Snippet #2716689

When Hiruka and the stranger he slept with parted way, the man gave him his phone number and email address, telling him that if he's interested in drinking or eating out or simply just to get laid then he just need to pop up and tell him and he'll be there. Hiruka appreciated the offer of the man, but he still sticks to his rules, no matter what had happened, so he quickly discarded of the stranger out of his mind the moment they turned their backs from each other. As much as he felt so painful of what happened last night, it was amazing how he can still put up a straight face now as if everything is still fine.

But taking the fact that he has gone through the same scenario over and over again, it's understandable though. He'll just see this as another of his many 'failed dates' and that-guy will just fade away like any other jerks that had trampled his life into a miserable state just like this, once best friends forever or not. In the end, all Hiruka's worth is nothing more than just a substitute, he should have aware of that so, so long ago. So perhaps, this is the price that he has to pay for stubbornly believe that for once, it might change.

When Hiruka stepped into his apartment, Makoto was sitting at the table as usual. "Well, well. Who'd have thought you two would have gone this far, hmm?" He said with a smirk, "How was it? I suppose after all those year being so dulled you have to guide him all the way, huh?"

"Yeah, it was fine. What more can I say? I'm a sex fiend, remember?" Hiruka replied with his usual tone, but having lived with his brother for so long, Makoto can noticed the smallest of changes in how his brother feels. And, although he acts normal, that small nonchalant hint in his voice didn't escape him, "I'm taking a shower. My body is still reeked of cologne and that-guy's obnoxious cologne."

Yeah, something definitely was wrong. But bringing it up now wouldn't be the wisest thing to do, so Makoto just let it slip to the back of his mind. He figured he should wait for a couple of more days to see if Hiruka is the same or not.

And, after three days have passed, Makoto's doubts could only be confirmed even further. He had called Madoka and asked what happened that night at the club, and learned all that had happened. Hiruka didn't even bother to hide it, as he continued where he left off back in the old days by flirting with guys at night when he came to Ahnenerbe, and even took down the picture he took with Yutaro when they were kids that he once treasured so dearly.

"Tell me, nii-chan." Makoto said to his brother, "What's wrong between you and him?"

"I knew I couldn't hide it from you." Hiruka said, smiling nonchalantly while playing with his glass of vodka, "Let's just say that it was the same old route all over again."

Hearing those few words alone is enough to make Makoto finally blew his gasket. He ground his teeth while clenching the glassware he was holding so hard that it almost cracked. If that guy was here, he's certain that he would broke his limbs so bad that he'll never walk normally again.

"Do me a favor?" Hiruka set his gaze upon his brother, his tone suddenly becomes serious, "Let him pass. Don't do anything, okay? Just ignore him if you ever come across with him. Like what I'm doing."

"But..."

"I know, I know. It's not my style to play so soft like that usually. But this is owned to old time's sake, and his daughter. Nothing more." He smiled, but it was visible that he was feeling helpless now than ever, "I've finally learned my lesson."

"...Got it." Makoto exhaled a sigh.