Redemption: a Hollow Wish

Disclaimer: I didn't own anything.

Important note: The following content was made for entertainment purposes only, and in no way do I intend to offend anyone whose nationality has been utilized in the creation of this story. This word was solely based in fiction and any scenario that appears to be similar to real-life events should be considered as anything but coincidence.

Warning: Contains sensitive matters regarding politics and war, OOCness and some grammatical errors.

…

My state of mind was in utter chaos.

But truth be told, the state of my sanity was nothing compared to what's filling my view as of now.

Pulverized buildings, crushed pavements, burnt cars, and the flashing of red and blue lights as the search and rescue teams execute their missions. And as the plane I was riding lowered in altitude to prepare for landing, I was given a full view of what's transpiring below. I have seen it for three times already, but never did this sight fail to give me shudders. Below was a huge crack, about the size of a football arena.

I covered my face with a handkerchief in order to hide the grimace forming in my face, pretending that I was just wiping sweat. I can't risk having the people around me think that I'm weak.

I already know for myself that I absolutely am.

But I had sworn to never let it show to others. So I withheld my urge to weep by pressing my eyes close, bringing the tears back to where they came from. There will always be a time for them to come out – and that is when I'm alone. Being the one to uphold something as crucial as this position, my rights to show grief had long been taken away.

I look up ahead, fully recovered. It's a trick I learnt from a drill sergeant that took a liking on me when I was still in recruit training,

– If you're afraid to show weakness to others, then make sure to not show any emotion at all. A boulder is tough for it has no heart. And in order to be like a boulder, renounce your feelings, never show any emotion.

Reciting the mantra in my head, I directed my sight towards the window, where a full view of a particular town can be seen.

Or, a ruined view of a particular town, to be precise.

…

Everything changed four years ago, the day when my ordinary life as a university student was taken away from me.

It all started when a dispute between Russia and the United States ensued; fighting over the rights to govern the largest breakthrough in the history of science- namely, the [Tithonus]. Said technology derived from a name of an individual in the Greek mythology was the one invented to prevent humans from aging. And yes, humanity had already reached the point where they found the key to unlock the secrets of immortality. But instead of having a more harmonious way of living with the capability to postpone death, greed and corruption befell, thus, rendering both states in a state of unofficial war.

The idea of settling the whole dispute through peace talks had been ignored and each side decided to claim rights through military force. Of course, at first, a façade about the two states negotiating about a treaty has been shown to people, creating a false sense of peace. But little did the public know that a war was already brewing in the backstage.

And after an unfortunate incident lead by the Islamic terrorists, Russia's main oil supply had been destroyed. Then while fearing that the west will take advantage of their weakened state, the Russians forcefully seized the oil fields of the Persian Gulf to survive the crisis.

But that's just the start, as the [Carter Doctrine] states that the United States had pledged to defend any resources politically owned by the Persian Gulf. And taking the pledge as an excuse, the United States started to attack the fleet sent by the Russians to invade the fields.

Aggression arise, flags had been raised.

And later on, the two states declared official war.

As for Japan, - having not enough capability to defend itself - sworn neutrality, despite having extensive knowledge about military technology. My father, the current Prime Minister at that time, adamantly proposed to keep the country out of the dispute. His efforts bore fruit, for as during the war, Japan stayed free for a little while.

—For a little while.

Five months after the war started, an 'accidental' missile launch had been deployed in a neighboring country, annihilating a Russian base afterwards. The government sworn that it's not Japan's intention – that it might just be a [false flag] raised by the opposing state to trigger hostility. But the Russians, being obsessively paranoid while being in a warring state, took the mistake as a sign of aggression and attacked, thinking the country was secretly affiliated with the US.

I was a third year student at Tokyo University at that time, when a group of men – which I later knew to be my father's subordinates, – took me away. In the light of the day, I was kidnapped. Then I woke up, all safe and unblemished inside a hotel in Osaka, watching the news about the Russia's attack in Tokyo.

An army had secretly formed their base in the outskirts through massive infiltration. And with a 'bomb drop' at the capital as a signal; they all scattered and took the whole city in their grasps. Half of Tokyo was ruined, while the remaining left was in the clutches of the invading state.

My father got tipped about the attack in the last minute and managed to evacuate his family and a few people. Osaka became the evacuation area for all that had escaped, but the remaining ones – the one who had not been killed by the 'dropshot' – had been held captive by the Russian invaders.

