Identical Memories (An OHSHC Fanfic) [Completed]

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Eri

Just when I thought the evening couldn't get any worse, I started coughing. These weren't the light, conversation interrupting coughs I'd had since I'd woken, but the heavy, eye-drawing coughs that had me pressing a napkin close to my lips. When Kyoya's sister questioned the matter, I found myself laughing it off, saying I'd gotten one of the little snacks on the table caught in my throat. I could see the truth in Kyoya's eyes, however, and how he subtly ordered a hot, white tea for the two of us when the waiter came to collect our orders.

"So, how did the two of you meet?"

Unfortunately, we'd arrived with a good thirty minutes before the start of the play, which gave his sister plenty of time to pry into our friendship. Kyoya, amusement in his otherwise blank expression, rested his cheek on his palm, brow raised in my direction. The meaning was obvious: 'you're on your own.'

"At school," I answered. "I'm in the same class as two of his friends, and they introduced us."

Fuyumi's eyes lit up, and she leaned forward eagerly. "So, it was a blind date?"

I blanched. Was there no way to answer her questions that didn't imply we were dating?

"No..." I replied, my voice barely kept calm. "I went to lunch with the twins, and he happened to be a part of the club they eat with."

She pouted, this explanation apparently not quite as juicy as she'd been hoping. I, of course, found myself relaxing with a sigh, that turned into me covering my mouth to conceal another cough. The waiter returned and as soon as the cup was sat in front of me, I distracted myself with cupping it between my fingers and breathing in the heavenly fragrance. The sharp, cinnamon scent seemed to calm my knotted stomach, a striking difference from everything else I'd encountered today. I took a tentative sip, and was relieved to discover they'd cooled it to the perfect temperature; I wouldn't be burning my tongue on boiling water.

"How is he?" Fuyumi asked, and I nearly choked. "He's always been so... course. He isn't treating you poorly, is he?"

"Neesan," Kyoya muttered, a frown playing across his lips.

"He's fine," I protested, settling the cup back on the table. "He's been a real help, honestly. I'm not sure how I'd be doing without him."

Kyoya's eyes widened, causing me to realize how my words could be taken. Heat flooded my cheeks and I ducked my head, not willing to meet his eyes. A delighted giggle came from Fuyumi.

"That's great," she practically purred. "I'd hate to hear my little brother is mistreating girls."

"Kyoya-kun," Shido began, scratching his cheek with one finger.

"Hm?"

"Father and I were talking..."

I had the distinct feeling that Shido's sudden interest in the family business was directly tied to Fuyumi's meddling. Whether or not that was truly the case, I listened, relieved, as he steered the conversation towards a recent acquisition. The time left until the play passed by like a breeze, and I soon found myself watching the stage, eagerly, as the lights in the theatre dimmed.

The play was a romantic tragedy I faintly recognized. The story followed a poor, farmer girl who caught the eye of the daimyo's son. My current company became forgotten as I found myself enraptured by their plight. The couple had to fight not just prejudice, but the coming war that held a great chance of claiming the son's life. Then there was his best friend, who was selling army secrets to a neighboring daimyo...