TRUST ME | Brothers Conflict | ✔

15

"[Y/N]!"

With a jolt, I looked over my shoulder, almost dropping the bag I was holding on the ground.

"Ema!" I greeted her, lifting to my feet, the bag of rice slipping out of my grip nonetheless. Cursing, I bent, inspecting the bag, which hadn't torn.

"And Ukyo," I added when I noticed that one of Ema's brothers was following her closely. He looked at me with a pleasant smile that didn't reach his eyes.

Almost like he didn't like me, though I hadn't done anything to upset or anger him. Admittedly, my greeting had lacked enthusiasm, but I was apprehensive, looking over his shoulder to figure out whether Kaname was around as well.

When I found that he wasn't around, I had to deal with the disappointment and relief that flooded me.

"I was out of rice, and there was a sale here," I explained my presence in the supermarket, waving with the heavy bag.

"It's great to meet you here," Ema assured me. Sighing in relief, I focussed on the bag of rice in my hands again, checking whether this was the brand that was in the sale.

Ema took a bag as well, dropping it in the basket which Ukyo was carrying.

"It's a shame that Kaname is out. I bet he would have liked to have met you," Ema said, the words making me stiffen.

"Eh..." I laughed awkwardly, scratching my head to hide my embarrassment. "I'm sure he would."

Ukyo titled his head a tad but refrained from commenting. Grateful for the respite he was giving me, I headed to the counter before this conversation could take a turn for the worse.

However, Ema followed me, oblivious to my discomfort.

"Shall we drink a cup of coffee? I would love to get to know my brother's girlfriend a little better," Ema suggested.

"Of course," I agreed, not wanting to be rude, but regretting the turn of events nevertheless. Despite my carefully crafted smile, Ukyo was looking straight through my mask.

"Let's go to our house, then. It's close to this shop anyway. Kaname hasn't invited you over yet, has he?"

"N-no, he hasn't."

"How long have you known each other now?"

I supposed that I should be grateful that she didn't ask how long we had been dating yet, but I couldn't muster even one single ounce of gratefulness. Kaname wouldn't be happy if he found out that I had befriended his sister. We hadn't run into each other again, and I preferred to keep it that way.

Ema didn't give me a chance to escape, leading me straight a big apartment complex.

The apartment complex was a mansion with a cast iron gate. The nameplate that adorned the gate read 'Asahina'. Although I had always suspected that Kaname was rich, this was beyond my imagination.

Meanwhile, I was worried about the rising rent and on the verge of getting kicked out of my apartment. The world was unfair.

The kitchen was spacious and modern, showing me once again how wealthy the Asahina family was.

"How's Kaname doing?" I asked Ema, flinching when I realised that I had steered the topic back to Kaname unconsciously.

"He has been grumpy lately. Ever since the picnic, now that I come to think of it. Did something happen between the two of you?"

"Why do you think?" I accepted the cup with tea Ema offered me with a smile, taking a sip.

Ema watched me silently.