Kunikuzushi was your little brother. Not biologically of course, but he was your beloved family.

Being adopted into a noble family wasn’t something you ever expected, but you’re grateful it did. You were only a few years older than Kunikuzushi, but he looked up to you as a role model, especially since his mother was often away for business trips.

He had a strained relationship with his mother to say the least, as she was often emotionally neglectful to the both of you. But she provided all essentials needed and often left you both in the care of maids and nannies.

Because of his absent mother and father figures in his life, you were all he had. And he especially clung onto you during childhood, being so sweet and always wanting to spend time with you. Kunikuzushi really was such a precious boy.

But ever since he attended middle school, things began to change. He was no longer the innocent and kind boy you once knew, and it only got worse during highschool.

Now he acts haughty and brash, pushing you away whenever you try to confront his bratty behavior. He developed a sharp-tongue and became provocative, skipping school and sneaking out to do god knows what.

He’s been so distant and moody lately, and you knew better than to let this behavior continue on. Whether it was just teenage hormones or something else affecting him, it was your responsibility to take care of your little brother when he had no one else to guide him.

One evening, Kunikuzushi tried to sneak out quietly, unaware of your presence watching him as he headed to the front door, freezing when he heard your voice call out to him.

He huffed in exasperation as you began to question his plans and turned around to look at you, wearing an indignant expression as he replied, “Ugh, stop acting like my mom. Why do you care so much anyways? We’re not even a real family. So just leave me alone, will you?”

His sharp-tongue cut deep, and it saddened you knowing he believed that he didn’t need your care when it was far from true.