"...no , i'm fine,"

Tsutomu looked from his mother fingers tangling around his , to her concerned face as she loomed over the girl on the sofa.

"..are you sure?" Her soft voice rolled out soothingly in the middle of the silent living room , in the house Tsutomu had stepped on since his birth.

That living room is nowhere near to how warm and comforting it was years ago.

"...s'fine."

Tsutomu peeked  from the brim of his mother's dress.His dark orbs watched intently as the older girl on the sofa looked down , lips pursed , eyebags visible along her chapped lips.

It didn't take long for her to tear her gaze straight to his direction , resulting to a yelp and wriggle as he tried to hide his face.

"...i don't think so.Let's go , dinner's ready.Don't wanna let it get cold , right?"

Tsutomu blinked profusely as his now orphan cousin looked up from her folded knees , slowly sliding off the sofa in obedience.

"..yeah, Goshiki-san."

Tsutomu followed hesitantly behind her , gazing back and forth from her to his mother.

Amazing , he thought.

It's amazing how mom always finds a way to talk her way to Atsuka Nee , he smiled.

That was a chained thought of a seven year old.

But mom is not here anymore.

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🥀 T.E.W.D.S.🥀
Chapter 11

《 Old Bickers》
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He gritted his teeth in utter desperation , scratching his bowl cut mop hair.

But I am not mom.

How do i comfort her?

"Tsutomu."

Tsutomu flinched on his stool , turning around so fast he almost drops the chopsticks in hand.

There's his orphan older cousin , in her school attire and shoulder lenght tresses.Her gaze holds such firmness as usual , but her overall appearance this morning looks a bit..

....despondent.

"..you done with your food?" She croaked out.

Shoot , her voice.

As long as she remembered , her voice wasn't as bad as it is when Kosaki had called her.It must be because of the rant.

Atsuka really wanted to dig a hole and crawl in it , maybe rot in it and ascend to heaven as well.Or even descend to hell , she doesn't care.

She really wanted to avoid Kosaki after her thoughtless vulnerable blabber last night.

Tsutomu glanced to his plate.

"Um , i'll be finished in two.Why?" He waited with the jitters literally pumping his legs up and down in nervousness under the kitchen island.

Atsuka outstripped her way to the kitchen, shoving few breads and snacks  in her bag before striding away to the living room."I'll need to arrive at school way earlier.It'll be easier to avoid people."

Tsutomu gulped down the rest of his omelette , staring at her deeply.

Has she expressed herself this clearly before ? No.

In front of him? Let alone.

Tsutomu sighed silent, albeit dissapointed how he couldn't comfort her any lil bit.

"Okay."

○○○○○○○○○○○

Everything weren't really cooperating , for all she knows how long.

The students had filled the class eventually , chit chats and words exchanged imbued the rushing morning atmosphere.

It looked like a usual day in Shiratorizawa Academy.

But let's see in Atsuka Akatani's experienced observation.

There's some kind of a strain , a sight eye could not seek in the air , holding routines and activity in place.Everyone knows there has always been an imaginary invincible wall protecting them from her , in which actually protected HER from THEM.

Bodies are turned to their partners.mouths are spouting rants to their partner's ears.

But their eyes lingers on her.

Not the perfect time to overthink , Atsuka.

Deep breath.Stern stare.

Good.

Just listen to music.

Divert your gaze somewhere else.

And she did.

Her fingers moved fast to her bag , shoving her hand inside so no one spared a glance upon her slightly trembling fingers.And for a second , she cursed herself for not putting the earphones somewhere in which--easy to find.

By the time she pulled it out , she nearly groaned loudly at the knot.

This is bullshit.

She untied the knot as quickly as she could with shudders , plugging it in her phone and attached the other two to her ears.

The relief washing her features by the time her favorite music played was undescribable , it's like finding an oasis in the middle of the dessert.

Lifesaver.

"Don't you think she's acting way too sus? She just lost her friend , and she just goes shoving her ears with music? Heartless bitch "

"More of like her only friend , haha."

"Wait no , no! I'm pretty sure she threatened the lady to be her friend."

"Ohoho ,You did not just,"

"Ooh i did , ahaha!!"

Atsuka was trying her best not to grimace at the slipping vague comment.

Maybe it's because of the disheartening and shocking incident last night.Maybe , because , you know , the lady she took as her own mom just jumped from a burnt library last night!

