𝐌𝐈𝐃𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄 • k. ayato

14

☄. *. ⋆

[Y/N]'s smile faded. The sweltering, suffocating summer exacerbated the tightness of her chest—it felt like she was taking tangible mouthfuls of hot air as opposed to small puffs. The shape of death, blood, anguish, melting into the soft walls of her mouth, sinking deep into her heart, refusing to be still. She was not yet prepared to face him. 

That sense of dread had not yet sunk in fully; he was at the estate waiting for her to see him, and all she could do was shut down.

"Sister, are you alright? You seem rather pale," noted Ayaka, clearly worried.

Although the color in [Y/N]'s eyes faded, she still smiled at the young lady of the Kamisato estate, "I'm simply surprised. Don't worry," she said as she stood up, "Thoma, please lead me to him. It's been far too long since I last saw my dearest brother."

But before fear, the control of her own life was much more significant. She decided instead of trying to settle down the agonizing fear she was feeling, she would take control of the situation, and make sure not to bow before him. He might be the heir, but she is the madam of the Kamisato family. 

They're equals now, just as they were when they were children.

So, what was there for her to fear? And so, she feigned a smile and sprinkled in some sugary words to mask all that she was feeling. At least, she was glad that Ayaka no longer had that troubling worried expression on her face.

The walk out of the garden was quiet, but her mind was not. She could not figure out why he would be here? Had father sent him here to check up on her? No, he wouldn't do that. He was well aware of her brother's plans, and he was trying to protect her. 

But then, did he come here to see if she was still a threat to him? If so, then all she had to do was make sure to let him know that she no longer was seeking to be the Head of the Kamiyama family, however, that seemed far too easy to figure out. 

Surely he had some other, much more vicious motive?

As the doors to the Kamisato estate's waiting room opened, [Y/N] was quick to tidy up her face and posture. She wished to seem relaxed and harmless, as much as she wasn't. Thus, as Thoma left the two of them alone, quickly did a charming smile appear on her face.

"Brother, It's been so long. How have you been?"

"Sister... Your smile is forevermore blinding," he complimented, wrapping his arms around her in a tight embrace, "I have been doing well, and you?"

[Y/N] pulled back, "Better than anticipated."

"Yes, you do seem rather merry. Oh, it must be because you're so happy to see me, yes?" He beamed so happily, as happily as a child would. How innocent he looked.

"It must be so as I have missed you dearly, brother."

His eyes lit up, and he asked, "It's lonely without you. Much too quiet, much too grim," he twirled a lock of [Y/N]'s hair with his finger, seemingly so distant, and yet so close. 

Has he always been such a person? So cold, and yet so warm, much like her. But even so, it seemed as though nothing was behind his eyes. No plans or motives, no desires or needs. He was simply existing, floating in this world that has been far too cruel to him.

For a second, she doubted he was capable of doing anything bad, and when he looked into her eyes, oh how much it stung. How hard her heart was bleeding. In front of her was her little brother, smiling and talking sweetly with her.

Her eyes softened, her smile trembling slightly, "Do you wish for me to come back home?" She inquired.

"Do you, yourself want to go home?" He looked into her eyes, his unsettling smile growing more dreadful, but she failed to see that. All that she saw, was the shell of the brother she used to hold so close to her heart.

[Y/N]'s smile was melancholy as she took hold of the hand messing with her hair, "I don't have time to waste on imagining a future that will never be, but...," she knew she was being tricked, even if she dared not see him in a light which painted him as a wicked person, she wasn't so weak as to allow herself to get lost in this fantasy.

And that was enough for her to be able to mutter out these harsh words, "if the past had gone the other way... do you suppose I would have lived up to father's expectations better than you do?" She only hoped he would forgive her.

For a second, his expression did not change, but soon thereafter, he burst into laughter, backing away from his sister slightly, "I've truly missed you. You're a joy to be around, haha!"

[Y/N] was rather puzzled at this. This was certainly not the way she was expecting him to react. She watched as he composed himself with a curious expression.

"Brother, do tell me why you're here," her smile was no longer very happy. She was done playing games with him for today. Any more than this would make her go insane.

He chuckled,  "Yes, yes. Please don't be upset with me. I only want things to go back to how they used to be. I apologize for making light of your situation," he wiped a happy tear away from his eyes, still smiling.

He was smiling at her. So tenderly. She wanted to tear him apart, and then sew him back into the person he used to be.

"Brother... just answer my question."

He sighed, "I came because I was worried about you. I was so preoccupied with my studies I did not even hear the news of you falling ill, and although it has been quite a while... your face still seems to be rather pale, hmm? Are you certain you're well? Shouldn't you be in bed? Or perhaps... did something else happen? Did you hear any nasty rumors?"

[Y/N] shook her head, "I'm well. Though your blabbing is giving me a headache, so please do leave as soon as possible. I'll have Thoma walk you out."

Suddenly, his face turned grim, "Huh? But sister I thought you missed me!"

"Of course I did," she placed her hand on the door, turning to smile at him condescendingly, "But I suppose I was under the sun for too long. Next time, make sure to make an appointment to see me. As the madam, I am very busy. And as the next heir, simple manners will surely help you keep our clan alive."

She then left the room the two of them were in, making sure to walk as quickly as possible so he would not have the chance to catch up to her, as the feeling of vomit coming up her throat was not something she could control for much longer.

But nevertheless, all that was on her mind was the feeble hope of him not hating her too much.

☄. *. ⋆