As (Y/n) woke up, she was bombarded with texts from Takuya that seemed worried about her. He sent her so many texts that there were pages and pages of his texts alone. She had to scroll up to see the initial texts.
Takuya 4:00 am - (Y/n), this is Takuya.
Takuya 4:00 am - You know, um, me?
Takuya 5:10 am - You haven't replied, are you alright? Did something happen? Can I help?
Takuya 5:32 am - Please reply...
Takuya 5:33 am - I'm scared...
She yawned and began to text back, concerned about the boy. She didn't know where he had gotten the idea that she was in danger, but she didn't want to concern him more by not responding.
(Y/n) 8:22 am - I'm perfectly fine. Did you need something?
Takuya 8:22 am - (Y/n)! Thank goodness! Hi, it's Takuya!
(Y/n) 8:23 am - Yes, I can see that. I haven't seen you with a phone. Did you just get one?
Takuya 8:23 am - Yeah! You're so smart! Now we can text!
(Y/n) 8:23 am - Very cute <3
On the other end of the phone, the boy blushed and curled up, snuggling against the teddy bear that the girl had given him just the day before. He tried to think of what the right thing would be to say but he hadn't ever experienced anything like that before. So, unfortunately, he struggled a bit, trying to be impressive.
Takuya 8:25 am - You're cute too, I...think?
(Y/n) 8:25 am - You don't think I'm cute? I'm deeply wounded! I've never cried so much!
Takuya 8:25 am - No, no, no, no! Don't cry! You are cute! I just didn't want to tell you! I'm sorry! Please don't cry! Please, please, please?
(Y/n) 8:26 am - I'm only joking.
Takuya 8:27 am - Thank goodness! Um, if I can, may I ask you to join me for the day? Haru wanted to see you too. Could you join us at his house? We'll send a car to pick you up!
(Y/n) 8:28 am - Sure, I guess. Just let me tell Narahashi first.
She yawned and began to stretch, making the bluenette sit up and stretch himself. His arm had had its circulation cut off from her laying on it all night. Not that he minded, anyway. He wiped the tears from her eyes as she yawned, making her giggle playfully and tickle him. He tickled her back, no mercy.
"How dare you!" (Y/n) said playfully.
"You started it," Narahashi grunted with a laugh then winked, "I'm just finishing it."
The boy laughed uncontrollably as she pinned him down and began tickling his most sensitive of spots; his neck. She knew this through years of attempting to get him to succeed in their tickling wars. He slapped the ground twice, letting her know that she had won.
"You got me," he said, letting out a playful sigh and collapsing on the floor, looking up at her with a soft, love-stricken expression, "Look at that. You've made me smile. I don't know how to thank you."
"Dork," she said, sticking out her tongue, "I'm going to Haru's house today. But I'll be back later, alright? If you ever need me, just send me a text and I'll come as soon as possible."
The boy's eyes looked from side to side, trying to figure out how to tell her it wasn't safe to go. However, he took too long and she gave him a tap on the forehead before waving goodbye, the door closing behind her. He reached out his arm and gave an exasperated sigh, worried for the girl.
She walked into the lobby, noticing a black and expensive-looking limousine. The driver motioned for her to come in. She felt strange going into the limousine alone, but luckily, Haru sat on the seat, reaching out his arm for the girl. He had a quaint smile on his face as he awaited her in his arms.
"Good morning," (Y/n) smiled.
"Ah~," Haru sighed, pulling her into him.
He smiled as he nuzzled her, having him sit on his lap. Her shoulders moved forward, feeling slightly uncomfortable. Haru only ran his hand up her skin, feeling its warmth and taking it in. He hadn't anticipated he would get to spend time with the girl alone, but he planned to thoroughly savor it. Of course, the downfall of his actions was that he hadn't the slightest clue about how to make a girl comfortable nor did he understand he was making her feel discomfort.
The entire way he took her in, nuzzling her, hugging her, doing whatever he wanted. It was something of a dream for him. She, on the other hand, was a bit shy from his gestures. He didn't know that he had made her uncomfortable, thinking that since the gestures made him feel loved, it made her feel that way as well.
