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The car moved through the quiet streets, streetlights spilling soft gold onto the glass. Ryu had fallen asleep, her head gently resting on Maya's shoulder. Maya didn't move much—protective, almost like a sister. Arjun sat silently beside Rey, watching his sister with unreadable eyes.
Rey was unusually quiet.
When they stopped outside Maya's house, she carefully shifted Ryu without waking her.
"Goodnight, and take care of her," Maya said, giving a long glance at both boys before closing the door.
The silence inside the car grew louder.
Then, softly, Arjun spoke.
"She's my sister."
Rey frowned. "What?"
"Ryu. She's... my younger sister. We were separated when we were kids."
Rey hit the brakes slightly too hard. "You're serious?"
"Yeah. I've been looking for her for years. She doesn't remember... but I do."
"Why doesn't she remember?" Rey asked, genuinely shaken. "She's not the type to forget people."
Arjun exhaled, eyes fixed ahead. "Because... she went through trauma. After we got separated, Ryu was taken in by another branch of the family. But something happened there. I don't know the full details, but... she used to get panic attacks when anyone even mentioned her past."
Rey felt his chest tighten.
Arjun continued, voice laced with pain, "The adults around her tried to protect her by not talking about what happened. Over time, she just... blocked it all out. It was the only way she could cope. That's why she doesn't remember me."
Rey looked at her again. She looked so calm in her sleep—but now, he knew. That calm was hard-earned.
"Why did you tell me this?" Rey asked, eyes still on the road. "We're not exactly best friends."
Arjun gave a sad smile. "Because you're closer to her than anyone right now. And maybe... I trust you more than I admit."
Rey said nothing for a while. His gaze flickered between the road and the rearview mirror where Ryu's peaceful face reflected dimly.
"She deserves to know," Rey whispered.
"She will," Arjun said. "When she's ready.
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