Chem Lab

Chapter Twenty Three: Clues

Masane held her brother's hand firmly, scared he would disappear in an instant. Usually she was able to figure out a reasonable explanation or a simple solution but for this...

Where she was trying to do everything in her power to keep her brother safe, her actions had pissed the mastermind off enough to bring Yoshikawa into the mix.

"Who are you?" Yoshikawa seemed to be asking everyone that question, but this time it was directed at Kougyoku.

Masane gave a hard glare with her teeth bared, as to say "play nice."

Kougyoku rolled her eyes but gave the most gentle smile Masane had ever seen to her brother. "Heya sprout. I'm Kougyoku Chugen, it's nice to meet you."

"Ko- what?"

Chuckling,  Kougyoku ruffled his hair and said, "If it's easier to say, just call me Yoku."

"Oh okay. Hello miss Yoku! My name is Yoshikawa Kioyoko, pleasure to meet you too!" Grinning, Yoshikawa beamed up at Kougyoku.

"Heh same here kid. C'mon let's feed you."

With that, Kougyoku, Masane and Yoshikawa went with the others to the cafeteria. Masane sat him down next to Suga and Kenho before going into the kitchen.

She took a shaky breath and looked around to see what she could make. Hearing laughter, she saw Rigen telling Yoshikawa a joke, making him chuckle.

The sight brought a smile to her face, helping her relax.

"He looks pretty happy with everybody, huh?"

Spinning around, Masane raised her hand, ready to hit whoever snuck up on her when a firm hand grasped her wrist.

"Oh! Hey Raou."

Raou gave her a lopsided smile before releasing her and stepping next to her. "So what are we making?"

Raising an eyebrow,  Masane gave a half smile. "We?"

"Yeah no offense,  you look absolutely petrified and you're shaking. So I don't really trust you not to cut yourself... so lemme ask again, what are we making?"

Masane gave a slight laugh in disbelief before sliding him some vegetables to cut. "I've been meaning to ask you something?"

"Ask away."

"When with the others your voice seems to sound like a commander giving orders, but when you're with me you seem much more relaxed. Why is that?"

Pausing, Raou took a moment to answer. "I, well, I try to be a very good person, so I do what I have to to be the perfect son. But with you, I'm very calm and... I don't feel like I HAVE to be something for you to like me."

Giving Raou a hug, she spoke quietly. "If I'm honest, I'd rather you be yourself then try to force yourself to be someone you're not."

It was a while before she heard Raou speak again."Thanks Masane. Now let's not get too sappy. Can you tell me what the hell we're making?

Giggling to herself, she said, "Of course. Just some macaroni and cooked vegetables. Simple, yet effective. "

"Alright. I'll do the cutting if that's alright with you?"

"Heh, you make it sound like I have a choice in the matter."

"You don't, I'm just being polite." Raou gave her a sassy smirk, to which she laughed at.

"Then grab the knife, Kusu. Let's get cooking."

"Yes ma'am!" Raou gave her a wink and went to start cutting.