The Yanderes Next Door

Chapter 1: Is there hope?

Sashi's POV

I let out a groan as I tossed and turned under my covers for what felt like the hundredth time, wondering why I was finding it so hard to go back to sleep. If it weren't for the clock against the wall of my bedroom, I would have thought that I had woken up at a reasonable time, considering that there were already birds chirping outside my window. But there was no denying the fact that it was only four in the morning, and I had no idea how I managed to wake up at such an early time. One thing was for certain, though. Going back to sleep seemed to be nearly impossible.

I sighed as I turned one final time to grab the water bottle from my nightstand, drinking a few drops while my eyes adjusted to the dark. I could just lie here for another two hours, reading my book or listening to music, but on the other hand, if I got started with breakfast now, there would be no rush to finish our food. It's been a while since Ayano and I had some sisterly bonding time.

I got up from my bed and quietly made my way out of my bedroom, careful not to make too much noise to prevent waking anyone who wasn't up yet. I did notice that the door to my parents' room was open by a crack, though, and there was the faintest beam of light shining onto the floor. I was going to pass by without getting distracted, but just as I was about to descend the stairs, I caught a bit of their conversation. They were discussing my sister and me. Being too curious to continue, I hurried back to the door, peeking my head in so I could see them as they spoke. They were too engrossed in conversation to notice that I was there.

'Shouldn't we bring them along with us?' my father asked, placing a few of his button-down shirts into his suitcase. My mother just shook her head as she packed a few things into her suitcase as well, but she was much further along than my father was.

'No, honey. This is a trip for just the two of us, and goodness knows that we need some alone time together,' she said. 'Not to mention that you need a break from working so hard. You've been so stressed lately that even I don't know how to help you relax. The only solution is to go on a holiday, where no one from work will be able to reach you.'

'Ryoba, it's not the work that's been stressing me out, and you know it. Not only am I worried about Ayano, but this is the first time that we're leaving them alone for more than a few hours. What if something happens while we're gone?'

'Oh, I don't think you need to be worried about that,' Mom said with a smirk, zipping her suitcase shut. 'Something tells me that Ayano won't let any threat get close to her or her sister. As for you being worried about her... Stop it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with our eldest daughter.'

'Ryoba, she doesn't behave like a normal seventeen-year-old. Sure, she acts normal around us and other people, but I'm not convinced that the problem went away that quickly,' Dad said as he grabbed my mother's wrist, just as she was about to zip his suitcase shut as well. 'You can't keep ignoring it. Shouldn't we at least think about sending her to therapy or counselling?'

Mom just slowly lifted her head so her eyes could meet my father's, and even though she was wearing a sickeningly sweet smile, her intimidating gaze could not go unnoticed. My father swallowed as he slowly let go of her wrist, allowing her to finally zip his suitcase shut.

'I know that you're worried about her, but I can assure you that there's nothing wrong with the way Ayano's been acting. Now, let's just finish packing our things and focus on taking this trip together, okay, dear?' she said, and my father quickly nodded his head. 'I'll make you a deal. If you're still worried about her by the time we get back, we can consider getting outside help. Get your things.'

'Yes, dear,' my father said as he rushed to get his backpack, frantically searching for things he would take with him on the flight. I've always gotten the feeling that Dad's afraid of our mother, but honestly, I would be too if I were him.