A few hours

For the next few hours, Koharu quickly shut herself in her room, taking a brief shower and changing into her negligee. When Kyouka and Yuka welcomed her back, her crestfallen expression and your shake of the head told them what they needed to know, and they gave Koharu the space she needed.

Kyouka brought her dinner to Koharu's room, which she gratefully took, and then left the empty tray outside.

It was not long after dinner that Kyouka and Yuka requested you to explain what happened, and so you did. By the end, Kyouka sighed heavily while Yuka bit her lip in frustration.

"To be honest, this happened a few years before you started living with us, so I'm surprised you haven't heard," Kyouka said, "Before she became who she is, she was... different, much quieter and more reserved."

And not as bright and attractive, so went the unsaid words.

"She suffered severe bullying by a group of particularly nasty classmates back in Middle School, and as a result she became incredibly insecure about her appearance and personality, so she strove to change herself as much as possible," Yuka continued, her eyes brimming with angry tears, "Granted, she's much more approachable than before, but to think those bastards tried to hurt her again, it just...!"

You exhaled deeply through your nose; Yuu would never take it lying down, and while not a fighter or one who sought **** by nature, he would never hesitate to risk his neck and stand up for his beloved sister.

"Still, thank you for standing up for her, Yuu-kun," Kyouka smiled warmly, and both she and Yuka embraced you with gratitude, "It's really heartwarming to know you're ready to do that for her sake."

"Why wouldn't I?" You said rhetorically.

"But I have to admit, I didn't think you had it in you to drive them away like that," Yuka commented, "Not to say anything bad, but you just don't look all that intimidating or imposing."

"Let's just say I can be incredibly menacing when I want to be," You answered.

"I hope you don't have to," Kyouka said worriedly, "I don't want you to get in trouble or worse."

"It'll be fine, Kyouka-san," You reassured with a warm smile, "Besides, people like them, they're bound to unknowingly challenge shady people who can and will screw them over in far worse ways."

"Karma's a bitch, I get it, but you sound awfully sure of it," Yuka commented.

"I don't have to see it in person to know such people will frequently and recklessly land themselves in trouble," You clarified, "If anything, they shall just have to suffer the consequences of their actions, one way or another. And it's not as if others will tolerate them for long."

"You do make a valid point," Kyouka nodded slowly, "I guess there's no point worrying about them."

"Exactly," You concluded, "Let us put this matter behind us, and focus on cheering Koharu up, shall we?"

In a world full of injustice and inequality, all a family had for comfort and support was each other.

Koharu hugged her knees as she bitterly wept, past traumatic memories resurfacing with a vengeance after today's ruined evening. She shivered, remembering how cruelly they tormented her with verbal **** and physical pranks, making sure her middle school years were incredibly nightmarish.

She heard knocking on her door, and the door opened to reveal her mother, brother and you entering with sympathetic faces. You and Kyouka sit beside her on the bed while Yuka sits facing Koharu on a chair.

"Everyone..."

"Koharu," Kyouka began, her voice full of motherly love, "It's okay. No matter what happens or whatever bullies you meet, we're here for you, now and always."

"That's right! We're your family, aren't we? We went through thick and thin together when dad left us!" Yuka exclaimed, tenderly taking Koharu's hand into hers, "So don't ever let those bullies get you down. In fact, if you want to pay them back, why not be the bright, cheery girl full of energy you made yourself to be?"

You simply embrace her in a hug, not needing to say anything, pouring all your warmth and compassion into this one gesture.

Then the dam broke, and Koharu hugged all of them while crying rivers.

There was nothing else to say in that moment.