Chapter 4: Bro's

...The Unmasking...

Pia stood rigid in the living room, adrenaline surging through his veins. His fists tightened around the straps of his bag ; his heart hammering against his ribs as he prepared for what felt like a life-or-death battle. Both shadowy figures stood eerily still, their shapes ominously outlined by the dim afternoon light filtering through the curtains. The presence of the two unsettling figures, had set his nerves ablaze.

The smaller figure began to shift, almost imperceptibly at first, before letting out a soft, strangled noise. Pia stiffened, his heart leaping into his throat.

Then, breaking the silence, a strange sound echoed through the room.

It wasn’t sinister—no rattling chains or bone-chilling groans. It was laughter. Faint at first, but unmistakably familiar.

Pia froze. His breath caught in his throat as his mind raced. That laugh—it sounded like…

“Riku?” he whispered, his voice cracking.

The laughter grew louder, ringing out with a distinct mischievousness. Pia squinted at the figures, now rigid and unmoving. Something wasn’t right. There was an unnatural stillness to their posture, as if they were trying too hard to maintain their terrifying facade.

He narrowed his eyes, suspicion creeping into his fear.

Finally, unable to hold anymore ; with a dramatic flair, the smaller figure tore off its hood, revealing a grinning Riku. His eyes sparkled with mischief, and his face was flushed from holding in laughter.

“Gotcha!” Riku shouted, doubling over with glee.

The taller figure let out an exasperated sigh before pulling back its hood to reveal Akio. His expression was a mix of irritation and resignation.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Pia groaned, slumping against the wall as the adrenaline drained from his body. “What is wrong with you two?”

“Surprise!” Riku shouted, his grin wide enough to split his face.

Pia’s jaw dropped. “What… the… hell...... was..... that?”

The taller figure let out a sigh of resignation, reaching up to pull back its hood. Akio’s face appeared, his usual calm expression tinged with annoyance.

“Are you serious right now?” Pia demanded, his voice rising. “You scared me half to death!”

Riku doubled over, clutching his sides as he laughed uncontrollably. “Oh man, your face was priceless! You should’ve seen yourself—completely frozen, like a deer in headlights!”

Akio, rubbing his temple, muttered, “This was his idea. I told him it was stupid.”

“Stupid?” Riku gasped, still laughing. “It was brilliant!”

Pia glared at them both, his anger bubbling to the surface. “Brilliant? I nearly had a heart attack! And you—” he pointed at Akio, “—you’re supposed to be the responsible one!”

Akio shrugged. “I never said I was perfect.”

Riku, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes, nudged Pia with his elbow. “C’mon, admit it. It was a little funny.”

Pia crossed his arms. “No. Not even a little.”

Riku mimicked Pia’s stern expression, puffing out his chest and furrowing his brows. “Look at me, I’m Pia. I take everything seriously.”

Akio, rubbing the faint red mark on his cheek where Pia had punched him, muttered, “I’m never letting him talk me into this again.”

“Oh, don’t act like you’re innocent,” Pia snapped, pointing an accusing finger at Akio. “You went along with it! You’re just as guilty.”

Akio raised an eyebrow, his calm demeanor unshaken. “Maybe. But you didn’t have to hit me so hard.”

“Sorry for that, Reflexes!” Pia shot back defensively.

Riku, still giggling, nudged Akio. “C’mon, admit it was worth it. Did you see the way he jumped? Like a scared little rabbit!”

Akio smirked faintly. “Maybe a little.”

Pia groaned, burying his face in his hands. “I can’t believe I live with you two.”

“Enough,” Akio interrupted, his voice cutting through the bickering. “Let’s get lunch started before you two kill each other.”

...Lunch Preparation...

The trio moved to the kitchen, the earlier tension replaced by an air of begrudging camaraderie.

“Okay, what’s on the menu?” Riku asked, pulling open the fridge and sticking his head inside.

“Move,” Akio said, nudging Riku aside. “I’ll handle it. You’re more likely to set the house on fire.”

“Hey! I can cook!” Riku protested.

“You burned toast earlier,” Akio retorted, grabbing ingredients with practiced efficiency.

Riku pouted but backed off, opting instead to set the table. Pia leaned against the counter, still fuming but gradually calming down as he watched his brothers bicker.

Akio moved with precision, chopping vegetables and marinating chicken with a confidence that spoke of years of practice. He sautéed onions and garlic in a pan, the fragrant aroma filling the kitchen. A pot of rice bubbled on the stove, while the chicken sizzled in a rich, golden curry sauce.

