"Hey, hey, Air! Look at this!" Comes the excited exclamation of a boy in predominantly red clothing. He was pouncing around, all giddy and full of energy. In his hands are acorns and he's waving them around in the air in both his fists.
His younger septuplet brother, Air, the one the pouncing boy is calling out to, just takes a side glance towards him under the shadow of his cap and hums in acknowledgement.
Teeth bared in a wide grin, Api says, "Watch me juggle these acorns, yeah?"
"Mhmm," Air nods, linking his fingers together behind his head only to rest it against the palms of his hands.
Skilled fingers toss all five acorns into the air one by one. As quick and efficient as he was when he had sent the objects fly into the air in a designated direction, he's just as nimble and deft at catching the acorns as they're pulled down by gravity. The wrist of the hand that has caught the acorn flicks to pass the nut, one after another to his other hand that plays a role of restarting the process by tossing them into the air again and again, one acorn after the next.
Api's tongue sticks out when he's beginning to get more than a little bit absorbed in his task. Then, four acorns end up being caught and kept it in a single fist, letting only one fall to his foot which soon enough ends up bouncing from that one foot to the other and right back to the first foot as he kicks it around.
He ends the little trick by kicking the acorn high into the air and upon its descent, Api jumps forward to catch it with his free hand. He smirks and tosses the acorns up in the air just for the heck of it with a loud "Ta-dah~!"
When his eyes finally fix themselves upon Air –he had been busy paying attention to his trick before– to see his reaction, he is met with the sight of his brother setting down his water bottle next to him on the bench after taking a painfully long swig from it.
"Have you not been paying attention at all?!" Api explodes all too quickly. Eyes glaring a burning hole into his brother.
"Huh-? Wha- Of course I have-!"
"Liar! You just never freaking bother, do ya? You lazy jerk!"
"Oh, man...Calm down will you?"
"Don't tell me what to do..!"
"Geez, why are you so bothered by this?"
"Because... Because..!" Api fails to find words to justify his reason.
Ultimately, he decides to heck with the words then crouches down only to pick up an acorn and toss it at his starting-to-get-irritating brother. It isn't a bullseye but it was good enough when the acorn actually ends up hitting his brother's shoulder causing Air to involuntarily move his arm with a start – and successfully making the water bottle placed by his side fall to the grass upon being knocked down by the jerk of his limb.
Air is about to tell his brother off when Api promptly turns on his heels and zips away. Air stands up and makes to go after him.
"W-wait, Api, where are you-?"
Air's words are cut off short when the boy in blue ends up eating dust when he trips over his own water bottle that has rolled down along the grass just then only to inconveniently settle itself in his way.
XxXxXxXxXxXxX
Behind the bleachers by the school soccer field is where Api finds himself trying to calm down. Climbing over the school gate just to get in was a cinch, really.
After twenty minutes of sitting by his lonesome self in the quiet behind the rows of seats, he decides that calling Yaya would be beneficial for his state of mind when he realizes he needs some sort of outlet that's NOT in the form of either throwing a hissy fit or tossing things around at people.
He tells Yaya regarding the incident that had just taken place about half an hour ago. Now, he finds himself arguing with the girl about whether Air really gives a hoot about him or not. With his phone on speaker mode in his hand, Api shakes his head vehemently, saying,
"He doesn't and has never cared. About anything. At. All."
"That's not true. He cares about his family and friends. And he definitely cares about you, too."
"Wouldn't we all like to believe that.." He rolls his eyes.
"Listen, name me one time when you had needed someone, anyone. Who has it been who had cared about you or have been there for you..?"
"Well, back when I had fallen into a ditch, Solar, and Tanah helped pull me out.. and when I was attacked by this mean ol' cat that belonged to an old neighbor of mine, Petir had saved me from that little scratching, hissing thing...there was also this one time when Angin helped me out when my fingers were caught in this Chinese finger trap a few months back, oh, and Thorn helped me get a good grade on this one school project, oh and trust me, it's a big deal,"
But... What had Air done before that's of any significance to him...?
