Chapter 7

EMA

"S-So, you're sure you're okay?" I ask, eying him. He sits distanced from me on the opposite corner of the bench as if I were a wild animal that might bite him if he were to get too close.

He seems to glare at my question, but eases it to a grimace as he flexes his jaw. Dabbing the ice pack against his swollen cheek he answers, "Yeah, it's fine. Subaru and I have had our fair share of brawls. Don't worry about it."

"I'm sorry that happened." I say, though I'm not entirely sure what had really transpired to cause Subaru to act out so suddenly. What should I say?…

"Sorry- for what? Look, don't get the wrong idea- Subaru doesn't usually catch me off guard like this. It's been a while since he's given me a beating."

I didn't expect that reaction. "You shouldn't act so tough…" I almost want to laugh but force myself not to. "It looks like it hurts." I edge closer, moving to his cheek with my fingertips.

What am I doing.

I quickly draw my hand back, though those deep violet eyes- I can feel they remain locked on me.

NATSUME

Was I actually anticipating the moment she'd touch my face? I shake the thought as she continues to talk.

"If it were me..."

A bad taste flits across my tongue. Oh how I hate hypotheticals…

"...I wouldn't care about who wins and who doesn't, you two shouldn't fight over small things like this in the first place."

I frown.

"Hmph." I take the ice pack off my face, wince, think better of it, and reapply it to my aching jaw.

"You gotcha get a hold over yor boyfriend. Subaru can't keep going aroun actin all entitled when he ges angry." My voice is distorted some by the heaviness of my cheek.

"O-oh, you're mistaken, Subaru's just a… an acquaintance." she stutters, her cheeks flushing slightly.

"Oh, so it was the other guy then?"I ask before I can think better of it.

"Daichi? Nah, definitely not." She waves her hands, giggling. "...bad reputation with girls… definitely definitely… not…"

"No of course not," I can't help but laugh a bit with her. "I meant the other guy." At the look of recollection on the young woman's face, I add, "Dressed in all dark colors? Looked a bit on edge?"

"A-h-ha, no, Makoto's not like that to me either." she waves her hand again quickly. "I'm not anyone's girlfriend, not popular… It's just easier for me to be alone now." She smiles a bit in that uncomfortable way, but I don't say anything. She's a bit amusing…

A few moments pass and she seems to grow fidgety under my eyes as I use the silence to prompt her to continue.

"W-well, you see, I much prefer the comfort of my room, where I can read… play videogames…" The way her foresty green irises widen and catch the shimmer of the light…

Charming, if not a bit funny. I grin, forgetting for a moment about my aching cheek only to remember it when the pain cuts through… Agh Subaru's gonna pay for this later…

"So, you like... videogames, huh?" I manage.

"Mmmhm, well... yeah, I do." A faint dusting of pink tones her cheeks.

EMA

His slender hand open his wallet to produce a sleek business card. "Here, I make videogames. I doubt you'd be into-"

I stifle a squeal, hopefully not too loud, as I try my best to censor what would be a snatching motion of the card branded in that brilliant logo."Your company makes the best zombie horror games! The new entry to this title is going to come out in three months- I hear they offer online multiplayer features in this installment- I've already got my preorder ticket!" So excited! I couldn't stop myself- this IS the best game on the market though…

I was really getting frothy over a game, I bet he thinks I'm a crazy otaku... I try to peek at his face to gauge his freaked-out-ness without outright staring.

His iridescent violet eyes shimmer, catching the last rays of evening sunlight. His cheekbones had filled with some color that wasn't the beginning signs of bruising, and for the first time today...a small smile.

My heart learches for some odd reason… like a skip.

Are all of the Asahina brothers this… what's the word?

"Well, I have to be on my way," the small smile is gone as quickly as it had come. He stands. If I didn't know better I'd say he were looking a bit regretful about leaving hastily. I shake the feeling. "Please call me if you ever want to demo one of the company games. For a fan as dedicated and loyal as yourself- I'd be happy to oblige if you have any requests."

"The beta!" I know it's rude to ask a favor of a stranger but I can't stop myself, " Can I beta test it?... perhaps

...? If it were okay with you, I mean..."

"I have no objections, I'll send you a copy, or have one of my brothers bring it to you once I get the initial releases."

MAKOTO

Where is she? Still with Natsume? It's getting late… I stand in the hallway leaning against the wall, cellphone barely gripped hard enough to keep it from plunging to the ground.

