Yuki woke up with a start, his hand automatically shielding his eyes from the bright morning light that seeped through the curtains. He was sprawled awkwardly on the small couch in his room, the events of the previous night playing back in his mind. Scarlett had suffered through terrible nightmares, her small body shaking with fear as she cried out for her brother, Kenny. Watching her tormented sleep had left him feeling helpless and deeply concerned.

He fluttered his eyes open and glanced at the wall clock—it was already ten in the morning. Turning his head towards the bed, he noticed it was empty. She must have woken up already, he thought, stretching out the stiffness that had settled in his limbs overnight. As he sat up, he noticed a short blanket draped over his body. He didn't remember covering himself with it and a brief, subtle smile curved his lips. Scarlett must have done this, he mused, the thought warming his heart just a little.

After a few moments gathering his thoughts and allowing the remnants of sleep to wash away, Yuki decided it was time to start his day. He showered quickly, the warm water doing little to ease the worry that had knotted in his stomach since last night.

Dressed and somewhat refreshed, he left his room intent on grabbing something to eat; his stomach growled, reminding him of the skipped dinner the night before. The memory of finding Scarlett hiding under the table, terrified and alone, flashed in his mind again. The image filled him with an urgent need to see her, to ensure she was alright.

Instead of heading to the kitchen as originally planned, Yuki found his steps quickening, almost rushing, as he made his way towards the common areas where the children usually gathered during the day. He needed to find her, to see for himself that she was safe and perhaps, offer her a morning filled with less fear than her night had been.

After a while, Yuki spotted her outside alone in the swing area, her fingers tracing shapes into the grainy sand with a small rock. "Hey..." he called out softly as he approached and took a seat on the adjacent swing.

The little girl glanced up, her eyes squinting against the morning sun's glare. "Hello there," she chirped, her voice bright and cheery, a stark contrast to her demeanor the previous night. Quickly returning to her sandy canvas, she continued sketching what resembled a stuffed animal, perhaps a bear. "Did you just wake up, Yuki?" she inquired.

Instead of responding verbally, Yuki simply nodded, even though she wasn't looking his way. He pushed back on the swing slightly. "What time did you get up? You weren't there when I woke up," he remarked, finding it odd how naturally he was conversing with her, especially considering how she had consistently annoyed him before.

"Oh," she giggled lightly, her nose scrunching up cutely. "I woke up just before sunrise and sneaked back to our room before they did the roll call," she explained with a grin.

"Roll call?" he echoed, puzzled.

Scarlett nodded earnestly. "Yes, every morning at six and again at eight in the evening, they check if everyone is in their bedrooms."

He swung gently, absorbing her routine. "So, you sneak out after the evening roll call to sleep in the dining room, then sneak back before morning roll call? Do you do that every night?" His tone was a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Ever since I was brought here," she confirmed, her smile fading into a somber expression.

Trying to shift away from the heavier topic, Yuki cleared his throat. "What's that you're doodling?" he asked, nodding toward her drawing in an attempt to lighten the mood.

Her eyes lit up as she glanced down at her artwork. "Oh, this? This is my Kenny Bear," she said with renewed enthusiasm. "It's what my teddy bear looked like... it was a gift from my big brother before he went off to college. I named it 'Kenny Bear' after him. But I lost it..." Her voice wavered, and her bright expression dimmed as tears began to well up.

Yuki watched her closely, his heart tightening at the sight of her distress. Damn it, he scolded himself internally. He had intended to distract her from her sadness, but his attempt had inadvertently circled back to another painful memory.

Yuki quickly searched for a way to lift her spirits. He leaned forward with a playful smirk, eyeing the rough sketch in the sand. "Is that really what Kenny Bear looked like, or are you just a secret abstract artist?" he teased, hoping to coax a smile from her.

Scarlett looked up, a hint of amusement flickering across her tear-stained face. "Well, maybe Kenny Bear was a bit fluffier and didn't have such a big head," she giggled, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.

"Ah, so what you're saying is, your drawing skills might need a little bit of work, huh?" Yukihiro continued, his tone light and teasing, trying his best to keep the conversation upbeat.

She stuck her tongue out playfully at him. "Maybe, but he was still the best bear ever, even if my drawing doesn't show it!"

He reached for the small rock Scarlett had used and started scratching a new drawing into the sandy ground. He concentrated on forming the shape of a teddy bear, making an effort to capture the fluffy essence she described. After a few moments of silent drawing, he sat back with a satisfied grin. "So, does this look more like the Kenny Bear you had?" he asked, hoping his attempt was closer to the real thing.

