Upon opening the secret lock (Y/n) had endeavored to find for the past few days, she picked up an envelope addressed to no one in particular. As she turned it around, she found a seal wax coated with - what she assumed to be - Shota's family crest. She opened it, pulling out a piece of paper. She skimmed over a large amount of writing only to raise her eyebrows in surprise. The female turned to the redhead smiling satisfied on the bed, lifting up the letter to display her bewilderment.
"What?" he asked, running his fingers through his hair, "Don't you want it?"
"That's not it," she said softly, "I'm just...shocked is all. Have you talked to the others about this? I can't imagine they'll agree."
"I can talk things over," he shrugged, "Enjoy it. It'll pass before you realize."
The girl looked back down at the letter pleasantly surprised at what Shota had promised her. After all, it was all she wanted since she'd been brought back to the house against her will. It was only a small taste of freedom, not nearly enough to satiate her craving for it but more than she had expected from any of the males. Shota stood up from the bed to walk to her, placing the key around her neck and stepping back to admire it on her form. He nodded once before placing his fingers under her chin.
"You have my heart too," he said, placing her hand on his chest, "Should you desire it."
The girl took her hand back, blushing brightly from his confession. It wasn't that she felt the same way towards him. At least, she refused to believe it. It was more of a surprise that he of all people would say such a thing to anyone. He opened the door and offered his hand to her though he wasn't shocked that she didn't take it. Instead, he smiled softly as she made her way excitedly downstairs.
The others looked at the approaching girl, some of them blushing with a very red tint when they realized her smile had reappeared. Akari stood up in his chair, his eyes shaking in confusion, but in relief that she was able to grin so purely and innocently again. His eyes trailed to the piece of paper that she held in her hands as well as the beaming redhead that followed behind her, making him narrow his eyes at the male.
The girl slammed the paper on the counter and rushed back upstairs, closing the door to her room with glee. The others looked to Shota for an explanation, but Rei, being impatient, began to read the paper (Y/n) had left for them. His teeth began to grit together and he snapped his head to the male, rage boiling in his chest.
"Why on Earth would you promise that to her?!" he shouted.
"About that," Shota replied, clearing his throat.
He sat down on the couch, the others gathering around him for an inkling of a clue about what had happened. Shota felt a renewed sense of pride, feeling superior over Rei for the first time in his life simply because of (Y/n)'s words. He held his head high, straightening his posture and looking down on the blonde.
"I granted her a small piece of freedom," he explained, making Yamato raise his eyebrow and scowl at where the conversation was headed, "It's not much, but it made her smile again. That being said, I'll need all of you to cooperate."
"Anything!" Akari said eagerly, "As long as it gets her to smile like that again!"
"Hold your horses," Yamato sighed, "We don't know what he promised her. I can't agree to anything unless I know what it is first."
Everyone but Takuya agreed with the brunette, turning their skeptical glares to the redhead who only ran his fingers through his hair. He gave a little hum at the paper Rei had crushed with his clenched fist but made no mention of it. He began to demand attention from everyone, the males hitching on his words in great curiosity and hope.
"(Y/n) has been far more...cooperative than she was a while ago, don't you agree?" he asked, earning a nod from the group, "Well, shouldn't we reward her for that so she'll continue to have a commendable behavior towards us?"
"She's not a dog," Yamato scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest.
"That isn't what I meant," Shota chuckled, "I'm only saying. If she acts admirably, she should be rewarded to encourage said behavior and if she acts poorly, she should be punished to discourage said behavior."
"She's not a dog," the brunette repeated.
"Just hear me out," Shota sighed, "Because she is acting so cooperatively as of late, I've decided to give her one hour out of every day where she gets time all to herself. No one can see her, no one can force her out of her room. If she so desires it, she may lock herself in her room."
There was a silence amongst the males, many of them debating whether or not they wanted to give that to her. After all, they didn't like having to wait for her to come around nor did they like having to restrain themselves from her. It would have been a difficult sacrifice that would have taken some heavy self-control but some of them seemed to be all for it, wholeheartedly agreeing with what Shota deemed appropriate.