Api looks up as he racks his brain, trying to scavenge for a certain kind of memory. "Hmmm,"
"Think hard about it, Api. There's gotta at least one thing he did that you can remember. Why else would you spend time with him much more than you do with your other brothers.." Okay, so Yaya seems to have noticed and Api won't dwell on how she just seems to know basically everything like how a mother would. Is this what you call women's intuition?
Api's breath catches in his throat and he mentally slaps himself when he finally manages to grasp a certain buried part in his memory.
"Well, there's this one time..."
It was about a few a years ago, back when Api and his brothers were ten years of age going on eleven in just less than 4 months or so. It was in late November during the year end break from school.
To stay at home accompanying their parents were Api and Air. They're left with just the two of them at home during the break for their five other septuplet brothers were all away to spend their school holiday somewhere else that they find more exciting.
Not that Air had minded, he liked staying back at home to lie down and relax as much as he pleased. Api,on the other hand, was to stay at home because their dear mother had been far too worried to let Api out of her supervision for he's regarded as a bit TOO childish (more so than Angin) and unable to take care of himself... not just yet anyway, she had added.
So it was just him and Air at home most of the time when their parents were away at work.
"Hey, hey, Air~ Lookie over here," Api had called to his brother from his position by the window. "It looks like Mrs Lim's fat ol' cat is pickin' a fight with a dog...and it looks like the cat's winning." He laughed as he watched on from behind the window pane, "that sure is one mean cat, I think there's a possibility of it actually starting the fight!"
Air merely replied with a noncommittal, "Mhmm, really interesting..." without even budging from his slouched position on the sofa. The only movement he had actually bothered to make was to grab his iced chocolate drink from its resting place on the nearest armrest and taking a sip from it. That, as well as scratching his protruding belly with chunky fingers.
'Honestly!' Api pouted indignantly at being treated so half-heartedly by his brother. He peeled himself away from the window and stomped towards the middle of the living room to loom before his brother.
"Move aside, Api. I can't see the TV." Air complained, waving his stubby arm as a gesture to usher his brother away. Api remained rooted in his position and balls his fists by his sides, stamping his foot in a show of childish anger.
"You're already too lazy to play with me, so won't you at least pay attention to me when I'm trying to talk to you?!"
"I was paying attention."
"Oh yeah? Then what did I just say, huh?!"
"About this...uhh, cat fight?.. Mrs Lim..or something..."
That was it, that 'ingenious' though utterly unconvincing reply was all it took to have made Api took off in a huff.
XxXxXxXxXxXxX
It had been only four or five nights since his five other brothers had left home and Api found himself being woken up by shooting and burning pain. He lets go of the all too familiar object in his hand only to instinctively use that hand to clutch at his other one.
He sobbed softly, slowly sinking to his knees on the cold faux porcelain floor. Being alone in the darkness of their all too familiar looking kitchen had never been so frightening.
XxXxXxXxXxXxX
After four more incidents of either waking up in the middle of the night within close proximity of fires or waking up in the morning only to receive news of how some random item in their quaint little home had combusted into flames the previous night, it was then did Api realize he had been freaking sleepwalking and setting things aflame in his unconscious state.
His parents however, as much as they knew that Api was responsible, didn't know of his little nightly predicaments. Their parents mistook his actions as some sort of rebellious stage and he had been reprimanded severely. Api had thrown a huge tantrum and that didn't serve anyone any good.
Still, as odd as how Api only seemed to burn things in his sleep, he had been surprisingly mindful to burn only what he wanted to burn –in his sleep driven state– and the fire did not end up consuming a great deal of items or their beloved home, even. Api didn't know if he should be patting himself on the back for that small ounce of control or not.
XxXxXxXxXxXxX
It had turned out that Air also knew of his little out-of-control nightly activity. Api didn't know what to answer his brother when he was finally confronted about it.
"Why do you even think this is happening in the first place?"
"I don't know.."
