I N N O C E N C E (Shu Sakamaki)

Chapter 45

Yuma had beaten up Shu pretty badly while nobody dared to intervene. On the contrary, everybody had left the room as they were all aware of what was going on. This wasn't simply a fight; this was a broken bond and a tragic story, one that Manami figure out Shu had knew about all along.

Eventually, Yuma had stopped, sitting beside Shu as he realized that the Sakamaki was not going to move, no matter how many beatings he received. An injured Reiji too had hurried out of the room, leaving his brother alone with the angered vampire.

He gave his older brother a final hesitant look as he left, one that Shu, despite Reiji's hopes, had noticed.

Silence enveloped the hall as the two vampires sat beside each other, one covered in new blood while the other, in old. It wasn't that they didn't want to speak, it was that they didn't know what to say.

Yuma decided it was time for him to open his mouth but to his surprise, he was beat to it.

"Edgar." Shu said, staring straight, his eyes not daring to meet the Mukami's. "That was your name."

Yuma stared at him before scoffing and folding his arms.

"You are really daring, using my name so casually." He retorted back, still angrily. "Shit, I didn't come here for this... I came here for the girl."

Shu glanced at the Mukami who looked frustrated by the whole situation. This was the calmest they had been in front of each other since they have met - it was weird.

"Is it true? Did the four-eyes do that shit?" Yuma asked, waiting for Shu's response but the vampire's silence to the question was all the answers he needed. "It was because of you that they died."

Shu didn't say another word.

"Damn bro, just fucking say something at this point." Yuma growled getting up and stomping. "I'm seriously starting to get an-"

"It was my fault." Shu interrupted, causing Yuma's eyes to widen in shock.

He couldn't believe the words that were coming out of the Sakamaki's mouth. Were they real, or was he just imaging it? He found out so much in such a short time, and yet, for some reason, he didn't feel as angry as he should have. Maybe it was true - time does heal - but it sure does also make you forget. And he has forgotten a lot.

"I'm sorry." Shu said, almost hesitantly. "I couldn't stop it. It is all my fault."

"Stop, it's weird hearing you beg like that." Yuma clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair nervously. "It wasn't like you were trying to burn my parents alive, right? It was your stupid ass brother after all. I think."

Shu chuckled at Mukami's words; they did not mean anything to him. All these years, he had carried this burden and guilt, you would think that a simple "it's not your fault" would make all his bad thoughts disappear. In reality, he hated the pity. He knew that deep down, none of this would have happened if he would have simply stood up to the plate and took responsibility. Even to this day, he cannot seem to do the one thing which was his downfall. Because no matter what his old friend will say, Shu will blame himself.

Yuma could tell the vampire was conflicted.

"Oi, you listening to me you bonehead?" He lightly kicked the Sakamaki. "I am not saying I am not mad or whatever, but I guess I cannot do anything about it now. And you are making me feel bad sitting there all sad and shit like that... So get up."

"Are you trying to comfort me?" Shu asked, looking up at the Mukami that was now towering over him.

"Hell no." Yuma exclaimed, turning around. "I am not going to accept your apology, so don't even think about that-"