"Absolutely!" Akari and Takuya grinned, wanting the girl to smile more.
The others weren't so sure about their thoughts on the proposal. While Yamato did want to give the girl some freedom, he was skeptical of the door being locked. If that happened, she could find a way to sneak out and he would have to deal with her being away from him again. On the other hand, Haru and Rei had different concerns about it, finding it tedious to not have her by their side if they want her an hour each day.
"The cameras will still be on," Shota said, trying to ease Yamato's fears.
"Then as long as we have some kind of security on her, it should be fine," he sighed, relieved.
The other two were harder to convince, considering their motivations for refusing the proposal came from their selfishness and need to feel something to feel love. Takuya urged them to agree to it, but they were firm in their stubbornness and vehemently refused the idea, claiming it was annoying and unnecessary. They tried to pitch other things to reward the girl with, but they could never come to a straight conclusion or a unanimous decision. Thus they continued to argue about the best course of action.
Meanwhile, (Y/n) enjoyed the prospect of having time to herself, even if it was quite limited. She jumped in the bed and relaxed for once, enjoying the feeling of the slight freedom. She sighed, turning the television on and listening to the news. It wasn't her first priority to listen to it, but she hoped to gain some useful information. She fiddled with the puzzle still on her table, solving it over time. Yet, as she spent her time clicking each puzzle piece into the bigger picture, the males downstairs argued over what to do.
"She's been so obedient!" Shota shouted, "Besides, hasn't she done so much for you? Can't you, just this once, do something for her?"
"Forget it!" Rei yelled, "I'll give her some freedom when she chooses me!"
"She's not choosing you!" Haru growled, "Don't insinuate she will!"
They were in a stalemate, neither one of the males moving to do as the others wanted. Instead, they kept making arguments, refusing to give in and let their precious girl go for an hour a day. Trading insult with insult, they fought to keep their wants and wishes and though Shota tried his best to convince him, it seemed hopeless trying to reason with him.
. . .
Hours later, they were still at it, still at the same point they were when they first began. (Y/n) came down at that point, confused at why she hadn't been bothered for quite some time. The girl turned the corner at the end of the stairs, confronted with the loud bickering of the males. She watched them for a while, figuring out that they were talking about what Shota promised her. Still, as they didn't seem all in agreement about it, she gave a frown.
She stepped into view, wanting to fight for her own behalf. The males stopped talking, trailing off where they were at in the conversation and turned their gaze upon her. The (h/c) female stepped forward with a concerned expression, fiddling with her hands behind her back in anxiousness. Shota gave a guilty look at her, feeling immensely useless for not being able to do as he promised her.
"You still won't give me any slack?" the girl asked, trying to contain her disappointment.
Rei looked away in shame at refusing to let her have a measly hour to herself, but Haru only looked at her sternly. The others didn't give away any emotion, hoping that she would be able to talk them into it. While she didn't say a word, Rei's stubbornness was broken further and further down as his guilt consumed him. It was Haru that stayed firm to what he wanted to do, not willing to let anyone else change his mind.
"I'll agree to it," Rei sighed, hanging his head in defeat, "Let it be noted that I'm not happy about this though."
"Noted," Shota smirked, "but soon to be forgotten."
Haru was not so easy to convince. The girl frowned at his unmovable state, wondering why he wasn't willing to give her a small luxury such as time to herself. He sat on the couch, crossing his legs and pouting as he stared out of the window, trying not to look into her hopeful eyes to avoid caving as the blonde did. He would occasionally grumble or mumble something to himself to encourage staying strong.
"Why don't I just buy you a computer or something?" Haru suggested, offering a compromise that suited him more than her.
"Haru," Yamato said, crossing his arms over his chest, "Give her this one thing. Maybe then she'll like you better."
(Y/n) turned her head to scowl at the brunette for promising the gamer such a thing, but he only put his finger to his lip, asking her to keep quiet. She raised her eyebrows, wondering if this was how he got Haru to surrender. The male in question only debated silently with himself, thinking over the pros and cons of giving her some privacy. Then again, the hope that she would feel for him as he did for her was too much for him to ignore and he finally gave in. He nodded, letting everyone know he agreed to the terms of the promise.
