Author's NoteFirst of all, thank you so much for supporting my story š Every comment, you share motivates me to keep writing and bringing these characters to life. This chapter is a small but important piece in Ryu's journey, and I hope you enjoy the emotions hidden in these quiet moments.
BlurbA car ride home. A brother's warning. A girl caught between safety and something she cannot name. For Ryu, the night feels ordinaryāyet beneath it lies the fragile thread of trust, protection, and the first stirrings of something she doesn't yet understand.
The car rolled to a smooth halt outside the Joshi house. The street was silent, touched only by the hum of night insects and the occasional dog barking in the distance.
Ryu was still asleep in the back seat, her head now lightly tilted toward the window. A faint sigh left her lipsāpeaceful, unaware.
Arjun opened the door quietly but didn't step out.
Rey switched off the engine and looked at him.
Arjun's voice was quiet but firm. "If you hurt her... everāI won't stay quiet."
Rey blinked, caught off guard by the intensity.
"I won't," Rey said after a beat. "But you already know that, don't you?"
Arjun stared at him for a second longer, then nodded once, like a silent agreement had passed between them.
"I told you because she might need someone who reminds her she's safe," Arjun added.
Just then, Ryu stirred. Her lashes fluttered, and she slowly blinked awake, confused at first.
"Where... are we?" she asked sleepily.
"Home," Rey said softly.
Arjun got out first and held the door open. Ryu stepped out, still half-drowsy. "Thanks for the ride," she murmured.
As Rey began to drive off, he glanced in the mirror. Arjun placed a hand protectively on Ryu's shoulder, guiding her to the gate. The siblings... one knew the truth. The other lived in a shadow of forgotten memories.
Later that night, Ryu lay in bed staring at the ceiling, the darkness oddly comforting. Her phone buzzed beside her.
Maya calling.
She picked up instantly. "Hey..."
"You okay?" Maya asked, her voice soft.
"Yeah. Just... tired," Ryu whispered.
There was a small pause. Then Maya teased, "You fell asleep on me in the car, traitor."
"I didn't mean to," Ryu chuckled. "It just felt...safe."
"Hmm. Safe with me or Rey?" Maya asked slyly.
Ryu went silent.
Maya gasped dramatically. "OH. MY. GOD. Don't tell me you'reā"
"Shut up!" Ryu laughed. "It's not like that. He's just... different. Like he annoys me, but also... doesn't."
"Meaning you like talking to him?"
Ryu hugged her pillow. "Maybe. I mean... he listens. Even when I say the dumbest stuff, he doesn't act like I'm crazy."
Maya's voice softened. "Then maybe it's okay to let someone like that stay close."
Ryu stayed quiet, her mind drifting back to the way Rey looked at her when she woke up in the car. Gentle. Protective. A little confused... but kind.
"Yeah... maybe."