Days went, weeks passed. One day, you were discharged from the hospital. All these 3 weeks in the hospital spent at a rapid speed. You didn't even notice when the nights passed. But between all these thoughts, a confusion still lingered on your mind - Why is Niki helping you? Since you first met him, you both didn't talk much. Just some talks in between about your medicine and health, and nothing else. Your mental and physical health is ruined. You are wrecked. But he was helping you..through everything. You were really grateful that you have someone beside you, but a part of you is scared, terrified, traumatised. What if he's like the other bullies? What if he... Forces himself on you after acting this gentle and achieving your trust? Just while you were drowned in your thoughts, a deep familiar voice interrupts you.

"You're coming with me."

You look to your side and notice it's Niki. His voice was low and deep - as usual. He wasn't looking at you. But..why does it look like he's...scared? Is he scared to look at you? He always avoids making eye contact with you.

"B-But..where? Why?"

You ask, you were confused. Bad thoughts floating in your mind again. He quickly looks at you, careful yet soft gaze.

Niki : D-Don't get me wrong.. You don't seem like you have a shelter now. This place is fucked up. I can take you to my hometown, with a safe home. In Okayama, Japan.

You look at him, your heart breaks as you realise how much he has seen in you. You nod slightly. You were still confused but he is right. You don't have a safe place to live in now, indeed. Your parents abandoned you. They never loved you. Living alone at streets in very dangerous.

On the other hand, Niki takes your silent nod as an approval. He started walking, wanting you to follow him.

As you two walked together, you both kept stealing glances. Both of your mind racing with various thoughts. It's been 3 weeks and he didn't even ask you about your name or identity. He's always maintaining a decent distance. You're thankful that he isn't bothering you but...you want someone to talk, to listen to your worries, your problems, your story. Will he listen to you if you want to speak to him?

You both went to the train station with a cab. The drive was filled with nothing except silence. Silence which was too uncomfortable to bear. Both of you wanted to say something, anything, that would make you two get to know each other. But both of you chose silence.

As you two reached the train station, he booked the tickets to Okayama and led you to the seats. It was an AC train, so the cabins were neat and tidy. He showed you everything and then both of you sat on your respective beds. Staring out of the window as you suddenly spoke in a soft voice.

"Thank you, Niki...."

He looked at you, slightly shocked. But he quickly recovered at nodded without saying anything. After a moment which felt like an eternity, he spoke up.

Niki : So... Are you from Otsuka,...? (The place you were living in all these days)

You chuckled lowly, looking up at him with a softer gaze.

"It's Aiko. Aiko Shin"

He looks at you, it's the first time he heard you laugh. It sounded so sweet to him. He hummed lowly with a nod.

"I was born in Otsuka. You?"

He looks at you with a softer yet friendly gaze.

Niki : I was born in Okayama but I got suspended there so.. I was forced to move in here, Otsuka.

You tilted your head in confusion. Why was he suspended? Did he do something wrong?

"Don't mind me asking but...why were you suspended? Did you do anything wrong?"

You asked a bit hesitantly. What if he doesn't like your question but instead, he chuckles. It was the first time you saw him this open and friendly.

Niki : You are indeed innocent. I bullied some shitty students there. But don't worry, I won't hurt you. They deserved to be punished which the school authority will never do, so someone do need to stand up for justice even if it's in the illegal way.

You looked at him for a moment more than necessary before looking away. There was somewhat point in his words. But your mind was too busy to take those words in properly. You were too busy ask more questions, questions which were eating you.

"Why did you..bully them?"

His jaw clenches, fists clenching into a round ball. His gaze sharpens at you, looking at you with a straight face which was contorted with...frustration? He replies bluntly, Sounding rude.

Niki : 'Cus they deserved it. They used to hurt people like you. Innocent and naive people whom they loved making cry. It was being too much. That's it. End of this matter.

You shut your mouth immediately. 'Have I riled him up? Gosh... I didn't mean to do it', you thought to yourself.

------------------

Hours passed. In soon, dusk settled everywhere, descending the twilight. Since he ended the topic, you two didn't dare to speak. After finishing your dinner in the train, he comes to you and kneels down at your level, looking up at you with an apologetic look.

Niki : I apologize for my behaviour earlier, Aiko. I didn't mean to sound discourteous. I hope I didn't hurt you.

Your eyes widened slightly when you process his words. You immediately spoke up.

"I-It's alright, Niki. You weren't being discourteous. Trust me. You didn't even hurt me for once."

He seems somewhat relieved after hearing your words, he stood up and nodded. He turned off the light of the train cabin and laid down on his bed.

Niki : Get some sleep, Aiko. We'll be in Okayama tomorrow evening hopefully.

