The Silent Struggle

"Will you check on Aika?" Airi asked softly, her voice tinged with concern as she leaned slightly against Kai. "She hasn't come downstairs all day. She seemed... glum earlier."

Hannah, seated across the table, looked up from her plate. "Maybe she's just studying," she offered gently, her tone as soft as ever.

Kai nodded, his expression calm but thoughtful. "Alright," he replied, finishing his food with a deliberate finality. He set his spoon down and glanced at his mother.

Airi placed a hand on Kai's back, her touch warm and soothing as she rubbed small circles. Her red hair caught the kitchen's light as she leaned closer to him, her voice dropping to a whisper filled with worry. "Kai... please talk to her. I've been hearing things about her grades. Failing, they said. I'm worried she's pulling away from everyone."

Kai gave her a reassuring smile, his blue eyes steady and full of quiet understanding. "I'll talk to her, Mama," he promised softly, nodding as he pushed his chair back and stood, smoothing the front of his coat as he did.

"I'll handle the dishes, Mama," Hannah said warmly, gathering the plates with careful precision.

Airi shook her head with an amused smile. "No, dear, it's on me. You've done enough today."

Hannah hesitated but relented, smiling as she sat back down. Kai gave his wife a quick glance, a silent exchange passing between them before he turned to head upstairs.

Kai ascended the grand staircase, his steps steady against the polished wood. The third floor stretched before him like a corridor in a luxury hotel, the long hallway lined with identical doors, each adorned with a small nameplate. He walked until he reached one labeled Aika.

He knocked gently, pausing to listen. After a moment, soft, reluctant footsteps approached from inside. The door opened slightly, and Aika stood there, peeking out from behind it.

Her red hair fell in loose waves around her shoulders, and her intense blue eyes met Kai's with a mixture of mild annoyance and indifference. She didn't open the door fully, instead leaning on the frame with one hand.

"Brother," she greeted flatly, her tone low and dismissive. She glanced away, her gaze shifting to some indistinct point behind him. "What do you want?"

Kai studied her for a moment, taking in the tired slump of her shoulders and the faint shadow beneath her eyes. She wasn't just avoiding the family—something was clearly weighing on her.

"I wanted to check on you," he said evenly, keeping his voice soft and non-confrontational. "Mama's worried. She said you haven't been downstairs all day."

Aika rolled her eyes, her lips pressing into a thin line. "I'm fine," she muttered, her tone carrying a hint of impatience. She started to close the door.

Kai pressed a hand lightly against it, stopping her gently. "Aika," he said firmly but without sharpness. "We need to talk."

Aika sighed heavily, stepping back just enough to let him inside. She didn't say anything as she turned and plopped onto her bed, grabbing a pillow and hugging it to her chest. Her silence spoke louder than words, and Kai knew it would take patience to get through to her.

Kai sat down beside her on the bed, his movements deliberate and calm. He reached out, gently pulling her closer, his hand moving in soothing circles on her back. "Aika," he began softly, his tone steady but with a hint of concern, "are you okay? You've been distant, and Mama's worried about you."

Aika allowed herself to be pulled close, sitting stiffly beside him, her arms crossed. Her gaze dropped to the floor, and a flicker of tension crossed her face. Does he know? Does he know about my grades? she thought, panic rising. He wouldn't understand anyway. He's perfect—he'd never get it.

"I'm fine," she muttered tersely, her voice clipped and defensive.

Kai's hand moved up to gently pat her head, his touch light but comforting. "Mama told me about the grades," he said carefully, watching her closely for any reaction. "I want to understand what's going on, Aika. If something's bothering you, you can tell me. Brother's here for you."

Aika stiffened at his words, her eyes narrowing as a spark of anger flared. "Why does everyone keep making it such a big deal?" she snapped, her voice sharp. She pulled away slightly, crossing her arms tighter. "I just feel lazy, okay? It's not like I'm dying or anything!"

Kai remained calm, his expression unwavering as he leaned forward slightly, meeting her defiance with an unshakable presence. "Aika," he said, his voice low and firm but still gentle, "you and I both know that's not the truth. Your hands are shaking."

Aika froze, her fingers still fidgeting with the edge of the pillowcase. She clenched her jaw, her frustration mounting. "Why does it matter to you?" she spat, her voice rising. "You're not the one dealing with it!"

Kai didn't flinch, his voice calm and measured. "Because I'm your brother," he said simply. "It's my job to care. And it's my job to notice when you're upset, even if you're too stubborn to say it."

Aika's eyes widened briefly before narrowing again, her emotions churning. "I don't need your help, okay? I can handle it!" Her voice cracked slightly at the end, betraying her.

Kai sighed softly and shifted closer, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. She stiffened but didn't pull away. He pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head, his voice softer now. "Aika," he murmured, "I'm not here to judge you or push you. I'm here to listen. Whatever it is, you don't have to carry it alone."

Aika's breath hitched, and her eyes began to sting with unshed tears. She clenched her fists, fighting the emotions that threatened to spill over. "It's because..." she started, her voice shaking. She paused, struggling to find the words.

Kai didn't rush her, his hand gently rubbing her back again. "Take your time," he said quietly. "I'm not going anywhere."

Finally, Aika's defenses began to crack. Her voice was barely above a whisper as she spoke. "It's because... I'm being bullied, okay?" she said, her tone a mix of anger and vulnerability. "Those girls at school—they won't leave me alone. They call me names, spread rumors, and I just... I hate it!"

Kai's jaw tightened slightly, but his expression remained calm. He gently pulled her into a full hug, holding her close against his chest. "Aika," he said, his voice steady but filled with quiet strength, "thank you for telling me. I'm so sorry you've had to go through this. But you don't have to face it alone anymore."

Aika buried her face in his chest, her shoulders trembling as she finally let the tears fall. Kai kissed her forehead gently, his arms tightening around her protectively. "We'll figure this out together," he promised, his voice a soothing anchor. "You're strong, Aika, and you're not alone in this."

For the first time in what felt like forever, Aika felt a small glimmer of relief. In her brother's embrace, she finally allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, things could get better.