Chapter 8: I am the older sister
"Because I love you!"
"..."
Wednesday expected many things from her sister, but a declaration of love wasn't one of them.
It wasn't the first time Wednesday had heard "I love you." Her father always made his love clear, sometimes so much so that it was almost nauseating.
However, Tuesday had never explicitly expressed her feelings. Whether good or bad, she always seemed to keep them buried deep inside.
Wednesday couldn't understand why Tuesday was so reserved about it. She just accepted her sister's odd behavior as a natural part of her personality.
Perhaps Tuesday was only bringing it up now because her emotions were influencing her.
"Why?"
Still, the situation wasn't entirely bad. It was one of the rare opportunities to learn more about her sister.
'Why…?' Tuesday seemed puzzled by her own words.
"You don't love me?" she asked curiously.
'I love you!' Tuesday responded quickly, her tone almost anxious, as if worried about hurting Wednesday's feelings.
"Why?"
For a moment, Wednesday felt her face flush. Embarrassment began to consume her.
She didn't know if these emotions belonged to her or her sister.
The fact was that they were both extremely bad on the subject of "emotion".
Tuesday had been an idol in his past life. He used to praise people and be kind to them, but that didn't mean he was good at speaking sincerely about his feelings.
He had spent his entire life wearing a mask, only showing the pleasant parts of himself to those around him.
That behavior persisted even with his closest friends.
The only person he had ever felt free enough to talk to about his true feelings was his girlfriend. But he saw her so rarely—she was a free spirit, appearing and disappearing at will.
Internally, Tuesday felt resistant to sharing his thoughts and worries with Wednesday. She was just a child, and he feared his adult concerns might be too overwhelming for her.
But maybe he had restricted himself so much that he had even forgotten to tell her something as simple as how much he loved her.
Now, Wednesday was questioning his love for her.
Suddenly, the strong emotions he felt were replaced by regret.
He regretted being so closed off with his feelings toward Wednesday. Her family was full of crazy individuals, and she had likely never had a healthy experience with the word "love."
He was the only person who could set a good example for her, so he needed to swallow his pride and get this right.
'...There are many reasons I love you.' He said, though his voice was hesitant.
"Like what?" she asked, unashamed.
'You're a brave kid, intelligent, bold, and curious...'
He struggled to put his feelings into words. It was incredibly difficult to talk about his emotions and impressions.
In his past life, he could have said these things without flinching. But now, he was speaking directly from his heart.
He felt exposed and vulnerable. Tuesday could count on one hand the times he had sincerely spoken about his emotions.
But despite the discomfort, he continued to gather his words.
'But even if you weren't that smart, I would still love you.'
A warm feeling began to envelop him as he decided to follow his instincts and immerse himself in his emotions.
'I love the way you read so intently. Though your books are kinda creepy.' He chuckled at his words.
Wednesday didn't understand what was so amusing, but she didn't interrupt him.
'I love how bold you are, even though you're a pain in the ass.'
Since she was a baby, Wednesday had always been a very active child. She would steal swords and explore dangerous places.
Thanks to her adventurous nature, Tuesday never had time to dwell on his own thoughts.
But he couldn't deny that he enjoyed following Wednesday on her escapades.
Because whenever he had time to think, he couldn't control his depressive thoughts.
'Things never get boring with you.' A warmth filled his heart.
'When I'm by your side...' His right hand gently touched her face, as if caressing something precious. 'Living in this hell feels like nothing.'
Tuesday's emotions were overwhelming, but this time, they weren't the usual fear or anger.
They were comfortable, warm.
Wednesday was entranced by the feeling.
She could sense the deep love her sister had for her.
She had never expected her sister to have such a sincere and kind side, and because of that, Wednesday wanted to reciprocate those feelings.
"I—"
'I feel like you're the perfect daughter I never had.'
If only Tuesday hadn't said those cursed words.
'I always wanted to have a cute daughter like you—one who would call me "dad" and give me a big hug after a tough day at work.'
"Dad?"
'Well, I'm not sure how good of a father I'd be,' he admitted, feeling ashamed. 'But if there's one thing I'd never let my children feel, it's loneliness.'
Warm and conflicted feelings swirled inside him at the same time.
'So never think you're not loved! I love you!'
He said it with a wide smile.
'And if you're ever lonely, don't hesitate to tell me!'
"Lonely?"
Tuesday tried his best to translate his feelings, his face bright red, but a smile still lingered.
He could sense Wednesday's mixed emotions with each question.
She was probably embarrassed, too. That's why he tried to stay composed and reaffirm his love like an adult.
'I'll tell you "I love you" as many times as it takes!'
Silence filled the room after his words.
Surprisingly, Wednesday was the first to break it.
"...As a father?"
Tuesday hesitated, noticing the dark energy that began to gather within her.
Her energy was only distorted like this when it was exposed to harmful influences, something that could corrupt her.
Seeing her in this strange state left him confused, but he still answered honestly.
'Yes, as a father...'
Tuesday felt his hands clench involuntarily.
Wednesday was rarely overwhelmed by emotion.
She usually remained composed and calm.
But now, feelings of shame and anger left her speechless.
'W-Wednesday? Are you okay?'
At his words, her grip tightened even more. The scent of blood filled the air.
"You..."
Her voice was deep and cold as if she was trying to suppress her rage.
Suddenly, Tuesday felt a sharp pain shoot through his wrist.
Wednesday had bitten her own arm in frustration.
'Ah!!'
At his scream, small tears welled in their eyes.
Tuesday couldn't understand why Wednesday was reacting so violently after all his efforts.
He had expected her to be shy or even grateful, not furious.
'What are you doing—Ah!'
Each time he tried to speak, Wednesday bit her wrist again.
The cycle repeated over and over.
'C-Calm down, Wednesday.'
A small, crying voice echoed in her mind.
But even hearing those words didn't ease her anger.
Every time Tuesday said the words "father" or "dad," it felt like he was mocking her.
If there was one thing Wednesday hated, it was having her intellect questioned.
And if there was something she hated even more, it was being belittled by her younger sister.
"I am..." She opened her mouth wide. "the older sister!"
And then bit down again with all her strength.
'Ah!!!'
The screams echoed, never-ending.
She promised herself that today, she would teach this brat a lesson.
And there was no better teacher than pain.
*
Author note
This chapter was twice bigger than that, but I saved the other half for the next chapter and finished this one with a more comical vibe. I'm sorry for the late releases. I'll write a lot of chapters next time!
I have no idea if people will enjoy it, I hope you like it!