A Little Twist

Fifty

Risa takes Daiki downstairs to the kitchen and puts him in the playpen. 'Now it's time for me to eat, sweety.' Earning another smile, she warms something up. I like his smile. I did read that laughing can take another week or so. Just take your time, sweety. 

Subaru heard her and goes to her. 'Risa, do you have a moment?' 

Surprised, she sees him with a bouquet of white roses. He wants to apologize. 'Sure, can I finish my meal first?' 

'Of course,' he responds and goes to Daiki. 'I know you said it but to see it myself. You have a nice smile, little one. Your first smile for your mother.' He placed the roses down and picks him up from the crib. 

No matter how they treat me, I know that you'll be in safe hands with them. After finishing her meal, she cleans it up. 'They are for me?' 

'Yes,' Subaru turns back at her with the baby in his arms. 'I know I kept my distance but I feel a lot safer with your mother around.' 

'And with the others gone. Clearly, you don't want the others to know you have a softer side.' She finds a vase for the roses and puts them in the water. 

He teleports them both to her room and lays the baby in his crib. 'Can I have a moment with your mother? It's important.' He realizes there is a bouquet of red roses. 

Risa nods. 'You weren't the only one who gave me flowers.' 

Shu, I'm sure. 'I know that actions speak louder than words.' He pulls her in a hug. 'I'm sorry for not telling you anything. I'm sorry for the lies of my brothers. I'm sorry for keeping my distance, I didn't want to do anything with that man's plan. Most of all, I'm sorry for my father. He's the one to put this together and have us compete with each other.' 

I need to remember that. The way you treat me and Daiki will say everything instead of meaningless promises. 'I haven't heard an apology like yours, Subaru...' 

'Don't lie.' He lets her go. 'Shu apologized, how did he anyway?' 

She shakes no. 'I will keep some things quiet. I will not tell anyone how the others apologized. Whatever you will say will stay between us.' A sound makes her turn to Daiki. 'And him too, but he can't understand it or talk. He does recognize your voice.' 

He does see a smile. 'I won't take much of your time. I'm in my room. If you need anything, just call my name. I can catch up on some homework being at home.' He pets Daiki's cheek. 'Be good to your mother.' He turns back. 'I've heard you say that you would accept an apology but without forgiving us...' 

'Subaru, I just...' 

'No, you do the right thing by telling them that. I guess it's a little different for me, but do you accept my apology?' He lifts her head. 

She nods this time. 'I do. Don't forget that much has happened, and I have trouble trusting you and your brothers.' 

'I understand, and you have every right to be a little distrusting.' He heads to the door. 'You know where to find me.' 

*** 

'You're Moriko, right? Usually, you're with the Sakamaki brothers.' 

Moriko gets a jumpscare and looks at the man. 'Who wants to know?' I know you. I've seen you before here at school. 

'A friend of the Sakamaki family. We have seen another girl, but she's not here at school. Their father, an acquaintance of ours, wanted to know more about her. Care to tell me more? Like, her name, and how old she is. Anything could be helpful.' He doesn't reveal himself.