𝕋𝕚𝕞𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕤 𝕊𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕤 (Hoshino Ruby x Male! Oc) O.N.K

Interlude

A few days later, the hospital discharged him with a stack of prescriptions, a cane he refused to use, and strict orders to "take it slow." Aoi took exactly three steps outside the lobby before his knees buckled. Akane was already there, sliding under his arm like she'd practiced it a thousand times in her head.

Akane- I've got you

She murmured, and Aoi nodded. They sat in the backseat of the car provided by Lalalai, and the driver started driving. Aoi stared straight ahead through the windshield, fingers curled loosely in his lap. The cane lay across his thighs. Then Aoi's voice, rough from disuse, broke the silence.

Aoi- I heard you, that day

Akane kept looking down at her palms. 

Aoi- You said you never hated me for spiking your coffee that night. That you were furious, yeah, but only because you were shocked

Aoi looked at her.

Aoi- I heard everything you said all the other times, too 

His eyes were soft.

Aoi- you whispered that you used to pray I'd never grow taller than you, so you could always protect me...and then cried because I did anyway

He had to keep his voice steady, monotonous as always.

Aoi- You missed your little brother, who used to fall asleep clutching the sleeve of your uniform on the train home from school

These were small moments he couldn't grasp. Every day he lived with them, he saw them as strangers. Just that they are physically related to them as Akane's half-brother and her mother's son, but when she brought up these tiny moments. He sighs. He finally turned his head.

Aoi- Thank you, Akane. For everything you've done for me. Even the things you thought I didn't hear

Silence settled. Then Akane let out a short laugh, surprised.

Akane- You're still the same awkward boy, you know that?

Aoi blinked, almost offended, which only made her laugh harder. She nudged his shoulder gently.

Akane- Thanking like you're reading off a script...You haven't changed at all

Aoi didn't smile, but his eyes lowered just a fraction, and his rigid posture eased.

Aoi- I'm trying...

Akane- I know

Soon they reached home. The moment Aoi stepped out of the car, the evening air felt heavy against his skin. He steadied himself on the cane because his legs trembled just enough to betray him.

Akane hovered behind him, ready if he faltered. When he entered the house, he said.

Aoi- I'm home...

His voice was soft. Then something rustled. Small feet skidded across the wooden floor. Mio stood at the end of the hallway, shoulders tense, fingers gripping the hem of her shirt. Her eyes were wide. Aoi straightened a little.

Aoi- Mio...

The moment she heard his voice.

Mio- Papa!

She crashed into him with all her tiny strength, arms wrapping around his waist instead of his leg this time. The sudden weight made his balance tilt, and Akane shot forward on instinct, steadying him by the shoulder. But Aoi didn't stumble. He lowered a hand to Mio's back.

Mio- You were gone for so long...

Her voice broke into sobs.

Mio- Why did you take so long to come home?