Chapter Text
“How are you faring now?” Shiyuan asked, concern evident in his voice.
“I’m alright, it’s just…..I’m still adjusting to having one mind. Usually, I’d hear her ridiculing me by now,” Shungguang replied, her tone reflecting uncertainty.
“Could still be asleep. I’m very skeptical about her departure. Not to offend or kill your spirits, but she is quite tricky,” Shiyuan cautioned.
Embarrassed, Shungguang rubbed the back of her neck, a blush coloring her cheeks. “I guess she is, but at the same time, she is me by technicality.”
Shiyuan continued, “I’m just saying you should be prudent. That personality was getting out of hand, and she could have jumped up to murder had the setting been correct.”
Shungguang muttered, her eyes flickering, “Murder….”
“I’m not saying it was guaranteed, I’m just worried about her capabilities,” Shiyuan clarified.
“I see. I’m not faulting you for that, brother. I’m just….still processing this whole thing,” Shungguang admitted.
“I understand what you must be feeling. Getting back to one cohesive mind from a fractured one within a day is unheard of, and it must be approached with caution,” Shiyuan said.
“Yeah,” Shungguang responded quietly.
Shiyuan offered reassurance: “But I have faith in the people around you. Dialyn is there, Yixuan is present, and Wise has been pivotal in this whole thing.”
“Yeah, Wise….” Shungguang sighed under her breath.
“I spoke to Lycaon earlier today. When you get back to school, there is going to be a sort of change in program for you. It’s not a major one, but it is born from precaution just in case something happens,” Shiyuan explained.
“What’s happening?” Shungguang asked.
“It’s a bit extensive, but I’ll send you an email with all the details,” said Shiyuan.
“Email? Can’t you just text me?” Shungguang questioned.
“Messaging has a lower limit of PDF size. I prefer email,” Shiyuan replied.
“How large is this PDF exactly?” Shungguang wondered aloud.
“It has illustrations on certain things for better explanation, so storage goes to that as well. I do recommend you read the whole thing in its entirety,” Shiyuan advised.
“Of course I will. I’m not going to skip things,” Shungguang assured him.
“Then there are no further issues here,” Shiyuan said, closing the conversation.
Shungguang, feeling a wave of concern, rested her head on the sofa’s armrest and asked, “How is papa? Is he getting better?”
Shiyuan responded reassuringly, “He’s doing quite fine these days. The doctor said he can afford to move around the house now. Though he still coughs a lot and has some trouble breathing, I think he’ll recover in due time. He just needs to be consistent with the antibiotics and the diet.”
Encouraged by the update, Shungguang asked, “That’s great, is he nearby right now? Can I talk to him?”
Shiyuan hesitated, replying, “Uh, right now?”
With a hint of concern, Shungguang pressed, “Is that an issue? I can’t talk to him?”
Shiyuan clarified, “No, I think I forgot to mention I’m not at home right now. I’m at the pharmacy, picking up his prescription.”
Disappointment tinged Shungguang’s voice as she simply uttered, “Oh.”
Shiyuan sought to reassure her, saying, “But don’t worry, I’ll be back home in about an hour. I can call you back then and you can speak with him.”
“Alright then,” Shungguang replied.
“Right,” Shiyuan affirmed.
“Stay safe, brother,” Shungguang said, sending her well wishes.
“I love you, bye,” Shiyuan said, ending the call.
Shungguang let out a long sigh as she shifted restlessly on the couch. Her eyes wandered to the television, which remained off. The dark, glossy screen became a mirror, reflecting her own image back at her. She paused, staring at her own reflection for several moments, lost in thought.
Shungguang slowly adjusted her posture, sitting upright on the couch as her gaze remained fixed on her own reflection in the television screen. A singular, overwhelming thought coursed through her mind, dominating her consciousness in that quiet moment.
She whispered to herself, “It’s just me this time, you’re really gone forever.” Lowering her eyes, Shungguang stared at the palms of her hands, her expression flickering with emotion. She clenched her fists tightly, as if trying to steady herself against the reality she was facing.
