Imouto (Brothers Conflict Fanfiction - Slow Update)

Episode 12

It was the last day of the year. Everyone in the Asahina household including Miwa and Keiko's father, Rintarou had gathered for dinner together to celebrate the triplets birthday and the last day of the year. Unfortunately, Fuuto couldn't join because he participated in the New Year's idol countdown event. He won't be back until early next morning.

"How about you guys visit the shrine tomorrow?" Miwa suggested.

"Sounds fun! Everyone's free right?" Keiko asked, looking from her left to right.

Some replied with a yes while some nodded their heads.

"That's great!" Miwa looked at Keiko. "Why don't you wear a kimono tomorrow? I can lend you mine."

"Are you sure? I have my own kimono I can wear."

"Of course! It's been my wish since long ago to spoil my daughter."

Keiko giggled and thanked her.

"Oooh! Imouto-chan in a kimono? You'll definitely be the prettiest!" Tsubaki stated.

"I agree. We'll be considered the 'beautiful sisters' of the Asahinas." Hikaru said, smiling.

"Let me style your hair, Chii-chan."

"Everyone's eyes will be on you, onee-chan!"

"That's not good. Imouto-chan's our dear sister, we can't let anyone fall for her." Kaname said.

"Yeah! If there's any creep attracted to you, I'll kick his ass!"

"Or sue them. I'll make sure we win the case." Ukyou said, fixing his glass.

Rintarou laughed. "She might've already punched those creeps before you guys could react. She's one hell of a girl."

They all laughed while Keiko pouted.

"Even though she's strong, we'll still protect her Rintarou-san." Azusa said reassuringly.

"The roles might reverse though." Natsume's statement caused another eruption of laughter among them.

They continued eating dinner which was soba. It's traditional to eat soba before the New Year because it symbolizes a long life. Keiko mostly ended up pouting because of her father's and Natsume's teases.

The next day, she got up early to prepare for the shrine visit. Even though she got less than 7 hours of sleep, she was quite excited to visit her first shrine of the year. Especially with the Asahina's brothers.

She helped Ukyou cook breakfast. After that, she ate breakfast early because wearing a kimono takes time. For a professional, it would take at least a minimum of 5 minutes. But for someone like Keiko who only wears it on special occasions, it would probably take at least 30 minutes.

Miwa and Rintarou arrived from their home. They live separately from their children, so they could be 'lovey-dovey' without the Asahina's and Keiko bothering them. They stop by to hand Keiko Miwa's kimono designed by her.

"You guys aren't coming with us?" Keiko asked after wishing them a happy new year.

"Nope. We're going to visit someone." Miwa said.

"We're... visiting your mother's grave." Rintarou said carefully.

Keiko looked down. She hates talking about anything related to her late mother. It always reminds her of that fateful day.

Keiko was 8 when an accident involving herself and her mother occurred. It was raining heavily, and both Keiko and her mother were running home after going out to buy groceries. Her father was abroad, exploring the sand dunes in Northwest India. They were almost home. They just need to turn left and they'll arrive back at home. However, a car suddenly crashed into them due to the slippery road. Her mother died at the scene, stuck in between the car and a wall while Keiko's left leg was trapped, causing her knee to be weak. Her mother did have time to whisper 'I love you's' to Keiko while reassuring her that everything is going to be fine.