The whole attack triggered the renouncement of peace and Japan, initially planning to keep neutral, was forced to martial its resources in order to protect its people. The country has been in the 'state of calamity' due to the war and compulsory [conscription] was approved by the government to its people due to Japan's lack in manpower. Men were assigned to support the army as volunteer soldiers while some of the women were trained in the process to do collie labor and medical support.

Surprisingly, I was exempted from the conscription when my father assigned me as an exemplary member of the [Committee of 300]. An organization my father established while in the assumptions that the war will soon affect the country. Its purpose was to act as a public figure for the people to rely their hopes on. Media is a powerful asset when boosting morale, and the other members conducted speeches aired through televisions and radios motivating Japan's people and extolling hope. While the organization will seem like a group that works solely to motivate people, it also works as intelligence support for the military in the backlines. That's where I belonged. Having not enough knowledge about almost everything, I underwent extensive training and studying to cope up about how to deal with such matters – physical trainings inside the barracks and a crash course about the military environment at the same time. For a whole eight months, a part of me was molded into what I am now.

It's not a secret that my father forced me inside the base with all his might. Everyone knows that he did it to keep me out of being conscripted in the war. He fears for my safety and instead, forced me to work in the backlines where I will be safe. It's unfair, to be frank, but no one rebuked his actions. Perks of being a 'big man', I suppose.

Later on, I was tasked to work with the technical staffs who prevents cyber attacks. Being only able to withhold my stamina for a short while, the idea of deploying me for combat was never considered. Instead, they honed my skills in technology and computer programming. I also participate in the private meetings discussing military tactics which I somehow, not work well on. But I try to cope, so it's a point.

At the age of twenty three, I was then recorded as the youngest member of the Defense Intelligence Headquarters.

Little by little, our country tried to take back what's stolen, and for a short while, we're successful.

—For a short while.

After taking back Tokyo, who had been gravely ruined, a surprise attack in Osaka – the main base – turned the tables over. No one expected that the Russians will then again try to make yet another round of reckless massive infiltration. And at that time, the damage was more serious that the military was actually backed into a corner. I was lucky to have survived, though. They attacked the main base, meaning, the place I was currently in. Majority of the people I worked with died. And if not for doing the most despicable thing I did over my whole life so far, I would have been six-feet'ed now.

I fought back and managed to save my skin by killing a few of the Russian assaulters with my own knowledge about using guns. And when I got cornered, I lay down in the stacks of corpses, held my breath, and played dead until the coast was clear. And soon, after a whole ordeal of dragging my wounded body from Osaka's fourth ward to the eleventh by feet, I was then rescued by a passing platoon and taken to the latest base – Higashimatsushima of the Miyagi prefecture.

In its most desperate state, Japan got no other choice but to seek help to the United States – the opposing state of Russia. The US complied, although having one condition: they will take rights in Japans knowledge in military technology. After about a whole five months of trying to defend what's left, the contract has been fully effective and reinforcements from the west came in. A whole skirmish befitting the state of Stone Age took place and soon enough, after the bloody deaths and sacrifices of many people, Japan was liberated once again.

After the Russians assault to the country ended, while trying to recover from the almost a year worth of war damage, Japan moved along and lived a somewhat calm if not peaceful state. The westerns established bases in every outskirt and later on, seeing American soldiers patrolling the streets will not strike anyone as odd. All the while keeping Japan away from the 'danger' Russia exudes; the Americans began developing our own technology in terms of military forces for their own uses.

Later on, the development succeeded and Japan, alongside US, boosted its defense drastically. Any threat that can possibly harm the country can now be apprehended with the improved capability.

As for myself, I felt no sense of glory, as if victory had not been achieved all along.

Yes, granted that the war between Russia and US was still on stage, and we're now officially involved in the dispute, having teamed up with Russia's opposing state. But still, it feels like Japan had not been liberated at all. It feels not so different from when the Russians were still advancing their assaults.

Of course, the memories of the past still haunts me in my nightmares, but when I recall them now, I sometimes experience this feeling of emptiness – like nothing happened. I hate talking about the war and hearing people talking about it – which is futile, basing from the position I was in. Many lives were lost, I'm fully aware, but it was still a dreary business. An only when I participate in these meeting where we try to collaborate with US was I able to think of it except in terms of its dreariness.