"Honestly? No clue at all? Maybe you're just not thinking hard enough..."
"Even if I'm not, you can't blame me when I've no clue at all...!"
"Well can't you at least try to control yourself and refrain..?"
Api had been outraged at his brother's words. Didn't he think that Api would've tried to control himself in his sleep if he actually could?!
"Shut up! All you do is move your freaking yap when you- You're not even capable doing anything! Don't you dare tell me to do something that's so freaking impossible with that stupid tone of yours when you can't even do a single thing normal people can, useless!"
The door to their bedroom slammed shut, leaving only a speechless Air.
XxXxXxXxXxXxX
With a resolve to stay awake just to keep himself from doing any more unwanted damage, he found himself in the kitchen at three in the morning. He's leaning by the window sill thinking about how his brothers – aside from Air– were doing as of late.
Petir, Tanah and Angin were staying in Pulau Rintis at Tok Aba's. They're probably loving it there, getting to spend time with their granddad, making new friends there, and Api heard they had adopted a stray cat? They named it Octo, he thought... Or was it Chocho? No wait, Ocho? Well, something of the like. He's not sure anymore, but if memory served him right, it's close enough.
Solar and Thorn must've been having the time of their lives, too what with attending this dream camp of theirs. Again with remembering names... If Api remembered correctly, it's called Galaxy Camp or something that's equally as 'out of this world' sounding. He didn't know much detail about it but seeing as how Thorn and Solar had practically begged their parents to send them there, it must've been a big deal or something. A real blast, huh?
And he's stuck here feeling worse than ever.
Api glared down at his palms. One of it playing as a cruel reminder of the nights that were beyond his control. He had accidentally burnt off a patch of skin on his own palm a little. It had happened on the first night and it had hurt so badly. Api shook his head to rid himself of the thought.
He screwed his eyes shut and rubbed away the sleepiness trying to take over. Prominent bags were present under his eyes on his otherwise childish features. He hardly got a wink of sleep last night and now is just another night of trying to play as an insomniac. Api sighed defeatedly.
He's tired of staying awake, he's tired of being unable to sleep, he's tired of feeling so lifeless and exhausted and lethargic like he has no energy to even have fun anymore, and he's just... so.. tired of falling asleep only to be shaken awake by one thing or another burning, crumbling, diminishing and finally destroyed. By him.
Why was this happening? Why was he suddenly starting to sleepwalk now of all times? Was it because of anxiety? Stress, even? Glaring down at his open palms, Api shook his head vehemently and grumbled irately, "I'm sure I was hardly stressed before this whole mess started... "
Still, after all that's said and done, Api's deep fascination and unbridled love for flames and how they seemed to dance with endless life never ceased.
XxXxXxXxXxXxX
The night right after, Api had woken up to find himself in the lawn in front of a little garden patch their mother and Thorn had put together. He had fallen asleep, didn't he?
He reluctantly stared down at how the red of the orchids were being engulfed by a more bright yet ominous flickering shades of red, orange and yellow. Breath caught in his throat as his eyes fixated on what must've been his own doing.
Being as transfixed as he was, Api was more than a little taken by surprise when a sudden splash of water doused the flaming hazard. He gasped and stumbled back a few steps. Api turned his head to see Air in the moonlit darkness of the night.
The unmasked worry on his brother's face and crystal blue eyes were the only things his panic stricken mind had caught before he took off, dropping the lighter in his hand, tears drowning the fiery red orbs of his eyes.
XxXxXxXxXxXxX
One evening...
Api grumbled something inaudible as he rubbed the ever growing sleepiness from his half lidded eyes. He had spent some more nights trying not to sleep and had managed to reduce the amount of damage for a while from doing so. "TV is a real savior, huh?" He laughed wryly. The laughter a far cry from his usual, heartfelt ones.
He sighed heavily and defeated, leaning back into the couch in the living room as he flicked the channel for the umpteenth time that hour. Just as he's about to give up on surfing through the multitude of channels for a decent show to watch, the sound of the front door opening and closing shortly after was heard.