/Hey Mako, hope you're having a good time at school! If you see Emalyne, don't forget to tell her about the plans Reema and I have made. Reema said she was so excited she forgot to tell her and she's been busy with work lately and hasn't been home to stay for long. It's going to be so much easier for us to see, gather and spend time with each other as a family once they move into our apartment. Don't forget to deliver the great news to our dear Emalyne! And in the meantime son, clean up the place- I know I've been away for a while, and you've had a taste of the bachelor lifestyle, but I hope you haven't let the place go. -Dad/

"Wow- is he a model?"

"Do you think he has a girlfriend?"

"Why don't you ask him~?"

"N-no way!"

"That's Makoto Takahashi- such a handsome prince."

"Untouchable."

"Are all Integrative Medicine grads hotties?"

I check my phone- 19:30. Hmm. Late… I'm going to look for her.

Perhaps I'd do anything to leave when people get like this.

"Were you waiting for me Makoto?" She comes trotting down the steps near the entrance.

A hint of a smile graces her face and I can't help but wonder if she remembers the days of our youth when I'd walk her to the high school... despite having begun my first year of college.

If I could hold her hand… just once more.

"Why wouldn't I?" She breaks my trance with that glowing smile of hers. I can't help but smile along with her…. If not for that message Dad left me…

I shove my fidgeting hands into his pockets. "Look, I really need to talk to you."

EMA

"Living together?... What are people going to say?" I run a hand through my wispy bangs.

Makoto leans against the park bench, somewhat to casually for the weight of the situation we're talking of.

"Well," he smiles fondly, "they'll say we're siblings." He seems to be thinking for a short while as he glances up at the clear sky, "And what's so bad about telling the truth?"

A frown tugs at my lips. I can feel it. What's bad about the truth? You're this university's prince- good looks, good grades- and we ARE in college. Our parents aren't home because of business trips 95% of the time. When you come home, it'll just be me, and visa versa. And you've been living in that apartment seemingly alone for the past four years- when I move in- it'll cause a ruckus… Siblings, or not… If I were to move in with the university's prince…

"You know, you're right, it can't be that bad. Being honest is better than letting people get the wrong idea." For some reason, the lie spouts faster than I can control.

I'll do it so that Mom and Mr. Takahashi- Dad- can come home to the same welcoming house. I try to read his face, but he continues to face towards the sky, breathing in…. And out… in…. Out… His face is unreadable. How I'd wish he would smile.

A real smile... It's been ages since he's looked genuinely happy. He hasn't seen his dad since the wedding. How difficult that must be...

MASAOMI

"You need your paychecks sent to this new address?"

She nods, avoiding my gaze.

I twirl the slip of paper in my hand idly, where she had neatly written the address of an apartment complex.

"Sure, I'll have your information changed over, it's no problem at all. I imagine moving to a new place all by yourself is stressful enough. Leave this to me," I say. "I'd be more than happy to lend a hand if you ever need help unpacking or unloading your furniture or boxes."

I'm not sure where exactly we stand… after my confession...but I extend the offer anyways.

EMA

"Well…" Tell the truth, Ema. He's not going to judge like school girls do anyway… This is practice. "I won't be alone, I have Makoto." I almost choke when saying his name. The tension of Mako's name in Masaomi's presence these days has become thicker and thicker. It gets stuck in my throat. I try again, "This new place is M-Makoto's apartment-" It gets caught again but I can't get the rest of the words out seeing the shock that sweeps across his face like a tidal wave.

"Yeah, it's my father's place too… He's so busy with work lately. It would be great if you could help us Masaomi." Makoto says, welcoming himself into our conversation.

MASAOMI

Her and him in the same house. I didn't want it to be true. I resist the urge to rub the creases from my forehead.

Makoto sweeps his bangs to the side and rebuttons his rolled up shirt sleeves around his wrists. "It's kinda chilly in here…" he mumbles, no doubt only to be sarcastic towards me. "You cold, Em?" He offers though his piercing gaze remains locked on me.

"No, no, I'm okay." She quickly replies. She can feel the tension no doubt.

I frown. "Well, if you need anymore help moving in, you have thirteen of us at your disposal."

"How do you mean?" Ema fully turns her attention towards me as Makoto's question draws her curiosity.

