Chapter 75: Plans in the shadows and siblings in the light.
I am the light that casts the longest shadows.
In the world beyond our home, I am known as Ming Mei, a leading scientist at the Inhuman Research Institution, working under the cold, calculating gaze of Amanika Miko, the woman whose intuition borders on omniscience. They say she can see through people, unraveling their deepest secrets with just a glance. In a place like IRI, where the line between humanity and monstrosity is blurred, where the limits of the mind and body are pushed beyond breaking, you learn quickly to wear a mask.
But I am not who they think I am.
At home, I am Ming Mei, the elder sister who can't quite manage to keep her room clean, who forgets where she left her keys, who constantly pesters her younger brother with silly questions and bizarre demands. I'm the sister who forces him to cook for me, pretending I can't boil water without setting off the fire alarm, the one who makes him laugh at my antics even when he wants to frown.
He thinks I'm a mess.
And he's right, in a way. But the mess is by design.
Ming Chen is a brilliant mind, sharper than any I've ever encountered, even at IRI, where the brightest gather to push the boundaries of what's possible. But brilliance comes at a price. It's a heavy burden to bear, especially when the world has stolen the light from your eyes and left you in darkness.
My brother used to shine like the sun, his light blinding, unstoppable. But the world is cruel to those who shine too brightly. It extinguishes their light, snuffs out their fire, and leaves them to drift in the dark. I watched it happen to him. I watched the light fade, the shadows creep in, and I swore to myself that I would not let him be swallowed by the darkness.
So I play the role of the careless, scatterbrained sister. I laugh too loudly, stumble too often, and pretend that the weight of the world doesn't sit heavy on my shoulders. I let him see my clumsiness, my foolishness, my chaotic mind, because if he sees me struggle, then he can believe that his struggles are not so terrible. If he thinks I need his help, he won't feel so useless, so lost.
It's a game I play, for both our sakes.
At the Inhuman Research Institution, I am the model of efficiency and precision. I work with cold logic, dissecting the mysteries of the human mind and body, experimenting on the fringes of what's considered ethical, always pushing further, always searching for answers. Amanika Miko watches me closely, her intuition razor-sharp, but even she can't see the other side of me—the side that stumbles through the door at the end of the day, feigning exhaustion, making a show of tripping over my own feet just to see my brother smile.
He can't know who I really am.
He can't know that the same hands that fumble with chopsticks at dinner are the ones that splice genes in a lab. He can't know that the sister who forgets her umbrella in the rain is the same woman who calculates the risk factors of experimental procedures with a mind as clear as crystal. He can't know that I am not lost in the way he thinks I am, because if he knew—if he truly understood the depths of my deception—he would sink further into his own darkness.
And that is something I cannot allow.
I will be his light, even if it means casting shadows.
The world took his light away, and now I must be the one to give it back. But I cannot do it with words or wisdom. I cannot do it with science or logic. I can only do it by being the one thing he needs most—an anchor. Something solid, something dependable, something real. Even if that something is a lie.
At IRI, they believe I am one of them—cold, calculated, and detached. But I know the truth. The truth is, I am nothing without my brother. My brilliance, my ambition, my work—they all pale in comparison to the love I have for him, the lengths I will go to protect him from the darkness that threatens to consume him.
And so I stumble, I laugh, I pretend to be less than I am, all for the sake of keeping his light alive.
For in this world, shadows cannot exist without light.
This is my truth, my burden, and my salvation. I am the sister who plays the fool, the scientist who hides behind a mask, the light that casts the longest shadows. But I am also the one who will not let my brother fall. No matter what it takes, no matter how deep the darkness becomes, I will be there—stumbling, laughing, and shining, so that he can find his way back to the light.
Because in the end, the light is not something that can be stolen. It is something that must be shared. And I will share mine with him until there is nothing left to give.
That is the promise I made to myself, and it is the promise I will keep.
•••••••
Ming Mei stood at the edge of the living room, peering around the corner with all the subtlety of a toddler playing hide-and-seek. Her eyes narrowed in mischievous delight as she spotted her target: Ming Chen, her younger brother, who was currently in the middle of what appeared to be a very intense workout session. His white hair was slightly damp with sweat, and his azure blue eyes were focused with laser-like intensity on the exercise mat before him.
Ming Mei couldn't resist. She tiptoed closer, careful not to make a sound, and just as he was about to start his next set of push-ups, she sprang into action.
"Boo!"
Ming Chen didn't even flinch. He simply paused, halfway through his push-up, and turned his head slowly to give her a deadpan stare.
"Mei, you know that only works if the person doesn't already hear you stomping around like a buffalo," he said dryly.
Ming Mei feigned shock, placing a hand dramatically over her heart. "How dare you! I was the epitome of grace and stealth! You must have the hearing of a bat, young man."
