After what I estimated to be at least an hour, I had what could be described as a chocolate cake batter. I scooped up a little on my pinky finger, and hesitantly popped it into my mouth. To my surprise, it didn't taste half bad.  Pushed for time, I quickly greased the cake pan, poured the batter in, and put it in the oven.

Exhausted, I kneeled down in front of the oven and clasped my hands together. "Now, please, rise so I don't have to make you again," I murmured to myself. As I moved to stand up, I noticed a familiar face standing at the edge of the kitchen.

" H-Hi, sorry if I scared you." Natsume said, awkwardly.

"Oh, no, you didn't! Don't worry, there are much scarier things than you, Natsume-san." I giggled.

Natsume smirked and gently bit his lip, "Ha, I suppose so."

D-Did he just..?

"Uh, sorry, um, were you looking for someone?" I stuttered, trying to keep my thoughts on track.

"Not really, actually. I just came to drop off a present for Subaru, I understand you're having his birthday party tonight?"

"Yes, we are! He actually helped me carry some shopping home, I think he went for a jog around the block. His number is on the fridge if you want to call h-"

"Oh no, I don't think he'd talk to me," Natsume interrupted, "but he wouldn't refuse to open a present, so would you throw this one in with the rest for me?"

"Oh," I replied, a little confused, "of course."

Natsume placed a box wrapped in silver paper on the kitchen counter. "Well I better be off then. Hope the party goes well!" He said, moving toward the door. "Oh, you mentioned Subaru helped you carry some bags home?"

"Uh, yes." I replied.

"He didn't notice they were full of ingredients for his cake?"

I thought about this for a moment, and subsequently, realised that letting Subaru carry the bags could have completely ruined the surprise.

"I guess not?"

"Huh, guess he was distracted." Natsume chuckled, closing the door behind him.

Distracted?

"What does he mean by, distracted?" I whispered to myself, lifting my hand up to gently rub my forehead. Why did Natsume say it like that? Why don't I understand anything about the conversation I just had?

I thought about why Subaru might not want to talk Natsume while I mixed the icing for the cake. Were they on bad terms? What happened between them? Natsume couldn't be mad at Subaru if he bought him a birthday present, right?

I was getting side-tracked. I glanced up at the clock, it was almost 5pm. The party was scheduled to start at 6:30pm, leaving me ample time to go up and take a bath while I let the cake bake for another 40 minutes. I quickly placed the icing in the fridge and packed up the leftover ingredients before heading for the stairs. As the elevator doors shut behind me, I heard the front door open.

That must be Subaru, I thought to myself, good thing I packed everything away.

~

I ran my hand through my hair and sighed in frustration. I'd been looking for my shampoo for the last ten minutes, but it was just, gone? It didn't help that half of my things were still in boxes, but the last few days had been crazy, and I just hadn't been able to find the time to unpack them.

I looked up at the clock, ugh, I'm running out of time.

I grabbed my bath bag and left my room, hastily walking down the hallway. Where was it again? Right or left at the end of the hallway?

"This house is too big," I muttered to myself, "I just end up getting lost.."

I rounded the corner and saw a dull light coming from the frosted door of the bathroom. I reached for the handle and slid the door open. As I looked up, a half naked boy standing only in a towel met my eyes.

Oh my god.

I turned and jumped behind the door, "I'm sorry!" I choked. I could feel my face flushing red.

Subaru walked to the door, "Did you get lost? What were you looking for?"

I turned to face Subaru, trying to keep my eyes on his face, but his body was only two inches away from mine. His skin was still wet, and I could smell his shampoo in the air as he looked down at me. Subaru must have noticed the pink in my cheeks, because his eyes quickly dropped to the towel around his waist.

"Sorry!" He blurted, stepping back into the bathroom.

"Subaru? Is that you?" A voice called from around the corner.

Subaru and I looked at each other with panic across our faces, surely this situation would look questionable?

Before I could speak, Subaru grabbed my arm and pulled me into the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind me. He pulled me over to the edge of the vanity, where the wall jutting out would hide my silhouette from being visible through the frosted glass of the bathroom door. Perhaps instinctively, Subaru had me clutched to his chest, with my back against the wall. 

"Subaru? Are you in there?" A voice called from the other side of the door.

Was that Ukyo? I wondered, looking up at Subaru. Nervously, Subaru looked down at me, his face was very close to mine.

