chapter 09 : Kanao's dependency
Holding little Kanao's hand, Haruto walked through the slums filled with strong stench.
The world outside the slums is full of bright lights and bustling crowds.
Turning his head, he glanced back at the slum. The slum where Kanao lives is so dark and there are only a few flickering lights, forming a sharp contrast with the outside world.
Haruto softly held little Kanao's hand and walked slowly forward.
A pair bright golden eyes scanned the surroundings.
When they reached near an inn door
They stopped.
Haruto lowered his head and looked at Kanao, her clothes were already sloppy and her face was dusty.
Without thinking much, he took Kanao's hand and walked in.
"We want a room for two."
He raised his head and spoke to the innkeeper calmly.
The innkeeper glanced at Haruto and he could tell at a glance that these two people came from the slums.
He was really worried that they won't be able to pay for the accommodation.
"One hundred yen."
The boss opened his mouth and at the same time pointed to the notice next to him: 'Only on direct payment , No credit.'
Haruto didn't say anything, although he didn't have much money on him as a orphan but he still should have enough money for this so he fumbled around his pocket.
The money on him was about 300 yen.
"We will stay for one night and please also arrange two set of clean clothes."
He pointed to Kanao and at the same time took out all the three hundred yen in his hand.
Now he is really empty-handed.
The boss nodded and didn't say anything else, just handed over a key: "C-size room, the third room on the left in front, the clothes will be delivered later."
Haruto nodded slightly and led little Kanao to the room.
He motioned little Kanao toward the bed to have a rest first.
But even after waiting for a while, Kanao didn't make any move.
He couldn't help but lower his head and looked at Kanao with some doubts and said softly: "Don't you want to rest? "
Kanao is still like a marionette, her purple eyes can't show the slightest emotion and she doesn't speak like a mute.
However, this time she pinched her clothes rarely.
A worn-out dress because it was from the slum. It had already been stained with filth and filled with holes here and there.
Seeing this scene, Haruto understood a little.
Obviously, Kanao was worried that her clothes would stain the white bed in the inn.
He was a little distressed but also a little happy.
The heartache is for Kanao's hesitation and the joy is that even if a little bit, Kanao showed her opinion in front of him.
"It doesn't matter."
He knelt down and stroked Kanao's hair gently.
Perhaps due to long-term malnutrition and the poor living environment, Kanao's hair is a little withered and sticky.
Apparently, Kanao hadn't showered for a unknown amount of time.
"It's okay, we paid so it doesn't matter even if gets dirty."
He gently patted Kanao's little head.
Kanao's purple eyes blinked rarely.
The satisfied gaze at that moment made Haruto stunned in his place but this moment only lasted for a moment and then she returned to being empty and lifeless.
It made him wonder if he was wrong.
Although it was just a fleeting look, Haruto knew that he was not mistaken, a tiny crack opened in the girl's closed heart just now.
It seems that for the first time, she was a little willing to accept the warmth from the outside world.
He gently took Kanao's hand and asked her to rest a little bit on the bed.
At this time, the innkeeper also brought hot water over.
Along with the hot water, there was a neat set of girls' clothes.
"Take a bath."
"By the way, change your clothes."
He squatted down and said softly to the girl sitting on the edge of the bed.
However, after waiting for a long time, Kanao did not respond.
"Okay then i'm going out first, call me if something happens."
He said softly not surprised by Kanao's reaction.
Ready to leave.
He just stood up to leave but
A thin little hand grabbed the corner of his clothes at once.
He couldn't help but lower his head, looking at the pale and weak hand of a girl who was pinching the corner of his clothes.
He glanced at the girl who was still like a marionette.
Although Kanao can't express emotion yet
But the girl has obviously begun to rely on him a little and seems to be worried that he will leave her.
He squatted down again, watching Kanao gently : "Hey, I won't go far, I will watch at the door and stay with you."
The gentle words were like a spring breeze, blowing on little Kanao's face, making the girl's purple eyes seem to blink again.
He waited until the girl's little hand gradually loosened. Then he patted Kanao on the head: "Take a good bath and call me if you need something."
After speaking, he walked out of the door and closed the door behind him.
When the door was completely closed, the boy suddenly raised his head and looked into the distance with his bright golden eyes.
A ray of helplessness and coldness flashed away.