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

Eisuke: Six

April 17

Entry #18

Dear Diary,

I want to die.

-Kurumi Kobayashi

....

PRESENT DAY- EITO POV

After I had bid goodnight to Isao and Kurumi, I'm escorted to the room I'd be sharing with Kurumi by Isao's mother.

"This is the floor just below the penthouse reserved for the kiddos. Now, we all don't live here full time and even those who are here 24/6 have homes outside of The Tres Spades. But depending on how things go, you might find yourself with a permanent residence here."

"Mrs. Oh-"

"-Call me Aunt Yukiko, dear."

"Alright, Aunt Yukiko, why do you say that?"

She stopped and turned to look at me, curiosity filling her face- which was an unusually beautiful face at that, "Why, for when your father and mother get back to- wait just a moment. Has anyone called Yui to explain what's going on? It's very late, she must be absolutely worried sick!"

I glanced at the ground solemnly, "You don't have to worry about that. We haven't lived with Mom for over two years now."

Her eyes widened, "Why not? You and Kurumi are only sixteen years old! Where's Yui?"

Golden eyes met silver as I calmly stated the truth, "Why, she's dying of course."

...

I was in the room for about six minutes before Kurumi burst in.

She looked blankly at me before breaking down and jumping into my chest.

I wrapped my arms around my sister and pulled her close to me as she began to sniffle and sob.

"Shhhh, hush now. It'll be alright, my dear."

Through her hiccups, I thought I heard her say, "It's... Just... So... Much..."

Picking her up princess style I set her down on one of the beds with me. The easiest way to calm down my sister when she was overwhelmed was always a good cry and cuddle session. Kissing the top of her head, I reached over to turn off the lamp on the nightstand. "Do you want to talk about it?"

She nodded into my chest and snaked her arms around my waist. Taking a few deep breaths she began to speak, "Did anyone tell you about Ryuuko?"

"Yes. Nana texted Katsumi who texted Isao who told me. Just ignore her. She's not right in the head."

"Ah, so I don't have to tell you about that. But it's not what's bothering me. Eito... I don't know if I'm ready to meet Dad. I mean, I want to so bad. I want to drag him to a local park and make him push me on the swings then go for ice cream. I want to drag him to the mall and exhaust him with my excessive shopping. I want him to lecture me about grades and yell at me to stop working at the hostess club. I want him to give a hug and a bowl of ice cream after my first break up. I want a dad so much. But... We're almost adults. I'm scared it's too late for all that. And what if he doesn't even like- let alone want- us?"

"...Then fuck him. We've always been just fine without him. I mean, there's no way he won't love you, but if he's braindead enough to not, then just say the word and I'll set this hotel ablaze faster than he can spew a fake apology."

She giggled and nuzzled into my arms, "You really would, wouldn't you? As long as our friends aren't in here, then I'd happily help you pour the gasoline."

"I'll tell them I did it all by myself. You can use my lighter too so you won't get in trouble."

"You know, you could always let me face the consequences for my own crimes for once."

I shook my head, "No. It's my job as your brother to protect you. Besides, if both of us are incarcerated, how will we see each other?"

"You don't have to protect me from everything."

Gently kissing the top of her head, I scoff, "Any brother worth their salt would go to the ends of the Earth for his sister."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever... So..."

My eyebrow raises, "So?"

"Katsumi really likes you..." I could feel her grin and struggle not to snicker.

"...Shut up."