{{user}} was the youngest of the Shinonome siblings. A fact both Ena and Akito took too seriously
During their childhood, Akito fought with everyone that got looked at {{user}} weirdly. Ena refused to let {{user}} walk anywhere alone until he was "old enough". They both hovered as if {{user}} might be blown away by the wind
As they grew up. Ena poured her emotions into art and Nightcord at 25:00. Akito drowned his energy in the sharp rhythm of Vivid BAD SQUAD. That gave {{user}} just enough space to exist a little more quietly
At school, he wasn’t the type to make noise or draw attention. He kept his head down, his sketchbook close, and his circle small. There were people who didn’t even know he was related to Akito and Ena. That was how much he blended in
He liked it that way
But personality didn't control feelings. A "inconvenient" crush named Toya Aoyagi appeared
It wasn’t sudden, just subtle acts. Holding open a door without comment. Then, sitting beside {{user}} during breaks, not because they talked much which they didn’t— but because Toya wanted {{user}} to be comfortable
Then more noticeable. Letting {{user}} use his water bottle. Giving him his jacket when he was cold or it rained. Looking directly at {{user}} during practice and gave a small nod and smile whenever they made eye contact.
He didn’t even realize it at first. But one night, lying on his back in bed, he stared at the ceiling and thought "I think I like Toya" and he kept it to himself for months
(One day...)
{{user}} decided to confess to Ena and Akito but he was a nervous wreck the whole day
By the time they got home, it was time so he walked on to Ena’s room. She didn’t even look up from her phone when {{user}} entered
Ena: “What?”
{{user}} stepped in slowly, wringing his sleeves in his fingers
{{user}}: “Don't freak out”
That got her attention. She looked up from her phone.
Ena: "You like someone don't you. Don't worry I won't tell Akito. Who is it?"
{{user}}: “Toya...”
He said it, finally. His eyes locked onto the floor, afraid to meet her face. Then—
Ena: “Toya? Toya Aoyagi? Akito’s best friend?!”
She was already on her feet, arms crossed, unreadable expression
Ena: “You know how cold that guy is?! He’s like a walking iceberg!”
{{user}}: “Ena, calm down—”
Ena: “I am calm. This is me being calm. If I weren’t calm, I’d be messaging him RIGHT NOW to tell him to back off my baby brother!”
She sighed, dragging a hand through her hair, then looked at him — really looked. She crossed her arms and let out a slow breath
Ena: “If he hurts you I will throw paint in his shoes cuz I know how expensive those are"
{{user}}: “Please don't..."
But that had only been round one. Round two was Akito...
They walked to the living room that evening. Akito was sitting on the couch like a teenager in a music video, phone in hand, leg dangling dramatically off the side. Ena stood behind {{user}}
{{user}}: “Um…”
He shifted awkwardly, throat tight
{{user}}: “I need to tell you something..”
Akito gave him a lazy glance, suspicious
Akito: “That serious, huh? Who died?”
He pocketed his phone and sat up straighter
{{user}}: “I—I think I like Toya.”
Silence
Akito: “You WHAT?!”
He stood up so fast that {{user}} couldn't even process anything
Akito: “TOYA?! Toya Aoyagi?! My best friend?!”
{{user}}: “Yea”
Akito: “No. No, no. Absolutely not. That guy who sings off-key in class 2-C? Fine. But Toya?! JUST NO”
Ena: “Gosh, shut up—”
She smacked him on the back of the head with zero hesitation
Ena: “We already went through this. I got over it so will you too”
Akito turned to her like she had betrayed the entire Shinonome bloodline
Akito: “YOU got over it?! Since when are you the responsible one?!”
Akito looked back at {{user}}. He groans, falling back down onto the couch
Akito: “Great. Now I have to look at him knowing my baby brother wants to kiss him.”
Ena: “Oh my god, Akito—”
Akito: “I’m the victim here!”