"We're here, Mr. Akahito," the driver said, opening the door, "Please watch your step."
Haru carefully stepped outside of the vehicle, pulling the girl along with him. As she was pulled into his chest, the boy stared down at her womanly features, desperately wanting to touch her there. He knew it wasn't the time, but the thought ran rampant in his mind as well as his body. However, he then felt a shiver up his spine as a white-haired boy ran up to the two of them.
"(Y/n)!" Takuya said, delighted, "Good morning!"
The girl waved, feeling a light hug from the boy. He seemed genuinely happy to have her there. His innocent smile and eyes made her blush at how cute he could be. He stepped back and handed her a beautifully wrapped gift. She took it and gave him a curious smirk, making him shyly put his hands behind his back.
"What is this?" she giggled.
"A...gift," he said, blushing, "For...for you! From, uh, me!"
"That's how gifts work," (Y/n) laughed.
She unwrapped the gift, looking at the box and gasping in adoration. There was a beautiful box. Then she began to take off the lid of the box to reveal a similar teddy bear to the one she'd gotten him and a gorgeous gold necklace.
"It's beautiful!" she gasped, "You didn't have to get this for me! Thank you so much!"
"O-of course..." Takuya blushed, fiddling with his fingers behind his back while looking down at his shoes, a small grin on his face.
Haru raised an eyebrow and looked at the necklace, examining it to see if it was real or not. When he realized it was real and pure gold, he gave a "huh" and looked at his friend, tilting his head.
"Since when do you have the money to buy something like that?" he asked, "Your mother locks up everything. You must have stolen it."
"No!" Takuya defended, "Mother gave me the money and told me to buy something nice for her."
Haru became even more curious, leaning over the girl's shoulder. However, he grew bored and grabbed her wrist, pulled her into the house, showing her to the main room. He took off his shoes, motioning for her to do the same. The three walked into the house, being greeted by many servants.
"Welcome home, Master Haru!" they cheered.
One in particular, stepped forward and bowed. He seemed to be some kind of caretaker, much like Takuya or Shota had. Haru didn't seem interested and walked away, leaving the man to wait until he was a few steps away before following.
"Your father should be back soon," he said, "And your mother wanted to see you."
"She did?" Haru asked, pausing, and showing genuine interest.
The man only bowed in response and the boy threw his bag at him, making him catch it. The normally level-headed brunette scoffed, beginning to walk away. (Y/n) and Takuya were directed to the game room, sitting there for a while, waiting for the brunette to come back.
. . .
It'd been quite some time before they heard his voice. It was quiet and calm, with a loving tone. He was singing some kind of lullaby and when the door was opened for him, he walked through, sitting on the couch. From what the girl could see, he was holding some kind of blanket. It was red in color and had little yellow stars splattered around it.
"Frère Jacques. Frère Jacques. Dormez-vous? Dormez-vous? Sonnez les matines...Sonnez les matines," he said, quieting his singing so he could end it.
He held a finger to his mouth as he ensured that no one would talk loudly. The brunette then began to rock his arms back and forth, a loving grin on his face. The (h/c) haired girl walked up to him, pushing the blanket down gently and coming face to face with an adorable baby boy. He had just the same shade of dark brown hair that the boy holding him had. While his eyes were shut, she couldn't see the shade of eye color he had but she assumed he had the same shade of green as Haru.
"How sweet," she laughed, "If I may ask, what's his name?"
"Bastien," Haru responded with a small smile, "Bastien Akahito. He's my baby brother."
"He's adorable," (Y/n) said.
She looked at the baby's hand that clung on tightly to his older brother's finger. Every now and then, there'd be a noise from the other room and he would grip tighter, relieved to feel his brother's presence there. The girl smiled, feeling paternal instincts by seeing the child. She moved a strand of his hair out of the way, making him open his eyes.
His eyes were indeed a light green color and she expected him to cry upon seeing an unfamiliar face, but she was prompted with a childish laugh. He reached up, his little hands wanting to grab at her. The small child babbled incoherently as slobber dripped from his mouth. He seemed to be confused about what it was and stared at it as if he'd never seen it before.