I'll be honest with you. If I got a choice, I would renounce my exemplary membership with the Committee and live as a civilian under protection. But I can't. Ever since my father died, all of the burdens and expectations that had been pressed to his organization had been forced into me instead. As his successor, I cannot leave my duty – for the country, and my family's dignity as well.

It was exactly about a year ago, while making the very first public speech after a very long time, my father took the stage in the ruined Tokyo and announced Japan's plans to collaborate with the United States. Right even before he could voice out his opening, in front of all the people he's trying to boost the morale, in front of his family that's been very proud of him, in front of me, his daughter who always looked up to his bravery, he's been shot.

—Sniped straight in the head.

—Dead on the spot.

After a whole ordeal of coping up with depression and bouncing back. I, being my late father's most suitable successor, took his place as the deputy chief of the Committee. The secondary option was for Nee-san to take his place, but as she does already have a child to worry about – she refused as expected.

I can't blame her to be honest, she's been through a lot already. Right before the attack in Tokyo happened, she just got divorced from her husband and took custody of their child. Indeed, she already had it rough.

That, when I think about it, may be the reason why I was appointed to this place. Fresh out of training and not even tainted with bias yet, plus not having anyone to worry about but herself, indeed, I was perfect.

But it's justifiable, having this much weight forcefully placed upon my shoulders, I was, and probably will stay alone. No one will dare to have anything to do with me, except for the military who were already used to have crosshairs following their heads every time.

Pitiful. In the age of twenty five, Yukinoshita Yukino stayed single.

But worrying about falling in same alley as my late Modern Japanese teacher is not my priority right now. I came back to this place with an important goal on mind – and that's all there is to it for now.

…

I felt the familiar bumping sensation as the plane touched the ground. Straightening my blazer as the platform unfolded, I got off, slightly dizzy from jetlag. The journey was not that long, and it's not like I rode a public plane to get here – it's the private plane owned by the Committee. And I've been taking advantage of my position for three times in a row now by taking it for personal use.

The scent of something burning greeted my nose and I took the facemask my assistant had given me with gratitude. Upon walking, the five men tasked to escort me also moved along, making this whole ordeal look a lot more serious that what it was supposed to be.

It's infuriating to have people always following you – and I would know, since it's been years since I'd lived this way. But still, I can't ever seem to get used to it. Especially when the said people pledged to sacrifice their lives to you if the situation calls. They will literally catch a bullet for me – and it was never a pleasant thought.

I beckoned my assistant to come closer and I whispered to her ears, "Make the guards leave."

"But—"

"Please?"

Said assistant had already been alongside me since I got back from the ambush in Osaka. She's been doing pretty well so far, and I trust her. After flashing a self depreciating smile to her, she nodded sympathetically and took off to shoo the pests away.

Due to habit, my hand slid through my pocket to get my ID the moment I reached the barricades. But the guards just took a glance at me and let me through. Upon entering, a medical staff clad in surgical clothing approached me and handed me a clipboard. Three pages of paper were pasted, showing the information of three different women.

"We found three, though I'd advice you not look for the third one. She's pretty messed up."

I nodded, taking his warning at heart. He already saw my breakdowns these past days and I appreciate his act of consideration.

I slowly approached the body bags in the middle of the scene, and for a brief moment, I felt like a widow walking towards the corpse of her husband. It's not like I have the personal experience, but I understand the feeling.

"Are any of them recognized yet?" I asked the medical staff.

"There were actually five bodies found, but as the two of them were recognized by the other members of the army as relatives, the bodies were given to the respective families." He pointed at the three body bags, "These three, however, were not recognize yet. The staff will take them to the other corpses after you see what you're looking for."

I nodded in understanding and motioned the man to get started. He took the cue and crouched to rip the zipper down.

Oh.

I withheld my urge to gasp as a corpse of a pink-haired girl laid before me. Her body was a bloody mess, having wounds severe enough that I can already see the bones. Half of her body was burnt black as well. But despite of myself, I found myself clutching my chest in relief.

"Not her."

The other staffs took the body bag while the man proceeded to open the second one.

"Wait!" I blurted out, holding up a hand as I try to catch my breath for a moment. "Go on."

But readying myself was for naught as I found myself utterly shocked the moment the ripping sounds of the zipper ceased.

"Is she… is she dead?"

A question befitting to be labeled stupid came out of my mouth.

