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Chapter 16 - chapter 16

Yuri's voice was soft, a steady anchor in the storm's chaos.

"Shhhh… Y/N, I'm here. It's me. I've got you."

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and gently stroked her hair, each fingertip a silent promise of safety. The light from his phone flickered against the walls, but in his embrace she felt a warmth stronger than any bulb.

He murmured her name again, low and soothing, until her sobs slowed and her breathing steadied. Carefully, he tilted her chin so she could meet his eyes.

"Look at me," he whispered. "You're safe. I won't let anything happen to you."

Her eyes blinked open, still glassy with tears, but recognition and relief softened them. Yuri kept his hand in her hair, brushing back damp strands and holding her close.

Outside, thunder rumbled, but inside that small circle of light and arms, the storm felt far away. Slowly, Y/N leaned into him, letting his calm strength wash over her until, at last, the tremor in her voice stilled.

Yuri stayed beside her, stroking her hair, until the thunder faded into distant echoes—and the only heartbeat she heard was his, steady and sure.

She clung to him, pressing herself against his chest until there was almost no space between them. Her sobs softened to quiet hiccups. Yuri stroked her hair and urged gently, "Y/N, lie down. I'll stay right here—I'm not going anywhere."

She pressed against him, small and vulnerable. "No… you'll leave me once I fall asleep," she whispered, her words trembling like a child's plea.

He couldn't help the smile that tugged at his lips. The way she clung to him—so trusting—was almost too much. He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"Never," he promised, voice low and steady. "I'll be right here."

Slowly, she let her body relax, curling up so her head rested against his chest. Yuri shifted slightly, making space on the bed, and lay back, wrapping his arms fully around her.

Time skips to morning.

She awakens as golden sunlight peeks through the curtains. Yuri's arms are still wrapped tightly around her. Carefully, she slides her hand free—fingers grazing his—determined not to wake him from his peaceful sleep.

His features were serene in slumber—eyelashes resting softly against his cheeks, the gentle curve of his nose, and lips slightly parted. She found herself captivated by the quiet strength he exuded even in rest.

As she admired him, Yuri let out a soft groan and instinctively pulled her closer. Now her face is on Yuri's chest.. Her heart skipped a beat, the sudden proximity sending a rush of warmth through her. She remained still, savoring the moment, his heartbeat echoing in her ears.

She stayed there for a moment, listening to his heartbeat

Curious, she slowly tilted her head to look up at him.

And just like that—

Her lips brushed against his.

It was brief, unintentional… but enough to make her freeze in place, wide-eyed.

Her heart thudded like a drum.

Yuri stirred at the contact, his eyes fluttering open, catching the surprise in hers.

Silence.

Just the sound of their breath mingling in the space between them.

Then—

He blinked, lips curving into a soft, sleepy smirk.

"Morning," he murmured, voice low.

Y/N, cheeks burning, quickly looked away.

"…Accident," she muttered under her breath.

Yuri chuckled lightly, arms still snug around her.

"Sure, miss. Let's call it that."

She tried to sit up quickly, but Yuri's arm tightened around her waist like a weight she couldn't escape.

"Miss… where are you going after taking advantage of me?" he murmured, eyes still closed, a teasing smirk playing on his lips.

"I—I didn't take advantage of you!" she stammered, flustered. "I just… I was trying to wake up!"

Yuri let out a low chuckle. "Five more minutes, miss… I didn't sleep well last night. Someone kept crying and clinging to me, remember?"

Her cheeks flushed red. "That's because of the thunder—!"

He slowly opened one eye, his gaze lazy but soft. "Exactly. So stay here. You owe me sleep."

And with that, he buried his face into the crook of her neck, holding her just a little closer.

She didn't say a word. No protest, no witty comeback—just silence.

Her body relaxed against his, the warmth of his breath tickling her neck, and her fingers slowly curled into the fabric of his shirt.

Yuri smirked again, eyes still closed. "Thought so," he murmured.

The morning light continued to spill into the room, quiet and golden, as they stayed tangled in each other's presence—unspoken feelings floating between heartbeats.

Time skips to Hanamitchi Resident

Lunch time 

They walk together inside the house .. she wores Yuri's hoodie and her skirt form last night she washed.. 

Then a familiar voice speaks..

" you guys came back " Mr. Hanamitchi 

Yuri casually answered "umm .. when did you come home ? "

"Yesterday, so where were you last night?

" we have a group assignment " yuri lied

Mr. Hanamitchi raised a brow, glancing between the two of them. His eyes lingered on Y/N's oversized hoodie before he looked at Yuri again.

"Group assignment, huh?" he said, voice calm but with a hint of suspicion.

Yuri kept his cool, flashing a casual smile. "Yeah. Took longer than expected, so we stayed over."

Y/N gave a small, polite nod. "Sorry we didn't inform you earlier, Uncle Haru."

Mr. Hanamitchi didn't say anything for a second. Then, with a deep sigh, he folded his arms.

"Next time, at least have the decency to send a message," he said, turning away. "Lunch is ready."

Yuri looked over at Y/N and whispered, "That was close."

She let out a soft breath and whispered back, "Too close."

They followed him inside, pretending like nothing ever happened.

After lunch, Mr. Hanamitchi stood up from the table, his gaze shifting briefly toward Yuri.

"Yuri, come to my study room," he said with a firm but calm tone, then turned and walked away without another word.