The sensation of control washed over Shungguang, unfamiliar and constant. “Being in control 24/7 is…such a new feeling,” she said, articulating the strangeness of her situation. She rose from the couch and walked toward the kitchen. Pausing at the entrance, another thought came to her.
“She’d be making fun of me right now, calling me fat and the like,” Shungguang mused. She took a step inside, moving purposefully toward the refrigerator. Crouching down, she meticulously scanned the contents.
‘Pie…..soda….melon….where is it?’ Shungguang’s eyes darted one last time around the fridge before landing on her sought-after treat. She discovered that her desired item was hidden behind the vegetables.
“Why are they behind the vegetables….” Scratching her head, Shungguang realized the reason and sighed, exasperation clear in her demeanor as she identified the culprit.
‘It was her, of course she’d do something like this. Leaving mockery before she fused with me, how fitting.’ Shungguang shook her head, pushing the greens aside to retrieve her treat, reflecting on the lingering presence of her alternate half in the smallest details.
Memories and Longing
Shungguang glanced at the osmanthus cake in her hand, nostalgia washing over her. “Osmanthus cake, it’s been so long since I’ve had one. I hope they didn’t go stale, baking more would take some time…..” she murmured, gently pressing the pastry to test its freshness. It retained a bit of softness, though not as much as she hoped.
She considered how best to reheat the cake. “It’s alright I guess, maybe I should use the steaming method to heat it instead of the microwave. Don’t want it getting rock solid,” she thought, pausing to gaze at the pastry, weighing her options.
As she reflected, a realization struck her. ‘Now that I think about it, this batch was supposed to go to school with me this week. I had one prepared for him as well,’ Shungguang remembered, her cheeks coloring with a sudden blush.
“Him. Wise…” she whispered, feeling a flutter in her stomach as memories of the man flooded her mind in quick succession.
She tried to steady herself, recalling advice. “Ohhh, no. Guang Shifu said you must be clear in the mind to remain calm. Stop thinking like that,” she said aloud, vigorously fanning her face with her free hand. The motion produced a light breeze, but it did little to alleviate the warmth spreading across her cheeks.
Shungguang acknowledged the depth of her emotions. “She wasn’t lying at all; my feelings are so intense now. I can feel it everywhere and it’s killing me. That was the good thing about having that personality around, she’d take most of the force off me,” she admitted, swallowing hard. With trembling hands, she moved toward the cabinet and reached for a bowl, trying to regain composure as her feelings threatened to overwhelm her.
“If he saw me now, he’d think I’m sick or something,” Shungguang thought, squeezing her eyes shut as another wave of memories with Wise washed over her. The images came unbidden, vivid and overwhelming.
“Yeah, a-act proper Shungguang, would you act like this if he was in front of you?” she scolded herself, shaking her head vigorously in an attempt to regain composure.
“Okay, just imagine if he was here. Act like you would then, be upright and beh—” she began, only to trail off as the reality of his absence settled in.
“If he was here……” Shungguang slowly set the bowl down onto the kitchen countertop, her gaze drifting into empty space as she contemplated what could have been.
“He’s due to leave soon….” she whispered, the thought weighing heavily on her mind.
“No Guang, don’t think about that now. You’re not making yourself feel sad,” she said, shaking her head side to side to fight off the creeping sense of sorrow. Despite her efforts, a tightness formed in her chest as thoughts of Wise threatened to overwhelm her.
“Oh, you always do this to yourself, now you’re sad,” Shungguang groaned, wiping beneath her eyes with her hand as she tried to compose herself.
“I can’t help these feelings from coming out, it’s too much to think about. He’s going to go and be separated from me again…..” She leaned onto the counter, her brow furrowed in frustration and grief.
SNIFFLE!
“No, don’t be a crybaby,” she admonished herself, picking the bowl back up and trying to steady her nerves.
“W-Wise is his own person and y-you can’t be selfish with him even if you love him a lot. Y-You just have to be happy for him regardless of what happens, that’s what best friends do, right?” Shungguang’s lips quivered as she spoke, determined to keep her emotions in check.
