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The Incident

Four months after that, first day of the seventh month.

*Your P.O.V.*

" That's all for today's rehearsal, you can rest now, (f/n)-dono. " My instructor, Joumori-sama, said as he clapped his hands.
" Phew.. Finally... " I sighed in relief.
Ever since a month ago, I was trained for the wedding procession, as I will be entering into the imperial family. As the wedding is to happen in four days, the training hours increased DOUBLE TIME.
And right now, I'm practicing my dancing skills, as I haven't danced for a long time.
" Good work, (f/n)-chan~ " Takao-san cheerfully ran towards me.
" Thanks, Takao-san, " I glumly muttered at him.
" To think (f/n)-chan would get married in four days.. It seems like a miracle! " He fake-cried.
" Are you picking a fight, Takao-san? Because my fists are ready for a warm-up... " I threw a threatening glare at him.
" No, No~ Of course I'm joking! " He laughed.
" And besides, I've been trying to negotiate to cancel the wedding for the past three months, and even tried to run away from home twice, but I was caught by Shin-chan who brought me back by force, " I pouted.
" Well, what can I say? Even I, was once married to a woman that my parents chose for me. " Takao-san chuckled, he looked like he was remembering something distant in the past.
" Wow, Takao-san. I can't imagine you getting married and having children at all. " I deadpanned.
" It's true! I got married to a woman a year younger than me, and a few months after, I was killed, and became what I am now. " He replied.
" And, what became of the woman? " I curiously asked.
" I don't know.. She should be married to another noble man of a prestigious family. " He shrugged.
" But did you love her? Did you even have a single ounce of affection for her? " I tried to push him to anwer me.
" To tell you the truth... I did like her, but now, I can't even remember her voice, because we rarely even met, even though we were living under the same roof. " Takao-san slightly smirked as he looked down to the floor.
" But anyway! You have to get some rest now, (f/n)-chan, it's late. " He had concern glinting in his eyes.
" Has it got this late? " I dumbfoundedly asked.
" Nee-sama!! " A cheerful voice came echoing into the room.
" Natsuka, " I catched her in my arms.
" What are you doing at this time of the night? " Her curious eyes stared at me.
" Practicing my dancing skills, " I simply replied.
" It's already late! Go and take some rest now, I don't want you to look like a ghost on your wedding day! " She urged me as she pulled my hand and led me to my room.
" But- " I tried to protest, but Natsuka quickly hushed me.
" (f/n)-neesama, I know you don't like the idea of getting married, but think about the positive things about being married! Having a kind and loving husband, greater power influence among other court ladies, being a good mother to your future children.. T-think about the g-good qualities of being married... " Her voice trembled as she uttered the last sentence.
" Natsuka, you don't have to hold back, just cry all you want.. After all, in a few days, I might not be able to see you as frequently as now.. So pour everything out now, I'm your onee-sama, aren't I? " I ruffled her hair as her walls of emotions broke down.
' This girl is very strong.. I know that she can lead a good future for herself. ' I sadly smiled as she cried louder.
I knew, in a few days, my freedom will be robbed from me, as well as the chance to visit back home or Natsuka.. That is why I never agreed on being part of the imperial family.

Later, after Natsuka grew tired of crying, she fell asleep, and I carried her to her room. Afterwards, I went back to my room, and drifted towards my dream.
***
I woke up at midnight due to a burnt smell. I rose up from my bed, and quickly ran off to Natsuka's room, which was half-burnt by the fire.
" Natsuka!! Are you in here?!! " I broke into her room with all my might.
" Nee-sama!! Save me!! " She cried as she was sitting on a corner, whimpering.
" Don't worry, I'll rescue you!! Stay still at wherever you are! " I shouted as I avoided the burning wood falling down from the ceiling.
I scooted closer to her, and tried to carry her out of the room. By then, almost all of the hall had been bunt off by the fire. Then, I saw a figure closing towards us. It was Shin-chan.
" (f/n)! Natsuka! Are you two alright?! " He asked in a panicked tone.
" Yes, I'm fine. But carry Natsuka out first, she needs air. " I handed the passd out Natsuka to Shin-chan.
" Then what about you, nanodayo?!! " He yelled.
" Go now, Shin-chan, I'll create an opening for you. " I pushed him forward as I muttered a spell, and he was pushed out of the building in an instant.
He glanced at me before the building collapses.
" (F/N)!!!! " He shouted.
" Sayonara, Shin-chan.. " I waved at him as I disappeared, leaving the building, now collapsed.

* Midorima P.O.V. *
I watched how (f/n) was still inside the building when it collapsed. It shattered my heart into a million pieces, and I broke down there, silently mourning for the girl I loved.
" Hm? Where's Nee-sama? " Natsuka, who just woke up, was looking for (f/n).
" She's gone, Natsuka. " I replied.
" Gone? What do you mean, gone? " She slightly raised her voice, I could tell she was internally panicking.
" Look. " I pointed towards the now burnt mansion, people trying to extinguish the flames.
" No.. It couldn't be... Nee-sama died...? Tell me you're joking, Shintaro-san! Tell me you're joking! " Hot tears starting to fall down her cheeks.
" Am I someone who'd joke in this kind of situation? " I sternly asked, swallowing my cracked voice.
" Nee...sama... NEE-SAMAAA!! " Natsuka screamed on top of her lungs.

On the first day of the seventh month, my first love died....