Kirin returned to his house in an excellent mood. He had the clan leader's blessing for his wedding, and Alisa had made things clear with Zed. He could start to plan their future together with no problems.
As soon as he entered his house, his mother greeted him, "Hello, dear, how did it go?" She knew the reason Kirin went to the De Kantas' house so early in the morning and was anxiously waiting for the update at home. She liked Alisa very much and wanted her to be part of the family.
"I got the blessing from the clan leader. Alisa and I will marry in the spring next year as soon as I can finish our new house." Kirin announced joyfully as his mother jumped in excitement and hugged him tightly.
"I'm so happy for you, my dear boy. I know that she will make a great addition to our family. I wish you both happiness in your new relationship." She gave her blessing as well.
Kirin and his mother were so happy that they did not notice the sad look on Tobin's face as he leaned by the door. He had come home in the middle of the day after training to change before heading to the shop. How could he be happy to hear that the girl he fell in love with was going to marry his older brother?
Tobin went into his room and slammed the door a little more forcefully than necessary. He wanted to vent his anger, but didn't have an outlet.
The slammed door jolted Leyla away from Kirin as she looked towards Tobin's room with a worried expression. Kirin noticed his mother's gaze and sighed. "I'll go talk to him, don't worry." He reassured his mother.
"Be gentle, you know how it feels to have your heart broken because your feelings were unreciprocated. He is still young and has strong emotions." She reminded Kirin.
"I know, don't worry. I will be gentle with him." Kirin reassured her again as he walked towards Tobin's room.
He knocked on the door and called out, "Tobin, we need to talk. I'm coming in." He entered Tobin's room without waiting for a reply. He knew his brother's temper and knew that his brother would not answer him.
Tobin was still young and immature. He was facing away from Kirin and ignored him as he entered the room. Kirin approached the bed and sat next to him. "Tobin, I know how you feel. I remember when I was turned down by Abby, but I am glad that she did. I can see now that she was not the right woman for me. If she had not refused my affections then, I would not have met Alisa."
Tobin stood up and yelled, "It's not fair! Just because you asked her first, she is going to marry you. I could have asked her sooner."
Kirin tried to calm Tobin by saying, "I know that you think you love her, but the mountain spirits have already given us their blessing. You know that they do not give blessings to couples who are not meant to be. You will find the woman you are meant to be with, but Alisa is going to be my wife, and your sister-in-law."
Tobin stormed out of his room. He refused to accept Alisa as his sister-in-law without talking to her first. He had to try to convince her. She had to know how he felt about her.
Kirin started to go after him, but his mother held his arm. She persuaded him, "Let him go. He needs to hear it from her. She will be kind and let him down gently, and then he will be able to move on."
She wanted both of her sons to get along to keep the family harmonious, but she knew there would be a rough patch for a little while. It was not easy when two brothers had feelings for the same girl, but the girl had already made her choice. The sooner Tobin accepted that choice, the better for the whole family.
Tobin walked briskly towards the De Kanta home. He wasn't sure what he wanted to say, but he had to talk to Alisa. He had to let her know how he felt before she married his brother.
He arrived at her house and knocked loudly on the door. Al answered the door with a puzzled look on his face. He looked at Tobin and asked, "Tobin, what are you doing here? Did something happen?" He started to worry. As the Clan Leader, he was responsible for his Kanta people. He would be ready to help any time.
Tobin looked around Al anxiously and asked, "Is Alisa still here? I need to speak to her."
Al seemed to understand the situation and allowed Tobin inside the house. He called out, "Alisa, Tobin is here to speak with you."
Tobin was so nervous that he almost barged into Alisa's room. Al grabbed his arm gently, but sternly, and told him, "She will be out shortly. You can wait in the living room. Do you want some tea while you wait?"
Tobin looked at Al's hand on his arm and realized that he almost barged into a lady's bedroom in his flustered state. He sighed to calm himself and nodded to Al. "Yes, some tea would be great. Thank you, Clan Leader Al."
Al went to the kitchen to prepare a calming chamomile tea for Tobin. Tobin paced back and forth in the living room. He was still too anxious to sit down.
Alisa came out of her room shortly after Al called out for her and had seen the interaction between Tobin and Al. Her heart ached at the sight. Unrequited love was the worst, and she hated to do this to Tobin, but her heart wanted Kirin. She only thought of Tobin as a friend and a little brother.
She called out softly, "Tobin, aren't you working today? Did you finish practice early today?"
Tobin walked towards Alisa and held her hands. "Alisa, I heard that you accepted my brother's proposal, but I want to let you know about my feelings before you make up your mind. I have never felt this way about any other girl before. When I see you, I am happy, and I know that I can make you happy as well if you give me a chance."
Alisa gave Tobin a sad smile, "Tobin, I do like you, but as a friend and a little brother. You are such a fun person, and I know that you will find the right girl for you in the future, but my heart is already taken by your brother. I fell for him the first time we met. I'm sorry. I hope that we can still be friends in the future."
She felt horrible seeing the look of disappointment on Tobin's face. He looked like he wanted to cry, but held back. He didn't know what to do, so he hugged her and told her, "If you change your mind, or if he doesn't treat you right, I will be here waiting for you." He didn't want to hear her reject him again, so he left without giving her the chance to reply.
Al came out of the kitchen and noticed Alisa was standing alone with a stunned expression on her face. He chuckled and handed her the tea. "Here, you might need this. Twice in one day, you are having to turn down suitors left and right. I hope that they will be able to remain just friends."