Sanemi takes a deep breath, trying to control his emotions.
"Fine. But we're talking about this later."
He looks at Genya with a mix of disappointment and concern. Genya nods quickly, wiping his eyes.
"Okay... I understand."
He seems relieved that Sanemi is willing to talk but still nervous about the future conversation.
Sanemi turns to walk away, needing space to think.
"I need a drink."
He mutters under his breath, heading toward the teacher's lounge. Giyuu watches Sanemi leave, then turns to Genya.
"Don't worry, he'll come around. He just needs to cool off."
He places a comforting hand on Genya's shoulder.
"I have three kids and when I find out that they all aren't straight I was shocked. But it's ok for me now, well I am gay too so I know the fear too."
Genya looks at Giyuu with surprise and a hint of hope.
"You're... gay too?"
His eyes widen at this unexpected revelation. Giyuu nods affirmatively.
"Yes. It's not easy being different, especially in our line of work."
He gives Genya a small, encouraging smile. Genya relaxes slightly, feeling more comfortable talking to Giyuu.
"I thought I was the only one... how did you tell your kids?"
He seems genuinely curious about Giyuu's experience. Giyuu leans against the wall.
"I just sat them down and told them the truth. It was scary, but they accepted me."
His expression turns thoughtful as he remembers that conversation. Genya looks thoughtful as well.
"Do you think Nemi will accept me?"
He glances toward the teacher's lounge where Sanemi disappeared. Giyuu sighs softly.
"He will. He might act tough, but he loves you. Just give him time to process his own feelings about it."
He glances at the lounge door too, knowing Sanemi is probably struggling with his emotions right now. Genya takes a deep breath.
"Thanks, Mr. Tomioka. For being understanding and supportive."
He seems more confident now, though still anxious about his brother's reaction.
"It's better when you go at home it's getting dark already. I will handle your brother."
Genya nods and grabs his bag.
"You're right. I should go before it gets too late."
He hesitates for a moment, then adds.
"Good luck with Nemi... he's not going to be easy."
Giyuu watches Genya leave, then heads toward the teacher's lounge with determination.
"I've dealt with worse."
He opens the door quietly, spotting Sanemi slumped in a chair with a bottle of sake.* Sanemi: *looks up as Giyuu enters, his eyes slightly glazed from drinking* "What do you want, Giyuu?"
He takes another swig from the bottle, avoiding eye contact. Giyuu walks over and sits beside Sanemi.
"To talk. About Genya."
He reaches for the bottle, trying to take it away gently. Sanemi pulls the bottle away protectively.
"I don't want to talk about that brat right now."
His voice is gruff, but there's a hint of pain in it.
"He's still your brother, Sanemi. And he's hurting."
Giyuu maintains a calm demeanor despite Sanemi's resistance. Sanemi slams the bottle down on the table.
"And I'm hurting too! He lied to me about everything!"
His face contorts with frustration and hurt. Giyuu remains composed.
"It's not lying if he didn't feel ready to tell you. He was scared."
He keeps his voice steady and measured, trying to reason with Sanemi. Sanemi stands up abruptly, towering over Giyuu.
"Scared? He should have trusted me! I'm his damn brother!"
His fists clench at his sides, knuckles turning white from the pressure. Giyuu stands up as well, looking directly into Sanemi's eyes.
"And you should trust him to make his own choices."
He stands his ground, not backing down from Sanemi's intimidating presence. Sanemi scoffs and turns away, running a hand through his hair.
"Trust? How can I trust him when he's clearly hiding more from me?"
His voice cracks slightly, revealing his vulnerability beneath the anger. Giyuu takes a step closer, speaking softly.
"Because he's family. And family should support each other, no matter what."
He places a hand on Sanemi's shoulder, trying to ground him. Sanemi flinches at the touch but doesn't pull away.
"I just... I don't know how to handle this."
His shoulders slump slightly, the fight leaving him as he leans against the wall. Giyuu maintains his grip, giving Sanemi a reassuring squeeze.
"You don't have to handle it alone. I'm here."
The lounge is quiet except for their breathing. Sanemi lets out a shaky breath, his tough facade crumbling.
"I'm such a shitty brother..."
He leans more heavily against the wall, looking defeated.
"You're not. You're just human, Sanemi. We all make mistakes."
Giyuu moves closer, his presence comforting despite the tension. Sanemi looks at Giyuu with tired eyes.
"What if he never forgives me for how I reacted?"
His voice is barely above a whisper, filled with regret.
"He will. Genya loves you. He just needs time to process everything too."
Giyuu finally takes the sake bottle away, setting it aside. Sanemi slides down to sit on the floor, looking defeated.
"I should have been there for him... instead of being a complete asshole."
He buries his face in his hands, the weight of his emotions becoming too much. Giyuu sits beside him on the floor, their shoulders touching.
"You can still be there now. It's not too late."
He offers a tissue from his pocket, remembering Genya's crying. Sanemi takes the tissue, his hands shaking slightly.
"How can I face him after what I said?"
He wipes his eyes roughly, trying to maintain some dignity despite his emotional state.
"Giyuu: I already told him...something about that."
Sanemi looks up sharply, his eyes narrowing.
"What exactly did you tell him, Giyuu?"
"I told him you were scared. That you didn't mean to hurt him."
Sanemi's expression softens slightly, though he still looks concerned.
Sanemi lets out a bitter laugh.
"Scared? I'm supposed to be the strong one..."
He stares at the floor, lost in thought. "Strength doesn't mean you can't be afraid, Sanemi. It means you have to keep going despite that fear."
He nudges Sanemi gently with his shoulder. Sanemi leans into the nudge, his defenses lowering further.
"I don't know how to keep going without fucking everything up again..."
His voice cracks slightly.
"You'll figure it out. And I'll help you."
He rests his head against Sanemi's shoulder, offering silent support. Sanemi hesitantly rests his head on Giyuu's, his breathing steadying.
"You're too nice to me..."
The alcohol is making him more vulnerable than usual.