"Y-Yeah! I'm naked, so don't come in!" Subaru replied, panic in his voice.

"Wha-? Calm down, I wasn't going to come in. I heard your voice, and then a slam, is everything okay in there?" Ukyo asked.

"Everything's fine! I just- uh, dropped something! But it's fine!" Subaru said, glancing down at me again. He was blushing.

I tried to stop myself from blushing in return, but the knowledge the Subaru was only standing in a towel was enough make me look as a red as a tomato. On top of that, Subaru's bare chest was pressed against mine, and it was warm, and muscular. I wondered if I'd ever been this close to a boy before this moment.

"Alright, well, be more careful next time. Sheesh." Ukyo replied.

Subaru and I didn't move an inch as we listened to Ukyo's footsteps slowly fade away.

"Do you think he's gone?" Subaru whispered, looking down at me.

I listened carefully for a moment, "I think so." 

Subaru closed his eyes and sighed, "That was close." He whispered.

I nodded nervously in response. Explaining to Ukyo why Subaru and I were seemingly walking into the bathroom together, with Subaru half-naked, would have been difficult.

It was then that Subaru and I realised we were still standing in the same position.

"Oh, s-sorry." Subaru stuttered, releasing me and stepping backward. He raised his hand up to rub the back of his neck, "It would have looked- I mean, to Ukyo.."

"Yeah, I know. I mean, I thought that too." I replied.

Subaru laughed nervously in response, and I joined him. The situation was at least a little bit funny.

"Alright, well. I'm going to head back to my room now." I said, smiling breathlessly.

"Yup. Sure. See you later, then." Subaru replied, making a poor attempt to lean casually against the vanity.

I walked hastily out of the bathroom and back down the hallway toward my room. Closing the door quickly behind me and slumping to the floor. I groaned, bringing my hand to my forehead, why didn't I just knock?

~

As I carefully removed the cake from the oven, I scolded myself internally for carelessly walking  into the bathroom. I live with a bunch of guys now- of course the bathroom will be occupied! Hopefully I'd be able to look Subaru in the eyes by the time the party started. 

As I glanced up at the clock, I iced the cake with white and dark chocolate, alternating between the colours as I went around. To finish, I topped the cake with butterflied strawberries, and a happy birthday message to Suburu.

"Please be the best cake ever," I whispered as I placed it in the fridge, "maybe if you taste really good, Subaru will forgive my intrusion," I giggled to myself.

"Emma!" I heard a voice say behind me, "I haven't seen you all day!"

"Tsubaki-san," I giggled, "it's nice to see you too."

Tsubaki jumped up to sit on the bench in front me, "I heard you're making a cake for Subaru's birthday, is that true?" Tsubaki said lowly.

"Yes, Ukyo-san asked me to help him since he was too busy with work." I replied.

"I see," Tsubaki murmured, looking away from me. He sat awkwardly on the bench, nervously grabbing the cuff of his sleeve and rubbing the material between his fingers. He looked as if he wanted to say something, but instead of speaking, he just sat there in silence.

"Tsubaki..?"

"When it's my birthday, will you make me a cake?" He blurted.

"Of course," I said softly, smiling slightly. Had he really become so nervous over such a simple request? Boys are weird, I thought to myself.

"All right everyone, celebration time!" Masaomi announced from the main room. 

As if on queue, the rest of the household slowly began to file into the room. As I watched everyone come down the stairs, my eyes avoiding Subaru's at all costs, I saw Asuza standing on the other side of the room across from the kitchen.

Has he been there the whole time? I wondered, and why is he looking over here so incessantly?

In an attempt to avoid Azusa's gaze, I made my way over to the main room to join everyone at the table for dinner. Soon the boys were all laughing and eating, and stories of Subaru as a toddler were being passed around. Although I didn't have anything to contribute, I enjoyed listening to their memories, and learning more about the family I was meant to be a part of. I thought of how nice it must be to have precious memories of siblings.

Before I knew it, it was time for cake and presents. I rose nervously from my seat and made my way over to the kitchen, anxious for everyone to see the cake I'd spent all afternoon baking. This was my chance to apologise to them for the trouble I'd caused the first day I got here, and maybe even an opportunity to make up for embarrassing Subaru earlier.