“Just don’t think about it now, he’s probably busy preparing to leave and y-you have to cover up for the suspension too. Yeah, I can’t lag behind before finals or you’ll repeat school,” she reminded herself, placing the bun inside the bowl as she focused on her responsibilities.
“Yeah, just focus on school. Wise will tell you when something happens, so just…stop spiraling,” Shungguang exhaled deeply, trying to calm herself.
‘Just stay calm and get on with your day,’ she thought, moving to take out a pot and pour water into it at the sink.
‘I hope I don’t pour too much wa—’
BEEP! BEEP!
“Hm?” Shungguang turned off the tap and glanced toward the small corridor leading to the door.
‘Someone’s here? Who could it be?’ She wiped her damp hands on her shirt, heading toward the door with curiosity and a hint of apprehension.
‘I didn’t order anything and the people I know are supposed to be at work right now. Maybe the landlord wants something. Oh, that lady is a pain to talk to, she’s always nagging us,’ Shungguang sighed, pressing the button on the panel beside the door. The screen flipped to show the camera outside.
Shungguang froze, her eyes widening and heart racing as she took a step back from the door.
“W-Wise….” Her voice cracked with surprise at the familiar face appearing on the screen.
‘H-He’s supposed to be at work, i-is his contract up?’ Shungguang hesitantly grabbed the handle and opened the door. The man stood there, and after a brief pause, a small smile appeared on his face.
“Shungguang, hi,” Wise greeted.
“Wise, w-what are you doing here? A-Aren’t you supposed to be at work?” Shungguang stammered, a faint pink flush coloring her cheeks.
Wise smiled gently. “Well, I took the day off. I had something to attend to, so… yeah.”
“Oh, you must be really busy. A-Are you here to check in with me? I’m doing fine, I was just about to—” Shungguang began, her words tumbling out nervously.
Wise interrupted, his tone more serious. “Can we talk, Shungguang?”
“Talk…” she echoed, hesitating.
Wise took a steadying breath. “Yeah, I… I have something important that I want to get off my chest.”
“Important?” Shungguang repeated, concern flickering in her eyes.
‘H-He seems really serious, is something happening with Sarah perhaps?’ Shungguang wondered silently. She stepped aside, allowing Wise to enter the apartment.
“Sorry for the mess, I-I didn’t get much time to clean up after her,” Shungguang apologized, glancing around the room.
“It’s alright, I don’t mind,” Wise replied reassuringly.
‘He’s so kind to me,’ Shungguang thought as she closed the door behind her and hurried to follow him.
“So what do you need to talk about? Did something happen recently?” Shungguang asked, curiosity and apprehension mingling in her voice.
Wise stood with his back to Shungguang, hesitating for a moment. “Uhm,” he managed to utter, his voice uncertain.
Internally, Wise tried to steel himself. Okay Wise, just say it to her. No use diverting since you already made it all the way here, he thought, turning to face Shungguang. As he looked at her—standing there with eyes filled with curiosity and caution—he felt his heart skip a beat.
Wise took a breath and began, “Well, it’s something that’s been eating at me for a—” He stopped mid-sentence as new worries crashed into his mind.
‘Wait, what am I thinking?’ Wise’s thoughts raced. ‘Shungguang recently underwent something life-altering and I’m here to tell her this out of the blue. I know she said she loves me but… Will this do anything harmful to her? Maybe I should have consulted that psychologist first. I even had the time to do it before coming here’ Wise swallowed hard, anxiety tightening his chest.
Wise’s mind churned with anxiety as he watched Shungguang’s worried expression. He realized that leaving her in suspense, or fabricating an excuse, would only worsen her stress. Frustrated with himself, he questioned his own motives for hesitating. He knew making excuses wasn’t fair to Shungguang and felt compelled to be honest.
Meeting her gaze again, Wise drew a deep breath, trying to steady himself for what he was about to say. Although Shungguang had confessed her love for him, he found it incredibly difficult to be direct about his feelings.
Finally, Wise spoke up, “I wanted to talk about us.”
The words struck Shungguang hard, and she found herself momentarily stunned. She blinked slowly, lowering her head, her mind blank from the unexpected statement.
