Chapter 6: Yana

Ray walked through the quiet streets, the peaceful atmosphere surrounding him. Cats meowed in the distance, birds chirped in the trees, and the roads were eerily silent. Unlike traditional cities, the cars here ran beneath the surface, making the streets above feel strangely empty. Everything felt... unnatural to him.

After a short walk, he arrived at a two-story apartment building. Its white painted walls and wooden supports gave it a rustic charm. Ray lived on the second floor, so he climbed the stairs, his mind wandering.

Halfway up, he was stopped by an old woman. She suddenly grabbed his arm, making him pause in surprise.

"Who are you?"

she demanded, her sharp eyes scanning him.

"I've never seen you before!"

Her expression turned suspicious.

"You're not here for something inappropriate, are you?"

Ray shook his head, Declining.

"Then what are you doing here?"

she pressed, clearly unconvinced.

Ray gulped.

"We're the new neighbors. Moved in this week."

The old woman's face instantly softened. She let go of his arm, chuckling.

"Oh dear, I thought you were an intruder! who walks in this quietly?"

Ray didn't reply, but he felt a little uneasy.

As if sensing his discomfort, the woman smiled and pulled something from her pocket. 

"Here, take this as an apology, son,"

she said, handing him a lollipop.

Ray blinked, caught off guard.

"Now, I have some work to do. We'll talk later, alright?"

she added before walking down the stairs.

Ray stood there, staring at the lollipop in his 

hand, dumbfounded once again.

Ray stepped inside and knocked on the door of Apartment 203.

"I'm home, Yana."

The door opened, revealing a woman with striking red hair—red like a blooming rose. Her blue eyes shimmered with diamond-shaped pupils, and a delicate white rose-shaped hair clip rested in her hair. She wore an elegant black and white dress: a fitted black top with long sleeves and a square neckline, paired with a high-waisted white skirt that flowed gracefully to her calves. A black ribbon belt cinched at her waist, complementing the black apron she wore over it. Green and pink oven gloves covered her hands.

"Ahh, Ray, just in time!"

she said with a warm smile.

"I just baked some potatoes. Freshen up before they get cold."

Ray nodded and headed to his room. A few minutes later, he returned, now dressed in a loose black T-shirt and white trousers. His left hand rested casually at his side, revealing an unusual scar—not just any scar. It resembled cracks in shattered glass, etched permanently into his skin. Though it had healed significantly, the intricate markings remained stark and noticeable.

He sat at the dining table, the room bathed in warm natural light from the large windows. The walls were neatly painted white, and the open layout gave a cozy yet spacious feel. Their flat had two bedrooms, a separate bathroom and toilet, a well-equipped kitchen with black and white checkerboard tiles, a comfortably sized living room, and a small storeroom.

Yana placed a plate of baked potatoes in front of him, topped with sour cream and a sprinkle of spices.

"Dig in. You must be hungry."

Ray took a bite.

"It's fine."

"You're still the same as ever."

As she sat down, she sighed.

"Umm… sorry for not making lunch today. I completely forgot you had school."

"I didn't mind,"

"Did you eat anything?"

"Yeah. A girl gave me two cream buns,"

Yana blinked in surprise.

"You ate cream buns? Sweet cream buns?"

"Disgusting… but edible,"

"Wow"

Yana said, raising both eyebrows and looking down in mock disbelief.

"You're to blame for that."

"Whatever"

she huffed, rolling her eyes.

"Just just eat your potatoes!"

Ray and Yana finished their meal just as the golden evening light streamed into their flat. The sun was nearing the horizon, casting long shadows across the room.

"So... the blond guy"

Ray muttered.

"Ellios?"

Yana responded.

"Yeah, I told him to look after you."

"Why?"

"Why not?"

"Whyyy???"

"Why not???"

Yana repeated with a smirk.

"He's a nice guy."

"I don't need a personal caretaker."

"But he's a really nice guy."

"Sooo???"

"Shut up, I'm the older one here!"

Yana declared.

"Geez, you're just two years older than me," 

Ray grumbled, crossing his arms. And just like that, their conversation spiraled into a classic sibling argument.

"Anyway, just listen to him,"

Yana said with a sigh.

"He's the only one we can really ask for help."

Ray groaned.

"I hate you so much."

"Love you too, brat. By the way, how was your first day?"

"Boring."

"Dude, everything is boring for you."

"I'm taking that as a compliment."

Both of them rolled their eyes at the same time. Yana clapped her hands.

 "Alright, go take a shower. Shoo, shoo! Huss, huss!"

"Geez, I'm going! Stop shoo-shoo'ing me,"

 Ray grumbled as he got up. Then he paused. 

"Oh yeah, some weird old lady thought I was an intruder. When I told her we were new residents, she apologized and gave me a lollipop."

He grabbed the lollipop from his desk and, without warning, tossed it straight at Yana's face.

"H-Hey!!! That hurts!"

she shouted.

"Skill issue,"

Ray said with a smug grin.

"Skill issue??? Imma spank you with a spatula—come here, nasty boy!"

"Nope!"

Ray bolted to the bathroom, locking the door before Yana could catch him.