Let her go!" Reiko shouted, her voice ringing through the tense air of the room.
"Silence, you wretch!" Yuzuru roared, striking her across the face. Reiko stumbled but caught herself, her fiery red hair falling across her face. Her glare was unwavering, defiant. Yuzuru turned to Kuri, his cold gaze narrowing. "And you—don't even think about interfering. If you so much as lift a finger against me, your sister will pay for it. Do you hear me? Your strength is meaningless. You exist for one purpose: to purify that parasite inside you. Once that's done, your usefulness will end. Do you understand?"
Kuri didn't respond, her head lowering, her long black hair hiding her expression. Slowly, she nodded, her silence cutting deeper than words ever could. Reiko scrambled to her feet, gently guiding Kuri back toward their room.
"Don't listen to him," Reiko said quietly, but her voice shook. If only I could protect her better… she thought bitterly, glancing at Kuri, whose face remained unreadable.
Mana, their eldest sister, appeared in the hallway. Her imposing figure radiated authority, her sharp gaze fixed on the door to the receiving room. If she could sense the turmoil between her sisters, she gave no indication. "Father is expecting you," she said curtly before stepping into the receiving room with a calculated smile.
Kuri and Reiko hesitated, lingering outside as Mana greeted the guests—three boys: Kyo, Yuki, and Haru Sohma. All were students at their school, though Kuri and Reiko had never spoken to them directly. The Hikawa family rarely mingled with others, and now, faced with these outsiders, the contrast between their harsh reality and the outside world felt almost unbearable.
Krystal, their youngest sibling, entered the room next, serving tea with quiet precision. Her golden hair glinted in the low light, her delicate features calm despite the tension in the air. "Thank you," Yuki said softly, his polite tone almost a whisper as he turned back to Yuzuru.
"Our family head, Akito Sohma, requests the honor of your entire family's presence at a banquet tomorrow night," Yuki began, his words precise. "This is a matter of great importance, and Akito has made it clear that everyone in your household is to attend."
"Interesting," Yuzuru said, leaning back in his chair with a smirk. "But if Akito wants a deal, why not speak directly with Mana? She is the CEO and the rightful heir to my position."
Mana's smile was sharp. "'A wish is made, a wish I'll grant,'" she said, reciting the Hikawa family's motto.
Yuzuru laughed. "Indeed. That is what we do. We grant wishes. So, boys, tell me—what is it that you wish for?"
Kyo stiffened, his hand brushing the bracelet on his wrist. Haru's expression remained calm, though his gaze flicked between the Hikawas, lingering on Kuri. Yuki answered smoothly, "We wish to undo a curse that has plagued our family for generations. And we've been told your family has the power to help."
Yuzuru sneered. "I see. A noble wish, I suppose. But first, a test. Kuri! Reiko! Come in here."
The twins exchanged a look before stepping into the room. They bowed in unison, their movements graceful despite the weight of Yuzuru's oppressive presence.
"Kuri and I are honored to meet denizens from the house of Sohma," Reiko said, her voice clear and calm.
Yuzuru's laugh was sharp and cruel. "Forgive her. Kuri is either mute or too stupid to speak for herself. Reiko speaks on her behalf. But let's put her so-called strength to use. Kuri, tell me—are these boys lying? What do they truly want?"
Kuri hesitated, her gaze flicking between Yuki, Haru, and Kyo. It lingered on Haru, whose dark eyes softened as he watched her. Her heart skipped a beat—there was no malice in his expression, only understanding. Slowly, Kuri stepped forward, placing herself in front of the boys. She met Reiko's eyes and gave a single, decisive nod.
"They're not lying," Reiko translated. "Their wish is genuine—they want to undo a curse, and they've come to us because we can help them."
Yuzuru studied them for a moment, then smirked. "Very well. We'll have this banquet. But it will take place at the Hikawa Shrine, on my terms."
The room began to empty, but the Sohmas lingered. Reiko met Kyo's fiery gaze, startled by the intensity in his eyes. He stepped closer, hesitating for a moment before reaching out. His fingertips brushed her hand, sending an electric shock up her arm. "I've never met someone like you," he murmured. His voice was rough, but his touch was gentle. "You're…strong. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise."
Reiko's cheeks flushed as she managed a small smile. "Thank you," she whispered.
Meanwhile, Mana stood face-to-face with Yuki, her expression unreadable. "You're polite, but you hide your intentions well," she said bluntly. "You must be good at dealing with people like my father."
Yuki's lips curved into a faint smile. "Perhaps. But I get the sense you've had to do the same."
Her eyes narrowed, but she didn't pull away when he took her hand. "If we're going to work together, I'll need to know I can trust you."
"I don't break promises," Yuki said simply. For a moment, Mana's hardened exterior seemed to crack.
Across the room, Haru approached Kuri. She tensed but didn't retreat as his calm presence enveloped her. "You don't talk much," he said gently, "but I think I get it."
Her eyes widened slightly, and he continued. "Yuki didn't talk for a long time either. He thought no one would care about what he had to say. But…he was wrong." He met her gaze, his voice soft but steady. "I care. About you. Even if we've only just met."
Kuri's breath caught. She opened her mouth as if to speak, but no words came out. Instead, her eyes shimmered with unspoken gratitude. For the first time in years, she felt truly seen.
And for the first time, all three girls felt something new—hope. three girls felt something new—hope.