Beneath the Surface: Secrets of an Obsessed Heart
Chapter 39 - 38

Chapter 39: Chapter 38

Saika couldn’t help but laugh. "My little peanut." She reached out and ruffled his sandy brown locks. "You know you can’t. But don’t worry, I’ll be out in no time. Just pray for me, okay?"

"We will." Sora promised, draping an arm over Hiro’s shoulder as he stood beside him. "Just make sure you come back to us hale and hearty."

Saika grinned. "Come on now. Wipe those sad looks from your faces and give me a big hug. I’m not going in there to die you know."

Raiden, who was standing in a corner, watched all them with envy as they engulfed Saika in a big hug. Even though they were dirt poor and had suffered for years, the siblings had stuck together and cared for one another. They were a true family.

A family unlike his own.

Memories of the past flashed through his mind and he closed his eyes, trying to push them away.

"Why did you have to be born?!" His father raged, giving him an ear ringing slap. "She would still be here if you had just died! Why didn’t you just die?!"

"You’re unwanted." His stepmother sneered. "Why do I have to feed a child nobody wants? It’s just like saying you do not exist."

His stepbrothers pushed him into a swimming pool, knowing he couldn’t swim and watched, laughing as he almost drowned.

...den"

Amidst the chilling laughter’s echoes, he caught a faint call of his name, a whisper barely audible in the haunting soundscape.

He then felt someone tap his shoulder, calling out clearly; "Raiden."

The voice seemed to breakthrough the maniacal echoes of laughter and he opened his eyes to see Hiro standing before him.

"Are you okay?" Hiro asked, concerned. "Do you feel sleepy? You can lay down and rest before she comes out."

Hiro’s face, stained with the aftermath of tears, glowed a poignant shade of red. His eyes, still sparkling with unshed emotions, gazed down at Raiden.

In that moment, Hiro’s demeanor radiated an adorable fragility, resembling a little baby seeking solace. It was clear that he was trying to stay strong even though he wasn’t.

Witnessing this, a tender ache tightened Raiden’s chest, tugging at his heartstrings. In that instant, the fierce desire to shield Hiro from life’s harsh realities surged within him, an instinctual need to protect the one he cared for from every conceivable hardship in the world.

He smiled. "I should be saying that to you. Look at how red your face is. You need to stop crying."

Hiro wiped his face with his sweater. He blinked down at Raiden, mumbling; "I’m not crying anymore."

Fuck. Raiden felt like his heart was melting. How could Hiro be so adorable? "Come here." He said, holding out his hand.

Sora had followed the nurses and Saika outside so Hiro wasn’t feeling guilty anymore or scared. He held Raiden’s hand and Raiden pulled him onto his lap, embracing him gently. "Your sister will be fine, Hiro." He reassured. "Stop worrying and crying. You’ll fall sick and if you do, how will I be able to fuck you?"

"Raiden!" Hiro exclaimed, a mixture of embarrassment and anger coloring his cheeks. He shot a disapproving look at Raiden, berating him for the use of such vulgar language, especially in the midst of a tense moment.

Raiden chuckled, pinching Hiro’s heated cheek. "What? It’s true. I do want to fuck you. Should we do it tonight?"

Hiro groaned, making a move to stand up but Raiden quickly held him back. "Okay okay, I’m sorry. I won’t mention it again."

"Promise?" Hiro asked, not believing Raiden at all.

Raiden looked unsure. "Well...."

Hiro made a move to stand up again.

"Okay I won’t mention it again until your sister comes out. I promise." Raiden hurriedly said, holding Hiro back again. "That’s how long I can hold myself back. Don’t expect any more."

Hiro smiled. Well, at least he tried. This also meant Raiden would not be able to mention it to his brother.

********

In the bustling hallway, Sora’s footsteps echoed with a hint of reluctance as he trailed behind Hiro and Raiden, who strolled hand in hand.

As they approached the private cafeteria of the hospital, the aroma of freshly brewed green tea and delicate hints of miso soup wafted through the air. The sliding door welcomed them with a gentle whoosh, revealing a serene space adorned with bamboo accents and paper lanterns. The soft murmur of conversations and the clinking of chopsticks created a symphony of anticipation.

Raiden and Hiro sat next to each other at a low wooden table, while Sora sat across from them, still scowling.

"Here," Raiden said, handing Hiro the menu. "Order whatever you’d like to eat."

Sora’s face darkened with displeasure and envy. He could recall the times he used to take Hiro out and ask him to order whatever he wanted. He had spoiled Hiro rotten. There was nothing Hiro wanted that he couldn’t afford. Now, he had to watch someone else, a pervert in that case, do everything he used to do.

As Hiro perused the menu, the waiter arrived, ready to take their order.

It all felt a little weird for he couldn’t remember the last time he had viewed the section that held the tastiest, most expensive dishes he used to love. Not wanting to seem too greedy, he settled on a light yet delightful breakfast.

A delicate bowl of ochazuke which was a bowl of steamed rice topped with a sprinkle of fresh, fragrant tea leaves and a cup of green tea.

Alongside the ochazuke, he opted for some fish, a plate of tamagoyaki which was a sweet rolled omelette, with a side of pickled vegetables.

"Are you sure that’s all you want?" Raiden asked, feeling that the dishes were too little. Hiro needed more fat on him.

Hiro nodded bashfully. "I’m sure."

Sora sneered and perused the menu. "I’ll take everything on these two pages," he declared to the waiter, smirking at Raiden. Daring to display extravagance right? He’d help him spend his money!