Prologue
The girl came to an abrupt stop as she collided head-on with the small wooden gate that separated her cousin's house from the bustling world outside. She opened it and entered the garden, hopping around and wincing from the pain in her knee, though it didn't dampen her spirits one bit. In fact, she hardly cared, because after almost a week, she was finally going to see the person she considered her favorite in the whole world.
Excited, she ventured deeper into the modest garden until she reached the slightly raised porch and climbed the steps as best as she could. Just as she was about to ring the doorbell, her hand froze in midair. Suddenly, everything around her seemed blurry; only then did she realize she had lost her glasses.
What's more, she figured she probably looked like a mess—and she wasn't wrong. Before knocking, she needed to make sure she looked presentable. With that thought in mind, she decided to search for her glasses and catch her breath.
Her unfortunate pair had been flung several feet ahead when she came to a sudden stop at the gate. Luckily, they had landed just off the cobblestones, on the grass beneath the cherry tree, completely intact. She sighed in relief and, without wasting another moment, retraced her steps to pick them up. With shaky legs, she bent down and put them back on as if nothing had happened. She also took a moment to wipe the blood from her knee and the beads of sweat from her forehead.
Anyone who laid eyes on her would have thought she had just run a marathon—and that thought wouldn't be too far from the truth. Her odyssey had started early that morning with a bold and risky escape from the principal's office.
She had tried to slip away at the first recess bell, but since they knew her all too well—and this wasn't the first time she'd tried—they caught her in the act and locked her up until her mother could answer the phone. But knowing her mom was too busy to answer anytime soon, she cobbled together a plan and slipped out through the gate as she had planned, leaving behind her frustrated teacher and the principal, both of whom kept threatening her with a longer suspension if she dared to come back. However, those threats became fainter and fainter as she ran further away.
She ran freely all the way to Kasukabe Station. After that, she took a fifteen-minute detour to stop by the bookstore, and from there, she ran another fifteen minutes straight to the house without a single break along the way. It was no surprise, then, that she looked like a complete mess from head to toe, especially considering it was the middle of summer and the sun was mercilessly beating down on the city.
At least, her usual clumsiness had not only given her the chance to cool off a bit under the pleasant shade of the tree, but more importantly, it allowed her to check that the manga she had bought with her allowance was still safely tucked inside her bag.
The last time, she had dropped them halfway and, although she went back to look, she couldn't find them. She spent the rest of the day lamenting and apologizing to Konata, even though the girl insisted it didn't matter and that there was no need to bring anything—her company was more than enough for her. However, while she greatly appreciated her cousin's kind words, it didn't change the fact that she felt embarrassed about visiting her with empty hands.
"Here they are!" she exclaimed with relief, pulling them out of her bag and hugging them tightly against her chest. "Now I can make up for last time!"
The doorbell rang a couple of times before Sōjirō decided to take the pot off the stove and, reluctantly, headed to answer the door. Standing in front of him was a fifteen-year-old girl in a messy school uniform. Unfortunately, he knew her well—it was the energetic daughter of his younger sister.
He would have liked to say, "Oh, what a surprise to see you here. What can I do for you, dear niece?" But this scene had become so routine at the Izumi household that there was no need to ask where she'd come from or what she was doing there. Still, out of politeness, he pretended not to know and asked anyway, as he usually did.
"Yui? What are you doing here? It's only…" The man glanced over at the kitchen wall clock in the background and crossed his arms. "Twelve-thirty. You should be at school. Are you really telling me you skipped class just to come see her?" He paused, controlling his frustration. "Again?"
The girl, who had been rocking back and forth on the tips of her toes like a little swing, suddenly stopped to adjust her glasses and flashed him a mischievous smile.
"Well, what about you? Shouldn't you be at work?"
Sōjirō's brow furrowed instantly. If Yui wanted him to slam the door in her face, she'd certainly succeeded. Without a word, he pushed the door forward, letting it shut with a loud bang that echoed through the entryway.
He began making his way back to the kitchen, but stopped halfway as the pounding on the door grew louder, accompanied by Yui's voice, now shouting insistently from the other side.
"Come on, Uncle! It was just a joke! Don't take it so seriously!"
Sōjirō turned back on his steps to respond.
"Ha! Still as funny as ever, Yui. You should just go back to school!" he replied, trying his best to sound firm, hoping that would finally make her leave. But, of course, it did not.
"I'm not going anywhere! Either you open this door, or I'll keep knocking until my knuckles can't take it anymore!"
Sōjirō immediately felt a sharp pain in his head; the migraine he'd woken up with had just gotten worse. He knew all too well that those weren't empty words. She'd stay there, knocking all afternoon if need be—unless she got bored and moved on to one of her crazy antics, like climbing the tree and trying to sneak in through the second floor. The mere thought gave him another jab of pain.
It wasn't that he minded leaving her outside all day; if she tried climbing, all he had to do was lock the window. The problem was, once Konata found out Yui was here—and with the ruckus she was making, that was bound to happen—there'd be no way to keep her still. Konata would let her in, and then he'd have to face her big angry pout and the inevitable scolding for coming between her and her beloved cousin. One way or another, he was cornered by both girls.
Aware that he was only delaying the inevitable, he resigned himself with a deep sigh. He took a few seconds to muster up some patience before opening the door, though not all the way, keeping a firm grip on the handle. There was something important he wanted to confirm first. And good thing he didn't open it all the way—if he had, the girl would've crashed right onto the floor, given the way she was leaning against the door.
"Thanks for opening up, Uncle, but I still can't get through," she grumbled, pushing against the door with all her might to force her way inside.
"Who said I was letting you in? Before I decide that, I need to know something. Did you ask for permission to come here?"
Maybe it was the tone he used or the way he was looking at her, but for a moment, Yui saw her mother in him and didn't know how to respond. She was so taken aback that she even stepped back a little—something Sōjirō silently appreciated, as his arms were beginning to tire from holding her off.
"Well? Did you ask for permission or not?" he pressed, noticing that she'd gone blank.
Hearing Sōjirō's voice snapped Yui out of her daze. With a hint of sheepishness, she moved closer to the small gap where his face peeked through, but hesitated for a moment. She knew that lying or trying to pull any tricks would ruin her only chance of seeing the little one for the rest of the week. After all, there was no doubt she'd be grounded as soon as she got home that evening. Taking a deep breath, she decided to come clean and own up to her actions.
"The truth is, I didn't ask for permission. I ditched class again, but it's just… there are things that matter more to me. I'm not doing it with bad intentions—you know that better than anyone."
They both fell silent. For once, not a single vehicle passed along the road, allowing the full symphony of cicadas to echo in all its glory, making the situation feel even more ominous. Just as Sōjirō was thinking about how little he wanted to deal with his annoying niece and everything he still had to do, the door, which had been creaking shut, suddenly stopped. He glanced down to find Yui's foot wedged in the gap, blocking it. Confused, he looked up, only to be met with Yui's intense gaze. It was a sharp, fiery look—one that reminded him of how serious she could get when it came to Konata, like a mother bear protecting her cubs.