Her thoughts quickly spiraled: “Talk about us? What is there to talk about? Did I do something to offend him the last time?” The questions raced through her mind until one fear rose above the rest.
“W-What if he’s here to… reject me…” The possibility tightened her chest, the anguish settling in as a painful soreness.
Shungguang’s anxiety deepened. “He might be rejecting me, maybe that’s why he came with that mood. Did he decide I’m not the one for him?” She looked nervously back up at Wise, searching his face for answers.
Sensing the tension, Wise apologized, “I don’t really know how to put this across so I’m sorry if I slip up or anything. I’m still trying to get myself together.”
“I-I see….” Shungguang said
“So I’ll just begin then” Wise takes one more breath and a moment of silence before he spoke
Wise took a steadying breath before speaking, his voice soft but sincere. “I was thinking about our conversation when we were at the office the other day,” he began. Shungguang, though her nerves were at their peak, focused intently on him, her hand clenched in a fist behind her back as she braced herself for whatever he might say next.
He hesitated, searching for the right words. “I had a lot going through my head at the time, and when you said those words to me, it only made things more complicated. I’m not blaming you, but it made me think even harder. I ended up looking deeper into my own heart than I ever have before.” Wise’s eyes drifted to the side, unable to meet her gaze for a moment.
After a brief pause, his heart racing, he continued, “And…” He struggled to keep his emotions in check.
Finally, he found his resolve. “I couldn’t imagine a world where I’m apart from you again. I’ve criticized myself for even considering it. I don’t want us to be separated anymore; I want us to be together, Shungguang.”
Shungguang’s eyes widened in disbelief. “W-What?” she stammered, taking a step back as her face turned a deep shade of red. Her ears became rigid, her tail swayed rapidly, and her heartbeat thundered in her chest—so loud it seemed as if it would echo in a silent room.
“Y-You are picking me?” she asked, her voice trembling with uncertainty.
Wise stepped forward, his determination clear. “It has always been you, Shungguang. When we figured things out together, it just felt natural, as if we were meant for each other. I can’t imagine choosing anyone else.”
Shungguang’s body relaxed slightly, though her thoughts were still a whirlwind. “W-Wise…..” she murmured, her mind struggling to catch up.
She looked up, searching his face for reassurance. “A-Are you sure? I-I don’t want to force you. I don’t want you to pick me out of pity. I’ll be okay if you truly don’t—”
Wise gently interrupted her. “No, Shungguang. Don’t say things like that. I know what I feel, and I can’t hide it anymore. I love you, and I want to be by your side.”
His words washed over her, and the anxiety in her chest was replaced by a warm, comforting feeling. Her ears drooped, her tail calmed, and a gentle smile spread across her lips as she lowered her head.
“By my side……” she echoed softly, savoring the warmth of his confession.
She looked up at him, her eyes shining. “Y-You really mean that?”
“Yes, I mean it,” Wise replied, nodding with a soft, loving gaze.
“Wise…..” she began, pausing as her smile lingered. Gathering her courage, she continued, “I…..”
“I-I will. I’ll stay by your side for as long as we can both stand. I love you too,” Shungguang said, her voice filled with emotion.
Wise’s face broke into a joyous smile. “You don’t know how happy I am to hear that, Shungguang.”
Shungguang smiled in return. “I-I know, I feel it too.”
Wise reached for her hand. “Then I’m glad. I look forward to what the future holds for us. It might not always be easy, but I won’t let anything come between us again.”
Shungguang squeezed his hand gently. “Neither will I. I promise.”
The girl slowly began to lean in instinctively, this action directly contrasted the feeling in her mind instead.
‘W-Wait, what am I doing? I-I’m about to-‘
CHU~
Shungguang’s thoughts were interrupted by a soft pressure against her lips, soon she melted deeply into the moment. Her body calm and her heart fluttering as she savored the moment.
