Michikatsu stood within the shadows coming from the walls of the corridor, the grip on his right hand clutched tighter on his haori. His father had been inside his quarters for days, if not weeks, no one was allowed entry except for servants with trays of bowls in different arrays of shapes and sizes. His mother was also one of the few exceptions. Once she was inside, they would speak in hushed voices, they were murmurs, almost in gibberish. Whenever his mother noticed him, her would put up a small smile before ushering him back to her room, walking as slowly as she could; it was never towards his father's, always hers. There was nothing of sorts regarding his father from her. Ever since the man whom his father regarded him as "lord" left, servants began to tidy his room, some stacks of cloth parcels were arranged next to wooden boxes in the family storage.

He was aware that his father planned to send Yoriichi in his place. The days before, his servants were tasked to paint red markings on his forehead, similar to his younger brother's in hopes of diminishing the suspicion; it backfired, all because of his interruption. He should have let the man take his brother away. Perhaps his father would be happier without him, perhaps him and mother would not have to fight every time Yoriichi's name was mentioned, perhaps he would be happier without him. His younger brother, always taking away the attention from him, his mother always spent more time with Yoriichi, gently putting his little body inside her arms, always rushing to hug her left leg whenever she passed by to check on him. It was him that father tried so hard to get rid of, he even thought of ending his life; mother stepped in. His little brother was this special.

He always hoped his brother would not take the attention away, he always hoped his brother would be as deaf as everyone in the household assumed he be, he always wanted his brother gone, to disappear. But it was all because of him. How his brother did not fight back when he was being held by the man, his blank eyes looking at the man, there was no resistance when Yoriichi was in his arms. His mother's muffled sobs etched into his mind, kneeling on the floor as she bowed, making her last attempt in keeping his brother. His mother was helpless, his brother was this helpless.

What would happen if Yoriichi had to serve the man?

Relief did not set in; it was concern. He was alarmed as realisation hit him when the man stood up, he did not put his little brother down; Yoriichi was leaving with the man. Michikatsu did not know where would his brother be once the man set his foot out of the house. His brother would disappear.

"No! That is not Michikatsu!" it was an instinctive reaction, his legs carried him towards the scene. He shouted as loud as he could, in hopes of catching the man's attention. His vision was blurry the moment he thought the man did not budge, he mustered up his strength and courage to explain, so long as Yoriichi did not leave, it was all that mattered.

Michikatsu knew punishment awaited him once the situation ended. Another "hit and fall on his face" was to be expected. But the night he rushed to Yoriichi who was always happy to see him made him realise, he was not aware of the situation.

"Young master, the lord and lady are currently discussing on private matters, please head back to your room," the servant's voice startled him. Fearing the attention would be brought to him, Michikatsu immediately darted back to the direction where he came from.

He hurried his steps towards the quiet corridor, the moment he noticed the crawl space he ducked himself to see Yoriichi who appeared to expect his arrival. The same smile formed on his lips.

Was he aware what will happen in the next few days?

"Big brother," the younger twin greeted, his quiet voice remained, seeming undisturbed by the events that happened,

"Have the servants packed your belongings, Yoriichi?"

His brother shook his head: "I don't have much with me, just some that were given by mother," Michikatsu grew silent, Yoriichi seemed prepared. No matter how many times the younger twin smiled, it always crawled under his skin. Nothing appeared to bother him.

"Then...are you worried what will happen to us?" Yoriichi's smile remained, he shook his head: "All I know is that I will be together with big brother,"

Michikatsu's eyes focused on his younger brother as soon as he heard the response. He remained unfazed, the same unnerving smile was giving him some form of reassurance. Even as an elder brother, anxiety remained. At least one of them should be more alert than the other. The older twin frowned, his right hand slid into the hem of his haori as he rummaged through the fabric in between before pulling the item out.

He handed the small item to Yoriichi who eyed him curiously: "Take this,"

Yoriichi removed the item from his elder brother's palm, peeled off the white cloth to find a small, pale reed flute. Michikatsu had seen the instrument being played a number of times from afar; through memory, he attempted to carve out the holes and slits at the correct position. Albeit the reed was short, with only two holes present, he believed it should be enough to make some sounds when his brother play it.

