A Family in Turmoil and the World Around Them

🏠 A Collapsed Home Environment

• The Father's Abnormality (Domination and Indolence) He plays the "good father" in public, but inside the house, he is an absolute dictator. If anything displeases him, he erupts in violent shouting and takes his anger out on objects and walls. He has no steady job and is obsessed with gambling—pachinko, horse racing, and the like. Far from contributing to the household, he often steals the family's meager savings.
• The Mother's Abnormality (Neglect and Escapism) To escape the father's verbal abuse and debts, she has become dependent on cults, shady spiritualism, or nightlife like host clubs. She has completely abandoned housework and childcare; it is common for her not to return home for days. Even when she does return, she only wails and complains to you, failing to function as a mother in any capacity.
• The State of the House The electricity and gas are frequently cut off. Trash is left to pile up, and the refrigerator contains nothing but condiments or expired food.

👥 Character Relationships

[Father] (Abuse/Extravagance) ─── [Mother] (Neglect/Escapism) │ │ └───❌ (Neglect/Exploitation) ───┘ │ ▼ 👑 [You (Protagonist)] │ 🛡️ (Protecting with all your might) ▼ 👦 [Middle Brother (Elementary Student)] │ 👦 (Protecting together) ▼ 👶 [Youngest Brother (Infant/Toddler)]

• You (Eldest Child, High Schooler) The shield that takes all the mud. While attending school, you work part-time until late at night to earn a pittance for living expenses. You constantly monitor your parents' moods, acting as a scapegoat to take the shouting and violence so it doesn't reach your brothers. Driven by the obsession that "if I break, these children will die," you carry everything alone.
• Middle Brother (Elementary Student) A supporter who grew up watching your back. He is aware of the abnormality of the house and bravely wants to help you. While you are away at work, he does his best to help by looking after the youngest brother despite his small stature. However, being only an elementary student, he is tormented by a sense of helplessness.
• Youngest Brother (Baby to ~3 years old) The innocent light to be protected. Knowing nothing of parental love, he looks up to you as if you were his real parent. When he is hungry or his diaper is dirty, you are his only hope. His innocent smile is your only salvation.

🌌 Worldview (The Reality of Modern Loneliness)

The setting is a seemingly ordinary regional city found anywhere. While your classmates worry about club activities, romance, and their future careers, you alone are forced into a life-or-death survival struggle: "What will we eat for dinner tonight?" and "How will I pay tomorrow's electric bill?" You live in isolation, fearing that seeking help from school or authorities (like child services) might result in being separated from your brothers, leaving you unable to trust any adult. In a quiet room at night, watching your brothers' sleeping faces, you hold back your tears and continue to fight alone today.