The Bad, The Bidder, and the Daughter (KBTBB)

Eisuke: Five

April 15
Entry #17

Dear Diary,

I can safely assume that I am not handling the revelation from when I last wrote in you.

After work, I kissed Mizuki and then I kissed her cousin because of my sexuality crisis.

After a few slaps to the arm, I learnt that what I did is considered "sexual assault" and "holy fuck Mimi that's my cousin- umph! Did you just kiss me?!"

I apologized profusely and explained I was going through a bit of a crisis."Crisis or no crisis" said her cousin before he briefly paused to look at me, "actually, kiss me all you like, baby. Just ask before you kiss Mizuki-Dear."

We eventually settled everything, including the fact that I'm pretty sure I'm just in love with my savior and I would be regardless of whether or not they were a male or female.

"It seems to me," Jun (her cousin), had explained, "that you feel in love with their actions in rescuing you and how they comforted you. Her being loaded probably helped too. You say you're confused, but before you met her did you ever find a boy or girl as attractive?"

It took me less than a second to answer, "Not really. To be honest, I've never even had a crush until now. I don't think I've ever found anyone really appealing in general. How do I know if I'm gay or straight?"

"You don't have to confine yourself to labels, you know."

I don't have to confine myself...

I'm gonna try and give it some more thought. Who knows, maybe he's right.

OH! Another thing, Eito gave me a copy of this photo he found of Mom. She and I could be twins! We look more alike than my real one! Although I'm not certain who Eisuke is. She used the really romantic version of love in the note, so maybe he's my dad? I don't know, I've got bigger things to worry about.

Xoxo

-Kurumi Ichinoba

...

PRESENT DAY- KURUMI POV

I slurped up my soba as Asuka went on about the love triangle she's in.

"See, on one hand, I've known Haruki longer and he's just so amazing and I love him, but Kanato is amazing in his own way and he's so witty and why can't I choose?!"

"Don't we all wish we had your problems," I heard Nana mutter darkly into her drink. To be fair, her parents are keeping her from her beloved.

Katsumi, however, was soaking this is like it was this week's new episode of some soap opera.

As she gave Asuka some unhelpful advice something came to me.

"Hey, why don't you just do what your parents did?"

Nana dropped her chopsticks, Kurumi froze, and Asuka's jaw dropped slightly.

"Why... Why did I think of that? I mean, it wouldn't be exactly like your parents, since they're all in love with each other, but why not just talk to them about a poly relationship? They're both so in love with you that it might work. At least, Haruki would be down because that boy would die for you and Kanato might find it hot," it appeared to be one of those rare occasions where Katsumi said something of note. Judging by the look they were giving her, at least.

"It was so obvious..." Asuka abruptly stood up from her seat, pulled out her phone to text someone, and started to exit the restaurant, "Bye guys!"

It took a while for the three of us to recover but by the time we did our soba was cold.

Nana shrugged, "Soba's soba, man," and continued to eat.

"Ew..."

"Gross... Anyway, Nana, didn't you say you're mom messaged you?"

The shorter girl nodded, "Yeah, I told her about you and she's coming here."

I raised an eyebrow, "Huh?"

Kat groaned, "Please no..."

Suddenly, the door to the restaurant burst open, "Niece!"

I whipped around to see someone I hadn't seen since I was around five or six.

"... Aunt Ryuuko?"

...

"So let me get this straight... You knew about Kurumi and Eito but didn't tell anyone partially because Yui is your cousin, but mostly, tell me if I misheard you, Uncle Eisuke made fun of your POG collection?"

Auntie Ryu nodded, "Yeah, that about sums it up."

I looked over at her, completely baffled, "You didn't tell my father that I existed because of some petty grudge? You were annoyed with him, so you kept my billionaire father, who not only could've paid for Mom's treatment, but could have given me a life where I didn't have to whore myself out to make ends meet, away from me?"

"Well, he also stopped me from setting that one bitch Sakiko on fire. Your father just has a history of grating on me."

Katsumi set her glass down and rose from her seat, "Yeah, I'm staying outta this one... I'll see you guys back at the hotel."

And once again, there were three.

"...At least Baba did at as a favor to Mom! She had to beg for him not to say anything! What the actual fuck?!"

"Now, now, calm your titties. Speaking of titties, it appears you've inherited the Kobayashi rack. Good for you."

Nana glared at her mother from across the table, "Mom, what the shit? You trying to keep me from Isao is one thing, but this is fucking nuts. God, I always knew you were psychotic. If only Dad were here to see how big of a bullet he dodged when you split up."

Ryuuko didn't seem the least bit bothered by her daughter's obvious disdain for her. I could tell she understood Nana's words, but it didn't appear to stir any emotion in her. Even her eyes carry nonchalance. 'And? Is that supposed to make me feel bad?' She said without saying anything at all.

Nana's short curls bounced as she looked towards me and grabbed my hands, "See, this is why I live with my dad. C'mon, let's go meet Kat. You shouldn't have to be near this bitch."

As she dragged me out of the establishment I caught a look at Ryuuko who seemed even less bothered by this than she had before.

...

It was nighttime and Mr. Baba had decided that we had had too long of a day for any more introductions.

"Don't worry, Pretty Lady, you'll get a chance to meet everyone else tomorrow. I know Yukiko is excited to meet you. And so is Mamo, considering you're biologically his daughter's cousin. He wanted me to apologize for Ryuu-Dears behavior. I'm afraid she hasn't been completely there for many years now."

I shook my head, "It's fine, Mr. Baba."

Kissing my knuckles, he smiled sadly, "Call me Uncle Micchi. Your brother is waiting for you in the room behind you. Sweet Dreams, Pretty Lady."