Little Do You Know

Chapter 2 - Life Without You

Misaki's POV

I got to Nii-chan's place not too long after I left Usagi-san's. My brother, as he always did, welcomed me with open arms... literally. He almost knocked me off my feet as he wrapped me in his arms once he laid eyes on me.

Seriously! I just saw him a week ago. I did miss him, but there was no need for all this.

In reality... the reason I didn't want him to hug me was that when he did was because I felt like bawling my eyes out, and spilling everything that was weighing on my heart to him. I couldn't though... What would he think of me...? Of Usagi-san...? I can't tell him that I love Usagi-san. Or that Usagi-san loves me. loved me... I don't know what he'll do if he finds out. I don't think I even want to know...

I felt so lonely. I just left Usagi-san, but I already felt so much pain and loss. I had Nii-chan and Nee-san fussing over me, yet here I am, feeling so alone... I'm so pathetic...

"Misaki-kun, why didn't you tell me before that you were coming?" Nii-san asked.

"I didn't want to alert you or anything..." I mumbled awkwardly, forcing out a laugh.

My brother's normal grin vanished as a deep frown knitted his brows before he asked, "Misaki-kun, did something happen between you and Usagi?"

My lips parted, but I couldn't speak until he called my name again. I had to push tears back before I replied with a smile that I didn't feel like giving, "I thought that it was time for me to move out. I have stayed there for so long. I don't really want to impose on him anymore. I am thinking of getting my own place, but I need somewhere to stay till then. And who better to stay with then my Nii-chan?" My smile widened as I wanted him to believe me.

I hate lying to him... but he can't know...

"Oh... So you both are still on good terms? Because the last time, after I returned from Osaka, I remember him telling me that you wanted to stay with him, and he had so many things to tell me about it. Like you crying to him about-..."

"NII-CHAN! That didn't happen!" I insisted, making him laugh at my reaction, which wasn't my plan.

But it distracted him... That was good. Because it reminded me of that day, of how he told me that he wanted me to stay with him. I wanted so bad to stay with him. Maybe even for the rest of my life... That won't happen now. That brought tears to my eyes again, ones that were much harder to keep under control.

So I pretended to be upset with him laughing at me as I got up from the seat at the counter in the kitchen. I grabbed my bags and headed to the room my brother told me was mine. "I'll go settle in now..." I said over my shoulder.

"Come on, Ototo, I was joking! I didn't mean to upset you!" Nii-san yelled after me, still chuckling.

"Be nicer to your brother, Darling," I heard Manami say to him. Their voices faded as I closed the door behind me, dropping my luggage on the ground as I leaned against the wooden door.

"Hold it together, Misaki... Don't... c-cry..." I mumbled to myself, failing to follow my words as I already felt the tears starting to spill from my eyes. I placed a hand over my lips to muffle the sob that escaped me. There was no need to worry nii-chan...

I am fine... or at least I will be...

***

Usagi's POV

I couldn't help myself as I sat on the couch in the living room, reading the note he left me, over and over... and over again...