Time to Let Go

"Shun, can I talk to you about Yui?" Tezuka had asked Shun to stay behind after the weekly student council meeting.

"I'm sorry about what Yui had done to the other girl. Please don't be mad at her. I have already spoken to her about it and she will apologize to her." Shun promised.

Tezuka looked at Shun for a moment. "You know that this was not the first time and I am sure it will definitely not be the last time either. She cannot go on like this. "

"I'll handle it," Shun said. "I'll talk to her again." Shun sighed. One was his best friend and the other was his little sister. He was caught between a rock and a hard place and he hated it.

"Actually, Yui is a great girl. She really isn't who you think she is. I'm sure if you gave her a chance –" Shun was cut off when Tezuka raised his brows. "Right. Okay. I will talk to her about it."

*

"So… about Tezuka…" Shun stammered. He wasn't exactly sure how to broach the subject without hurting his sister. He knew how much she liked Tezuka. She begged their parents for months regarding the engagement when Tezuka's parents proposed an arranged marriage between their families. Their parents were hesitant and found it unnecessary but Yui had begged and requested for the marriage arrangement between her and Tezuka. Now, his precious little sister was sitting on the couch opposite him, looking so frail and small as she snuggled up to one of the many throws that were littered around the living room.

Tears spilled down Yui's cheeks. It felt weird and confusing. On one hand, she was not really sad or angry about Tezuka since he was almost a complete stranger to her. Yet, on the other hand, she felt an intense grief whenever his name was mentioned. She steeled herself and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "I… I want to end the engagement. I don't want this engagement anymore."

"What – are you" – Shun's voice went up an octave – "Are you okay? Are you sick? Not feeling well? Should I call a doctor?" he stammered, gesturing frantically. He stood up in a hurry to switch positions. He sat down beside her on the couch and put his hand on her forehead.

Yui leaned back in the couch and tipped her head back to avoid his hand. "I'm fine. I'm just tired and I really want this to end. Do you think you can talk to Daddy and Mummy about this?" She paused. "I'm serious about this. Please help me to end this."

"Okay. No problem. I'll handle it. Maybe you should go to your room and rest for a bit more. You do look slightly pale." He told her distractedly.

"Thank you and I am really sorry for everything." Yui said quietly as she embraced Shun. She knew that it was abrupt to ask to end the engagement. However, she was exhausted and tired of feeling so suffocated by the emotions Tezuka caused. Yui had almost blurted out that she was not Yui when she saw how shocked Shun was at her request. But there was a high probability that Shun might send her to see a psychologist if she had done so. Yui sighed and made her way back to her room.

Shun immediately reached for his phone once he was sure Yui had stepped out of the living room. He dialled the family doctor in a hurry and requested for a home visit and a full body check up as soon as possible.

He blew out a breath and cradled his head in his arms. Something was wrong. If he had not been with his sister for the past few days, he would have guessed that this sister was an imposter. He needed to think positively. His younger sister had finally grown up. That was the most acceptable explanation for her actions.