An Angel's Whisper

Part 34: Confession

Neru didn't reply. The fan's low whirring would cover as a 'Sorry, I couldn't hear you'.

"Neru-chan?"

She heard footsteps, coming up the stairs. She pulled the covers over her head.

The door opened, and once again, she heard,

"Neru?"

Knowing she wouldn't be able to pretend she wasn't there, she emerged from the blanket.

"Why are you here?" She grunted, purposely not looking at her new carer.

"To make sure you're alright."

"I don't need anyone to look after me. I'm a responsible adult."

"Neru, look at me."

"Fuck off, Luka."

"Don't say that."

"I'll say what I like. You're not my mum."

"I know. I'm here to keep an eye on you."

"Why? I don't need help."

"Your brother was worried about you."

"Why did you even talk to him? I thought you hated him."

"We had a talk, the other day. He was extremely apologetic and promised he would think before doing anything. He apologized to Rin, too. They're- they're back together now."

"He- he was sorry?"

"Yes. He bought flowers, too."

"Oh. I guess- uh- I guess I was a little worried for him too. He's- he's sensitive."

"Sensitive, huh?"

"A bit."

"Ah."

The conversation went flat. Neru realized she was still wearing the onesie, and was visibly put off by the fact Luka had seen her in it.

"Are you alright, Neru?"

"Yeah. Fine."

"Alright."

Another long pause. Then Luka said,

"Can I tell you something? I need to get it off my shoulders."

"If you want."

"Please don't tell anyone. But, um... I'm in a relationship."

"Oh? With who?"

"Um... Meiko."

"WHAT?!"

"Please don't tell anyone."

"But she's married to Ka-"

"Not anymore. They divorced."

"Oh. Why don't you want to let anyone know?"

"Age gap."

"Huh? How many years?"

"Well, I'm 24, and she's 29, so five years."

"That's fine. No one's gonna care."

"I hope not."

"Do Rin and Len know?"

"No. I've not told them, but I think Rin is a little bit sus."

"Are you gonna tell them?"

"Yes. Somewhen."

"You probably should. Call them."

"N-no, it's fine-"

Neru picked up her phone, and made a group chat. She added herself, Luka, Rin and Len.

"Call this chat, or I'll do it for you."

"You're sure?"

"Yes. Do it."

Luka reluctantly pulled her phone from her pocket, and called the group chat.

Rin picked up, followed by Len.

"Rin? Len?"

"Luka-nee?" Rin asked.

"Is everything okay?" Followed up Len.

"I need to tell you two something."

From Rin's side, there was a,

"Who're you talking to, babe?"
"Shut up, I'm trying to talk."
"Not another guy, no?"
"No. Just be quiet."

"Rin, can you and your boyfriend just shut up please? I wanna know what's going on."

"Geez, sorry, big man Len."

"Please don't quarrel. It's important."

"Sorry, Luka-san. Continue?"

"I- I'm- Um,"

Luka looked at Neru, who rolled her eyes and joined the call. She left the room to avoid feedback.

"Oh. Neru," Len said, hiding his face from sight.

"Shut up, Luka has something to say."

"Yes, um.. I- I'm dating someone."

Rin jumped, yelling,

"AHA! I knew it! I saw you cuddling on the sofa! When you were watching that soppy romantic film!"

Len, however, was confused.

"Eh? Who?"

Before Luka could answer, Rin yelled,

"It's Meiko, right?!"

"Fuck yeah it is," Neru said.

"Bold of you to swear when Luka's here." Rin said.

"I know, right."

"Why isn't she saying anything?" Asked Len.

"I- I'm sorry, I'm thinking about what to say. But yes, Rin is right."

"Oh my God, you two are fucking?"

"Language," Luka muttered.

"What?! Neru got away with it though!"

"I don't have to mother her, though, and she's an adult."

"Ha! Kiss my ass, loser!"

"Gladly," Len smirked.

"Shut up. That wasn't an invitation."

"Can I leave now?" Rin asked.

"Yes."

"Sound. Bye Luka-nee, Neru-san, Len-kun."

"Bye, Rin-chan."

"Bye Rin."

"Yeah. Bye."