"Kona-chan is sick again. She must be feeling sad and lonely, so I came to see her. Can I come in?" Yui said with an assertive tone, placing a hand against the door and pushing it slightly.
Sōjirō stepped back, releasing the doorknob and allowing Yui to open the door further. He was taken aback by the sudden change in his niece's demeanor. It surprised him that, despite her usual clumsiness and carefree attitude, she could show such boldness.
He fell silent, thinking, I hope she never considers becoming a police officer. That would be a terrible combination. Please, no...
Then he cleared his throat, trying to gather his thoughts, knowing that anything he said likely wouldn't have much impact on her.
"First of all, I really appreciate your concern for Konata, Yui. You're an excellent cousin," he said, eliciting a brief smile from the girl. However, his tone turned firm. "But have you forgotten what the doctor told us? You were there when we received the diagnosis! Konata's health is fragile; that's just how she is. But it's not something we need to panic about. It's normal for her to have ups and downs because of her condition. Last month was the same, and you missed a lot of classes because you always found a way to come see her, which didn't sit well with your parents when they found out…"
"It's just... I can't help it; I love her so much. It breaks my heart to think she has to spend so much time alone," Yui admitted, gripping the fold of her uniform. "Are you telling me you don't want me to see Konata anymore!?"
"What? Of course not!" Sōjirō responded, waving his hand. "To be honest, I don't mind you coming over, as long as it's on weekends, like your parents agreed. Look, I just don't want any more trouble with Yuki; put yourself in my shoes for a moment."
Reflecting on this, Yui scratched her head and laughed awkwardly.
"Well, Mom can be a bit intense when she gets mad."
"Only her?" Sōjirō thought, casting her a look of disbelief.
"So, can I come in?" Yui pressed, "I mean, I'm already here, and besides, I brought some gifts for the sweetie pie," she added, showing the mangas she had tucked in her bag.
Sōjirō sighed and covered his face with one hand.
"Fine, come in. I'll let Yuki know you're here. But make no mistake, I'm not saving your skin this time. Rest assured, you're in for trouble when you get home this afternoon," he said resignedly, heading toward the wall phone.
"Thanks, Uncle!" Yui exclaimed happily, rushing into the house with enthusiasm.
"Konata's in her room, sleeping, but you can wake her. In any case, it's about time she eats," he called over his shoulder as the numbers were dialed.
Yui nodded and ran up the stairs, eager to see her little six-year-old cousin again. Even though it had only been a week since they last saw each other, that short time apart had felt like an eternity—and she was sure Konata felt the same way.
Upon reaching the bedroom door, Yui felt her emotions well up, and it took effort to keep them in check. After making sure she wouldn't break down in tears at the sight of Konata, she gently opened the door. The room was warmer than she would have preferred, but that was understandable—the red curtains were drawn, limiting the airflow. Seeing Konata curled up under the blankets, Yui assumed she must be used to the heat, and indeed she was, as she continued to sleep peacefully. That thought reassured Yui, though she still decided to pull the covers down a bit, as they were almost covering her mouth.
After that, Yui's amber eyes began to feel heavy. Watching Konata sleep had always brought her peace, but the exhaustion from the long morning was starting to weigh on her. Her legs trembled but refused to give in to the fatigue. Ironically, the only thing keeping her awake was the lack of natural light in the room. Though the dimness invited rest, a soft red glow filtered through the closed curtains, stirring a sudden sense of nostalgia in her.
Lying before her was one of the most precious treasures of her life. She had known Konata since her birth and had loved her from the first moment she held her in her arms. Konata had always been small and fragile—she still was—and it was precisely that fragility that allowed them to spend so much time together.
Without realizing it, Yui had become her caretaker, her support, and her friend. A part of her wished things would stay that way forever, that Konata would always need her. Of course, she knew that thinking like that was selfish. After all, one day she would grow up, her health would improve, she'd go to school, and she'd make new friends. Those were inevitable changes that, deep down, Yui also hoped for—just not too soon.
"Maybe I'm overthinking it," Yui thought, wiping away a stray tear. "I should focus on the present instead of worrying about things that haven't even happened yet." She exhaled softly, trying to shake off the wave of emotion that had hit her moments ago. Opening the window just a crack, she left the curtains undisturbed.
Yui sat gently on the edge of the bed, ready to wait as long as needed until Konata woke up on her own, just like she had done so many times before. To her surprise, the little girl stirred almost immediately, opening her eyes as soon as she sensed Yui's presence.
"Yui?" Konata murmured weakly, trying to sit up but failing.
"Don't push yourself. Just stay lying down, okay?" Yui said, leaning in and taking her hand, softly stroking it. "Yes, it's me. I'm so glad to see you, Kona-chan."
Still groggy, Konata smiled faintly and squeezed Yui's hand tightly.
"Nee-san, thanks for coming to see me. I was starting to wonder when you'd come back."
"Hey, I always come back, don't I? When have I ever abandoned you?" Yui replied, gently letting go of her hand and rummaging through her bag. "Look, I brought you some new manga from the bookstore, the one we went to last time."
Seeing the manga, Konata's face lit up with happiness. She took them and began flipping through the pages with her trembling hands. Yui, meanwhile, helped her get more comfortable in bed, arranging all the pillows and stuffed animals behind her to ensure she was seated as comfortably as possible.
"I love them!" Konata exclaimed excitedly, carefully setting the books aside on her nightstand. "But I told you it wasn't necessary to bring more, Nee-san. Thanks to you, I already have a whole collection. Still, I really appreciate it. You're the best," Konata said, hugging Yui warmly.
Yui held her close and responded softly, "It's the least I can do for you. I know how much you love to read, and considering how monotonous this room can get after a while, I think it's the perfect way to keep your mind distracted while you recover."
Konata nodded shyly, still nestled in her cousin's arms.
"Though... sometimes I get tired of reading," she admitted in a somber tone. "I wish I could go outside as often as I want, but sometimes I can't even get out of this stupid bed."
Yui sighed, understandingly.
"I know it's hard, but you have to be patient, okay?"
"I try, but I always wonder if I'll ever have a normal life like other kids. I'm so tired of feeling like a freak…" Konata said, letting out a sob as she shared her feelings.
Yui felt a knot in her stomach and hugged her tighter.
"Hey, I don't want to hear you talk like that! It makes me feel terrible because I know you're nothing of the sort. You're amazing, Konata, and I wouldn't be here if I didn't believe that. Please, don't cry."
"I just want to get better…" Konata said between sobs.
"And you will," Yui replied, gently wiping Konata's tears away. "You're a very strong girl. I'm sure you'll recover, just like you always do. Besides, when you're better, I promise I'll teach you how to play volleyball, just like we agreed last time."
