Chapter 26: Resisting Sleep
Yuki was sleeping in the doctor's room, exhausted. Her consciousness had not fully returned; she kept murmuring about her mother and father. The doctor had taken off his coat and collapsed onto the chair beside Haruto.
Dr. Mitsuni: Ughhh… Ah, I'm exhausted.
Haruto sat silently, breathing shallowly with worry, occasionally glancing at Yuki.
The doctor erased the gentle smile he had tried to use to lighten the mood, leaned forward, and looked at Yuki.
Dr. Mitsuni: Haru, have you ever wondered about Yuki's black veins?
Haruto looked at him in surprise, then lowered his head.
Haruto: I don't know… Even if I did know, I can't remember right now.
The doctor smiled faintly.
Dr. Mitsuni: Ahhh… Haruto, there are still so many things we don't know, but…
(He sighs.)
Haruto looked at him with curious, sorrowful eyes. The doctor continued.
Dr. Mitsuni: I still don't fully understand those black veins, but I believe her sacrifice was planned from the moment she was born. Because…
(He looks at Yuki. Due to her fever, she is wearing only underwear.)
Look at her abdomen.
Haruto looks but doesn't understand.
Haruto: Doctor, if your goal was to tear my heart apart by showing me those scars, congratulations… you succeeded.
The doctor chuckles softly and sighs while looking at Yuki.
Dr. Mitsuni: Those scars were most likely there since the day she was born. Look closely… So many different kuiri symbols on a single child. That means her family—
(He hesitates.)
Sora's voice interrupts.
Sora: We're sure she has a family, doctor.
Sora, Daichi, and Kenji enter the room. Kaito remains at the door, staring at the floor with a serious expression.
Dr. Mitsuni: Oh? Were you listening?
Kenji scratches his head.
Kenji: Well… we were curious.
Daichi hands a document to Haruto and the doctor.
Daichi: This shows that she was kept away from her family.
The doctor nods.
Dr. Mitsuni: Then it seems her family tried to sacrifice her in different places, using different kuiri symbols, ever since she was a baby. The scars are very old.
Kaito speaks from behind, his voice calm but firm.
Kaito: How do you know all this, doctor?
The doctor turns sideways to face him.
Dr. Mitsuni: Taro and I spent years in terrible orphanages. That's how we know.
The doctor places a hand near his liver and sighs.
Kaito and Haruto exchange sorrowful looks.
Haruto turns slightly away.
Haruto: Then… what will happen to those black veins?
Kenji's eyes fill with tears.
Kenji: Enough… I don't know how many times we've seen cases like this. Victims… even if they survive…
(Everyone lowers their heads.)
That fear destroys people psychologically.
Lady Akira's voice echoes through the room.
Lady Akira: Hm… You were right, Haruto.
Everyone is startled. Even Kaito, cold as ever, reacts subtly.
Lady Akira: I gave you two days to reveal her ability. You showed it before the time was up. As promised, Yuki will stay here.
Tatsuya, standing at the door, grins slyly.
Tatsuya: But she'll undergo several tests. We need to determine when her ability manifests—and it's clear she can't control it yet.
Daichi steps in.
Daichi: Mr. Tatsuya, at least give her some time.
Dr. Mitsuni: Yes. She needs rest.
Tatsuya nods. Lady Akira turns to Haruto.
Lady Akira: Haru, let her rest and recover her strength. We'll observe her ability soon. Until then—whether she's resting or playing—watch her at all times.
(She looks at Kaito.)
Kaito, I'm telling you as well. This child is now your responsibility.
Kaito tenses, almost exploding.
Kaito: But Lady Aki—
Lady Akira shoots him a sharp look.
Lady Akira: Lately, everyone has been opposing me. Who do you think you are to talk back?
Kaito clenches his teeth and fists, then turns away.
Lady Akira: I don't expect an apology. You'll take care of this child. She'll sleep near you for now; later, she'll get her own room.
Sora smiles gently and strokes Yuki's hair. As Lady Akira and Tatsuya walk toward Yoona's file room, everyone watches silently.
Sora: Heh… That's a good thing.
(Looking at Yuki.)
She's officially a part of us now, right?
Everyone gazes warmly at Yuki—who murmurs softly in her sleep, pain still lingering, yet a pure and innocent smile occasionally appearing on her face…