It was Air and he looked about as tired and dead as Api although unlike the latter, his clothing was too drenched for comfort and he's sweating like a pig who had probably been standing under the sun just for the heck of it. The brother in red turned off the tv in favor of peering over behind the couch to look at his brother.
"What have you been up to lately with Mr Papa Zola, man? You reek and you look like you just ran about a dozen cross country marathons," He commented not so subtly, cocking a brow.
Air was panting when he looked at Api with nearly-dead icy blue eyes. "It's 'Coach' Papa Zola to you..." Was all Air had said – or rather, managed out amidst all his light panting– before he staggered up the stairs, leaving a stumped Api who just stayed back and watched his retreating form with a questioning expression. Api shrugged.
XxXxXxXxXxXxX
A few days later,
"Umm, hey, Api." Air began slowly, eyes on his teetering brother who had just entered their shared bedroom after spending hours the night before keeping himself awake by means of playing video games, reading (comics, duh), firmly slapping himself multiple times, and banging his forehead repetitively against the kitchen counter after fetching himself more glasses of water.
It's around eight in the morning and that meant Api hadn't slept for two consecutive night already. The boy doesn't know if he should be glad about it or not. Still, on one hand, he hadn't killed anything with fire for two nights, so that's saying something. Unfortunately, he's not sure if he could keep it up. Not sleeping for three nights straight will be difficult. He never managed that feat before.
However, in his sleep deprived haze, he hadn't caught Air calling out to him. His brother in blue couldn't blame him.
With a voice as calm as water, he tried again, "Hey, Api."
Api seemed to have caught it this time and groggily turned to face the other in the room. "Huh...?" The boy drawled as slow as how his brain and body were currently operating through all the fatigue. His usual cheery and energetic demeanor reduced to that of a walking dead's by that point.
"You doing okay?" Concern was written clear and vivid in his voice as much as it is on the expression Air's fostering.
Api managed a tired smile, an air of smugness successfully added to it. "Totally~ Actually I -I'm feeling peachy, really." His jaded scarlet eyes didn't seem to be saying the same thing despite all his claims. Air noticed this and frowned.
Api didn't like how his brother seemed to be looking at him. He didn't like being pitied and he certainly didn't want any from him. He's strong enough, he could handle this even without any of his brothers' help. He had no problem. He didn't want any of this so he deemed it best to change the atmosphere to that of a more amusing one (in his opinion, anyway).
So he grinned albeit the action was awfully lacking in any real vigor, "But look at you though, is it just me or have you lost weight, Air~? Ya been working out?"
Air's mouth fixed itself into a thin line. Yes, he had lost a tremendous amount of weight –over half of his initial 68kg weight that he had been harboring for so long, to be precise– from working his freaking butt off... all for his brother.
Air didn't say anything about it though. It didn't matter. Whether he would be able to accomplish his prime goal or not mattered most in the end.
XxXxXxXxXxXxX
"Hey, aren't you coming to bed?"
Api stared at is brother with an incredulous look. He furrowed his brows and clicked his tongue. "Are you kidding? Haven't you been paying attention to anything at all lately, Air? Did..." His voice raised a few octaves in exasperation, "Have you honestly just slept through everything that's been going on recently?!"
Of course not. Air did confront him about the matter just a few days ago. Guess horrible memory span runs in the family?
Air just calmly looked into his brother's flaming eyes with his own cool ones. "I only asked for you to come to bed, I never told you to go to sleep."
"What?! C-come to bed just for what, then? If not to sleep..?!"
Air shrugged but tried anyway.
"Keep me company? Talk to me."
"You'll just end up snoring by the count of five... Sooner than that, even.."
"Please? I'll try to stay awake for you."
Api went quiet as he looked at his brother who merely did the same, however with a somewhat serious glint to his eyes. Air did mean it when he said that he'd try to stay awake for him and Api just can't stay mad at him or leave the room. He relented.