Scarlett leaned in, her eyes scrutinizing the details of his drawing. She shook her head slowly, though her expression was amused. "Almost, but his ears need to be rounder, and his arms should be a bit longer," she instructed with a serious tone, pointing out the adjustments needed.

"Ah, I see," Yuki chuckled, amused by her art direction. He picked up the rock again and adjusted the drawing according to her specifications, his actions lighthearted as he engaged in this impromptu art lesson. "How about now?" he asked once he made the changes, eager to see her approval.

She peered at the revised drawing, a smile spreading across her face. "Much better! Now he looks like he could give the best hugs, just like my Kenny Bear!" she exclaimed, her earlier sadness momentarily forgotten in the joy of the moment.

Yuki chuckled softly, watching Scarlett's spirits lift. He felt a sense of pride well up within him—a new and pleasant sensation. It was rewarding to see he could bring happiness to someone else, so different from the trouble and headaches he had caused back in Japan. 

Later that night, after everyone had settled into bed, Yuki lay on his own, staring up at the ceiling of his room. The silence was thick, only broken by his own erratic thoughts. Despite the weariness pulling at his limbs, a nagging thought began its nightly debate.

You should go check on her. His mind whispered, persistent and unyielding.

"Why? I'm exhausted, and it's not like she's my responsibility," he argued back, his voice a hushed grumble in the dark room.

But you know you'll just lie here, worrying about her if you don't.

He sighed, the sound loud in the quiet room, his internal debate growing more intense. "Fine, but why do I even care so much? It's not like me to worry about someone else."

Maybe because you saw her scared and alone, and you understand what that feels like, his thoughts suggested, a softer tone threading through his mind.

Yuki groaned, the truth of those words striking a chord. He knew if he stayed, the image of her crouched under that table, clutching a flashlight like a lifeline, would haunt him all night.

"Alright, alright, I'll go check on her," he conceded finally, throwing off his blanket with a mix of reluctance and resolve. As he put on his slippers and grabbed his room key, a small smile tugged at his lips. Despite his grumbling, there was a part of him that felt lighter, knowing he was doing something good—not just for Scarlett, but maybe for himself too.

Yuki moved stealthily through the quiet corridors of the orphanage, his footsteps soft against the creaky wooden floors. He first checked the dining room where he had found Scarlett hiding the previous night. Peeking under the same table, he found it empty, as were the others. Slightly relieved but still not satisfied, he quietly made his way up the stairs to the second floor, where Scarlett and the other girls slept.

The hallway was dark, but faint moonlight filtering through the windows provided just enough illumination for him to navigate without a flashlight. He didn't want to risk using one, cautious of attracting the attention of the orphanage staff.

Yuki stood outside the door to Scarlett's room, leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets. He peered through the small window in the door but could only see pitch darkness. Shaking his head, he scolded himself for his unusual behavior. "I'm just going to make sure she's there, then I'll head back," he murmured to himself.

Minutes ticked by, and with no sign of Scarlett, Yuki was about to give up and return to his room. Just as he shifted to leave, the door creaked open so quietly it was almost inaudible. Yuki's lips twitched into a playful smile as he recognized the figure slipping out.

"Hey," he whispered, his voice barely louder than a breath.

He suppressed a chuckle, pursing his lips tightly to hold back his amusement when he saw Scarlett's startled reaction. Briefly, he flicked on the flashlight on his phone, aiming it at his face to reassure her. He noticed the terror in her eyes even before his sudden appearance had startled her further.

"Yuuu...ki?" Scarlett's voice trembled slightly with surprise. "Why are you here?" she asked, her tone easing as she recognized him.

With a mischievous glint in his eyes, Yuki responded, "I was on a secret mission to catch a certain little someone sneaking around at night. Looks like I caught you red-handed, huh?"

His tone was light and teasing, aiming to make the moment less about him checking on her and more like a playful encounter.

He gently took Scarlett's hand, and they tiptoed back to his room, careful not to make any noise. As they entered, Scarlett's eyes lit up at the sight of the light still on, bathing the room in a warm, inviting glow.

"Go ahead and sit on the couch," he directed softly, pointing towards the small sofa in the corner of the room. He then sat on the end of his bed, facing her, giving them a comfortable distance to talk.

Scarlett hesitated for a moment, her gaze flitting around the room with a shy curiosity. She seemed a little unsure about why she was there again, but gradually, she settled into the couch, tucking her feet beneath her. Yuki watched her, noticing the clear difference between her vibrant daytime demeanor and her more subdued presence at night.

He broke the silence, his voice gentle but probing. "You know, I've noticed something about you," he began, his tone casual but curious. "During the day, you're like sunlight itself—always bright and cheerful. But at night, it's like a shadow falls over you. Why is that?"

