(Kata POV – Shopping Mall)
'It's taking quite a while,' I think, arms loosely crossed as I wait outside the changing room. The minutes stretch, and I find myself glancing toward the curtain every few seconds.
Then, it shifts and out steps a red-faced Momo. Her eyes are glued to the floor, refusing to meet mine.
'Weird…' I tilt my head slightly. 'Why does she look so nervous?'
Before I can ask, Eri's head peeks out from behind curtain. Her gaze flicks between the two of us, suspiciously serious for a six-year-old.
Momo gives her a tiny nod and Eri nods back as some secret girl-code passes between them.
I exhale lightly through my nose, amused. 'I'm glad they're getting along.'
I was worried about whether Eri could trust someone new and open up even a little. But seeing this silent exchange… maybe she's already starting to.
Then she looks back at me. I give her a small casual wave.
Eri takes a breath like she's about to step onto a battlefield.
And then, she walks out.
Her hands are clenched at the hem of her dress, her shoulders stiff, her expression serious and a little nervous, but she's trying not to show it. Like this one moment matters more than anything.
And maybe it does.
She looks—
'Adorable.'
The word forms instantly and with total certainty. It brings an unexpected warmth with it, enough to pull a genuine smile from me.
Eri sees it, and visibly relaxes. Her grip on her dress loosens and she looks more shy and curious than anxious now.
"What do you think?" she asks. Her voice is quiet, but hopeful.
I blink, caught off guard by the way her voice shakes slightly. She wants me to like it.
'Her opinion should matter more than mine… but I'm touched that she cares so much.'
"You look amazing. And very cute, Eri," I say, without hesitation. It's not forced. The words flow naturally, completely honest and sincere.
Her whole face lights up as her lips curl upwards slightly, which instantly catches my attention.
'It's not quite a smile, but she's making progress.'
That small realization makes my chest feel lighter.
Then, she tilts her head and asks, "Does it make you happy?"
Her words are simple. And the answer should be simpler.
But they hit harder than I expect. Enough to make me pause.
'Happy…?'
The word catches me off guard.
I've never been asked if I was happy. Much less by someone who genuinely hopes the answer is yes.
'Do I feel happy?'
I look at her again. At this tiny girl in front of me, dressed up and brave, hoping she's made me proud. Thinking about my happiness.
And suddenly, it hits me.
Blood makes you related, and love makes you family.
'I have a family now.'
Not just on paper or by relation. But here, in front of me... A sister who cares if I'm okay.
"I am," I say quietly. "I really am."
I crouch down and rest a hand on her head, still smiling.
"After all... my little sister looks adorable and wants to make me happy."
I don't know what to say my voice sounded like just then, but it feels… right. Warm. Sincere. Gentle. A tone I've always wished to hear directed at me.
She stiffens for a moment, surprised. Then her eyes widen. Her fingers twitch before she slowly reaches out—and pats my head, mirroring me.
"You always take care of me," she murmurs. "So now I'm taking care of you. So… don't cry, okay?"
She wraps her small arms around my neck. I blink, registering the tear that had escaped unnoticed.
"I don't really know what to say… but I'm really happy you're my big brother." She says softly.
And for the first time—I see it.
A real smile on her face, even as tears form in her eyes.
I smile wryly, hugging her back.
'How sappy am I… getting comforted by a child after crying from realizing I finally have a family?'
I chuckle under my breath.
But...
'This feeling... isn't so bad.'
While I'm lost in the moment, I feel a soft pressure on my shoulder. I glance down, blinking in surprise, as Eri gently bites me.
"...Why?" I ask, tilting my head slightly.
It doesn't hurt and she barely applied any pressure. But it's unexpected, and she looks way too innocent to ever be guilty of anything bad.
She lets go and looks up at me, tilting her head. Her big, round eyes glisten from earlier tears as I reach out and gently wipe them away.
"I wanted to show that I care about you," she says softly and seriously, as though it was obvious.
It takes me a moment before it clicks.
'This must be from what I said about Himiko… about how she shows affection.'
I should probably explain it properly, but... her expression is so earnest. 'It's too adorable.'
A breath leaves me, and I let out a quiet chuckle.
Eri's eyes widen at the sound, as if hearing me laugh was something inconceivable. She watches me, eyes full of curiosity, confusion and excitement, as though observing a once in a lifetime event.
Unable to help myself, I reach down, take her small hand in mine, and gently return the gesture with a careful bite.
"I care about you too, Eri," I whisper, and pat her head again.
Then I lean in just a little and add, more seriously, "But don't go around biting people, okay?"
She nods, humming her agreement, but her smile is wide and bright. She seems more cheerful and less burdened. Almost like she's finally found the strength to move on and leave her past behind.
'Something I feel too.'
I feel I've let go of the emotional scars my parents left behind.
The hate and rage are still there—burning quietly beneath the surface. I'll never forget what's been done to me, nor will I ever forgive... But I can't let it control me anymore.
'Not when I've finally found someone I'll love more than anyone I could ever hate.'
Momo POV – Shopping Mall
I watch from a few steps away, hands over my chest, holding my phone as I record. I'd only meant to capture Kata's reaction to Eri's outfit, but I ended up witnessing something so genuine and pure that my heart aches.
The way they looked at each other, the soft laughter, and even when they bit each other... it felt like something out of a storybook. An odd storybook, sure, but it captured a beautiful, happy tale.
A smile finds its way to my lips as I glance down at the video.
But then my grip on my phone tightens ever so slightly.
'Kata cried.'
Just a single tear. But for someone like him, that tear means that much more.