"Fine," he sighed for about the hundredth time that week, walking over to his bed and plopping down on the mattress. He scooted back to the center of bed and crossed his legs with his hands propped up behind him.
He raised a brow, "Well? I'm in bed...somewhat. What d'ya wanna talk about? Do keep me entertained."
Api was already sporting a grin at this point despite having thrown a miniature hissy fit just moments ago, and Air with his own slanted smile, nodded.
"So there was this one time when I caught Petir doing this really embarrassing thing,"
XxXxXxXxXxXxX
Birds were chirping, signaling it's already morning and the rising and shining of all the living dead is in order. Api burrowed his face deeper into his pillow, not feeling entirely ready to wake up just yet...
'Wake up?'
Api's eyes shot right open at the thought of that. He had fallen asleep! He woke up with start, shooting upright in his bed. He was freaking out, "OH NO!"
He scrambled to get out of bed, only to wail as he ended up falling unceremoniously off the bed with his blanket and legs in a tangled mess from all his effort.
A low, disturbed grumble came from beneath the crystal white and ice blue blanket on Air's bed. The form beneath the blanket stirred and Air's head popped into view from beneath the cozy blanket, staring down at Api with groggy, half lidded eyes. "What is with all the ruckus?"
"I -I fell asleep! Wh-why did you just let me do that?" Api demands, his voice panicked and somewhat uneven. "You said you'd help keep me awake!"
Air regarded his flaming red mess of a brother with tired eyes before murmuring, "Don't worry..." A yawn, "You didn't do anything yesterday."
Api's round childish eyes went wider upon hearing that. "F-For real?"
Air nodded slow and reassured him, "Yes, for real."
"..." Api was uncharacteristically quiet for a while. Air took that moment to go back to sleep.
XxXxXxXxXxXxX
Three days had passed and Api was feeling chipper than he had ever been the past few weeks or so. Three nights had passed and he hadn't woken up in the middle of the night to be faced with any form of destruction unfold in the form of hot flickering, dancing blend of red and yellow, and neither did he wake up in the morning to hear news of any harm inflicted to anyone or anything the previous night courtesy of him.
He dared to think that his sleepwalking had came to an end. He glanced at his brother's still snoring figure in their shared bedroom. He smiled.
"Nothing can ruin this."
XxXxXxXxXxXxX
It was so dark out the moment he was shaken awake by Air. His gaze had jumped around as he tried to take in his surroundings. He was outside in the dark cold streets with his brother. The gravel road felt hard and unforgiving under his feet as his gaze shifted from Air to his hands.
Air had one of his hands grasped gently on his shoulder while the other one was holding onto Api's tightly clasped ones. The hold Air had on his hands eased ever so carefully as he lets go, allowing Api to open up his palms and saw the tiny object that shone faintly under the street lights in his possession.
It was a lighter.
His mouth felt dry as he gazed down at it. Had he really been.. Again?
And he was so sure it had finally stopped. Air was pushed to act the moment he saw his brother's eyes well up in tears. His grip on Api's shoulder tightens minutely, reassuringly as he leaned down to peer up at his brother's face.
"Hey, hey.." He cooed. "It's alright. You didn't do anything, honest."
Air was smiling softly up at him and he looked so honest with his words, so sincere in his actions, and right now he's actually there for him, standing there with him and Api just wants to believe him and he can't help but to do just that. He needed his brother, he finally admitted.
Wiping his tears with the back of his free hand, Api nodded slowly with a sniffle. He had looked so scared and endearing and Air couldn't help but feel the need to protect him all the more. Even from Api's own actions.
"Lets go back to bed, yeah?" Air said after giving Api a while to gather himself. Red eyes looked at him with clear uncertainty and the owner seemed reluctant. Api rubbed his arm.
"But...what if-"
"I'll handle it."
Api stopped at that. Air was looking at him square in the eyes and what came out next turned out to be what Api hadn't known were the words that he actually wanted to hear this whole time.
"You can sleep and rest assured, I promise I'll be there for you every single time you need me."
