002

"Reo, my dear." Mom called when Reo and I walked into our house.

Reo smiled brightly as mom embraced her, "We're back, aunt."

I stood at a corner with my dad. She asked me to come home but she looked happier with Reo around.

I sighed, taking my luggage up with me.

"Emi, won't you say anything to Mommy?" She asked, walking towards the staircase.

"I'm back, mom."

"That girl..." Mom sighed.

I glanced at Reo, who smiled and mouthed some words to me.

'I'll be right behind you.'

I stared at her in disgust before walking upstairs.

The sounds of their laughter and conversation were still heard even after I got into my room.

It looked like mom had already cleaned up my room. She even aired it.

I threw my luggage carelessly, took off my shirt, and then slumped on the bed.

Looking at every single thing in my room gave me bad memories from the past. It was that very room Reo was introduced to me in. The same bed I always asked her to sit on, the same table and desk we used when she taught me math. The same closet had some of her clothes in it. And the same bed where we first...

I stared at the door.

The first day we met a couple of years back, Reo was still a little cutie.

"Emi, come here and meet Mr. Iwasaki's little girl. She's just a year younger than you are." Mom smiled, pointing at Reo, who stood beside her.

She fiddled with her thumbs, stealing glances at me at intervals. I blushed at how cute she looked while doing that.

"Hello, Reo-chan. I'm Emiko. Just call me Emi." I smiled, grabbing her hands gently.

She looked up at me, still looking a bit nervous as she nodded.

"Mn."

I was the only child of my family, so I never had to think about taking care of younger siblings or catering for older ones. After meeting Reo, I developed the urge to take care of her as I would to my little sister.

...《BEHIND THE MASK》...

There was a soft knock on my bedroom door, completely distracting me from my reminiscing.

I sighed, turning to face the window.

The door creaked open, and the sound of familiar footsteps approached my bed.

I knew it was Reo. The way she walked was something I'd gotten used to over the years. It's not like I wanted to get used to it or anything.

She paused beside my bed, probably picking up my shirt and arranging my luggage. When she was through with that, she sat beside me on my bed.

"Won't you put on a shirt?" She asked.

Her voice sounded so close and low, making me shudder.

I shielded my face with my pillow. It would've been bad if she'd noticed my flushed cheeks.

"I'm in my room. What's it to you?" I managed to ask.

She gently placed her hand on my bare back, and this time, I wasn't able to hold back a moan. I was shocked by the sudden touch and at how cold her hand felt against my back.

She leaned closer to me, her hands slowly trailing up my shoulder.

I bit my lower lip, trying not to let out a sound.

Reo was always like this. She'd always place her hand on any part of my body and trail, but she never did anything more than that. It's like she always loved teasing me.

Still, though, I couldn't help but feel irritated at myself for always expecting something more than that. Sometimes, I just imagined both of us doing intimate things, but we've only gotten a little intimate a handful of times.

"You still gave that dude from the plane your number, right?" She asked, her hand resting softly on my neck.

My breath hitched when she said that. I thought I'd been more discreet about it.

"W-what? Can't I make new friends?" I asked, my lips trembling as I spoke.

"He clearly doesn't want to be friends." She furrowed her brows, her hands slowly stretching over my neck.

I tried sitting up, but she immediately pinned me down on the bed.

"R-Reo, please let's not do this. I-I just wanted to speak to more people."

"Are you that desperate to be fucked? Even accepting strangers' advances?" Her eyes grew irritated.

Why was she always against the idea of me speaking to guys?

"Reo, I'm an adult now. Dad and mom have been bothering me about finding a partner. I need to socialise." At that point, I was just trying to calm her down to avoid any serious escalations.

"I've told you before. You don't need a boyfriend. They'll only distract you. I'm here for you, whatever you want, I can easily give it to you. You don't need anyone else, do you understand that?" She asked, leaning closer to me, her lips tugging upwards.

"Y-yes."

I hate her.

I saw her eyes soften for a moment, and then I looked away.

She released my neck, brushing some strands of hair on my neck before pressing her lips against the side.

A tear trickled down my eyes as she kissed me. I hated myself for accepting her.

I hated her. I really really did, but then, why? Why was I satisfied with the way she kissed my neck? Why was I satisfied with the way she smiled at me after threatening me? Why did I always hope for something more?

"R-Reo." I called, raising my hand to her head.

She raised her head from my neck, and then she smiled at me. She leaned closer to me, then pressed her lips against mine. The kiss was soft at first, then became rougher as we went on. It was the same as a few years back. The last time she was intimate with me to date.

I longed for her kiss all this time I'd been with her, but I just couldn't bring myself to accept that. I always wanted to go further into the forbidden zone, but for some reason, she only stopped with long kisses.

"Be a good girl, okay?" She kissed my forehead and stood from the bed.

I laid helpless on the bed, gasping for breath. I wanted more than that. I wanted real intimacy from her, but she never gave me that.

The door to my room flew open, and mom walked in with some snacks.

Reo was already seated at the chair, as if aware that mom would come in at that moment.

"What's wrong with you, Emi? Is the heat getting to you?" Mom asked, placing the snacks on the centre table.

I turned towards the window and shut my eyes.

"She's been complaining about the heat, aunt. It's summer already."

"Is that so? The air conditioner in the sitting room broke. It will get repaired tomorrow. You guys should have a cold shower and leave the house for a while."

Reo thanked her as she left the room.

"You heard her." She said.

I ignored her, my face still buried in my pillow.

"Hey, why don't we take a bathe together?"

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***