"I think he likes you," Haru smiled, "Would you like to hold him? He was supposed to go to sleep, but I think it'll be fine if he stays up a bit longer."
"I would love to!" the girl squealed, trying to contain her excitement.
He handed the small baby boy to the girl, her arms wide open. While she hadn't had any siblings or cousins younger than herself, she'd always wanted to be an older sister. So being able to hold a child filled her with love.
Haru could see that love, and as he handed his brother to her, he made sure to position her arms so she held him just right. He put his arms around her, helping to hold him before he felt that she would be able to hold him properly. He stepped back, taking a look at them and blushing. It seemed that the girl was everything he had wanted in a romantic partner, and he was eager to progress their relationship.
His baby brother was babbling again, this time, attempting to grab at the girl's cheeks. When he couldn't reach, he began to cry. In surprise, Haru stepped forward to help, but the girl only lifted the baby up, cooing at him as she playfully bounced him up and down. Bastien giggled in joy. At this, Haru once again blushed brightly and a delighted smile made its way onto his features.
As Takuya was admiring the sight, he noticed another flash of bright white light and when he turned to see where it had come from, there seemed to be no trace of it. It vanished instantly. Determined to catch whatever it was, he ran out of the house, only to find nothing there. Afterward, he returned back, on the lookout for the cause of the light.
"Bastien!" (Y/n) laughed, "Bas...tien!"
Upon hearing his name, the infant babbled something in return and squealed in delight, shoving his hand in his mouth and chewing on it. The girl "tsked" playfully and took it out, grabbing his bib and cleaning his hand from the saliva.
"You're really good with kids," Haru sighed, lovingly.
At this point, he was so entranced with the girl, he could barely think of anything else but her. With her kindness, beauty, and intelligence, she had him wrapped around her finger. Not to mention the fact that she played video games. He had never expected any girl would want to play games. At least, not the kind of girls he grew up knowing.
"I don't think so," (Y/n) said, tickling the baby, "You seem to be very protective of him. It's really precious."
"I have to be," Haru said, leaning against her shoulder.
"What do you mean?" the girl asked, tilting her head.
"My father's almost always out on business trips and things," he paused, looking down sadly, "And my mother is very...ill. I don't trust him with anyone else so I mainly watch over him. When I can, anyway."
"I'm so sorry..."
"It's fine. I get everything I want, so I shouldn't be complaining. Besides, I've got Bastien, so I'm happy. I love him."
The baby paused when he heard his name spoken. It was like magic to him when it came out of his brother's mouth. He began to crawl on the floor, begging to be picked up again by the girl, squeezing his hands.
"He's eight months now, right?" Takuya asked, looking at the child.
"That's right," Haru laughed, picking up his brother.
Bastien only began to pout, continuing to signal he wanted to be held by the female. He was handed to her and he began to clap. Haru mimicked him, clapping as well.
"Yes, very good, frère," he chuckled, "I see, I see."
"Frère?" (Y/n) asked.
"It means brother. My mother is from Echal so she still speaks the language from time to time. I just kind of picked up on it. If I say something you don't understand, just let me know and I'll translate. Anyway, I called you over here so we could play games together! Would you like something to eat or drink while we set up?"
"No, I don't need anything," she said, "No need to trouble yourself."
"It's no problem at all," Haru said, running his hand through her hair, "Anything you want it's yours."
"Then I'll just have what you have," she replied, giving Bastien a kiss on the head.
"I'd be happy to share!" Haru said excitedly.
The brunette ran off, preparing snacks and drinks of all kinds, completely forgetting that Takuya was there. He'd only really invited him so Shota wouldn't get mad at him for spending time with (Y/n) alone, but he didn't want to share her either.
"Haru?" a heavy-accented voice called out.
