No Strings Attached

0.18

Chapter 18: The Upset 

"So, Haruki asked you out on a date?" 

My eyes widened and quickly covered Apollo's mouth, looking around carefully to see if anyone hears about what he just said. He removed my hands and raised his eyebrows at me.

"I thought you're with Yuzuru?" He exclaimed, and I mentally palmed myself.

How could I forgot that we're only faking the relationship and Apollo fell for it. Are we that convincing that even my sceptic brother thinks that we are the 'real' deal? Well, I'm hoping Athena is already at her limits since I don't know how much longer I can take the burden of pretending.

I shushed him in silence before working on my morning coffee. I'm praying to myself that Apollo would not clarify about what I said and just move on with his business, but what can I expect from my nosy brother?

"You're two-timing them?" He asked, appearing right before my face.

"I told you to shut it! And, no! I'm not two-timing them," I whisper-shouted at him.

"Then, why the hell you're going on a date with Haru-" I didn't give him an opportunity to finish what he said as I heard footsteps nearing the kitchen. 

I saw Dad, peeked his head inside before greeting us a good morning. I greeted him back, still holding Apollo captive as he kept on squirming. Dad only laughed at us and I'm glad he labelled the scenario as the ordinary sibling quarrel and left.

The moment Dad was out of sight, Apollo pushed me with all of his strength and gave me a glare. I shot back at him and told him to be quiet.

"Whatever you're thinking about between me and Yuzuru, throw it in the trash." I said and pat him in the back as I pass through him.

I jolted in surprise when he groaned loudly. He held the sink for support as he arched his back in pain. I quickly placed my cup down and went to him, worried. I tried to ask him for a response but he just kept on murmuring something. I reached towards his back to possibly try and ease the pain but he moved away from me.

I apologized once more and asked if there's something I can do but he said he's fine (which was obviously a lie) and limped out of the kitchen. Before fully exiting, he leaned to the side to reach his cup, lifting his shirt a bit, and I noticed something purplish on his back.

A bruise? It is clearly a bruise, right? It wouldn't hurt that much if it weren't for the bruise. Worry start to scar into my face, thinking about all the possible reasons on how he got that. 

I was about to follow Apollo when Dad told me that Haruki is already outside. I'll just talk to him after this and hopefully, I get the answer I want to hear from Apollo.

***

"So, its your treat right?" I teased Haruki while looking at the menu of the newly opened cafe. 

The place has this vibe that it gives. It has a light and minimal interior. It compliments the wooden chair and tables that are placed around the cafe. The arrangement of the green plants at each corner and window of the place accents the overall aura that newly built area. 

Despite the minimum design of the cafe, the price range of the place was the total opposite of it. My hands hurts even with the thought of pulling out some bills from my pocket to pay for one drink from the place. 

"Do you like that baked cheesecake?" He asked, still focused on the menu. My eyes darted to the dessert and I was about to walk out.

"Dude, let's just find some cheaper cafe's around here," I whispered and tried to pull him out but he gripped my arms to stay. He ushered me to find a vacant seat before it gets too crowdy. I was hesitant at first but finally gave in.