Being a triplet meant growing up together in almost everything.
Yashio had always taken care of his two younger brothers. It wasn't because they were weak—Yoshiro was smart and capable, and Yasuo was energetic and lively—but because that was simply how their family dynamic worked.
Yoshiro, quiet and intelligent, preferred books and silence. He rarely expressed his emotions, but when it came to his Yashio-niisan, his eyes softened in ways he never showed to others.
Yasuo, on the other hand, was the opposite. Cheerful, loud, and mischievous, he loved teasing people, making jokes, and clinging to Yashio like a younger child.
Despite their differences, both of them shared one strong feeling. They adored their Yashio-niisan. Maybe… a little too much.
The living room fell silent for a moment.
"What?! We are having separate rooms?!" Yoshiro and Yasuo exclaimed in unison.
Yashio calmly explained. "I already asked Mom and Dad. They agreed. It's for our own good. No distractions. We need to focus on our academics."
"But… niisan, I want to be with you," Yasuo said, his baby-like voice soft and pleading.
"I can clean your room for you, help with assignments… or just… anything, niisan," Yoshiro added gently, his tone quiet but convincing.
Yashio sighed, though a small smile appeared on his face. "Sorry, but it's final. But don't worry—our rooms are near each other. You can still hang out in my room if you want."
"Anytime!" the twins chorused happily.
Yashio raised a finger, shaking his head. "No, not like that. I'm asking you both to do your homework and study first. After that, you can hang out."
The twins exchanged a glance, then looked at their older brother. "Okay… niisan," they said softly. As long as they could still go to Yashio's room, the twins thought they could accept anything.
Some siblings grow apart as they get older. Yoshiro and Yasuo only grew closer to their older brother.
Too close, to the point where boundaries started to blur. And where love for family… began to feel heavier than it should.
***
The soft ticking of the clock filled Yashio's room. He sat at his desk, pen in hand, trying to focus on his homework. Sunlight streamed through the window, making the papers glimmer slightly, but it didn't help him concentrate as much as he wanted.
"Yashio-niisan…" A small, familiar voice broke the silence. Yasuo appeared in the doorway, eyes wide and hopeful. Without hesitation, he ran over and wrapped his arms around Yashio's back.
Yashio paused, a small smile tugging at his lips as he patted the hands clinging to him.
"What is it, Yasuo?"
"Can I hang out here tonight?" Yasuo asked softly, his voice almost a whisper. Yashio thought for a moment, then gently lifted the corner of his blanket. "Okay… just don't disturb me while I'm doing homework. For now, you can play on my bed."
"Yey!" Yasuo cheered and jumped onto the bed, bouncing slightly before lying down comfortably. His gaze never left Yashio.
A few minutes later, Yashio returned to his desk and continued writing.
But he felt a small weight at his side.
Yasuo had curled up near him, quietly watching—occasionally reaching out to touch his arm or shoulder as if making sure Yashio was really there.
Then the door creaked. Yashio looked up.
Yoshiro stood in the doorway, holding a book. His usual calm expression softened with quiet curiosity as he observed the scene. "Yashio-niisan…" he said softly. "Mind if I… sit for a bit?"
Yashio paused, then smiled faintly.
"Sure. Just… stay on your side of the bed."
Without hesitation, Yoshiro stepped inside and sat beside Yasuo.
He reached over and lightly brushed a strand of hair from Yashio's forehead—an almost imperceptible gesture of affection.
Yasuo's eyes brightened.
"Niisan…" he murmured happily, feeling comfort in the warmth of the three of them sharing the same space. Yashio shook his head softly, half exasperated and half amused. "You two… can't just let me focus, can you?"
Yasuo and Yoshiro exchanged a glance, then look back at Yashio. For some reason… it made him feel uneasy. Yashio couldn't explain why… but the way the twins looked at him just now felt strangely intense. Almost as if they were protecting something.
After a moment of silence, Yoshiro suddenly spoke. "Yashio-niisan… how would you want someone you like to kiss you?" His voice was soft and calm. Yashio immediately froze. "W-Wait… why are you asking me something like that?" he said, turning around with a confused and slightly embarrassed expression.
Yasuo leaned forward curiously. "That's also my question! Like how, niisan?" he asked with bright eyes. Yashio scratched his neck, clearly flustered. "Amm… I guess… kissing me with love… like cherishing each other…"
His voice became quieter as he spoke.
Yoshiro watched him carefully. "Like… never letting you go?" he asked gently. Yasuo tilted his head. "And hugging you so tight you can't breathe?" he added innocently.
Yashio's face immediately turned red.
"Wait—what is this conversation?! That's… too much…"
Yasuo only smiled softly. "It's fine, Yashio-niisan." Yoshiro nodded in agreement. "Yeah… it's fine." Yashio slowly looked at the two of them, his eyes narrowing slightly.
It was the first time he had ever seen Yoshiro and Yasuo agree on something so easily.
For some reason… that made him feel a little suspicious. The twins' expressions didn't change. But their eyes remained on him. Not in a threatening way. But in a way that made Yashio's heart beat a little faster.
***
Night falls. The room was quiet. Yashio was sleeping peacefully on his bed, the soft rise and fall of his breathing filling the silence.
The door slowly opened. Carefully… quietly… so quietly that Yashio didn't notice. Yoshiro stepped inside. He closed the door gently behind him and walked toward the bed. Sitting down beside his older brother, he looked at Yashio's sleeping face for a moment.
"…Yashio-niisan." His voice was barely a whisper. Yoshiro slowly reached out and brushed a few strands of hair away from Yashio's forehead. His fingers then softly traced along Yashio's cheek.
That was when Yashio stirred. His eyes slowly opened. "…Yoshiro?" he murmured sleepily. "Why are you here?"
Yoshiro lowered his hand slightly. "Nothing, niisan…" he said softly. "I just wanted to sleep next to you."
Yashio blinked a few times, still half asleep.
Then he lifted one side of his blanket.
"Come here." Without hesitation, Yoshiro slid under the blanket and lay beside him, immediately wrapping his arms around Yashio's body. Yoshiro tightened his arms slightly—as if he didn't want to let Yashio go.
Yashio didn't seem bothered. Instead, he gently hugged Yoshiro back and began softly stroking his hair.
Yoshiro's eyes slowly closed. A small, satisfied smile appeared on his face. For him, this moment felt peaceful.