It had been almost two weeks since it was decided and agreed upon that Ren would continue to work with the Genjis to find Tomo Ogawa.
Despite the hard and insistent protest of some of the members of the gifted squad, they all ended up agreeing to working under Ren's leadership.
At first, it was hard for some of them to adjust to their new set up, especially for Kaito and Akira. It was not really a secret that the two had a deep-rooted dislike and hostility towards Ren. It was totally understandable how hard it was for them to submit to someone they didn't really like.
Also, for Akira who was used to commanding and deciding every move and operation of their group, it was challenging to adapt to the new leadership of Ren.
However, as days passed by, they were finding it easier and easier to follow Ren's lead. As they spent more time working directly under him, they were finally getting a better look and deeper understanding of Ren's capabilities.
"You got to admit it. He has the abilities of a great leader", Sato remarked as he, Kaito and Sato were soaking in the hot spring.
Haru was quick to express and tell how much he agreed with Sato, "I couldn't agree more, and I really like him. The guy speaks my language and understands me well. I am starting to feel like he is the brother I never had."
Kaito gave his brother a mixture of a disgusted, questioning and offended look.
"What on earth is that even supposed to mean?" Kaito retorted.
Haru grinned at his older brother. He enjoyed seeing his brother's reaction. Instead of clarifying things, he proceeded to tease and taunt his brother as he always did.
"Why? Are you jealous?"
Kaito's eyes shot daggers to his brother. Haru surely had his way of bringing the worst out of his brother and annoying him so badly.
In fact, Haru's day would not be complete without his usual provocation to his brother. To him, it was a staple. He thrived on it. Just like what Sato would say, Kaito was Haru's obsession.
"Do not be deluded. Jealousy is only for the immature", Kaito defended.
Haru chuckled as he raised both his arms and rested them on the rock behind him, "Then why do you look so offended and dejected?"
Kaito shook his head, "I am neither offended nor dejected. In fact, I feel sorry for you for thinking that someone like him would be a good brother."
"Hmmm", Haru mumbled as he pretended to think deeply. "That's thick coming from you. I mean, it's not like you're really a very good brother to me."
Now, Kaito was truly offended, "Excuse me? How on earth am I not a good brother to you? Do you even realize how much I have to put up with just for your sake? You are a seasonal alcoholic who has the brain of a four-year-old child when you get drunk. Can you even count the number of times I had to carry you home because you couldn't even walk on your own feet? Or the times I had to clean up your barf that is insanely disgusting?"
Haru couldn't help but grin at his brother's long speech. Kaito was right. He had to endure a lot of things because of him. Haru was more than aware how he could be such a pain in the ass sometimes, and though his brother was not the best in dealing with him through his words, his actions still showed that he cared.
However, his hardships were more than just that.
Kaito was the way he was today because he had to grow up fast and be the mother and father for the two of them even if he was only young.
"You never really learn, do you?" Haru responded.
Kaito's brows furrowed at his brother's unexpected statement, "What do you mean?"
"You take all things seriously. We've been living together for so long already but until now, you still couldn't tell when I am just playing around or not. Loosen up a bit brother. I wish you'd learn to enjoy life more and see it in my lens. It's not bad to have fun sometimes."
Hearing his brother's words, Kaito felt a tug at his heart. It had been so long since he last experienced this kind of feeling that it honestly felt new and strange to him.
"Also, you do not have to tell me. I know, brother. I have always known all your hardships and sacrifices since we were young, and I am genuinely grateful for that. It may not seem to be that way, but I think you are a good brother", Haru's eyes had a glint on them, and his smile was softer and gentler than usual as he spoke these words.
Kaito was left speechless. He couldn't believe that such words could actually come from his brother's lips. Was it really Haru? Was he possessed? What did he eat to suddenly act this way?
Who would have thought that the brother he had always seen as someone who was devil-may-care and who was not able of taking things seriously, actually had a soft and sentimental side of him. Was he hiding this part of him all this time? Or was it something that just recently emerged from him?
Then a long-forgotten memory from many years ago suddenly resurfaced from the deepest chambers of Kaito's mind and heart. He was just a sixteen-year-old boy, and Haru was only four years old. Haru was so little that time.
It was past midnight when Haru suddenly knocked on the door of Kaito's room. He was crying. He couldn't sleep. He missed their father and mother.
That night, Kaito took him in his arms and carried him to his bed. He stayed by side and sang him a lullaby to calm him down.
Through tears, Haru suddenly said the following words, "I'm sad because mama and papa are not here. But you're here. You won't leave me too right, onii chan?"
Kaito bit his lower lip to suppress the tears that were threatening to escape his eyes. He gently caressed his brother's head then replied, "Yes, I won't leave you. I promise. Even when we get older, brother will always be here for you."
It was a promise that he made many years ago and though he had unconsciously forgotten the memory for a long time, his heart kept his promise.
"Don't get too sweet now. It doesn't suit you", Kaito replied to his brother as he tried to hide the blush on his face.
Haru could tell that his brother was pretending that his words didn't have an effect on him. But he knew better. He knew that deep inside, Kaito was touched, but was too prideful to admit it.
He gave his brother a toothy and bright smile, "Alright. If that's what you say."
In his mind, he remembered what Ren said to him a few days ago, "You two bicker all the time, but you two actually deeply care about each other, don't you? Life is short. You might be immortals, but you are not eternal beings. Say what needs to be said before it becomes a regret."