cttro
~
Etsuko carefully carried the intoxicated Atsumu to his room, his unsteady movements causing him to sway from side to side. Frustration simmered within her as she angrily kicked open his bedroom door.
"I don't get why you guys suddenly—" Etsuko began, her voice filled with annoyance, but she was abruptly cut off by Atsumu's breath, which reeked of alcohol, hitting her face. "Atsumu! You smell like shit! Stop fucking breathing on my face!" she scolded, her irritation evident.
Pushing the drunk Atsumu onto his bed, Etsuko held her breath as she removed his socks and shoes, the room filled with the lingering scent of alcohol.
After spending the entire day watching movies and indulging in food, the five boys— well, four, or maybe five, depending on Shinsuke's perspective, even though he did drink a couple of shots— had decided to drink alcohol. Etsuko didn't quite understand the sudden urge, but she agreed, knowing that these kinds of gatherings were rare and cherished.
Pulling the blanket up to cover Atsumu's slumbering form, Etsuko couldn't help but feel a mix of exasperation and affection towards her drunken brother.
"Tsuko, my precious little sister, I love you so much~" Atsumu mumbled, his words slurred.
"Shut your mouth, Sangwoo, or I'll fucking throw your ash outside," Etsuko retorted, cursing at the sleeping Atsumu.
Atsumu chuckled, embracing the pillow beside him, and nuzzled his nose against it, drifting off to the realms of sleep once again.
Etsuko let out a heavy sigh and stepped out of the room, closing the door behind her. She found Aran, the only one who wasn't as intoxicated, but still clearly affected by the alcohol, stepping out of Osamu's room after tucking him in with Suna. Aran slowly shut the door, his movements sluggish.
"Is Atsumu okay?" Aran whispered, his voice hushed and his eyes heavy with drowsiness, revealing the effects of the alcohol.
"I bet so," Etsuko replied with a shrug. "Are Osamu and that fox okay?" she added, referring to Suna.
"Both of them are sound asleep. You should rest as well, Etsuko. I'll go get Shinsuke," Aran suggested, his yawn punctuating his words as he covered his mouth with his hand.
"No, it's okay. I'll take care of him," Etsuko assured him, waving her hand in front of him. "You can use my room or Atsumu's, whichever you're more comfortable with."
"I'll sleep with Atsumu," Aran decided, pointing to the room behind Etsuko. "Are you sure you can handle Shinsuke?" he asked, his weariness evident.
"A hundred percent sure," Etsuko replied, offering him a reassuring smile. She stepped aside, allowing Aran to enter Atsumu's room.
"Alright. You're a lifesaver, Etsuko. Goodnight," Aran bid her farewell before closing the door.
"Goodnight," Etsuko whispered, her voice filled with a mix of exhaustion and contentment. She knew that despite the chaos and drunken antics, these moments with her friends were priceless, and she wouldn't have it any other way.
She went back down stairs. Etsuko gently reached out to wake up the drunken Shinsuke, his face resting against the table and his hands hidden beneath the tablecloth. The living room was in disarray, empty bottles and crumbs scattered on the floor, along with unfinished red cups of alcohol. It was a complete mess.
"Shinsuke-san," Etsuko called softly, her voice filled with concern, as she moved him gently. Shinsuke hummed in response, his eyes still closed. "Can you stand up?" she asked, even though she already knew the answer. "You can sleep beside Suna and Osamu, Shinsuke-san."
Etsuko crouched down to his level, her gaze lingering on his peaceful and innocent sleeping face. As she observed him, she couldn't help but notice the absence of the usual frown that drew his thick brows together. His ears and cheeks were tinted with a shade of red from the few shots he had consumed.
Etsuko had always been envious of Shinsuke's long eyelashes, and she couldn't help but tuck a few strands of hair behind his ear. Does he know how many girls liked him and swooned over him when we were in high school?
"It's a waste people couldn't see this beauty up close," Etsuko blurted out without thinking, her words slipping out before she could stop them. Realizing what she had said, she quickly recoiled, covering her mouth with her palm in embarrassment.
Shinsuke weakly opened his eyes, his gaze meeting Etsuko's. "Etsuko-san..." he whispered, his voice barely audible as he struggled to keep his eyes open.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—" Etsuko began to apologize, her voice filled with regret. But Shinsuke interrupted her, his words catching her off guard.
"Back then..." The sound of the trees rustling and crickets chirping outside the residence filled the silence. Etsuko's heart raced abnormally as she stared at him blankly, afraid of what he was going to say next. "I regret breaking up with you," Shinsuke confessed, his words hanging in the air, heavy with emotion.
Etsuko's heart skipped a beat as Shinsuke's words hung in the air. The irony of the situation struck her. It was she who had pushed him away, and Shinsuke, being the kind and understanding person he was, had gently expressed the words she couldn't bring herself to say: "Let's break up."
The weight of his confession hit her with a mix of emotions— surprise, confusion, and a flicker of hope. She had never expected to hear those words from him, especially after all these years. "I still love you, Etsuko-san."
Her mind raced, trying to process the significance of his words. Memories of their past relationship flooded her thoughts— the laughter, the tears, the shared dreams. They had been each other's support and confidants, navigating the complexities of youth together.
Etsuko's gaze met Shinsuke's, searching for any sign of insincerity or drunken rambling. But what she found was a genuine vulnerability in his eyes, a rawness that mirrored her own emotions.
Taking a deep breath, Etsuko mustered the courage to respond, "Shinsuke," she began, her voice gentle yet firm, "I appreciate your honesty, but let's talk about this when you are sober. It's important for both of us to have a clear conversation."
Deep down, Etsuko couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu. It reminded her of the past, when she would often avoid confronting her own feelings and run away from difficult conversations. She didn't want to repeat the same pattern again.
As much as she cared about Shinsuke, she knew that it was crucial to address their emotions in a sober and rational state. It was a decision made out of respect for both of them and their shared history.
"I hope you understand, Shinsuke," Etsuko continued, her voice tinged with a mix of regret and determination.
Shinsuke nodded, his expression showing a mix of disappointment and acceptance. "You're right, Etsuko-san," he replied, his voice filled with a hint of sadness. "I apologize for bringing this up while I'm not in the right state of mind. Let's talk when we're both ready."
Etsuko offered him a reassuring smile, grateful for his understanding. "Thank you, Shinsuke-san."
