Hitachiin Triplets

Chapter 6...

I arrived at school late that monday. My brothers tried to pry as to what happened over dinner with the Ootori’s, but I wasn’t saying anything. My confidence was lacking and my attitude and mood showed it.

“Come on, Mina. What happened?” Kaoru tried again, poking my limp arm. I hummed and turned my head, lying across my desk like a doll. Somehow, that lady's words hurt more than physical blows. What she said had been true. All I was good at was running and being a complete disappointment to my family.

Hikaru huffed heavily and leaned over me and my desk. “Mina, what happened. I’ve never seen you so down. The party for you is tonight and you’re moping.”

I growled slightly and glanced up to my worried brothers. Lately, I’ve been getting mixed signals about the way they treat me. Do they like me or not? “The dinner was a bust, would have gone better without me.” I finally answered. My forehead met with the desk a few times before I was lifted from my seat.

“Alright, Mina, time to cheer you up.” My brothers said in sync. I just crossed my arms and grumbled to myself. Letting my feet drag, Hikaru and Kaoru pulled me away from class and to the cafeteria.

I was placed at a table while Kaoru ran off to grab something from one of the ladies. I sighed and crossed my arms before fiddling with the knot on my bandana.

“Have you already planned your next runaway attempt?”

Mrs. Ootori’s voice echoed through my thoughts as a dish of ice cream was set before me. My eyes flicked up and met with both my brothers.

“You are nothing more than a disappointment to your family.”

I gave a sigh and let my chin rest on the table, gaining two gasps from my siblings. “She’s…” “Not interested!”I glanced at them once more before looking at the tasty treat. Chocolate and vanilla swirl. How did they even remember that this was my favorite?

Giving up, I leaned my head to the side and pouted. My mind reeled with what I wanted to do and what I should do. I wanted to run, to keep my family from seeing how far I slipped from the girl I should have been. Then again, I wanted to stay. To bond with my brothers I desperately tried to push away. But, what was the right thing to do?

With yet another sigh, I sat up and glared at the frozen treat on the table. I had to admit, it was hard being depressed when my brothers were actually trying to help.

So, with one last glance to my doppelgangers, I took a bite.I couldn't stop the child-like grin covering my lips as the sweet treat melted on my tongue. My brothers high-fived and I rolled my golden eyes. I could make up my mind after the Ootori ball. By that time, I’m sure I'll have a solid answer.

***

Later that day, I found myself blindfolded and irritated. My arms were crossed, one leg took most of my weight while jutting my hip out and my foot tapped in impatience. “Come on, I already know that this party is for me coming back into the clubroom.” I huffed, my normal personality resurfacing.

Like a switch, the scarf was removed and I was blinded my lights. “Surprise!” Chorused the host club and their guests. I blinked away the fading pain of blindness and looked around.

Streamers, balloons, confetti and even a piñata. I shook my head and smirked. “You guys seriously go overboard with these parties.” My golden eyes darted back to the group and widened slightly.

“You forgot about your birthday again, didn’t you?” Hikaru and Kaoru smiled, holding up a cake and gifts. I blinked again and tried to process this. “Bu- uh, it’s your birthdays too.” I countered, running a hand through my tousled hair. My brothers shrugged and placed their things down before looping their arms with mine. “Yeah.”  “But you’re never here.” The said.

All I could do was smile. Even as a screw up, my brothers always knew how to make me smile. I just wanted to know, could I ever do the same for them? Or would I stay as the family disgrace?

Shaking my head to rid myself of the depression, I smiled up to my brothers. “You two are the best!” With a simple twist, I had both boys pinned in a painful hug. “Let’s have some fun!”

■○■○■

The party lasted for quite some time, though was forced to an end when some of the teachers caught us sticking around the school. I was in my room now, simply looking at the beautiful my mother and I made. She always astounded me with her fashion and knowledge of the way dresses fit. A smile graced my lips as I fingered the fabric.

“I would just put this dress to shame.” I muttered, giving a heavy sigh and shaking my head. There was one week left before the ball and I have yet to try on my dress. In all honesty, I was too scared to. My hair was too wild, my skin was scarred, I was too toned. There were too many flaws for me to even consider looking decent in such an outfit.

Pulling out my bandana, I ran my hand through my hair and sighed again. All these thoughts were seriously dragging down my mood. -I could...no, no, bad idea. I could see me walking in with a busted lip and bandages.- My thoughts grumbled as my energy begged for a fight. Driving my fist into my mattress, I snatched the dress and stripped myself of my clothing. There was only one thing I could do. Try in the dress and get it over with.

I hesitated in front of the mirror. Not really wanting to see the fool looking back at me. But, after a deep breath, I looked up with a frown. The magenta fabric complimented my eyes and hair rather well, though the locks needed to be tamed. My frame somehow made the dress seem even more elegant than on the hanger. Even the scars I bore dimmed in comparison to what I imagined. “Not as bad as I thought.” I awed, looking over every angle I could.

A knock at the door warned me of someone coming in. “Mina, I haven’t seen your dress…” My mother started, only to stop when her eyes landed on the dress she spoke of. “I, uh, I know it’s not as good on me…” I said, rubbing at my arm and looking away.

“Oh, sweetheart, what are you talking about?” Mother cooed, stroking my hair back with a smile. “You give yourself too little credit. You look beautiful. Kyoya-kun is going to have his hands full with keeping you by his side.” I huffed a laugh and roughly wiped away a tear. “Yeah, right. As if anyone can handle someone like me.”

My mother held me for a moment before pulling back with a smile. “The man who can handle you will be the one to support you in everything you do. Remember that, Mina.” She kissed my forehead and left my room. I sighed and sat down before smirking. -Well, Kyoya did let me handle myself with his mother. Though help would have been appreciated later, I don’t think I would have let him at the time.- I thought with a half smile.

Nodding to myself, I slipped out of my dress and into a pair of shorts and a tank top. I may not be dumb enough to fight, but I could go for a few mile run. With a huff, I bounded from my room and to the streets. Only the streetlamps the beat of my heart were around to keep me company.