Soaring Conflicts(Brothers Conflict Love Story)

Jealousy Part 5

  We continued walking in relative silence, not that I minded. I was content to listen to the noises of the people bustling around me in hype of the Christmas season. Not to mention I was enjoying the sights of the colourful Christmas lights adorning the city. I snuck a look at Iori, hoping he didn't find our silence uncomfortable on his end but found myself at a loss for a moment when I discovered his gentle gaze already looking at me. Uncharacteristically I dropped my gaze, hair falling into my face.
"So um...do you know where you'd like to eat?" I questioned, suddenly needing to speak.
"If you have no objections, I have a small place in mind." He responded evenly. I looked back at him with a relieved smile.
"Ah no that's more than fine! I'm sure you have great tastes Onii-chan." I responded honestly.
He only smiled softly in response leading the way.

He led me to a quiet place on a corner near the town square. I would've missed it on my own for sure. Holding the door open for me, I smiled in thanks and walked in, eyes swooping over the warm cozy feel of the place only littered with a handful of patrons, liking the soft orange walls and open windows.
"I like it." I stated firmly.
Iori chuckled. "That was a quick decision."
I looked up at him. "I got a good feeling and I trust that."
He nodded seemingly pleased with my response. "You have good instincts Keiko."
"Why thank yo-"
"Table for two?" A pretty waitress asked appearing out of nowhere with a polite smile, angled more so at Iori than me but I took no offence. He was prettier.
"Yes please." Iori answered.
Her gaze flicked to me, smile twitching a bit. "Right this way."
She showed us over to a table near the front of the restaurant by a window I took off my coat and placed it over the back of my seat but as I moved to pull the seat out I found Iori had already done so, ears a bit pink, expression endearingly bashful. I myself was a bit caught off guard as I awkwardly sat down, I was not used to anyone ever doing that.
"Thank you, Iori-kun." I managed as he moved to take his own.
"You're welcome."
"Can I you two anything to start?" The waitress asked, still there. Oops. I looked at her with a bright smile.
"Just some water for me, please and thank you!" I chirped.
"Alright, and for you sir?" She turned to Iori.
"A jasmine tea please, miss." He replied.
"I'll be right back with that." She hurried off.
"So, how have you been settling in, Keiko?" Iori asked, pulling me back into conversation.
"Well it has been four months and I can say it's been a huge change, but I've really grown to enjoy living with you all." I said sincerely, placing my arms crossed over each other on the time, leaning a bit forward.
"That's good to hear, I'm glad."
"And you? It must be different to have two girls in your house. I hope we haven't been a bother to you. I really don't want to have pushed myself on you all."
He seemed puzzled a moment before calmly responding with a shake of his head. "No not at all. You both are quite a welcome addition to our household. I especially enjoy your company."
I looked at him in surprise. "Oh."
He frowned a bit. "I'm sorry, have I done something to make you think otherwise?"
I was quick to rebut that. "Ah no no no no! No, you've been very kind. I didn't mean to make you think otherwise."
"Good." He looked at me a long moment before speaking again. "Keiko, I-"
He broke off as his pocket began to emit a ringing sound. With a sigh he pulled out his phone and turned it off, placing it back into his pocket. "My apologies, I thought I had it turned off."
"No, it's fine. Are sure you don't want to take that? I don't mind." I added before my own phone started blaring. I pulled it out to look to look at the screen to see Azusa's caller ID appear. "It's Azusa."
"You should answer it." Iori said.
"Okay, long as you're okay with it." I pressed answer and pressed the phone to my ear. "Onii-chan! How can I help you?"
"Keiko, sorry to call but have you seen Tsubaki at all?" He asked, slightly out of breath.
"Uh no, I haven't. Not since yesterday. Is everything okay?" I asked with growing concern.
"You sure? He hasn't called you or anything?"
"I'm sure. Is he not picking up his phone?" I noticed Iori's expression mirroring my own worry.
"No, he hasn't. He hasn't come home since yesterday, I was hoping you'd heard from him."
"No, sorry Azusa I haven't. Do you want me to come help you look?" I asked, looking back at Iori partly asking his permission as well. He nodded, eyes a bit sad.
"No, I'm sure it's fine, Keiko. But if he calls..." Azusa trailed off, trying to put some cheer into his tone to mask his own worry.
"Got it, I'll let you know." I promised.
"Thank you." With that he hung up. I slowly put my phone away and looked at Iori.
"What was that about? Is everything okay?" He inquired, concerned.
"Tsubaki hasn't been home since yesterday and Azusa's worried." I stated, trying to keep my tone lighthearted, smiling supportively. He'd be okay.
"So are you. Do you know if anything is wrong outside of this?"
"I-well...He went out yesterday evening and Azusa followed, but...Do you think something might've happened?" I looked at him hoping for some reassurance of my own, my stomach bubbling up with concern.
"I don't know."
I pushed a smile onto my face, straightening up. "Ah, I see. Well I'm sure it'll be okay."


A little while later I found myself pushing off my worry as I talk animatedly with Iori, our drinks set in front of us already having eaten most of our food.
"I'm not kidding, I swear. Ema wouldn't stop bringing it up for days. I of course got a cold. And that is why I try not to fall asleep in fountains anymore." I ended my story, looking back on the time with fondness.
Iori regarded me in amusement. "That's quite a story."
"Why thank you, glad you enjoyed my regal tale." I looked outside as it grew darker. "Do you think we should start heading back?"
Iori followed my gaze and nodded. "That's a good idea."
He paid the bill, something I had tried to do myself but with reluctance I let him, I did appreciate it, and we left the restaurant.

"Wow, everything's in Christmas mode already. The lights really are pretty aren't they?" I asked as we began walking back.
"Mhm." He nodded admiring them himself.
"Do you have plans?" I asked.
"Not really..." He said quietly, looking back at me.
"Aw really? Now now Iori, that's just sad. I mean you have a new younger sister or two that will definitely be looking to spend time with you." I announced.
He stopped walking, turning to face me fully. "Keiko."
"Yes Iori?" I asked looking up at him.
"Merry Christmas." He said after a moment, smiling softly.
"Merry Christmas to you too, Onii-chan."