‘I-I really can’t control my feelings…’
‘But….I don’t mind it here, I-I really like this’ Shungguang thought to herself as she deepened the kiss
‘W-Wait…now that I think about this. D-Didn’t people at school say those activities usually start like this?’ Shungguang’s eyes widen as her face turns deep red
‘N-No Shungguang, not yet. You just became his girlfriend, don’t rush things too much. You still need to get through school, can’t do that with a pregnancy’
--------- 2 YEARS LATER ---------
“Can you not try taking my food Manato? Keep your big fingers to yourself” Belle shields her plate with a razor focused stare towards Manato
“You always take my food, I’m literally just asking for half the dumpling. Half, not the full thing” Manato asked as he attempted to reach with his chopsticks only to get a hiss from Belle who further expanded her shield
“Seems you are a fan of my cooking” Shiyuan smirked
“Belle is a fan of everyone’s cooking, as long as she doesn’t touch the stove she’ll love it” Manato said
“That’s not true, I cook sometimes”
“Like when? I’ve never seen you touch a pot for anything besides ramen noodles” Wise questioned
“Shut up” Belle points at her brother
“Is that a true statement? My other daughter in-law does not have any proficiency at cooking?” Banyue asked
“It depends on what you mean by proficiency, ordering food is Belle’s specialty” Carole comments
“What’s with all of you? It’s like everyone wants to flame me today” Belle clicked her tongue before focusing on Shungguang
“At least my one and only sis in law actually respects me and treats me well” Belle pouts with crossed arms
“Hahahaha” Shungguang chuckled lightly
“You’re laughing at me too? Wise divorce her now, she’s disrespecting your sister” Belle turns back to her brother
“Divorce is out of the question” Shungguang said
“Then do something about all this Shungguang, beat everyone up for me and make them respect the name Belle Komano” Belle said with a clenched fist in front of her only getting quiet stares
“Stop staring at me, look at your plates” Belle quickly averted her gaze from the group
“There has not been a single dull gathering with Belle around” Shiyuan joked getting laughs
“Yeah she does talk a lot” Wise joined in
“Hey” Belle took offense
“There is nothing wrong with speech young Belle, we are simply acknowledging your social proficiency” Banyue said
“Sounds like the exact opposite” Belle muttered
“It really isn’t” Wise shrugged
“Tch, not convinced. Shungguang beat everyone up now, please”
“I can’t do that, I’m sorry” Shungguang shook her head
“What do you mean you won’t? All that training to be a pacifist? Come on sis” Belle clapped her hands
“How about another spring roll?” Manato shoved the foodstuff into Belle’s mouth
Carole watched as Manato’s tactic to keep Belle quiet proved effective. “Oh, another effective method to keep her silent it seems,” she mused, eliciting amusement from those around the table.
Banyue chimed in with a hint of humor, “Yet another added to the list, I have counted approximately thirty-seven.” His comment suggested that Belle’s lively nature had inspired many creative ways to help maintain peace at family gatherings.
Carole expressed admiration, saying, “Oh, what amazing record keeping!”
Shungguang joined the conversation, noting, “Papa is good with memorizing things; it’s almost like he’s a robot of some kind.”
Shiyuan interjected, “Robot? Oh no, this isn’t a movie, sister.”
Shungguang clarified, “I was just saying, he is awfully adept at matters of the mind.”
Banyue offered a simple explanation for his sharp memory: “Simply reading is the key to good memory.”
Carole, surprised by Banyue’s knowledge, remarked, “Ah, a scholar it seems, I’ve never heard you speak about literature before.”
Banyue replied plainly, “You never asked me.”
Carole acknowledged, “Oh, it seems to be an error on my part then.”
Belle, feeling sidelined, redirected the conversation, “Can we stop with books? When am I getting my apology?” She looked around at her family members, searching for answers.
Wise responded, “For what?”
Belle answered bluntly, “Disrespecting me.”
Carole rolled her eyes, sighing with exasperation, “Belle.”
Belle, frustrated by her mother’s reaction, continued, “Of course mom is against me too. Manato, do something to these guys.”
Manato asked, “Like what?”
Belle replied, “Beat them up.”
Manato, aware of Shungguang’s abilities, protested, “Belle, you do realize Shungguang can kill me.”
Belle responded nonchalantly, “So what?”
