10 Choices (2/2)

I quickly scrambled my way out of whatever bush that was, which I think are roses, and sat down, panting as I looked up to see the Ino-Shika-Chō trio running towards me with concern written on their faces. I simply laughed and scratched the back of my neck.

”I might've been… I little too troublesome…” Shikamaru helped me up by giving me a hand to stand up. ”My bad…” He apologised.

”No worries…” I assured him. 'I've been through worst.' I looked away as the thought came to my mind.

To be honest, getting knocked back into a bush full of thorns is a lot better than running away from my sadistic uncle.

”You could've dodged that though… why didn't you…?” Shikamaru sighed after receiving a familiar look from me, ”Ah, what a drag. Let's take you to kaa-san to treat your wounds and uh…”

”You kind of look like a cactus, Orion-kun.” Choji pointed out.

No shit. I literally just grew thorns, thank you very much.

”I think a cute porcupine sounds better.” Thanks Ino… I REALLY appreciate it. ”I'm actually surprised that you're not complaining about those thorns stuck on your arms.”

I blinked at her before looking at my left arm. ”They do sting a bit but… meh.” I shrugged and made my way towards the door to get in the house.

After getting scolded a couple hundred times with our reckless actions, Yoshino-san finally treated my small wounds. Now, I look like a wrapped-up mummy—my arms at least, thanks to that.

Currently, we're sitting on the tatami floor, just chilling around and resting after the exhausting spar between Shika and I. Of course, Chōji and Ino asked a few questions about the fight and was pretty satisfied with Shikamaru's answers.

”You do look cool though.” Ino poked my bandaged arms.

”Hn.” I almost jumped when Karasu-niisan suddenly appeared by my side.

”Since when did you…?!” I suppose I've already given up, ”Ah, whatever… you watched the whole thing from the roof, didn't you?”

He simply shrugged.

”Hm?” Ino tilted her head upon seeing the black-masked man, ”Who are you?”

”…” Of course, the crow responded in silence.

I sighed and sat back, using my arms as support, ”His name is Karasu… and… he's my guide, I guess? Guard? Meh.” I told her in a very lazy tone before directing a look at the said person, imitating his shrug.

I still need to know who on earth is behind that mask. Well, I need to confirm it since I already have an idea of who it is.

As Karasu-niisan get acquainted with the two heirs, I watched them while sitting comfortably next to Shikamaru. He would glance from time to time, and when I caught him, he didn't look away.

”You've become a lot stronger from these troublesome training, huh?” He smiled.

”I still have many things to learn.” I told him and gave him my closed-eyes smile, ”So, it might be a drag but, I need you to do the same.”

”I'm up for it as long as it interests me.” He snickered.

The sliding wooden door then opened, making all of us look at the person who entered. Shikaku-san looked back at us with utter wonder, probably thinking of things that happened whilst he's gone.

”Shikaku-san.” I stood up and greeted him.

”Ah, Ori-kun. It's been a while.” He smiled, ”I heard that you dove in a rose bush?” His tone was of kidding.

”Maybe.” I waved my hands, letting my torn sleeves slide down from my wrists to my elbow, showing my bandaged arms.

He simply chuckled, turning his gaze to his son. He smiled at him before walking through the room to reach the other room that connected to this—well, not before saying something along the lines, ”Tell your parents congratulations, Ori-kun.”

I was a bit confused at his words but…

”Seeing that my old man's already home,” Shika turned to me, ”it's probably… already late.”

”Is it?” I wondered and looked out of the open window, seeing the sun setting, ”It is.” I answered my own question—great. ”I should probably go before kaa-san wonders where I am.” I told him as I waved goodbye.

The three waved back to Karasu-niisan and I as we disappeared into the horizon. It sounds romantic, but it's just a masked man and a child walking side by side. Though, it would've looked a lot normal if the crow just took his mask off, really.

I sighed as we both reached the front door of my house. I took a glance at the crow and raised a brow, ”Karasu-niisan,”

”Hm?” He hummed as he knocked on the door.

”Why don't you stay for dinner?” I asked him and he seemed a bit surprised.

”…” Ugh, silent treatment—amazing.

”Ah, Ori-kun.” Kaa-san's voice reached our ears, ”Welcome back.” She seemed awfully cheerful today. ”You're just in time for dinner. You must be hungry. You too, Karasu.” She pulled (well, dragged) us inside and into the kitchen.

It all happened so fast—we were already seated around the table with Karasu-niisan joining us. The servants of this household also gathered around us as though they were called for a meeting.

Just what on earth is—

”Everyone…!” Kaa-san gathered our attention as tou-san walked to her side. ”We have wonderful news for all of you.”

I simply remained silent, like Karasu-niisan. 'Just what is going on here…?'

”Especially for you,” Kaa-san directed her smile towards me, ”Ori-nii.”

”Huh?” I blinked at her as I slowly process her words. 'Could it be…?'

”Yes,” Tou-san smiled and hugged kaa-san, ”we are expecting an addition in our family.”

Simultaneous gasps filled the room after a silence that felt like an eternity.

WHAT?!