"Really?" Konata asked, wiping her nose with her forearm.
"Yep, and not just that! I'll teach you how to play any sport you want," Yui said enthusiastically. "After all, I'm the best in my class at P.E. You'll have an excellent teacher, I promise."
Konata's face lit up immediately. As if the tears had never been there, she exclaimed with excitement, "You're amazing, Nee-san!"
"Aww, thanks, sweetie!" Yui responded with a smile, playfully ruffling the girl's hair, feeling satisfied that she had managed to bring back that cheerful expression she loved so much.
"So, it's a promise, then?" Konata pressed, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.
"Of course, it's a promise, and I never break mine. You'll get better, Kona-chan, so get ready because I'm not going to make it easy for you."
The two continued chatting cheerfully, their laughter soon filling the room. Yui, brimming with excitement, vividly recounted her recent adventures, while Konata listened attentively, enjoying her company and the relaxed atmosphere. As the conversation flowed, Konata's gaze wandered casually until she noticed a scrape on Yui's knee. Curiosity and concern made her interrupt immediately.
"What happened to you now?!" she blurted out, pointing to the scrape. "Does it hurt a lot, Nee-san?!"
Yui smiled and bent her knee to give Konata a better look at the scrape, hoping to reassure her. The blood had dried, leaving just a faint bruise.
"It's nothing serious, but if it makes you feel better, we can put a band-aid on it," Yui said, giving her a playful wink.
Brightening at the idea, Konata pulled a band-aid from her nightstand and carefully placed it over Yui's scrape.
"There, much better," Konata said with a sweet smile.
"Thank you. You're the best nurse, Kona-chan," Yui replied, placing her hand affectionately on Konata's head.
The girl smiled, and after making Yui promise to be more careful, they resumed their conversation. However, it wasn't long before the sound of the door opening caught their attention. Sōjirō entered, balancing a large tray—it was lunchtime, at least for Konata. Yui quickly noticed that there wasn't a portion for her. Silently, she sighed in disappointment as Sōjirō approached with the meal.
It smells so good... she thought, her stomach rumbling in protest. But unlike Yui, Konata made a face of displeasure at the sight of the food.
"Dad, I don't want to eat. I'm not hungry."
"Come on, sweetie, it's for your own good."
"I don't want to," Konata replied, turning her head away.
"Hey, don't throw a tantrum in front of your cousin!" Sōjirō's voice rose slightly in frustration.
"I'm tired of soup. It's always the same. And I really don't want that disgusting medicine either!"
"Konata, you need to listen to the doctor. It's for your health. If you don't, I won't let you play with my PlayStation later."
"I don't care," Konata said stubbornly, crossing her arms.
Seeing that convincing her wouldn't be easy, Sōjirō sighed deeply. Yui, on the other hand, found the situation amusing, trying to hold back her laughter.
"Uncle, what if you let me try feeding her this time?"
"Are you sure about that, Yui?" Sōjirō asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Of course I am!"
"I doubt Konata will listen to you…"
"What do you say, Kona-chan? Would you like your amazing cousin to feed you?"
"Yes! Yes, I want to!" Konata exclaimed with excitement.
Sōjirō felt a little insulted by how quickly his daughter agreed but sighed again, knowing he couldn't complain.
"Fine, but please, try not to let her spill on the sheets. I've washed them three times this week, and I'm not doing it again today," he begged, lowering his head.
"Don't worry, I'm used to it. I help Mom feed Yutaka all the time, and let me tell you, that girl is a handful when it comes to eating. Konata here is an angel compared to her," Yui said, wrapping an arm around Konata's shoulder and pulling her closer.
Sōjirō nodded and handed the tray over to Yui. Before leaving the room, he issued a final warning:
"When I come back, I want to see that plate empty."
The sound of the door closing echoed behind him, and both Yui and Konata exchanged knowing smiles.
"One for you." Yui made sure Konata didn't leave a single drop of soup on the spoon before dipping it back into the bowl. "And one for me," she added, taking a playful sip from the spoon.
Konata couldn't help but giggle as she watched Yui, feeling grateful.
"You always have the best ideas, Nee-san," Konata said with a lighthearted tone.
"I know," Yui replied, giving her a gentle tap on the arm.
They continued their meal in a comfortable silence, only interrupted by soft giggles and the occasional clink of the spoon against the bowl. Eventually, the spoon hit the bottom with a distinct sound, signaling that they had enjoyed every last drop of the soup. Konata let out a small burp, her face immediately flushing pink.
"Sorry," she mumbled, a little embarrassed.
Yui, far from being annoyed, gave her a sweet smile. She reached for the small napkin Sōjirō had left on the tray, and with gentle, almost motherly movements, wiped the corner of Konata's lips, where traces of the soup they had shared still lingered.
"Don't worry, Kona-chan," Yui responded in a gentle voice.
"Now… there's just the medicine left…" Konata said, with a completely understandable hesitation, glancing reluctantly toward the nightstand where the syrup bottle and blister pack of pills lay.
"These are the ones that make you sleepy, right?" Yui sighed as she looked at the nearly empty blister, a clear sign of how dependent Konata still was on these pills.
"Yeah, that's why I don't like them. Plus, the syrup tastes disgusting," Konata said, making a face of disgust with her tongue. "I'm not even tired yet. I just woke up! And I was having such a nice time with you, Yui… Can't we just throw them in the trash or something?"
Yui looked at her for a moment, feeling the urge to say yes, but she knew she couldn't. Her cousin's health was at stake, and following the doctor's orders was a crucial, non-negotiable matter.
"I'm sorry, Konata, but I can't let you do that," Yui replied firmly. "You need to take your medicine."
Konata frowned, unable to hide her displeasure.
"Do it for me, okay?"
"But… I don't want to fall asleep. When that happens, you won't be here with me anymore."
Yui looked at her with tenderness, and with a soft gesture, she placed her hand on Konata's chin to make her look into her eyes.
"Well, it's true you might fall asleep, but it's also true that you'll see me again. I always come back, remember?"
Despite Yui's efforts to persuade her, Konata seemed unsure. However, Yui felt she was close to convincing her; at least, Konata wasn't refusing to listen to her like she had with her father.
"But I have an idea," Yui said, wiping away the tears that were starting to appear on Konata's face. "If you take all your medicine like the good girl you are, I promise I'll lie down next to you and sing you a song until you fall asleep. How does that sound?"
Hearing this, a small smile appeared on Konata's face, and she finally nodded, accepting Yui's offer.
"So… What do you want to take first? The syrup or the pills?" Yui asked, reaching for the nightstand.
"I think the syrup," Konata replied. "That way, the water I drink with the pills will help wash away the bitter taste."
Konata squeezed her eyes shut, mentally preparing herself for the unpleasant taste that would overwhelm her taste buds, even if only for a little while.