Yoriichi widened his eyes before turning to his elder brother who eventually explained: "In case if anything happens, your big brother will come help you,"

The younger twin paused for a moment, he turned to look down at the flute that was in his palms, cradling it as carefully as he could.

"Yoriichi?" Michikatsu called, concerned. It was only after that Yoriichi finally looked up at his brother, a large smile replaced his usual small ones: "Thank you big brother, I will take good care of it,"

A small smile crept onto the corner of the older twin's lips. Yoriichi liked it. That was a relief. His small hand reached for his younger brother's head, giving it a light pat.

There was a mix of worry, resign and reassurance in his mother's smile. She gave each a gentle pat on the heads, her hands followed the direction of their hairs, rubbing them affectionately.

There were no tears present in her eyes as she looked at the both of them. Yoriichi sensed the unease and helplessness in his mother's presence: "You two be good. Listen to Lord Sanada,"

The same feeling came from his elder brother as well. He nodded his head, putting up a brave front: "We will, mother,"

His mother paused for a moment, her lips were slightly opened trying to verbalise something; but eventually refrained her intention. There was reluctance.

"My lord, my lady, Lord Sanada has arrived," his mother broke eye contact from them, turning to her back as a group of men approached them. She then quickly returned to face them, lightly tugging both their attires, adjusting their haori one last time: "Wear them properly,"

"Lord Sanada," his father's tired voice greeted the man who returned him with a quick nod. Everyone in his household began kneeling before the man. Yoriichi and his brother followed suit as soon as his mother's hands guided them to face their soon-to-be master.

"Raise yourself," the lord spoke. His voice was calm, his expression solemn. He then turned his attention to Yoriichi and his elder brother, examining their features and body language. The younger twin could feel the tenseness in his elder brother's grip on his hand. There was uncertainty and fear. Yoriichi looked on at the man who then turned away.

"They will be under my care,"

"The Tsugikuni household graciously accepts your offer, your lordship," his father bowed. The man grunted, he shifted his focus to them once again gesturing them to bid their parents goodbye.

With one last bow, they were guided to follow their master who already set off.

The sound of footsteps against the hard grounds was the only thing that took over the silence. Yoriichi turned his head back. His mother waved at them. Her body was slightly shaky, trying to lean as much on her right, removing the burden on her left, he hoped his mother had more time for herself; there was no smile or any expression on his father's face as he watched them, even as the carriage moved, his father's eyes followed them. Their figures became smaller as the sounds of hooves trotting replaced the initial footsteps.

The man, Lord Sanada was silent, his eyes gave full attention to the line of vision above them. There appeared to be an attempt that he was thinking as his expression relaxed from his solemn facade, albeit it was stoic.

His change of tone was sudden, startling his elder brother whose hand still held onto his. Yoriichi gave him a gentle squeeze to reassure him. There was a hint of interest in Lord Sanada's demeanour when Michikatsu gave his answer, the man appeared to be intrigued by his elder brother's answers, waiting for his responses intently, not a sign of impatience. He received the same treatment when the man turned to him, he repeated the question.

His brother appeared wanting to answer as Lord Sanada gazed at him. Michikatsu would sometimes sneak into his room, bringing his own tray of dishes, eagerly sharing his; at most their foods were identical, especially when his brother came. Yet he believed his brother would answer the same thing.

Lord Sanada finally broke his silence, a slight rumble formed on his chest, his eyes lowered, shifted to the side as faint suppressed laughter could be heard. His reaction was an unexpected one, his brother thought the same as they observed him before he finally regained his composure: "Do you like fish then? The same as your brother?"

Their conversation continued, it was not before long the man presented them treats that had a peculiar shade. The texture was soft and squishy when Yoriichi put them in his hands. The taste was a completely different feeling. It was comforting and exhilarating.

Lord Sanada noticed their stares, he placed the cloth of treats between the both of them, gesturing them to eat more. The man's demeanour finally reverted back to his stoic self as he brought his attention towards the view outside the carriage.