A few days had passed since that fateful day.

Jay’s sleep was no longer peaceful. Every night, the same nightmares returned—Saikopasu’s twisted grin, the screams of soldiers, and above all, the image of his mother’s death. He would wake up shaking, his chest tight, tears streaming down his face before he even realized he was crying.

Because of that, he chose isolation.

During those days, Jay avoided everyone. Even those closest to him.
Being alone felt safer.

'If I stay alone… I won’t hurt anyone. I won’t disappoint anyone'.
'After all… I am disappointment itself'.

A familiar presence wrapped around him, warm and gentle.

“It’s okay… everything is fine,” a soft voice whispered. “You’re not a disappointment. You make me proud, my future husband.”

Jay’s face flushed as he looked at her. She was beautiful—white hair shimmering, her form partially hidden behind a faint purple aura that made her presence feel unreal. She kissed his cheek and lay down on his bed, reaching out to him.

Without resistance, he joined her.

'She’s always been here… even at my worst'.
'Does she truly care about me?'
'…It doesn’t matter'.

Jay hugged her tightly. She returned the embrace, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead.

“I’ll always be with you,” she murmured. “No matter what, my sweet Jay.”

Her warmth eased his breathing. Slowly, sleep claimed him once again. She closed her eyes beside him, holding him as if shielding him from the world.

Darkness.

Jay found himself walking through a frozen land, snow crunching beneath his feet. His breath came out heavy and uneven, his hand clutching his chest as if something inside him was breaking.

Then—

Crack.

A skull shattered beneath his foot.

He gasped and fell, the ground giving way as he plunged into the abyss. Cold hands brushed against him. Some grabbed his arms, others his legs. One closed tightly around his neck.

Laughter echoed.

Saikopasu’s voice rang out, distorted and cruel, as if tearing at his very soul. Another voice followed—a soldier’s.

“Why?”
“Why did you kill me?”
“Why did you take me away from my family?”

Jay screamed, but no sound came out.

Then she appeared.

Runa stood before him, her eyes filled not with love, but disgust.

“You’re the worst,” she said coldly. “Look at what you’ve done. You’re a monster.”
She turned away.
“Never appear before me again. Goodbye.”

Jay collapsed to his knees.

He cried, apologizing again and again, punching the wall beside him until his knuckles split open. Blood stained the snow, but he felt nothing. Even as something tore into his shoulder, pain never came.

Only emptiness.

“Jay.”

A voice called out to him.

He didn’t recognize it at first.

“Jay!”

The voice grew stronger, forcing its way through the darkness.

Light flooded his vision.

Jay blinked, finding himself back in his room. His family stood around him, their faces filled with worry.

“Jay, are you okay?” Mary asked, her voice trembling.

He didn’t answer.

She gently placed her hand on his cheek. “Why are you crying? Please… you’re scaring me.”

Jay forced a smile. “It’s nothing. Just a nightmare.”

'I can’t even look at her…'

Poul stepped forward, his voice firm yet warm. “Jay, be honest. You’re not alone. Whatever you’re carrying, let us help you.”

Jay’s chest tightened.

'Do I deserve this?'
'This family… this warmth… this happiness?'

“I… I don’t know,” he admitted quietly.

Poul clenched his fist. “You’re pushing everyone away because you’re afraid. Afraid to face what happened. I failed to protect you—that’s my fault. But don’t deny us the chance to stand beside you.”

Jay looked down.

'He’s not a failure. I am'.
'A son… a friend… a murderer'.

Tears fell again.

“I love you all,” Jay said at last. “I’ll try to get better. But sometimes… I need to be alone.”

Poul nodded, pain flashing across his face. He left the room with Mary and Luis.

Only Kyrai stayed.

She sat beside Jay, bumping his shoulder lightly. “You’re acting way too serious.”

Jay snorted. “You talk too much for a little sister.”

“Huh?! You sound like an old man!”

They both laughed.

Suddenly, Kyrai began to cry.

Jay froze. “Did I say something wrong?”

She shook her head, wiping her tears. “I thought I lost you forever… I’m just glad you’re still here.”

Jay pulled her into a hug.

“I’m here,” he whispered. “I’m not going anywhere.”

'I need to protect her'.