Anchor~

On Thursday Keisuke decided to pay us a visit, and instead of hanging with Kazutora per his usual habit, he chose to spend time with me instead.

"Are we supposed to put on an act of an inseparable couple that can't get enough of each other's presence?" I asked raising my brow in wonder what his answer would be. While he was sitting on my bed reading the new manga I received from the Christmas party, I was using my low desk to make a few sketches.

"It isn't an act if it's true." He reasoned while maintaining his usual grin.

"I dunno, you kind of came here on your own account, inviting yourself over, I don't recall ever calling you expressing that I miss you or anything... so..." I pointed out, causing his face to go sour.

"Oh come on Michi, don't be so cruel, when you were dating Kisaki you used to see him every day in school, but still chose to go on dates with him outside of school often, why  are you treating me so coldly then?" That was a great question that I had no immediate answer to. Intrigued I asked myself why that was and what came out of it was strange.

"Since I was planning on asking you out after new years eve, but instead was rushed to make a decision by the system when I wasn't ready, this kind of feels unreal to me." I titled my head in confusion, not sure why I came to such an answer, but then realized something, that caused me to grin mischievously.

"Were you jealous back then?" I asked, but this guy decided to deny the fact.

"Nope, I knew you would break up with him sooner or later and choose me instead, it took longer than anticipated tho." But before I could comment on it, Kazutora arrived disturbing the flow of the conversation.

"I got you this!" He was holding onto a tiny nicely wrapped package which he soon shoved into Keisuke's hands. Who sighed at the unexpected interruption, but decided to open it on the spot, knowing full well he would be bugged about it until he did. It looked like he needed to get used to receiving random gifts in the most unforeseen times from us siblings that had no better use of our money.

Before the content was revealed Keisuke decided to voice his appreciation, only to regret the words soon after.

"Are those condoms?" I heard and yes upon closer inspection I realized it was indeed the case. So without missing a beat I soon expressed.

"Classic Kazutora." But Keisuke let his frustration be known.

"Are you for real dude? Why would you gift it to me around your sister? What if she gets the wrong idea?" On one side he looked quite mortified, perhaps that I would see him as a pervert and break up with him? On the other his face was red. I wasn't too sure what he was imagining, instead, I decided to ask.

"So did you at least get the right size? I mean if you going to prank someone, best to put in some effort as well." I was not really phased by my brother's weird antics, which posed the question, should I return the favor once he gets himself a girlfriend as well?

"They should be, but for certainty, you should try them out... how about right now?" I facepalmed at the suggestion, but being my usual self I decided to entertain his idea, therefore in a teasing tone I mentioned.

"Maybe we will... maybe we won't.~" But this menace didn't back down.

"You also have a backup." He winked probably thinking I kept at least some of the condoms from the lecture.

"Unfortunately they are all gone, so there is no backup in this room," I explained, but he proceeded to gasp in horror.

"You used them all? In a such short amount of time? Was it with Kisaki or Hanma that once slept over, or Ran since you were visiting him so often?" I opened my mouth, shocked by his absurd implication. Grabbed a pillow and smacked his face.

"I used it on a prank and you know it... so yea I handed some to Kisaki and one to Hanma but not in that sense you're thinking, maybe it's time for you to go outside and touch some grass Kazu-chan~" He must have realized I was furious, so he apologized by kneeling on the floor. But this was just another joke he was playing on me.

"I'm sorry, I will compensate you for such an unthinkable suggestion being made, by booking you two a hotel room, so you can spend some time together, totally alone." He winked in Keisuke's direction, who in turn responded.

"Great idea, the room should be luxurious on the highest floor, with a great view, breakfast included." They exchanged looks, as I was astonished by the ridiculous demands.

"Stop encouraging him!"

"But when you do it, it's alright?" He asked, putting his hand on my waist and pulling me close.

"As of matter of fact, yes!" I crossed my arms, pouting, but started to pat his head when he pulled me into a hug. Yet then a mission arrived.

'Would you rather invite Keisuke and his mom for the New Year Celebration with your family or ask him to stay the night?' Actually, the first idea sounded nice, also did his mom have other family members to celebrate with even? Then again it didn't matter because I was about to make her an offer she couldn't refuse. I quickly escaped from Keisuke's grip while declaring.

"I gotta have a meeting with my mom, gonna be right back." My Brother and my boyfriend seemed confused but when I was going down the hallway I heard.

"You think is a mission?" 

"Definitely a mission." The other agreed.

So once I explained the idea mom let out.

"That's a wonderful idea." She seemed quite happy, maybe she was eager to meet new people and make new connections and friends.

"Great... then I will ask Keisuke what he thinks about it... actually... how about inviting Chifuyu's mom as well?" Both were single mothers or more likely widows, maybe they would prefer some company during the new year celebration?