Yui twisted the cap off the bottle of syrup and poured its thick contents into the same spoon they had used moments earlier to enjoy a nutritious meal. Even though Konata kept her eyes shut and wrinkled her nose in disgust at the smell, she had already resigned herself to the inevitable; after all, the reward was worth it for her.
"Come on, Kona-chan, say: Aaa," Yui instructed, mimicking the motion with her own mouth as she gently guided the spoon toward her cousin's lips.
Reluctantly, Konata let out an "Aaa" as instructed. A brief moment of silence filled the room before Yui suddenly burst out:
"What are you doing!? You have to swallow it, not just hold it in your mouth! That's why it tastes so bitter, silly," Yui scolded, lightly tapping her on the head with the spoon. "No! Don't even think about spitting it out!"
Konata shot her a complaining look and frantically waved her hands, pointing toward the glass of water on the side. Without wasting a second, Yui handed it to her, and Konata downed it in one gulp.
Sticking out her tongue, she groaned, "Ugh! I can still taste it!"
"For a second there, I thought you were going to spit it right in my face," Yui remarked, taking the empty glass from her.
"The worst part is, it's too late to back out now," Konata replied, still fighting the urge to gag. "And it's too late for you too." She pointed a finger at Yui. "You're going to sing me to sleep, just like you promised."
Yui chuckled softly. "Of course, Kona-chan. Though you should know by now, I'm not much of a singer, but I'll do my best for you."
"I don't care, and you don't have to be, Nee-san. Just hearing your voice makes me happy; that's all I want," Konata admitted.
Yui smiled, her eyes glistening slightly. "Thank you, sweetheart. You don't know how much that means to me," she replied, as she filled the glass with water again. Had her hands not been full, she would have hugged her cousin right then and there.
"And speaking of which… when are you taking me to karaoke again?"
Yui was caught off guard by the question, pausing mid-pour with the water pitcher. When she looked up, she found Konata's sharp green eyes watching her expectantly. Yui hadn't anticipated that question, especially after what happened last time. She had saved up eagerly to take her to karaoke, only for Konata to get bored after barely three songs and start insisting they go back home.
"Oh, I thought you didn't enjoy it..." Yui murmured, pouring the water back into the glass.
"But it was so much fun! The menu was so varied, though I ate too fast and ended up stuffed. I want to do it again; I'm still curious about that red cake, it looked so delicious."
"So that's what it was..." Yui sighed internally, thinking it might be more affordable to take her to a tea house next time. Either way, her savings jar would definitely suffer because of Konata's whims.
"Well, we should ask your dad first, but I don't see why we couldn't go again if that's what you want."
Pleased with the answer, Konata beamed a bright smile.
"However, you need to recover first, and for that, you have to be a good girl," Yui added, handing Konata two pills in one hand and the glass of water in the other, gesturing for her to take them.
Konata looked at them for a moment, realizing this would mark the end of her day with Yui. Without warning, and with slightly glossy eyes, she confessed with a tone full of affection:
"Thank you for taking such good care of me, Nee-san. I always want to be by your side..."
She then placed the pills in her mouth and swallowed them with a sip of water.
Konata's words deeply moved Yui, leaving a lump in her throat. Overcome with emotion, she couldn't resist the urge to gently ruffle her cousin's hair with affection.
"See? It wasn't so bad in the end," Yui said, trying to hide the wave of emotion that swept over her. "You did great, Kona-chan. I'm proud of you. You've earned another trip to karaoke."
Konata wanted to smile, but instead let out a sad sigh, fully aware that soon a deep, uncontrollable sleep would take hold of her. Noticing her downcast expression, Yui leaned closer to comfort her before she became even more distressed.
"Hey, I want you to know that I'll always do my best to be part of your life. Never doubt that."
On the verge of tears, Konata threw herself into Yui's arms, hugging her with an intensity that reflected the deep affection she felt for her.
"T-thank you, Nee-san," she managed to say between sobs.
Minutes passed in comforting silence as the two held each other in a warm embrace that was slowly fading. Yui could feel how Konata was gradually slipping into sleep, her breathing becoming slower and her body heavier. Yui's heart tightened as she noticed her cousin's growing drowsiness, but she didn't want to send her off with worry, so she hid her own concern. Gently, she began removing the pillows and stuffed animals she had strategically placed behind Konata earlier, making sure she was comfortable and free of any obstacles for a restful sleep. Then, Yui set the tray aside on the desk, ready for Sōjirō to pick up later.
Fulfilling her promise, Yui settled down next to Konata. The little girl, now drowsier from the medication, instinctively snuggled closer to her, wrapping her small arms around Yui as best she could, seeking one last moment of security and protection before fully surrendering to sleep.
Finally, Yui realized that her time with Konata would end abruptly, something she despised even more than Konata herself. Tears began to stream down her cheeks, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't stop them. She took off her glasses to rub her eyes but didn't interrupt the gentle caress she was giving her cousin's hair or the sweet humming that provided her comfort. She stayed like that for several minutes, immersed in the deep love she felt, until she found herself lost in thought. It was then that a distant, forgotten memory emerged—something precious that she had kept buried for so long.
︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶
"Auntie, I like it when you stroke my hair," Yui smiled, snuggling deeper under the woman's gentle hand, "but do you have to do it so slowly? Last time it was more fun; now I can barely feel it," she added with a small complaint, starting to climb onto the bed. "Harder, I want you to do it harder!"
"Yui, stop! Leave Kanata alone!" Yuki exclaimed angrily, suddenly standing up from the uncomfortable visitor's sofa. In a few quick steps, she had already grabbed her daughter's arm, pulling her away from the imposing hospital bed where the woman lay. "That's enough, you're bothering her! Can't you see your aunt is sick?"
"But, Mom!" Yui protested, on the verge of throwing a tantrum, struggling in vain to free herself from her mother's firm grip.
"You promised to behave—that was the condition for bringing you here! Why do you never listen to me?"
"B-but I am behaving!"
Instead of getting annoyed by the commotion in front of her, Kanata, with her beautiful blue hair, watched the scene unfold with a patient smile.
Hearing them argue, especially Yuki, over something so trivial, brought a sense of calm to Kanata's troubled heart. She found it amusing to imagine the expressions on the nurses' faces just beyond the door. More importantly, the situation felt strangely nostalgic and familiar to her. She used to argue with Yuki in the same way when Yuki was just a little girl; they bickered over anything and everything. In truth, neither of them had changed much since then. Kanata often wondered how someone so grumpy had ended up becoming her best friend; yet, she loved Yuki as much as a sister.
In her eyes, Yuki was her sister, the one she had always asked her parents for but never got. Instead, she had arrived unexpectedly after a move, in the form of a spoiled child who only seemed to cause chaos around the neighborhood. Despite the many headaches Yuki had given her, the happy memories they shared outweighed everything, filling her with deep gratitude.
