MENACE

CHAPTER EIGHT : Hi and Good-bye

"Ehh? Rita-san, have you been here for sometime now? Why aren't you back yet?Are you alright? "

Yohan rushed his way towards her and kneeled infront of her as if to check her condition. Not minding such scene to be found on a cliché fairytale, Rita felt slight warmth on her cheeks, and she smiled at him.

Is he pretending ?

Rita couldn't exactly tell, but his eyes showed a transparent glint and she could only sigh.

"I'm fine, thanks. I'd just went from the store, and wanted to relax here..-" Rita tried fixed some words and kept herself from saying-

"Because some guy who claimed to be your twin pressured me about my identity." instead.

"I see.. can I join you then? " Yohan gently sat down beside her and put the grocery bags which he could've possibly brought from the same store(based on the logo of plastic bags). He must've gone shopping for ingredients...but why is he still here ?

Rita wanted to ask Yohan. Yet he suddenly held out something towards her.

"I also just came from the store. I'm glad I bought some warm drinks with me. " Yohan offered to her a bottled tea, and she made a look before taking it.

"It's not like I tailed you, ok? haha I went there with Old Man with his truck, and ran my way here when he told me he got some business to do."

Yohan needlessly explained, while Rita sipped her tea drink and felt at ease for once.

"Mr. Higurashi.. is he?"

"Oh, I don't think we've made it clear yet. Old Man who owns the store, is my mom's older brother. Since my mother had a divorce when me and my brother were very young, she decided to keep her family name with us."

Yohan leaned and looked up at the sky that was starting to brighten up from hiding between the dark clouds.

"You have a brother ?"

Rita had to confirm it with this person's own mouth. Even though ofcourse she wouldn't be that insane to see a look-alike that morning.

"Ah! I'm sorry, but we should hurry up! " Yohan quickly said and began gathering his things. Rita also stood up and did the same but she eyed Yohan with suspicion. He still didn't clearly answered, and he suddenly looked like he just remembered something very important.

"Wah I definitely forgot! I still need to deliver these ingredients to celebrate my brother's graduation! " He panicked and suddenly held Rita's hand when they started walking fast.

She didn't want to ask as she tried to keep up with his quicken pace, but she couldn't help it.

"Wait, Yohan. Is he your twin?"

He looked back at Rita with a surprised expression and smiled widely. Her heart felt like skittering of such bright image.

This kid seemed like a natural lady-killer.

"Yeah, I guess you've met him already?"

"... Well, just this morning."

Yohan suddenly broke into fits of laughter and Rita felt his grip on her hand tightened.

Why does he bother to hold my hand as if I'm a sick person ? Plus, he's already holding many on the other hand.

"Hey, Let me help carry those-" He only smiled and shook his head while still smiling.

"That Rouhan! he always go on his own way. He suddenly went away for 2 years to pursue college and now he's back."

Rita could tell by his eyes. He looked like a young child telling a funny story about someone dear to him. So she could only breathe a sigh and hoped for good things to come between them.

Or she had thought

"You look dumb."

Is the first sentence she had heard when they finally arrived. Rita was panting hard and looked much like mess, while Yohan still looked the same. As a sedentary person, Rita always hated too much exertion such as sports, thus she envied those who had more exceeding stamina.

Looking at the two people, Rita thought she was the only one who looked stupidly in a mess so she felt involuntarily pissed.

"Whaaat Rou-chan?! After all these years of only few numbered contacts, that's all you could say to me!" Yohan dramatically fell like a fallen warrior while his apparent twin, Rouhan only scoffed and walked towards them.

Rita felt herself being tensed as she undoubtedly felt like a subject of his criticizing gaze.

She thought he was about to do something, but Rouhan only grabbed the plastic bags which Yohan brought.

"Thanks- EH ?!? You also grew taller than me!"

Yohan bitterly pointed out as Rouhan towered over him 1 ½ centimeters taller, so he was about 5'7 ft. tall. Rita who only stood by the average of 5'2 ft. could only stare out like in between two giants. Even if it sucks, I appreciate my own height. Rita solemnly said within her thoughts.

"You were late. They need these to cook dinner."

Rouhan huffed as he headed to the shop which only lies on the next door.

"Sorry, hehe." Yohan apologized and hung his jacket beside and took off his shoes.

"Also, you should greet Rita-san too."

Rouhan abruptly stopped but didn't dare to look at her.

'Yohan, I appreciate such thought, but I don't think I would like to talk to him, for now.'

Rita made a hidden expression and pretended otherwise by smiling kindly.

"Hello, how are you doing?" Rita made a business like greeting as if rewriting the awkward impression she had with him much earlier.

"Thank you once again for letting me accommodate this place. I hope we get along."

Rita slightly bowed at him and she felt a pat on her head.

"Nah, don't be too formal. We're all fine having you with us, Rita -san-"

"It was Uncle who let you in. So, don't thank me." She heard him muttered and went ahead to the shop.

"Excuse him, but that's how he usually act towards others. He's really gentle actually!" Yohan said as if trying to lighten up his brother's side and convinced no ill-will towards her.

Rita only smiled in return as if completely unfazed. It is needless to worry when she's about to leave by tomorrow as promised.

I don't think building relationships around them would make my situation any better . Instead, it might be the opposite. Rita wouldn't let herself get too close, as everything she had loved will be possibly forced to abandon at the end.

Thence, I don't deserve such thing. She carelessly thought.

***

"Waaah Rita-chan, you should just live with us!"

Reina cried and clung to her rightly when she's about to set off with Gen's driving truck. As he said, they would go first thing in the morning to early meet the landowner. So Rita expressed her sincere gratitude and felt moved by their offers.

"Just stay here, Rita-san." Yohan made a last plead as he tried to beg his uncle– Mr. Gen to let her stay and work as a part-timer or anything.

"You see, you can't just take away her freedom of choice. I'm sure Rita has her own reasons why did she came here." Mr. Gen said while flicking his tobacco. Reina pouted and stuck her tongue out like a grade schooler. Rita also discovered that her both parents passed away when she was a baby and she's been kindly raised by his grandfather and uncles(Yohan & Rouhan).

What a lovely family.

A strange feeling suddenly coursed through Rita. The fact that she'd been only nothing but an 'intruder' to this peaceful home, and the huge guilt of hiding her whole identity, but still– they accepted her that easily, and even made her feel comfortable.

"I—" Rita looked straight at each of them and noticed that Rouhan wasn't around. Well, she just met him one day ago. He must've been still asleep or just didn't care if a stranger suddenly disappears.

Rita genuinely smiled at those who were present. Yohan, who struggled about saying something (is he still not done about telling his Uncle?) and Reina, who gave her a small keychain with cat symbol. "So you'll be back here soon!" Is what she said but Rita only thanked her.

Also, some of the few people who came to recognize her waved at her and bid her safety.

They were all very kind.

"Everyone, thank you so much!"

Rita genuinely expressed and felt like being in a farewell scene on a movie.

Even though she wasn't able to make time to say goodbyes with her own family. Rita wanted to make sure to appreciate everything this time. As if she wouldn't be able to do so again.

To be back.