Chapter 28 : Sibling talk

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As the door clicked shut behind you, a wave of relief washed over me. The tension in my chest eased slightly, but the remnants of my father's scrutiny lingered. I could still feel the weight of his disapproval pressing down on me, but it was overshadowed by the memory of your unwavering support during dinner.


"Shoto?" Fuyumi's voice broke through my thoughts as she stepped into the hallway, her expression curious. "How did it go? Is Y/N okay?"


I hesitated, unsure how to articulate the whirlwind of emotions that had just transpired. "It went... better than I expected. Y/N handled everything remarkably well."


Fuyumi's eyes sparkled with interest. "Really? I'm glad to hear that. I've been wanting to meet them. What do you think of Y/N?"


I shifted slightly, feeling warmth rise to my cheeks at the thought of you. "They're strong, thoughtful. They stood up to Father, which is... impressive."


Fuyumi raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Stood up to him? That's no small feat. Most people would be intimidated."


I nodded, recalling the way you had held your ground. "They challenged his views without backing down. It was... refreshing."


She smiled, sensing the pride in my voice. "It sounds like you really like them."


The weight of her words hit me, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of anxiety and excitement. "I do. A lot." The admission felt both freeing and terrifying.


"What's holding you back, then?" Fuyumi asked, her tone gentle yet probing. "You've kept things secret for so long. Why not be open about your relationship?"


I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "It's complicated. My father doesn't understand love or relationships. He sees them as weaknesses. I didn't want Y/N to be caught in that."


Fuyumi frowned slightly, her expression softening. "You know that you can't let him dictate your happiness. Y/N deserves to know the real you—your family, your past, everything."


"I know," I replied, my voice low. "But what if my father reacts poorly? What if he tries to control things again?"


"Then you stand up for yourself, Shoto," she insisted. "You're not a child anymore. You have the power to shape your own future. And Y/N clearly cares about you. Don't let fear hold you back."


Her words struck a chord within me. The image of you standing strong in the face of my father's condescension replayed in my mind. You had faced that dinner with courage, and here I was, still afraid of a man who had held too much power over my life for too long.


"I'll think about it," I finally said, though I knew it was more than that. "I want Y/N to be a part of my life. I want to be honest with them, but... I have to figure out how."


Fuyumi nodded, her smile returning. "That's a good start. Just remember, you're not alone in this. You have me and Natsuo to back you up."


I felt a swell of gratitude for my siblings. "Thank you, Fuyumi. It means a lot to have your support."


As she walked away, I took a deep breath, the determination settling in my chest. I would find a way to bridge the gap between my world and yours. The connection we shared deserved to be nurtured, even in the face of uncertainty.


With that thought, I stepped outside, the cool night air filling my lungs. I wanted to see you again, to talk, to figure this all out together. You had already faced so much, and I wouldn't let fear dictate my actions any longer.


I would find a way to be with you, to embrace the truth of my feelings without letting my past overshadow our future. And as I stood there under the stars, I knew that the journey wouldn't be easy, but it was one I was ready to undertake. For you.

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