Brother…

WAKE YOUR DREAMS

BROTHER…

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

An unusually bright evening.

Kiyoko was returning from her school. She walked quickly down the crowded school street. Lively groups of school girls passed by her. They were busy in their endless gossip and occasional giggling. There was occasional ding-ding of the bicycle bell.

It was when she reached the lake side; she slowed down her pace and enjoyed the scenery. This area was vacant as compared to the school street. There were only a few boys who were trying to fly a kite at a distance. The sakura tree by lakeside was filled with glossy green leaves, which rustled as the soft breeze blew over.

T-ring~

A bicycle hastily stopped behind Kiyoko.

Zehan took a few deep breaths. Huff~

"Oeeee….! Kiyoko, I told you to wait by the school gate."

Zehan always gave Kiyoko a ride on his bike when they had to go to school. That has become a routine now.

Kiyoko stared at Zehan for some time and then continued walking.

"Oe Kiyoko."

Zehan yelled and followed Kiyoko briskly, wheeling his bicycle by his side.

"Miss Author."

"Did something happen at school today? Your mood is off. Did I do something wrong unknowingly?!"

Kiyoko continued walking at a same slow pace as before.

Zehan frowned.

"Oh are you on your periods?!"

Kiyoko scoffed and glared at Zehan.

Zehan smiled and said," Then what happened? Won't you tell me?"

"A classmate approached me today for your phone number." She replied.

"Huh!"

"I didn't reply that is why she told me I was an arrogant bitch."

"What the fu*k…!"

"Yeah naturally I don't mind such comments. But I guess it is because of my periods that I returned back her comment."

"That's good!"

"No, it is not. I just made a freebie enemy. What if she complains to the teacher?! I will be at a disadvantage because my mom would not come to speak for me!" Kiyoko sneered.

"Then I will go in place of Aunty. I am your strong elder brother."

Kiyoko's smile vanished momentarily. 'Brother…'

"Oh come on! The teacher will never listen to a trouble maker like you. He will start complaining about you."

Kiyoko gave a rather synthetic smile.

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The new karaoke place was right in the centre of the bustling super mart district.

When Zehan and Kiyoko reached their designated karaoke room, the others had already started singing.

Kiyoko had already met them earlier when she visited Zehan's painting club.

There were five of them.

Kotaro, Haru, Kenta, Sakura and Tamako

They were like best buddies and were always together. Sakura and Kotaro were Zehan's childhood friends. They were together since grade 1. Although Zehan moved out of Kyoto they kept touch with each other.

"Sorry for being late. There was a traffic-jam at the junction." Zehan said aloud when he and Kiyoko entered the room.

"Not a problem. We have just started." Sakura gleefully announced but frowned then after as she saw Kiyoko standing behind Zehan.

Kiyoko shuddered inwardly when she saw Sakura's evident displeasure on her face. She saw the same expression on Sakura's face when she went to the painting club just weeks ago.

"Oh my cutie pie is here!" Tamaka enthusiastically pulled Kiyoko towards her."I was waiting for you."

Kiyoko forced a smile and said," Thank you all for inviting me over."

"Welcome." Kotaro said smiled.

"Ae sweet little sister~ please enjoy..." Haru said and passed a can of coke towards Kiyoko. Zehan grabbed the coke from Haru's hand and the passed it to Kiyoko.

Zehan sat down beside Kiyoko.

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Kiyoko was getting out of the restroom when she heard Sakura's voice and halted.

Sakura was holding a cigarette on her right hand. She leaned on the wall and was talking with Tamaka, who was putting her lipstick in front of the wash basin.

"Why is that girl everywhere?!" Sakura grumbled and put the cigarette between her lips.

"What do you mean by that?" Tamako asked.

"That girl is ruining our karaoke night. Did you not see how quiet she was? Why does she even hang out with us? She is messing up the party!"

"Are you done talking, Sakura?! She has difficulties mixing up with others. It is a good thing she is joining us…."

"Ugh! Come on! She is such a burden to Zehan. I don't like that girl. It feels like some negative vibes coming from her."

Kiyoko hastily left the restroom and she made her way out of the building.

"Why did I even come here for?" She mumbled.

'It was true that I am boring.'

'I was just being a mood-killer there.'

She clenched her fist and smiled. It was a bitter smile.

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Zehan gave a sharp tap on the door.

"Oe Kiyoko Are you alright? You could have waited a bit for me."

"Are you feeling fine now? Do you need something?"

Back at the karaoke, Zehan received a message from Kiyoko stating that she was returning home earlier as she was feeling ill. Zehan at once excused himself out of the karaoke room and rushed out towards the street but Kiyoko had already left.

"I am alright."

Kiyoko replied from the other side of the door. She did not dare open the door. She did not to show her face to Zehan. She knew her eyes were puffy from crying.

"Okay then! Rest well. Call me if you need something."

It was when she heard Zehan descending the stairs; Kiyoko leaned on the closed door.

She heaved a sigh of relief.

"I am alright!"

She mumbled.

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End of Chapter 2