• 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐞 •

Location: Kim Mansion, Seoul

"Please don't leave me," she murmured breathlessly.

Her eyes jolted open as she woke up from the nightmare that had been haunting her for so long. The terror of the dream was overwhelming. She desperately tried to escape its clutches, but it held her in its grip. Salty tears streamed down her cheeks uncontrollably.

Slowly, she climbed out of bed and made her way to the door, seeking a breath of fresh air to alleviate the suffocating feeling that gripped her. The sensation of impending blackout hung over her like a shadow.

The garden had always been her solace, a place where she could find peace amidst the chaos. As she settled in, she marveled at the serene scene: the gentle breeze, the crescent moon, and the stars sparkling like diamonds in the sky. The pond reflected the tranquility, while the fireflies added a touch of magic to the night. The fragrance of the flowers was calming, and for a moment, she found a fleeting happiness. But the tears remained, a testament to her inner struggle.

Abruptly, a tap on her shoulder jolted her, causing her to let out a startled yell, quickly stifled by a hand over her mouth.

"Princess, calm down, it's me," the person's voice reassured.

"Aish, oppa, you almost gave me a heart attack," she whispered with a mix of glare and whisper.

"Hehe, sorry for that. But what are you doing out here at this hour?" her brother inquired.

"Nothing, oppa. I just needed some fresh air," she replied.

"Stop lying to me, princess. Do you think I'm a fool? Look at your puffy eyes. I can tell you've been crying. Come on, tell your oppa what's bothering you," her brother gently pressed.

He wrapped his arms around her, offering comfort, and she buried her face in his chest, muffling her sobs slightly.

"Oppa, please make them stop-the nightmares. Why can't they just leave me alone? They haunt me constantly," she managed to say through her tears, clutching onto his nightshirt.

His heart ached as he watched his little sister cry. "Awee, don't cry, princess. You know your oppa is always here for you," he said while stroking her hair. "Now, stop crying, alright?"

She sniffled and nodded.

"Okay now," her brother asked, and she responded with a quiet hum.

"Come on, let's get some sleep. Remember, mom and dad have a surprise for us, princess," he reminded her.

"Yes," she whispered.

"I'll only sleep if my kookie oppa cuddles with me," she said, a pout on her lips accompanied by puppy-dog eyes that could melt anyone's heart.

With a chuckle, her brother agreed to her cuddling request, playfully ruffling her hair before guiding her back inside. They settled into her room, where the dim light cast a calming atmosphere.

As her brother lay down beside her, he continued to reassure her. "Princess, remember, these nightmares are just dreams. They can't hurt you in real life. And you know what? Tomorrow is a new day, a chance for better things."

She nodded, finding solace in his words. "Thank you, oppa."

He smiled and gently kissed her forehead. "No need to thank me, princess. That's what big brothers are for."

They lay there in silence, the gentle rhythm of their breathing gradually lulling her back into a peaceful state. The nightmares seemed distant now, overshadowed by the love and protection of her brother.

As they drifted into sleep, little did they realize that the next day would bring a surprise that would change the course of their lives. The darkness of the night was replaced by the promise of a new dawn, and they held onto that hope as they dreamt the night away.The sun's warm rays filtered through the curtains, gently illuminating the room. The gentle chirping of birds outside signaled the arrival of a new day. Slowly, the girl stirred awake, her brother's presence still comforting beside her.

"Good morning, princess," he greeted with a smile, ruffling her hair affectionately.

"Morning, oppa," she replied, returning the smile. The nightmares felt like a distant memory now, thanks to her brother's unwavering support.

As they got ready for the day, excitement hung in the air. Their parents had promised a surprise, and curiosity bubbled within them. Eagerly, they made their way to the living room, where their parents were waiting with grins on their faces.

Little did they know, their lives were about to undergo a significant change.