𝘾𝙧𝙪𝙚𝙡 𝙎𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙧 // ʲʲ ᵐᵃʸᵇᵃⁿᵏ [𝐢]

─ 𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗼𝘁

❛ 𝘔𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘋𝘢𝘺 ❜
( japanese in ** italics )

HIS EYES STAY trained on me, a hint of wariness in them as I haven't said a word for the past hour. Serves him right; who tells you to pack your bags the second you get back from an already shitty day at school and then proceed to force me onto a death transporter with wings with the purpose of taking us to some little town in North Carolina for some pretty sandy shores and the beautiful endless ocean ?

Vincent Kaizen. That's who.

"Why are you so calm Nana ?" my lip quircks down in distaste at the nickname that's clung to me ever since birth. I've always thought it sounds dumb, and I've never allowed anyone else to speak it... but having four older brothers, my authority is highly limited.

"I made her take her anxiety meds before boarding,"

"Much to my protest." I state firmly, breaking my fixed gaze from the window and glaring down the walkway at a smiling Kenji. Bastard, always looking after me and shit.

I hear a door open, before my trusty other half reclaims his seat beside me, a very content look on his face. "Gotta admit it's better than having a panic attack on a plane though Min."

My favourite brother, because apart from sharing the womb with him, he's the only one who doesn't call me by that silly nickname the others do.

"Ah, Kai, back from destroying the toilet are you ?" Kenji teases the boy beside me, who reciprocates with a middle finger.

"Hey, nobody told me there was godawful cows milk in that smoothie, okay ?"

I chuckle softly, not fully wanting to show any signs of happiness just yet as I would still like to continue guilt tripping Vince for a little longer.

However, that plan doesn't last long as I watch him rise from his seat, and then pats my knee with a, "Let's talk Minazuki."

Since he uses my full name, I'm oddly obligated to follow. Even though I'd like to avoid the conversation we'll have, at the end of the day, he is the oldest, and in our family, that comes with perks.

Sighing, Kai gives me an encouraging smile while squeezing my hand as I move past him. "I'll get Lord of the Rings started while you're gone."

"Which one ?"

He scoffs, rolling his eyes with a deadpan expression. "Return of the King, obviously."

I smile broadly, fist bumping him. "I'll grab some sushi on my way back ?"

"Hell yeah !"

My smile fades slowly as I make my way towards the back of the plane. I wasn't nervous, more so curious to what we'll talk about. Growing up in this family, there are things the elders try to hide from Kai and I, which I accept and don't try to stick my nose into; ever. I understand the burden that's been placed on my brother's, and especially Vince's, shoulders following the events of my father's death - but leaving my life behind in Tokyo wasn't something I was prepared for, especially with the abrubtness of it all.

I wasn't even able to say goodbye to my friends or teammates, who've grown to become family over the past 2 years of high school. My life took a sharp turn, and if there's something I really hate, it's sudden change.

Although most call me a tough girl, and I'll admit, I'm not always the friendliest, I can't denounce the obvious fact when it comes to my brothers - I have an incredibly soft spot for them.

Despite the horrible things and crimes they've committed.

I love them; and that shows as my cold facade melts away at the warm smile Vince gives me upon taking a seat across from him. A small table sat between us, with four cream coloured leather seats, my brother - dressed in back slacks, a plain white t-shirt and some dress shoes (his take on casual wear), his dark hair swept back into his perfect quif, and the ink that was being shown off on the tanned skin of his neck - sits before me.

Me ? Well, both Kai and I are actually still in our school uniform as we were given no time to change.

[ the suffix "san" is used as a term of endearment in the japanese language. ]

"Mina-san," his hazel eyes are relieved of the firmness they so often hold, telling me he's talking to me as just a big brother, and not a mafia leader.

"You know we don't involve you and Kai in the business, and I'm grateful neither of you pry into it either. You've lived your lives as somewhat normal teenagers, with friends and parties,"

I must say, the us Japanese can party.

"And I know I'm not perfect. I know some of the things I've done and said have hurt you, but you know it's never my intention to make you upset Mina."

I finally look up from my lap, a small smile pulling at the corner of my lips. "I know Vince, I know."

He nods slowly, before leaning forward and holding his hands out on the table. Letting out a little huff at the gesture he used to do when I was a child and cried for meaningless things, place mine in his, and he wraps his fingers around my much smaller hands, his thumbs drawing gentle circles on my palms.

"Good, and you I know don't like being involved in the business, so I won't go into too much detail,"

My brows furrow, but I say nothing and allow him to continue.

"We have to lay low for a couple months."

That's it. That's all he says, but that's all I want to hear honestly. I don't want the details, I never do. I'm all for wanting to be involved and not being in the dark, but in this life, at my age, and with my family, I withstand knowing.

I nod slowly, before pulling my hands from his and leaning back into my seat. Gazing out at the ocean, the sun rays creating tiny crystals on the surface.

Hate to admit it; it is beautiful.

"So off to the sandy shores and tidal waves we go, huh."

Vince chuckles, following in staring out at the scenery. "Outer Banks."

"What ?" I tilt my head to look at him curiously.

"That's what the towns called."

Nodding again, I go back to looking out over the waters. "Outer Banks... *interesting*. "

☀︎︎☀︎︎☀︎︎

chapter uno done!
sorry if it was a little boring, this was just a little bit of a background.

don't forget to vote & comment if you're enjoying !

- tate