Chapter: 42
The next day morning came quite quickly as the morning sun crept gently into Renji's room, tiny golden rays slipped through the thin curtains, painting soft lines of light across his messy bed.
Renji lay on his back, eyes wide open.
He hadn't slept after the nightmare.
Every time he closed his eyes, he saw it again the fire, the bodies, and the blurry version of himself standing like a monster among gods.
Why is this happening again?
His breath was slow but heavy, and his hair was damp with sweat that had dried through the long hours of the night.
He rubbed his face with his hands, whispering,
"…It was just a dream… right? Yes it's just a dream, it's nothing more
But his heart didn't believe the words.
A gentle knock broke the silence.
Knock knock.
"Ooi Renji," Choji's calm voice called from outside the room.
"Are you awake?"
Renji swallowed and forced a steady tone.
"…Um yes yes I'm awake"
The door slid open and Choji stepped inside.
His friend's sharp eyes instantly scanned the room the twisted blanket, Renji's pale face, the tired circles under his eyes.
Sigh!
"You didn't sleep right?," Choji said plainly, his voice low but firm.
Renji tried to laugh it off.
"Ha… that's what you think no I umm I just had a rough night, that's all."
Choji tilted his head.
"Hmmm you had the dream again, didn't you?"
Renji froze. His lips pressed together.
Choji didn't need an answer; he already knew.
"You were screaming in your sleep," Choji continued softly.
" loud enough for me to hear renji."
Renji's eyes widened a little.
I did? Shit I'm sorry I didn't even realize i had been shouting through the night
Before he could say anything, a small yawn echoed in the hallway.
"Big brother…"
Lily appeared, rubbing her sleepy eyes, still holding her little rabbit plush.
Her hair stuck up in different directions, her pajamas loose on her small frame.
Renji's heart softened at the sight.
He forced a smile.
"Good morning, Lily."
"Good morning big brother…" she mumbled, her voice still heavy with sleep.
She climbed onto his bed without asking, curling up beside him.
Within seconds, she was already nodding back to sleep, holding his arm like it was her lifeline.
Renji looked down at her peaceful face.
Her breathing was calm, her little lips parted slightly.
And just like that, his heart tightened again.
He thought of the dream ,the mountain of bodies and a cold shiver ran through him.
He gently brushed a strand of hair away from Lily's forehead, whispering,
"Don't worry I won't let anything happen to you."
Choji stood quietly, watching the scene.
His sharp features softened for a moment.
He walked closer and placed a hand on Renji's shoulder.
"You don't have to tell me what you saw," Choji said calmly.
"But remember this… no matter what it was, no matter how real it felt don't let it change you
Renji's eyes dropped to the floor.
He wanted to believe that.
But the image of his other self burning with power, drowning the world in fire wouldn't leave him.
"I don't know, Choji," he whispered.
His voice cracked. "If… if that was really me… then who am I ?"
Choji didn't answer right away.
He let the silence stretch, only the soft breaths of Lily filling the room.
Finally, Choji spoke, his voice low but steady.
"Well you are the guy who takes care of his little sister when no one else would. You're the guy who lets me crash in his place even when food is short. And also the same guy who smiles, even when he's tired. That's who you are."
Renji's chest tightened.
For the first time since waking, a small laugh escaped his lips.
"Ha… you make me sound too good."
Choji smirked faintly.
"Well that's because you don't see yourself the way others do."
Renji looked back down at Lily, her tiny hand still holding his tightly, and his heart softened again.
Maybe you are right choji