Of course she is dead, she won't' be stuffed in a body bag in the first place if she isn't.

But I found myself contradicting my thoughts. The corpse didn't look dead at all. In fact, she looked shocked – both her mouth and eyes were wide open.

She disturbingly looked alive.

"Yes, she is," the man took the piece of cloth covering her neck and I stared, as marks on it, like snakes entangling themselves appeared. "She hung herself."

"Oh," is all I could mutter as the realization hit me. Depression is a given while in the state of war. And suicides were no longer considered as a rarity these days.

"Is she what you're looking for?"

"No," I said firmly. "The person I was looking for will not even try to kill herself."

"I see. You're not going to look for the third one I assume?"

"If you decided that it's better for me not to look, then I won't."

I get the feeling that the third one was not her after all – and so far, my instincts never failed me. The other staffs took both of the body bags and I left the area, eager to get some fresh air. Well, 'fresh' may not be the word, but something that does not reek of formalin.

"I suppose you didn't find anything?"

My assistant that has been waiting for me outside approached as she saw me. I smiled weakly to her and nodded.

"The least I can do is to hope that she's alive if she's not here."

Yuigahama Yui, missing ever since the attack in Tokyo. She's currently working as a pet shop staff while pursuing veterinary. She's left when the attack ensued, and since then, I got no news about her.

When we succeeded on retrieving Tokyo, I found out that the pet shop had not been affected by the bombing at all, and its owner – who happened to know Yui very well, firmly told me that she survived and was unfortunately held captive by the Russians.

The thought was dreadful and it always haunts me at nights imagining Yui being violated by the invaders. But as long as she's alive, there would be hope. And I will never stop looking for her.

Last week, I received intel about the sightings of a similar girl that matched my descriptions being spotted in Muroran, a capital of a sub prefecture in Hokkaido. While being doubtful about the information, I still flew from the Miyagi, which I was residing at the moment towards there.

But right even before we could start searching,

The Hokkaido prefecture had been attacked.

It's neither a ploy of my side nor the opposing ones. Investigations believed that it's from those so-called 'freedom fighters' taking their first serious measure regarding their advance.

These people are all Japanese people claiming to keep terrorizing the recovering country if the government didn't cut ties with the United States. They believed that the false flag that trigged Russia's hostility against us was actually devised by the Americans to back us into a corner, thus having no choice but to seek for their help.

—To be honest, everyone believes that.

It's just that our country desperately needs their help that we didn't try to rebuke anything.

Although after recovering, we're planning to have this issue discussed with them.

But the majority was not patient enough to wait until the country recovered to force their advance. Three days ago, after starting with just executing mass attacks and random bomb threats, the terrorists surprisingly took a more serious measure and attacked.

Scattered explosions destroyed the entirety of Iburi capital, taking the lives of massive number of people afterwards. Investigations had shown the cause of the destruction to be pre-planted mines.

And that brings us back to my current situation. Right after receiving the good news and bearing hope that I would probably find my long lost friend at the said place, the prefecture had been attacked. Unfortunate was not the exact term to describe it – it almost felt like fate was mocking me.

"Let's go back," we walked to go back towards the plane and after gathering the escorts back, we set off.

After arriving back to the base, I waltzed towards my office which happened to be my personal quarters as well. I'm so tired and I was expecting a round of tea to calm me down. Eager to get my time alone, I sent my assistant to run some errands for the headquarters. It's not like it was set in stone that I should be escorted all the time. This is the main base after all. Only fools will dare to do something to me in these confines. And it's not like I can't defend myself. I didn't get into this position for nothing.

My heels tapped on the floor as I walked towards my office's door.

But then—

As I twisted the doorknob open, I stiffened when I saw what was inside.

—No, it's a who.

"Hmm, hello to you too, Yukino-chan."

Nee-san broke the silence as I found myself just staring at her. For a brief fatigue-induced moment, the thought of her being a mere illusion crossed my head, and slowly, like a zombie, I approached her.

"Hey, aren't you acting a little weird? You should rejoice—!"

She stopped when I raised a hand to poke her chest. The feeling reminiscent of touching two enormous pieces of marshmallows overwhelmed me, and before I knew it, I was groping her breasts.

"I've no idea that my little sis swing this way—"

"It's really you…"

My voice died down when I buried myself in her and cried. All of those bottled up grief inside me welled the moment I felt her warmth against me, and I can't seem to stop. I felt her hugging me back as her other arm patted my head.

