Shu's Twin

I'd rather leave. Chapter 13

[Edited]

Disclaimer: I don't own the picture above and have only done basic editing. The song above is "Stay With Me" by Sam Smith, acoustic cover done by Hannah Trigwell. I also got the idea of Shinju leaving her home to protect her brothers from REBELGODESS so the credit for that part goes to them. 

Am I just supposed to leave them all alone like this? I can't just continue living with them and not talk to them. Maybe... I could leave the house completely- ugh! What am I even saying? I... I can't just leave, can I? If I do, will it keep them safe? Will Yui truly just target them if I get close? There's absolutely no guarantee of what she will do. Only if he wasn't so persistent on keeping her alive- what's so special about her anyway?!

I ruffle my hair in frustration as I get out of my room and begin walking, still lost in my thoughts.

There must be a way to just get rid of her somehow. Well, till then, I will have to try living away for a while. The only problem here will be that I'm leaving my brothers with the only person I am trying to protect them from. Such a stupid scenario.

I shake all the negative thoughts out of my head and walk down the hallway to finally reach Laito's room, stopping for a moment before knocking. Since these incidents began occurring, I made sure to only see my brothers when Yui was asleep. It seemed like a blind shot in the dark at first but when I discovered that this strategy was actually working, I immediately began taking advantage of it. So, here I am: opening the bedroom door after Laito answered.

"Hey, you doing okay?" I ask as he puts on his jacket and fixes the fur on his hoodie before turning to me with a small smile.

"Yup! I'm doing better now! That nightmare- whatever it was, seems nothing but a distant memory now." He nods to himself and begins walking towards me. "Now, you need to stop worrying about me and come downstairs to enjoy a good meal. No stress, guilt-tripping, or apologies from you, okay?" I roll my eyes at his request but nod nonetheless with a smile.

"Alright, I'll try my best." As I look beside me with sarcasm dripping with every word, I see his expression drop and he narrows his eyes at me.

"I'll take your word on that." He shakes his head and walks ahead of me as I follow him downstairs closely, partially aware of our surroundings. Once we reach the dining room, I look up to see most of the brothers already there and sit in one of the empty places immediately. "Good evening!" I greet cheerfully and pick up the cutlery next to my plate while everyone responds with the exact, dull and monotonous tones in their voices. I shake my head, used to the lack of enthusiasm, and begin eating when Yui enters the room timidly, her eyes glued to the floor as she sits down in front of me. I roll my eyes, instantly having my mood ruined, and look back down on my plate when I hear Reiji clear his throat.

"Do you have anything planned for tonight, Shinju?" I look up at him, pushing the thought of leaving in the very back of my mind as I shrug and shake my head.

"Not really, why?"

"No particular reason." He shrugs and goes back to his meal, making me narrow my eyes at him as I lean on the table to continue the conversation when I notice my plate being suddenly empty.

I didn't finish my meal, did I?

I wonder to myself before noticing Yuma scolding Kou for taking more food than he was given without even asking. The argument makes me realize where my food went and a small smile appears on my face as I shake my head.

"You can't tell me what to do. You're not my dad!" Kou counter-argues and finishes the leftover food in one bite, giving Yuma no chance to take anything away from him. When I turn to see Yuma's expression, I burst into giggles after seeing his astound, yet disappointed expression. When everything suddenly goes silent, I open my eyes and look up to see everyone staring at me.