BELOVED BY THE TWINS

CHAPTER 13

"BELOVED BY THE TWINS"
by: Dark Flame Master

The next day the twins woke up early as usual. They decided to cook breakfast for Shin hoping to surprise him. The sound of eggs sizzling on the pan and the aroma of bacon filled the air. Ruka was humming a cheerful tune while Luca was more focused stirring a pot of soup on the stove.

As the sun rose higher in the sky, Shin finally woke up. He stretched his arms and yawned before heading to the kitchen. The sight that greeted him was unexpected. The table was already set with plates full of food.

"Let’s eat," Ruka said, smiling brightly as he gestured for Shin to sit down.

Shin nodded still a little groggy. He dragged himself to the table and sat down while rubbing his eyes. After a few bites his mood started to lift. "It’s good," he mumbled between mouthfuls of rice and eggs.

"Hmm, Luca is really good at cooking," Ruka said proudly as if he’d been the one cooking the meal.

Luca just smiled, quietly eating his own food. He was happy that Shin enjoyed it.

When they were done, Ruka and Luca headed to the bathroom. It had become normal for them to do everything together and Shin had grown used to it. Once everyone was ready they all grabbed their bags and headed for the door.

As they walked down the hallway, Ruka glanced at Shin. "Shin, that cute girl—" he started to say.

Shin cut him off. "She’s not my friend," he said, shaking his head trying to end the conversation before it even began.

"You know, it’s okay to have friends," Luca said calmly. "Maybe she’s not the same as the others."

Shin nodded though he didn’t really believe it. He has been hurt too many times to trust easily. Still, he appreciated the twins trying to encourage him. They always knew how to say the right things.

Before they left, Ruka turned to Shin. "Don’t wait for us today. We have to go visit our parents after our shift. I guess we will go back late at night"

"Okay," Shin replied, not thinking much of it. He had never really met the twins’ parents and to be honest the idea of meeting them made him nervous. He figured they were probably strict considering the twins came from a wealthy family.

Shin started walking to school alone like he always did. The twins had offered to drive him a few times but he always refused. He didn’t want to stand out or draw any unnecessary attention.

As he approached the school gates someone tapped his shoulder from behind.

"Shin!" a familiar voice chirped. It was Juri.

Startled, Shin flinched. "Wh–don’t do that. You scared me," he said, glaring at her.

"Good morning!" Juri replied, unfazed by his reaction as she walked alongside him.

Shin watched her for a moment, confused by her cheerful demeanor. "What is she thinking?" he wondered silently but didn’t say anything out loud.

When they got to the school entrance Juri suddenly stopped and turned to Shin waving her arms. "SHIN! HURRY UP!"

Her loud voice caught the attention of several students nearby who started staring at Shin. He winced, embarrassed by the sudden attention. He slowed down on purpose hoping she’d stop talking to him.

When he finally reached the entrance he continued walking as if she weren’t even there ignoring her entirely.

"Shin, do you want to eat with me at lunch?" Juri asked, keeping pace with him.