Riku, ever the entertainer, hummed dramatically as he placed plates and cutlery on the table. “Behold, the master of setting tables!” he declared, striking a ridiculous pose with a fork in hand.

Pia rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress a small smile.

...At the Table...

Lunch was served, and the trio gathered around the table. The tension from earlier had all but dissipated, replaced by the warm familiarity of a shared meal.

Pia stabbed a piece of chicken with his fork, his curiosity finally getting the better of him. “So, was this prank your idea, Riku?”

“Of course,” Riku replied proudly. “I’ve been planning it for weeks.”

Akio snorted. “Weeks? You came up with it this morning.”

“Details,” Riku said dismissively. “The point is, it worked perfectly!”

Pia glared at him. “Perfectly? I almost punched you into next week!”

“Correction—you did punch Akio,” Riku said, smirking.

Akio, rubbing his cheek, muttered, “I’m never agreeing to one of your schemes again.”

Riku grinned. “You say that now, but just wait. I’ve got ideas, big ideas.”

Pia groaned, slumping in his chair. “Great. More reasons to fear for my sanity.”

...Post-Lunch Reflections...

The trio lingered at the table, the earlier tension entirely replaced by the comfort of shared laughter and the soothing aroma of a home-cooked meal. Pia glanced at his plate, absently pushing a stray grain of rice with his fork.

Riku, leaning back in his chair, sighed contentedly. “That hit the spot. Akio, you’ve outdone yourself.”

“Maybe you should learn to cook too,” Akio shot back, sipping his water.

Riku smirked. “Why would I, when I have a culinary genius for a brother?”

Pia shook his head, amused despite himself. “You’re impossible, Riku.”

“Thank you,” Riku said, grinning.

As the plates emptied, Akio stood, stacking dishes with efficiency. “Let’s get these to the kitchen before Riku starts talking again.”

“Hey!” Riku protested, but he grabbed a few plates and followed Akio.

Pia stayed back for a moment, watching his brothers move about the kitchen. There was something reassuring about their easy banter and the familiar rhythm of their interactions. With a sigh, he picked up the remaining dishes and joined them.

...The Cleaning and a Return to Routine...

The kitchen filled with the gentle clinking of plates and running water as Akio washed, Pia dried, and Riku hovered uselessly.

“I could help,” Riku offered, leaning against the counter.

“You’re helping by staying out of the way,” Akio replied without missing a beat.

Riku shrugged. “Fair enough.”

As they finished up, Riku bolted upstairs, likely to play a video game or conjure another prank. Akio wiped his hands on a towel, nodding toward Pia.

“You should get back to studying,” Akio said.

Pia nodded, feeling the weight of his exams settle over him again. “Yeah.”

The brothers parted ways, Akio heading to his room while Pia returned to his. The quiet of the afternoon enveloped him as he sat at his desk, flipping open his books.

...Ascending to Solitude...

After finishing the work downstairs, Pia grabbed a glass of water and stood at the foot of the stairs. The faint creak of the old wooden steps under his weight echoed through the quiet house as he ascended. With each step, his thoughts wandered back to the incident earlier in the day.

The memory of being frozen in fear, heart pounding, and the sheer absurdity of punching “ghosts” made him chuckle. The adrenaline, the panic—it all seemed so ridiculous in hindsight. A faint, embarrassed smile spread across his face as he reached the top.

Standing outside his room, he glanced at the clock in the hall. 2:00 PM. The sunlight streaming through the windows created long, soft shadows on the walls. He lingered for a moment, appreciating the warmth of the light, before turning the knob and stepping inside.

...The Room of Focus...

Pia’s room greeted him like an old companion. The afternoon sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting golden streaks across the neat floor. His desk stood by the window, organized with precision—a stack of notebooks, a couple of pens, and his favorite book resting beside the lamp. The bookshelf on the far wall was crammed with neatly aligned novels and reference books, each in its rightful place.

His bed, tucked into the corner, was perfectly made, the blue quilt smooth and unwrinkled. A small, framed photograph sat on the bedside table, capturing a younger version of Pia with his brothers and their parents during a happier time.

The soft rustling of the curtains as a breeze entered the room gave it an airy, tranquil feel, and Pia felt a sense of calm wash over him. Setting his bag on the chair by the desk, he pulled out his books and settled into his chair, determined to focus on his studies.

...A Mind Drifting...