Scarlett looked up, her eyes meeting his, a flicker of surprise passing through them. She bit her lip, pondering his question. It was clear that his observation had struck a chord, and she seemed to be wrestling with whether to share her thoughts. 

"It's alright if you don't feel like sharing about it," he said reassuringly, noticing her hesitation. "You don't have to tell anyone anything that scares you if you're not ready."

After a moment, she exhaled softly, her shoulders relaxing slightly as she decided to open up. "It's the dark," she confessed quietly. "I've always been scared of it. When I was at home..." she paused, her small hands trembling as she gripped them tightly together. Fear was evident in her wide eyes. 

"My daddy... he didn't like me much, ever since I was born," her voice wavered, and her expression grew very somber. "He used to lock me in the attic. It was always dark there, and it felt so creepy." Her voice dropped to a whisper, and her eyes darted around as if expecting the shadows to come alive. "I would cry myself to sleep because it was so scary. I always thought monsters would come out of the dark to take me away." Her lips quivered as she spoke, her young face shadowed with the weight of her fears.

Yuki's expression softened as he gently asked, "Why would your father do something like that?" The sympathy in his voice was palpable, and he couldn't mask the concern in his eyes.

Scarlett glanced at him, tears brimming in her eyes. "Maybe because I... killed my mother," she whispered, the words coming out choked and pained. Her tears spilled over as she continued, her voice trembling with each word, "You see, she died when I was born. Maybe that's why he never learned to love me and hid me away from everyone else."

As her sobs grew louder, Yuki sat in stunned silence, trying to process her words. Scarlett gathered herself enough to share the traumatic events that eventually led her to the orphanage two years ago. Adjusting to the orphanage hadn't been easy; everything was new, and interacting with people was a constant challenge. 

Now at nine years old, no families seemed interested in adopting her anymore, as she was considered older compared to the other children. The rejection had only deepened her sense of isolation.

Yuki listened intently, his jaw clenched and his fists tightening as anger and sympathy surged within him. His own problems seemed trivial in comparison to the profound suffering this young girl had endured. Despite his urge to say something comforting, he found himself at a loss for words, overwhelmed by the gravity of her experiences.

After a moment of silence, Scarlett wiped her eyes and took a deep breath, as if gathering the courage to continue.

"I know it sounds weird after everything," she said, her voice small but trying to sound brave. "But the dark still scares me the most. I guess I still imagine those monsters waiting in the shadows, like when I was locked away. It sounds silly, doesn't it, for someone my age?"

"Not at all," Yuki interrupted gently, shaking his head. "It's not silly if it's real to you. We all have things that scare us, things we struggle with. You're brave for facing it every night." 

He noticed the genuine relief in her eyes when he didn't dismiss her fears. Encouraged, he leaned a little closer, his voice softer. "You know, I had something that scared me a lot when I was about your age," he shared, hoping to make her feel less alone with her fear.

Her eyes lit up with curiosity, a slight distraction from her earlier distress. "Really? What was it?" she asked, tilting her head, her fear momentarily forgotten.

"Thunderstorms," Yuki confessed with a slight chuckle. "Every time there was thunder, I would hide under my bed, thinking it was something much worse. It took me a long time to not be scared of them."

Scarlett's mouth formed an 'O' in surprise, then giggled softly. "That does sound a little scary," she admitted, then her expression softened, "but it's nice to know I'm not the only one who gets scared."

"Yeah," Yuki nodded, a warm smile spreading across his face. "We all have those moments, Scarlett. What matters is that we keep going, even when we're scared. And now, you're not alone in this, okay?"

She nodded, her smile growing as the weight of her secret seemed to lighten. "Okay," she agreed, her voice steadier.

"Let's make a deal," Yuki proposed, extending his hand slightly toward her. "Whenever it's dark, and you feel scared, you come find me. We can face the dark together, deal?"

Her hand met his in a small, determined shake. "Deal," she whispered, a spark of newfound courage in her eyes.

Yuki had settled into a routine that revolved around making Scarlett feel safe, a task he found unexpectedly fulfilling. He offered her his bed each night, while he adjusted to the small, hard couch in the room. Despite his initial discomfort with sleeping with the lights on, he kept the bedroom light lit all night for her comfort. Over time, he found himself adapting well to this new arrangement; the simple knowledge that he was helping Scarlett made his own inconveniences seem trivial.

As the days passed, the two became inseparable, often seen together around the orphanage, assisting with various chores. The staff and the director noticed a significant change in Yuki demeanor. Gone was the sullen, rebellious teenager who had first arrived at Saito's Home for Children. In his place was a more engaged, cheerful young man who smiled more frequently and interacted positively with the other children.

