𝔇𝔦𝔞𝔪𝔬𝔫𝔡𝔰

𝔐𝔦𝔰𝔱𝔞𝔨𝔢

While most slept peacefully through the night, Sora couldn't quiet her mind.

Guilt gnawed at her, the pain of hurting Mina growing unbearable.

She couldn't quite understand why her bond with Mina had grown so strong in just a few short days, but the thought of Mina eventually forgetting her felt even worse. For four days, Sora and Mina had been inseparable, ever since they'd started sharing the room. Mina had become the sister Sora never had— which made the truth cut even deeper.

Before the first light of dawn, Sora rushed into the living room and shook Kai awake.

"Kai, wake up. I need to talk," she whispered urgently.

Kai stirred, confused as to why he had ended up on the floor, instead of spending the night with Sora like usual.

"What is it? What's wrong?" he asked, still half-asleep.

Sora let out a deep sigh before resting her head on his lap, her voice heavy with emotion.

"I feel so guilty, Kai. I can't sleep at night. I hate that Mina and I became so close—it just makes everything harder."

Kai listened patiently, his hand gently brushing through her hair. In truth, he was glad Sora had found a friend in Mina.

Sora had always struggled to connect with others, and seeing her happy made him happy too.

"I know you feel conflicted," he said softly. "But we can't control everything.

We love each other, and we're finally together again and that's what matters.
Mina will find her own way.

She's a great person, but you've always been my focus, Sora.

You always will be."

A tear slid down Sora's cheek as she absorbed his words.

Her heart was torn between guilt and love.

But the love she felt for Kai was undeniable.

He and Kenji were her anchors, the only ones she could truly rely on.

Not even her father compared.

Mina was wonderful, but if it came down to a choice, Sora knew she would hurt Mina before losing Kai.

It felt selfish, but after all the pain she had been through, she deserved this.

"If you had to choose between us, who would it be?" Sora asked, her voice breaking. "If you choose me, people will hate you for cheating on Mina. But if you choose Mina, you'll lose me. I don't want to ruin everything you've worked for, Kai. You've built a life for yourself as Kai Aikura. I don't want to ruin that... so just tell me, honestly—me or her?"

Kai didn't hesitate. "You. A thousand times, you. I don't even know why you're asking. We called each other every night for seven years. I know everything about you—what you love, what you hate, what makes you happy or sad. I don't even know Mina's favorite color! It's always been you, Sora. It always will be."

Tears began to flow freely as Sora threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. It had always been the two of them against the world, and that wasn't going to change.

"I know you told me Mina was just a distraction," Sora said quietly, "but don't you feel even a little guilty?"

Kai sighed deeply, holding her tighter before replying.

"Of course I feel guilty," Kai admitted, his voice low. "But for some reason, it's not as bad as it should be. I don't feel guilty about cheating on her, and I can't explain why. I feel guilt for shooting her, yes, but beyond that... it's like I care, but I'm not afraid of losing her. I don't want to hurt Mina, but if I did, I wouldn't care. She just feels so... unwanted. I'd never say that to her, but that's how I feel."