He says, his back facing you. You complied, laying down and closing your eyes to sleep but your mind was filled with Niki. You were still curious about him. And, you didn't even notice 30 minutes passed like this until you felt something hovering over you. You didn't dare to open your eyes in fear.

It was Niki, pulling over the blanket over you. It was cold outside. Heavy winds and thunderstorms, dark engulfing everywhere.

You felt a bit of relieved sensing it was the blanket which was pulled Over you by Niki. But you pretend to sleep, not wanting to ruin the moment. Feeling tired from the day, you didn't even realise when you drifted off to sleep.

------------------

Your eyes flutter opens as the sun shone on your eyes through the curtains hovering over the window. You rubbed your eyes and sat straight, looking at Niki.

"Slept well?"

Both of you stated at the same time. What a coincidence.

You nodded as yes and asked him again.

"Slept well, Niki?"

He looks at you and shook his head.

Niki : I can't sleep at nights for insomnia.

He says and looks out of the window again, a small smile of his lips.

You didn't know what to say, so, instead you just nodded with a low hum.

Time passed, as it was now 10 AM and the morning breakfast arrived. After finishing both of your respective breakfasts, you two sat across each other. Waiting for someone to start a conversation but two of you are hesitant.

Niki : So...Aiko, how are you feeling now?

He curses at hinself in his breath for asking a stupid question.

"Better... Tell me about yourself, Niki"

Niki nods

Niki : Well, my full name is.. Niki Nishimura. I'm 19 year old. And...there us not much special things to know about me. I'm just someone whom no one can ever like.

He says with somewhat disappointing but nonchalant tone deep down. You nodded, speaking in a soft tone.

"I would never hate on you."

He looks up at you, furrowed brows.

Niki : But why? I'm no one specia-

You cut him off immediately with a hush.

"Shush.. You saved me. And I will never be able to return for your this favor."

Niki : I ain't helping you for any kind of returns, Aiko. It's my responsibility to help anyone I see in danger. I want you to be safe...

He was about to say more but stops when he realises he might sound a bit impulsive? He thinks he is saying more than necessary. Things which might scare you away.

You nodded, a soft smile on your face.

"Do you have any sibling?"

He smiles at the mention of siblings, he looks down, remembering all the memories with his siblings.

Niki : Yes. I have 2 older and younger sisters : Konon and Sola.

You smiled as you see his soft smile. Anyone can say that he loves them a lot.

"You really love your sisters, right?"

Niki : A lot.

He smiles at you. It was the first time he directly looks at you with a proper smile.

Niki : You can meet them once we arrive at Okayama.

You cheered, slowly being able to forget about the past traumas and move on. The time passed so quickly as you both continued talking about each other, getting to know each other well. Why does time pass so quickly when you have a nice time?

As the twilight descended, you arrived at your destination - Okayama, Japan.

Niki : May I...hold your hand? It's too crowd outside-

You held his hand, smiling.

"Don't ask for permission next time."

He smiles, nodding. Leading you out of the train and soon, getting into the cab he booked.

"Where are we going, Niki?"

He looks at you before replying.

Niki : My home. Where I used to live with my parents.

"Will they keep me too?"

You ask in curiousity. Why are they so kind?

Niki : Of course. They'll love to keep you. Especially my sisters, they will be so happy to get another sister with them.

You immediately looked at him when he said the last sentence. Sisters? You are getting two sisters? You never had a sibling though you really wanted. You have grown alone, with no help, full of loneliness. You always thought siblings are helpful and friendly. At least you won't be alone, right? You started feeling emotional, so you hugged him tightly. Burying your face in his shoulder as you started sobbing.

On the other hand, he was caught off guard by your sudden hug. He faced towards you and hesitantly but gently wrapped his arms around you. Comfortingly patting your back. Your head was now resting on his chest as you were crying.

Niki : Shush..it's alright. I'm here for you, Aiko.

He doesn't know exactly why you were crying but he wants to take your sadness away. He wants to keep you happy. He doesn't even know why he was doing it. What was going on with him, why he was feeling this way towards you which he tries to avoid.

"Thank you so much, Niki... You've helped me and still are. You are so kind. Thanks for giving me two nice sisters which I've never had. Thank you for-"

He cuts you off softly with a low hush.

Niki : Shush...it's okay. It's the least I can do to keep you safe. I am always here for you, Aiko.

You tried your best to smile. As you did, but, the smile was week and small. It was the best you could with your red teary eyes and puffy cheeks.

Niki chuckles at your look, you were looking so cute yet so dumb at the same time. It was too cute to bear.

Niki : That's it! You're so strong, Aiko! I knew it. Don't let this smike die. Keep smiling. At least for me.

And that's it. You won't ever leave his side. He's now a big part of your life and you'll make sure he's always alright. He's now the one with you. No one has ever took care of you. They never gave a fuck about you but him, the guy whom you met 21 days ago is so caring.