Adi and Dakeshi stood outside the wedding hall, scanning the area for Tsukiyo.

  Adi: Where is she? I can’t see her yet… maybe she’s parking her vehicle.

  Dakeshi: Then let’s go to the parking lot.

  Adi: No, we’re not going anywhere. She’ll come here eventually, so wait here.

  Adi’s thoughts: This guy… he’s just a psycho when it comes to Tsukiyo sis.

  Dakeshi: Hey Adi—she’s coming! Ahh… I can’t wait any longer!

  He said, patting Adi’s shoulder eagerly.

  Adi: Here she comes.

  Dakeshi turned to look.

  And there she was—Tsukiyo.

  Her silver hair flowed in a hime cut with a tied-back ponytail. Her bangs slightly covered her sharp, observant eyes. She wore a fitted black top that ended just above the chest, layered with an open jacket—no zippers, no buttons. High-waisted black tactical pants and ankle boots completed the look. She looked bold. Confident. Unshakable.

  She walked straight toward them.

  Adi raised his hand in a small wave.

  She came closer.

  Adi: Tsukiyo sis…

  His eyes scanned her outfit, head to toe.

  Adi: …You really came, huh?

  Tsukiyo: Adi… how are you doing?

  Adi: Yeah, I’m good. Everyone at home’s good too.

  Tsukiyo: Good. Let’s go inside.

  Adi: Yeah, I came to pick you up.

  Dakeshi: T-T-T-Tsukiyo—

  Tsukiyo: How’s your work going?

  Adi: You know my boss…

  While talking to Adi, Tsukiyo walked right past Dakeshi without sparing him a glance.

  She didn’t even slow down.

  Dakeshi stood frozen, staring at her back.

  Dakeshi’s thoughts: Ignored me… I thought she forgot that… but she didn’t. Ahh—my heart’s beating like hell. I shouldn’t stay too close to her…

  Tsukiyo and Adi entered the hall and walked over to where Mother, Anya, Karin, and Shin were waiting.

  Mother: Tsukiyo… how are you?

  She didn’t wait for a reply and hugged her tight.

  Tsukiyo: I’m all right.

  Mother placed both hands on Tsukiyo’s shoulders, eyes gleaming.

  Mother: Ahh… finally seeing you with my own eyes. Just as beautiful as ever, my daughter.

  Tsukiyo gave a soft nod.

  Anya walked up beside her.

  Anya: T-Tsukiyo sis… welcome.

  Tsukiyo: Yeah.

  She gently patted Anya’s head.

  Tsukiyo: You’ve grown a bit, huh?

  Anya: You say that every time…

  Tsukiyo: This time, it’s true.

  Anya: Really? Yay! Sis, please stay for some time!

  Tsukiyo: Don’t worry. I’m staying for tonight.

  Anya: Only a night? That’s not good of you…

  Adi: Anya, at least she’s staying for a night. Isn’t that good? Be happy.

  Anya: Hmph… okay…

  Tsukiyo: By the way… where’s the girl?

  Mother: Sophia? But why?

  Tsukiyo: Just tell me. I want to meet her—alone.

  Adi: Tsukiyo sis—

  Tsukiyo glanced at him over her shoulder.

  Tsukiyo: Don’t worry, Adi. I’m just meeting her.

  Adi: Should I come with you?

  Tsukiyo: Stay here.

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  Adi: …All right.

  Mother: Go straight, then take the first right. First room—that’s where she’s getting ready.

  Tsukiyo nodded once and walked off in that direction.

  Mother turned to Adi, a hint of concern in her eyes.

  Mother: Adi… will everything be alright?

  Adi: Don’t worry. It’s all right.

  Karin and Shin had remained silent the entire time.

  Karin’s thoughts: S-So she’s Adi’s elder sister…

  Sophia sat on a chair in front of the mirror.

  Sophia (thoughts): I'm almost ready…

  She glanced at the clock.

  Sophia (thoughts): Still some time left before—

  Knock knock.

