White gently placed the tray on Miss Elsa's bedside table. She was sitting up in bed, her delicate frame outlined by the soft morning light filtering through the curtains.
"Here, sis, your morning breakfast. You're going to love it," he said softly.
"Ah… Thank you, White," Elsa replied, her voice calm but carrying a faint warmth that made his chest ache.
"Don't mention it. And remember, you can call me anytime if you need anything." He managed a small smile before turning to leave her apartment room.
It had been three days since Elsa had awakened from her coma—a miracle by every medical standard. The doctors had given her chances close to zero, yet here she was. Alive. Fighting.
But the memory that had led her to jump remained an empty void, a blank space where fragments of their history should have been.
The cruel price of White's desperate wish was clear: Elsa survived, but she did not remember him. Not one word.
She recognized Zen, yes, but his name was a stranger to her lips.
White felt the weight of that silence every time they tried, gently, to poke at her lost memories. Elsa apologized endlessly for forgetting—as if forgetting him was a crime she could admit to.
Eventually, they let it drop. A broken peace settled over them. Better she was here, even if she had forgotten the brother who had lived for her alone.
Zen and Shu were pillars at Elsa's bedside, visiting often, their concern never fading.
Elsa's wounds were healing nicely, but the gap in her memory… it ached all the more.
And Bell—ever radiant—brought light to the dark. Her laughter, her innocent chatter, spread like sunshine in every room. She was the reason Elsa lived. The gift from Aisha that kept hope alive.
White was endlessly grateful for both of them, even as his heart remained heavy.
As he left for his room, a soft sound from the stairwell stopped him suddenly.
"Waaaaaittttt!"
He swung the door wide, and there she was—the girl with flowing black hair and piercing blue eyes, dressed in her school uniform, clutching a large bag against her chest.
"Phew, made it just in time," she said with a relieved grin.
"Aris?" White asked, surprise threading his voice.
"The one and only," she declared, eyes sparkling with mischief. "I came straight from home to deliver this to Elsa. She needs fresh fruits and vegetables, so I brought her these."
She handed him the bag filled with colourful produce, vibrant and fragrant.
"You know, it's not fair that you and Zen wouldn't let me see big sis," she pouted, crossing her arms.
White chuckled. "Miss Elsa needs her rest. If you saw her now…"
Aris's eyes widened with mock horror. "Are you saying I'd trouble her?"
"No, no, you can see her later. She's having breakfast."
"Fine!" Aris grinned. "White, you're heading to school, right? I'll wait—go get ready quickly."
"I will," he said, smiling. "Don't just stand there; come wait in the living room. I'll be ready soon."
Her eyes twinkled mischievously. "Oh? Inviting a girl into your room? Do you like me that much?" she teased, giggling.
White rolled his eyes, feigning annoyance. "I'm closing the door now."
"Wait, wait, wait! Don't close it—I'm coming in!"
He sighed, opening the door wider to allow her entry.
Bell sat on the floor, completely absorbed in a children's television show.
"You still watch this, White? Grow up. You're a high school student now," Aris chided him with a playful smirk.
Bell looked between them curiously, then back at White, silently asking for an explanation.
"Ah, well… Yes, I enjoy this show. Can you keep it a secret?" he asked hopefully.
Aris considered for a moment, then White struck a bargain. "I'll treat you to ice cream. Deal?"
She grinned. "I'd prefer the new café near school."
White sighed but nodded. "Alright, it's a deal."
He whispered to Bell, pretending to turn off the television. "Bell, head to the bedroom; I'll be there soon."
Bell nodded eagerly and scampered off.
"Aris, make yourself at home. If you need anything, feel free to use the fridge. I'll be back shortly."
She smiled and settled into the living room as White made his way to his room.
Bell sat on his bed, her wide, innocent eyes filled with unspoken questions.
"Papa, who is she? A friend?" she asked softly.
"Yes," White replied gently. "Her name is Aris. She's the younger sister of the guy with the yellow hair who came to see Elsa. She's also a junior at our school."
Bell's face brightened with understanding.
"Now, the real question," White said, looking down at her with affection, "what am I going to do with you?"
Bell tilted her head thoughtfully.
"It's not wise to leave you alone, especially since Aisha hasn't been around much. How about you come to school with me?"
Bell's excitement was infectious. "Yay! School with Papa!"
Together, White packed his things, and the three of them set off for school. Their walk was filled with laughter and chatter, though Aris had to dash back home halfway to retrieve a forgotten item.
Approaching the school gates, White noticed a girl standing nearby, greeting people with a sly smile. He thought he had seen her before but couldn't recall where. Still, he was relieved that no one else could see Bell—it made bringing her to school easier.
He glanced toward Bell, who looked back at him with excitement clearly shining on her face.
As he passed the entrance, the girl suddenly called out.
"Whi…te? Right?"
He turned, his eyes meeting hers.
"Did you want something?" he asked, feeling chills run down his spine.
'Why does she give me the same feeling as Aisha? It's heavy… so heavy that my hands shake.'
"You know, bringing a child to school isn't exactly allowed by the school rules," she said, flashing a mysterious smile. Her short white hair and deep brown eyes made her presence unforgettable.
White froze in place, a jolt of shock running through him.
"I don't know what you're talking about," he replied hesitantly.
'Can she see Bell? But how? That doesn't make sense. Up until now, no one but me has been able to see her. Then how…?'
The girl brought a hand to her mouth and giggled sharply.
"Well, well… it feels like I've caught a rat who was trying to steal the cheese."
Her eyes flicked behind him. "The girl with white hair and crimson eyes."
White's breath caught. "How? can you see Bell?" he stammered, voice trembling with disbelief and curiosity.
She nodded, dark brown eyes gleaming with secret understanding. "Yes, I can. Surprised?"
Her knowing smile suggested far more beneath the surface, and White realized instantly their meeting was no coincidence.
"Who are you?" he asked, heart pounding.
She stepped closer, her presence both commanding and enigmatic. "Let's just say I have a special gift: the ability to see what others cannot. And this girl… Bell is no exception."
A shiver ran down White's spine.
This girl was a mystery… and now he was drawn into her world.