Haru's POV
"I wonder what's taking Ren so long?" I said looking at Shima.

Shima gazed at the clock and smiled a weak smile, "He's probably just taking his time changing."

"Yeah I know but-"

Aki came downstairs and grabbed his school bag slinging it over his shoulder. "Haru, give it a rest Ren isn't a little kid you know?"

"AH wha-at?" Shocked by his sudden intrusion of words.

Shima nodded his head agreeing with Aki. I hated whenever they agreed on something against me or when they talked in silent twin mode telepathically. I am never able to understand what they are trying to say.

Shima sighed. "Haru listen what we are trying to say is to give Ren a bit of space to..."

"To what?" I questioningly asked. Shima wasn't able to meet my eyes and took off his glasses and continuously started wiping them with a piece of cloth. Why is he ignoring my question?

Aki glared at me and opened the front door. "TO GROW UP!" Aki turned around and scowled at me. "Haru, give Ren space to grow up and experience more things on his own. He shouldn't always have to rely on you. Let him do his own things."

And with those few words said, Aki left the house with Shima trailing behind him not saying a single word.

I placed the Turkish breakfast on the table. A plate filled with good nutrients was just what Ren needed. Lately, he seemed to have something troubled on his mind and hasn't been able to tell me what has been going on. It seemed as though Ren was trying to avoid me.

I waited a few minutes more for Ren to come downstairs and began to get restless and annoyed with his absence. Maybe Aki and Shima are right I can be very overprotective of Ren, but who can blame me? When Ren first came to Japan I was a terrible guardian, drinking, leaving him on his own and treating him badly. I can never forget the day when I told Ren to stay hidden in the bathroom when the twins came to visit me. I left him in there for hours forgetting about him whilst I was out. I would do anything to turn back time...

I shook my head. No point in thinking about the past now, what use would it bring? I checked my watch. Dammit. It's been over 20 minutes what is Ren doing upstairs? Honestly, that kid needs to hurry up, or else he will be late to school. My gaze lingered on the untouched food that I had prepared and I began to unconsciously trace the plate. Something's wrong, but what is it? My hand flew up to my mouth. No...he wouldn't, would he? Is Ren... AAAHHHHH no it can't be, Ren is too young to be doing that right now! Stop thinking such perverted things. Maybe I should just call him to make sure he's okay. I walk to the staircase and took one step up the stairs.

"Ren are you okay?" I yelled out his name and waited for a response.

Silence

Now I was beginning to get really worried. Halfway up, I decide to call out his name again, he probably didn't hear me the first time.

"Ren?"

Still no response

.......................................

Standing outside Ren's door was the most nerve-racking thing I have ever done. I am currently biting my nails, a childish trait I haven't done so for many years, and reciting a mantra several times underneath my breath pleading for Ren to not be doing what I think he might be doing.

-10 seconds later-

I'm still standing outside Ren's door debating on what to do. Should I go inside, knock on his door, or wait patiently outside like a worried parent. I place my ear to Ren's door and listen out for any noises. I can't pick up anything, not even a peep from him. The thought of Ren masturbating gave me a sudden chill as the feeling to comfort and hold him overwhelmed me. He is still a child. He may even be confused and scared at what's happening to his body. Why doesn't he talk to me anymore?

"Where's Shima when I need him?" I mutter to myself.

Dammit, I have no choice, if I don't do something, he's going to be late to school. I took a deep breath and inwardly sigh pushing away all thoughts of doubt and with trembling fingers, I bring myself to grasp the door handle of Ren's bedroom door preparing myself for the worst. But oddly enough, Ren is not here. I didn't realise I was holding my breath. I rake my fingers through my hair and walk further into his room. My gaze lingers of a bedside picture with me, Aki, Shima, Ren, and Tanuki. I smiled at the fond memory of Ren so sweet and innocent. This photo must have been taken 2 months ago. I sighed at the memories I had of Ren from a small boy when I first met him in Canada to now 16 years old.

My expression darkened when I caught sight of another framed photograph of me holding onto Ren in a weird manner. My arms were around his shoulders and he was looking into my eyes as if we were lovers. I don't know what came over me, but I recall Aki asking me once what type of relationship I wanted to have with Ren. I stared at the photo once more and realised I was not the best example of how an older brother should behave towards his younger sibling. I can't remember ever having such an intimate and close relationship with the twins. So why Ren? I guess Ren is special, his childhood was a harsh one and from the information given by Haruko and Kashiwagi Mikiko, I understand why Ren has always been so sullen.

I rub my eyes corners filled with sleep, I'm supposed to be working this afternoon as Ikuyoshi insisted to take today's morning shift. I should probably check on him later at 10 am to make sure he's coping well.

I stretch my arms yawning if Ren wasn't doing anything in his room, which I'm grateful for, therefore he must be in the bathroom. I glance at the bathroom door. If Ren is in the bathroom, he is sure taking his sweet time. I furrow my eyebrows in confusion. What if he is doing it in the bathroom? I need to check on him, the uncertainty of the unknown brought back my nerves as I took a few steps forward.

There must have been something I had done. What is it, what have I done? I concentrate putting all my focus and energy for any previous encounters that might have been the cause to trigger Ren's refusal to talk and his sudden distance.

Aki's words this morning echoes my thinking. He said something along the lines of allowing Ren to grow up and experience more things on his own.

I stop breathing going cold all over. The realisation hit me as though I was blind enough to not see through my own stupidity.

Last night

I staggered back and sat down on Ren's bed dropping my head in shame inwardly cursing under my breath. Aki and Shima were right, it's all my fault. Their words haunt me as I finally remembered what I did to Ren last night. I went too far and must have led him on. I'm such an idiot! Without even thinking, my heartbeat quickens as I rush towards the bathroom door, preparing myself to force it open.

I'm sorry I hurt you, Ren...

Before I was just about to obliterate the door, it opens slightly and I catch a glimpse of Ren's hair. With no hesitation, I immediately extend my arms as I pull Ren closer to me holding onto him for dear life. We do stupid things for the people we love and right now, there was nowhere else I wanted to be, except to carry on embracing Ren.

It was until I burrowed my head into his chest, I noticed how limp and weak Ren's body was. His breathing shaky and distorted and his appearance seemed to be lost in some sort of struggle. I let go of him, but he only stumbles as his legs tremble unable to hold himself. He trips over his own feet and instantly I pick him up in a bridal style carrying to his bed. I gently lay him down placing my hand on his forehand, his hot warm soft skin cooled my cold hand as I came to the conclusion Ren is burning up and has a fever.

I stand up rather shakily, tears brimming my eyes with Ren's state. His eyes flutter open and I instantly kneel down next to him intertwining my hand in his. As our fingers touch, I felt an odd exhilarating shiver run through me as for some inexplicable reason I find myself blushing. I become increasingly embarrassed and flustered as his calm gaze keeps watching me.

"H-Haru" Ren stutters.

"Ren". I gently stroke his hair. "It's okay I've got you".

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AN: Sorry for the long wait. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Remember to comment and vote as I would love to read your opinions and thoughts.

Thank you xx 😊

-WiseGalaxy