  Sophia (thoughts): Hmm? I think it’s Anya again.

  Sophia: Come in.

  The door opened, and it was Tsukiyo who entered.

  Sophia: And you don’t have to knock—we’re sisters, aren’t we?

  A hand gently rested on her shoulder.

  Sophia: What happened?

  As she spoke, she looked into the mirror—

  —and realized it wasn’t Anya.

  She stood up instantly, alarmed.

  Sophia: W-Who are you?! And why did you enter my room?!

  Tsukiyo: You yourself said to come in, didn’t you?

  Sophia: I-I did but—

  She paused as her eyes scanned the stranger.

  Sophia (thoughts): I don’t know why but… she’s so beautiful. Her vibe, her charm, her charisma… everything… she’s a total beauty…

  Tsukiyo: What happened?

  She waved a hand in front of Sophia’s eyes.

  Sophia: N-No, nothing! I was saying—who are you?

  Tsukiyo: Ah… you don’t know. But first, I have to tell you something.

  And that is… back off from this marriage.

  Sophia: Huh?! Why would I back off?! And first, tell me who the hell you are!

  Tsukiyo: What’s your motive for this marriage?

  Sophia: I’m asking you a question, and instead of answering, you’re questioning me?

  Tsukiyo: I’m telling you—back off.

  Sophia: What’s wrong with you?! You come in here all of a sudden and start saying such things—are you out of your mind?!

  Tsukiyo: You won’t?

  Sophia: Why would I?

  Tsukiyo: Do you love your soon-to-be husband?

  Sophia: Y-N- Ah, uh, t-that… I can’t tell you!

  Tsukiyo: So I don’t have a choice, huh?

  Sophia: Wh-What are you talking about?

  Tsukiyo pulled out her phone from her jacket pocket and showed a photo to Sophia.

  Sophia’s eyes widened.

  It was Anya—her hands and legs tied, tape over her mouth.

  Sophia: I-It’s Anya… what did you—

  Tsukiyo: You want her to live?

  Sophia: W-What do you mean?! Of course I want her to live!

  Tsukiyo: Then back off from this marriage.

  Tell your soon-to-be husband that you hate him.

  Do that, and I’ll release her.

  But from that point on—you can’t contact him or his family ever again.

  Tsukiyo: So… decide.

  Sophia: W-Why are you doing this?

  Just… who are you?

  Sophia (thoughts): I have to tell Adi that I hate him?

  But… if Anya will be safe like this…

  then… it’s all right, I think.

  Tsukiyo: Okay, tell me.

  Sophia: I… I’ll tell him.

  But promise me—you’ll release her safely.

  Tsukiyo: Yeah. I will.

  Sophia began walking toward the door.

  Tsukiyo: Wait.

  Sophia turned back.

  Sophia: W-What happened now?

  Tsukiyo: I’m Adi’s elder sister.

  And it was all a lie.

  Sophia: L-Lie? U-Uh… I can’t process this at all…

  Tsukiyo walked to the door and opened it.

  Sophia: Wait—you really are Adi’s elder sister?!

  What about that photo?! Why did you do all this?!

  Tsukiyo looked back at her from the doorway.

  Tsukiyo: That photo… was from a college skit Anya participated in.

  And why I did this?

  To… forget it.

  Sophia didn’t blink, still staring as she left.

  Sophia (thoughts): I don’t know why she did this… but she’s not a bad person.

  Instead… she’s a beautiful human being.

  It’s like… she’s standing on the mountain top, and I’m on the ground looking up at her…

  Tsukiyo closed the door behind her, eyes straight ahead.

  Tsukiyo: I think I told you to stay there.

  On her right side, behind a pillar—Adi was standing silently.

  Tsukiyo: …Adi.

  Adi stepped forward from the shadows.

  Adi: You knew I was there without even looking?

  Tsukiyo: And you were eavesdropping on top of that…

  You think I wouldn’t notice?

  Adi: I’m sorry, sis…

  But you really…

  You’re on another level.