The transformation wasn't lost on the adults at the orphanage, who often shared approving glances and nods when they saw him playing soccer with the kids or helping the younger ones with their tasks. The once reluctant visitor had become a valued member of the community, his laughter blending with the joyful noise of play and everyday life at the orphanage.

He was so immersed in his new life that he hardly noticed how quickly time was passing. It had been a month since his grandfather had left him at the orphanage—a month that had flown by amidst games, laughter, and the forging of new friendships. For the first time in a long time, he was genuinely having fun, feeling a sense of belonging that he hadn't realized he'd been missing.

His connection with Scarlett had become a cornerstone of his daily life, grounding him and giving him a purpose that extended beyond his own needs and grievances. In helping her, he had found a way to heal some of his own wounds, the act of caring for someone else bringing with it a healing of its own.

As the months rolled on, Yuki's stay at the orphanage transitioned from a temporary arrangement to a more settled life. One day, he received a call from his grandfather, Kentaro, who explained that important matters would require him to stay abroad longer and he wouldn't be back for Christmas. Although Yuki felt a pang of sadness, missing his grandfather deeply, he found himself surprisingly content with his current situation at the orphanage.

During the call, Kentaro reminded Yuki of his initial promise—that his stay at the orphanage was meant to last only a month—and offered him the option to return to their family mansion. To Kentaro's surprise, Yuki requested to stay longer. "Jiji, I... I want to stay here until you come back," he said, his voice steady and more assured than it had been in months. "I'd rather spend Christmas here than alone in the mansion," he added.

Kentaro paused, sensing the depth of change in his grandson's tone. "Are you sure, Yuki-kun?" he asked, a mix of amusement and curiosity coloring his voice.

"Yes, I'm sure," Yuki replied confidently. "I've made some important friends here, and... I think I'm really helping out, you know? I feel like I belong here now."

Hearing the conviction in Yuki's voice, Kentaro couldn't help but feel a swell of pride for the growth and maturity his grandson had shown. "Alright, Yuki-kun. I trust your judgment. Just know that you can go back to the mansion anytime you wish."

"Thank you, Jiji," Yuki responded, a smile playing on his lips as he looked out across the lively playground, where Scarlett was laughing and playing with other children.

As Yuki ended the call with his grandfather, he walked towards the playground, his mind still echoing with their conversation. As he neared, the sound of children's laughter and excited chatter filled the air, drawing him into a more lighthearted mood.

The kids were gathered in a small circle, each taking turns to share their big dreams. One boy stood up, his arms spread wide as if he were about to launch into space. "I want to be an astronaut because I love the stars and planets!" he declared, his face beaming with enthusiasm.

A little girl with pigtails then took her turn, swaying from side to side. "And I'm going to be a singer!" she announced, then sang a few lines from a cheerful song, prompting giggles and applause from her friends.

Yuki couldn't help but smile as he sat down next to Scarlett, who was quietly watching her friends. Noticing her hesitance, the kids urged her on. "Your turn, Scarlett! What do you want to be?" they asked eagerly.

Some girls nearby whispered among themselves, "She's going to be a teacher because she's so smart."

Scarlett blushed at their guesses but then took a deep breath and stood up, her voice clear and more confident than before. "I want to be a famous celebrity, like an actor," she declared with a spark in her eyes. "That way, everyone will see and recognize me!"

The circle erupted in cheers and claps, even Yuki joined in, genuinely impressed by her bold ambition. "That's awesome, Scarlett!" one of the children cheered, and the energy around the playground grew as they moved on to the next eager child. 

It wasn't long before their curiosity turned towards Yuki. A young boy's voice rang out, breaking through the chatter. "What about you, big brother Yuki?" he asked, prompting all the kids to turn their eyes towards him, their expressions filled with genuine curiosity.

Yuki blinked, taken aback. "What about?" he echoed, unsure of what was being asked.

The young boy grinned, his face alight with interest. "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

The question caught Yuki off guard. He paused, the weight of the question sinking in. Throughout his life, everyone around him assumed he would simply follow in the footsteps of his family's business in Japan. No one had ever really asked him about his own dreams. He looked around at the expectant faces, each child waiting eagerly for his answer.

"I... I'm not sure," he admitted, his voice tinged with a hint of surprise at his own uncertainty. "I've never really thought about it." His eyes drifted off into the distance as he considered the question more deeply, the idea of choosing his own path suddenly opening up before him.

The children, initially intent on hearing more from Yuki, were quickly distracted as staff members called them over for snacks. Like a swarm of excited butterflies, they dashed towards the promise of treats, their laughter filling the air as they playfully caught bubbles. Watching them, Yuki couldn't help but smile at the carefree joy of childhood encapsulated in that moment.

