“Iyin!”

“What!?”

“Clean your room before you leave please!”

“Fine!”

He proceeded to pick up a shirt off the floor then collapse on his bed saying he’s done.

Veranda walks past this sorry scene with a sneer. Her room is a mess as well but at she can walk in it.

“Is everyone ready?”

“Yeah!”

“Can someone get Kuro?”

“I will, mom.” Vera knocked on Kuro’s door. She knew he would never care, but their mom insisted they show him the manners of a regular person. He wouldn’t answer her. She walked in to see him sitting on his bed. He was staring at the wall. His bag had been packed and was laying open next to him. He didn’t look at her or acknowledge she was even there. His room was spotless. There was hardly an ounce of livelihood in it. There were frames on the nightstand and clothes in the dresser but that was it. There wasn’t a speck of dust. The only thing that was his was the workout equipment that the corporation had sent with him. It was the only thing he did most of the time. Bit what else could he do? She sat down next to him but he still didn’t move. She peered at his face. She had thought she had seen cold eyes before, but his eyes were empty. There were no laugh lines on his face, no emotion. She gave him a hug. She had been freaked out by him at first. Scared because he had a look similar to the men who hurt her. But watching him for the past month she only felt pity. She closed up his bag of neatly folded clothes.

“Come on Kuro, it’s time to go. Take my hand.” He reached out and grabbed her hand. She pulled him with her and they left the house.

Iyin took the front seat while they sat in the back. She didn’t mind. She scrolled through her phone and listened to music while they drove. They were headed to visit their mom’s park who live by the beach. She said it would be good for Iyin to leave the city. He hadn’t been out of the city before. Right bow he was sleeping. She could hear the loud rock coming from his headphones. Kuro stared at the seat in front of him. She pulled out one of her earbuds and put it in his ear. His face didn’t change. It would be a long car ride.

They stopped at fast food place for lunch. Kuro put on a mask to cover up his cheek which was missing. Iyin had to wear sunglasses to cover up his red eyes. They went in and got their food before heading back to car. Kuro ate in the car so people couldn’t see his face. Their mom had to order for him. He ate all the food without complaint. It was so strange to watch him eat. Most people will make gestures while they eat. If their food gets stuck or if something isn’t to their liking. He didn’t. She fell asleep halfway there.

“We’re here!”

She woke up. She felt comfy. A blanket had been placed over her. She immediately looked to Kuro who was still staring at the seat. She smiled.

They got out of the car. Their grandparents came to them and gave them hugs. Iyin gave them a hug cause he didn’t want to have them nag him later. She gladly gave them a hug and let them pinch her cheek. Their grandma tried to give Kuro a hig but it was incredibly awkward since he didn’t acknowledge her. Their mom led Kuro to a chair and told him to sit down. Everyone else sat down as well. They talked and Kuro just sat their. She wondered if he was even listening.