Chapter 2:

A Blank Canvas

by ChatGPT

Misaki's eyelids fluttered open, revealing a sterile, white ceiling above her. She blinked, her surroundings unfamiliar and disorienting. Panic gripped her chest as she tried to remember where she was, who she was, but her mind was a blank canvas.

"Hey there, you're awake!" a voice called out, and Misaki turned her head to see a young man sitting by her bedside. He had dark hair and kind eyes, but she couldn't place his face.

"Who... who are you?" Misaki stammered, her voice trembling.

The young man seemed taken aback for a moment but quickly composed himself. "I'm Tora Igarashi. Don't you remember?"

The name echoed in Misaki's mind like a distant memory, but she couldn't grasp it. She tried to think of her own name, but even that eluded her. It was as if her entire identity had been erased.

"I don't... remember," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Tora's expression softened with concern. "That's okay. You were in a car accident, and the doctors say you have amnesia. It might take some time for your memories to come back."

Misaki's heart pounded in her chest. Amnesia? She couldn't even remember her own name, let alone the man sitting before her claiming to be her boyfriend.

As if on cue, the door to her hospital room opened, and in walked two women—her mother, Minako, and her younger sister, Suzuna. Their faces were etched with worry.

"Misaki, you're awake!" Minako exclaimed, rushing to her daughter's side. She planted a kiss on Misaki's forehead.

Suzuna followed suit, her eyes brimming with tears. "Sis, we were so worried about you."

Misaki tried to smile, even though she had no recollection of these two women. "I'm sorry for causing you so much trouble."

Tora cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Actually, there's something I need to tell you. Misaki and I, we're... we're in a relationship. I know everything right now is confusing. However, I want you to know that we're dating."

Misaki's eyes widened in shock, her mind struggling to comprehend the revelation. Dating? With this man she couldn't even remember? She turned to her family for guidance, but they didn't object. In fact, they seemed to support the claim.

Misaki's head spun. She couldn't remember any of this, but the evidence was right in front of her. Tora's earnest expression, her family's support—it was all too real.

"I... I see," she mumbled, unable to hide her confusion.

Tora reached out and gently squeezed her hand. "It's okay, Misaki. We'll figure things out together. Your memories will come back in time."

But there was one question that gnawed at Misaki's mind. "igarashi-san, my phone... Do you know where it is?"

Tora hesitated for a moment before answering. "I'm afraid it was damaged in the accident. But don't worry, we'll get you a new one."

Misaki couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at the loss of her phone. It was her lifeline to the world outside, and she couldn't help but wonder if there were messages from someone important, someone she couldn't remember.

Meanwhile, in a grand English estate, Usui Takumi sat at the bedside of his ailing brother, Gerald. Gerald was the heir to a prestigious dukedom, a position of great responsibility. But he was also gravely ill, and his condition had been deteriorating for some time.

Usui had made a difficult decision—he had chosen to pursue a career in medicine to find a cure for Gerald's illness. He had left behind the life of nobility and privilege to study medicine, determined to heal his brother and prevent the burden of succession from falling on Gerald's frail shoulders.

But as Usui dedicated himself to his studies, the weight of his responsibilities weighed heavily on him. He knew that Gerald was eager for him to succeed as the next Duke, but Usui couldn't bear the thought of his brother's illness worsening.

Back in Kyoto, Misaki's life had become a series of routines—physical therapy sessions, family visits, and conversations with Tora about their supposed relationship. Her trust in him grew, even though the absence of her own memories left her feeling vulnerable.

Tora had become a constant presence in her life. He cooked her meals, helped her with her exercises, and stayed with her through the long, quiet nights. His devotion was unwavering, and it was hard for Misaki not to be grateful.

But deep down, a nagging feeling tugged at her, a longing for the memories she couldn't access. She longed to remember her own name, her own past, and the people she had left behind.

All the while, in a small English village, Usui Takumi continued to work tirelessly, driven by his determination to find a cure for his brother's illness.

Note: I did some editing on their lines as it feels unnatural given their attitude.