Remembering those joyful times made Kanata giggle, which quickly grew into a full-blown laugh. It wasn't often that she let herself be overtaken by her emotions, but given her delicate condition, it had been quite a while since she had the chance to laugh like that. The warm, cheerful sound filled the room, and both Yui and Yuki forgot their argument, standing in stunned silence as they stared at her.
Realizing she had become the center of attention, a faint blush spread across Kanata's cheeks. She tried to regain her composure quickly, and after a small cough, she spoke with calm serenity:
"Oh, come on, Yuki, always so serious. Relax a little and leave the poor girl alone. You'll end up with more gray hairs if you keep this up."
"Excuse me!?" Yuki exclaimed, placing a hand on her chest, visibly offended. "I should have known you'd make such an immature comment. You haven't changed at all; you're still as carefree as ever…"
"You say that like it's a bad thing," Kanata replied with a soft laugh. "Bah, I'm sure you'll miss me the most when I'm no longer in this world."
Hearing this, Yuki's brown eyes widened, and without a moment's hesitation, she scolded Kanata as if she had just said the most horrible thing imaginable.
"Kanata! How can you say something like that? Don't you ever say that again!" Yuki cried, grabbing both of Kanata's shoulders. "Don't be pessimistic. Be patient, okay? Once the doctors figure out what's wrong, they'll give you the right treatment. And when that happens, you'll get better. You'll see, I'm sure of it."
Kanata listened attentively, her eyes a little misty, and gave Yuki a faint, almost pitying smile. Nevertheless, she replied in her usual calm tone.
"Well... about that…" Kanata paused, glancing over at Yui, who was watching them curiously from the couch. Then, she gestured for Yuki to come closer. "The test results are in…"
"R-really?" Yuki asked, trying to smile. "That's good news, right? That means... you'll be out of the hospital soon…"
However, the knot in her throat prevented her from continuing, and a cold sweat began to form at the back of her neck. Yuki shifted her gaze to the wall clock, feeling the hope she had clung to for so long slip away with each passing second.
"I think... maybe I should let you rest for today. It's getting late, and you must be exhausted… We'll talk tomorrow, okay?"
Kanata frowned and stopped her, grabbing her hands.
"No, Yuki, look at me," she said seriously. "This is important, and the sooner you know, the better it will be for you. You need to be strong; I know you are. That's why I called you. Sōjirō already knows and is on his way. We'll discuss it in more detail tomorrow, but you need to hear it now. I have to tell you."
Each word pierced Yuki's heart, draining the color from her face. The intensity of Kanata's gaze caused her body to tremble uncontrollably. Yuki no longer knew what to do; she didn't want to be there.
"No, no, I don't want to hear it!" Yuki screamed, trying to pull away, but Kanata held her firmly by the hands.
"Yuki, don't even think about leaving!" Kanata scolded, gripping her tightly. Realizing there was no other way to make her understand, Kanata exclaimed with harsh truth, "It's exactly what we feared; there's nothing more they can do. It's over."
Yuki couldn't take it anymore. Instinctively, as she had done since she was a child, she threw herself onto Kanata, clinging to her frail shoulders as tightly as she could. She feared that if she let go, Kanata would vanish from her life in that very instant.
"Ow!" Kanata exclaimed, a pained expression crossing her face. "Yuki, I know it's hard to accept, but don't squeeze so hard. You're a bit too big for that now."
"I-I'm sorry!" Yuki replied in a trembling voice, releasing her immediately. Seeing Kanata rubbing her shoulders uncomfortably, Yuki remembered just how fragile she had become over time, causing a lump to form in her throat that almost choked her. Overwhelmed by the uncertainty and anguish that the future undoubtedly held, she began to back away in desperation. Without realizing it, she bumped directly into her daughter.
"Ouch, Mom! Be careful!" Yui complained, reluctantly stepping aside and frowning. She had tried to stay at a distance to avoid interrupting them, since, although she wouldn't admit it, she appreciated the beautiful friendship her mother and Kanata shared. However, something felt off this time. She was confused and couldn't understand why her mother had reacted so disproportionately. Searching for an explanation, she observed her closely.
But instead of an apology for the push or a scolding for raising her voice, Yuki stood there sobbing in silence. Her lips pressed tightly together as she fought to contain the surge of emotions flooding over her.
"M-Mom, what's wrong? Are you feeling bad? Do you want me to get you some water?" Yui asked not once, but three times, with growing concern in her voice. In the end, not even her tender hug managed to make her react.
The situation started to deeply bother Kanata. Not only did she hate being pitied, but Yuki's inability to control herself was affecting the little one. As had happened many times before, Yuki was testing her patience, but this time Kanata felt more exhausted and irritable than usual. Staring intensely at her with her green eyes, she reproached angrily:
"Yuki, enough! Who's being immature now!? Act like the adult you always brag about being! If you keep this up, you're going to end up scaring Yui. Look, if you faint, you'll make a scene, and we don't need another sick person in this damned hospital. I'm enough! I should be the one feeling awful, not you!"
After that tense moment, Kanata rested her head back on the pillow, more tired than she would've liked to admit, and let out a difficult sigh. She wasn't used to raising her voice like that.
Yuki, for her part, shrank like a little girl, unable to hide her discomfort. Both exchanged furtive glances, filled with guilt. Yui, always perceptive in these kinds of situations, watched them with a mixture of concern and reflection, wondering which of the two felt more ashamed about what had just happened. Even so, she decided to stay out of it and say nothing. She supposed that having someone this close inevitably came with some kind of argument.
In the end, them all staying silent turned out to be the best thing. Thanks to that, an unusual but comforting stillness took over the small hospital room. The constant ticking of the clock on the wall and the sweet chirping of birds signaling the end of the day were the only sounds breaking the strange but satisfying silence they were immersed in.
After a while, all of them turned their attention toward the window next to Kanata's bed, where a dreamlike scene was beginning to unfold before their eyes. The setting sun had dyed the big city in shades of orange, bathing the nearby park with a golden light that further accentuated the fleeting beauty of autumn. It was the same park Kanata often gazed at when she needed a break from harsh reality, but now it seemed more beautiful than ever.
The sun's rays soon filtered through the translucent curtains, flooding the entire room with a warm, crimson glow.
Not even the on-duty nurse dared to enter to inform them that visiting hours had ended, perhaps because Kanata had gestured at her with a look when she spotted her through the door's gap. With her health deteriorating day by day, Kanata wanted to enjoy those little moments of peace with the people she loved the most to the fullest. She knew she could no longer take things for granted; the time to do so had passed.
In that moment, her thoughts turned to her daughter, whom she hadn't seen in weeks, and her eyes filled with tears at the thought of her. However, seeing Yui yawn and rest her head against her side, she found the strength to hold back. Without realizing it, her fingers began to gently run through the girl's smooth hair, a gesture that, although simple, seemed to fill her with a deep sense of calm.
