Chapter 7: Aunt Maine

RHYS'S P.O.V.

After they fought earlier, they chased each other with their dirt bikes around the streets in town. I couldn't catch up since they were going too fast, so I just decided I'll stop following them and return the dirt bike tomorrow.

Before going home, I bought some Tonkotsu and Miso Ramen from a Japanese store nearby called 'Ichiraku Ramen'. This store is also within the same street of Chai Café, along with all the other necessary stores. I go here at least once a week, so I'm famous in this place as the employees are surprisingly kind to me.

Although, the kindness is probably just required customer service so they don't get fired.

While I was driving back to my house, I was planning out what I'm going to do tonight. I don't think I can do the homework today after everything that has happened, so I think of tuning in with the entire UEFA semi-finals.

Thinking about it, I'm thankful that our finals finished last week so I don't have to worry about anything else. Well, it's not like I worry about not doing my priorities, it's just that whenever I'm reminded that I have to do them even if I don't want to and I honestly probably won't, I get demotivated to do anything. If that makes sense.

I find my way near our house. But since our house is on a hill, it's kind of hard to drive upwards. Another reason why I don't have a car.

I park the bike at the back of the house quietly since Gran must already be sleeping. Our backyard is empty. No one tends, or even goes in, this entire area. Through the back door, I pass along the kitchen and our long dining room. Reaching the living room, I didn't see anyone there. I go up my room and the first thing I hear is someone yelling, without even entering yet.

"Score!" says Rose. Playing Mario Kart. On my Xbox. In my room. Again.

I dropped my bag which made a thud sound and made her shoulders shiver as she slowly looks at me with a guilty smile.

"Why are you using my Xbox again?" I say, pursing my lips.

"I'm sorry, I just wanted to beat your high score!" She replies with her tongue out. We don't allow her to have full access to the console, so she doesn't get too addicted and not focus on her schoolwork, so I normally hide it in different places in the house.

"I thought I hid that. How'd you find it?"

"You said you hid it in your room," she says, while gulping, "S-so I searched your room." Bad idea to tell her that. Well, I need to hide it somewhere else, then.

"You're lucky you're so adorable." I go near her to pinch her cheek then hug her, "But you really need to follow the schedule, okay?" She nods while pouting, "If you already learned lesson, I have ramen downstairs. Did you already eat dinn-"

She immediately breaks the hug (or pushes me) and runs downstairs while yelling, "Yes, but I need that ramen!"

"Grumbly."

I change to more comfortable clothes before heading downstairs not long after she does. Seeing her already sat on the table waiting for me to get the food, Rose was all ready in the living room, "That was fast." I commented.

Our dining room is a long, sufficient place that can fit all of us doubled, maybe even tripled, and there's also even a shiny T.V on the wall there. The only problem is that the atmosphere is just isn't right. It's kind of too fancy, and sort of bland for my taste. At least for me and Rose. Only Gran is always cramped in that place, and we join her if we felt too bad. We mostly eat in the living room and it's become a home-y place for the both of us.

Suddenly, the restroom door opens, and someone comes out.

After we both take quick glances to each other, she greets, "Hello, Rhys."

"Hey, Aunt Maine." I greet back while I prepare the noodles.

While I do, I notice some almost-empty chips on the table. Is this what she means by she's already eaten dinner? I shoot a deliberate face to Rose and she does her same guilty face. It's a mystery how she's eats so much for a small stomach.

"So, you already bought dinner for us, I see? I wanted to cook tonight."

"I actually just bought ramen for me and Rose, since I know you don't like ramen." I put the chopsticks out.

"Ramen, again, I see." Walking to the kitchen, she sighs, "We have left over pizza, anyway."

You see, Aunt Maine and I are family, but we aren't really friendly to each other, unlike Rose and me. We are okay with each other most of the time, but other times we just don't care.

I mean, I do know she feels forced being around us. Ever since she's moved in with us, the atmosphere of this house shifted weirdly, but we try to be fine with each other. Since she's not really bothersome to me. She probably hangs out—or try to hang out—with Rose, but it sometimes end up awkwardly because she doesn't know how children work. So, we just do our own shit.

"Just as I thought." I reply.