The afternoon sun shines brightly and birds chirping can be visibly heard, it's a very nice and peaceful day, however, that's not the case with Tsukiko. She's currently gazing at the mansion she will soon ought to call 'home', like it was some kind of new obstacle that she will face in her life— which not entirely false.
"You must be Tsukiko." A brunette guy who's wearing a lab coat called her attention. Without showing any emotions, she glance at the guy.
Actually, Tsukiko had thought this over before she came here, she doesn't need to put up an act to other people aside from her sister and dad (and perhaps her stepmother too). So she doesn't need to be all smiley and such towards these people. Heck she doesn't even want to involve herself with them. She in the midst of a plan on how to be able to avoid them while staying under the same roof.
"... um...?" The guy must've been expecting any reaction from her so she just nodded.
'"Oh... I see... uh, I'm Asahina Masaomi. I'm actually the eldest among us brothers." He tried to have a conversation but Tsukiko just replied "I see" with a tone that seemingly sounds uninterested so their conversation ended quickly.
The brunette gave up engaging a conversation and just awkwardly assisted her inside. He tried offering to carry her bag for her but she bluntly refuse so he didn't insist anymore.
At that moment, the thought that was running inside Masaomi's head was that she was so different than Ema. Are they really twins?
Masaomi then shakes her head, trying to erase those rude thoughts. He quietly leads the girl to the 4th floor where her room was located. After passing a couple of doors, he stops in front of a certain room then he faces her.
"This will be your room from now on! Also, Ema's room is just beside yours. Isn't that great?" He, again give her a smile already expecting that he won't get any word or even expression from her but that moment when he met her eyes, it was just for second but, he was sure that he saw sadness and fear within it.
"Are you alright?" He couldn't help but ask. His curiosity was killing him.
Seeming like Tsukiko has snapped out of it, "Oh, yes. I'm sorry..." she quietly replied.
"Are you sure? You know, even though I look like this, I'm still a doctor. So if you're not feeling well, just tell me, okay?" Masaomi looked at the her with concern.
"I'm really alright. Thank you though..." Tsukiko let out a fake smile, but Masaomi was able to notice the emptiness in her eyes, he quickly notice that it was fake.
"I see, well you should probably rest first. We'll just call you later when it's dinner." He smiled back acting like he didn't notice this. In return, Tsukiko quietly thanked him and enter her room.
Masaomi kept standing there though, he was still looking at the door, it's as if he still looking at Tsukiko. Indeed, she's different than Ema but somehow, he felt like he wants to look out after this girl. Why? Well, she just piqued Masaomi's interest. That's all.
Inside the room, Tsukiko placed her bag beside the huge bed. This room was well arranged. It's like they have prepared it specially for her.
She sat on the bed while looking around. From today onwards she will be sleeping here. Not only that, above all people, her room just gotta have to be beside her sister's. If fate playing tricks on her again? She won't be able to avoid her if it's like this.
"What a cruel world..." she muttered as cover her eyes with her forearm and gently fall asleep.
Hours have passed and Tsukiko showed no sign of waking up, she didn't even heard the sound of knocks and door opening. Though she did heard some muffled voices. However, she was to tired to pay attention to that. She just want to sleep. Yes, sleep and then maybe when she woke up, she'll realize that this was all just a dream. As stupid nightmare.
"Woaaaaah! I still can't believe it's true! I have another little sister! I wonder if she'll call me big brother? Ema refuse to call me that so I'm a bit sad" This time, Tsukiko was able to pick up the voice much more clearly. Well, it was blood loud. Is there someone beside her bed?
"Shh! Tsubaki, calm yourself. Can't you see she's still sleeping. If you plan to wake her up, do it properly at least." There's a voice again, though this time Tsukiko can tell it's a different person that earlier.
Why are they even inside her room—wait, inside her room?!
Tsukiko quickly quirks up as she realizes that there's someone in her room. Of course, this movement shocked the two owners of the voice.
"Look at what you did, Tsubaki." A black haired guy who's left eye was being covered by his fringe said to the person who looks like him...twins perhaps?
"What? Isn't it fine, we're here to wake her up anyways~" this time the guy with white hair spoke up.