"Oh, heavens. They must be exhausted. And all because of me..." Kanata thought, watching the two of them with a tender gaze full of compassion.
Although deep down she suspected that the real reason for their exhaustion wasn't the train ride to Tokyo—after all, Kasukabe was only an hour away, and even so, they had arrived quite late—it was very likely that they had trouble finding the hospital. Realizing this, Kanata cast a brief accusatory glance at Yuki, who continued trying to ignore her while gazing out the window.
"Of course, the train was never delayed; they probably got lost," Kanata thought with a slight smile. She knew Yuki well; she was certain Yuki would never admit her mistake. Proud and clumsy, she always struggled with the simplest of directions. But this time, Kanata was willing to let it slide. She was grateful they were there with her. Their presence had eased the heavy burden in her heart since that morning.
As if sensing her emotions, Yui looked at her with affection and gave her a radiant smile. In response, Kanata mustered all her strength to ruffle Yui's hair playfully, just the way she liked. Satisfied, Yui closed her eyes, waiting for peace to settle. Though she didn't fully understand the earlier argument, she knew they would make up—after all, she had seen it happen countless times before.
And indeed, Yuki longed to apologize to Kanata, sending discreet glances toward the bed. Her friend's words, though harsh, had hit home. Despite knowing Kanata was right, she still felt deeply distraught. The thought of losing her after a lifetime together broke her heart.
What would happen to her brother if he lost her? Or to herself and her one-year-old niece? What about Yui, who held a special bond with Kanata?
These questions had tormented Yuki since Kanata's health had begun to decline months ago. Despite everything, Yuki had tried to stay optimistic, following her friend's advice. It had offered some comfort; she clung to the hope that Kanata would recover, as she always had before.
But now, Kanata had all but confirmed Yuki's worst fears, shattering that hope and leaving her feeling both angry and helpless. Unlike Kanata, Yuki had never been one to dwell on the future, which often led her into trouble in her youth. Back then, Kanata had always been there to support her with patience.
Recalling those times, Yuki couldn't help but smile with gratitude, but seeing her friend in such a weakened state quickly wiped that smile away. They were both facing an uncertain future, and that terrified her.
Yuki didn't want anything to change; everything was perfect as it was, with Kanata being an essential part of her life. So, in the end, she could no longer hold back her emotions, and her tears flowed freely. With a choked sob, the pink-haired woman surrendered to her grief.
A frown briefly crossed Kanata's face, but it didn't last. Seeing Yuki cry so bitterly prevented her from being angry with her. On the contrary, her heart filled with compassion. Even though they were both adults, Kanata still felt the four-year age gap between them and continued to feel responsible for the girl who had once been so headstrong.
"Please, Yuki, don't cry," Kanata gently tried to soothe her. "I was too harsh on you. I shouldn't have yelled, I'm sorry."
"No, Kanata! You don't have to apologize… I'm the one who should be sorry. I feel so stupid."
"Don't say that about yourself. You're not."
"It's just that… you were right about everything," Yuki admitted, struggling to meet Kanata's gaze. "You always have been… I'm so confused, and I needed to let this all out," she paused, trying to control her sobs. "I know it sounds selfish, but… I'm so scared."
"Calm down, Yuki. I know you care about me, and I truly appreciate it," Kanata smiled at her, though her own eyes were starting to fill with tears.
Noticing the glimmer in Kanata's eyes, Yuki felt a lump in her throat. She wanted to respond, but before she could say anything, Kanata shifted her tone to something lighter and playful.
"Why don't you sit down for a bit? With that face, you look like you're about to faint, and honestly, that worries me more than anything right now."
Yuki looked at her and nodded with a trembling but genuine smile. Hearing Kanata joke at the most inopportune moments always managed to lift her spirits, and today was no exception.
"Thank you, Kanata. I will," she replied, sitting on the couch and pulling out a tissue from her coat to wipe her tears. "I suppose I am a bit tired; the trip took longer than I expected. Sorry."
Yuki's refusal to admit she'd gotten lost made Kanata smile again. Although she briefly considered making another joke, she ultimately decided against it, recognizing the seriousness of the situation.
"Yuki, I need you to understand something: no matter how much we wish otherwise, neither of us can change what's happening. We have to accept it, okay?"
Yuki's face immediately tightened; it was clear that was the last thing she wanted to hear. Nevertheless, out of respect for her friend, who looked at her with such understanding, she managed to hold her emotions in check. She nodded, albeit without much enthusiasm.
"Well, that's better than nothing," Kanata thought, resigned. But to prevent Yuki from having another reason to cry, she added firmly to close the conversation:
"I'm sure we can both agree that we don't want to dwell on this, right? Let's talk about something else. Your visit is supposed to cheer me up, not make me cry like you," Kanata said, trying her best to smile as tears rolled down her cheeks.
Immediately, Yuki leaned forward, ready to help her. However, before she could fully stand, Kanata stopped her with a gentle gesture.
"Don't worry, it was just something in my eye. I already wiped it, see?"
Yuki lowered her head, sighing heavily.
"Sorry, Kanata. The last thing I wanted was to upset you, especially with everything you're going through," she said, her voice laden with regret. "I'm always causing you trouble, aren't I?"
"Well, at this point, I'm used to it," Kanata admitted with a slight smile. "You've given me more than enough trouble over the years. And now, that's what's worrying you?"
Influenced by her friend's teasing tone and eager to prevent the situation from becoming even more tense, Yuki decided to play along. She crossed her arms and, feigning offense, responded:
"Oh, please! That's all on you. Your life would've been much easier if you'd just ignored that annoying little girl who used to hang around the neighborhood. But since you decided not to, don't complain now."
"Really? Do you know how hard it is to ignore someone who follows you everywhere, not to mention the annoying brother who always tagged along?"
The two fell into a comfortable silence, smiling at the memories of their old adventures. Soon, laughter filled the room, enveloping them in the warmth of shared joy.
"Always such a clown," Yuki commented with nostalgia, her soft laugh filled with affection. "You have no idea how grateful I am for everything."
Kanata looked at her with a satisfied expression.
"You know, Yuki, I feel the same way. But, leaving our old stories aside, I think it's about time we stop ignoring Yui. Look, she's about to fall asleep."
Hearing her name, Yui opened her eyes and yawned before responding, still resting her head on the edge of the bed.
"What are you saying?" she asked with a lazy smile. "I wasn't falling asleep; I was just listening. You two are so sappy that it makes me want to have someone that close someday."
"I'm sure your mother is very happy to hear you say that, Yui. And honestly, I'm glad too. Especially because it means I won't have to keep hearing the same complaints: that my daughter has no friends, that she's too lonely, blah, blah, blah… I always tell her not to worry so much, that her daughter turned out just like her. But well, that's your mother for you."
