✓ | WITHERED BONDS, shigure sohma [Fruits Basket]

Chapter Twenty Four

Akito had definitely caused an uproar during the Banquet and it took a few persuasiveness from Kira to calm her down. It did make her experience some antagonism first hand, but Kira was numb towards her own sister's anger since it was nothing she was not known to.

Kira had known Akito would apologize for it later when they were alone because no matter how much they fought, one of them will always apologize.

During the second half of the Banquet, Akito dismissed herself and Kira stayed.

It had probably been for the best since the distance of the twins caused the gloomy aura to lighten since it was not being amplified through Kira any longer.

Though, despite the mood being better, Kira was personally not in the greatest of moods since she found herself extra irritable with Shigure, which only annoyed her even more since she was so confused with the reason. So, she spent her time in the company of anyone but him.

Shigure had obviously noticed it and it only amused him with her little tantrum, because he knew how he was making her feel. It was purely out of his sadistic nature that he enjoyed it, but then again, he couldn't deny that it hurt him.

Nevertheless, all he could think about was that it was only temporary since they did live with each other.

Throughout the first day of the Banquet, Kira had realized just how much she missed it. She knew that it was her own fault for skipping out on the previous years because she was bitter, but as it dawned to her, she realized she had a lot of growing up to do, regardless of her physical age.

"You two are rather stubborn, Kira" Hatori voiced quietly as he sat next to her drinking Sake.

"I have no idea what you are talking about, Hatori" Kira dismissed him as she brought her cup to her lips," I find it funny that you and even Ayame keep mentioning him. You two must be having a huge misunderstanding about something"

"Mmm, I am not so sure about that" Ayame suddenly appeared behind them, making the pair both slightly jump.

"If you are here, that only means one thing" Kira grumbled as she lowered her cup and stood up," You'll attract that menace," She concluded before walking off and just as she predicted, Shigure was walking from behind, joining the pair.

She ignored him and made way over to Momiji who was currently by himself since he had just come back from changing out of his outfit to something more comfortable.

"Kira!" Momiji said brightly as he skipped over to meet her halfway.

"Hello, Momiji, would you mind keeping me some company?" Kira asked as she motioned for him to sit down with her and he gladly obliged.

The pair had at first no idea what to say, but Kira had casually brought them into a conversation that made them slowly grown used to without worry.

Shigure sighed watching Kira's desperation to escape him from his new spot with Hatori and Ayame.

"Don't worry, Gure," Ayame draped his arm over him," I will keep you company"

"Aaya, I have no doubts you would" Shigure leaned over to him dramatically making Hatori almost get up and ditch them.