Regarding the points Amakusa Shino mentioned that make these boys seem attractive, Bai Mo wasn't particularly interested.
After all, while that grand piano looked decent, there's no way it could withstand his impact.
Maybe he could try the infirmary bed? Or the soft mats in the gym storage room?
Pfft, what nonsense—he wasn't that kind of person~
Crunch, crunch~ "This apple is so tasty!" Amakusa Shino said happily. "Hey, Bai Mo-kun, where did you buy this apple? What variety is it? How much was it? Can I buy some too~?"
Beside her, Ogiwara Rei was nodding eagerly as well. It seemed like this small apple had completely won over both of their stomachs~
"Sorry, it's from my hometown in the East. You probably won't be able to find it here in Japan~"
After touring his future school with Amakusa Shino, Bai Mo turned down her invitation to join the student council. After saying goodbye to the two girls, he quickly left the school and took a train toward Chiba.
In a café in Takashina Town, Chiba City, Bai Mo had already finished a cup of coffee and three slices of cake while waiting.
Finally, the person he had been waiting for arrived.
"You're here early, huh~ Well then, come with me."
"Grandpa Kobayashi, why did you call me so urgently this morning? What's going on?"
"You'll find out soon enough~"
Not long after arriving, Kobayashi Kaoru led Bai Mo through the streets of Chiba for about ten minutes until they reached a somewhat run-down apartment building.
Looking at the nameplate on the door that read Kusama, Bai Mo gave Kaoru a puzzled look. Did the old man know this family?
After ringing the doorbell, a visibly pregnant woman carrying a two-year-old boy answered the door.
"Uncle Kobayashi, you're here? We've already packed everything~"
"In that case, I'll take her with me now~"
"Sigh~ I really had no choice. As you can see, Tarou is only two years old, and I'm about to give birth again. I really can't take care of that child anymore~"
"I understand, I understand." Kaoru nodded, then pulled an envelope from his pocket and handed it to the woman. "Thank you for taking care of her these past few months. This is just a little something from me—buy something nutritious for you and Tarou."
The woman politely declined at first, but eventually accepted the envelope.
Kaoru and Bai Mo were then invited inside. A small suitcase sat at the entrance. Around the corner stood a young girl quietly watching the three of them.
"Ah~ Sora, just in time. Grandpa Kobayashi is here to take you. He'll take good care of you from now on~"
The girl didn't say anything—she just quietly stared at Kaoru and Bai Mo.
Looking at the fourteen- or fifteen-year-old girl, Kaoru let out a bitter smile and shook his head. "Sora, I'm Grandpa Kobayashi. Don't you remember eating the mochi and ramen I made with your mom and dad before?"
"...Mm~"
Seeing the timid girl, Kaoru didn't step further into the house. Instead, he picked her up and gestured for Bai Mo to take her luggage so they could leave.
As they walked toward the train station, Kaoru began explaining everything to Bai Mo.
Kasugano Sora was a distant relative of his. Two years ago, her parents and brother died in a car accident. Only she survived because she happened to be at home at the time.
Since then, the underage Sora had been passed around between relatives. In the last two years, she had been adopted and moved through six or seven different households. Her current caretaker, now expecting another child, could no longer manage Sora.
With no other options, the elderly Kaoru finally decided to take responsibility and adopt her.
"You sure you can take care of her, old man?"
"I'm not exactly the best fit. That's why I brought you." Kaoru smiled slyly. "What, you thought I called you here for nothing?"
"Huh? Me?" Bai Mo stared at Kaoru in disbelief. "I mean, I'm not trying to shirk responsibility, but isn't this a bit... inappropriate?"
"What's inappropriate? I've already spoken with your grandfather. He thinks it's a good idea to have a god-granddaughter. Your parents saw her photo and agreed too. After all, Sora is quite the beauty~"
So I'm the last to know, huh?
Despite Bai Mo and Kaoru whispering to each other, Sora didn't seem to care much.
"I'm old. My apartment's small, and the canteen's not really a place for a young girl. Your place is a two-story flat, right? Don't you have some extra rooms?"
"There are two empty rooms..."
"Then I'll leave her in your care. If no one takes her in, she'll have to go to an orphanage—and that's no place for a girl like her."
Hearing that, Bai Mo turned to look at Kasugano Sora again.
Porcelain-white skin, long straight snow-white hair, a white dress, and two black butterfly ribbons in her hair that added a touch of charm. The only thing missing was crimson eyes—but she was undoubtedly a stunning beauty in the making.
"Sigh~ Fine. But shouldn't we ask Sora what she wants?"
"She has mild autism and communication difficulties, so you'll need to help her open up."
After taking the train back to Tokyo, Bai Mo and Sora had dinner at the late-night diner run by Kaoru before preparing to walk home.
As they walked side by side through the streets, Bai Mo looked at the girl and said, "We've got new toiletries at home, but is there anything else you need? Sora-chan?"
Faced with his question, Sora just stood there silently, saying nothing.
"Alright then~ Just get by for tonight. I'll take you out shopping tomorrow."
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T/N:
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