But You Don't Care

hachi

I woke up early again and walked downstairs. Tomomi was still asleep on the couch with Rie laying next to her in a bundle of towels. I watched Tomomi sleep soundly, jealousy of her peaceful state slightly taking over. She gently stirred, and as she woke up, her eyes instantly shot open. My eyes widened, and my face flushed with embarrassment. I twirled my sunglasses and they landed sloppily on my face, but covered my eyes.

"Heh! Good morning, my sunshine! I hope you slept soundly on my couch!" I said, fake confidence radiating from me. Tomomi smiled and sat up. She stretched and pushed the hair out of her face.

"Good morning, Kara. I'm glad to see you're up and moving today," she yawned. There was a knock on the door frame.

"Karamatsu, tell mom I won't be at breakfast. I'm going to a job interview," Choromatsu said. I nodded.

"Of course, little brother! You can count on me!"

"Good luck on your interview!" Tomomi said kindly. Choromatsu smiled at her and a small blush crept across his cheeks.

"A-Ah, thank you Tomomi!"

He left, and I turned back to my friend.

"That one was Choromatsu, right? The green guy that looks worried all the time?"

"Correct! Anyways, it's almost time for breakfast. You can meet my mother and father!"

"Are you sure? I don't want to overstay my welcome."

"We would love to have you! My brothers seem to love you! And I enjoy your company!"

Tomomi smiled and looked away. I must've made her feel special.

"Alright, but after that, I'll be going home. Deal?"
I nodded quickly and pulled my sunglasses down. Tomomi tied her hair up and followed me to the table. My mom was putting food out. I walked up to her with Tomomi to my side.

"Good morning mom! I would like to introduce you to Tomomi!" I beamed. My mom looked up at Tomomi and instantly smiled. She put her hands together and under her chin.

"Oh! How lovely! I'm Matsuyo, it's nice to meet you! I would love for you to stay for breakfast!" she smiled widely. Tomomi smiled back politely.

"It's nice to meet you too! Thank you for letting me stay!"

"You're here with Karamatsu, yes?"

"Oh, well, yes I am," she looked up at me. She seemed to be acting a little awkwardly.

"Wonderful! I was starting to lose hope!"

"Wait, wh-" I started as my sunglasses slid down my nose. I was interrupted by heavy footsteps.

"Hup, hup, hup, and jump!!" Jyushimatsu jumped and rolled into the room. He greeted us all, and eventually the rest of my brothers came in for breakfast. We sat down and ate. As promised, Tomomi answered all their questions as they fired them at her. I stayed silent, yet she kept looking over at me. Almost like she needed reassurance. I would smile to her every once in a while.

"So, what's your job?" Osomatsu asked. She sighed and grinned halfway.

"I don't have one. Not yet at least-"

"What?! If a cute girl can't get a job, then there's no way we can get one!" he laughed whole-heartedly. I felt a tense aura surround Tomomi. I noticed a passive-aggressive smile linger on her lips.

"Maybe if you tried instead of sitting around all day, you could."

"Oooooooo!" Todomatsu and Jyushimatsu hummed in unison. Even Ichimatsu looked up from his food. I dropped my chopsticks in shock.