You're Blooming the Wrong Way

Chapter Thirteen

"Thank you for having me. I will never forget your hospitality."

I respectfully bowed to the entire Shiota family. It was finally time to go home, and it was surprisingly difficult to leave. I guess I was attached to them. Even if it's only for a short time, they treated me like I'm part of the family. It's hard not to long for their warmth.

"What are you saying? We should be thanking you for coming all the way here to celebrate with us, Lucy-chan. I'm really glad to have met you." Mai-san replied with a sweet smile. Everyone, except for Haru, gathered in the living room to see us off. "This is selfish of me to request, but please take care of Hana. If he's with you, I have nothing to worry about."

I smiled. "I will do my best, Mai-san. You have my word."

Napatingin ako sa itaas. Mukhang wala talagang balak si Haru na bumaba upang magpaalam sa amin. Ever since that incident, we haven't talked to each other. He's been hibernating somewhere to avoid me. I don't mind, but is it really alright to leave like this?

"Haru is throwing some tantrums right now. He refused to say goodbye to the two of you. I apologize for his lack of manners." Mai-san heaved out a deep sigh. Shiota-san, who seemed displeased, gently caressed her back as if he was comforting her.

"Should we try knocking again?" Hana suggested.

"There's no need for that. Leave him alone."  Taki-san contradicted. He really gives off the onii-san vibe. "After all, he's nothing but a kid. Just because of a single misconduct, he's setting aside his manners and insists on ignoring the visitor." Nilakasan niya ang boses niya, tila nagpaparinig. "How shameful. Such a disgrace to our family." I have a feeling that Taki-san knows something about the kiss. Either he saw us, or Haru told him about it.

"Yamero, onii-san." malumanay na pigil ni Hana.

Napangiwi ako. Shiota Taki is the provocative type, huh? He's blatantly taunting Haru to come out of his room. Gagana kaya?

To my surprise, the door of Haru's room swung open. Looking enraged, he stepped out of his room then pointed Taki-san.

"Kono yaro!" He said through gritted teeth. "Kikoeta yo!"

I don't understand anything at all. Tinatamad na akong kunin iyong Japanese dictionary ko. It looks like he's just sulking, anyway.

"Oh, you finally came out!" Taki-san exclaimed, faking excitement. He mocked him with a smile. "Good. Why don't you help Lucy-chan with her luggage? Be more chivalrous to your crush, Haru. She's leaving today. Do you want to leave a bad impression on her?"

Haru didn't seem to like his older brother's advice, but he took it seriously. He carried my luggage then purposely bumped Hana on the shoulder as he passed by him. He kept on mumbling 'love rival' as he glared at the dumbfounded Hana. Napakaisip-bata talaga.

I blinked twice when Haru grabbed me by the wrist and dragged me with him. I looked at Hana to ask for help. Do something!

"Let me borrow her for a bit." kunot-noong sambit ni Haru habang hinihila ako palabas ng kanilang bahay. "Five minutes will do. Don't interrupt us. My descendants' future is on the line!" Huh? Descendants? Weirdo. Napakalayo na ng iniisip ng taong 'to!

Nagpatianod na lamang ako sa kanya. Napatingala ako kay Haru at napangisi ako dala ng pagkamangha. Every time I see him, I still get amazed with his height. I'm telling you, he's unreasonably tall!

Upon arriving at their garage, he released my arm. Taas-noo niya akong hinarap at nagtitigan kaming dalawa. Nostalgic, huh? The first time we met on the park, we also engaged in a staring contest.