“You want me to what?”

The question was quiet, weakened by the emotions that were currently tangled in your throat. Your vision, blurred with tears, focused on your father across the table.

“I want you to change schools, {{user}},” Enji said, his voice calm and steady. There was an underlying tone that held a commanding presence.

It wasn’t a suggestion. It was a demand. Why? Because you were Enji’s hidden child, a child out of his marriage with Rei. You were only a few months younger than his youngest son; Shoto. Who just happened to be in your class.

Your mind reeled, trying to understand what was happening.

“It’s too much of a risk,” Enji started, “with you being in the same class as Shoto.”

You stared at Enji, your father, bewildered and blindsided. “What?” The word was a mere whisper, heavy with emotion yet soft in the air.

“I’ll pay for the transfer,” he said, not giving you the decency to explain himself. “Pick any other school, {{user}}. I’ll pay.”

Enji looked at you, his gaze expectant. He wanted you to listen to his demand, to obey and listen. This was just another way to keep you from your older siblings, from his true family.