"I'm home~" I announced, opening the door to tease my nose and stomach with the aroma of my precious little sister's cooking.

Damn, it's hot.

I didn't notice it earlier from the adrenaline, but I was sweating buckets, and my body was burning.

"Welcome back, big brother. You're early." My little sister walked out of the kitchen to greet me with a hug. "Huh? You're really hot, big brother."

"I don't think that's an appropriate thing to tell your brother, foolish sister of mine," I teased.

"Geez, brother! You know what I mean."

But she's right. If this continues, I might catch the flu. Damn, my weak immune system.

"Don't worry!" I reassuringly rubbed her head. "Your food will make me all better and defeat any evil aiming at my health, right?"

Being glad that I relied on her and that her food served a valuable purpose, she smiled widely before verbally agreeing.

"Of course, brother. Right this way." She guided me to the dining table and presented yet another nutritious meal. "Unfortunately I didn't make anything that'd help with the flu, so let's just pray that you don't catch it, okay?"

I doubt I wouldn't but I would feel bad if I unnecessarily stressed her about it. She'd probably force herself to cook up something for me again.

I don't want to overwork her, so let's just return her optimism.

"Yeah, your kindness is making me feel better already." I agreed before sitting down to partake in the meal she spent valuable time making for me. "Thanks for the food."

While I gobbled down the food she made, she looked at me with a heartwarming smile, as if it was satisfying and entertaining to watch me eat. Well, if that was the case, I didn't find the need to confront her.

"Did you eat already?" I asked.

"Nope. I will after you." She replied.

As I expected. She hates me. Well, I can't blame her. I'd lose my appetite too if I had to see our father's face.

There were things I could fix and improve on, and there were things I couldn't do anything about. Instead of focusing on the latter, it'd be beneficial for both of us if I focused on the former. With that being said, I didn't say anything further throughout my meal.

The rest of the day didn't have anything noteworthy. Just our daily routine. And of course, I decided to study tonight again. My sister was against it because she was still worried about me catching the flu, but even if that was the case, I wouldn't allow something so insignificant to hinder my productivity.

My will isn't that weak, but...

"Ah-cho!"

Maybe I should call it a night. It'd be more fruitless if I were bedridden for days.

After a pointless argument with myself, I was convinced to put aside my work and hit the hay.

----------------------------------------

I could feel it. My entire body melted under the blankets and my pajamas. Not only that, but it was sticking to me like glue. The radiating sun only made matters worse.

Ugh...this fucking light is giving me a headache.

I didn't know why, but usually, when I was sick, I always found everything irritating. In this case, the sun fell prey to my baseless agitation.

I rested the dorsal side of my hand on my forehead and over my eyes, hoping it'd also reduce the light. For further support, I closed my eyes.

It's hot.

"Hah...hah..hah..."

My pillow began drenching in my sweat. As for my bed...well, it already suffered enough through the night.

"Muriel..." In my time of suffering, I found myself calling upon my sister despite loathing her assistance.

"Morning, brother. Breakfast is..." She stopped mid-sentence after entering my room and finding me in such a daunting state. "Brother!" She called out worriedly, rushing over to me and laying down the food-full plate on my study desk.

She dropped to her knees and immediately replaced my hand on my forehead with hers to gauge my temperature.

"Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no... You have the flu!" Her tone was mixed with anger and concern.

I did comply with her demands yesterday to a certain extent, but I'll accept this as an act of kindness and ignore her lingering rage.

"I'll make you some porridge and notify the Academy, okay? Just sit tight! Eat that breakfast I made in the meantime." She then rushed out of the room to take the role of a worried and responsible mother.

"Hah...hah...hah..."

I must work.

I tossed my blankets aside and got off the bed, gobbling down the food before heading to the exit.

I can't just rest here looking all pathetic.

I held my head, emphasizing its heat while mindlessly walking out of my room.

"...Yes, that's right. I'm sorry for the inconvenience," Muriel spoke on the phone. "...Alright, thank you. Goodbye." She finished up before looking back at me. "Brother! What are you doing out of bed?!" She stomped furiously over to me and offered support.

"I am...fine..." Contrary to my claim, I easily stumbled over my feet. Thanks to Muriel's help, I didn't fall to the ground.

Curse this weak body!

