Beneath the Surface: Secrets of an Obsessed Heart
Chapter 46 - 45

Chapter 46: Chapter 45

Soon enough, Hiro’s big brother arrived at the Yamato mansion with a taxi, looking worried. "Where’s my brother?" He asked Raiden, who was standing by the entrance of his house, arms folded and door closed.

"He’s inside." Raiden replied. "But before I let you in, tell me, how could you forget you brother at the park?" He knew the brother was already guilty about it but he wanted to make him feel even shittier for what he did was extremely wrong.

"I-It was a mistake." the brother stuttered. "I just wanted to see my friends for like, 10 minutes and head back. I just- I got carried away."

Raiden scoffed. "You got carried away? Is that even an excuse? Do you know how dangerous it was to leave your brother alone? What if I was a kidnapper or something?"

He felt that if Hiro was his own brother, he would cherish him and take good care of him.

"Wait kid, who are you to lecture me?" The big brother said, soon realising that he was talking to a nine year old boy. He stood before Raiden, glaring at him. "You will shut the fuck up, go inside, and bring my brother out right now."

"Or what?" Raiden asked, unfazed. "What will you do?"

After everything he had been going through with his so called family, he didn’t fear anyone. Raiden didn’t care that Hiro’s brother was older and looked bigger. He looked him square in the eyes. Besides, Hiro’s older brother looked nothing more than 14 or 15.

Both boys stared at the each other, the air sizzling with tension.

In that moment, the door swung open and Hiro squealed; "Big brother!" then ran to him, hugging his legs tight.

Raiden felt a sudden pang of pain in his heart. He knew Hiro had to leave but he didn’t think it would affect him so much. He really didn’t want Hiro to go and he wished he was Hiro’s big brother not the doofus that didn’t care about him.

"Where did you go?" Hiro asked his big brother as tears gathered in his eyes. "You left me all alone. I was so scared."

"I’m sorry Roro." The big brother apologised, hugging him. "I didn’t mean to stay out so long. I lost track of time. Don’t cry okay? Big brother will never do this again. Let’s go home."

Raiden scoffed. The older brother did not even notice the injuries on Hiro’s body.

Hiro refused to go home. He sat on the floor, cried and complained. Only after much coaxing did he allow his big brother to carry him to the taxi.

Much to Raiden’s dismay, Hiro did not even spare him a glance. He completely forgot about him, not even saying goodbye.

With a sigh, Raiden sat on the stairs at the entrance of the house, his heart breaking even further, watching as they got into the taxi.

So after everything, that was it? In a flash, he was forgotten. Just like that. Maybe his stepmother was right. Maybe he wasn’t supposed to exist if he was forgotten about so easily.

The taxi started to move but then jerked to a stop and Raiden’s heart skipped a beat, all depressing thoughts being suppressed by one alone.

Did Hiro finally remember him?

His question was answered when the door was pushed open and Hiro dashed out. Raiden couldn’t hide his happiness. He sat there with a wide grin on his face as Hiro crashed into his arms.

"I thought you forgot about me." He admitted, hugging Hiro tight.

"I’m sorry." Hiro replied. "Big brother wouldn’t let me say goodbye."

Raiden’s eyes went to the taxi and he saw the brother glaring daggers at him. It only made him smile more as he held Hiro in his arms, his eyes posing a challenge. As if saying; ’I’m hugging your brother. What are you going to do about it?’

Hiro soon pulled away then stuffed something into Raiden’s hand. "This is my last toy." He said. "I didn’t let them take it. I want you to have it."

Raiden looked at the little airplane that laid in his palm and smiled. "Thank you. I’ll cherish it forever."

Hiro grinned then leaned close and kissed Raiden on the cheek. "Thank you!"

With that he ran back to the taxi and they drove off, leaving Raiden completely stunned. His hand cupped his cheek, as if to preserve the feeling of Hiro’s lips.

For the first time since Raiden was born, he felt like he truly mattered.

Flashback ends....

Raiden sighed, pulling off the jacket from his head. He took out his keys from his pocket, fingers grazing the little airplane he had made into a keyholder.

Since that fateful night, a transformation unfolded within him and slowly, after finding Hiro again, following him everywhere, watching him grow up, the brotherly affection he initially felt evolved into an entirely different sentiment... something even more beautiful.

Despite numerous setbacks over the years, he persisted in pursuing Hiro. Going back stronger each time. Regardless of Hiro’s words or Sora’s actions, he clung to the conviction of his emotions. He nurtured hope that his unwavering love, verging on obsession, would not be futile.

He already had Hiro tied to him for one year. Running away and wallowing in his emotions was not an option. Even if Hiro was afraid of him, it was already too late.

He gazed out the window and noticed that they had gone really far from the hospital so he ordered the driver to head back.

It was time to set new rules.

*********

"Are you okay? How do you feel? Does your chest hurt? Do you need anything?" Hiro asked, gently holding Saika’s hand. She had woken up not long ago and the doctor had given them permission to see her.

"I don’t need anything, Hiro." Saika said softly. Her voice was low for she was weak from the long hours of surgery. "But I’ll feel better if you stop crying. As you can see, I’m still alive."

"I know." Hiro sobbed. "I’m just so happy. The tears won’t stop flowing."