As Pia flipped through his textbook and worked on a set of math problems, his thoughts began to wander. The image of Akio and Riku laughing in the kitchen replayed in his mind. The absurdity of the ghost prank, juxtaposed with the seriousness of Akio’s earlier defense of Riku, made him pause.

Now it all started to make sense—Akio must have just needed a break. It wasn’t often that his older brother let himself relax, and todAy seemed like his rare attempt at doing so. Pia was sure, though, that Akio wouldn’t allow Riku’s behavior to go unchecked tomorrow. Akio’s sense of responsibility was unwavering, even if he’d taken a moment to let his guard down.

But there was still one thing Pia couldn’t quite wrap his head around: the incident that morning with Akio on the couch. The uncharacteristic smirk, the teasing demeanor—it felt so unlike the composed, disciplined brother Pia had always known.

He tried to brush it off, thinking maybe he’d just misread things in his own grogginess. The day had been strange enough, and he didn’t want to tarnish the beautiful lunch they had just shared by overanalyzing.

...Memories of the Past...

As Pia continued studying, his thoughts drifted further back, to simpler times. His pen stilled in his hand as memories of childhood began to surface—those carefree days when the trio had nothing to worry about except playing together.

He leaned back in his chair, letting the memories consume him.

A Flashback: The Garden of Joy

It was a sunny afternoon, the kind of day when the world felt alive. Their family garden stretched out like a lush haven, bursting with vibrant colors. The grass was thick and green, dotted with daisies and marigolds swaying gently in the breeze.

On the garden bench sat their parents, their mother with a light shawl draped over her shoulders and their father in his casual work attire. They watched with soft smiles as their three sons ran about, their laughter filling the air.

“Catch me if you can!” Riku, just four years old, squealed as he darted across the lawn. His small legs moved frantically, his cheeks flushed with excitement.

Pia and Akio, slightly older but just as carefree, chased after him. “We’re coming for you!” Pia called, his voice high-pitched with delight.

Riku giggled uncontrollably as he stumbled over his own feet, landing face-first in the grass. Both Pia and Akio skidded to a stop, their laughter fading into concern.

“Riku! Are you okay?” Pia asked, kneeling beside him.

Riku turned over, his eyes glistening with unshed tears, but before he could cry, Akio offered him a hand. “You’re fine, right? Tough guys like you don’t cry over little falls.”

Riku sniffled, his tears forgotten as he took Akio’s hand and stood up. “Yeah! I’m tough!”

Their parents watched from the bench, their mother leaning against their father with a contented smile. “They’re growing up so fast,” she murmured.

Their father chuckled. “At least they’re taking care of each other. That’s all we could ask for.”

The trio resumed their play, the incident forgotten as they chased one another around the garden. The sunlight bathed them in warmth, and the world felt perfect—uncomplicated and full of love.

...Back to Reality...

Pia’s eyes fluttered open, his heart aching with a bittersweet longing. He glanced at the clock on his desk. 4:21 PM.

“Two hours,” he groaned, rubbing his face. “I really slept for two hours?”

The dream lingered in his mind, vivid and heart-wrenching. A small smile crept onto his face as he recalled the innocence of those days. That memory—it was the last time their family had been whole.

Not long after, his father had left for work overseas, and their mother’s health had taken a turn for the worse. Her illness had stolen her strength, and eventually, her life.

The weight of those thoughts pressed heavily on Pia’s chest, turning his smile into a pained frown. He sat in silence, the memories replaying in his mind.

But he shook his head, forcing himself to push the sadness away. “No,” he muttered. “Not now.”

...A Walk to Clear the Mind...

Deciding he needed to clear his head, Pia stood from his desk and stretched. The house felt too quiet, too suffocating. A walk in the park would help, he thought pulling on his jacket. The sunlight streaming through the window cast a warm glow across the neatly made bed and the books stacked on the desk. His gaze lingered on his study table for a moment, the open textbook serving as a reminder of his responsibilities. He adjusted the strap of his watch, letting out a soft sigh.

“Just a short walk,” he muttered to himself, brushing his hair back.

As he reached for the doorknob, he hesitated for a second, his mind replaying the strange events of the day. Shaking off the thoughts, he opened the door and stepped into the hallway.

The house was quiet—eerily so—but it didn’t feel cold. There was a comforting warmth in the silence, a sense of home. As Pia descended the creaking stairs, his eyes instinctively wandered to the rooms. Both Akio’s and Riku’s doors were shut, faint sounds suggesting they were inside.