Yuri gave a subtle sigh, pushed back his chair, and stood up casually. Before following his father, he leaned slightly toward Y/N and murmured, "Don't overthink it, he just wants to talk."

Y/N nodded slowly, but her eyes followed him as he disappeared down the hallway. Curiosity crept into her expression—what could he want to talk about? Was it about last night? About her?

Haru's Study Room

Yuri stepped into the warm, wood-scented study and closed the door behind him. Books lined the shelves, sunlight cut across the dark rug, and his father, Mr. Haru Hanamitchi, stood with arms crossed near the window.

Yuri: "Dad, I'm here."

Mr. Hanamitchi turned, his eyes sharp.

Haru: "The maid said you were stabbed by some people… Who are they?"

Yuri shrugged slightly, playing it cool.

Yuri: "You don't know them. It's nothing serious."

Mr. Hanamitchi's expression darkened.

Haru: "YURI!!" His voice boomed. "Look at me. Don't lie to me."

Yuri clenched his jaw and slowly lifted his gaze.

Yuri: "…They're from another university. They tried to hurt my friend, so I stepped in."

Mr. Hanamitchi narrowed his eyes, his voice dropping in intensity but thick with meaning.

Haru: "I thought… they were after Y/N."

Yuri's eyes flickered. Silence hung in the air for a moment too long.

Yuri took a step closer, his voice laced with both frustration and confusion.

Yuri: "Dad… what's the real problem? Why do you have to take care of Y/N? Can you please explain it to me?"

Mr. Hanamitchi took a deep breath, his gaze heavy.

Haru: "Because… she's your little sister. So protect her."

The words hit Yuri like a brick wall.

Yuri: "What…?" he whispered, taking a step back. "What sister? I don't—I don't have a little sister. Nor a big sister."

His voice cracked slightly, disbelief clouding his expression.

He looked away, jaw tightening, hands clenched into fists at his sides.

The room grew silent.

Yuri's world—shifting beneath his feet. 

Haru- Yuri .. she will be your little sister form now on.. thats all i need to say for now 

Yuri stormed down the hallway, his footsteps heavy and fast. His heart thundered in his chest, his breath uneven, and his hands clenched tightly at his sides. His eyes burned—not from tears, but from the unbearable mix of confusion and frustration boiling inside him.

"Yuri!" Y/N called, catching sight of him. "What did he say?"

But he didn't stop. Didn't even glance her way.

He marched past her, the tension radiating off him like heat. A second later—BANG!—his bedroom door slammed shut, echoing down the corridor.

Y/N stood frozen in place, startled. Her heart sank. Something was wrong. Something more than she could guess. And it had shaken Yuri to his core.

Y/N quietly closed the door behind her, the soft click echoing louder than it should have. She leaned against it for a moment, letting the weight of Yuri's sudden coldness settle into her chest.

Walking slowly to the bed, she dropped onto the mattress and curled into the blankets, her mind spinning.

"What did Uncle Haru tell him?"

"Why was he so angry?"

"He didn't even look at me… didn't say a word…"

She stared up at the ceiling, a knot forming in her stomach. A storm of thoughts clashed inside her head, mixing confusion with a sting of hurt.

"Did I do something wrong?"

But no matter how much she thought about it, there were no answers—only silence and the sound of her heart beating a little too fast.

YURI POV:

"What the fuck is going on with my dad…" Yuri muttered under his breath, pacing back and forth before finally slumping to the floor. His back hit the wall as he slowly slid down, his knees bent, and his face buried in his hands.

"How am I supposed to accept her as a sister…?"

His heart ached — painfully, uncontrollably.

"Now? Now, when I've already started to feel something for her?"

Memories began flashing in his mind —

Her voice calling his name in worry,

The way she fussed over him when he was hurt,

How she stayed by his side, brought him his meds, made sure he was okay…

No one else ever did that.

No one ever cared… but she did.

No one ever stayed… but she did.

And now, what?

"Why all of a sudden…?"

His chest tightened.

He clenched his jaw and whispered, "Why her?"

The only person who made him feel alive again — was the one person he's now not supposed to want.

Yuri leaned his head back against the wall and exhaled sharply, his fingers sliding down his face. The walls of his room felt like they were closing in, but it was the storm inside him that was truly suffocating.

This is fucking crazy…

HARU POV:

The phone rang — Unknown Caller ID.

Haru eyed it for a moment, his fingers tightening before answering.

"Hello?"

A smooth, teasing voice slipped through the line like poison-coated honey.

"Hello, Haru… long time no see."

Haru's eyes narrowed instantly.

"Oh… it's you," he said coldly.

"I thought you were already dead after betraying me."

The other end chuckled — amused, unbothered.

"Betraying? No, no… that's not the right word, Haru."

A pause.

"I'd say… it was just business. You know how it goes."

Haru's grip around the phone tightened.

"Cut the crap. What do you want?"

The voice dropped into a darker tone.

"Just checking in on the little girl. You're hiding her well… but not well enough."

A storm of rage flickered in Haru's eyes.

"Don't you dare go near her."

Another chuckle.

"Relax, Haru. Just reminiscing. After all, she carries your burden, doesn't she?"

The line went dead.

Haru stood frozen, eyes cold, the past clawing its way back into the present.

"They're coming…" he whispered to himself.

"I need to prepare Yuri." 

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