In the midst of the rising tension at the table, Wise quietly leaned in toward Shungguang. Lowering his voice, he whispered gently in her ear, “Belle is another type of human entirely.” The comment, meant to be discreet, carried an undertone of both bewilderment and amusement.
Shungguang responded by turning her mouth to Wise's ear, mirroring his secretive gesture. With a smile, she whispered back, “She’s fun though, I like having her as a sister.” Her words revealed the affection she felt for Belle, despite Belle’s unpredictable behavior. The brief exchange between Wise and Shungguang was a moment of closeness and understanding, set apart from the ongoing family drama.
“Hey stop gossiping about me” Belle points at Shungguang
“What?”
“You two are whispering in each other’s ears, what’s going on there?” Belle questioned
“N-Nothing, what are you pressing so hard?” Shungguang said
“Nothing eh? I know it was about me”
“It wasn’t about you” Wise siad
“Then what was it about? Family planning?” Oh you two are talking about babies aren’t you?” Belle teased
“BABIES!?” Shungguang exclaimed with a deep red on her face, Banyue and Shiyuan chuckled in the background while Carole only sat with an amused smile on her face.
“Oh, did I hit the nail right on the head? Nice” Belle winked
“W-We weren’t talking about kids, w-what are you trying to hear?” Shungguang sputtered as Wise grabbed the woman’s hand for comfort
“Hey, you two been together for a bit and no kids. Isn’t that a drag mom?” Belle looked over at Carole
“W-We’re still planning things, w-we aren’t even married yet. K-Kids are-“
“It’s okay Shungguang, it’s only teasing” Wise said as he gently rubbed the woman’s shoulder
“Mhhh” Shungguang pouts
“But as another parent in this group I must ask when a child shall arrive, I do wish to see a young one before my day comes” Banyue said
“Papa…” Shungguang cleared her throat
“Oh don’t worry sister, father is simply joking. Go at your own pace” Shiyuan reassured
“Thanks brother”
“Which I would recommend to be atleast one within the next year” SHiyuan adds
“BROTHER!?”
“What? Father is not wrong and I do wish to be an uncle as well if you don’t mind” Shiyuan smirked with crossed arms
“You guys….”
“Don’t mind them, you know how they are” Wise whispered
“Mhhhh”
“Don’t be mad, how about I make those osmanthus cakes tonight? Will you stop being mad?”
“Osmanthus? You really want to make them for me?”
‘I wouldn’t mind at all” Wise smiled
“Ohhhhh, that sounds so nice. Oh and I can help too, I have a new recipe I want to try out. They’re going to taste so good when they’re done”
“I thought Wise offered to bake them” Manato said
“It doesn’t matter; I’m helping regardless” Shungguang puffed her chest up with pride
“You don’t really have to, I’m willing to-“
“Nope, I’m helping whether you like it or not” Shungguang smiled
Wise simply sighed before a small smile crept onto his face
“Fine then, since you insist” Wise said
“You two are such an anomaly, all lovey dovey and no kids? That’s the biggest joke known to mankind” Belle said
“Get your own kids with Manato instead of pressing us” Wise said
“B-BRO!” Belle bellowed getting laughs out of everyone however Carole remained silent as her eyes surveyed around the table before landing on the smiling SHungguang
Carole’s gaze lingered on Shungguang, a silent admiration blooming within her as she remembered Wise’s words from before. She really is as amazing as Wise has said that day… The realization came with a pang of regret, an admission that weighed heavily on her heart.
‘I was wrong this entire time; I should have been better’ Carole let out a quiet sigh, acknowledging her past misunderstandings and the distance she had created. The silence in her mind only deepened her introspection.
There were no words for a moment, just the weight of her thoughts and the stillness that hung between breaths.
'Being here is a privilege in itself, despite all I did and they still have me here....'
‘Shungguang, you’ve made my son happy and I was wrong about you. I’ll do right by you two as a couple, I’ll support you until my dying breath if I have to. That’s a promise’ With this vow, Carole made a silent commitment to both Shungguang and Wise, determined to support their happiness from that moment and into the very distant future.