The days went by, and soon I was discharged from the hospital. I was given more useless pills for my anxiety and depression, but was warned not to take too many. My sisters were to keep me on close watch to make sure it didn't happen again. Chan never paid another visit after that day.

Must've scared him away, I thought.

Knock knock

"You can come in." I absentmindedly stated. I was busy catching up on the homework that was assigned over the days I wasn't at school. Tomorrow is supposed to be my first day back.

Rachel hobbled in holding a big platter of spaghetti with bread on the side. I saw her from the corner of my eye and sighed, spinning around on my swiveling chair to help her carry the plates. I had been eating in my room these past two days for the sake of Olivia, who had became fearful of her own brother. In other words, she was scared of ME.

"Thanks noona. How's...?" I asked as I brought the food over to my desk.

"She's fine, actually eating dinner downstairs right now. You can join us if you like."

I shook my head with a chuckle. "Nah, it's alright Rachel. I'd better stay in here."

"You should get some fresh air later, you've been stuck in here for a while now."

"Maybe, but first I have to finish this." I waved her off as she left to rejoin my younger sibling.

I sighed and brushed my hand through my hair as I went back to my studies.

It was already 10:42pm, and I still hadn't finished my absent work. Of course, I had struggled with it and gotten frustrated again, but couldn't risk another hospital visit. I simply swallowed some medicine and kept on with it.

"Psst." Someone whispered outside my door. I turned my head toward the direction of the voice and squinted in the dark. My room was only slightly illuminated by the light on my laptop.

"Rachel?"I whispered back. My door made a small creaky sound as it opened. The girl motioned for my to follow with her fingers, and left a small crack between the wall and the door.

I stood up and followed her out of my room. She walked even further until we made it downstairs and by the front entrance. I could see a small spark in her eyes, filled with excitement. Rachel led me outside into the cold and snowy neighborhood after we had put on our shoes.

We sat down on a small bench after we arrived at a nearby park. It was dark out except for the street lamps glowing by the sidewalk.

She spoke after a few minutes of silence. "I'm sorry."

I tilted my head at her. "For what?"

"For getting mad. I know it's been hard, and for you especially. You were really close with her."

I nodded and clicked my tongue. "How've you been holding up? She's your mother as well."

"Ah, I'm fine. It still hurts, but I guess I forgot about that after seeing how it affected you and Liv. Have to be the one strong one in this family, don't you think?"

"You don't have to be strong all the time. I know you have feelings too."

"Nah, I'm okay for now. I'd rather protect you first." She pinched my cheek. "After all, you are my little brother."

"Hey, I'm not that weak." I laughed.

"Yeah. Yeah, I know." Rachel put her arm around me as we gazed at the stars above us. They were like shimmery specks of glitter off in the long distance.

"I'm glad I can still touch you. I don't even know how Haphephobia works, honestly."

I looked at her and grinned. "Me too, sis. Me too."