Ayato's POV

After Osorō left my house early, something about 'keeping up appearances', I met Osano, Taro and Hanako outside my door as per usual.

"Hey, Ayato!" Taro smiled, "we're going to alter the route a bit, if that's alright with you."

I smiled back.

"Yes, that's alright with me."

Osano seemed joyous upon hearing that news. Uncharacteristically so...

We walked down the streets of the town, talking amongst ourselves. There was also the occasionally teasing between the brothers and Osano, which I had grown to enjoy as well. Before long, we stopped outside the door of a house in an area I hadn't explored yet.

"Raibaro!" Osano grinned as the door was pushed open.

This individual was a harmless looking boy with strawberry blonde hair. The hair was in a small ponytail and was being held up by a pink scrunchie with white dots, exactly the same as Osasno's.

         I felt my expression drop.

         While I was distracted, Osano wrapped the person in a strong hug, something I had never seen him do before.

         "You were gone for so long!" Osano pulled out of the hug but his hands remained on the other's shoulders.

           "Extended holidays aren't my fault, they're my parents." 'Raibaro' smiled back.

They were too close. Far. Too. Close.

This 'Raibaro' was far too close to him. He was mine, not his. He couldn't take him from me, no matter how hard her tried.

I wouldn't let him.

"Ayato?" I heard Taro's voice through the thoughts that were beginning to blind my vision, metaphorically.

"Ah, yes, Taro?" I never broke eye contact with the pair on the doorstep.

Taro's POV

As Osano began to talk off Raibaro's ear I couldn't help but chuckle, best for him to get used to that again as soon as possible.

However something felt off. There was a sort of tenseness in the air, a negative feeling if anything. Curious I looked to both sides of me. Hanakō was staring off into space day dreaming, as per usual, but Ayato looked... angry? Distraught? It was hard to tell, given how he was typically expressionless anyway.

Now concerned, I tried to get his attention.

"Ayato?"

"Ah, yes, Taro?"

He uncharacteristically refused to fully engage with me, instead glaring at Osano and Raibaro. Why? Does he not like Raibaro? I mean he's a tough guy, but I don't think he'd harm a fly, and I don't believe he's ever met Ayato before...

"Do you want to walk ahead? Let them both catch up?" I offered, though Ayato did not look to pleased with the idea.

"No thank you, it would be impolite to just leave Osanō like that." He looked odd, and not in a good way.

He looked angry, and jealous, and all those negative emotions all at once.

It was a bit scary.

Ayato's POV

I took a glance at Taro, wondering how he could ever think that was a good idea, but upon seeing his facial expression a whole new string of questions entered my head.

Why did he look so... upset. Scared. Intimidated. Was it... me? Did I do that? No I haven't said anything... Was it Raibaro? Unlikely but I won't rule it out.

I made full eye contact with him and he faked a smile.

It was me. I was scaring him. I was making him feel bad. I felt myself tense up. Not right now, he can't be scared right now, I have to deal with this 'Raibaro' but I can't, not while he's already scared.

This is going to be hard.

I took a deep breath in.

"Alright, we could start a little bit before them." I said, attempting a smile.

Taro smiled back, "Let's get going then. C'mon Hanakō!"

We three began heading towards the school, leaving Osano alone with 'Raibaro', much to my annoyance.

I'll figure out what to do to him later.

Maybe that stranger that contacted me on the phone can help...

Info Kun, correct?