Amidst the shadows and the secrets

Night Fifty-Three

Reiji stopped Aiko using his powers. "You might be in our care, Aiko, but you do not make the rules around here. Get out and calm yourself; this is no behavior for a lady." He eyed the man second. "I want you gone, too. You should try harder to get closer to Chisana. Until then, she stays with us. Right now, you are the one making her upset and distrusting of you." 

"I will get you for this, Reiji, because I don't have to listen to a child." Masaki had enough of being corrected. 

"Do I have to remind you that my father knows what happens in and around this mansion? I think you should be ready for a confrontation with him. Now get out." Reiji smiled, seeing his brother. 

"Pleasure." Shu teleported outside with Masaki. 

Along with Aiko gone, the silence returned but the mood hadn't changed, and Chisana felt her wrist pulsate. Rubbing her wrist, she finished her tea and got up. 

"Yui, I want to talk to Chisana." Reiji saw the girl bow and left the kitchen. "A confrontation with your father is inevitable. Especially, if he does find a mansion in the area." 

Looking down, she nodded. "I know, but it's just that I don't get the time to adjust. Everything is happening at the same time. I don't even know what to do." I don't know my father, and that makes me forget half my identity. How am I supposed to do this? Because of everything that happened, I don't know how to find myself while there's Aiko as well. 

Reiji uncrossed his arms. "I know it seems like a lot is happening but just focus on your father first. Otherwise, he might just kidnap you away from us. We have an understanding between us. Do you have all your answers?" 

Do I have answers? No, maybe a few but the questions I had are replaced with other questions. She swallowed while thinking before slowly shaking her head. "No, no, I don't have all the answers yet. But what if he does take me away?" 

"Then stand up for yourself, Chisana. Think of what you want, do you think that your father will help you figure that out? I don't think so, and you know this too." He tucked a hair strand behind her ear. "Only you can figure out what you want. Be where you feel comfortable with the people you care about. Toxic people are toxic people, even if they are family." There was no way he could know what she was going through but hoped he would give her some good advice. "Come on, we have to go to school." 

With a simple nod, Chisana left the kitchen and headed for the bathroom. 

*** 

At school, Chisana could hardly focus on class. Her mind took her back to the advice Reiji gave her in the kitchen. We do have an understanding. I came here looking for answers and finding out what the connection is between them and my father. I know now that I am half demon because my father is a demon but that doesn't answer all my questions. Honestly, Reiji is more reliable than my own father, who is acting like a child by hiding behind Carla. Since I'm half a demon or Founder, maybe I should talk to Carla. He's the king, right? 

"Earth to Chisana, we're dismissed for the lunch break." Laito found it hard to believe she wasn't paying attention. "Are you alright?" 

I will be, but I need to figure out who I am and what I want. I have no idea anymore. How did that happen? She packed her stuff and swung her bag onto her shoulder. "Coffee." 

Her reaction made Laito laugh. "That is true, but what were you thinking? You seemed far away." 

"Chisana, a moment, please." 

He was finally leaving me alone. What now? "What" But seeing Yudai, Chisana refused to make eye contact with him. "No, and no means no, Yudai. Leave me alone and don't talk to me." I have enough on my mind with Aiko and my father. Can't you just leave me alone?