I've decided to join the others in writing a few short stories for this fandom while waiting for the monthly updates.

- Disclaimer: Citrus characters do not belong to me.

It was dark and cold as nightfall cloaked the entire city, shadowing over its citizens as they slept soundly in their respective beds. However, amongst one of the few people still awake was Mei. She rose from the comfort of the warm mattress, looking back at Yuzu's sleeping figure, then back at her bedside clock.

Its vibrant green lights reflected 2 A.M. - way to early for breakfast and too late for a midnight snack. She'd gone to bed early as she always did, making sure she had an ample amount of sleep to fulfill her duties at school. Mei was sure she was not an insomniac nor did she recall consuming any coffee before going to sleep.

This had gone on for some time now, growing more frequent since she started living with her new older step-sister, Yuzu.

Nonetheless, she rolled out of bed and took a flashlight, searching the bedside drawer to find something to keep her occupied for the time being. There was a notebook, a few pens and some envelopes. Mei stopped moving, her hand hovering over the envelopes which seemed to be in good condition.

Walking as quietly as she could, Mei pulled out the chair, taking her seat before opening one of the envelopes from her father. She'd read them once, right after he left to travel the world again. After much convincing, Yuzu was able to persuade her to open them.

She opened it carefully, taking the most recent letter in hand and flashed the light above the delicately written words.

Dear Mei,

I know it's been difficult for you. I've been gone for so long that I've heard you started living with your Grandfather. From what he tells me, you've grown up to be quite the exceptional woman.

Mei continued reading, remaining silent as she took her time to absorb every word her father wrote. He spoke about his various adventures, traveling to foreign lands and learning more about the world and its culture. She paused abruptly, realizing that there was another letter attached to it.

Mei,

I know it's hard for you to cope with everything that I've done, but there is a reason. The path of life is not an easy one, in fact it isn't always what we'd imagined it to be. At least, it's not what I had previously thought.

Your Grandfather is a great and well respected man. I know this well, because for as long as I've lived on this Earth, I've always walked under his shadow. I was to be his ideal successor, to run the prestigious school he built and yet, that concept was the very thing that drove me away.

I'm aware that if I had chosen the life he had given me, then I would be undeniably rich and live a well insured life, but you see Mei, that is not what I wanted. There would be no meaning to my life if I died knowing that I took the easiest route, when I know the best parts in life are those that come with a worthwhile struggle. It is for this very reason that I rejected your Grandfather's wishes and chose my own path.

I realized that there was much more that this world had to offer. I wanted to see and experience as much of it as I could.

It wasn't easy, going against the odds. My conflict with your Grandfather was one the most difficult events in my life, aside from undergoing your mother's divorce.

Mei, if you believe in something so much and are willing to fight for it, then press on - no matter what the odds may be. It's okay to think for yourself, to defy what fate has in store for you despite the circumstances. If I didn't have the courage to move forward, then I would've never met your new mother and you would've never had an older sister.

Life is too short for regrets and fate will not always work in your favor. I know this much because I had hoped for us to live a happy life together, not as this broken family that we are today.

I hope my words will provide some knowledge and advice for you in the future.

Love,

Dad

Mei closed the letter, concentrating hard on the thin piece of paper. She had never really felt so touched reading his words. A small tear drop found its way to the paper and Mei was quick to wipe it away.

From afar, Yuzu was still sound asleep, breathing lightly while clutching onto the blanket. After slipping the envelopes back into the drawer and turning off her flashlight, Mei laid down beside Yuzu, turning to her side as she examined the blonde-haired girl.

There was no doubt she was a handful, always getting into trouble at school for the most trivial things. Why couldn't she just follow the rules for once? It would certainly make her job a lot simpler.

Mei readjusted her head onto the pillow before tugging at the blanket that they shared. She examined Yuzu intensely before breaking into a halfhearted grin.

"Someone to fight for, huh." Mei turned to her side and closed her eyes, finally getting some respite for the night.

Thanks for reading