(Y/n) turned her head to see a stunning orange-haired woman leaning weakly on the wall as many servants tried to get her to sit down. There seemed to be a nurse of some kind begging her to go back to her room. The woman only shook her head and smiled when she saw the (h/c) haired girl. The woman waved hello and sat down on the floor next to them. Feeling strange about holding someone else's child without their explicit permission, (Y/n) handed back Bastien who cocked his head at the woman.
"Sorry!" she said, "He's yours, right? I was just watching him."
"No need to worry," the lady spoke in an elegant manner, her accent, unlike anything the girl had ever heard before, "My name is Eloise. I'm Haru's mère, err, mother. I didn't believe my ears when my nurse had told me there was a fille he'd brought home! Oh, pardon me! I meant 'girl'."
"Mère?" Haru questioned, a concerned expression crossing his features, "What are you doing out of your room? You're weak! Go lay back down! What would père say?"
The two argued back and forth about what the correct thing to do was. It didn't matter what he said, Haru wasn't going to win the argument. His mother only smiled and shook her head.
"Why don't you introduce me first?" she smiled, "I'd love to meet your friend."
"Fine, but you must promise me you'll go back to bed," Haru sighed, slumping over.
Bastien continued to babble in (Y/n)'s arms as the conversation went on. He only ever looked over at his mother once or twice and didn't seem that interested. It saddened the girl, knowing that he hadn't spent that much time with her. An infant that hadn't spent any time with his mother. It was almost like her situation with her mother.
"This is (Y/n) Shiratori," Haru said, motioning to the girl, "She's the student council vice president."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," the woman said, "I don't think Haru's ever talked to a girl before. He doesn't seem all that interested in them. So I'm very glad to see he's opening up to other people! Tell me, do you have any hobbies?"
"Oh," the girl said, surprised, "Um, I like to play video games, I suppose. But I don't have time for anything else, really."
"That explains it," his mother laughed, "He quite likes his games, doesn't he? You should see him while he plays. It's adorable."
"Mère...," Haru pouted, crossing his arms over his chest.
His mother laughed and gave him a little wave. She must have been very sick, indeed, because her legs suddenly gave out beneath her and she coughed up blood. Her face contorted in pain, but she tried to remain strong. Haru ran over to her, trying to help her, but there wasn't much he could do.
After a while, the blood stopped, but she was still weak. A few servants helped her to her feet, Haru running off to help her. That left Bastien, (Y/n), and Takuya by themselves, wondering what they could do to help. Well, the baby continued to act like everything was normal, adventuring as he crawled around. He had found something and held it in the air like it was some kind of treasure and handed it to the girl, babbling weirdly.
"Why thank you," she giggled, "I will treasure this forever."
The boy squealed in excitement, throwing his hands in the air. Then he wandered slowly back to the girl and sat down with her, looking around the room. Takuya, feeling ignored, scooted closer without saying a word and occasionally focused a glance or two on her before sharply averting his eyes.
"What are you doing?" (Y/n) asked, tilting her head.
The boy, not anticipating that she would find him out so soon, felt a shiver run up his spine, making him straighten his posture. He stayed silent, hoping the situation would dissipate but it never did. Instead, it only made her stare at him, poking his cheek until he spoke.
"I want attention...," he finally said, blushing and looking at the ground.
For the first few seconds, he received no response and assumed he had done something wrong to make her dislike him. However, the opposite was true and he received a plethora of attention from her. She rubbed the top of his head, making him let out a little, embarrassed squeak before blushing out of embarrassment.
"Sorry, sorry," she chuckled.
Takuya, feeling his heart beating fast, didn't know what to do. This was out of his understanding, and, in confusion, he ended up laying on the ground, trying to figure out what to do. He eventually made his way to lay next to the girl, shyly touching one finger to her leg, blushing from his own gesture. It wasn't the physical contact that made him shy but the thought that he was going to be caught.
She didn't seem to mind and focused on Bastien who was trying to devour his hand at the moment. In response, Takuya inched his hand closer but when she looked down at him, he took it back and backed away. Then he covered his face with his hands, turning his back on her so she couldn't see how embarrassed he was. Strangely enough, he was happy to be noticed like that. It was so unfamiliar to him, after all.