All the while, Tsukiko was just sitting in her bed, confused, and trying to comprehend things.
It seems like the guy with the white hair noticed this and bends down towards her/
"Hey, I'm Tsubaki and this is my twin brother Azusa! Nice to meet you, Tsukiko" he gave her a cheeky smile, but it only cause Tsukiko to look at him coldly. Tsubaki noticed this and was about to say something but he was quickly pulled away by Azusa. Not to forget, he pulled Tsubaki's collar to do so.
"Hey! What did you do that for!" Tsubaki cried out.
"You're being to close." The latter replied, he then faced Tsukiko who was just quietly looking at them and said "I'm sorry for suddenly entering your room. We tried to knock a couple of times but you didn't wake up so we decided to enter. Masaomi told us to call you. Dinner will be ready soon." He calmly said.
As Tsukiko looked at these two, she just can't help but think that they do look alike but somehow different. Azusa was more of an adult, and the other was childish. Tsukiko doesn;t even feel like she'll be able to deal with that person...
"Okay... thank you for waking me up." Tsukiko stood up from her bed as she says so. And as they were about to exit her room, Tsubaki suddenly blurted out "Tsukiko, feel free to call me big brother from now on!". He was saying this with proudly as he puts her arm around her shoulders. Doing such actions and being proud about it made Tsukiko embarrass instead deep inside her.
"I'll just stick with calling you Tsubaki." She quietly replied and gently removing Tsubaki's arms from her shoulders. There weren't any emotion present in her voice as usual but, this shock the two though. When they reach the 5th floor, Tsubaki then again, said, "you're really different than Ema huh, even though you're twins.". It was in an uninterested tone, he quickly received a hit on the head from Azusa though.
Ah, it's been a while since she was told of such things. Tsukiko had thought that she has escaped those words but, doesn't seem like it.
"I mean, when I said that to Ema, she blushes cutely and panics. she had such cute reaction and then I get none from her twin—" Tsubaki continued but it was seriously ticking Tsukiko off so she couldn't help but to retort something back.
"Doesn't that applies to you too? I wonder who's always treated better between the two of you."
After saying such words, she left the two and went ahead of them. Tsubaki was frozen though. It felt like she hit a land mine, and that is his inferiority towards Azusa.
As the three quietly headed to the living room, Tsukiko was welcomed by a kid who is about 10 years has a sweet appearance and is currently looking at Tsukiko excitedly, making the girl feel awkward.
"Woaaaah! Nice to meet you, Tsukiko! I'm Wataru!" He smiled energetically at her while all Tsukiko could do was stare. She didn't know what to say. She was actually confused. Is it really fine to treat such a sweet kid coldly?
In Tsukiko's eyes, the boy in front of her was pure and bright. She felt like it'll hurt him if he was rejected, so, just to play safe, she put on her facade and smile at the young boy.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Tsukiko" she said as she crouch down to his height so they can face each other. At first, the boy just looked at her blankly but then, that expression changed into a sweet and cheeky smile. Shortly after that, Ema and a guy with a blond hair and glasses called their attention.
"Ah, good timing Tsukiko. We're about to eat!" Said Ema with a smile. Her sweet voice was like venom for Tsukiko.
She gave her a reply and they headed to the kitchen, mostly Wataru taking the lead.
When they reach the kitchen, Tsukiko was seated beside Ema and everyone was smiling brightly around her. It's as if they can't see Tsukiko.
"Oh, that's right." Masaomi started. "Tsukiko, you still haven't met all of us right? So let me introduce you. The blonde one here is the 2nd son, Ukiyo." He pointed out to the man who was in the kitchen with Ema earlier. Tsukiko met his eyes and quietly bowed down to him.
"And the man in the ponytail is call Louis." Masaomi continues. She then looked at the said guy and bowed her head again.
'"Nice to meet you, Tsukiko." Louis said mellowly with a calm smile.
"The two over here is Subaru and Iori. While the two on the other side in Yusuke and Fuuto" Masaomi pointed them out one by one while Tsukiko greeted them after.
"The other 3 aren't here but you'll meet them soon." Said Ema with a reassuring smile. The only problem was, it didn't reassure Tsukiko at all, but there's no way she'll show her that so she just acted along.
