The four of you turned around to see a small woman emerged from shadow. Her hair were the colour of coffee. Her soft facial features almost gives her a doll like appearance. She wore traditional kimono which complimented her overall.
" Mom mee--
She immediately throws Yukio to the ground, causing him to groan in pain.You watch in shock as she scolds him for not being at school, questioning whether he had bunked classes again.
So his mom actually cares. Surprisingly he still doesn't
Hikaru and Kazuto instinctively begin to edge away from Yukio, sensing trouble, but they're swiftly caught by their ears and pulled onto their knees.
Kazuto's game console is confiscated, and Hikaru receives a stern scolding for failing to control his impulses. You can't help but chuckle at the sight of the two boys squirming under Yukio's mother's firm grip.
With a softened gaze, she turns her attention to you, her eyes brimming with curiosity. "Are you Asuna?" she asks.
Caught by surprise you just nod and she hugged you warmly.
" You give her a hug and not me " Yukio cried from the ground.
His mother ignored her son's words and led you inside the house. She opened towards a sitting area which had several snacks. All of them being sweets. Yukio's eyes shone in excitement as he began to munch on them. Not sparing you a glance.
After he had quite a few he remembered you were in the room.
" I don't like them. I am just hungry" He said, with his mouth filled with mochi.
You just chukled and nodded.
" Asuna honey isn't he a darling. It's always the burly big baby boys who loves sweets " She said fondly gazing over at her son. At which yukio threw a fuss denying his love for sweets.
Kazuto sat on your left while hikaru on your right. Despite the sweets being very tasty kazuto refused to eat them saying it would be unhealthy. While hikaru and yukio seemed to competing on who could eat the most.
Yukio's mom cleared her throat and stared deeply at you before introducing herself
" I am yukio's mom. You can call me Tsumugi Or MOTHER"
" MOM" yukio shouted from the other end of table.
" Aunty tsumugi "
" Oh don't call me aunty it makes me feel old. We just celebrated my 33rd birthday." She said smiling elegantly.
" We have been celebrating your 33rd birthday for past 10 years " Yukio said earning a glare from his mom.
" Yukio darling did I forget to tell you. Your sister was not happy you took my dress which she wanted. She was looking for you"
"What "Yukio Asked in slightly panicked voice.
Kazuto removed the zabuton cushion from beneath trying doze off but single glance from tsumugi got him to sit back up straight. But he fell down startled when someone punched through the sliding door.
" You little cu--
" Language " Tusmugi called out .
A slender woman with almond shaped eyes that were as dark as yukio's entered the room. She threw the shoji sliding door upon yukio who now was standing. He moved aside slightly missing the door.
" These kids really like to break doors" Tsumugi sighed in frustration but she calmly watched the exchange between her kids.
Her dark brown hair and bright kimono shone in light as she threw a dagger at yukio which he dodged with easy. Now furious the gorgeous woman stalked closer to yukio and swiftly threw him on the tatami mat.
" Damage 100+ . Opponent defeated " Kazuto said . Hikaru snickered at that.
" GIVE ME BACK MOM'S KIMONO" she calmly said.
She surely is his sister
" I gave it back " Yukio groaned in pain.
" He had to, since he got it for asuna unfortunately she already has one. " Tsumugi said with a sigh. Yukio's sister's eyes softened. " He even brought her here. "
At that she smirked and moved towards you.
" Asami no " Yukio growled in displeasure. He did not like the thought of his sister approaching you. Hikaru and kazuto closed in around you to protect you from her .
" I don't think a strong girl like her needs protection from a girl magnet and a obsessed gamer" Asami said as she pulled your chin up so your eyes could meet her chocolate coloured ones.
"You know, if Yukio doesn't make his move soon, I might just have to steal you away for myself. Trust me, I can be very persuasive." She winked.
Hikaru clutched the back of your school jacket as his eyes darkned and his grip tightened. He matched eyes with asami who glared back at him.
Kazuto made a disgusted expression. He internally grimaced at the thought of asami stealing you.
Yukio broke the tension. " How about I show you the estate. " He said, giving his sister and mom a pleading look which went unnoticed by other three people in the room.
" Sure honey. Go ahead" Tsumugi said in a joyful tone.
But it did not sit well with hikaru and kazuto who wanted to do nothing more then cling onto you. They kept insisting to join but unfortunately for them, yukio 's mom and sister held them back .
Screams of the two boys echoed as you started to make your way away from the hallroom. As you passed more rooms. You realized this house did have a touch of modernity. That meant only the basic necessities. They did not even have a ac.
Finally yukio led you to a lavishly decorated room. The air crackles with tension as you follow him, the soft glow of lanterns casting a warm glow.
Entering his space filled with the scent of sandalwood and a touch of silk. Your gaze is drawn to the traditional Japanese decor, from the elegant shoji screens to the low futon adorned with plush cushions.
You get lost looking at pictures in a open album. Coming upon the last picture of that page of two young boys wrestling . But it seemed rather forced. Easily identifying them as Kazuto and Yukio, their bond evident even at such a young age.