"And Senju... I could ask Takeomi if he wants to come as well... so long he doesn't smoke anywhere near our vicinity." 

"That's a huge list Michi, how about you ask them first and then we can start making preparation right after." I nodded my head but two other people came to mind.

"Maybe Wakasa and Benkei? Hakkai and Yuzuha... also Mitsuya and his family?" Mom seemed troubled at the growing list but I put her mind at ease while mentioning.

"Don't worry mom, I will make sure to help you out in the kitchen, can't suddenly invite so many people over and expect you to make a feast, we could always ask the guest to bring something." I pointed out, we didn't need to put all the burden on ourselves. Mom nodded and she proceeded to pat my head.

"If anything, we could also get some takeaway as well, no need to overwork ourselves during the holiday celebration, I am right?" I was about to return to my room but mom stopped me to ask about something.

"I hope to date Keisuke was your own choice Michi, not the systems. I'm just worried you may be  forcing yourself to do this." I shook my head.

"I mean I still feel kind of disconnected about the matter, but if I didn't like him, I wouldn't have giggled so much about being kissed in guy form by him, right?"

"Just making sure." So when that conversation was over I returned back to my room delivering the news to my boyfriend. 

"That sounds awesome! I'm in, let me just give mom a call." So they went for it for a few minutes, until he decided to use his in-law's card.

"Are you for real? Who's gonna believe you?" I whispered as he handed me his phone.

"She says she wants to talk with you." I reluctantly took it.

"You should come to visit us more often Michi, but is my son really serious about the in-law stuff?"

"I think so." Even I was baffled at the fact he was admitting to it so easily, like hello you're fifteen Keisuke, why are you thinking about marriage so early? I bet it sounded so strange to any adult for that matter.

"I know I joked about it before, but never thought he would take it so seriously. Just don't try to break his heart."

"Never planned to... he's like my anchor," I admitted, but she found my metaphor to be strange. Despite this odd exchange she agreed to visit and declared she would bring a dish of her own. I returned Keisuke's phone to him, and after exchanging some words, he soon admitted.

"Oh right, I'm planning on staying over here tonight." But he didn't even ask me for permission. But because of this, I received two points from the system? Did it know this would take place?

Once he ended the call, I asked.

"So you're staying in Kazutora's room?"

"I can stay in yours if you want." 

"Fine." Was my response.

"Really?" He seemed shocked, I guess he didn't see my agreement coming. And a brilliant idea came to mind.

"Since you seem so eager to spend so much time with me, I will make sure you be the one running away after I'm done with you." 

"How are you so sure I won't like all the attention I will be receiving?" Suddenly he turned so smug, so in turn Kazutora asked.

"Oh is this my cue to leave? Are you about to kiss?" And he didn't even wait for us to answer just stood up and then added.

"No don't mind me, have a go at it, I will return to my room." And then gave his buddy a thumbs up. This scenario was certainly different from all the movies I have seen so far, usually how it played out in these was to forbid your best friend from dating your siblings, but then again we didn't hate each other and our circumstances were surely different. And it seemed like the system was completely in favor of this idea.

'Would you rather kiss your boyfriend or slap him?'

"I got a mission... would you rather want to be kissed or slapped?" I asked him with a deadpan voice.

"Do you even need to ask?" Was his response.

"Slap it is." 

"Hey!" I laughed at his expression and went with the first option.

"Do you really have to joke around like that?" He asked when I pulled away.

"Gotta make it a little bit more interesting." I gave him a finger heart right after. Then I proceeded to fumble with my fingers.

"So... now when you're my boyfriend... right... can I play your ass-cheeks like drums?" I asked while fluttering my eyelashes. He was astonished by the request.

"Are you really going to ask it, when we precisely started to date?"

"What do I have to lose? You're stuck with me for five years, now you know what to expect... also I asked for permission, right?  Besides you could ask me something in return you know." I tried to make a bargain. Would it work tho?

"Fine... but you will let me put on you as many hickeys as I want... I despised seeing other guys' marks on your neck." So he was indeed jealous, but was it really a fair trade?

"Two." I tried to reason, but he put up three of his fingers and didn't seem to want to budge.

"Ugh, fine but be gentle." So yeah I had a blast while doing my part but did it gently tho, I mean I just wanted to create some masterpiece with slap sounds not to hurt anybody. Then I reasoned with myself that those hickeys weren't a problem since it was the winter-time season and no school so I could cover them with a turtleneck, no need for makeup.

And once we went thru with both of our deals Kazutora decided to make a comeback.

"I joked about the kissing part but you two went all nuts." And then he high-fived Keisuke.