in love with Mana or not. Though, he had to answer right now. The young man closed his eyes tight, trying to imagine himself with her. The way that is shown in all sorts of romantic movies. He tried to see them walking in the park, holding hands, going on dates to all sorts of cafes or movies, and cuddling. Or kissing in a quiet place... But all in vain. He couldn't imagine it. Does this mean he's not in love? Or he can't know due to his inexperience? He was also afraid to hurt her with his inability to treat girls. He feared that if they get too close, Shinji would ruin everything. That he would hurt her, and she would hurt him. And thus, they would hurt Otoya.

The girl could see that he was nervous. She knew that Shinji was confused and it was hard for him to describe what he feels. Mana decided to simplify a problem, having touched his cheek with her left hand and having leaned to him closer. He could feel the same pleasant fragrance again. And it made him shudder.

"You know," she smiled diffidently, "I like you more than just a friend."

Shinji could only sigh heavily at these sweet pleasant words. It was all he could do at the moment.

"And for a long time. I mean, a really long time. Though, you never noticed anything," Mana continued to speak, stumbling. "Or maybe you did, but you weren't sure. I don't know, but... I was waiting for you to make the first move. And... and ... I finally decided to do it myself. Because I can't do this anymore, I can't keep quiet. That's... it."

"But what about Otoya?" Shinji murmured. He regretted saying it at once, since it was so inappropriate at the moment. Things got out of control.

"He's also... a good guy. And, not to twist around... I'd say I lo...love him too."

Mana gave Shinji a level look. Her pretty face expressed confusion, perplexity and, at the same time, the courage to tell everything that was on her mind.

"But I can't be with both of you at the same time, no matter how much I want to be. It's unbearable, you know. Too unbearable. You are so close, but at the same time, so far from me. That's why I want," she stumbled again, clinging to her skirt. "No, I must make a choice."

Shinji didn't know what to say. She declared her love to him, and, at the same time, to Otoya. The young man didn't even know whether he should rejoice or be upset. What does any other guy have to feel in such situation? What should he say or do? He couldn't find the answer in the depths of his consciousness.

"And I liked you... f-first," Mana didn't lost the initiative as she could see Shinji's spiritual torments. "And this morning, or rather this night, after the dream, I realized who I want to be with. It just hit me... you know?"

"Well..." before he could finish, she put a finger to his mouth.

"The c-choice," she bit her lower lip, "my... choice."

Flushed Mana raised herself on tiptoes to get Shinji's lips. At first, the young man forgot about everything else and decided to just surrender. But some image popped up in his head and that played a fatal role. He remembered seeing the way Otoya was looking at Mana today and how they were holding hands. And he imagined how much it would hurt him. Yes, today the brother gave Shinji a hit to do something. As if making it clear that he will not interfere or obstruct. But the tragedy part was that Ikari had no romantic feelings for Kirishima. At least not until now. Should he give in to the flow of the present and just accept it? And what then?

It was worth enormous efforts for Shinji to pull away from the sweet inevitable kiss. Mana froze in a silly position. The bewilderment on her face was replaced by disappointment, and then – by shame. She put her head down. Her shoulders shrank, and her eyes buried in the floor like a withering flower. She slightly moved back with swollen eyes.

Shinji heart was pounding, and he started dropping with sweat. He knew he had to say something, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't come up with anything. He suddenly realized what fatal mistake he'd made. Trying to fix it, he reached out to her, but Mana pushed him away. Having buried her face in hands, she took off like a shot of a gun.

He just stood there for a while. Somewhere in the distance, the voices of club members could be heard. They didn't know all the drama happening between these young people.

He remembered Aizawa's words: "You'd better not do anything indecent here!" She must have second sight.

Shinji fell into the nearest chair, trying to understand what had just happened. He barely began to realize how much he hurt her. She opened up to him, trusted him, and wanted to give him a piece of her warmth, her love. And Shinji literally had rejected her feelings.

He was torn. He didn't want to hurt Otoya, but he hurt Mana.

Shinji jumped out of the room to try to find her. He wanted to make things right and explain everything. To comfort her. To hug her.

To kiss? Maybe.

His heart started pounding even harder. Shinji went to every floor, calling her name, trying to find her. He hoped he could turn back. But she was gone.

He went back to the club's room, wishing with all his heart to see Mana there. But Shinji's hopes broke when he saw the empty room and her untouched things. He fell into the same chair again and was ready to cry. He was shuddering as if he had chills. His heart was jumping out of his chest.

"What have I done?"

"What have you done?"

He repeated these questions to himself.

"There is another way to meet Mana."

Shinji took the bag and the case with the violin, clicked the room and walked to the staffroom. He didn't have to hurry. He was thinking of the way he would apologize to Mana.

Shinji knew where Kirishima lived. Her house was to the South from Kamioka Park. It usually took twenty minutes to get there, but this time it was forty. That means she ran away from him over an hour ago. The young man could only imagine what Mana was feeling this whole hour and the pain she had to endure. However, he found out that she hasn't returned home yet.

"She probably went to one of her friends to cry her heart out."

Having left her stuff to the Kirishimas, the guy slowly went home. Mana's family started asking questions and wondered what had happened. But what could he tell them? "She declared her love to me and I rejected her"? So he left them in the dark. He couldn't tell them the truth, but he also couldn't lie.

"Otoya's going to kill me."

Shinji was completely devastated. The more time passed, the less desire he had to face Mana. Now, aside of all feelings, there was also shame for his actions. Shame for what she did because he was still perplexed. He didn't understand why she did it. Did she really love him? Today she said that she loves both of them. But she chose Shinji. Why? Was he any better than Otoya? Or it was out of pity? After all, his brother had no problems with the opposite sex and was popular with the ladies. To a certain extent.