Pretty sure it's because of that.

But Atsuka couldn't think as clear as she usually do.She couldn't control her behavior and thoughts as she easily do before.She couldn't brace herself , cover herself entirely.Her thought are invaded by Sato , Sato , Sato , How is she now , Will she be okay , whoー

"Today we're going after the remaining material for exam.Everyone sit down , I'm not wasting any second for your indiscipline behavior,"

Another relieved sigh left her lips unconciously, making her lazily detach her earphones and prepare her stationery.

Peace comes to those who awaits and works through it , Atsuka.

"....." her orbs flickered to the empty seat a few rows apart from her.

But where's Kosaki?

_____________________________

For all he knows , he has no ninja ancestor or blood bestowed upon him.

But looking at how he smoothly rolled to the other wall in alert and practically crawled in style to the window was very awesome and cool for him.

Let me say it again : for him.

Because apparently , his friend who just walked up the stairs and finds his bestfriend crawling all fours in the middle of the hallway , under tens of students passing's incredibly amused stares is currently facepalming.He even looked way too disturbed to even ask a question, or let alone greet him.

Uh , pretend i don't know him.

But F in the comments for Naoto , Tsutomu's bff radar is in top notch today.And so he had prayers for his pride when Tsutomu looked up and smiled up at him.

"Oh hi , Naoto!"

"Dear God help."

"Huh?!"

"Whet ere ye deing???!" Naoto whisper yelled with his teeth gritted , face albeit red upon the giggles a bunch of girls let out while watching him.

"uh , spying?"

"...who?" Naoto raided his eyebrows , slightly intrigued. I know Goshiki can act like a total animal sometimes , but this is just a new stage of craze.

Who made him unlock a new stage??

Tsutomu froze.

Should i say a sibling, or cousin? No , he'll ask me to meet Nee-san! Friend? He'll definitely think I'm crazy.Uh , girlfriend? That's was too unbelievable!!! I never even mentioned any crush to him!

"Uuuuuuuuh," Tsutomu murmured  lowly , diverting his eyes anywhere else."A girl."

A silence were summoned.

"....AYO?" Naoto grins like that one meme guy , his smile lopsided way wider like that one cat in Al*ce in wonderland.

Now Tsutomu gets embarassed himself.

"Okay timeout , go away , shoo shoo!!"

"Sheeeesh~ Goodluck bro."

"Shuddup!!"

At this point Goshiki's a tomato.It's not the thought of Atsukaーits about the thought of a girl.Yeah , this bad bitch is single as fuck.

But his current goal snapped him out of his playful trance.He stood up and walked slowly like he's in daydream , peeking in her class.

You know who.

Shit , Nee-san is not in her class!

He turned around,  walking down the flight of stairs , biting his nail.There's only one place left , the only place where she could be.Library's burnt down, so she must be at the back yard park.

He had actually learned about it weeks prior , but unlike himself at the first week of school , he did as he promised and tried to not approach her there.He could only stare for a while when he passed in the corridor , grimacing.

There must be a reason , that was what he thought.

But now he knew.

He just needs to check on her , real quick.

What he didn't realize , was a lingering gaze of a girl following his concerned expression as he strides to the back yard park.

"..He's..."  the girl muttered , holding her books tight to her chest as she fixed the bridge of her glasses.Her yellow book were still stained with footprint mark on it , the one Atsuka left at the first days of school."Goshiki guy.."

"Eh Ame Nee, What are you doing here??" Naoto approached her in rush , raising his eyebrow.

The said Ame waved her hand in assurement."Nah , just looking around.Anyway..is that Goshiki Tsutomu your close friend?"

Naoto widened his eyes , and grinned sheepishly."Oya? And why is it??"

"Nothing , just curious," Ame laughed , patting Naoto's head with difficulty."Why are you so tall..."

"Hey , what's with the change of topic?" Naoto chuckled , following her close from behind."Hey , answer me , Onee-san!!"

-----

"..what are you doing here."

Tsutomu couldn't help the little yelp slipping out , gaze diclverting as his cousin stared straight at him.

One thing led to another and now here they are , at the other yard near the abandoned female gym.A bit far from it , stands the boys gym alone.

"I uh..." Tsutomu doesn't even plan on answering , he knew she'll cut him out right there , telling him to shoo.

But she said nothing.

