In Tokyo: They are heavily dependent on me

Chapter 68. Dependence

Just as expected.

Rin's body temperature is very high; even without any physical contact, it can be clearly felt simply by the movement of the surrounding air.

Therefore, when the fingers are interlocked, the temperature change becomes more noticeable.

Because she started working after only finishing junior high school, the habits she developed over a long period of time made the skin on Rin's palms noticeably rougher than other parts of her body, and it didn't feel as delicate and soft as a girl's skin.

You can clearly feel the uneven texture on it; it's from working in winter. My originally delicate skin cracked under the stimulation of cold water, and over time it turned into what it is now.

Rin has always been dedicated to this family.

Therefore, she is the most important person, and that will never change.

"Rin, you've always worked so hard. Even though you're the older brother, you always make your younger sister work so hard. I'm such a bad older brother."

Xun held her hands tightly with both of them, brought her face close, and felt the warmth of her skin with her lips.

"Brother...don't say that. You've been working hard too, working hard in ways I don't know about."

If my brother knew that I already understood my condition, he would definitely be worried, so that kind of thing is not an option.

Rin pretended to be completely unaware of the matter, only mentioning it briefly in her speech without naming her brother's efforts.

She knew that she was not the only one making sacrifices for this family.

My brother has worked very hard, and no matter what... I can't let him worry about me.

"elder brother......"

Her already hot body felt even hotter under those hands. Rin lifted the blanket covering her, and under the dim light of the nightlight... it was only then that Kaoru noticed.

She was only wearing simple underwear, not even pajamas.

Kaoru's breath caught in her throat, and in the dim light, Rin threw herself into his arms.

Her palms instinctively pressed against the skin of her back; her body temperature was abnormally high.

"Rin... what's wrong...?"

"I just want a hug, is that not allowed?"

"No... I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about Rin... why aren't you wearing pajamas?"

"It's nothing, right? My older brother used to scrub my back when I was little."

Kaoru felt her mind was in a mess.

Children are different from adults; there are some things that only children have the privilege of doing.

He and Rin are not children anymore, so it would be strange to do that again.

"Rin, put your clothes on properly, it would be troublesome if you caught a cold."

"Does my brother hate me? Other women can do that."

For a moment, Kaoru's mind flashed back to the scene of her spending time with Department Head Yanagi in the activity room.

However, he quickly denied it.

When Rin said "any other woman is fine," she wasn't referring to this place.

Sure enough, it was the scene she saw at the school gate last time?

As he fell into thought, as if he were already in agony, Rin's body trembled uncontrollably.

She is afraid.

She took on the responsibility of supporting her family. It's amazing that she can live independently at this age; it's something other girls can't do.

However, one thing will not change.

She will always be the younger sister. No matter how strong she is in front of others, she will always be vulnerable in front of her brother.

The younger sister should be protected by her older brother, and no unfair treatment should be allowed to happen to her.

Just like when she was heartlessly abandoned by her father—Rin must be worried that the same thing would happen to her.

"No, I will never hate Rin."

Without further hesitation, Xun hugged her tightly, as if he wanted to sink into her.

"Then... brother won't leave Rin either, right?"

"Yes, as long as I'm alive, I absolutely won't."

"elder brother!"

Rin, somewhat dissatisfied, seemed to be venting her frustration by gently pounding his back with her right hand.

The punishment wasn't very strong; it was less of a reprimand and more of a "whining" than a lesson.

"Don't say such unfortunate things, or I'll get angry."

"Ah! I'm sorry! I promise I won't say it again!"

"Hmph... I forgive you, but only this once. If you do it again..."

"There will absolutely not be a next time!"

They hugged like that for a while.

Realizing that customers would soon be arriving at the store, Rin reluctantly let go of their hands.

"Okay, brother, go to work now. Asuka-chan can't handle everything by herself."

"Okay, Rin, get some rest. Don't participate in any work today. I'll have Aozora take care of you."

"Oh... so you'll still be attending Mizukami's dinner party, is that right?"

"Uh... well..."

Kaoru stood there, hesitant, scratching his face. If he were the only one at home, he certainly couldn't leave Rin unattended. But now Aozora could take good care of her, and besides, he had promised the young lady a week ago that he would attend the banquet... Keeping promises was his basic principle.

"Yeah, but I'll be back soon. Aozora-chan can take good care of Rin, so don't worry."

Seeing that Rin remained silent, Kaoru felt she had gone too far, so she sat on the edge of the bed and leaned down slightly.

"Rin, next month is your birthday. Is there anything you want as a gift? Just tell me a little bit, and I'll definitely be able to guess what you're thinking."

"Tch... I don't want a gift."

Rin turned her back and muttered in a sullen voice.

"If brother wants to see that woman, then let him go. Why do you have to agree with me? Anyway, to brother, I'm not as important as her..."

Just as she was about to continue speaking, the light from her phone screen startled her.

Turning around, I saw that Kaoru was about to make a phone call.

"Brother? What are you doing?"

"Tell my classmate that I won't be attending the banquet."

Kaoru made up her mind that Rin was more important than the so-called banquet.

"No way! I was just saying that out of anger!"

Rin lunged forward, snatched the phone, and immediately hung up when she saw that he had actually dialed the number.

After doing all this, her cheeks were flushed; she had never expected the situation to develop to this extent.

I don't know why.

Knowing that she held a higher place in her brother's heart, her unease immediately vanished.

"If my brother doesn't go, my classmates will think he's the kind of person who doesn't keep his word."

Rin handed the phone back to him.

"I don't want that to happen. I'm not angry anymore. Brother, don't be late. Come back early, or I'll be angry."

Kaoru wanted to say something, but seeing Rin's usual expression, she didn't ask any further questions.

Although it felt a little strange, that moment only lasted for a split second before it ended.

Perhaps, this is just Rin being too dependent on herself.

"Yes, I'll be back soon."

The bedroom door was closed.

......