"I… I missed you…"

"Hmm, I missed you too."

It's been a year since I last saw her. Due to her having a child to protect, she chose to stay under the confines of civilian protection and I don't blame her.

After a whole session of hugging, I sat myself on the sofa while wiping my tears.

"Long time no see."

"Hmm," she nodded sadly. "A year was quite a long time."

"How's Akkey?"

Akkey – or Yukinoshita Akihito, my nephew who I had last seen as an infant.

"He's doing great. Still adorable. How about you? You look miles away from a hassle highway."

"Really?" I said, shocked. "Do I?"

"Well at first glance, you look marvelous. But you're emitting this 'god, I'm very tired!' aura around you."

"Looks like the aura was spot on," I smiled weakly to her and she sighed.

"Hey, I'm sorry that I was not able to help you."

"I told you to not worry about it, right? And besides, you still have an Akkey to deal with."

"Oh indeed," she laughed. "That kid's worse than the war – no kidding."

Small talk. A little alternative to keep the anxiety at bay. It's always a good thing to have these light conversations with someone. Being in this place, the opportunity was rare if not possible at all.

I walked towards the tea maker to brew, but Nee-san stopped me.

"Don't be such a baby. Here have this."

She's handing me a glass with a caramel colored liquid inside.

"Liquors aren't allowed in here. I can't believe they let you have those."

"Oh," she smiled mischievously at me. "This is yours though."

Huh?

I directed my gazes to my bed – and under it was an opened box.

"Seriously, under the bed? I expected better from someone who underwent eight months of training, Yukino-chan."

"Shut up."

Slightly annoyed by being mocked and having someone fiddling with my things, I snatched the glass in her hands and gulped everything down.

"Oooh, never expected you to be this hardcore."

"Whatever," I dismissed as I throw my heels in the corner. "So what brought you here? It's weird that the all mighty and glory single mom of Japan came out of her way just to see the deputy chief."

Small talk done. Now back to business.

"They asked me for help."

"What about your child?"

"He's safe."

That's all she said but I can see an obvious tinge of longing in her tone.

"What help?"

"Counceling."

Oh right, Nee-san was actually a psychology graduate. And since father established the Committee, she worked as one of the counseling staff before she resigned to focus on her son.

"It seems that it will take you long," I sympathized with her. "There are lots of people dealing with PTSD at the moment."

"I'm aware," she breathed a sigh. "This sucks. The war sucks. The Committee sucks. I suck. And you—"

"No, let me say it – I know. I suck."

"Hmm, we all suck! Why don't we just keep sucking until we die?"

"Not a bad offer. I'd consider it."

After that, we both laughed heartily. I don't know about her, but it's the first time in a while that I actually forgot that I'm participating with the war. I wish this moment would never end.

But it did, and I can't stop myself from crying.

"Now now," Nee-san hugged me while brushing my hair. "If you're that tired, why don't you take a leave for a while and pay him a visit?"

Still crying, I responded, "I… I already visited father a week ago. The grave was still there."

"I don't mean dad, you nutcase," she hit my head lightly. "I meant him."

Instantly, I stopped wailing. The thought hadn't crossed my mind for months since I was too busy.

"What for? Do you expect me to garner motivation just by talking to someone who never responds?"

"Oh, not anymore," Nee-san grinned. "I just saw him yesterday, and guess what?"

"He… he talked?" I asked, my heart pounding.

"Yes," she said and I almost burst out jumping.

"What did he say?"

"Wait a minute. If you're thinking that I was the one who made him talk, you're wrong. He's already responding a week before I arrive."

I was aghast, "But why didn't they tell me?"

"He just talks randomly, you know? They seem to not want to disappoint you."

"What do you mean?"

"Let's put it this way," she stood up from her my chair and sat on my desk instead. I brushed it off as I'm too curious to even talk. "The shortest word he said was 'No', while the longest was 'Shut your mouth or I'd shut it for you'."

"For real?"

"Yep. And I'm actually surprised to hear him talking fluently in English."

"He took English Literature for three years after all."

"Oh right, college. God how I miss those. Anyway, when you came for him, make sure to bring an interpreter."

"Why?"

For a moment, Nee-san stopped, as if trying to mince her words. Later though, she finally spoke, "He speaks with strong Russian accent."

"Oh."

Russian… accent.

