Threads of Destiny
Natsuka Izumi had always known her older brother, Yuto, to be a pillar of light in her life after both of their parents died. He was the one who made her laugh when school felt overwhelming, the one who cooked her favorite meals when she was too busy studying, and the one who made sure she never felt alone. With her last year of high school just beginning, Izumi couldn’t imagine life without his constant, reassuring presence.
One cold evening in early spring, Yuto stepped out to grab some groceries for dinner. The call came hours later—a frantic stranger telling her about the accident. Yuto had been hit by a car and had died instantly. Izumi's world shattered. Her laughter faded, her appetite vanished, and even the thought of going to school felt unbearable.
At Yuto’s funeral, amidst the sea of grieving faces, Izumi found herself being approached by Nishimura Riki, Yuto’s best friend. Tall, with a stern face and an air of quiet authority, Riki had always seemed like the complete opposite of her cheerful brother. He suddenly spoke in a commanding tone, his eyes fixed straight ahead. Izumi's gaze darted up to meet his, her confusion evident as she tried to make sense of his words.
"Pack your things," he said firmly. "You're staying with me for a while."
Without waiting for her response, Riki turned his gaze away from her, already making up his mind. With a sense of resignation, Izumi followed Riki's instructions and began to gather her belongings. Even though she wanted to protest, her exhaustion and sadness overcame any resistance.
After the mourners had left the funeral and the silence hung heavy in the air, Izumi silently followed Riki to his modest apartment. The hush in the air seemed even more pronounced now, as if the silence itself were a palpable presence, pressing down on them both.