SHARPER || Chishiya Alice in Boarderland

-19- Labyrinth

I wait until Chishiya has fallen asleep again. His breaths are steady and calm, and it reassures me even as guilt gnaws at my conscience. Watching him sleep brings a weird calm to my core. I kiss him on the forehead softly and slowly, I slip out of his embrace, trying not to disturb him.

I toe into the bathroom, tying my hair into a ponytail with a quiet determination. The reflection in the mirror shows a face set with resolve, even though my heart feels heavy. I find a pair of running shoes that fit me perfectly, as if they were waiting for this moment, and grab two knives and stuff them into my back pockets.

Moving into the kitchen, I fill a bottle with water, my hands trembling slightly as I think about what I'm about to do. But when I turn around, I startle, almost dropping the bottle. Key stands there, his arms crossed and an expression of disappointment mixed with understanding on his face.

"You know he won't forgive you if you leave." Key says quietly, "Especially if you die."

I look at him and lift my chin, "I won't forgive myself if anyone, especially him, dies because I didn't do enough."

"Enough?" He sighs, "Boarderland isn't just your burden to carry Yuki."

"For me it is."

Key sighs again, running a hand through his short hair. "I can't possibly understand what's going on inside your mind, but—"

"Exactly," I cut him off sharply. The silence that follows is thick with unspoken emotions. I lost both my siblings.

That's enough.

Key takes a few seconds, then nods slowly. "Okay, I'm coming with you."

I shake my head vehemently. "No, Key. I'm going alone."

"Not happening."

"Please." I beg, "I'm scared something will happen to you."

He lets out a long sigh. "Yuki, you always look out for everyone else. It's time someone looks out for you."

Inside, I feel a pang of emotion, touched by his loyalty. But then the fear of losing someone else consumes me. "That's exactly what my brother did. Then he died. The same with Mariko."

Key's eyes soften, and he steps closer, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "I'm not them, Yuki. And I'm not going to let you do this alone. I'm in this with you, whether you like it or not."

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "I can't lose anyone else, Key. I can't."

"And you won't." he responds firmly. "We'll win this game just like the others we've played in."

I swallow hard, my resolve wavering. "You don't understand—"

"I'd like to think I understand enough," Key interrupts, his tone gentle but unwavering. "I understand that you're hurting, and that you're scared. But running off on your own won't bring them back, and it won't protect Chishiya either. It's time to let someone help you, if you can't leave it alone."

"Key—"

"—I owe it to Takeru." He insist, "Please."

His words strike a chord deep within me, resonating with the truth I've been trying to ignore. The fear, the guilt, the relentless drive to keep moving forward—it's all too much to bear alone.

And I realize it's not just me. Key also has to do this. He needs to help me, like Keru. For Keru.

"Okay," I whisper, my voice barely audible. "Okay."

Key pulls me into a tight hug, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I let myself lean into the support of a friend. "We'll win this Yuki, and we'll find the others. I promise."