I Trust You

Darien's POV:

Why? Why is he here? He shouldn't appear now! This man is supposed to appear after the major plot happens. I know every action I take will change this storyline, but isn't this too drastic? What's going on? What is he doing here, and more importantly... Why did he help us?

I must have been deep in thought because I didn't hear Eirian calling me many times until he touched my shoulder to get my attention. "Darien?"

"Ah! Oh... Eiri-niichan, why-"

"Let's go back now. It's almost dusk," Eirian said, walking ahead. I was stunned by his demeanor. Is he angry with me?  For almost getting him into trouble just now?

I tried to catch up to my brother, and once I did. I followed him from behind. Eirian seemed quiet and kept looking straight ahead; he didn't even turn back to look at me. I couldn't read his face.

Could he really be mad at me because of what happened earlier? Of course, you idiot. You almost got yourself and Eirian into trouble. 

I should have listened to him and waited at the orphanage. I'm already a burden because I'm so weak and sick; now I've caused him more trouble, even though I know what's going to happen, but...

Damn it, I feel like I want to cry. Tears must have welled up because I feel warm, and my heart feels like it's gripping it tightly. This feeling of guilt is too strong. I can't cry now. Not with Eirian seeming out of sorts. I can't make him any angrier.

The entire journey back was very quiet and awkward. I felt tense as if my adrenaline would explode at any moment. I kept my face down, holding back tears, staring at the ground as if it were the most interesting thing.

And Eirian, still quiet and looking straight ahead. I don't like this feeling. It irritates me. I must hold back. I must find a way not to trouble Eirian again.

Skip...
At the orphanage...

As soon as we arrived, Eirian went to the canteen to drop off the groceries without saying anything. I wasn't sure whether to follow him or not, but because I still felt like crying and... I was tired.

I don't know why, but I feel incredibly tired right now. Mentally and physically, with everything that happened today, it's drained all my energy. Huh, this body really is useless, it?

So, I decided to go back to my room and rest. I hope no one is in the room now; I just want to be alone for a bit. Maybe a quick nap wouldn't hurt? The plot will happen tonight, I still have a few hours. I've already decided to save Eirian.

No matter what happens, I need to make sure he doesn't die. Even if he is still mad at me...

As I walked towards my room, the laughter of children filled the hallways, and it was lively. Thinking about how they would all die tonight made me feel guilty, and my stomach clenched.

Huh...  Stop thinking about it, Hikaru. I might pass out if I keep stressing myself. As soon as I entered the room and closed the door, all the laughter from the outside world vanished. Leaving me in this quiet room with my negative thoughts.

I must push those thoughts away. I'm truly exhausted right now. The sound of the wooden floor creaking was louder than usual as I walked slowly toward that uncomfortable bed.

After collapsing onto bed, I stared up at the ceiling with a blank gaze, but my mind was in turmoil. Just close my eyes for a moment; I'll be okay. Just for a moment...

"... This is exhausting..."
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"Darien?"

That voice? Eirian? When I opened my eyes, a pair of soft mint eyes, full of a gentle glint, were looking at me. Eirian's face looked worried and sad. Why? Did something happen?

"Darien... Are you alright? You slept so long that I tried to wake you up many times for dinner. Are you feeling sick?" Eirian asked, looking so worried and a little panicked. I was stunned, and I still felt tired, but seeing Eirian like this...

"Eiri-niichan isn't mad at me anymore?" The question left my mouth before I could even think about it. Maybe because I had just woken up, or my brain was still tired from the afternoon's events.

He looked shocked by my question. Why? Isn't he mad at me? Eirian seemed stunned for a moment before he shook his head vigorously, then took one of my hands, holding it tightly, but it didn't hurt.

It was as if to comfort me. My drowsiness vanished, and when I tried to meet my brother's gaze, I was stunned again. Eirian was looking at me with a soft gaze and a gentle smile. Something seemed to creak inside me.

He then slowly pulled me into his embrace and hugged me tightly, stroking the back of my head with great affection and gentleness. I felt like crying again; this feeling... It was as if I had experienced it before, but I couldn't remember why.

I don't know how to describe it, but I felt relieved, my chest felt lighter from the guilt, and I felt safe. Eirian's scent and warmth comforted me.

"Darien... I will never, ever be mad at you. My little brother is the most important treasure in my life... You are my little angel who lights up my life. I could never continue living in this world without you," Eirian said with deep affection.

I know Eirian loves Darien more than anything. He's willing to do anything to make Darien happy and ensure his safety. That's why he died sacrificing himself, and I won't let it happen.

I smiled and hugged Eirian back, feeling safe and warm in his embrace. After a warm moment, he slowly released the hug.

I was confused when he suddenly chuckled, looking straight at me. "Hey Darien, are you blushing?" Eirian teased, his tone mischievous and a playful smile on his face.

I could feel the blood rush to my face, and I must have blushed even harder as I saw Eirian trying to hold back his laughter, muttering something like, 'Like a tomato.'

I was just about to retort when I noticed the wall clock behind Eirian. It read 11:50 PM.

Thump!

What?

This is not good. 10 more minutes. In 10 more minutes, the plot will begin. How? Damn it! I overslept. What should I do? I know what I need to do, but how do I convince Eirian? How do I lie to him? Will he believe me?

Screw it, I'll tell him the truth, but not everything. I just hope Eirian will believe me. Eirian must have realized I was tense because he stopped laughing and looked at me with a worried and confused expression.

"Darien? What's wrong? You look pale-"

"Eiri-niichan, you will trust me, right?"

Eirian startled slightly, then tilted his head to the side with a confused look. That's cute-Stop it, Hikaru. You don't have much time now.

"Darien? Why-"

"Please, Eiri-niichan, you still trust me, won't you? I asked, my gaze full of desperation now. My eyes flickered to the clock. 5 more minutes.

Eirian closed his mouth, his brow furrowed as if thinking, but it wasn't long before he nodded without hesitation.

"I trust you."