Cote: Parallel World

Chapter 1

1.1

"Kei nee-chan, kei nee-chan. Please wake up already!"

I get woken up by a girl calling me again and again while shaking the bed vigorously.

"Kei nee-chan if you don't wake up, obaa-chan will get mad at you again!"

"Ok ok I'm waking up. Geez."

The one who rudely woke me up was Megu chan, along with her twin sister, Matsuri. Although unlike Megu chan, who is always being called a tomboy due to her rowdy and boisterous nature, Matsuri is quiet and shy. So instead of joining her sister in waking me up so violently, she just stays in one corner of my room while embracing her white stuffed bunny doll. I get up from bed and fix my hair. My hair is a total mess! After that, i notice Matsuri fidgeting; it looks like she has something to say to me.

"Good morning Matsuri chan. Is there something you want to say or is there anything wro-"

Before i could even finish asking, Matsuri runs towards me and hugs me with all her strength like she doesn't want to let go of me. Seeing this, Megu chan gets jealous.

"Hey no fair. I also want to hug nee-chan."

This behaviour from Megu-chan is normal. But with Matsuri, it's a different story. Matsuri doing this is rather surprising for me, as she's shy and she doesn't really do things like this even when she was young.

"What's wrong Matsuri chan? You haven't hugged me like this in a long time."

*Sigh*

"Alright then. Say whatever you want Matsuri. Nee-chan will listen ok?"

As i say this, i hug Matsuri and Megu. Matsuri then starts crying and says what's bothering her.

"Kei nee-chan hic please don't leave us ok?"

"I'm not going anywhere any time soon, so Matsuri chan don't worry and cheer up, ok?"

Hearing this, Matsuri slowly lessens the strength she was exerting into hugging me.

"Nee chan."

"Hmm?"

"I had this dream... you were taken away by someone powerful and that you were never going back..."

So this is what's bothering her.

"What are you talking about Matsuri chan?! Kei nee-chan isn't going anywhere! She promised that she will take care of us after all. Right? Kei nee-chan?"

"Don't worry about it too much Matsuri chan. It's just a dream. Didn't i say i'll take care of you guys even when i become an adult? And yes Megu chan, i did make a promise with you guys and Anko obaa-chan that i will stay here."

"But-"

I let go of Matsuri and Megu and clap my hands, signaling that the topic is over.

"Ok that's that. I'mma go change, then go downstairs and have breakfast. You two, go and tell Obaa-chan that I'll be by the table in 5 minutes."

"Ryoukai desuuu~"

"Ok then nee chan."

1.2

"Okay Anko obaa chan i'm done eating."

"Ohh good then. Can i ask you to drop by the market to buy some breads and potatoes?"

Hmm that's strange. Rito would usually come running down to have his breakfast along with me. He has also been this meek these past couple days. He could usually match up Megu chan in rowdiness but lately i haven't seen him playing with any other kids. I hope nothing bad happened to him.