I carried the cake over to the table, and set it down gently. Before looking at anyone's faces, I stepped back and bowed slightly. "Even though this is for Subaru-san's birthday, I want you all to think of this as a little apology for all the trouble I caused you the day I got here. I also know that getting used to a new family member must be difficult, so this is a thank for your hospitality as well."

I exhaled heavily, and stood up straight. I said it.

The boys looked back at me with shocked faces for a moment, oh god, did I say something stupid?

Softly, Masoami spoke, "Emma, you don't have to apologise at all! You haven't caused us any trouble."

"And welcoming you is no burden, I think each of us can agree to that." Ukyo added, chuckling.

The boys nodded in response, and their faces softened as I smiled back at them.

"Come on, let's dig in! This cake looks amazing!" Tsubaki yelled,

"Yeah, I want the cake that sis made! Cake, cake, cake!" Wataru coed in response.

"Come on now, it wouldn't be right to be more excited than the person receiving it, right Wataru?" Masaomi said, bending down to meet Wataru's height.

"I understand," he murmured in response, slowly making his way over to where Subaru was sitting on the couch.

"Sorry, Subaru-san." Wataru said softly. Subaru just chuckled and gently ruffled Wataru's hair. 

"What are you doing over there, Suba-san?  Come on!" Tsubaki said, gesturing to the cake. 

Subaru's cheeks flushed a light pink, "O-Oh, yeah," 

"Maybe he's feeling sick," Kaname said lowly, leaning close to me. "Come to think of it, I think I might have the same sickness- " Kaname's hand gently slid across my shoulders and pulled me closer to him, "maybe we all do?"

I opened my mouth to speak, "U-Um, I-"

"You're embarrassing her, Kaname-san." Iori interjected.

"Right." Kaname said cooly, releasing me and flashing Iori a fake-looking smile.

What was that about? I wondered.

"This really does look exquisite, Emma. You did such a good job." Ukyo assured me.

"Yeah! Look at those fanned strawberries! Come on, let's get the candles going!" Tsubaki said impatiently.

"Are we really going to do this?" Subaru groaned as Asuza switched off the lights and the rest of the boys sat down around the table.

"Yes. Now blow out the candles!" Ukyo said, smiling.

I had my camera ready, and as Subaru blew out the candles, I managed to get an almost perfect shot.

The room was filled with clapping and celebratory exclaims as soon as the candles went out, and before I knew it, the lights were on and slices of cake were being passed around the table.

"Subaru gets to taste it first!" Masaomi said, chuckling.

"Calm down, Tsubaki." Asuza said, pulling him back from the cake by the shoulder.

As Subaru placed a fork full of cake into his mouth, I prayed that it tasted how I imagined. If it was terrible, I'd never be able to live it down.

Subaru smirked, "It's good."

I heaved a sigh of relief, thank god.

"Woo! Come on someone pass me a piece!" Tsubaki yelled excitedly.

"I-I can't eat it." Yusuke stuttered, staring down at the plate he held in his hands.

"What do you mean?" Iori asked,

"It's just, it's too beautiful," Yusuke replied.

"Well if you're not going to eat it, I'll have your slice then!" Tsubaki announced, reaching for Yusuke's plate.

"Hey- wait, just hold on! I think I can do it!" Yusuke exclaimed, shoving a forkful of cake into his mouth. There was a moment of silence as he chewed, "It's good!" he yelled.

Everyone seemed to laugh in response, and as each of the boys tasted the cake, I received compliments in turn. So far, it seemed like my apology cake was a success.

~

I fell back onto my bed, exhausted.

What a night. I thought to myself. Although I was anxious to be tasked with making Subaru's birthday cake, I was glad that in the end it was to his tastes. 

"I even managed to get some good photos of everyone," I murmured, reaching for my camera, "huh, my phone isn't here?"

I must have left it in the living room. I thought, rising from my bed and walking toward the door.

~

"Geez, you must feel special getting a cake made just for you." Tsubaki teased,

"And by Ema, no less." Kaname added, smirking.

"It wasn't a big deal," Subaru replied, sipping his beer.

"Oh come on, you were blushing the whole time!"

"Would you just come off it?" Subaru snapped in response, obviously irritated.

"Well, what do you think of her, then?" Tsubaki retorted, snickering to himself.

Hearing my name, I walked quietly to the edge of the balcony overlooking the living room, and listened.

