Ch. 3: I'm Not a Little Brother
OO: “Kaine?”
I could see as he looked at me that Kaine was desperately wanting to argue.
Kaine: “I…don’t think of you like an older sister. …”
With that, Kaine lowered his head and said no more.
OO: “I-I’m sorry Kaine. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings…”
I apologized in a panic, thinking he’d gotten upset that I’d said he was like a little brother when…
Kaine: “Ah…t-that’s not it. I didn’t mean it like that. I just…”
It was clear he wanted to say something as I looked at him and…-
CHOICE:
-
Speak (SUN)
-
Wait quietly (MOON)
Kaine: “Um, OO…”
Kaine grabbed my hands and looked directly at me.
OO: “Y-yes?”
I raised my voice without thinking, and I could feel the strength in Kaine’s hands as he held on to mine.
Kaine: “W-when I met you, in the forest…”
His big round eyes stared at me, and I felt my chest tighten.
But at that time…-
Vulgar Man: “Hey hey, you havin’ a fight?”
There was a rough laugh, and three men in good physical shape came up to us.
Kaine: “C-can I help you with something?”
Kaine moved in front as if trying to protect me.
But I could see his back shaking, and his voice was trembling…
CHOICE
-
Are you alright? (SUN)
-
Say nothing (MOON)
Kaine: “I’ll protect you OO.”
Vulgar Man: “What’s that? You stupid brat, trying to show off in front of a girl!?”
Well-Built Man: “Don’t you think YOU’RE the one who needs protecting? With those spindly little arms of yours?”
Kaine: “…!”
At those words, Kaine bit his lip in frustration.
Man: “Beat it brat. Hey little lady, come hang out with us.”
At that time, one of the men pushed Kaine out of the way and grabbed my arm…-
Kaine: “OO…-!”
In the next instant, I saw something that I couldn’t believe.
OO: “…”
I waited for him to speak and…-
Kaine: “…since we met, I kinda feel all floaty.”
A little after that, he shyly spoke again.
W-what should I do?
Kaine: “D-don’t worry…"
Kaine spoke to me in his trembling voice.
OO: "Kaine, are you alright?"
Kaine: "I-I'm fine!"
The shaking of his voice betrayed the confidence he was trying to give off.
OO: "I'm really sorry Kaine. Hey, do you want to go around the town again? I'd like to get something sweet to eat."
Kaine's smile returned as I spoke.
Kaine: "OO…"