Don't Save Me

Chapter 6

She needed to talk to Takemichi.

This whole alternative life story was absurd, but the idea had finally taken root in her mind. Inexplicably, she had come to believe in it.

It was unrealistic.

But if she had any chance of saving her friends' future, she wouldn't pass it up. Even if people thought she was crazy, Toman was her family, and she had decided long ago that she would do anything for them.

Even take on the darkness originally meant for Mikey.

Besides, this story about darkness might be a lie. Apart from the tragedy of her mother's death a few years ago and her father's abandonment, there hadn't really been any misfortunes like those in Mikey's life.

Lost in her thoughts, she was suddenly interrupted:

"El', what are you having?"

Ryu was looking at her with big eyes. It was rare for them to treat themselves to an afternoon snack outside. But with the holidays just beginning and her brother's good grades, El' wanted to celebrate.

"Nothing. I'm not hungry."

Ryu pouted.

"But eating alone isn't fun."

She agreed with her brother but didn't show it. The little café she had taken them to, "Resurgence," was known for its delicious desserts, which made the prices less affordable.

But she wanted her brother to enjoy himself and choose whatever he wanted to eat, without restriction. To make that possible, she wouldn't order anything for herself. It was the only solution, and she didn't mind.

"I know, but I'm not hungry. Look on the bright side, more for you," she said with a wink. "Order whatever you want, you can have a drink too."

Ryu's eyes lit up at her words. It was for this look that El' sacrificed herself every day. This little guy was her source of happiness, and seeing him happy satisfied her more than anything.

"Can I get a slice of strawberry tart?"

El' nodded, then watched him dive back into the menu.

"No, wait. I want a chocolate éclair instead."

Another nod.

"Oh, but there are pancakes. Those are good too."

El' stopped nodding and just stared at him, resting her head on her hand. They were going to be there for a while with her little brother's indecision. But she understood; it was rare for him to be allowed to indulge himself.

"El', they have banana muffins!"

Bananas were his favorite fruit. She let him think for a few more minutes before he set down the menu and looked at her decisively.

"I'll have a banana muffin and a pineapple juice."

"Is that your final answer, my lord?" she teased.

Ryu puffed out his chest and tried to look serious.

"Absolutely, my queen."

Brother and sister looked at each other, then burst out laughing. After placing the order, they played a game El' had invented, where one would say a word and the other had to find its opposite. Ryu loved it, and it helped him learn new vocabulary.

"Cut," she said, pointing a finger at him.

"Fix," he exclaimed, mimicking her.

They were a bit noisy in the café, but no one seemed to mind. The muffin and juice arrived just in time. Smiling, she watched Ryu dive into his food.