"Brother..." She uttered softly, her expression turning sour. "Go back to bed before I get angry." She no longer looked at me with anger or concern, but pure disappointment at my foolish decision.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

Finding terror in her shift of demeanor, I nodded and limped back to my bed with her assistance.

"There we go..." She murmured while laying me back on my bed. "Now don't get up again," she warned.

She closed the door so I couldn't leave the room without alarming her.

Ugh...this sucks...

I closed my eyes, trying my best to rest up so my body could get better as soon as possible.

----------------------------------------

After waking up, the first thing I did was instinctively tighten my hand around something holding it.

So soft.

I used my fingers to explore the source, only to be met with five smaller fingers.

Oh, it's her hand.

After realizing it was Muriel's hand, I weakened my grip again. I then slightly raised my head to assess the situation. The first thing I did was look at the clock on the wall.

Classes are already over...

Of course, it would've been more efficient if I had just sat up or lifted my upper body, but the same as how my hand was occupied, my torso was as well.

"Re...s...u...bro...da..." She mumbled incoherently in her sleep before continuing her peaceful and steady breathing while resting her head laterally on my body.

Knowing that all I could do for her was to not wake her up from her well-deserved slumber, I laid my head back on the moist pillow.

Now what to do? I'm not the type of person that can easily fall asleep after waking up. Even though I'm sick...

I didn't know whether it was my natural stupidity and foolishness or I lacked critical thinking because of the flu, but I thought it would be better to hold in my cough instead of making a noise. However, this resulted in a worse outcome. Coughing internally caused my chest to pump, making her head rock awake.

"Mm... Bruda...?" She called out through half-lidded eyes, meeting my regretful expression.

"...Sorry," I uttered a genuine apology after averting my gaze.

She then shook her head, responding with: "No, it's okay. Thanks for waking me up," she emphasized earnestly to ensure I didn't take it as sarcasm. "How are you feeling?" she asked, lifting her head off from my chest, and releasing her hold on my hand.

"Much better, thanks to you. But I think I need to rest a little more."

Since classes are already over, I might as well consider this day as a break. It's best to make full use of this day off.

"Really? I'm glad." She smiled brightly before getting up. "Then, I'll give you some space." Just then, the doorbell rang. "Ah, that's my cue! Alright then, rest up!" She waved and closed the door after leaving the room.

Even after closing the door, my gaze never wavered.

How unusual of someone to visit us. Maybe it's my teacher who came to drop off the work I missed out on.

Before I knew it, that brief exchange yesterday changed the impression I had of my teacher. I didn't doubt that he would go so far to ensure one of his students didn't miss out on anything.

In that case, I should meet and thank him myself. It's the least I could do.

I then sat up, but after a moment, I dropped back down.

Nah. I don't want another scolding from my maternal sister.

"Haahhh... I guess I'll leave it to her then." I then comfortably closed my eyes, not bothering with the situation anymore. "My body is still a bit hot, too. I don't want to risk increasing it again."

"KEKEKEKE!" Strange laughter came from the hallway.

That doesn't sound like my teacher. Is she perhaps entertaining a different guest or a friend she made before I knew it?

Assuming it was a boy, I couldn't help but grin. I knew I wasn't healthy enough to always take care of her, so if there was at least a guy that she loves to help relieve some of her burden and stress, I would welcome him with open arms.

I hope she introduces him to me soon.

"No... wait..." I opened my eyes, conflicted at the thought of her having a boyfriend. "Isn't she only ten years old? She's way too young to be lovey-dovey with other guys! She should still be in her phase of clinging onto her older brother."

Once again, I sat up straight.

He won't make a move on her, right? I mean, he did come to our house and all. Kids these days are scary as fuck.

"...An excuse," I mused. "Right. I haven't showered yet. Being sick doesn't justify negligence to your hygiene. As a matter of fact, hygiene is essential if you want to improve your health and get better quicker."

After muttering somewhat convincing words to myself, I firmed my resolve and jumped out of bed. I then walked to the entrance and grabbed the doorknob, confirming my decision and story one last time.

Let's meet this kid.

Without further ado, I pulled open the door and walked out. I looked to my right, the source of the laughter.

"W-wha..." I was too stunned to finish my sentence. The voice was indistinguishable because the wall blocked most of the sound, so I couldn't tell the age and gender. Right, everything was an assumption.

