Are there fairies in this world?
Once, Bronya would have answered without hesitation: no. Fairies were nothing more than illusions—figments of imagination born from longing for beauty in a world that offered none.
They didn't exist. And if they did, it would be mere coincidence.
But today, Bronya hesitated.
Even though she knew the black-haired girl walking toward her couldn't possibly be a fairy—even if she emerged from the storm like a vision, even if her serene face glowed like morning dew—Bronya felt something shift.
Not because she believed in fairies now.
But because she realized... the word "fairy" might not be worthy of the girl before her.
The Captain moved through the snow with quiet grace, her presence parting the blizzard like a whispered promise. Bronya knew she should turn away. Her training, her discipline, her mother's teachings—all told her to retreat.
But she couldn't.
Because she recognized her.
Though her physique had changed, her face hadn't. Bronya knew her at a glance.
She looked into the Captain's eyes—no sadness, no despair. Just clarity and light.
And something inside Bronya loosened. A weight she hadn't known she carried lifted.
It's good to see your eyes like this.
She didn't understand why she felt this way. But compared to the girl in her dreams—whose eyes were always filled with sorrow—the Captain's smile was radiant.
Captain...
The name echoed in her mind.
Captain... Captain...
But who was the Captain?
Why did she know that name?
Why did she know this person she'd never met?
The Captain waved a hand in front of her, confused.
"Hello?"
Bronya blinked, startled from her trance. She brushed snow from her coat, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
"H-Hello. My name is Bronya."
The Captain tilted her head, sensing something strange. Bronya felt... off. Just like Kiana had when they first met.
But she didn't dwell on it. Games and reality often diverged.
She looked at Bronya's stiff, cold face—trying so hard to appear mature—and instinctively reached out, brushing snow from her forehead.
"My name is Captain. You seem lost, Bronya. Would you like to come with us? It's safer if we stick together."
Bronya hesitated, but didn't pull away.
She didn't know why, but the moment she saw the Captain, a strange impulse surged through her.
Why do I want to... push her down?
She felt unfamiliar with herself. Was she... a bad child?
As the Captain's hand touched her forehead, Bronya felt a pang of loss. She wanted to ask for another pat—but couldn't bring herself to say it.
She simply stared, her gaze quietly aggrieved.
The Captain shivered slightly under her stare, suddenly remembering that Bronya disliked being touched.
She began to apologize—but didn't notice the storm brewing in the arms she held.
Kiana, buried in the Captain's embrace, was watching everything.
And her heart was a swirling jar of jealousy.
To her, this wasn't a simple gesture.
This was a battle.
A wild Bronya appeared.
The Captain used Head Pat.
It was super effective.
Bronya used Cute Gaze.
It was super effective.
Favorability skyrocketed.
Hidden plot unlocked: Bronya and the Captain's Beautiful Marriage.
No! That absolutely cannot happen!
Kiana shot out of the Captain's arms, her eyes blazing.
Bronya, who had been focused solely on the Captain, finally noticed the white-haired girl.
She blinked, surprised.
Kiana was nestled so securely in the Captain's arms, so protected.
And suddenly, Bronya's mood soured.
She frowned, her voice tinged with jealousy.
"Captain... who is she?"
"What do you mean 'who am I'?! It should be 'who are you'!"
Kiana glared, her emotions boiling over.
The Captain sighed, rubbing her temples.
Why are they arguing already? They just met! Is this fate? Is this rivalry?
She reached out, placing a hand on each of their heads.
"Alright, alright. You're both good kids. Good kids don't fight, okay?"
Bronya smiled faintly under the Captain's touch—until she saw Kiana's glare. She quickly returned to her stoic expression.
Then, with a hint of smugness, she muttered:
"Such a child... always clinging to the Captain. Unlike Bronya, who is mature and composed."
Kiana nearly burst out laughing.
The same old Bronya. The same old sass.
"Fine! I'm a child! I like the Captain's hugs! At least I have someone to hug me—unlike you!"
Bronya flinched. Her eyes dimmed.
Bronya... isn't alone.
She opened her mouth to retort—but the Captain scooped her up.
"Enough. You both have someone to hug. So please, no more arguing."
Kiana stared at Bronya, now sharing her precious space.
It was so roomy before...
Bronya glanced at Kiana's sour face—and buried herself deeper into the Captain's warmth.
Kiana gritted her teeth.
Otto... I understand you now.
She mimicked Bronya, burying her face into the Captain's chest.
She didn't want to lash out. Not at Bronya. Not really.
They had fought side by side in the last cycle. If not for the time reversal, she wouldn't be acting so childishly.
But the emotions were real. Raw. Unfiltered.
The Captain looked down at the two girls in her arms—finally quiet.
She sighed, a helpless smile tugging at her lips.
I'm really too thin now. Just holding two little girls and I can barely move my legs...