The Golden Pear [YA - Featured]

♫~Notes 60~♫

 Kagetsu surpassed a yawn.

"There are more groups like these two, but let's focus now on the one that I think fits you."

His brother jerked, sheer panic waving across his face. Rigaku grabbed his hand, gently pressing it. The shiver subdued.

"It's about transgender people. For example, they have the body of a man, but they feel more like a woman inside."

"Inside... like in pants?" Kagetsu narrowed his dark eyes, feeling the need to scratch in the crotch.

"N-No. By inside, I mean in your soul or mind. Like when you enjoy wearing a dress or sewing. Both are strongly connected with girls, so..."

"It's weird for a boy to do it," his brother barely audibly whispered.

"... it's unusual, not weird."

"You thought it's weird, did you?" He balled his fingers, feeling his brother covered his fist.

"Yes, I did," Rigaku admitted after a minute of silence.

"Me too. I still do."

"I'm... not so sure anymore."

"You are just saying to soothe me. You always did when I was scared."

'Did I?' Distant memories flew from the mist of his mind. Little Kagetsu stood by their family swimming pool, shaking like crazy.

"Don't be scared! The water is awesome!" Aiyoku crowed, splashing around himself. His blonde hair reached to his waist already.

Kagetsu shook his head, taking a step back. "N-No!" The glistening surface wavered, inviting people to relax in its embrace, but Kagetsu saw hands choking him. They crawled towards him like an army of crabs.

"Hold my hand." Rigaku put his hand on his brother's shoulder. "Don't let go, and you'll be fine."

Kagetsu took a big and loud gulp. "O-Okay!" Holding the swimming ring around his waist, he took a step closer.

Young Rigaku waited for him, making a step before he made one. "Good. You are doing great." He nodded, encouraging his brother to approach the first step into the water.

Kagetsu's small heart was at its limit, beating like crazy drums. The world around him twisted and spun while turning upside-down.

Rigaku placed his other hand on Kagetsu's shoulder. "Let's sit down."

Taking place a step from the swimming pool, Kagetsu tried to calm his breathing but to no avail.

Aiyoku swam a bit, before getting to them. "Hey, Ka, why are you scared?"

The swimming pool had, next to a ladder, five long steps leading to the water, so they could practice swimming where they reached the bottom.

"It wanna swallows me!" Kagetsu yelped, hiding behind Rigaku. "It's dark and deep!"