Amidst the shadows and the secrets

Night Thirty-One

At school, Chisana got taken to their homeroom. That she was still listening to music didn't bother him, and she thanked him for that. He's protecting me from Reiji. How did it come to this where they protect me from his brothers. Even if it is only one. 

"Come on, Chisa-chan." Laito pulled one earbud out and looked at something. "One more time or not?" 

Following his eyes, Chisana nodded. "Always, I know the teachers don't like interruptions.' She went inside and knew he stayed close. 

A chuckle sounded. "I knew you would go to the bathroom." Seiko showed herself. "Did you do my homework?" 

Chisana got inside a stall and locked the door without answering the question. Why am I doing this? Aren't the six brother's worse than her? I mean Subaru bit me before we got in the car. Or how Reiji is treating me lately. She came out and washed her hands first. Then she turned to Seiko and gave her the books back. Well, it's not like its a copy of my homework. I made sure to make a few mistakes. Nothing can be hundred percent perfect. 

"Perfect, I'll be in touch." Seiko left the ladies' room and winked at Laito. 

Laito's jaw tighten, realizing the girl waited for Chisana inside. He wishied he could bite the insolent girl but saw Chisana coming back. "What did she want from you, Chisa-chan?" 

Her homework. Chisana shook her head and got the books for the classes. Along with her notebook. "I need something from the library, Laito." 

"Sure, in the lunch break. Coffee first and then to the library." He promised himself to join her. Leaving her alone would make her a bigger target for Seiko and Yui. 

"Thank you and sorry for everything." I don't know why, but I feel like I should apologize. She flipped through her notebook to the right page. 

"What are you sorry for? There is no need for that." Laito turned his head at her and nearly bit his tongue to stay silent. 

*** 

The moment the bell rings, Laito got up. "Let's get you your coffee and then the library. What book do you need?" 

"Sorry, social studies," Chisana answered and hung her bag on her shoulder while leaving with him. It feels like he's babysitting me for protection when I know he wants to do something for himself. Like the rooftop. 

Going down the stairs, Laito saw his brother on his way to the cafeteria. This time he would get to see what would keep Chisana from getting her coffee. Upon entering it, he found him in the corner. However instead of seeing Yui, he saw Seiko awfully close. He noticed the girl next to him gasping for air. He pulled Chisana with him and got her some coffee. "Come on, library, remember." 

What is she doing with him? Chisana froze on the spot until she felt an arm around her. Why her? If it's not Yui, it's her! Why did he stop having a drink with me? It was just coffee for me and tea for him, but I liked our conversations. What did I do wrong? 

"Chisa-chan?" Laito followed her eyes to his brother. "Come on, I have your coffee." He guided her out of the cafeteria with his hand on her back. 

Chisana waited until they were outside the cafeteria and under the stairs. "I'm sorry, but I can't." A sob escaped her and she ran up the stairs. That book can wait. 

Laito hung his head. Aware the girl cared for all of them and witnessing someone else with his brother while ignoring her. It hurt her more than she was willing to admit.