Chapter 5: “Awakening Of Turmoil”

Yuri stirred, the morning light barely piercing through the curtains. "Another day," he mumbled, a sense of unease settling in. Mother is still furious with me, no doubt.

Suddenly, a cacophony of shouts erupted outside, shattering the morning calm.

"You swindlers! Give us back our money!" a woman's voice shrieked.

"Open this gate!" a man roared, pounding on the entrance.

Yuri's eyes widened. What in the world is happening?

He rushed out of his room to find his mother collapsed on the floor, tears streaming down her face.

"Mother? What's wrong?" Yuri asked, his voice laced with concern.

Lin looked up, her eyes red and swollen. "Yuri..." she sobbed, unable to speak.

"Father? Tell me what's going on! Why are there so many people outside?" Yuri demanded, his anxiety growing.

Cheng's face was grim. "We'll explain everything, son, but for now, stay inside. It's not safe."

Yuri hesitated, then nodded. "Okay... Mother, get up. Let's sit down." He gently helped her to her feet, leading her to a nearby chair.

As darkness fell, Yoona arrived, her expression filled with sympathy. "I'm so sorry for what happened, Aunt Lin. I was at the palace for my late aunt's death anniversary and couldn't get away sooner."

Lin managed a weak smile. "Thank you, dear..."

"The crowd has dispersed now. You can finally rest, Aunt," Yoona assured her.

"Hmm..." Lin murmured, exhaustion etched on her face.

Outside, Cheng stood with Yuri, the weight of the situation heavy on his shoulders. "Only Yoona's family is willing to help us now."

Yuri's voice was sharp. "Why didn't you tell me we were facing such a crisis?"

"You were still recovering from your illness," Cheng explained. "I didn't want to burden you."

"I'm perfectly fine now, Father! I can't stand seeing Mother suffer like this. What are we going to do?" Yuri pressed, his frustration mounting.

Cheng sighed. "There's only one way you can truly help us, Yuri."

"What is it?" Yuri asked, bracing himself.

"You need to marry Yoona," Cheng stated, his voice heavy with resignation.

Yuri recoiled, his mind reeling. So that's why Mother has been pushing me towards her.

"I know you don't want this," Cheng continued, "and I'll try to find another solution."

Yuri remained silent, his thoughts racing.

"Get some rest now, Yuri," Cheng said, turning towards the house.

As Cheng entered, he saw Yoona waiting. "Oh, Uncle, Aunt is resting in her room now."

"Thank you, dear. We appreciate your help," Cheng replied, his voice weary.

"It's nothing, Uncle. You should rest too," Yoona said gently.

"Yes..." Cheng murmured, disappearing inside.

Yuri stepped forward. "Yoona, can I talk to you?"

Yoona tilted her head, a question in her eyes. "?"

"I want to discuss something important," Yuri said, his tone serious.

"Okay..." Yoona replied, her curiosity piqued.

Kei stood in the temple, his face etched with frustration. Netheyam still refuses to speak to me. "Let him do as he pleases!" Kei muttered, his voice filled with a mix of anger and despair.

Suddenly, a familiar voice broke through his thoughts. "Long time no see, Kei."

Kei spun around, his eyes widening in surprise. "Mister Lee?"

"I'm here to check on you," Mister Lee said, his gaze steady.

"Everything is fine," Kei insisted, his voice tight.

"Hmm," Mister Lee hummed, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "I see... Well then, I'll take my leave."

Kei watched him, puzzled. "?"

Mister Lee paused, turning back to Kei. "You're being too hard on everyone, Kei."

Kei's eyes widened, shock registering on his face. "What... what are you saying?"

Mister Lee's gaze softened. "I can see through it, Kei. For five years, I've let it slide, knowing how difficult it is for you to accept her passing. All of her responsibilities now fall on your shoulders."

Kei remained silent, his emotions swirling within him.

"But she's not truly gone, Kei," Mister Lee revealed, his voice gentle.

Kei's head snapped up, his eyes filled with disbelief. "What?! What do you mean she's not dead?!"

"Natsou's physical body is gone, but her soul lives on and watches over you. Fulfill your responsibilities properly, Kei, and allow Natsou to find peace," Mister Lee urged.

Kei stood frozen, the weight of Mister Lee's words crashing down on him.

With a final nod, Mister Lee turned and departed, leaving Kei alone with his thoughts.

Back at the Masaru residence, Yuri and Yoona sat facing each other, the tension palpable. "So, you'll agree to the marriage now?" Yoona asked, her voice hopeful.

"Calm down, will you? I'm still thinking about it," Yuri replied, his brow furrowed in concentration.

"Oh, okay. Take your time..." Yoona said, trying to mask her disappointment.

"You know," Yuri began, his eyes searching hers, "I've always wondered... why do you want to marry me?"

Yoona's cheeks flushed slightly. "Well... do you remember when we first met three years ago?"

Yuri frowned, searching his memory. "..."

"It was love at first sight," Yoona confessed, her eyes sparkling. "The moment I saw you, I knew you were the one."

Love at first sight? Yuri thought skeptically.

Suddenly, a series of fragmented images flashed through Yuri's mind, overwhelming him.

Yuri gasped, clutching his head. Why am I suddenly remembering him?!

"Are you alright, Yuri?" Yoona asked, her voice filled with concern.

"I'm fine. You should rest now, Yoona," Yuri said, his voice strained.

"Oh, okay," Yoona replied, her brow furrowed with worry.