BitterSweet Addictions - Book One

Chapter Five

The car ride back was silent, more so than ever. Ran had wondered what had happened, but Mikey's expression stilled his words. Made him rethink what he sought to ask. In the end, he focused more on the road, aware Mikey wasn't the only one annoyed. Sanzu's expression was an open book. The sight of betrayal. His eyes splayed his pain for all to see, that ocean gaze so glassy and empty for the time. In the end, the silence had made it the entire trip. It wasn't until Rindou had parked the car that Sanzu had climbed out first. He hurried inside without another word, leaving Mikey to sigh deeply. His eyes looked exhausted as he left the vehicle's interior. Part of him wanted to ignore the issue before him, but even Mikey knew it was impossible. Even Takeomi had the same input.

"You should really go correct things with him, Mikey. He's more hurt about your proposal at the wedding." The words clung to the open, Ran and Rindou trading partial looks before Mikey spoke up.

"I know. If I owe anyone, it's him... Even I know that. Tomorrow we're headed to the hot springs during the eve, so I'll have this sorted by then. Until that point, take a break. I'll be occupied for the remainder of the day." Takeomi nodded, watching Mikey wander a bit before he offered one more line.

"He truly cares about you, Mikey; even if his definition is a bit dark and twisted." Mikey peered back, his expression somewhat new. That faint smile, so sad and weak. The way his eyes held a slight glimmer. Even his voice was soft, like a fragment that had chipped from the original.

"I know that. It's the reason I said those words at the wedding. He'll understand soon. He's not the only one who is reliant on someone..." Without another word, Mikey left. He followed where Sanzu wandered, entering the main building as both brother's left the vehicle. They peered at Takeomi, who noticed the sets of eyes.

"So, what did we miss during the short visit?" Takeomi shrugged, giving a faint smile. He glanced sideways to the two, giving a sly grin.

"Guess you'll have to ask Mikey, or you'll find out soon. It's not my place to say." The Haitani's gave similar frowns, not that Takeomi cared. He simply ignored them, heading in himself. He just hoped things would be corrected. He may not have a perfect relationship with Sanzu, but it didn't mean he cherished seeing him so gloomy. Upon entering through the front door, he found his gaze wandering to Mikey, who was practically dragging Sanzu along by the wrist. The two still shrouded in a heavy silence. In the end, Takeomi sighed before dismissing his troubles. He simply had faith in their leader; that Mikey knew what he was doing.

Back with Mikey and Sanzu, they had reached the pinkette's room before barging in. Mikey's room was further off, leaving him to steal the closest room. Tugging Sanzu within the confines of the space, Mikey released his hold on the other. Watched as they wandered toward the sofa present by the larger window. Their body slumped to the seat, head low and eyes staring to the floor.

"Sanzu, I can tell something has bothered you. So, explain what's made you so upset." It was less a question and more a demand, those blue eyes peering upward. Sanzu stayed silent, but noticed Mikey's hand playing with the lock, sealing them inside as that honey-like voice fell over the pinkette. "You're not allowed to leave this room until we speak thoroughly, so don't make me ask again."

"I just don't understand why you are willing to give him another chance. You have me, Mikey! You don't need anyone else, not when I'm here. When I am always by your side!" The white-haired male gave a faint smile, even if Sanzu hadn't seen it. Those crystal-like eyes shifted elsewhere, still displaying the faint betrayal the pinkette felt. But it only made Mikey feel slightly happy. He'd taken a ton for granted, but it was the first time he truly understood the amount of adoration Sanzu had for him.