Ray was very surprised that his sister, although she tried not to show it, was clearly displeased with Miku's presence in their home. Ray could have talked to her and solved the problem, but he left it to Yuno. He was trying to raise them to be close—in case something happened to him. Ideally, he should have stopped going into the field, but he couldn't.
Years had passed, but his self-hatred still gnawed at Ray's mind. Going into the field was the most effective way to blow off steam.
Ray wasn't the only one who noticed Deya's attitude toward Miku. That was why they went to the latter's room to talk.
"Well, my little aunt, tell me what you have against this cutie. I have no doubt that since your brother brought her here, she knows music well. So what's your problem? Like I said, she seems sweet to me."
Yuno felt the girl's gaze shift, and she said:
"I know you like my brother. This girl is too pretty. I just don't want you to have a rival."
"Silly girl, I do like your brother, but I know him well. Even when I'm older, he'll still see me as a child."
"You're very smart, but you don't know the whole story. I would be happy if a girl appeared in your brother's life who could heal his wounds. I doubt this cutie will succeed, but if a miracle happens—do it for me, just give her a chance, okay?"
Deya was too smart for her age, but she tried to hide her intelligence from her brother. She felt that the day he realized she was ready to walk through life on her own, he might just disappear. So for him, Deya tried to remain a sweet little girl.
"Alright, if you say so, I'll try," the girl said thoughtfully.
A couple of months had passed since Miku's arrival. Deya, though very smart, was still a child, so Miku's warm nature and her musical talent won the little one over. To her own surprise, Miku turned out to be a good teacher and found that she even enjoyed doing it.
"Big sis, you're so good! Where did you learn to play like that?" the girl asked admiringly.
"I definitely got that talent from my mother. My old man couldn't carry a tune to save his life. Sometimes I think he wasn't just tone-deaf—he invited his whole family to join him," Miku said, smiling softly.
"My brother says I got my looks from my mother, and that's the best thing she could have given me. I only know about her from his stories, but I'm really sorry we never got to talk to her in person."
"You're a very good child. At your age, I couldn't read. From what you've told me during this time, I think your brother's parenting methods are too harsh—but they're effective," Miku said.
"I still remember what he said when I tried to talk to him about it. He said that a parent's job is not just to raise a child, but to prepare them to walk the harsh road of life on their own."
"Those words made me think, and I suddenly realized that my father didn't succeed at that job. I'm ashamed to admit it, but after leaving home and losing his support, I realized I wasn't ready to live independently. So your brother may be strict, but I understand what he's trying to achieve," Miku finished, smiling bitterly.
Besides Deya, even Ray studied with Miku. He played the guitar well, but compared to her, he seemed like just an amateur. Besides, he really loved her voice—moments like this reminded him of when he and Lily used to read books to each other.
Under Miku's influence, Deya decided to study not only the guitar but also other instruments.
The days of this very unusual family passed calmly and quietly, gradually turning into months. Ray was very glad that the girls had gotten along and become very close.