"Our residence is adjacent to yours." I answer simply, deciding now as a time to turn away and take care of her paperwork.

A chill has run up my arms. And it's not because of the AC this time.

"How do you mean?" instead of "What do you mean?" He's THE Makoto... Takahashi-san. My former student

How could it have taken so long to realize…?

-Flashback 8 years ago-

"Welcome to this incoming freshman day!" Masaomi cheered as a small group of high schooler seniors were herded in. "This is the finest medical lab in all of Japan so I'm happy all of you have both the grades and interest to show for it!" He continued, "Most of your time here will be conducting basic lab experiments and contributing research to your seniors legacy to gain an understanding of disease control, prevention, and vaccination. Since this is your first time here, partner up and go to the different stations around the room to meet your future professors."

The little crowd shuffled around until pairs had found one another.

"Hey, Makoto ended up by himself again." One of the girls whispered.

"He's so weird, who would want to be his partner anyway?" The other whispered back.

Masaomi immediately spotted the lone boy. A shorter guy with thick glasses and raven hair cut shagging so that it covered his eyes.

He extended his hand, and the boy looked up, though his long wiry hair still cascaded over his eyes. "Hi there, I'm Masaomi. Let's be partners for today."

"Look."

Masaomi could feel one of the students pointing in his direction even without turning.

"He's so kind. Talking to Makoto like that… He probably doesn't know..." Masaomi couldn't hear the end of her sentence but forced himself to not shoot a glare in the student's direction.

The boy's soft hand shook the pediatrician's gently, "Makoto." His voice came out as a whisper. "Nice to meet you." His tone was a bit raspy but nonetheless inviting enough.

That day Makoto trailed behind Masaomi quietly following him to meet all of the professors. Nodding or shaking his head in reply, he hardly said a single word the entire day.

At one of the stations a professor had students do a mini lab with various chemical mixtures.

"It's just for fun." Masaomi said, encouraging Makoto. "This guy's always coming up with impossible guessing games for the incoming students… Always gets a kick out of the reactions that go a bit foul." he laughs, scratching the back of his head. "It's fine though, nothing you could mix up would be harmful."

"The point is to make this liquid turn light green and viscous. No bubbles." The mischievous professor grinned a full set of teeth and gums too. "The catch is that I've given you several different solutions- and you likely don't know what they're made of just by name, so you'll have to do this by trial and error-"

Makoto slipped on the apron and quickly pulled on the gloves, sliding the goggles on over his thick glasses. He scanned the labels and picked a solution without hesitation, and poured it in. Using a stirring rod, he mixed it in. Perhaps it was Masaomi's own imagination, but what with the way the young man's lips tugged up… it seemed the troublemaker of a professor was about to meet his match.

Light green. Thick liquid. No bubbles.

Could it have been a lucky guess? Masaomi could only have wondered.

When he entered college that Autumn, he was reassured that Makoto was a prodigy in the lab. Working under his instruction, Masaomi would give him various labs to replicate. They required referencing different medicinal reactions that took multiple trips to the library to understand. Yet, whenever he received an experiment, the young man would just receive it with both hands and trot off around the lab gathering the necessary equipment. Makoto was undeniably the strongest student in his class.

-continued flashback from Makoto's point of view-

It wasn't until the years after I had studied under Masaomi that I hit a growth spurt and changed my looks. Going from what everybody called ugly to somebody who was actually recognized as human was...different. An experience in of itself. No matter how smart I was before, it wasn't until after my looks changed that I was recognized for it. Those same girls from high school who had mocked me, suddenly worshiped the ground I walked on- they didn't even recognize me.

But Ema was different. We remained friends no matter what. When I walked her to high school, she'd get mocked. She has always been beautiful. And back then, I was no match for her looks-wise.

"She could to so much better than that walking pencil."

"Look at those ridiculous glasses."

"You'd think he was trying to see outer space with those binoculars."

Giggles.

"What a nerd."

They'd whisper such things when they thought I couldn't hear.

Back then, she was taller than me too. She could tell when I was about to cry even though no one could see my eyes, and she'd ruffle my hair and smile gently. I promised myself that if I could ever be her guardian angel as she was for me, I would be so. She always protected me. And I knew then, and especially in those moments, that someday I'd be able to card my hands through her hair... and protect her properly.

I have many reasons why I love her. This is just beginning to scratch the surface.