As if sensing that my mood was getting worse from hearing that news, Nee-san stood up from my desk and head towards the door. "Why don't we go together? You don't have any meetings scheduled, right?"

"Well, I don't but—"

"Then we'll go, c'mon!" she threw my heels back at me and closed the door. "I'll wait for you, so better hurry!"

Reluctantly, I let myself get dragged as Nee-san asked the staff to drive us from the base to [SERN]. Its' a facility made to accommodate the surviving soldiers who were suffering from mental trauma. They have these different wards where they arrange their patients based on their severity. First ward was for those with minor trauma – those who experience continuous nightmares and asks for counseling. The second one was for those who have a more serious condition – the survivors who need to be confined. And the third was for the dangerous ones. The traumatized ones who sometimes goes berserk.

And at the moment, I found myself standing at the third ward, watching a gaunt man sitting on his bed reading a book.

The sight warmed my heart. He may have forgotten who he is, but he still remembers his deep love for reading. A stack of books can be seen neatly organized on a small shelf.

His hair was now long enough to reach his shoulders. The extensive years of combat and training are evident on his well formed build.

To be honest, if not for his eyes, I wouldn't have recognized him. Said eyes were skimming on a page with utter interest and as I stare longer, I found myself getting mesmerized.

Later, the fascination faded as I noticed how his expression looked like. He may look neutral, but his eyes gave him away.

Those eyes looked like those of a wounded animal.

I haven't put that much attention in his appearance as the last time I saw him, he looked as if he's ready to kill anyone that gets close.

And when I said kill – he would actually do it.

He may look harmless, but being locked in a glass framed cell with dozens of guards in it, anyone will realize that this man was a big deal.

I slowly walked and tapped the glass pane separating us. As if trained, he looked at me, put his book down, and sat at the chair placed beside the intercom.

I found myself not being able to utter a single word as he just stared at me curiously, like a kid meeting an interesting stranger.

Jumping as I felt a hand on my shoulder, I looked behind and I saw Nee-san smiling encouragingly at me, "He won't talk if you don't, you know?"

Steeling my will, I forced my vocal chords to make a sound and I spoke, "H-Hikigaya-kun… how are you doing?"

He didn't respond, and instead, kept on staring at me curiously.

"Oh right," I heard Nee-san mutter and she whispered to me. "Watch, this is how you do it."

She took the mic of the intercom to her hands and talked, like how a preschool teacher would towards her student.

"M3, care for a little chat?"

Upon hearing her words, he looked at her and slowly, and ever so slowly, he nodded his head.

"Okay."

…

Redemption: a Hollow Wish [FIN]

…

References

[Tithonus] - In Greek mythology, Tithonus was the lover of Eos, Goddess of the Dawn. Tithonus was a prince of Troy, the son of King Laomedon by the Naiad Strymo. Eos is said to have taken Tithonus, from the royal house of Troy, to be her lover. The mytheme of the goddess' mortal lover is an archaic one; when a role for Zeus was inserted, a bitter twist appeared: according to the Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite, when Eos asked Zeus to make Tithonus immortal, she forgot to ask that he be granted eternal youth. Tithonus indeed lived forever.

[Conscription] - Sometimes called the draft, is the compulsory enlistment of people in a national service, most often a military service. Conscription dates back to antiquity and continues in some countries to the present day under various names

[Carter Doctrine] - was a policy proclaimed by President of the United States Jimmy Carter in his State of the Union Address on January 23, 1980, which stated that the United States would use military force, if necessary, to defend its national interests in the Persian Gulf.

[False flag] - Refers to covert operations designed to deceive; the deception creates the appearance of a particular party (group or nation) being responsible for some activity, disguising the actual source of responsibility.

[Committee of 300] – An organization taken from Steins; Gate.

[SERN] – Another Steins; Gate reference.

…

Notes: Hey there. This idea has been running rampant inside my head these past few days and I can't just help but put down my pen on my other fics for a while to write this one. This was supposed to actually be a multi-chapter story, but since I already have two fics in progress, I decided to label it as an oneshot for now. Maybe, when the time comes and I successfully finished my first projects, I will get back to this one. But until then, please just keep on bearing with me with my other works.

Lastly, even though it's an oneshot, I'd still appreciate the reviews. So please, leave some.

The other stories' continuations are on their way now, so you can look forward to those.

—Cheekygaya out.