I Promised to Make the Class Honor Student My 'Little Sister'. It Seems She Wants to Be Spoiled a Lot - Volume 1 Chapter 13.3

Me, Running Away from My Family, Finding an Important “Connection”

I had always turned a blind eye.

No… to be precise, I did see it.

But I stopped my thoughts with the notion that if you push hard enough, reason doesn’t matter…

I was just stubbornly acting like a child.

“…So, you finally understand that you can’t live without parents, Ryuuki?”

“Yeah. Even my current life at the Kakogawa’s wouldn’t be possible without Dad’s consent, right? For a minor like me… guardians are absolute, I get that now.”

──The “Family Contract” has no legal binding force.

So if the parent exerts authority, I can’t continue living with the Kakogawas.

It’s not just that.

My current hospitalization, my schooling, and… even the living expenses at the Kakogawa’s.

All of it is possible because of the consent and money from my parents.

So I have to be grateful to my parents.

There’s no helping it. Because that’s the shackle of being underage.

“You’re taking an unusually mature stance for once. Well, fine. If you’ve reflected a little, return to the Takato household. I’ll forgive you.”

“…No. That’s not it, Dad.”

I clearly deny my father’s words and…

I get into a prostrate position on the bed.

“Dad. Now and in the past… providing for my basic needs, making contracts I couldn’t, I truly appreciate it. Thank you so much. With that said… please! Let me continue to be with the “family” at the Kakogawa’s!”

I had everything I needed: food, shelter, and education. If anything happened, I could go to the hospital.

My parents undoubtedly fulfilled their role as parents.

Except for one thing──they never tried to understand their child’s heart.

“What nonsensical… you thought I would permit such a thing?”

“I didn’t think so. That’s why I’m bowing down. Dad, this is my true, once-in-a-lifetime request. Please allow me to remain with the “family” at the Kakogawa’s!”

I take a quick glance at Ao’s face.

Ao was crying.

Her face was a mess from tears, her cheeks flushed red.

Ao Kakogawa has──neither a mother nor a father anymore.

But in Ao’s hands is that worn-out passcase.

And inside it… a happy family photo from some time ago.

──Ao was undoubtedly loved by both her mother and father.

That’s why Ao is kind, cheerful, and caring.

Loved by everyone, she became such a girl.

But… precisely because she is Ao.

She harbors feelings hidden deep within her heart that she doesn’t show to anyone.

For Ao’s sake──and of course, for my own.

I don’t want to end this “Family Contract” in such an incomplete manner.

If discarding my petty pride means Ao doesn’t have to feel sorrow anymore.

I’ll bow my head as many times as it takes.

“I might not fully get it but… I swear I’ll raise my grades enough to get into medical school. If you have any other commands, I’ll follow anything. My request is just one──to continue the “Family Contract” recognized by you, my guardian.”

“…What are you planning, Ryuuki? The start of your running away was the career preference form incident. Yet, you’re even negotiating going to medical school… Why are you so fixated on the “Family Contract”?”

“…I don’t think Dad would understand. Well, I’d be happy if you someday do.”

To my surprisingly unsettled father, I offered a genuine smile for the first time in a long while.

Not out of sarcasm or anything.

I was just happy to have been able to express my true feelings to my father.

“I thought about it and realized I have to thank you and Mom too. But─the place where I can entrust my heart isn’t the Takato house. So Dad, please… allow me to continue living at the Kakogawa’s house.”

While bowing my head on the bed for who knows how many times… I tightly closed my eyes.

An eternity seemed to pass in silence.

──And then, eventually.

Along with the sound of footsteps fading away…

In a voice lacking its usual vigor, my father said.

“…I’ll give my permission. Do as you wish.”