Unfortunately, the reality was different. To my right were three students—specifically those three bullies—and one man covered his face with a mask.

"Ah, there he is," the broad bully called out, shifting his gaze from my little sister—who was bleeding on the ground—to me. Noticing this change, my sister shifted her head back to imitate their view and caught me in her sight.

"W-Why are you h-here, big b-brother? I t-tried being as q-quiet as p-possible, so I d-didn't d-disturb y-your rest..." She struggled to query through bloody gasps.

Before my eyes was my precious little sister forced into the liminal space between life and death.

The upper half of her face was shifted down, so her tears soaked it. Colorless as they were, but distinctive at the sight of the glistening edges and the tears anew. It didn't stop running, as her agony and shame continued to unfold.

The lower half of her face was drenched in blood from her mouth. In contrast to her blue eyes and its good-natured symbolic traits, her crimson blood announced and symbolized her impending death.

AND WHAT THE FUCK DID SHE JUST SAY?! SHE DIDN'T MAKE ANY NOISE DURING THIS WHOLE BIZARRE SITUATION SO THAT I COULD REST? WHAT FUCKING POWER NAP IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOU?! TELL ME, MURIEL!

As I just dreadfully looked at her withering body, the broad bully spoke up: "Mm," he expressed, licking his lips. "She was quite tasty for a kid," he commented, buckling his belt.

What...?

In doubt, I approached my sister and looked over her body with deteriorating breathing. Her bruised wrists, bleeding and exposed lower region, and lastly, slightly above that region resided a long, deep slit gushing out blood and white fluid.

No way...

I dropped to my knees, my face inches above hers.

"So cold... Hey... big brother... you have... a fever... right? Then... Come here... my body... can fix... that..." Even in the face of death, her thoughts and worries about her brother never faded.

"M...Muriel..." I reached out to caress her cheek. I then gritted my teeth and glared at the source of all this bullshit. "YOU ASSHOLE!" I screamed, getting up to lunge at him.

Not responding to my hostility, he only grinned derisively.

When he was finally within reach, chains appeared behind him and wrapped tightly around my arms. It was coming from that masked man who was indifferent to my fury. He tugged the chains, pulled me over the three bullies, and slammed me on the ground near the exit door.

"GAH!" My back took severe damage.

He tugged the chains again, but this time it twisted and tore the skin on my arms, engraving bloody, slither-like wounds on both arms.

"Keep him alive, boss," the broad bully commanded but immediately changed it into a request after the masked man looked his way.

"Let's go," a deep voice said behind the mask.

Obeying obediently, the three bullies followed the man out of the house, leaving my little sister to die and me groaning in agony at my torn arms and aching back.

Nothing... I could do nothing... I had to watch them get away...

After who-knows-how-long, I stood on my feet and my expression died down. I mindlessly walked back to my unjust dead sister. I dropped to my knees, taking in the cruel reality. My pain, tragedy, and broken heart turned into anger. The longer I looked at her corpse, the more I swayed from mourning her to loathing her murderers.

The tired sun illuminated an orange glow across the hallway of my house, emphasizing my crimson eyes and white hair—the physical features that connected me with my abusive and ruthless father. As such, my rage grew...my choices of malice and violence expanded. I was slowly becoming like that man who never considered any form of benevolent route.

"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!------- THOSE! FUCKING!! BASTARDS!!! I'M GOING TO KILL THEM! I'M GOING TO KILL THEM!! I'M GOING TO KILL THEEEEEMMMM!!! KILL! KILL! KILL! KILL! KILL!..." I kept cursing their existence.

I shoved my hand against the wall, straining my torn arm and sending blood gushing out of it once more. Then I roughly and violently scratched the surface of the wall, painting a trail of blood from each finger. After panting and wetting my dry throat, I looked at the blood-stained wall unhinged and laughing maniacally.

"Ha...hahaha. Hahaha! HAHAHAHA! THAT'S RIIIIIIGHT! THERE IS A WAY TO KILL THOSE FUCKING ASSHOLES WITHOUT GETTING CAUGHT! HAHAHAHAHA!"

As my psychotic and concerning laughter echoed across ou- my house, none but a single thought ran across my head...revenge.