"Scar, why don't you go join them? They're having a blast," he suggested, turning to Scarlett who remained seated beside him.

She gave a playful shrug, a wide smile on her face. "I'm good. I ate too much at lunch," she claimed, patting her belly exaggeratedly. "See? I'm stuffed!" Her laughter mingled with his as they watched the other children.

After a moment, Yuki glanced back at her. "An actor, huh?" he said, nudging her arm teasingly. Scarlett's smile broadened in affirmation. "But why an actor? Is it the fame, the money?" he teased further.

Her expression turned thoughtful, her eyes gleaming with a mix of determination and dreams. "I want to be like Julia Roberts or Reese Witherspoon," she explained earnestly. "Everyone knows them, not just here but all over the world."

She paused, her gaze meeting his, conveying a depth beyond her years. "Sure, earning money sounds great, but..." her voice trailed off, then she continued, "I want to be famous so I can find my big brother. If I'm famous, my pictures will be everywhere, on every TV screen. Then maybe, just maybe, he'll see me and recognize me. We could be together again, and I could finally feel like I'm truly home."

Her words lingered in the air, filled with hope and yearning, painting a picture of her dreams not just for fame, but for a reunion that would mend the pieces of her fragmented family.

Yuki was taken aback by her response, her dreams clearly rooted in the hope of being reunited with her brother. He had spent months getting to know Scarlett, listening to her countless stories about 'big brother Kenny,' and yet he hadn't fully grasped how deeply her desire to act was tied to her longing to find him.

He should have realized sooner. Kenny is lucky to have such a devoted sister, he thought, a mix of admiration and melancholy stirring within him. "You really miss him, don't you?" he asked softly, feeling a twinge of sadness. He had come to see himself as a sort of brother to Scarlett, yet he understood that he could never replace the brother she yearned for.

She nodded immediately, her eyes reflecting a profound sense of longing. "Very much," she affirmed simply, her voice carrying the weight of her emotions.

Yuki nodded thoughtfully, considering her situation. "You know, becoming a famous actress is a big goal, and having a recognizable name could really help," he said, trying to lighten the mood. "Maybe using your full name would make it easier for your brother to find you. What's your full name, Scarlett?"

She looked up at him, her expression tinged with a hint of sadness. "Scarlett," she replied simply.

Confused, Yuki pressed further, "Your last name too, Scarlett what?"

Her face fell slightly, and she shook her head. "I only know 'Scarlett.' Only that. I don't know my family name," she explained, her voice softening. "That's why they had trouble looking for my family before I was brought here." She sighed heavily, the weight of her unknown identity briefly clouding her features.

"Oh," Yuki said, immediately regretting his question. He hadn't intended to dredge up painful memories for her. 

"But I remember something special," Scarlett continued, her voice brightening slightly. "Whenever it's my birthday, it snowed a lot. I don't know the exact date, though."

After a moment of thought, Yuki's face lit up with an idea. "How about 'Scarlett Winters'?" he suggested, watching her reaction closely. "What do you think of that?"

Even before she responded, her eyes sparkled with excitement, lighting up the space between them like colorful Christmas lights. "I love it, Yuki! I super love it!" she squealed ecstatically, clapping her hands together. "Scarlett Winters," she repeated, savoring the sound of it.

Yuki couldn't help but smile, pleased with himself for coming up with a name that resonated so well with her. "Since you were born in a snowy season, I thought 'Winters' would fit perfectly with your name. And... did you know that my name 'Yuki' means snow in Japanese?"

Scarlett's eyes widened in amazement, a new sparkle of curiosity brightening her face. "Really?"

He nodded, his chuckle soft and friendly. "Yeah, so in a way, if we ever don't see each other for a long time, I'll always remember you whenever I hear 'Scarlett Winters'." He hoped this small connection through their names would give her a sense of lasting identity and a reminder of their friendship.

The moment was touching, filled with a gentle sweetness as Scarlett absorbed the significance of her new name, intertwined with Yuki's own.

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Hello My Dearest Readers,

It's been a while. Chapter 25 is out, and I truly hope you enjoy reading it. I originally planned to take a month off from writing as I mourn the sudden passing of my beloved Lola (grandma) on July 25. However, I know many of you have been patiently waiting for the new update, and I couldn't bear to make you wait any longer. 

Moreover, I know my Lola wouldn't want me to stop writing because of my grief. She always supported my passion, and I believe continuing to write is the best way to honor her memory.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

KLastella 🌸🌸💔🌸🌸