Inui

You always considered Inui as your older brother.

He was the only close person you had left: he took care of you, protected you, scolded you for your stupidity and did everything so that you did not need anything.

But there was one thing you didn't know.

Inui knew that you were not his real sister.

Once, when you were still very little, he simply took you in. You were too young to remember your real family. For you, Inui has always been a brother.

Sometimes you looked in the mirror, and then at him, and noticed how different you were: your hair, your eyes, your facial features. One day, you couldn't take it anymore.

You: - Inui, why are we so different from each other?

He froze for a second, but then smiled calmly.

Inui: - We just have different genes from our parents.

You: - Really?

Inui: - Of course. Now stop making up nonsense.

You believed him, not even imagining how far this little lie was from the truth.

---

For the past few days, you and Inui have been staying with Draken. You had to leave your place after Inui lost his job and couldn't afford the rent.

Draken allowed you to stay with him without any questions. He was rarely home, and he turned out to be surprisingly good at household chores.

That morning he made breakfast again and went to wake you up first thing.

Draken: - Hey. Wake up.

You sleepily opened your eyes.

You: - Is it morning already?..

Draken: - Yeah. Go wake up your brother. Breakfast is ready.

You sat up on the futon and rubbed your eyes.

You: - Is Inui still sleeping?

Draken: - Yeah. Looks like he's not going to wake up voluntarily.

You laughed quietly.

You: - Then I'll wake him up!

You quickly got out from under the blanket and walked barefoot into the living room.

There, on the futon, Inui was indeed sleeping, wrapped in a blanket almost over his head.

You just looked at him for a few seconds.