𝐺𝐴𝑁𝐺𝑆𝐻𝐼𝑇𝑆 // 𝑇𝑂𝐾𝑌𝑂 𝑅𝐸𝑉𝐸𝑁𝐺𝐸𝑅𝑆

-9

[Naomi's Pov]

"I died again! Why are you so good at this, Nao-chin?!" Mikey whined, dramatically flopping onto the floor with a pout.

I laughed and took a sip of my juice, a wave of deja vu washing over me. "Because I'm good at everything," I said smugly.

A sudden memory flashed through my mind, making me freeze for a moment.

—

"This game is stupid! Why are you so good at it?!" nine-year-old me huffed, throwing the video game controller onto a pillow.

"What can I say? I'm just naturally good at everything." A boy with bleach-blond hair grinned cockily.

"Hmph. You can't even beat me in a fight," I said, crossing my arms.

"Hah?! That's because I don’t hit girls!" he exclaimed, his grin instantly disappearing.

"Stop making excuses."

"It’s not an excuse!"

"Just admit it—I’m stronger than you," I teased, smirking up at him.

"Why you—!!" he growled through gritted teeth.

"Izana, Nao, stop bickering and come eat!"

—

"Nao-chin? Are you still alive?" A hand waved in front of my face, snapping me back to reality.

"O-oh… sorry, what were you saying again?" I blinked, looking at Mikey.

He huffed, crossing his arms with an exaggerated pout. "I said we should play something else."

"Sure, your turn to pick." I flopped onto the floor as he eagerly sifted through the games.

‘I haven't seen him since that incident. I wonder what he's up to now,’ I thought, staring blankly at the ceiling. ‘I didn’t even get the chance to visit him when he was in juvie...’ I let out a sigh and sat up properly.

"Nao-chin?"

I flinched, looking at Mikey, who was now watching me with concern. ‘Ack—stop spacing out, Nao!’ I scolded myself internally.

"You okay? You're zoning out again." His pout deepened.

"Sorry, just lost in thought. Did you pick something?" I quickly changed the subject, glancing at the game in his hands.

"Yep! Let's try this—"

"Alright, you two should stop playing and come eat."

"We're back!" Mikey and I turned toward the door to see my brother, Takemichi, and Draken, all carrying bags of food.

"Welcome back," I said, standing up to help with the bags.

—

"You're going to the festival tomorrow, right, Nao-chin?" Mikey asked while mounting his bike.

"I don’t know… I’m not really into festivals," I shrugged.

He slumped in disappointment, making Draken snicker. I tilted my head, confused. "What’s wrong?"

"Mikey wants you to go with him to the festival," Draken said bluntly, smirking at Mikey.

"Oi, Ken-chin!" Mikey exclaimed, his face turning pink. Draken burst out laughing, joined by Takemichi, who sat behind him.

I chuckled, feeling my own face heat up. "Is that so? Alright then, pick me up at six."

Mikey's blush deepened. "T-then I’ll see you tomorrow, Nao-chin." He quickly revved up his bike, clearly avoiding my gaze.

"See you tomorrow, shrimpy."

"Bye, Omi-chan!"

I waved as they rode off. The moment they were out of sight, I dropped my hand and sighed.

‘AAAHHHH! BLOODY HELL! HE’S TOO CUTE!’ I screamed internally, feeling my heart race.

—

Back inside, I walked toward the kitchen, where my brother was munching on a snack.

"Oh, they left already?" he asked.

I glanced at the clock—4:30. "Yeah," I replied, heading upstairs. "By the way, I’m going out with a friend right now!" I shouted before dashing to my room.

I quickly changed into a fitted black crop top that showed just a hint of my waist and a sleek, high-slit plaid skirt that stopped mid-thigh. I let my hair down, added a light touch of powder, and checked myself in the mirror. Perfect.

Walking downstairs, I spotted Haruchiyo lounging on the sofa, stuffing his face with chips.

"Nii-san, I’m heading out now," I called.

He turned, eyes on the TV, before slowly looking at me—then froze. The chip in his mouth fell to the floor.

"…What the hell are you wearing?"

I smirked. "I know I’m pretty, but sadly, we’re siblings."

"I swear, I wanna punch you right now," he deadpanned, an irk mark forming on his forehead. "Where are you actually going?"

"I told you—I’m just hanging out with a friend."

"You look like you’re going on a damn date." He narrowed his eyes. "Mikey wouldn’t like that."

I stiffened. "I—It’s not a date!" I muttered, hurriedly tying my shoes.

"Sure, whatever you say." He leaned back. "Who’s this ‘friend’?"

"Koko."

Haruchiyo immediately relaxed. "Oh. Be home by eight, then."

I chuckled, watching as he went back to his snacks.

‘He worries too much and forgets I can handle myself,’ I thought, rolling my eyes.

"I will," I said, kissing his cheek before heading out.

"Oi, don’t act cute after dressing like that!" he yelled after me.

I laughed, feeling lighter as I stepped outside. ‘This is going to be fun.’

-edited.