After dinner, everybody stayed at the living room except for Tsukiko. She already plan to go back to her own room until—
"Tsukiko? Where are you going?" Asked her sister, causing everyone to look at her.
Curse this girl. Tsukiko was planning to go back quietly without everyone noticing and yet this girl just freaking caught all of their attention and directed it to her. Great, Just, Great.
"I'll... be going back to my room now" Tsukiko awkwardly replied.
'"Why don't you stay here for a while? We want to get to know our new sister." Ukyo smiled at her. He has this motherly aura around him and so, even if Tsukiko wanted to refuse, she didn't have a choice.
Everyone who was present was talking about Ema or to Ema. Tsukiko was actually starting to think she should've refused earlier. Was she regretting it? Yes. She's not even needed here. To be honest, she wasn't feeling comfortable at all.
"Looks like they're having fun, huh" someone suddenly talked beside her making her surprised. She was being too focused on her own thoughts and observing everyone around her sister.
Tsukiko looked at the owner of the voice only to see that it was Iori.
It was a shock for her actually. Tsukiko was actually good at observing people and earlier, she had observed that this guy was the unsociable type, so she didn't think he'll approach her.
"I guess so..." she faked another weary smile. It's been a while since she did this repeatedly. Back when she was still in the dorm, she didn't have to fake smiles, she can be who she wants to the people she's close with, and she can be distant to the people she isn't. However, things changed from now on. This people are now her family so while distancing herself from them, she also have to act like a member of their family. What a tiring thing.
She noticed that Iori was staring at her so she asked, "is something wrong?"
Iori, snapping back to reality, shakes his head and smiled at her replying, "no."
After that, Tsukiko was able to excuse herself back to her room. Once she was on her room, she dive on the bed and groan.
"What the heck is wrong with those brothers..." she said.
She was observing them since earlier almost all of them were obviously interested to her sister. Not in a sibling way though. But the thing that baffled her the most was, she was sure Ema noticed this too but, was she just feigning ignorance?
She shake the thought out of her head and start changing her clothes.
"I should stop thinking about this things. I need to sleep now, I still have work tomorrow. Don't stress yourself out of this, Tsukiko" she said to herself.
Laying on the bed, she looked emptily at the ceiling; Thinking about the events that happened today.
Everyone was so fond of her sister, she even got compared to her again. Why do people even compare people to others? Why does Tsukiko even need to get compared?
"How foolish." She turn around and change position before going to sleep.
That night Tsukiko dreamt of a long forgotten past. It was of her's and of a boy's. The face was vague but he looked so familiar. They were laughing together while playing.
Ahh, that's right, there was a person who stayed by her side before. How could she have forgotten about him.
When Tsukiko woke up from her dream, the sun was already up.
"Why did I even dream of that...?" She mumbled to herself as she got out of bed. "I wonder what happened to that kid..." she continued. Maybe among her childhood, the time that she had with that boy was the most fun one.
She smiled at herself as she remember the past memory. She actually forgotten about it before but, she was so glad she remembered it.
Tsukiko took a shower and dressed herself up. Today is the day of audition in the new season of the anime she will be starring in. The producer of it was actually Mr. Yamada and he gave the role of heroine to Tsukiko, knowing that she will be able to portray the character well.
Tsukiko looked at the time, once she notice it was still early, she brought out her scrip and study the character she will be acting since Mr. Yamada told her that she will act together with the people who'll be auditioning.
"Really... Mr. Yamada always makes me do troublesome things" The words that came out of her mouth was a complain but Tsukiko found herself smiling. She's in fact, really thankful of Mr. Yamada. She won't even deny that she looked up to him, and somehow, was like a father figure for her. She thinks that it's all thanks to him why she's here right now, but of course, there's no way she's telling him that. He'll get overly conceited and that'll be troublesome.
"Hmm, I wonder what kind of personality is my character" she mumbles as she flip the pages of her script. "Oh, I see. So the main heroine is the strong and kind type but a dense one huh..." she continued mumbling to herself as she scan the script.