"Kanata!" Yuki exclaimed, quite embarrassed, while Yui struggled to hold back her laughter.
"But seriously, if you really want to have a close friend one day, you're going to have to work hard for it. Friends don't magically appear, and keeping them is even harder. The key is to have a lot of patience because, inevitably, they'll give you headaches," Kanata warned, fixing her gaze on Yuki, who was still as red as a tomato.
"Why do you...?" Yui began, but before she could finish her question, her mother, now seemingly ready to wrap up the day, interrupted.
"Oh, dear. Look at the time. Maybe we should head back to the hotel before it gets any darker. Don't you think, sweetheart?" Yuki suggested, glancing at the wall clock as an excuse.
"I'd rather stay here overnight…" Yui tried to say, but once again, she couldn't finish her sentence because this time Kanata interrupted.
"Arrive late and leave early? So typical of you, Yuki."
"Hey! It's not my fault the train was delayed. I promise we'll come back early tomorrow to make up for it."
Kanata rolled her eyes. "Here we go again," she thought, shaking her head.
"Besides, look at Yui," Yuki added, pointing at her daughter. "She's about to pass out from exhaustion."
"Mom, that's not true..."
"It's okay," Kanata sighed, crossing her arms. "I'll let it slide just for the little one."
"But I don't want to leave!" Yui exclaimed, trying to pull away from her mother before she grabbed her. However, Yuki, with a smile, took her hand firmly and started guiding her toward the door while saying goodbye to her friend. Kanata returned the smile, but her gaze reflected a mix of emotions. Though she waved her hand in a warm gesture of farewell, her mind was full of doubts and concerns. What truly troubled her wasn't just her own illness but also her daughter's situation.
"Wait!" Kanata's voice tensed, stopping them at the threshold of the door. Yuki turned around, showing a look of surprise.
"Kanata? What's wrong?"
"Before you go, I just remembered something important I need to discuss with Yui. Actually, that's why I asked you to bring her. It's personal, and I'd prefer to talk about it in private. Could you give us a few minutes alone?"
Yuki took a moment to process the information, though she had a hunch about what it was.
"You just had to ask, Kana. Of course," she replied.
"Thank you, Yuki," Kanata said with a sigh of relief. "Could you help her onto the bed?"
Hearing this, Yui felt a wave of excitement and, letting go of her mother's hand, started jumping for joy.
"Great, great! See, Mom? I didn't do anything wrong after all."
Yuki frowned, a bit annoyed.
"Of course you did! This is a hospital, not a playground. You can't just climb on beds whenever you feel like it. I'm only letting you because Kanata's asking. Plus, she's going to talk about something serious, so make sure to pay attention."
"Come on, Yuki, stop lecturing the girl. It's getting late."
Yuki nodded with a sigh, and with a careful motion, she lifted her daughter and settled her next to Kanata. Yui, excited, threw her arms around her in a hug. Kanata returned the gesture warmly, looking at Yuki with gratitude.
"Alright, I'll leave you two then," Yuki said as she headed for the door but stopped before grabbing the doorknob. "Umm… Kanata, what should I tell the nurses? I don't want them scolding me for staying past visiting hours."
"Don't worry about that. I won't take more than an hour," she joked. "But if you're concerned, just tell them it's me; they'll understand. Go grab a coffee or something. Seriously, you look terrible… a break would do you good."
"Always so carefree," Yuki muttered with a slight smile, shrugging before stepping out.
Once the door closed, Yui leaned over the bed and looked at Kanata with relief.
"Phew, mom finally left. So, this is what you meant when you talked about being patient..."
Kanata let out a small laugh.
"Yui, don't talk like that about your mother. She can be difficult sometimes, but she's a good woman. I'm happy with her, and you should feel lucky to have a mother like yours."
"I know. I love mom a lot," Yui admitted with a smile, resting her head on Kanata's shoulder. "And I love you too. I enjoy spending time with you."
Kanata, not expecting such a sincere display of affection, felt her eyes well up with tears. She admired how children expressed their emotions so openly and honestly. She recalled how much she had longed to be a mother; for a long time, it seemed impossible. Thanks to Yuki's generosity, she had been able to experience that love through Yui. The little girl had filled a void in her life and continued to do so, for at that moment, Yui was all she could afford as a daughter. All she would ever have, for deep down, she knew she would never hear her own daughter, Konata, tell her that she loved her.
Holding back her sobs as best she could, Kanata managed a smile, determined to give Yui the best of herself while she still could.
"You're a sweetheart, Yui. I love you very much too. To me, you've always been like a daughter... but don't tell your mom that, or she'll get jealous."
"I won't tell mom, as long as you promise we'll go to the beach again. It's been over a year since the last time we went," Yui said, crossing her arms and puffing out her cheeks slightly.
Kanata smiled tenderly and pulled her a little closer.
"Oh, so you've been keeping track of the time. I had forgotten. Everything feels so distant now, you know?"
Yui looked at her with a mix of confusion and curiosity, but before she could respond, Kanata continued.
"Did you have fun?"
"Yes, so much! It was amazing. Konata had fun too, in her own way. She babbled a lot while destroying my sandcastle..."
"I remember, and I helped you build another one, right?"
"Yes! And that was the best part. I want to do it again!"
"Well, I'm glad you enjoyed it so much, Yui."
"So, when are we going again?" Yui asked, her voice filled with hope.
"Oh, believe me, I'd love to. But I'm not sure if I'll be able to go with you next time. Maybe you can enjoy it without me; you could teach Konata how to build sandcastles..."
"I could, but I have more fun with you. Don't worry, when you get out of the hospital, we'll all go together. After all, you always recover. I'll be a patient girl, okay?"
Kanata gazed out the window for a moment. Outside, darkness had already settled, marking the end of another day. She wondered how many more weeks she had left. That grim thought caused a painful sigh to escape her lips. Of course, she was afraid—so much so that even Yui had begun to notice. The little girl looked at her with concern and leaned her head firmly on her shoulder. Whether intentional or not, it offered Kanata some comfort, who responded with a smile to reassure her. Though she tried to stay strong, every word and gesture from Yui made her heart ache, and she wasn't sure how much longer she could endure it.
A part of her wanted to send Yui back to Yuki and forget the matter. Since the idea had crossed her mind, she had been wavering about how appropriate her request was. She didn't want to impose on the little girl—it wasn't her responsibility. Yui had the right to live her childhood without unnecessary burdens. However, the concern for her daughter's future and the pressure of knowing she wouldn't have another chance like this drove her to act. With unusual seriousness, she looked at Yui, catching her attention without needing to ask.
"Yui, tell me, what do you think of Konata?"
"Of Konata?" Yui repeated, a bit surprised. "Well... she's so tiny and cute. I like her; she looks a lot like you."
Kanata smiled, feeling a bit of relief.
"Th-thank you, Yui. You don't know how much it means to me to hear that."
