Nyanko da! (ft Natsume): A Brothers Conflict Fanfic

Chapter 20: What Are Friends For?

"N-Nani?" I can't help but sputter—very rude on my part, but I haven't been expecting another one after all this time. And without warning, too!

"Oh, Kaname." Ukyo pokes his head around the corner, a towel draped over his arm. "You're back early."

"Aah. There the temple was quiet today, so the boss let me off early. Good thing he did if it means I get to dine with a beautiful lady like yourself." This guy—Kaname—leans down toward me, a sugary smile plastered across his face. It's frightening.

"How many more are there?" I blurt out.

It takes Kaname by surprise, but it quickly gives way to laughter. "I take it you've met the others, then, Miss Beautiful Young Lady? I do hope no one's been rude to you. All women must be treated with respect like the queens they are."

From "lady" to "queen", huh? I wonder what line of work he's in. He may be dressed like a monk, but he reminds me more of a host. Are there Buddhist-themed host clubs, by chance?

"I'm only staying here until I can find a place," I say bluntly. "Until then, please ignore me."

Kaname frowns. "How could I ever ignore such a beautiful lady staying under my roof? I take it that you're the lovely Mai-chan who is my imouto-chan's beloved friend?"

"That's right," Ema says. I hope she meant the "friend" part.

"I'm Tsukiyo Mai. You call call me Tsukiyo."

"Ehh? So I'm getting the Tsun-chan* treatment." Kaname strokes his chin in thought. "I suppose I'll have to up my game. No matter. All men love a worthy challenge in love."

The disgust must have leaked into my face, but Kaname seems to find it amusing.

To avoid any further harassment I retreat back into the kitchen, wishing I could hide behind Ukyo for the rest of the night. I'm starting to wonder how he deals with all these brothers all the time.

"Sorry about him, Mai-san." Ukyo pinches the bridge of his nose and grimaces. "Believe it or not, he's supposed to be a monk."

A sketchy monk, I gather.

"Kyo-nii, you know that some monks are allowed to get married."

"Really? I never would have guessed."

I sigh. "I should really move out soon."

"Oh? Passing judgement on a first impression?" Kaname shakes his head wistfully. "You wound me, Fair Mai-chan."

"Don't say my name like that."

Ema, who's been watching this exchange worriedly, cuts in and announces that dinner is ready. With a wink in our direction Kaname heads upstairs to change. He passes the other brothers as they gather for dinner, and thankfully he doesn't sit next to me. Ema and Ukyo spare me from the honour.

After helping to wash up I retreat back to the room. I'm sure that Ema's brothers are much nicer to guests outside the house whom they hardly know. One of the Asahina brothers must have mentioned me to Kaname, since he didn't treat me like a stranger. I kind of wish they'd said nothing now.

I check my phone again, and to my delight the real estate guy has emailed me back. The viewing is in two days, so with any luck I'll be out of here before any more brothers show up. I can hold my own against one Tsubaki and Fuuto, but Kaname might be the boss level. Sucks that I've also  never been good around the flirty types.

I let Ema know that I'm going out for the viewing, and she expresses interest in coming along.

"Are you sure? It'll be after my shift at work." I end later that day, too.