Chapter 30: Family

They were definitely surprised considering that they were speechless for a few seconds before reacting. I was too embarrassed to announce this so I sat quickly and turned my head down the same as Yukino. 

"I knew this would happen but, wow. It still surprised me." Said Arata as Katio nodded the way he usually did when he agrees to something Arata says. 

Haruto was about to reach out to me for a hug but Shin pulled him back and hugged me and Yukino instead while getting all teared up.

"I knew you guys would hook up! I'm so happy for the two of you!" Said Shin. 

I patted her on the back of her head. I knew how happy she was for me. 

"So Arata and Kaito, when will you two start dating each other." Said Hina laughing, we also did.

"We're already eternal lovers so mind yourselves instead of us." Said Kaito as a joke while hugging the irritated Arata. 

"Get off me already will you?" 

We all laughed. Time passed us as we talked about random stuff like what a normal group of friends would do. 

"We guys should go on a picnic!" Suggested Yukino, Which actually surprised the rest of us. This might be the first time Yukino suggested something. She would usually just go along with what the others planned, but this time she was the one who suggested it. I guess I should be happy that she's growing. 

"Sure!" Answered Hina.

"Where should we go though?" Asked Haruto.

"We should go to Inokashira Park! I want to try boating as well!" Suggested Yukino.

The group was rather surprised that Yukino was this vocal. So the rest of them agreed without any complaint. 

"So dating Aoi would make our cute little Yukino talk this much huh?" Said Shin.

Yukino was embarrassed so she slowly tucked herself on my shoulders. She can be cute like this sometimes too so I patted her head for doing a good job. 

"So that settles it then! This coming Saturday we'll meet here then go to Inokashira park!" Said Haruto.

"Wait wait! I nearly forgot! There's another piece of good news!" Added Haruto. "Aoi's novel was submitted to a publishing company in Europe for approval! Our friend here might become a world renowned writer anytime soon so might as well get his autograph now right? This might sell in the future hehe." 

"Oi! Shouldn't you brag about how your light novel might get a manga adaptation?" 

"I'll brag about it once I get to that. So for now sign this." 

Aoi offered her cap asking me to sign it.

"Is this really necessary?" Asked I.

"Just do it already!" 

I signed his cap, he looked so happy and at the same time proud of me. The others also did the same and put out things for me to sign so I simply did. 

"How about you Yukino?" Asked Kaito.

"Please sign this then." Yukino brought out a notebook which I knew was her diary. I signed the cover. "There! A signed notebook of my future world renowned writer boyfriend." 

As soon as she said those words, my face turned red from blushing.

After the group's gathering Yukino and I went back to the university to grab my motorcycle. I guess it was a bad idea to leave it there just for the element of surprise earlier. Yukino and I had a little detour and drove off aimlessly as she spread her arms to feel the night breeze. 

"Can I talk to your uncle after dropping you off?" 

"Why?" 

"I want to tell him about us." 

"O-okay your call Aoi." 

A few minutes later I dropped her off and she called her uncle. 

"What? Again, do you know what time it is?" 

"Isn't today a little earlier than last time?" 

"Kid it's 11 PM! Us adults aren't like the youth who stays awake until morning comes so have some consideration here." 

"Were you about to sleep?" 

"No? Enough with the questions and go straight to the point!" 

Ha, look at this guy. Well, uncle wouldn't be uncle if he isn't like this. I offered him a cigarette after I lit one and he accepted. 

"Yukino and I are dating." 

Uncle quickly looked in my direction despite him being in the middle of smoking. 

"Kid! Why? Just why?" 

"Because I want to love her and I want her to love me. I want to give her everything before–" 

"Kid why?" Uncle started tearing up. "Just why?" he sat down on the asphalt as he continued to ask me why. After calming down, he stood up once again.

"I'm sorry kid. I don't have the courage to tell you to stop. I'm a selfish uncle, I want my Yukino to be happy and I know very well that this is the best way to achieve that. I'll tell you that the road you're taking is a harsh one."

"I know uncle, but I want to see this through. I want her to be mine in her remaining days. Even if you did tell me to not date her, I would still insist on dating her. So you don't have to apologize uncle." 

Uncle hugged me and said these words to my ear, a cigarette in his mouth. "I'll carry half of the burden when the time comes kid." 

I really didn't understand what uncle meant by those words this time but I probably would when the time of Yukino's departure comes. 

"You can come out of there Yukino, the two of us aren't dumb to not see you hiding in those bushes." Said I.

Yukino came out running while crying rushing to hug the two of us. The three of us hugged each other for a few minutes before releasing our small little group hug. The three of us sat on the asphalt just right outside of their humble abode. The wind blew so gently as if to hug us. 

"If only time could freeze" Said uncle.

"How I would wish for that too. But all of us must move forward and find our own happiness." Said Yukino as uncle held her tiny hands tightly.

"But you're my happiness Yukino."

"You know very well that I won't be around forever uncle. But still, you must find happiness along with Aoi. I know I'm being selfish asking the two of you to be with me until that time but the two of you should support each other when I'm gone or I would be mad. Understood?" 

Uncle and I nodded. I guess uncle would also bow down to Yukino huh? 

The two of them entered the house as they waved me goodbye. Shortly after, I went home.