"Surely when she grows up, she'll be just like you! I'd love for the three of us to take a picture together someday."
Hearing those words, Kanata couldn't help but imagine that scenario, knowing deep down it was only an impossible dream. Her emotions overwhelmed her, and tears began to fall down her cheeks, soon followed by uncontrollable sobs.
Yui remained still, unsure of how to react. She was so accustomed to seeing the ever-radiant side of Kanata that witnessing her cry felt like something inside her had broken. The sight of Kanata in such distress deeply saddened Yui, filling her with a sorrow she didn't know how to handle.
"Please don't cry," Yui said with a trembling voice, hugging Kanata awkwardly but with all her heart. "If I said something wrong, I'm sorry... I won't say it again."
"Oh, Yui..." Kanata hugged her tightly. "You didn't say anything wrong. On the contrary, you said something very beautiful, and I got emotional thinking about it."
"This is the first time I've seen you cry like this, and I don't like it..." Yui looked at her with concern.
"I know, I'm sorry," Kanata murmured, trying to calm her.
"Are you sad? Do you want me to call mom?"
"There's no need... unless you want to witness a sea of tears," Kanata tried to joke, but her voice turned soft and full of sadness. "It's just... it hurts to know I won't be here to see my daughter grow up..."
"W-why not?" Yui asked, her voice full of concern.
"I'm a little sick."
"But you're going to get better, right?"
Kanata sighed and, with a sad smile, replied, "Believe me, I'd love to, but sometimes you have to accept that things don't always go the way we want."
Yui finally understood what she was trying to say. Tears quickly gathered in her eyes, but she held them back so as not to make Kanata cry even more. After a moment of reflection, she spoke, not sure if she was trying to comfort her or deny reality. Either way, her words were full of emotion and sincerity.
"You know, I once had a very high fever, but mom and dad took care of me until I got better. So don't be afraid; we won't leave you alone. We'll take care of you until everything is fine again."
Kanata, moved, couldn't help but stroke her hair gently.
"Still, I want you to get along well with Konata."
Yui nodded confidently.
"Don't worry, you don't even need to ask. She's my cousin; I'm sure we'll be inseparable."
Kanata smiled, but her tone turned more serious.
"I'm glad you feel that way, but it's not always like that with cousins or siblings."
"Huh, really?" Yui frowned, intrigued.
"Not necessarily. Even though you're too young to fully understand it, sharing the same blood doesn't always guarantee that two people will get along. On the other hand, someone who isn't related to you by blood can become part of your family. Like me and your mom; we're like sisters, right?"
Yui remained silent, trying to grasp the idea.
"Don't overthink it now," Kanata added with a gentle smile. "You'll understand better as you grow older. What I mean is that even though Konata is your cousin, if you truly want to get along with her and become close, that's up to you."
Yui nodded slowly. "Oh, I think I understand a little better now."
"And Yui, don't feel obligated to get along with Konata just because I ask you to. If she turns out to be difficult, don't worry if you prefer to keep your distance," Kanata said with a light laugh. "But if you're willing to be patient, like I've been with your mom, I'm sure you'll make her life much easier. I'm worried that she might feel lonely in the future."
"I'll never let that happen!" Yui exclaimed, tears welling up in her eyes. "I'm going to get along with Konata because I want to, because I truly mean it. Even if she acts foolishly, I'll never stop loving her."
"And I suppose you already know why I'm telling you this, right?" Kanata asked softly.
Yui, clenching her fists, buried her head in Kanata's chest and nodded firmly.
"You've always been so perceptive, Yui," Kanata said with pride, wrapping her in a final embrace she would never forget. "So, since you're willing, would you take care of her for me and give her all the love she deserves?"
Sobbing harder and harder, Yui nodded fervently, trying to speak through her tears.
"I promise... you can rest easy... she'll never feel alone, because I'll always be by her side."
︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶
After reminiscing, Yui let out a deep sigh. Nostalgia weighed heavily on her chest, reminding her why she preferred to avoid such thoughts. Though years had passed since her death, Yui still missed her, perhaps more than Konata ever would. The girl rarely spoke about her mother, and though Yui had tried to bring up the subject a few times, Konata never seemed too interested. She couldn't blame her. After all, she had never known her, and painful as it was to admit, perhaps that was for the best—for both of them.
Yui had faced her share of sadness and didn't want to dwell on it any longer. Losing Kanata at such a young age had left a lasting impression, and since then, she had prioritized ensuring that Konata wouldn't carry a similar burden. She wanted to protect her from the sadness of never having known her mother and the feeling of incompleteness that often arose from comparing herself to others.
Her greatest fear remained that the situation would arise during one of her mother's visits. Known for her unfiltered words, Yuki often made these encounters awkward, despite her good intentions. They typically ended with her and Sōjirō pulling out the old photo album, seating Konata in the middle, and flipping through pages filled with pictures that barely caught her attention. Each time, they would tell her how much she resembled her mother, a person who remained, to Konata, nothing more than a distant and mysterious figure.
In the end, Konata just wanted to flip through the pages as fast as possible to return to her. And when she began to get impatient, as she often did, Yui had to step in to keep those precious photos from getting crumpled or torn. She knew the girl meant no harm; she only wanted to be by her side, seeking comfort rather than drifting through memories that meant little to her. So, despite her own discomfort, Yui was willing to sacrifice her own peace to keep the adults pleased, Konata calm, and, in the process, preserve those precious memories intact in the album.
Of course, Yui didn't mind that Konata knew what kind of person her mother had been; in fact, she hoped that one day Konata would come to appreciate her as much as she did. But it frustrated her that, whenever the family got together, that was the only topic of conversation. She knew that comparisons never led to anything good: no matter how much Konata resembled her mother physically, she was a different person in many ways and would never be her.
At least she found solace in knowing that after enduring those tediously long afternoons, Konata always ended up curled up beside her under the kotatsu while the adults continued their evening chatter. This small gesture, along with many others, reassured her that the little girl found comfort in her presence and that the love she offered was enough to make Konata feel whole and happy. If that love could fill the void that Konata didn't seem to acknowledge, then Yui could find peace in her heart. She knew she was keeping her promise, and to her, that was the only thing that truly mattered.
It was something that went beyond mere obligation; it was a sincere and genuine love, inherited from the bond she once shared with her mother and now also shared with Konata. Deep down, she felt truly fortunate to have received the trust Kanata had placed in her by entrusting her with her greatest treasure.
Now, after all this time, Yui could say with certainty that her heart no longer hurt as much. When she looked at that ocean-blue hair, she no longer thought of Kanata but rather of the little girl who brightened her life and clung to her arms. With that peace in mind, Yui closed her eyes and began to hum soft lullabies, losing track of time. Though Konata had fallen asleep some time ago, Yui continued singing until sleep finally claimed her as well, leaving her deeply slumbering next to the cousin she had chosen to love so dearly.