In that endless, almost eternal night, I had a dream, a very long dream. In the dream, the world was left with only me, living alone in boundless whiteness under a blue sky. There was no one to tell me the reason for my existence.

Perhaps there would be disappointment, and even more terrifying, a gloomy sense of loss that would make it impossible for me to fathom my own depths, until only profound despair remained.

Could it be... No, no, no... that's certain! I heard it!!

But I don't know why, ever since I met Sister Yukari, my daily life has gradually changed. I stand still and roar, who am I?

Looking at the gloomy sky, I would then remember those memories that shouldn't have existed in the first place, or... memories that never existed at all, occupying my mind and the still-beating heart.

I know, that's not the real me, that's not... that's not!!

"?!?!"

After a brief moment of confusion, I quickly understood.

Yes, I am someone who can only gradually forget the past, and eventually leave behind those nameless things that make me wander. I always feel like something forcibly separates me, memories appearing one after another, and then it forcefully erases everything, including the pain I had already abandoned.

Even if I forget the whole world, I still can't forget those memories, including my anger, desires, and attachments!

Does it hurt? Of course, it hurts! Although I am not sad, it doesn't mean I am not in pain!

From the moment I first met Sister Yukari, I deeply felt the taste of despair. But the pains I encountered afterward were much more than that...

"Sister Yukari... Sister Yukari... don't leave... Sister Yukari!"

A long time ago, I had already decided to treat that story that doesn't belong to "me" as a dream without any value, and forget about it. Just like this blanket of snow, I once wished for a peaceful and serene world.

Even if my whole body is covered in frost, I hope no one will disturb me... Will that happen?

A puppet without even a past, what qualifications do I have to talk about life? What qualifications do I have to talk about existence?

"Hmm... Hmm? This doesn't seem like my home, huh?"

Looking around at the lifeless grey room,

"..."

"You and your sister, Yukari... your relationship is not just that of ordinary siblings, right?"

"I..."

"According to our country's law, it is not allowed for relatives within three degrees to get married... but you two are not relatives, right?"

"I...!"

"I had already sensed that there was something unusual about your relationship, and this must be the reason, right?"

"Listen to me, Yu Nai... It's not what you think!"

I finally lost my temper!

And I shook Yu Nai's shoulders vigorously, telling her.

At that moment, Yu Nai finally let go of me and turned her head aside with a soft hum, changing the subject.

"Hmph, I'll pretend I didn't hear that!"

"Well, thank you for understanding."

Seeing that she could understand what I said, I felt a little relieved.

Although we played together since we were young and can be considered childhood friends, I don't really remember much. But it's unexpected that Yu Nai remembers so clearly, it truly makes it difficult for me to handle.

"Returning to the main topic, didn't you say...?"

"Huh? What?"

"Oh come on, didn't you mention going to the park tomorrow night together... like a date or something?"

Her voice grew quieter and smaller, almost like the flapping of a mosquito's wings.

So her words reached my ears, but only partially.

I didn't know how to respond, so I just brushed it off.

"Uh... well... of course we'll all go together."

"What?!!"

Yu Nai twisted my flesh with such precision and efficiency that it left me in excruciating pain.

Every muscle in my face twitched.

"So, that person Yuanhui is going with us?!"

"Ow ow ow... not Yukari, it's Yuanhui... Yuanhui!"

"Huh? Yuanhui?"

She finally let go of my ear and nonchalantly crossed her arms, saying,

"It's Yuanhui, right?"

"Yeah."

"Really, really Yuanhui? That Sakai Yuanhui?"

"I told you, didn't I? Are you trying to trick me?!"

I impatiently answered each of her questions, confirming everything.

But Yu Nai's face had a subtle, bright smile as she spoke softly.

"If it's Yuanhui, then I have a plan..."

"Huh?!"

Ignoring me, she floated away by herself.

Ten years ago...

Child...

Don't touch me, the boy suppressed his tears and raised his frail arms, forcefully pushing away his father's hands that had always been warm to him, shouting loudly.

The next morning, the courtyard was covered in thick accumulated snow, and the servants of the Xinlan family began clearing it early in the morning.

At this moment, I had already prepared to leave.

Before leaving, Chairman, who was Yu Nai's father, specially came to send me off wearing a yellow-brown coat.

Faced with such sincerity, I had no choice but to be direct...