"Wonderful!" Shota said, clasping his hands together and standing up from the couch, "Then it's settled. She'll be able to pick the time, whenever it is and none of us can interfere with her alone time unless it's absolutely necessary."
The girl beamed, letting her smile reach from cheek to cheek. Yamato blushed, being the first to realize it had appeared again, clearing his throat and turning away to avoid being seen in such a timid state. When Takuya stumbled upon her smile, he jumped up and hugged her tightly, thanking her for being happy. The others only silently appreciated it, expecting to see the expression far more often.
"I haven't even started on dinner!" Rei shouted, scrambling to the kitchen to begin cooking, "Does anyone want anything in particular?"
"Curry," Yamato stated, petting the quiet dogs as they wagged their tails.
The blonde nodded, beginning to prepare to make the dish. He turned to (Y/n), wanting to ask her to cook with him, but she was walking away, making him chase after her. He picked her up, placing her over her shoulder despite her surprised protest. He threw her a familiar bunny apron, not having to tell her to put it on. She sighed, figuring that she might as well considering he had let her have the freedom she'd sought after for quite some time at that point. He placed a cutting board and knife in front of her, scooting her some carrots, potatoes, and onions to cut up.
She washed the vegetables thoroughly and brought them to the cutting board, dicing them up in different shapes such as stars, hearts, and diamonds. Upon noticing the cute shapes she was making, Rei snuck up behind her and hugged around her waist, nuzzling his cheek against her. She ignored him, rolling her eyes in the process, but he placed his hand on her hand and guided it as if she'd never cut a vegetable before.
He placed his other hand on her hips, pulling it to touch him and allow him more access to her body. Blush spread from one cheek to the other as he realized how stimulating the position he was in was. He began to get excited at the prospect, pushing himself into the female and letting out a groan at the pleasure it brought him. He brought his lips to her neck, kissing her gently but passionately to display his want for her.
The girl, acutely focused on slicing the vegetables into shapes, moved onto the onions, dicing them finely. Still, she forgot the effect the vegetable had on her and her eyes began to water as she cut. The tears flowed down her cheek and she heard a loud scooting of a chair, then the crash of that seat falling to the floor. Before she knew it, the male behind her was pinned to the refrigerator behind both of them, being prompted with a kitchen knife.
Rei's eyes widened in surprise more than in fear and Takuya pressed the weapon in his hands to the other male's chest, preparing to puncture his chest in the blink of an eye. The white-haired male stared deadly at the victim before him, gritting his teeth in anger and disgust. The others watched as the seemingly harmless frail male prompted another with death. His breath was rigid, only the occasional sharp intake of air being heard from him.
"Why is she crying?" the boy asked quietly, but stern and violent lurking underneath his innocent tone, "What did you do to her?"
(Y/n) turned her body around to see the scene taking place behind her and her eyes widened in shock. Of all people, she wouldn't have expected Takuya to be violent, but she tried to calm her shaking hands and face the situation. However, when she stepped toward the boy to get him to put the weapon down, he snapped at her. Though the tone wasn't exactly hostile, it wasn't as sweet as he had made it sound.
"Don't get near him," he said gently, smiling innocently at her.
Then he bolted his head around to face the blonde who was still reeling back from his surprise. Takuya's expression was twisted into one of pure animosity as he looked into the blonde's violet eyes for some kind of answer. When he couldn't quite find what he wanted to see, he opened his mouth, the next time his tone much more sinister. His voice had an underlying hint of bloodshed beneath its exterior, but the feeling still fully came through.
"Why is she crying?" he asked again.
"Takuya, it was only the - "
"Don't defend him, (Y/n)," the white-haired male said, once again with a light and peaceful tone before it became dark again, "Why is she crying?!"
