A cursed society, where you never die alone. In this world, once you're born, you're fated to love someone else- someone at the end of your red string. People have accepted this curse and have established the social norm around it. To live with the fact that your life also depends on someone else, you're obligated to stay with them your whole life. Most people fall in love, marry, and raise a family.

Some just live together, Protorizing their dreams and careers. You will meet them when you turn 18, or perhaps earlier if they turn 18 first. Something kind of close to magical happens. With that said, there are instances when you meet them too early in their life stage. It can't be helped; it's a normal occurance.

And my story is one of those instances. My soulmate was really young. So I had a hard time explaining what she felt and what it's all about. They teach these things in first grade, not kindergarten. Most people get frustrated when their soulmate is a lot younger than them. They think having a soulmate is all about the perfect romance or something.

But for me, the only thing I want is... To protect this innocent, precious smile.

************************************

"This place helps me relax whenever I'm down or stressed. And you're welcome here anytime."

He said smiling at her.

"Just keep it a secret, ok?"

He said.

"Shhh! Secret!"

She said putting a finger against her lips. He smiled happily.

"Ah! Almost forgot. I wanted to show you my little brother who's also in kindergarten. I'll introduce him next time."

Eri smiled. He took out a picture of Shoto and gave it to her.

"He's pretty quiet and distant, but I'm sure you two will get a long just fine. He's clumsy and always getting into baby fights. There was even one time when he went home bleeding. That's why I...I hope that you can be good friends with him."

Toya said.

************************************

Toya was listening to music when all of a sudden one of his friends slung his arms around his shoulders.

"Wassup birthday boi!!! How was it?? Did you meet your soulmate? How was her? If you know what I mean? Wink wonk. Squishy squishy."

His friend said.

"No. Haha Hiroto, Fuck off. I met her, and she has the most precious smile I've seen. That's why I'm not gonna introduce her to you idiots."

Toya walked off.

"Oh my god Ryuichi, did you hear that?! He called us idiots! What kind of friend would do that!? And he's hiding secrets! Yo say something!"

Hiroto whined. Ryuichi just watched Toya walk away.

~

"Listen up!! You bunch of brainless carrots! Those who failed the term exams will have to take it next week."

The teacher said.

"EEEEEEEHH!"

The class said.

"Be grateful that I'm even giving you a second chance! Those who fail this makeup test will fail this class and you will never graduate BWAHAHA!"

The teacher laughed.

"Sir you're scary!"

Said one of the female students.

"Oh no."

Toya said freaking out.

************************************

You found your sister typing on the computer.

"Uhm, sis... Can you help me write something?"

You held out a piece of paper to her.

"Hmm? What is it for?"

She asked. You smiled.

"Just something random. It's for a friend!"

"Well, okay then."

She took the paper wrote the note and gave it to you.

"Here-"

"Yay, thank you sis!"

You ran out of the room.

"Jeez, seriously that kid... I never knew she had a favorite place."

She said.

************************************

"ERI!"

She turned around and saw you looking at her with watery eyes.

"You- have been avoiding me!? We haven't played in a while!"

You said.

"Ah- I'm sorry (y/n)!! I-- I just... Didn't have much time-- a--"

She tried to come up with an excuse. You saw through her bullshit.

(Sorry ERI fans)

"Are you tried of playing with me? Do you hate me now?"

You asked her.

"O-oh no!! (Y/n), no!! I don't hate you!!"

She said.

"Then play with me tomorrow after school."

You said.

"O-ok, I will!"

She said smiling.

"Mom's here! I'll see you tomorrow, (y/n)! Bye bye!"

She said smiling brightly.

"Ah... Bye--wait, Eri! Your bag is open! Here, let me close it for you."

You opened her bag and slipped the note in.

************************************

Eri pulled open her bag and pulled out the note. Confused she opened it.

"Hm?..... Tomorrow..."

************************************

~Afterschool~

"Eriiii! I'm so excited! Let's play!! So where do you want to go today?"

You asked excitedly. She looked at you kinda nervous.

"Ah... I'm sorry... I'm sorry, (y/n)... Mom... will pick me up like usual... She has... plans...today... I can't stay, I'm sorry."

You stood there frozen. She left with her mom and you frowned.

************************************

"Huh? Darling, where are you going?"

Eri's mom asked.

"I'm going to... Uhm... (Y/n)'s...place... We're gonna play!

Eri said nervously.

"Alright sweetie. Be back by seven! Dinner is almost ready!"

Her mom said.

************************************

Where is he...

Someone started reaching for her.

~

*kchack*

"Jeez, it's so late. I'm home."

Toya said.

~

"Toy-- (y-y/n)!?"

Eri said surprised.

~

"Sorry I'm late. The study session took quite a while, but I'm home now...Shoto..."

Toya said.

"Welcome home, big brother!"

Shoto said.

until next time.