"So? What was that all about?" I asked, shooting Hina-nee a sideways glance.
"U-Um… you see, I was trying to see if you would get jealous after seeing me with another guy…"
"Yeah, I know. What I mean is… why you did that."
"Huh? Well, that's because… um… you are steadily having more and more good girls surrounding you, and I'm… hehe, it's pretty… pitiful now that I'm saying this out loud. I'm just… scared you won't want me anymore, compared to the others…"
I sighed and walked over to Hina-nee, hugging her gently and stroking her hair. Her eyes widened in surprise.
"Hina-nee… it doesn't matter how many girls I'm surrounded by, or how good those girls are. You are the closest person to me in the world — both this one and Earth. I will never forget just how much care you've shown me for the past 14 years, okay? Even if you were an ugly monster, I would still treat you as my family. That part will never change, no matter how much time passes."
"Kaze-kun…"
