When They Realized (GenMui)

1

Minutes had passed since Muichiro had begun showing Genya around the house, fulfilling his promise from earlier to give a full tour. Genya found himself captivated by each unique room, thrilled to explore this new space he had yet to set foot in. After all, the Tokito's had moved since the last time the Shinazugawa's visited.

The two boys wandered through the game room, the theater room, and even an ice room, each space more intriguing than the last. However, the highlight was undeniably the room intended for Genya—or more accurately, the Shinazugawa room, as Mr. Tokito had insisted the two brothers share it.

By this time, everyone was ready for dinner. The late evening sky enveloped the earth, casting a serene glow over the manor. The inviting aroma of tofu wafted through the air. Mr. Tokito, carrying a steaming pot of miso soup, walked carefully toward the dining table. He set it down gently, placing it neatly beside a complimentary pot of rice.

"Everyone down!" He demanded, clasping his hands together in satisfaction. "Dinners ready!"

It didn't take long before the cacophony of teenage steps became perceivable. On the floor above, they spent their given time playing video games in the twins' bedroom; all with the exception of Sanemi, of course. Muichiro couldn't resist the urge to educate Genya on what he'd already known. The boy was curious, willing to take a peak into Muichiro's intriguing lifestyle. However, they were suddenly interrupted by dinner and lacked the mental power to ignore it.

As the group of boys finally made it downstairs, they immediately wafted the pleasant aroma. A hum ensued from Muichiro's lips as he followed the misty trail of good food. Genya aimlessly followed behind him, unaware as to why Muichiro's steps were the ones he chose to trust.

"My stomachs killing me," he suddenly said, breaking the silence between them.

With a desperate sigh, Muichiro faced Genya, admiring how he'd related.

"I know..." he agreed with a subtle whimper. "I can't wait to eat some miso soup tonight."

Genya let out a subtle breath, a gentle smile curling onto his lips as he did so. The voice that had responded back to him wasn't Muichiro's as he'd always known it to be. Something about it had definitely changed, indicating his maturity. Genya enjoyed being able to notice such subtle differences that perhaps others wouldn't be able to realize themselves.

"Muichiro, what happened to you?" He asked before realizing how unintentional it came out.

"Hm?" Muichiro arched an eyebrow, shrugging, although not in response to the question.

"Ah, sorry, I phrased that wrong," Genya corrected, his cheeks briefly glowing in embarrassment. He folded his lips, allowing the heated sensation to kick in. "I just meant, like, you've changed so much over the span of one year. That's incredible."

"Could easily say the same for you," Muichiro admitted.

"Oh really?"

"Yeah,"

Genya's nose subtly reddened as he lowered his gaze to the nearest floor tile. He liked to think he changed over time but was never convinced it was ever that noticeable.

"W-what changed?" He sputtered, somewhat nervous at the idea of what the answer might entail.

"Well..." Muichiro began, placing a finger onto his chin in thought. His pupils began to travel, first from Genya's mohawk, then to the scar on his face. The gaze of his blue irises was somewhat intimidating and undoubtedly left Genya with a feeling of admiration. "For the most pa—"

"Ay, stop stalling dinner," a tertiary voice said, interrupting Muichiro's thought process.

The two both pivoted in the direction of the voice, facing Sanemi, who stood tall in front of them; although, undeniably, Genya was slightly taller, much to his dismay. As much as Sanemi was feared for his oftentimes ruthless demeanor, he held an ample amount of respect for adults. Especially those that he learned to tolerate throughout his lifetime.