EXT. ORPHANAGE COURTYARD – DAY
Young Aki runs through the courtyard with Ai laughing beside him. Their footsteps echo off the walls, and sunlight glints across the playground. Suddenly, a group of MEN IN SUITS appears at the gate, moving with unnerving precision.
Ai (wide-eyed, tugging at Aki's sleeve)
Bro… who are they?
Aki (frowning, eyes narrowing)
…I don't know.
One of the men steps forward, polite but firm.
Man in Suit
Hello, Ai. We're here to adopt you.
Ai's eyes sparkle with excitement, her small hands clasped together.
Ai
Really?! I finally… I can have a family!
Aki forces a small smile, hiding the sudden tightness in his chest.
Aki
…Good for you.
Ai (voice trembling)
Is… my big brother coming with me?
Man in Suit
No. We're only adopting you.
Ai's lips quiver, a soft whimper escaping. Before she can protest, the WARDEN steps in with a saccharine smile.
Warden
Ai, come on. Your new home is waiting.
Ai glances at Aki, tears forming, but the warden gently drags her away. Aki stands frozen, unable to move, powerless to stop it.
---
INT. ORPHANAGE – AI'S ROOM – NIGHT
The room is quiet. Moonlight filters through the window, casting long shadows. Ai sits on the bed, clutching a pillow. Aki leans against the wall, hands in fists, jaw tight.
Ai (voice small, trembling)
Brother… I don't want to go.
Aki
But… you're getting a new home.
Tears stream down Ai's cheeks. She launches herself at him, arms wrapping tightly around his waist.
Ai
No! I don't want a new home or a new family. You're the only family I have. I don't want more… I don't want less!
Aki swallows hard. His own eyes burn with emotion. Kneeling, he hugs her back.
Aki (whispering)
Idiot… do you think I was happy to see you leave me?
The WARDEN suddenly appears at the door, face unreadable. She forcefully drags Ai away. Aki lunges forward—but a gunshot rings out. Pain explodes in his back. Another shot follows, and then another. He collapses to the ground as Ai's cries echo, her tiny hand slipping from his grasp.
---
INT. JEEP – PRESENT
Aki jolts awake, sweat glistening on his forehead. He's still seated, heart pounding. Megumi notices his tense posture.
Megumi
Do you even remember how the fight went?
Aki (taking a deep breath)
Yeah… probably the most unique fight I've ever had.
Rewind to the previous chapter.
EXT. TRAINING FIELD – DAY
A girl charges at him with a knife, face a mix of anger and confusion.
Girl
You! You'll regret this, brother!
Aki
Huh?
Girl
What am I saying?!
She lunges anyway. Aki dodges easily, grabbing her wrist and pushing her to the ground. She gets up, eyes glossy with tears, shoving him back.
Aki
What's wrong with you?!
Girl (voice cracking)
Why… WHY DID YOU FORGET YOUR OWN SISTER?!
Aki freezes. His chest tightens. The sister he thought was lost for years is standing right in front of him.
Aki
You're joking… I… it can't be.
Ai lightly hits him, crying, before throwing herself into his arms. She buries her face in his chest, sobs wracking her small frame. Despite the tears, a tiny smile breaks through.
Megumi, Yuta, and Yuki awaken, observing the scene.
Megumi (teasing)
Aki… when did you become a playboy?
Aki (sighing)
A great man once said: girls will always suspect you.
---
INT. JEEP – PRESENT
Ai sleeps peacefully on Aki's lap. Yuta and Yuki are asleep in the back. Megumi drives, eyes flicking toward them, jealousy creeping in.
Aki
Are you seriously getting jealous over someone's sister?
Megumi flusters, trying to hide it.
Megumi
M-me, jealous? What are you saying? You must be dreaming.
Aki
It's all written on your face.
He smirks, teasing. Megumi sighs but allows a small, soft smile to form.
Megumi
But… someday, I hope we stay together. Just the two of us.
Aki
You're saying that out of nowhere. You know that?
Megumi
Yeah, yeah, Mr. Playboy.
Aki
How does having my sister on my lap make me a playboy?
Megumi
Oh look! We've reached headquarters. Let's go.
Aki (thinking)
Did she just completely ignore my question?