Shinji knew that he can't run away from the problem. Sooner or later he'll have to face it, if he wants to maintain friendly relations with Mana. And this is likely to happen tomorrow. Or the day after tomorrow. Tops.

The sky had already turned red when he reached his home. All this way seemed endless to him. His stomach was frantically asking for food. The head was buzzing, and he was shivering.

Having opened the door, he decided that no one was home. The empty garage was the evidence of it. He found the note pinned to a fridge, saying that no one's going to be home till 9 pm. Shinji knew that Yaory left dinner in the fridge. And if anything, he is quite good at cooking too.

His stomach rumbled again, asking for food.

Suddenly, Shinji heard a quiet sobbing coming from the second floor. He noticed Mana's shoes in the hallway. Shinji instinctively slapped himself on the forehead. It makes sense that she ran to Otoya to seek consolation. He even breathed a sigh of relief, because he shouldn't explain everything to the brother now. Otoya wouldn't have believed him. And then, he would have buried him alive.

Shinji decided not to disclose his presence and slowly, almost on tiptoe went up to the second floor. He was afraid to find Mana crying since he has never seen her like this. But something was telling him that he can't run away this time.

As he was getting closer to Otoya's room, he started hearing not only sobs. Something else. Having clung to the open door and looked with half an eye, he almost fell with a genuine shock. Shinji wasn't wrong: Mana was sobbing, but at the same time she was moaning softly in Otoya's arms. Shinji desperately tried to convince himself that she was just sitting on his brother's laps and hugging him, seeking comfort. And everything else was just a creation of his mind. But that wasn't true. Half-naked and engaged in a tender passion, they didn't give him any chance. Shinji went numb, watching the scene that had ruined his entire world.

The small amount of blood on the sheets brought him to life. Only now he noticed that he was also hot and was eagerly watching his brother comforting his best friend. His eyes clung to Kirishima's naked body.

He felt disgust. Loathing. He loathed himself in the first place. With a numb face, he turned around and walked to his room, not caring about the stealth. There he shook everything out of the school bag and methodically, as if in a trance, began to throw all the necessary things in it. As if he was going on a long hike. In the stash he found all the pocket money that he had been saving for a long time. He blindly put a player in it. Shinji fixed his eyes on the letter. He was running out of time and couldn't decide whether he had to take the letter or not. The sound of stomping brought him back to reality.

"There's no time for it."

Now Shinji felt rage and betrayal. He just refused to kiss her. Nothing more. And she betrayed him in response.

Someone would say that it's retribution. But Shinji didn't think so. He hasn't done anything so bad to deserve such a betrayal from both of them. Jealousy was tearing him apart. Only now he realized how much he cared for Mana and that he wasn't ready to give her to his own brother.

Shinji grabbed the letter and flew out of his room. He wanted to run to the kitchen, but someone stopped him near the stairs. It was Otoya, who was wearing shorts.

"Shinji, wait!" his brother grasped him. "Let me explain everything to you!"

But he didn't want to hear any explanations. He did not want to listen to anything and started fighting his way free. However, Shinji wasn't really strong, so he was not a match for the pitcher. He was filled with anger and pain. His eyes fastened on Mana, who had left Otoya's room. She was wearing only a school shirt and there was nothing below the waist. She was completely naked, but she did not care. Like she was ready to uncover herself to both brothers. Shinji noticed traces of blood on her legs and remembered at once the way Mana was kissing his cousin and giving him her virginity. This angered Shinji even more, and he began to break out with renewed vigor.

"Stop it!" the girl cried out with tears in her eyes. "Just don't fight, please!"

But it was too late. Shinji didn't notice that he sent his fist to Otoya's face. But the reflexes of a baseball player served him and he successfully dodged. Then, having grabbed Shinji with both hands, he threw him on the stairs. By some miracle, they didn't roll down. Otoya was shouting something to the brother. Something about them making a huge mistake. And that Shinji made a mistake too, but he wouldn't listen. He already knew that, to some extent, he was guilty because he tried to run away from the problem. But he wanted to do what's best for Otoya and Mana. And he didn't deserve such a betrayal. He didn't deserve this pain. This acute jealousy.

Mana got involved with the fight, trying to set the brothers apart. She regretted the words she had said in the morning very much. Seeing the fight between the two brothers, friends and guys she might have equally loved, wasn't fun or interesting.

"It's my fault." the girl cried through tears. "This is all my fault!"

Shinji didn't even notice as someone pushed Mana. He didn't know when or who did it. He was only sure it was an accident. The brothers heard a scream. Something rolled down the stairs.

Otoya reacted first, rushing down at once. Shinji descended the stairs, not knowing what he would see. Poor Mana, who was lying on the ground floor, appeared almost completely naked before him. His eyes clung to the most intimate places, making him sick of himself. Bruises covered her fragile and slender body. She was still conscious, but she couldn't move.

"Call an ambulance, Shinji!" Otoya barked, covering Mana with the first available towel. He gently put the girl on her back and started asking her something. Something to do with first aid. But she was only sobbing from the pain.

Shinji went to the exit with a blank look, not believing that it has come to this. He was shivering with fear.

"Shinji, call the fucking ambulance!"

Shinji rushed away from home.

"SHINJI!"

He was running as fast as he could. He was running away from problems. Running away from his life. Running away from himself. From them. From the pain. From jealousy. From responsibility. From the house that has never been a home to him. He was running away from everything. He went whatever the road was taking him.

He was just running.