Karma never really had a close relationship with his parents. The older Akabanes we're always away, travelling the world, busy managing the family company, and as a result they spend very little time with their only son.

They barely talk, and when they do, it would always be brief, cold, and uncomfortable.

Eating together is a rarity even.

It's because of this that Karma spends most of his time with the household staff. To them, he wasn't just the young master, he's their son too.

So when he received a message from his mother reminding him about the reunion, Karma felt dread, and annoyance.

Mom: We'll be home by Friday this week
11:45am

Mom: aren't you excited for the family reunion Karma? Every member of the Akabane family, together under one roof, isn't this thrilling?
11:45am

Me: Not really. I barely even know anyone
11:46am

Mom: then this could be your chance to get to know, and reconnect with your relatives Karma
11:46am

Mom: You used to love our family reunions. You used to love seeing your cousins again
11:46am

"Ara? Your parents are coming home? And your other relatives are visiting? That's sounds like fun" Takuma said, peeking over his shoulder and reading his messages.

Gakushū clicked his tongue and pulled Takuma down by the ear. "Owe! Owe owe owe! My ear! Gaku-chan!" Takuma yelped in pain, the strawberry blonde continuing to twist his ear.

Takuya slapped Gakushū's hand off of his twin. "You'll pull his ear off"

"Pain is a must when disciplining children, that way they learn not to do it again" Gakushū remarked, sipping his orange juice. "Reading people's texts without their permission is bad manners Takuma"

A tearful Takuma hit Gakushū's shoulder, rubbing his swollen ear "You didn't had to pull on my ear like that! And who are you calling a child?! We're the same age jerk! And you're months younger than me!

"He's correct though. You shouldn't read other people's messages Takuma" Takuya said, narrowing his eyes at his brother in disapproval. "It's rude"

Takuma pouted. "But Ka-chan didn't mind!" The greenette  turned to Karma for help, but the red head's attention was on his phone.

"Karma?" Takuma poked the red head's shoulder. "Kaaarmaaa~"

"Leave him alone Takuma" Gakushū snapped.

"But-"

Karma's phone started ringing, and the red head stood up and left the table, walking towards the exit of the cafeteria.

Gakushū closed the lid of his bento, picked up his carton box of orange juice, and briskly followed Karma.

"Was it something I did?" Takuma asked his brother. "No" Takuya played with his food. "I think Karma's negativity is caused by his parents coming back. From the Intel I gathered, his relationship with them is estranged. And as for Gakushū-kun..." The older twin took a bite of his sausage.

"Maybe he's upset because Karma's upset? Simply put, he cares for Karma"

"Awwe" Takuma cooed.

"Hmm. Oh! Takuma, why don't you go and find Sakoto-san, I'm sure she'd love to hear that her boyfriend is in a bad mood so that she could cheer him up somehow"

"But what about Karma?" -Takuma

"Don't you want to make Karma jealous of them?" -Takuya

"Eh?" -Takuma

"Oh, brother. You don't think big. People tend to do something stupid and irrational when they're feeling an overwhelming sense of jealousy. You want your ship to sail right?" -Takuya

"But this feels like, emotional manipulation" a hesitant Takuma frowned.

"No it's not, trust me" 

Meanwhile, Karma went to the rooftop, pacing back and forth and glaring at the caller ID of his mother.

"To answer, or not to answer, that is the question" Karma said.

"Just answer it" came Gakushū's voice behind him. Karma spun around, and saw Gakushū held a pink box in his hand. "Strawberry milk? You like this stuff right?" He showed the carton box to him.

Karma found himself smiling when he took the strawberry milk from his....friend. "Thanks"

"Akabane Karma thanking me? What a surprise" Gakushū faked a surprised expression.

The phone kept ringing.

"Answer it. Your mother won't stop calling you until you do"

And so Karma does.

(Author: Takuya being manipulative, and had a thing for using people to entertain himself, doesn't make him a douche right?)