"Thank you very much for your hospitality, Chairman. I just remembered something! I made some handmade cakes before I came here. Since our first meeting was rushed last night, I left them with Yu Nai for now."

Then, I bowed respectfully to Chairman, saying,

"And now, I must take my leave!"

"Yes, when you go back, please give my regards to your father. I kind of miss him."

"Okay, I'll definitely convey your last words to him!"

Half-jokingly and half-seriously, I replied, but little did I know that Chairman immediately became furious, and even the mustache on his face began trembling.

"If you dare to do that, I guarantee you won't have a good time at school! Hey... did you hear that, you brat?!"

That's how I bid farewell to Yu Nai amidst Chairman's loud ranting and then took the first bus home in the morning.

(After I left)

Yu Nai immediately messaged the members of the Disciplinary Committee and instructed them.

"Immediately! Right away! Send the student who violated the rules a few days ago to the remedial class established at the school, and inform their parents - I'll cover the tuition fee!"

In the corner, it was still me, wearing a silver-white jacket with a duckbill cap that had been pressed down as low as possible, seemingly unaffected by household matters, state affairs, or the affairs of the world. I brought the prepared meal to Yukari, who was barely breathing, in the kitchen.

"Here, today's lunch, I made the curry that you like."

After solving Yukari's hunger problem, I carried my own plate of fried rice and sat in the living room to eat.

Nothing different from usual, Yukari held her own plate of fried rice and savored it in the kitchen.

Meanwhile, I brought my bowl of food to the living room and enjoyed my lunch while watching TV.

It was another day without seeing the sun, even the neighbor's dog next door refused to bark, as if it had no spirit at all.

However, it was precisely this kind of weather that made people feel especially melancholy, as if... as if...

"Burp, I'm so full!"

"..."

Yukari patted her slightly bulging belly and attempted to engage in small talk with common daily words.

But I pretended not to notice her, silently tidied up my dishes, and finally made Yukari's fair face visibly unhappy.

To express her displeasure, she even purposefully tutted with her mouth.

"Tsk tsk tsk, not bad, Juxi, your culinary skills have greatly improved!"

"..."

"Hey hey, don't ignore me!"

She seemed genuinely angry, but I didn't give up the intention of teasing her.

Today's lunch was curry rice that I made, along with a plate of egg fried rice, simple as that.

"The wind today is quite noisy, perfect for taking a nap!"

"... What language is this?!"

Why was Yukari so neurotic today?

One moment she was being caring, the next moment she was giving me a disdainful look, as if we had some kind of grudge.

After finishing lunch, we went back to our respective rooms. I turned on my phone as usual and sent a text message to Yuanhui.

Yuanhui, let's meet at Fu Yuan Plaza at 6:30 PM. Please reply promptly if you come or see this message!

After that, I silently counted in my heart: one, two, three, four... sixteen!

At sixteen seconds, a crisp ringtone suddenly sounded.

When I opened my phone, it was indeed a reply from Yuanhui. His efficiency was quite high...

"Although I feel sorry, please go alone. The discipline committee wants me to attend a cram school that day. That old hag actually said copying your homework was a heinous crime, and if I don't make up the classes, I won't have a winter break!"

"... That kid!"

I replied to him with a wry smile.

"Serve you right! Who told you not to pay attention in class and only copy my homework at the last minute."

That's what I said, but his situation was really worthy of sympathy.

He was both pitiful and infuriating!

"Well, I'm going to reform myself and try to clear this debt on New Year's Eve."

"No problem, didn't you finish it before the last time?"

"That was different, this time it's much worse... They're practically making me die! You know, I can't even pass two books' worth of courses, and the discipline committee head's lackeys are hounding me, I'm probably doomed!"

Although I didn't see him in person, I could already feel Yuanhui's current predicament.

Buzz buzz buzz...!!

Seriously, can't people just listen properly?

Yuanhui actually had the time to send me emails and messages, I swear I will give him a good lesson...

"Phone confiscated, whether you're his friend or family, please don't disturb him now. Thank you for your cooperation!"

"Uh!"

It looks like something unexpected happened. I quietly turned off my phone and thought about it after changing my clothes.

It seems like this time it will only be Yu Nai and me going out.

As we kept talking, it became clear that only she and I could be considered free individuals?

Yukari sister is the student council president at school, but she is a very busy person.

She must be very busy and tired every day, right?