HIRO’S POV

“She’ll just bring only one of you.” Aunt Michiko cleared. “And one will stay here with me.”

“Eh?” We both chorused.

The small woman smiled at Hino. “I can only adopt Hino.”

Hino stepped back.

Aunt Koyuko sighed. “I have two daughters at home and having additional two members in the house would be…you know…life is hard…” she sighed.

“I understood.” I let out a smile.

I felt Hino’s eyes on me. I know she just disagreed.

“Hino will come with you.” I grab Hino’s luggage.

I saw Hino clench her fists, but I decided to ignore it. “Hino.” I said as I took a grip of her wrist to lead her to Aunt Koyuko. “You need t—“ suddenly she snapped my hand.

“Who gave you the authority to decide things for me?” Hino almost yelled.

I forced a smile. “Come on Hino. Everything’s gonna be fine.” I sighed. “Aunt Koyuko has two daughters. Hino, two!” I know my smile’s cracking. “Y-You remember when we were younger, you used to put pins on my hair for me to look like a girl coz you said, a sister is better than a brother. You remember?” I gulped putting the fake smile again.

Hino never said anything. She was bowing and I can’t even see her expression. All I’m sure is the tears falling on floor in between us.

“Don’t worry. I-I’ll call everyday. And if you need me there, just give me a call and I’ll ride a bullet train to Tokyo. Not less than an hour and I’ll be there next to you. So…” I held her shoulders. “You have to come with Aunt Koyuko. Okay?” I lead her to Aunt Koyuko.

“Let’s go Hino.” He held Hino and marched her slowly grabbing Hino’s luggage.

I tried not to surrender the smile I forced on my face. Suddenly Hino stopped walking and me. I finally saw her swollen eyes and red face. “You’re a liar!” Trace of anger on her face.

My eyes widened.

“You said you’ll be there for me!!!…” she sniffed. “You said you’ll gonna take care of me!!!…Y-you s-said everything’s gonna be fine as long as you’re there!!!…because…because you’re all I have now right?...You promised me that!!!”

“Hino~” Aunt Michiko arched brows.

I can feel my eyes watered.

“And n