Rei struggled to find any words, prompting the typically shy boy to push the knife slightly into his chest, only drawing only the faintest bit of crimson blood. He winced, once more shocked that Takuya had the guts to do something violent against him or any other living thing. The blood trickled down his now stained white shirt, forever changing its pure color. (Y/n) stepped forward, seeing things were escalating further than she could handle, placing her hand on the white-haired male's shoulder.
"Stop, Takuya, it was only the onions!" she said before he could cut her off again.
The boy paused, dropping the knife. Rei jumped back, trying to avoid the knife dropping onto his feet as its trajectory suggested. He ended up landing on his back in doing so, his eyes focusing on the now smiling male standing before the girl. Takuya had a large innocent smile on his face, blushing slightly as the girl before him let out a relieved sigh.
"My bad," he said with an embarrassed chuckle, "I thought he did something to make you upset. I'm sorry, Rei!"
The blonde that was addressed bolted his head up to see the sickeningly sweet smile of his assaulter. The boy had no more thoughts of pure malice towards anyone, instead, showing his companion his innocent self. However, after the events of such violence, it seemed unnatural and downright...eerie. Takuya turned back to the female, shyly kissing her palm and nuzzling himself within it. He let out a relieved sigh as though the action relaxed him and stood there for a moment before the onion smell on her hands made his eyes water.
"Ow," he said quietly, attempting to rub at the onion in his blue pupils.
"No, don't do that!" (Y/n) exclaimed, grabbing at his hands and lowering them, "Oh, Takuya...go and wash your hands and wash your eyes out with some water. Be gentle, obviously, but you should get the onion out of your eyes first and foremost."
"You're so kind," he said, smiling purely once more.
He rushed off to do as she said, blinking his eyes repeatedly to get the substance out of his eyes. Rei stood up, watching as the boy scurried off, still recovering from his shock. The blonde pressed his hand to where he'd been cut, rubbing his fingers together as he observed his own blood coating his skin. He winced as his split skin tingled, finding it hurt more than it did a moment ago, likely due to the adrenaline.
A hand was pressed to his chest and he watched as (Y/n) bandaged his wound. She didn't do much, only cleaning it and pressing a bandage against it, but it nonetheless made his breath catch in his throat. Something clicked inside of him and his playful and flirty expression at her gesture turned into a one more serious. When she finished with making sure to care for his wound, the blonde looked down at her and placed his hands on both of her shoulders. As he did so, he noticed he placed too much pressure on her at first and a surprised look crossed his face. It promptly disappeared, replaced by his stern look once more, placing his hands on her far more gently.
"(Y/n)," he said, speaking her name like it was honey on his tongue, "I can be myself around you, can't I?"
"Hm?" the girl hummed, "As long as you don't hurt anyone."
The male went quiet and released her, placing a small kiss on the top of her head as she resumed cooking. He did the same and soon, they finished, placing the food on the table for the rest of the males to enjoy. Takuya, thrilled to be presented with such a cute looking curry, took out his phone, fiddling with it. It was a new device to him so he had trouble getting to what he wanted, but eventually, he started snapping pictures, grinning excitedly to himself before complimenting the girl who cut the shaped vegetables.
"This feels," Yamato paused, using his chopsticks to present the heart-shaped carrot to the others, "...emasculating."
No one paid him any mind, enjoying the delicious food they were presented with and complimenting (Y/n) for her work. The brunette blushed, giving in to his hunger and munching on the curry. He refused to show that he enjoyed the taste, instead, he put on a pout though no one believed he truly felt adverse about it. After dinner was done, Yamato and Shota cleaned the dishes while Rei walked (Y/n) to her bedroom. She didn't ask him to join along, but he did anyway though not even he knew why he followed.
"I...um," the blonde said, trying to form a sentence with his words while the girl laid down in bed, yawning out of exhaustion, "Goodnight, I guess. I'll see you in the morning."
With that, he left, though he threw her a look as if he wanted to say something before exiting and closing the door behind him. She closed her eyes, embracing the stillness of night and falling asleep, dreaming peacefully. Little did she know that late into the late, almost the beginning of morning, a figure stood over her bed, blindfold in hand.