"Or you're just really bad at sneaking up on people," Ming Chen countered, finishing his push-up and rolling onto his back to stretch. "What's up?"
"Oh, nothing," she said, plopping herself down on the couch with all the elegance of a sack of potatoes. "Just wondering why my genius little brother is sweating bullets in our living room. Did you finally realize that all that brainpower needs some muscle to back it up?"
"Something like that," Ming Chen replied with a small smile. "I've got a football match with the guys from Chidori next week. Figured I should be in decent shape, so I don't embarrass myself."
Ming Mei raised an eyebrow, trying to picture her intellectual brother running around a football field. The mental image was so absurd that she couldn't help but burst out laughing.
"You? Playing football? Oh, this I have to see!" she giggled, clutching her sides. "Do you even know how to kick a ball?"
"Hey, I'll have you know I was pretty decent back in middle school," he said defensively, though there was a hint of amusement in his voice. "Just because I don't go around tackling people doesn't mean I can't play."
Ming Mei's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Oh, I can see it now. You'll be running around with your clipboard, analyzing the trajectories of the ball, calculating the optimal angles for a goal. Meanwhile, the other team will be wondering why a scientist is giving a TED Talk on the physics of football in the middle of the game."
Ming Chen rolled his eyes, sitting up and reaching for his water bottle. "You're hilarious, Mei."
"Thank you, thank you," she said, giving an exaggerated bow from her seat. "But really, Chen, I'm impressed. I didn't know you were still into sports."
"I'm not really," he admitted, taking a long sip of water. "But I figured it would be a good way to connect with some of the guys. Plus, it's nice to do something physical once in a while. Clears the mind."
"Right, right," she said, nodding sagely. "Because nothing says 'clear mind' like getting tackled by a bunch of high school boys."
"Pretty sure I can handle it," Ming Chen replied, smirking slightly.
Ming Mei leaned back on the couch, watching him with a fond smile. "Well, if you're determined to go through with this, just promise me one thing."
"What's that?" he asked, genuinely curious.
"Promise me you'll run screaming in the opposite direction if someone twice your size comes barreling towards you," she said with a grin. "I'd hate to have to carry you home in pieces."
Ming Chen chuckled, shaking his head. "I promise I'll use my tactical retreat skills if necessary."
"Good," she said, satisfied. "Because I've got plans for us this weekend, and they don't involve me dragging your broken body around."
"Oh? What kind of plans?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"A movie marathon!" she declared triumphantly. "I'm thinking we start with all the classics—'The distinct,' 'Red mice,' ' Prime minister'—you know, the essentials."
Ming Chen blinked at her, amused. "You do realize those movies are older than both of us combined, right?"
"So?" she shot back, "It's called cultural education. Besides, you've been a bookworm for too long. It's time to expand your horizons beyond those dusty old tomes of yours."
Ming Chen shook his head, smiling. "Alright, alright. But you better make sure there's plenty of popcorn and, for the love of all things good, no more of your infamous 'special seasoning' on it."
Ming Mei gasped in mock indignation. "How dare you! My special seasoning is a family secret!"
"It's a family secret that should remain a secret," Ming Chen said, making a face. "I'm pretty sure you accidentally invented a new form of chemical warfare last time."
"Hey, I thought it added a little extra 'zing' to the popcorn!" Ming Mei defended, laughing. "But fine, I'll lay off the seasoning this time. Just for you."
"Appreciated," Ming Chen said, getting to his feet and stretching. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to finish my workout. I've got to be in top form if I'm going to survive the Chidori match."
"Survive?" Ming Mei echoed, eyes twinkling. "Are you expecting some sort of gladiatorial combat or something? Because that's the only way I'm buying tickets."
"You're not funny," Ming Chen said, though he was clearly trying to suppress a grin. "But seriously, thanks for the support. It means a lot."
"Of course," Ming Mei said, her voice softening. "I'm always here for you, Chen. Even if it means laughing at your less-than-stellar football skills."
"I'll try not to disappoint," Ming Chen replied, grabbing his towel and wiping his brow. "Though, to be fair, the strategy part will be handled by Tarazune."
Ming Mei paused, the name catching her interest. "Tarazune? As in Tarazune Akeshi? The guy you've been mentioning lately?"
Ming Chen nodded. "Yeah, that's the one. He's… let's just say he's got a way with strategies. I'm not too worried about the game, to be honest. If anyone can turn a ragtag bunch like us into a formidable team, it's him."
Ming Mei tilted her head, curious. "So, this Akeshi Tarazune… what's he like? You talk about him as if he's some sort of mastermind."
"He kind of is," Ming Chen admitted, sitting back down and leaning against the wall. "Tarazune has this way of seeing things that others miss. He's always thinking five steps ahead, and it's not just in sports. Whether it's academics, dealing with people, or just about anything else, he's sharp. It's like he's always calculating, always figuring out the best move."
Ming Mei raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And you trust him with your football match?"
