{07} Miu Takanashi

Chapter 07: Miu Takanashi

It was already quite late, and after searching for Miu, Yuuta eventually spotted her on a bridge, leaning over the railing, peering at the river beneath.

He approached quietly, making an effort to step gently to not disturb her.

"Did you manage to get what you needed?" Yuuta inquired, his voice soft.

Miu turned towards the voice, her tension relaxing as she recognized him. Then, she rested her hands on the railing and stared out at the night landscape.

"I... I forgot my wallet," Miu reluctantly admitted after a brief pause.

Tears welled up in Miu's eyes, and she couldn't help but cry. In moments like these, the emotions became overwhelming, and she needed to release them.

Yuuta didn't rush forward; instead, he stood quietly behind her, allowing her to let out her pent-up frustration and sadness. Sometimes, it was essential to express those feelings.

After waiting for about ten seconds, a gust of wind swept past, gently lifting Miu's golden hair and bringing with it a hint of chill.

"It's getting late, and we should head back before you catch a cold," Yuuta said as he approached Miu and gently placed his coat around her. She was only wearing shorts and a tank top, and the coat provided some much-needed warmth. "Miu, we have a warm home waiting for us."

Hearing his comforting words, Miu could no longer contain her emotions. She turned towards Yuuta and held him tightly, sobbing loudly.

"My home... it's gone... waaah... My parents don't want me anymore... My dad and aunt are gone too..."

Yuuta continued to hold Miu close and spoke gently, "Don't be scared. We have a warm and welcoming home with people who truly care about you. Blood ties don't define family. As long as you want it, we can stand together, forever and ever."

Miu's tears began to subside, and she loosened her grip on Yuuta. She looked at him with teary eyes and asked, "Really?"

"Absolutely," Yuuta affirmed with sincerity. "I'll take good care of you."

Miu wiped her eyes, trying to shake off her sadness more quickly. She smiled through her remaining tears and said, "Then, can you carry me back home? I've walked a lot today."

Yuuta smiled in response and crouched down, saying, "Of course, I always keep my promises."

Miu immediately joked, "No need, you've already carried Hina a long way today, and I've been causing you trouble. I'm just kidding. Please don't be angry."

Yuuta replied with understanding, "No, I won't be angry. But I also hope that in front of me, Miu can occasionally drop the act of being so mature. It's not that I don't like that side of you; it's just that when I see your current smile, it makes me feel so tender-hearted. So... in front of me, Miu can also be a little willful from time to time."

Upon hearing this, Miu playfully lay on his back, resting her cheek against him, and teased, "Uncle, do you like naughty girls then?"

Yuuta carried her on his back, smiling as he walked toward their home. He replied, "Of course not. A little bit of playfulness is fine, but being too stubborn could make things challenging. Because Hina, Miu, and Sora are all well-behaved kids, it makes things easier for me."

Miu, carried by Yuuta, felt her heart flutter with excitement. "Uncle, since we're not related by blood, can I call you 'brother'?"

Yuuta didn't mind at all and agreed with a smile, thinking it was a sweet gesture from Miu. "Of course, you can call me 'brother.' I'm not that old, am I?"

Miu nodded happily. "Yeah, you're not much older than me."

When they arrived at the front door, Yuuta gently set Miu down and held her hand as they entered the house.

"We're back," Yuuta closed the door behind them and led Miu inside. They found Hina sound asleep and a visibly worried Sora.

Sora, seeing Miu safe and sound, couldn't contain her emotions any longer. She rushed to Miu, hugging her tightly.

"You silly girl! You're such a silly girl! Silly!"

Miu, feeling her sister's deep concern, hugged her back and said with teary eyes, "I'm sorry..."

"It's quite late now. I have two extra futons here, brought over by your sisters from your old place but never used. Let's set them up, and little Hina can sleep in the middle."

Yuuta didn't want to disturb the already-sleeping Hina.

Miu and Sora both nodded in agreement. Together, they prepared the futons. Yuuta decided to sleep on the outer side, with Sora next to him, followed by Hina, and Miu on the outer edge. They were ready to rest for the night, sharing their warm and caring home.

Miu and Sora settled into their futons, finding comfort in their new surroundings. Miu pulled the blanket over herself, taking in the familiar scent of their new home.

"It feels just like home," Miu remarked with a contented sigh.

Sora nodded in agreement, her gaze fixed on the unfamiliar ceiling. They had left their old home behind, but this was the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

"Goodnight," Miu said, her exhaustion catching up with her as she closed her eyes.

"Goodnight," Sora replied, her gaze shifting to her soundly sleeping sisters. Tears welled up in her eyes, dampening her pillow as she thought about the uncertainties they faced. Yet, in this moment, the sisters were together, and that brought solace.

Closing her eyes, Sora whispered to her two sisters, "It's wonderful that we three will always be together."

Miu heard her older sister's words and silently agreed. They would always be together.

After taking a shower, Yuuta also took the opportunity to clean the bathroom. Even though Sora might clean it again, at least it would save some trouble.

Once he was clean and in fresh clothes, the fatigue of the day began to weigh on him. Tomorrow would be another day of hard work to provide for the girls.

Carefully, he made his way to his sleeping spot and quietly covered himself with a blanket.

"Goodnight," he whispered to himself as he settled in, ready to rest and gather strength for the challenges of the new day.