"Well to be honest, it's annoying. For so long it's been just us guys, and now I can't even stay in a towel after I finish my training, I'm over it." Subaru said, rising from his seat and making for the stairs.

I stood, seemingly paralysed by what I'd heard, as Subaru reached the top of the landing.

"Excuse me." I said softly as Subaru's eyes met mine, and walked quickly back down the hallway toward my room.

~

"Damnit." he muttered to himself, walking back down the stairs.

"What is it now?" Kaname enquired.

"She overheard what I said, of course."

"Wait, seriously?" Asuza replied, glancing up at the landing.

"Well, you've really done it now." Tsubaki smirked.

"Yeah, no thanks to you." Subaru said, sighing and downing the last of his beer.

Subaru walked back toward the kitchen and grabbed himself another beer from the fridge, how many had he had now? Five? Six?

Ukyo sighed and rubbed his temple in annoyance, "You really shouldn't have riled him up like that, Tsubaki."

"I was only joking around! In my defence, I didn't think he'd play right into it." Tsubaki said, folding his arms behind his head and leaning back onto the couch.

"All's fair in love and war." Kaname added with a sly smile.

"Was she upset?" Ukyo asked,

"She seemed upset." Subaru replied. 

Yeah, she definitely looked upset, he thought to himself. He gently shook the can he held in his hand, had he really already drank half of it? Subaru finished it quickly and headed toward the fridge to grab himself another.

"Well, nothing can be done about it now." Kaname sighed.

"Do you think I should go apologise?" He murmured.

"Maybe in the morning," Ukyo replied nervously.

"I can't wait till then, what if she starts to hate me?" Subaru said earnestly, slumping down onto the couch.

"Hah! You'll be the mean brother out of us!" Kaname laughed.

"Yeah! I don't mind that, it'll make me look better." Tsubaki teased.

The mean one? I can't let her think I'm the mean brother if I think I might- Subaru shook his head. No way, I'm not losing to these guys.

"This isn't really the best time to be teasing him, guys." Ukyo warned.

Subaru chucked the now-empty beer can onto the coffee table and rose from his seat, heading for the stairs.

"Where are you going?" Tsubaki asked.

"To apologise."

~

So I really have been bothersome, I thought to myself.

I'd been working so hard to stay out of everyone's way, but it seems I've still become an annoyance. I felt a sharp pang of pain in the middle of my chest, and raised my hand to meet it in a useless attempt to soften it. 

I heard my doorbell ring. 

I got up from where I was kneeling on the floor and walked toward the door, opening it slowly.

"Subaru-san!" I exclaimed.

He was standing in the doorway with one arm resting on the doorframe, and as I raised my eyes to meet his, he looked a little breathless.

"About what I said, Ema, I-I'm really sorry," He began,

"It's okay, I know having a stranger in your house must be weird," I replied,

"No, I-I didn't mean what I said. I really didn't. I don't think you're annoying, I think you're-"

"I really am fine, Subaru-san." I interjected, feeling guilty that he'd come all the way to my room to apologise.

"Please, forget what I said," Subaru continued, leaning down into a bow, "I'm so-"

Subaru began to fall forward, tripping on the edge of the doorframe and landing on top of me.

"Subaru-san! Are you okay?" I started,

Subaru, his arms on either side of me, slowly lifted himself up to meet my eyes. Shock and embarrassment where written across his face, and I blushed in return as I realised how close Subaru was to me, feeling the warmth of his breath on my neck. Before Subaru could move any further, his eyes seemed to glaze over, and he collapsed onto me again. His face resting against mine, and his lips-

I could feel my cheeks burning a dark red.

"What's going on here!?" I heard somebody yell, feeling Subaru's body being dragged off of me.

"What happened?!" Asuza said, helping me up off the floor.

"Did this guy make a move on you?" Tsubaki asked, agitation in his voice.

"N-No! Subaru tripped there, and, and then, well then-" I stuttered,

"So you're saying this was accident?" Tsubaki replied,

"Yes! Yes, it was just an accident." I confirmed.

"Looks like he a had a bit too much to drink," Tsubaki said, peering down at Subaru's unconscious face, "he's out cold."

Asuza laughed, "Sorry about this, we'll get him out of your way."

"Sleep well, little sis!" Tsubaki grinned, dragging Subaru's lifeless body out of the doorway.

I closed the door behind them. I was absolutely ready for sleep.