"Absolutely," Ming Chen replied without hesitation. "Tarazune's got this calm confidence about him. You just know that if he's on your side, things are going to work out."
Ming Mei smirked. "You've got a lot of faith in this guy. But what about the others? How does he plan to deal with yukimiya Namakemono? Isn't he still the same old guy who's practically impossible to motivate?"
Ming Chen chuckled, nodding. "That's exactly the problem. Namakemono's notorious for his laid-back attitude. He's not lazy, but let's just say he isn't exactly the most driven person in the world. But Tarazune's already thought of that. He's got a way of getting people to do things they wouldn't normally do."
"Like what?" Ming Mei asked, intrigued.
"Like getting Namakemono to show up early for practice," Ming Chen said with a grin. "Tarazune's been working on him for a while now, and he's got a plan to make sure Namakemono's actually invested in the game. I don't know all the details, but I trust him."
Ming Mei laughed, shaking her head in disbelief. "I've got to meet this Tarazune Akeshi one day. He sounds like someone who could sell ice to an Eskimo."
"You probably will," Ming Chen said, smiling. "He's hard to miss with that long red hair of his. But don't let his appearance fool you—he's as sharp as they come."
Ming Mei nodded thoughtfully. "I'll be looking forward to it. Anyone who can manage to motivate someone like Namakemono is worth meeting."
Ming Chen finished up his stretches and began cooling down, his thoughts drifting back to the upcoming match. The truth was, he already had a plan , ready to be used.
Ming Mei watched him with a soft smile. "You know, Chen, I'm really glad you have someone like Tarazune around. You've always been the type to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. It's good to see you have someone you can rely on."
Ming Chen smiled back, nodding. "Yeah, me too. It's not often you meet someone who can make you feel like things are going to be okay, no matter how tough it gets. But Tarazune has that effect. He's got this way of making you believe in yourself, even when you're not sure you can."
Ming Mei chuckled, nudging him playfully. "Sounds like you've got a bit of a man-crush on him."
Ming Chen rolled his eyes, sighing. "It's not like that. I just respect the guy. He's someone you can trust to get things done, and that's rare."
"Alright, alright," Ming Mei said, holding up her hands in mock surrender. "I get it. But seriously, I'm glad you've got a solid team around you. It makes all the difference."
"It does," Ming Chen agreed. "And hey, if you ever want to come to a practice or a game, you're always welcome. You can see Tarazune in action for yourself."
Ming Mei grinned. "I might just take you up on that. It sounds like it could be fun."
They shared another laugh, the easy camaraderie between them a testament to their strong bond. Ming Mei couldn't help but feel a sense of relief knowing that her brother had found someone like Akeshi Tarazune to lean on. It made her feel a little less worried about the weight he was carrying on his shoulders.
As Ming Chen finished his cooldown, the conversation shifted back to lighter topics, but in the back of their minds, both siblings were thinking about the upcoming match and the role that Akeshi would play in it.
And though Ming Mei hadn't met Tarazune yet, she already felt a sense of respect for the guy who had managed to win her brother's trust and admiration so completely.
"Alright, enough about football," Ming Mei said, stretching dramatically as she got up from the couch. "Let's see about that movie. And remember, no funny business with the popcorn."
Ming Chen laughed, shaking his head as he followed her out of the room. "You're never going to let that go, are you?"
"Not a chance," Ming Mei shot back, grinning.
"Oh right, mind turning the TV on and going to the weather channel?" Ming Chen asked, pausing mid-step as he glanced back at his sister.
Ming Mei raised an eyebrow, curious but compliant. "Why?" she asked, reaching for the remote.
"Nothing much," he shrugged, trying to play it off casually. "Just want to check something real quick."
Ming Mei gave him a skeptical look but didn't press further. She switched on the TV and navigated to the weather channel, where a cheerful meteorologist was delivering the latest forecast.
Ming Chen watched the screen intently, his expression unreadable. Ming Mei noticed this but decided not to comment, focusing instead on the oddity of her brother's request. The weather channel wasn't exactly his usual go-to.
"Alright," Ming Mei said, turning to him after a few moments. "Are you satisfied with the weather report, or is there something else you're not telling me?"
Ming Chen shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips as he continued to watch the TV. "Nope, that's it. Thanks, Mei."
With that, he turned away from the screen, the enigmatic look lingering for just a second longer before disappearing completely.
Ming Mei narrowed her eyes, clearly still intrigued, but decided to let it slide. "You're weird, you know that?" she teased as she tossed the remote back onto the couch.
"Yeah, I've heard that a lot," Ming Chen replied with a chuckle, giving her a playful nudge as they headed out of the room together.
They left the living room behind, the sound of the weather channel fading into the background as they made their way to the kitchen. The easy banter continued between them, echoing through the hallways, as they got ready to enjoy the rest of their day.