Chapter 2: Time Together
Some time passed after Mr. Kiro left.Since then, I hadn't left his daughter's room.
—Hey, Kaji.—You can go watch TV if you want.—If I need anything, I'll ring this little bell.
—Sure.
I went to watch TV… and got bored.Then I started looking at my phone… and got bored.
So I went back upstairs.
—Hey, um… sorry. I'm a bit bored.—Can I stay here with you for a while?—At least until you need something.
—Yeah, that's fine —she replied.
I grabbed a chair and sat next to her.
—So… what's your name?
—I'm Hana.
After that, everything fell silent.
Now what do I do? Should I ask her something? No…
—Hana, I saw some photos in your hallway.—And your dad was with a woman.—Was she your mom?
Hana started crying after that.
But I didn't dare ask anything else.
What did I just do…
—I'm sorry, Hana.
—No, it's okay, don't worry —she said while wiping her tears.
That phrase again.It's obvious it's not something good.
—Kaji, I'm a little hungry.—Could you take me to the dining room, please?
—Ring your little bell.
—What? But you're…
—Just play along.
Hana rang the little bell her father had given her.
—Very well, miss. Allow me to escort you to your table.
Maybe this way we can break the ice between us.
Hana leaned on me, and I helped her to the dining table.
—I hope I'm not a burden to you, Kaji —Hana said.
—Of course not, don't worry —I replied.
I checked her fridge.There were some containers with food.And a note.
This is Hana's food.
I put it on a plate and brought it to the table.
—This is what your dad left.
—Thank you very much —she said while eating.
—Hey, after this… do you want to do something else? —I suggested.
—It's not that I don't want to…—But this illness doesn't let me do much.
At that moment, I felt a sense of sadness.
—I see.
Everything fell silent again.
Until Hana… broke the silence.
—Thank you for taking care of me, Kaji.
I smiled.
—You're welcome.
I helped her back to her room.
I thought this would be harder.But it isn't.I like this.
—Hana.—Could you tell me about your illness?
She looked at me.
—Only if you want to, of course —I added.
—The doctor says it's a heart condition.—That's why I shouldn't strain myself too much.
—I see.
—He also said I'll be fine.
—I'm glad to hear that.
—Even so…—…I'm also bored of staying here all the time.
And then I said…
—When you start feeling a little better,—let's go somewhere.
What? Why did I say that?
—Sure.—But I don't think it'll be anytime soon.
—It's okay.—I can wait.
I hope that moment comes soon.
There I go again… saying weird things.
Hours passed, and it was already six o'clock.
Hana hadn't asked me for anything else since then.And I was starting to fall asleep on the chair.
At that moment…
Hana gently touched my hand with her finger.
—Yes?
—Can you do me one last favor? —she asked.
—Yeah, tell me what you need.
—Can you…—…be my friend?
Is she really asking me that?
—Y-Yeah… of course.—Let's be friends.
She smiled slightly.
—You're the first friend I've ever had.
That surprised me a lot.But I was happy.
—Also…—…can you read me this story?
A story?
—Sure.
Hana was the same age as me.And it surprised me that she liked stories like that.But I'm not judging.
After I finished reading…
Hana fell asleep.
And so did I.
Mr. Kiro arrived.
He took the book off my face.And whispered…
—Kaji.
—Yeah…? —I replied, half asleep.
—I'm back.
—Is it late already? What time is it?
—It's 6:40.
—So, how did it go with Hana?—Did you have any trouble?
—None at all.
—Thank you very much.—Here, take 200 yen.
That made me really happy.Now I could help my parents.
—Thank you, Mr. Kiro —I said happily.
—I'm heading home now.—I'll come back again tomorrow.
—Yeah, see you —he replied with a smile.
I went back home feeling happy.Wanting to help my parents…Even if they don't want me to.
But also wanting…
…to see Hana again.
Chapter 2: End.