Doing this kind of thing is actually not the first time. Tsukiko always believe that to be able to give a life to the character she is acting, she must be able to sink in with it first, and then, know the character's personality, and forget your own. Because the moment that you are acting, you are no longer you but, the character you are playing.
Doing this kind of job is really fun for Tsukiko. Mainly because she can experience the life of others. Mostly wonderful ones. It was her temporary escape from her own life, and because of that, she has become a well known voice actress under the name of Tsumiko, let's just say it's her alter ego. 'Tsumiko' is considered as a well known voice actress that has the opposite of Tsukiko's attitude. Tsukiko made her someone who's the whole opposite of her. Someone who Tsukiko wanted to become— if only there's a way that she could abandon "Tsukiko" and just become "Tsumiko" forever the she will definitely do so.
After Tsukiko finished studying her character, she insert the script back into her bag and prepared herself to leave.
Once she opened her there, she came face to face with a wild looking yankee.
What in the world— why is this person even here? That scared the heck out of her. She was so glad she was able to keep her poker face...
"What the heck, don't just come out so suddenly like that! You scared the hell outta me!" He shouted.
Bloody hell, Tsukiko should be the one saying that to him. What[s with this guy, really.
"Anyway, Ema asked me to call for you." He says before he turns his back to walk away.
"What for?" Tsukiko asked, stopping him.
He looked at her again and simply said "breakfast." Then walk away again.
Tsukiko realize that she still didn't inform her sister about her work today. She was so used in being alone so she didn't think of doing so. This is why she loves living in the dorm...
She quickly follow Yuusuke's tracks just to inform Ema that she won't be eating breakfast. As the two entered the elevator. The air was filled with silence until Yuusuke spoke up to her.
"You know? You're really different than Ema huh. How can I say this... it feels like you're so distant? Well, I don't care either ways." Once he was able to finish his sentence, the door of the elevator opened the he got out first.
"Just don't cause her to worry to much." He warned her after.
]this guy, he definitely likes her sister. There's no mistaking it. Well, what's more was, this is the 2nd time she got compared in this house.
"Isn't that none of your business?" Chiyori mumbles but it was still loud enough for Yuusuke to hear it clearly. "Shouldn't you worry about yourself and that feelings of yours towards your step sister instead?" She walks past Yuusuke before glancing at him coldly. The boy was baffled. Why the heck does she she know about that? Was he too obvious?
Once Tsukiko stepped into the kitchen, she was greeted by Ema, Ukiyo, and Wataru. The two were still preparing while the other one was playing around.
"Good morning Tsukiko. Were you able to sleep well?" Ukyo greeted her. Tsukiko bowed down at him and greeted him back, then giving him a simple "yes" as an answer.
"Tsukiko, morning, breakfast will be ready soon so go ahead and seat on the table" Ema said with a wide smile. Bloody hell, Tsukiko can't even look at her in her bloody face.
"Oh? Are you going somewhere?" Ema finally, FINALLY noticed that Tsukiko was dressed up. Tsukiko nodded apologetically
"Sorry, Ema. I actually have work today" she whispered to her. Ema, quickly get what she meant and nodded.
"Oh! Right, Tsukiko's a voice-" Tsukiko quickly covered Ema's mouth with her hands.
"Shh! Not so loud." She said. Honestly, she was pissing the hell out of her. Would you normally say a secret out loud? no. Even idiots know that.
"Oh, I'm sorry. But isn't it fine to tell them? We're now family anyways." Ema said as Tsukiko remove he hands from her mouth.
"Doesn't that only applies to you..." Tsukiko whispered quietly. Ema was able to hear it tho. When Tsukiko realizes this, and when she saw the shocked expression of her sister she quickly added "anyway, it's my own business so please don't tell me what to do... I want this to be kept as a secret." She said coldly then walks out, leaving Ema standing there, not knowing what to say.
As she walk out of their residence, Tsukiko was mentally slapping herself. She wasn't able to contain her temper.. really, what a great way to start a day.
I'll end this here hahahaha, I haven't check if there[s any typo or wrong grammars yet but I'll get back to it later. Also, I'm really sorry for the flow of the story. My mind's a mess so the story is too lol anyway, see you on the 4th ch