“Guess they’re busy,” he thought, pausing briefly.

The wooden floor groaned under his steps as he made his way to the main door. Taking one last look at the house’s familiar walls and corners, he opened the door and stepped outside.

...A Walk Through the Neighborhood...

The late afternoon sun bathed the street in a soft, golden hue. Shadows stretched long across the ground, and the cool autumn breeze rustled the leaves scattered along the pavement. Pia zipped his jacket halfway as he walked, his shoes crunching against the occasional patch of dried leaves.

The road was lined with tall trees, their branches ablaze with the colors of fall. Reds, oranges, and yellows fluttered down like confetti, creating a picturesque scene that felt almost too perfect to be real. The faint sound of a wind chime rang from one of the houses he passed, blending harmoniously with the distant chirping of birds.

Pia’s gaze wandered to the houses he walked by. Some had neatly trimmed gardens with vibrant flowers, while others had toys scattered across their lawns, evidence of children’s laughter and play. A cat stretched lazily on a porch, its amber eyes following him for a moment before closing again in contentment.

The road curved slightly ahead, leading to the entrance of the park. Pia quickened his pace, his thoughts calming with each step.

...At the Park...

The park was a sanctuary of peace. Tall oak trees bordered the paths, their leaves creating a vibrant canopy overhead. The gravel crunching under Pia’s feet was the only sound breaking the stillness. He took a deep breath, the crisp air filling his lungs.

As he walked further in, the park opened into a spacious area. A playground sat at one corner, its swings swaying gently in the breeze. A couple of joggers moved rhythmically along the path, and a group of children played tag on the grass, their laughter ringing out like a melody.

Pia found a quiet bench under one of the trees and sat down, resting his arms on his knees. He watched the world go by—a mother pushing a stroller, a man walking his dog, an artist sketching the landscape from another bench. The scene was serene, a perfect snapshot of life moving at its own pace.

He pulled out his phone to check the time. As the screen lit up, a message popped up.

Ethan: Yo, where are you? Thought you were coming to the arcade.

Pia sighed, typing out a quick reply.

Pia: Not today. I’ve got stuff to do.

Ethan’s response came almost immediately.

Ethan: “Stuff to do”? Are you still hung up on whatever happened with Akio this morning?

Pia hesitated, his thumb hovering over the screen. Finally, he replied:

Pia: No, it’s not that. I just need to focus on studying. Exams are close.

Ethan’s reply was a mix of sarcasm and humor.

Ethan: Oh, sure. Because you’re the poster child for discipline. Studying instead of gaming? Who are you, and what have you done with the real Pia?

Pia chuckled softly, shaking his head.

Pia: Very funny. I’ll make it up to you later.

Ethan: You better. Alright, nerd, good luck with your “studying.” Let’s see if you can survive it.

Pia: Thanks. You too—try not to lose too much at the arcade.

Ethan sent back a laughing emoji, and the conversation ended. Pia locked his phone and leaned back on the bench, a faint smile lingering on his face.

...Heading Back Home...

The sun had dipped lower in the sky, casting the park in a warm amber light. Pia stood up, brushing the leaves off his jacket, and began walking back toward the entrance.

The park was quieter now. The joggers had left, and the playground stood still, its swings motionless. The trees swayed gently in the breeze, their shadows stretching long across the ground.

As Pia exited the park, he found himself walking slower, taking in every detail of the neighborhood. The soft glow of streetlights flickered to life, illuminating the path ahead. A few windows of the houses he passed were lit, revealing glimpses of families gathered around dinner tables or watching television together.

Reaching his street, Pia paused. The old mansion he called home stood tall and quiet against the evening sky, its weathered walls glowing faintly in the fading light.

...Memories of Home...

Pia stood on the pavement, staring at the house. It looked no less haunted than it had the day they moved in fourteen years ago, with its creaking doors, dimly lit hallways, and tall windows that always seemed to watch them.

But to Pia, it was home. Every corner, every crack in the walls held memories—some joyful, others bittersweet. He thought of the countless mornings spent rushing out the door for school, the nights spent laughing with his brothers in the living room, and even the rare moments of quiet when they all simply existed together.

A pang of nostalgia hit him as he remembered his mother’s warm smile and his father’s hearty laugh echoing through the house. Those moments felt like a lifetime ago, yet they were etched deeply in his heart.

Taking a deep breath, Pia walked up the steps and pushed open the door. The familiar creak greeted him, followed by the soft warmth of the house.

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