It was then something in Api's mind clicked. So it had been Air who had kept him at bay the previous nights. Come to think of it, that being a possibility made a whole lot more sense considering how he'd noticed Air staying up much later than he did recently, and having to wake up much much later than he usually does. Some would think, the reason to the latter could've possibly been because he had just gotten lazier over the course of the school holiday, but the obvious tired and worn out look he sported was telling a different story entirely and Api regretted doubting his brother all this time.
"Hey," Api began, his tone light as they walked back home within the comfort of each others' company.
Air hummed questioningly, tossing a glance at him under the shadow of his cap.
" The reason you were with Coach Papa Zola this whole time, presumably working your butt off seeing as how you've lost weight... Is it because of me? Have you been going through all that just so you..." Api stumbled and struggled a bit with his words, "..well, just so I can sleep without having to fret about anything?"
Air felt his cheeks and ears go pink from the embarrassment of being caught and all too suddenly, his gaze found more favor in directing itself to his feet rather than his brother's face. He's glad his cap is always tilted so low that most of his face could be shielded from his brother's curious eyes.
Unbeknownst to Api, during his second night of sleepwalking, Air was actually awake to some degree but had dismissed the idea of going after him for his simple little mindset didn't think further into the matter and had failed to see the severity of the situation. He had brushed away the troublesome thought of going after his brother as simple as how he made noncommittal replies and hums.
Then came the few nights when he had actually gotten out of bed but was too late for the moment he had found Api, he was only to be faced with the aftermath of his sleeping brother's reign of terror. There were also the rare times when he had tried to go after Api the moment the latter was just about to start his little sleepwalking episode only to fall tumbling down when his brother had bolted out of the room and right out of the house much, much too fast for him to keep up. The time Api had wandered off to the little garden happened to be one of those nights where his weight had held him down and had made him a tad too late.
The day after the aforementioned incident had happened, he had approached his coach with a resolve to make a change. For his brother and himself.
Air wanted to say sorry for doing a bad job this time, unlike how it had been the previous nights. He had accidentally fallen asleep, too, shortly after Api did despite his attempts to stay awake.
Cool blue eyes chanced a glance toward the other boy walking next to him and upon seeing the calm, genuine little smile upon his brother's face, the apology just died down in his throat. Api was actually smiling and happy just having Air by his side now and the latter saw there was actually no need for apologies. All is well.
Air offered a sheepish smile under his cap. "I guess..." He sort of admitted. "Though it's no big deal, it's all chill."
That was when Api couldn't help the pleasant light feeling blossoming in his chest and the heartfelt grin that itched its way upon his lips.
"Really, Yaya. That time... you just can't imagine how glad I felt."
A quiet little laugh escapes Api at the bittersweet recollection. His mirthful tone reaching his friend through the phone call. The girl smiles on the other end.
"See? Your brother does care." Comes the ever sweet and calming voice of his friend on the other line after a while. Api nods though Yaya can't see it.
"Thanks for your time, Yaya. I'm feeling better already." and he means it.
"A pleasure to help. What are friends for after all?" She continues, "Now, you'd better go back home to your family. They must be worried sick about you."
Api makes to reply but is cut off.
"Exactly," another voice adds in all too suddenly right after Yaya.
So it seems that it's on speaker phone on the other end as well.
"P-Petir..?" Api says, a little surprised by the sudden intrusion from his eldest septuplet brother.
"Air and the others are all looking for you, and really, who would've thought you'd actually turn to Yaya for consolation instead of us," there is a slight wry tone to his voice but it's nothing to be taken personally. Then his tone is serious. "We really wish to see you at home soon."
Api blinks. So all of his brothers are searching for him now. He hasn't actually counted on Air telling the rest of his little explosion –that had quickly transcended into a runaway – just then but then again, what does he expect? He was supposed to have head back home about 2 hours ago.
"Yeah.." He breathes. "I'll be right there-"
"API!"
Another voice cuts in. But it's not coming from the phone this time. Api's crimson orbs face the direction where the startled voice had come from and he's met with the brother he'd been reminiscing about not too long ago.
