Sensei | Sasaki Haise ✓

➵ |04| Brother.

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The next morning found you frantically gathering your things in your apartment, trying not to be late for work. Yesterday had been wonderful thanks to Haise, and you were curious how today would unfold. You quickly gathered your essentials, deciding to tie your [H/C] hair into a ponytail to keep it out of your way.

With your handbag slung over your shoulder, you were ready to go. You locked your apartment door and stepped out, locking it again from the outside. Without a car, you had to walk to work, though you were saving up to buy one soon. Today, to save time, you decided to take the shortcut through the alleyway.

As you walked, you heard footsteps behind you. Your heart skipped a beat at the thought of a stranger following you. Turning around, you were surprised to see a familiar face with deep blue eyes and dark purple hair.

"Ayato-kun?" You asked, puzzled. Touka had mentioned her brother would be out of town for a long time, so his sudden appearance was unexpected.

Ayato, now a few years younger than you, smirked. He looked different, more mature and confident, which was not surprising given how many years had passed. His voice, deep and scratchy, held an abrasive edge that hinted at dark experiences.

"Well, haven't you grown?" He said, his eyes inspecting you.

You smiled and tried to ruffle his hair out of habit, but he dodged. You used to do that when he was younger, forgetting he was now older and likely didn't appreciate being treated like a child. "I should say the same to you! Where have you been? Where's Touka-chan? Does she know you're here?"

Ayato rolled his eyes but smiled. "No, she doesn't know. It's a surprise," he said, winking.

"A surprise?"

"Yes."

You considered this for a moment. "Since you're here, walk with me to work," you suggested, reaching for his arm. He pulled away, surprising you.

"I can't, sorry," he said, running a hand through his hair. "You're a teacher now, right?"

You nodded excitedly. "Yeah! Which is why you should come with me. We can surprise Touka-chan together!"

"No, I can't. Don't tell her I was here," he insisted.

"Why are you here then?" You asked suspiciously.

Ayato shrugged. "I saw you and thought I'd say hi."

"Oh..." You were still suspicious but let it go. "Well, it was nice talking to you. I have to go to work now. See you later!" You turned to leave, but Ayato suddenly grabbed your hand.

You looked at him in confusion. He quickly let go, his cheeks turning pink as he rubbed the back of his neck. "B-Before you go, don't walk through places like this alone."

"But I've always walked this way."

"Yeah, but I'm telling you not to," he said, rolling his eyes.

You playfully smacked his shoulder, but it didn't faze him. "You don't have to worry about me. I'm tough," you said, flexing your non-existent muscles.

Ayato rolled his eyes again, a small smile briefly crossing his face. "Just be careful, okay?" He said, his voice serious. You nodded, wanting to appease him, and he turned to walk away.

You shrugged it off and continued to walk, deciding to tell Touka about this regardless of Ayato's request. It was her brother, after all; she should know he was back in town. But why didn't he want her to know?

Shaking off your thoughts, you tried to dismiss your worries. Ayato might have changed, but that didn't mean he intended harm. Still, you couldn't shake the feeling that something was different about him-drastically different.

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