Yet, the presence of the woman with orangish hair at the back of the photo piques your curiosity.
Turning to Yukio, you inquire about the woman's identity. His expression turns solemn as he gazes at the picture, his eyes clouded with a mixture of sorrow and affection.
"That's Kazuto's mom," he explains softly. "She's very sick, barely able to move. But she loves her family. It's the only thing Kazuto has in common with her."
Feeling a pang of sympathy, you express your desire to meet her as well. However, before Yukio can suggest anything, you playfully interject, warning him not to suggest visiting her right away. His laughter, rough and genuine, breaks through his tough exterior.
"Don't worry, I won't," Yukio assures you, his laughter fading into a warm smile. "I don't think Kazuto would appreciate a surprise visit from us."
You smile in agreement, grateful for Yukio's understanding. "You and Kazuto seem close, Closer than others" you remark.
Yukio nods, his gaze drifting to the photo once more. "Just like Hikaru with Akira and Subaru with Takumi," he adds.
Despite their differences, the bonds of friendship and family run deep among the group, connecting them in ways blood bounds cannot.
" You guys are like a family. Aren't you.? " You asked slowly sliding your hand over his.
Caught by surprise he looks at you. He turns his face away as his cheek turns slightly red.
"Y-yes " He replies.
And yet an single emotion can break that bond
Suddenly someone opened the door. Yukio cursed loudly " God damnit. " Totally going back to his original personality. He wanted to throw Hikaru under his car for interrupting him.
Before the blonde haired male could even make a move he was dragged away by two thin yet firm hands. Asami peeked into the room and said " Sorry for the interruption. You can continue"
" Let's get out of here " Yukio said as he opened the back door leading to more open spacing. You both walked out of the estate towards a forest. Talking about various fights you both had with your siblings.
" So-o she pushed you out of the window.? " You Asked in shock.
" Yeah and I fell into a pool. But she definitely did not know it was there" Yukio said.
" All because you ate her pie"
" We love pie"
" Yukio...." you call out, catching his attention as he turns to face you. "We've been here before," you say, pointing towards a familiar tree in the distance.
Yukio's expression shifts from confusion to disbelief as he realizes your words are true. "No way," he mutters, a hint of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. "I know the way."
Despite his assurance, you can't shake the feeling of déjà vu as you continue along the path. Each twist and turn feels eerily familiar, leading you inexorably back to the same tree time and time again.
By the sixth time you reach the tree, Yukio finally confesses defeat. "Okay, maybe I'm a little lost," he admits, sheepishly scratching the back of his head.
Before you can respond, you take a step backward, only to slip on a moss-covered rock and tumble into the nearby river with a splash. The icy water engulfs you, drenching you from head to toe.
" Just what I needed. A cold bath " You sarcastically muttered.
As Yukio rushes to your side, concern etched on his face, you extend your hand towards him. "Help me get up," you request, a mischievous glint in your eye.
Yukio nods, reaching out to grasp your hand. But just as he leans in to assist you, you give a playful tug, pulling him off balance and causing him to stumble forward with a yelp.
With a triumphant laugh, you watch as Yukio splashes into the river beside you, his surprised expression quickly morphing into a mixture of annoyance and amusement.
As Yukio resurfaces from the river, he shakes the water from his hair with a gruff snort, his rough demeanor. Without a word, he seizes the opportunity for payback, lunging forward to pull you into the water once again with a rough tug.
Despite your protests, Yukio's gruff laughter echoes alongside yours, his tough exterior momentarily softened.
"You've got some nerve," you grumble, though the playful smirk tugging at the corners of your lips
"Just evening the score,kitten" he mutters gruffly, his rough tone belying the hint of amusement in his voice.
As the pants of an approaching figure disrupt the atmosphere, you and Yukio turn to see Subaru, stepping into view. His usually calm demeanor seems slightly ruffled, his hair disheveled as he gazes at the scene before him.
You catch a glimpse of something unfamiliar in his silver eyes-jealousy.
"Having fun, are we?" Subaru's tone is light, but there's an undercurrent of tension beneath his words as he directs his gaze towards Yukio.
Yukio meets Subaru's gaze with a stoic expression, but you can sense the tension between them. Subaru's next words only confirm your suspicions.
"I thought something happened, like last time," Subaru continues, his voice tinged with concern as he shoots a pointed look at Yukio. Yukio frowns and his chocolate brown eyes are slightly filled with annoyance and anger at the mention of the topic.
Before you can inquire further, Subaru strides forward, his movements purposeful as he gently pulls you up from the water, his touch lingering protectively on your arm.
With a subtle glance towards Yukio, Subaru drapes his coat over your shoulders, shielding you from the chill of the river. Despite the protective gesture, there's an undeniable tension in the air as Subaru exchanges murmured words with Yukio, whose expression darkens with each passing moment.
With a gentle smile, Subaru turns to you, his silver eyes softening with sincerity. "Let's go home, Asuna," he says, his voice calm and reassuring.