The Golden Pear [YA - Featured]

♫~Notes 16~♫

Aiyoku arrived at home, watching the enormous building from outside. It sparkled with luxurious decorations and screamed, "Only for VIPs!". He sighed. Freya's apartment lacked everything from new plaster, decent furniture to modern card-locks.

Not to mention a camera at the entrance to discourage most of the robbers and security staff during the night. He squeezed his stomach as it wriggled uncomfortably.

'How long is has she been living in such a small flat? Can I even call it a flat? It's more like one room.' He shook his head as he glimpsed the space behind the door.

He stepped forward, flashing his card ID to enter. The receptionist greeted him with a smile that he returned. 'Is she smiling for real, or is it just part of her job?'

Freya's smile seemed more from the heart, as if it had nothing to hide. 'No.' He pushed the button to call an elevator. 'It's hiding a lot of tears.'

With a ring, the door slid open, and he pressed his floor number without looking. 'I really hope Ueno-san won't overreact like today.' His shoulders slumped down. 'Why do girls go so crazy over me?'

The smudged reflection on the elevator's walls couldn't hide his gorgeous features, but to him, he looked like a broken painting.

With another quiet ding, the elevator stopped, and he walked into the dimly lit corridor. Automatic lights illuminated his path without blinding him.

He gulped. It was almost eleven o'clock, so he sneaked around his oldest brother's room. 'Safe—'

His lucky thought got interrupted by a voice. "Where have you been?"

Aiyoku straightened as an icy shiver bounced across his back. He turned to see his older brother, Rigaku, standing in the hall. He had never shown any strong emotions, and even now his face lacked any of them.

In times like this, Aiyoku wished he could read his brother's mood. He fixed his posture, brushing non-existing dirt from his jacket before speaking, "Just taking a stroll."

"In the past days, you've been returning late or not at all, and you even skipped school."

"I'm not a kid!" Aiyoku barked. "And no worries. I won't ditch school. My results won't make you embarrassed!"

For a moment, it seemed a confusion reflected in Rigaku's face. Aiyoku bit his lip, aware he lashed out at his older sibling. "Good night." With this, he turned around, entering his flat. Before Aiyoku closed the door, he said, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell. I had a long day. Too much has happened."

Rigaku remained in the hall for a few moments before he also returned to his apartment. Inside, he looked at his bed, but despite the need to slumber, he sat behind his table.

He had finished all the school work, homework, and council stuff an hour ago. However, he didn't go to sleep, waiting for his younger triplet. His brother's unanswered messages and late returns bugged him.