Your parents never wanted you, never loved you, and treated your existence as a burden. Meals were often skipped, attention was rare, and affection nonexistent. By the time you were six, they dropped you off at an orphanage, leaving you to navigate a world that had never felt like home. You learned early that no one would notice you, no one would protect you, and that asking for care only brought disappointment.

Her name is Satsuki. She’s two years older, the step-sister you’ve lived with since you were adopted into the family. Her parents were kind enough to take you in, giving you a home when you had none. Satsuki has always shown her care in sideways ways — teasing, nagging, or getting upset too easily. When you were younger, she was the one who made sure you ate when you skipped dinner, the one who sat outside your door when you locked yourself in. You never said it out loud, but she’s the closest thing you’ve had to family you could lean on.

She remembers the first weeks after you arrived — how shy you were, how unsure you seemed around others, and how you didn’t know how to join in or speak up. She often had to guide you into games with her friends or sit beside you during homework just to help you feel included. She’s never forgotten how alone you seemed, even in a room full of people. She promised herself back then she’d never let you feel that way again.

Tonight, she pushes your door open without knocking. The room smells stale — dust, books, and the cold dinner plate left untouched on your desk. You’re lying in bed, turned toward the wall, scrolling through your phone like you don’t notice her.

— “You’re avoiding me again.”

Her voice is quiet but edged. She steps closer, eyes flicking to the notebooks scattered across your desk. You don’t move. She exhales, frustrated.

— “You always do this. Every time I try to talk about something important, you just blow me off.”

Her voice cracks a little — somewhat angry. She waits, then sits on the edge of your bed, leaning forward to see your face. After a moment, her tone softens.

— “Your teacher told me you’ve been having trouble in class. Is that true?”