His face ends up being buried against his brother's shoulder for Air had promptly pulled him into an embrace the moment he's within the other's reach.
Api's hand that is still holding onto his phone sounds again in Petir's voice, "See the both of you soon, I'll tell the others you're fine."
"Goodbye." Yaya adds as a final say before the call ends.
Air lets out a breath of relief when he has pulled away, though his are arms gripping firmly on his brother's shoulders. His usual calm and can't-be-bothered-in-its-entirety personality fail to triumph over his worry for his brother. He hasn't calmed down yet although he knows he should be now especially when his brother is already there in front of him safe and sound.
Bright shimmering ruby eyes lock with calming cool light-sapphire ones. Api takes in a deep breath. Air does the same.
"I'm so sorry..!"
Both end up saying at the same time. The two brothers look at each other perplexed and speechless. It doesn't take long for Api's wide eyes to crinkle from a bubbling laughter. Air would be considered blind if he doesn't take that as an obvious sign that all is well.
"So... I guess we're chill now, huh?"
"Definitely~! We're hot and chill as the frozen Sun~"
Air laughs, "That makes zero sense."
XxXxXxXxXxXxX
In Tanah, Petir and Angin's shared bedroom is where the seven brothers and their pet cat, Ocho, end up chilling in after dinner time.
Petir and Tanah are situated on the latter's bed with Ocho curled up snuggly in Petir's lap. Solar is sitting on the floor and leaning against the foot of the double bunk bed (that Petir shares with Angin) while Thorn opts to stand, resting most of his weight against the same bed as his brother in fabulous yellow tinted shades. Air finds himself getting all cozy in Petir's bed on the lower bunk as he and all his aforementioned brothers watch on how their breezy brother is pulling and yanking around their stumbling brother in fiery red.
Api's quickly growing red in the face every time Angin pulls him around by the wrist (with surprisingly strong force) in a show of what seems to be an entirely freeform dance. Api is no noob at dancing but his brother twinkle toes' style here is really not something he can synch with. He's being pulled into a third twirl and by then, Api thinks, if he ends up throwing up his dinner, it'll all be on Angin!
Relief strikes Api the moment Angin releases his scarily iron grip on his wrist, but the former only ends up hating himself for even daring to have that fake sense of relief when the next thing Angin does is probably more humiliating.
"Oh, my little PiPi~ Why did you have to go and worry your brothers so~?" Angin badly fakes a worried tone as he pinches Api's cheeks with both hands. Api pushes him back to rub at his pained face and whine. "Oww! That hurt!"
Angin merely offers a grin as he jumps back out of Api's reach when the latter tries to get back at him. The rest share a hearty laugh at the sight of their two most childishly endearing brothers.
"And what's with 'PiPi'? That sounds so bad." Api grumbles with crossed arms when he ultimately abandons the idea of chasing Angin around. He'll get back at him another day.
"Tch, PiPi, coz your name is A-Pi, get it?" Angin says as if it's the most obvious thing in the world. "Duh," Solar backs up all too helpfully, moving his hand to take off his shades that are designed more for show than practicality. Finally. He should've done that the first moment they had stepped indoors.
Api pulls a face and that's when Tanah chooses to chime in.
"If you think that's bad, imagine just how bad," Tanah corrects himself, "no, wait... how AWFUL we felt when we heard our beloved brother 'PiPi' had run off."
Api's face crimsoned all the more at Tanah's teasing words and that's when their granddad chooses to knock on the bedroom door. The door opens and when Api notices just how Tok Aba's presence calms his brothers down considerably does he realize just how much of a life saver his granddad actually is.
"Okay, okay, all of you get ready for bed. You boys have a big day ahead of you tomorrow, isn't that right?"
That's when the atmosphere in the room shifts into that of a more intense yet thrilling one. Knowing looks are tossed around from one brother to another. The seven of them nod firmly in mutual understanding,
"Tomorrow is when the action begins."