I Am Big Brother (I Am Big Brother 1) ✅

Chapter Seven

After getting the car seat from Koji's apartment, it was first hooked up in the back of Ryoma's car as his house was the first stop. Five cars traveling together in Tokyo was hardly ideal, but it was still early in the morning on a Saturday so thankfully the flow of traffic was not too heavy.

It may be why they came to see me so early, Masato thought.

Masato and Koji rode with Ryoma, and because Eiji was in the backseat Masato sat with him. Which left Koji to sit upfront with Ryoma, who didn't look too pleased about it. Masato felt empathy for his friend, who seemed oblivious to Ryoma's consternation.

When the five arrived at Ryoma's house, Masato was stunned to see a Greek revival-style mansion in the middle of Shinjuku. There were high walls surrounding the home, and a long driveway so it couldn't be seen from the street. Masato almost couldn't believe that a mansion like this existed in Shinjuku of all places, but he was there and seeing it, so he knew it to be true. He had heard that Ryoma's father owned a private security company, so it didn't surprise him that Ryoma's house had the feeling of a secure fortress.

"'Kaa-san, I'm back!" Ryoma called out as the group took their shoes off. The entryway was massive and opulent, with twin staircases leading to the second floor in front of them.

"Oh, do you have the baby Ryoma?"

The woman's voice was warm and eager, and Masato immediately felt at ease just from hearing her tone. A woman in her early forties emerged from the room to their right. She had a willowy figure, kind eyes, and a kind smile. Her hair was tied back in a low side ponytail that gave her a true maternal look. Masato could tell by her features that Ryoma took after her strongly.

But when her eyes fell upon Masato and Eiji she had a...curious reaction. The woman stopped dead in her tracks, her smile faded, and her eyes went wide. Masato felt uncomfortable and self-conscious by her reaction to him.

"'Kaa-san," Ryoma said, moving to her side. He also noticed her reaction to Masato and Eiji and looked confused and alarmed. "This is Masato Ohkawa, and his brother Eiji. Remember? You said we could watch Eiji on Tuesdays."

Mrs. Ayugai seemed to snap out of her shocked state and she quickly shoo her head. She approached Masato with open arms and her warm smile returned. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel unwelcome, Ohkawa-kun."

"There's no issue, Ayugai-san," Masato said, bowing slightly. "I'm pleased to meet you. As Ryoma said, I'm Masato Ohkawa. This is my baby brother, Eiji."

"Papa!" Eiji burst out, mortifying Masato even further. "H-He's my brother," he quickly reassured Mrs. Ayugai.

Mrs. Ayugai did not seem bothered by Eiji's outburst and presented Masato her card. "I'm pleased to meet you as well. My name is Chisae Ayugai. Ryoma has explained everything to me, and my home is open to you."

"I apologize for inconveniencing you—" Masato began, but Mrs. Ayugai shook her head at him. "It's not an inconvenience to me, Ohkawa-kun. I love taking care of babies. Here, come in all of you. I know most of you boys have been here before, but I will show you around regardless."

"I'm very pleased to meet you, Ayugai-san!" Koji presented himself, bowing deeply and speaking formally and respectfully. "My name is Koji Nishio, and I am also friends with Yo-kun!"

Ryoma exhaled with a sharp hiss and glared at Koji while the other four snickered. Mrs. Ayugai looked both and confused. "Ah..."Yo-kun", Nishio-kun?"

"That's his nickname for me, 'Kaa-san," Ryoma grumbled in a reluctant tone. "He gave us all nicknames."

Mrs. Ayugai laughed softly behind her hand, and Ryoma looked even more infuriated and embarrassed. "You must be very very close to Ryoma to give him such a nickname, Nishio-kun."