Chapter Text
The new house.
“ This is our new house, right? It looks so big! “
It’s a modest but cozy house.
The moving truck is at the front of the house.
“ Mama said this is the last time we’ll have to move ”
Yumi calls from the front door.
Y: “ Hana, sweetheart! Come see the new house! “
Hana walks inside excitedly, clutching a small bag.
Takashi awkwardly carries two boxes—clearly too heavy for him.
T: “ Yumi, where do you want these? “
The boxes tip and fall on him.
THUMP!
Yumi rushes over.
Y: “ Takashi! Are you okay? “
She clumsily tries to help lift the boxes.
Yumi turns to Hana with a smile.
Y: “ Sweetie, why don’t you go explore and find your sister? Papa and I will finish unpacking “
Hana nods excitedly.
H: “ Okay! “
Hana walks away, holding her arms behind her back as she looks around.
She explores the hallway, wide-eyed and curious.
She notices a slightly open door.
Hana leans in, holding the doorknob.
She sees a girl lying on the bed, back turned.
H: “ Is that her? “ *whisper*
Hana notices the girl is curled up, sniffing softly.
H: “ Is she crying? What’s she saying? “ *whisper*
Hana leans too far in and tumbles into the room.
CRASH!
Mei turns sharply, startled, seeing Hana face-down on the floor.
She frowns.
M: “ Who are you?! What are you doing in my room!? “
Hana looks up, dazed.
Hana’s eyes sparkle in admiration.
H: “ Wow… “
Hana props herself up on her elbows, beaming.
H: “ You’re so pretty! Are you Mei? Are you gonna be my big sister? “
Mei looks surprised, then annoyed.
M: “ I’m not your sister! Get out of my room! “ *yells*
Mei stands up.
She storms toward Hana.
She kicks Hana out of the room.
THUD!
Mei slams the door shut.
SLAM!
Hana sits on the floor, her face trembling.
Hana starts crying.
WAAAHHH!
Yumi and Takashi hear her and rush over.
Yumi kneels down to her.
Y: “ Sweetheart, what happened? Are you hurt? “
Hana buries her face in her mom’s clothes, crying.
Yumi hugs her gently.
Y: “ Shh, it’s okay, baby. Tell me what’s wrong “
Takashi crouches beside them.
T: “ It’s alright, Hana. What happened? “
Hana sniffles, still in Yumi’s arms.
H: “ Mei-neechan said I’m not her sister… and she kicked me out… “
Yumi hugs her tighter.
Y: “ That’s not true, sweetie. You are sisters now “
Takashi scratches his head, looking awkward.
T: “ I’ll go talk to her “
Takashi enters Mei’s room, Mei’s under her blanket, sulking.
Takashi sits at the edge of the bed.
T: “ Mei… “
Mei stays hidden, fiddling with the blanket.
T: “ What you did upset Hana. That wasn’t kind “
Mei peeks out a little.
M: “ Why should I be nice? She’s not really my sister… and she’s not Mom either “
Takashi gently places a hand on her back.
T: “ I know, sweetie. But she’s your little sister now “
T: “ I know you still miss your mom… but Hana just wanted to be close to you “
Mei stays silent, eyes a bit watery.
T: “You don’t have to be best friends right away… but maybe say sorry? “
He kisses her on the head
Later — Yumi is cooking dinner in the kitchen.
Takashi chops vegetables nearby, sneaking one to nibble.
Hana sits at the table, coloring.
Mei enters slowly, hands behind her back, She approaches Hana, but doesn’t look at her.
M: “ Sorry I kicked you out earlier… “ *mutters*
Hana looks up, surprised.
H: “ Mei-neechan talked to me again! ” *jumps up and hugs Mei tightly*
M: “ Aiyah! Stop clinging, you 假人 (dummy)! ” *tries to push her off, flustered*
H: “ Is that a magical word? ” *curious*
Yumi and Takashi laughing in the background