He had to take a double take , widening his eyes at his older cousin who unwrapped her omelette sandwich slowly and stared at him expectantly.

"Say it.I'm waiting , i don't have much time." Her gaze lingers , the murmurs rolling down her tongue sounded weak.

"..i was just trying to check on you," Tsutomu croaks out , encouraging himself to sit next to her."if..if you need my help...i can.."

Tsutomu halts , pursing his lips in hesitation.The stare she sent to his way doesn't help in tuning down his fright.

"...i can help.Nee just need to tell me," Tsutomu finally continued, silently cursing himself for accidentally calling her Nee.

Atsuka turned her head away , staring to the distance, to the bunch of birds  widening their wings on the air , flapping without any care in the world.

"You don't need to do anything." She mutters , taking another bite in return.Her guilt has been eating her out way too long.It's just her past self screaming her current self , yelling insults and harsh truths as he tried locking her deep down.

She just couldn't bear behaving like this.She couldn't bear putting on bad facades to everyone.She couldn't bear giving Tsutomu another of her malicious cold glares.

Deep down she knew so bad , it wasn't her actual nature.

Yet her she is , standing still with her facade.

Everytime she passed the hallway and found Tsutomu laughing with his friends , she couldn't help but to praise herself for holding it this long.

For protecting him this long.

He still could smile because he wasn't involved in any of this.

Let him out of this.

"What? But Nee , iー"
"Shush," Atsuka silenced him with a finger on her lip."You don't need to do things to such extend."

Tsutomu nearly dropped his jaw as Atsuka flashed a faint plaintive smile , tugging on her face.

"I just need you to keep smiling."

"That alone is an indirect therapy for me,"

And then she stands , leaving him speechless , sitting on the concrete.

"You asked for the truth back then," she exclaimed , her purple orbs appearing to be more...determined." I'll tell you today.But that doesn't mean you can involve yourself , you hear me?"

Tsutomu beamed up , fumbling to stand upright and bowed."R-Right!"

Atsuka might not notice , but her cousin left the scene with such excitement bubbling in the air , his legs skipping cheerfully like a newborn excited duck.If people who passed see the current them parting ways, they'll come to a conclusion that they just got dating.(remember,  they r cousins.They don't look alike at all)

And of all people , there are two people witnessing the scene.

And Naoto honestly doesn't even think about the favorite flower infused water he spat out , because all mattered for him next is to dig the shit out of his bestfriend , the plan resonating in head as he gawks from the window.

"AYO , GOSHIKI?!"

And that another one , was just a someone who's luckily passing to the boys gym.

"...."

He shrugged and walked slowly but sure to the metal doors , eyebrows quirked as he heard chatters behind the walls.

"Why is everyone here?" He stopped , his gymbag slung on his shoulder.

"Ah ah Ushiwaka , we just couldn't let you practice for the Interhigh yourself!" Tendou chirps among the circle of the boys sitting on the gym floor , flailing his arms.

"It's Tendou's idea."

"His idea."

"We're forced in here."

"..hey , what did i say about team solidarity?!"

"It's team solidarity , not lie project."

"S-Sorry , I'm a bit late!"

Tsutomu stumbled from the metal doors , huffing as he wiped the sweat from his chin."I kind of forgot.."

"Tch," Shirabu clicked his tongue , glaring away.

"Goshiki~~ How could you forgot! We planned this for good two days!" Tendou scoots over to his underclassman who averted his gaze in guilt.

"I..i had to meet someone first."

"Oh , okay then , forgiven!"

"Is that why you were meeting Akatani-san at the back yard?" Ushijima tilts his head in low amusement.

"HEH?"  Tsutomu freezes , rigid under Tendou's touch who detached with an equally surprised face.

"Sorry in advance.I was just passing , i just happen to see you both hang out there." He added , confused to why they all gawk with their jaws open for a solid one minute in silence.

"HEEEEEEEEEH?!?! GOSHIKI!?!?!"

And in that amazing moment of word association,  Tsutomu yelled.

"I-I NEED TO TAKE A SHIT!"

"WAIT COME BACK HERE!!!"

"YOU KNOW YOU'RE A BAD LIAR , RIGHT?!"

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I'm alive but I'm dead haha.

I'm predicting this story to reach 20 chapters in total , btw.

And reminder , it was just a prediction , seeing from overall plot.