I woke up gasping for air, my chest heaving as I sat up in bed, drenched in sweat.

  That had been no ordinary dream. My heart was still pounding, and my head throbbed. I rubbed my temples, trying to make sense of it all.

  What had I seen? Who was that woman?

  A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts.

  I tried to steady my voice, hiding the panic rising in my chest.

  “Who’s there?”

  A familiar voice answered.

  “It’s me, Yui, your sister. Open the door.”

  I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself before standing up. My legs felt heavy, but I managed to reach the door.

  When I opened it, Yui stood there in her nightdress, clutching a pillow tightly to her chest. Her eyes were wide with fear.

  “Hey… do you mind if I sleep with you?” she asked, her voice trembling. “I just had a nightmare… about that thing.”

  Without thinking, I pulled her into a tight hug, trying to reassure her.

  “Shh… don’t worry. I’m here.”

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  Yui mumbled a quiet “Thank you” as I patted her head. For a moment, I felt a pang of guilt.

  The accident that had taken our parents still haunted her. It had happened right in front of her, and I couldn’t help but blame myself for not being able to protect her.

  I wiped away the tear that had escaped her eye and told myself:

  Let’s just enjoy the present. Don’t worry about the past or the future.

  Morning light crept through the window, gently waking me. I stretched and blinked, realizing that Yui had already left my room.

  I sat up, thoughts swirling in my head. I had to tell her about the tournament, but I dreaded her reaction.

  I knew that after this, things wouldn’t be the same.

  I swung my legs off the bed and stood up.

  My face looked pale, dark circles forming under my eyes.

  Maybe it’s just puberty… I thought, brushing it off.

  But i don't remember my eyes.. how they looked.

  I quickly got dressed and went downstairs. Yui was already preparing breakfast, as always.

  I walked sluggishly to the dining table and sat down.

  It was now or never.

  “Hey, Yui… can I ask you something?” I began, glancing at her.

  She turned toward me, curiosity in her eyes.

  “What is it?”

  I hesitated, then pushed forward.

  “I’m taking part in the school tournament.”

  Yui frowned slightly.

  “What tournament?”

  I took a deep breath.“There’s a tournament as part of the school festival. And… I was wondering if you’d give me permission to participate.”

  Her smile faltered, replaced by concern.

  The plate slipped from her hand and shattered against the floor. Her expression darkened.

  “Wait… you’re talking about the tournament, not the festival?” Her voice trembled. “No, no, you’re joking, right?”

  I understood her reaction, but it still hurt. I was the only family she had left, and I could see how much she cared.

  After a lot of convincing, I finally managed to calm her down.

  She looked at me with pleading eyes. “Promise me… don’t get hurt, okay? You’re the only one I have left.”

  I nodded.

  “I promise. I won’t get hurt.”

  It was a lie?

  ________