The monster under my bed

Chapter 8: Regrets

!TW!

attempted rape.

🤗

For the first time! For the first time he woke up when the alarm went off. Muichirō grabbed his comforter and folded it. He unlocked the bathroom door and stuffed the blanket away in the storage closet. He grabbed his alarm clock, pillow, plushie, and ran up the stairs. The plushie fell out of his arms on the way and tumbled down the stairs and into the laundry room. He didn't notice.

Muichirō opened his bedroom carefully, looking inside to see if maybe, maybe Boogie had stayed till morning.

He didn't.

Muichirō walked into his room and placed his pillow back on his bed. He straightened out his covers, and fixed his bed.

After brushing his teeth and putting on his school uniform, he began packing his school bag. That's when he noticed Yuichirō's fountain pen on his desk. It was pierced through a small piece of paper.

Muichirō took the paper and unfolded it.

" Fancy pulling a trick like that. I think you're forgetting that you're not the only person in this house.

If you're not in your room at any point during the night, I'm visiting your brother. I'm sure he'd love that."

No...this can't be happening...

Falling on his knees, Muichirō covered his mouth to stifle a sob. Boogie was shameless. Clearly, he was going to do anything to hurt Muichirō, even if that meant hurting the ones he loves.

I'm sorry Yuichirō. I put you in harm's way!

He heard a knock on his door and jumped, quickly stuffing the note in his pocket.

"Hey. Have you seen my... why are you crying?

Yuichirō stood in the doorway, staring at his younger twin.

"I'm not crying!" Muichirō defended himself. "I yawned. I'm kinda tired. Here's your pen," he handed Yuichirō the pen.

"Okay..." Yuichirō looked at him suspiciously. "You've been crying a lot lately. For no reason. Maybe Mama needs to take you to the doctor."

"No, she can't do that!"

"Why not?"

"Well...b-because I'm feeling fine!"

Yuichirō squinted closely at his brother, who squirmed uncomfortably.

"I'm telling Mama anyway."

"Noooo!"

Mother was frying eggs when the twins ran into the kitchen. Yuichirō held onto the countertop while Muichirō pulled him on the arm.

"Yuichirō, stop!"

"Mama, you need to take Muichirō to the doctor!"

She tipped her head to the side. "Why is that?"

"He keeps crying for no reason!"

"I do not!"

Mother looked confused for a second.

Then her face warmed at the boys. "It's hormones," she answered calmly.

"Huh?"

Yuichirō turned red, while Muichirō looked confused.

"Frequent mood swings are a sign that you're growing up!"

"Mama, these aren't mood swings." Yuichirō grunted.

Her cheerful face slightly faded, and she began to look more concerned. "Muichirō, it's true. Your Uncle told me about it yesterday. The nurse called as well. I'm inclined to think it's hormones, but it could as well be something else. Is everything going alright in school? Are you being bullied?"