After all, people don't cry because they're weak, but because they've been strong for too long.
I thought I understood him. Calm, reserved, caring and always on top of things. But I realize now... I've only seen what he allows others to see. Maybe I've seen more than most, but there's a whole ocean of emotion he keeps locked away.
And Eri... she's the only one I've seen who can get him to open up. And I can tell, even she has gone through lots of pain.
'How long have they had to carry this pain?'
It hits me harder than expected.
For me, family is a given. Love, support... and mutual affection are things that come naturally. But for them… I wonder if they've ever received something as basic as being loved?
I don't pity them. That would be insulting.
I simply admire them. For surviving, and most of all, for being able to trust and love again despite everything.
I know I don't know the full story. But I can deduce enough to be certain of my guesses.
'I want to be someone he can open up to, too. Someone he doesn't have to guard his heart around.'
As their hug ends, Kata turns toward me.
There's something different about his expression.
It's softer—not the usual neutral mask. It's more natural. More… at peace?
He smiles at me, it's small, but sincere, and my heart stumbles over itself.
"Could you send me the video you took?" he asks calmly.
Even his voice sounds different. Less stiff and monotone and just… naturally calm.
'It's nice to hear.'
I find myself staring in a daze, overwhelmed by all the changes in Kata I'm suddenly seeing.
"Momo?" He calls out again.
I blink, caught off guard. "Ah—sure! I'll definitely send it." My words tumble out far too fast as heat floods my cheeks.
'Oh no, I panicked. I totally panicked.'
He raises a brow slightly, confused by my reaction, but just nods, his smile widening slightly. "Thanks."
"Y-you're welcome!" I squeak, then fake cough to compose myself. "Sorry for recording without permission." I bow lightly, trying to act normal.
I'm not used to this side of him. Not used to... the warmth and sincerity he's showing.
'It makes me feel... special.'
"No, I'm actually thankful," he says. "I'm happy this moment was recorded."
That warmth in his voice, calm and sincere, sends another flutter through my chest.
"I'll send it to you now," I say quickly, lifting my phone to act as a barrier between us, hoping he can't see how red my ears are.
Then I hear it—a soft, almost amused chuckle.
I peek above the screen and see him laughing again, smiling like this is the most natural thing in the world.
And just like that… I fall a little harder.
The rest of the shopping trip became a blend of smiles, silly discussions, and something more subtle... a growing closeness.
Eri, more confident than before, eagerly tried on outfit after outfit. Each time, she'd spin around with her arms outstretched, glancing up at Kata with sparkling eyes, waiting for his verdict.
"You're adorable," he'd say every time—sincerely. And every time, her grin would grow until it could barely fit on her face.
He bought every single outfit she tried on.
We wandered through store after store, picking up everything from toiletries and towels to pajamas and plushies. A pen with a sparkly topper. A cat-shaped pencil case. Decorations for her room. Books, some for school, some just for fun.
Even though Kata claimed he didn't know what a little girl would need, he was meticulous. He cross-referenced everything in his head, silently weighing what might make Eri's life easier or more enjoyable.
He'd notice any interest Eri had in an item, and pick it for her, even if she never spoke about it.
I stepped in when things drifted too far into unknown "girly" territory—like explaining the difference between detangling spray and shampoo—but more than anything, I was just touched while watching them.
The way they were opening up. The way Eri's laughter came easier, and both of them smiled more often.
I let them have their space, content to be a quiet part of their day. And without realizing it, I smiled more than I expected.
To end the evening, we headed to a cozy restaurant with rustic décor and plush booths. The three of us slid into one together and flipped through the menus.
To my slight horror, both Kata and I ordered like we hadn't eaten in a week.
His picks were pure protein: grilled steak, teriyaki salmon, chicken wings, lamb skewers, a side of rice, and roasted vegetables. I gravitated toward rich, calorie-dense comfort food: creamy mushroom risotto, tempura veggies, cheesy croquettes, and more.
Eri, not to be outdone, puffed up her cheeks proudly and ordered a kid's omurice, a tall apple juice, and a parfait for dessert.
"I can eat a lot too!" she declared, shoveling omurice into her mouth with such intensity I couldn't help laughing.
"You don't have to keep up, Eri," I said between chuckles. "You're doing amazing already."
Still, she kept going—at least until her eyes got heavy, she got full, and her pace slowed. The parfait, unfortunately, remained untouched.
Without a word, she shuffled over and leaned into Kata. He didn't hesitate. He used his lap as a pillow, and gently laid her to sleep, while gently stroking her head.
'It was a fun trip.'
Kata was different today. Still quiet. Still composed. But I saw sides to him I'd never seen before. He smiled more. He even laughed.
'He finally looks happy.'
I found myself watching him, with a smile of my own. The way he gently stroked Eri's hair. The peaceful look on his face.
'Maybe… now would be okay.'
I clasped my hands beneath the table, squeezing them tight. 'If he's not ready, I won't push. But I need to try.'
He noticed my stare and met my eyes.
I hesitated, swallowed, then spoke.
"Kata," I said softly. "I've been meaning to ask… and it's okay if you'd rather not answer. But… would you tell me more about yourself? About your past?"
I paused, then added, "I want to understand you better. And maybe… be someone you can rely on."
For a moment, I thought he'd shut me down, redirect the conversation or offer a polite non-answer.
Instead, he silently looked at me. It's a look I know well.
'He's contemplating it.'
Which is better than I was expected.
He glanced down at Eri briefly, then exhaled, his hand never stopping its gentle motion.
"…Sure. I don't mind telling you about myself," he said with a nod, offering a small, calm smile. "So, what do you want to know?"