CHAPTER EIGHT:
(Y/N) crossed her arms, her skepticism evident in her huff. "Oh, really? And why should I believe you?" she challenged.
"Because you know I loved you." He replied.
(Y/N) crossed her arms tighter, her skepticism intensifying at Elias's response.
"Don't say such things, Elias," she groaned, her voice filled with exasperation. "Especially not in front of my Nee-San. She doesn't know our history."
Elias smiled softly, his gaze warm and nostalgic. "But it's the truth, (Y/N). You're like a little sister to me," he said, his voice filled with genuine affection.
Curiosity mingled with frustration, (Y/N) couldn't help but ask the burning question that had plagued her. "Then why did you betray me? Why did you choose to hang out with him instead of being there for me?"
Elias sighed heavily, his expression pained as he laid down on her bed, gazing up at the ceiling. "It wasn't that simple, (Y/N). I didn't have a choice. I owed him a favor, one that I couldn't refuse."
Confusion and hurt clouded (Y/N)'s features as she absorbed Elias's words. Her skepticism wavered for a moment as she tried to comprehend the complexities of their past.
She tentatively approached the bed, sitting down beside Elias.
"Owed him a favor? What do you mean?" she asked, her voice tinged with vulnerability.
Elias turned his head to meet her gaze, his eyes filled with remorse. "There were circumstances beyond my control, (Y/N). I made choices that I regret, but I want you to know that I never meant to hurt you."
(Y/N) crossed her legs, deep in thought as she considered Elias's words. Memories of their long-standing friendship flooded her mind, reminding her of the bond they once shared.
However, the pain caused by their past still haunted her, making forgiveness a difficult path to tread.
She let out a heavy sigh, her voice tinged with vulnerability as she admitted to Elias, "Forgiving you won't be easy, Elias. Starting over is never simple, especially when the past still haunts me like a poltergeist."
Elias nodded, understanding the weight of his actions and the impact it had on their friendship.
His eyes filled with determination as he reached out, gently placing a hand on (Y/N)'s shoulder.
"I know it won't be easy, but I promise you, (Y/N), I am serious about mending our bond. I will do everything in my power to prove that I am truly sorry for what happened. I want to protect you, like I should have done before." Elias said.
(Y/N) met Elias's gaze, her heart softened by his sincerity. She saw the genuine remorse in his eyes and the depth of his determination to make things right.
A glimmer of hope began to spark within her.
'Maybe I can be friends with him again.'
(Y/N) couldn't help but laugh at Elias's sincerity, the tension in the room easing momentarily.
She playfully nudged him and said, "Well, Elias, you do sound serious, but words alone won't be enough. I'll need actual proof before I can consider forgiving you."
Elias chuckled in response, his eyes sparkling with a mix of amusement and determination. "Oh, I see. So, what kind of proof do you need? Would giving you another strawberry milk seal the deal?"
(Y/N) raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smile forming on her lips. "Hmm, another strawberry milk, huh? Well, it's a start, but you'll need to do better than that, Elias."
Elias mockingly feigned surprise, his hand on his chest. "Oh no, my one secret weapon has failed me! What else can I possibly offer to earn your forgiveness, (Y/N)?"
Elias's mock surprise brought a smile to (Y/N)'s face, easing the tension further. She then responded, "How about you start by telling me about our hometown? What happened while I was gone?"
"Alright-Buckle up then because this is going to take a while." Elias nodded, his eyes filled with fondness as he recounted the happenings in their beloved hometown.
He spoke of the new shops that had opened, the changes in the local community, and the thriving state of her grandparents.
He even mentioned how much the books at school missed her presence.
As they chatted and caught up on the details of their lives, the hours seemed to pass by effortlessly.
(Y/N) retrieved (Favourite Game) from her computer, suggesting they play together.
Laughter filled the room as they competed, reminisced, and embraced the joy of shared moments.
In those hours, (Y/N) and Elias slowly repaired the bond between them.
They discovered the power of genuine conversation, the healing nature of laughter, and the value of being present for one another.
The wounds of the past began to fade as they focused on the present, creating new memories and strengthening their connection.
A few hours later, Mitsuri's voice called out to (Y/N) and Elias, reaching their ears over the sounds of their game. "Elias? Baby Sis~?"
(Y/N) quickly saved their progress and turned to Mitsuri, a smile on her face as she greeted her Nee-San. "Hi Nee-San. What's up?"
Mitsuri entered the room, her eyes twinkling with amusement. She explained the reason for her interruption, saying, "Elias, it's time for you to go. Vivian got a little too carried away and ended up getting drunk."
Both Elias and (Y/N) groaned in protest, reluctant to end their gaming session. (Y/N) playfully whined, "But I'm so close to beating Elias' ass in this game! Can't he stay a bit longer?"
Elias chuckled, a competitive spark lighting up his eyes. "Oh, (Y/N), you're nowhere near defeating me. I've still got a few tricks up my sleeve."
Mitsuri laughed at their playful banter, shaking her head. "As much as I'd love to see the battle between you two continue, Vivian needs Elias right now. Besides, there will be plenty of opportunities for more gaming sessions in the future."
Elias agreed with Mitsuri's suggestion and handed the controllers to (Y/N), playfully saying, "Your sister is right. We'll settle our score next time, monkey-face."
Then he added, "But before I go, how about a little challenge?"
(Y/N) raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Elias's proposition. "What kind of challenge are we talking about, Baron farts-a-lot?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
Elias looked towards the staircase, a playful glint in his eyes. "A race down the stairs. First one to reach the bottom wins!"
A grin spread across (Y/N)'s face as she accepted the challenge. "Challenge accepted."
With their competitive spirits ignited, (Y/N) and Elias positioned themselves at the top of the stairs.
They shared a brief moment of eye contact, a mix of laughter and determination in their expressions, before they took off, the sound of their footsteps echoing through the house.
Elias and (Y/N) reached the bottom of the stairs, still laughing and playfully messing with each other.
Their joyful moment, however, was abruptly interrupted by a voice that pierced through the air.
Kyojuro's voice called out (Y/N)'s name, his tone filled with a mix of concern and something more unsettling.
"...(Y/N)?"
(Y/N) turned to face Kyojuro, and her smile faltered as she noticed the intensity in his eyes.
It was as if his gaze bore into Elias's very soul, conveying a sense of hostility and an unspoken desire to eradicate him.
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