Chapter 06: Resilient Kids
Even though Miu and Sora blushed and struggled to find words, Yuuta could discern their intentions.
With a tinge of helplessness in his voice, he said, "Let's bear with it for a few days, okay? I'll do my best to find us a more spacious place as soon as I can."
Feeling the discomfort from holding it in, Yuuta turned and walked out, stating, "I'm heading to the convenience store. We'll discuss this further when I return."
After he relieved himself at the convenience store, Yuuta finally experienced the relief he hadn't realized he was missing. It's curious how one can take the ease of a regular bathroom visit for granted until they're forced to hold it in.
With his body feeling lighter and more at ease, Yuuta checked the time.
There was still some time before the 24-hour mission was set to begin. When he returned home, he looked forward to hugging Hina.
A simple hug, nothing more~
Ten thousand yen amounted to approximately 68.40 USD. Given the high cost of living in this area, it was roughly equivalent to 68.40 USD in his country.
"If I hug Sora, the price will increase to 200,000 yen, but the challenge is worth the cost."
"Let's secure some extra treats for Hina!"
Yuuta perused the freezer section and selected desserts that far exceeded the 5,000 yen budget.
Having three girls living at home undeniably posed its challenges, with various issues that required solutions.
Due to his background as a practical technician in his previous life, Yuuta always had reservations about pursuing a career in novel writing. If making a living were as straightforward as writing, who would bother with the grind of traditional work?
Leaning against the wall outside the convenience store, Yuuta gazed at the darkening sky, contemplating what the future held.
With practical skills for making a living, whether it was dealing with household appliances or handling basic machine repairs, Yuuta was more than capable. He could even tackle simple programming tasks and more.
Considering the issue of excessive overtime among programmers, Yuuta leaned toward engaging in temporary, intermittent work for the time being.
"I'm still attending school, and summer vacation is drawing to a close. I should buy some supplies and repair bicycles..."
This being a suburban area, Yuuta recalled that there wasn't a nearby place for bicycle repairs.
He made up his mind to set up a makeshift mobile bike repair stand.
Whether it was bicycles, electric bikes, cars, or motorcycles, Yuuta had the skills to address basic repair needs.
He could also assist the elderly in the village with tasks like air conditioner maintenance, television repairs, and fixing washing machines.
Though it might not lead to wealth, it could provide a means to maintain a balanced family life, and at present, taking care of three girls was his utmost priority.
"How much money could this novel potentially earn?"
Yuuta held no grand expectations for the novel; he simply hoped it could generate a few thousand yen. If he could manage to make 100,000 yen, it would temporarily help him navigate the current crisis.
After waiting for a while, Yuuta returned home. At this moment, the three sisters had finished bathing together, but it was still a bit early. The girls were in the midst of changing clothes...
Fortunately, there was a curtain dividing this area, serving as the girls' changing space.
The instant Hina spotted her uncle's return, she rushed out, exclaiming joyfully, "Wow, it's so refreshing!"
"Hina, you silly girl, you'll catch a cold like this!" Witnessing his young niece in her birthday suit, Yuuta promptly closed the sliding glass door that led to the balcony. "Sora, please pass me a towel."
Hina had just completed her body and hair wash, and if she wasn't dried promptly, she could easily fall ill. A child's immune system is notably weaker than an adult's.
With a nervous tone, Sora extended her hand and handed him a towel, saying, "No! Don't look this way!"
Yuuta nodded, keeping his gaze down. Once he had the towel, he swiftly picked up Hina, who was attempting to open the window, and began to dry her off.
"No, don't! Waaaah..." Hina protested.
Yuuta found it challenging to deal with children. "Please, Hina, don't fidget. We'll be finished soon."
However, Hina paid no heed to his words and continued to squirm, making it difficult for her uncle to dry her properly.
In the confined changing area, Sora, observing the shadows created by the light on the curtain, softly muttered, "Could you move a bit farther?"
Yuuta appeared to catch Sora's words and inquired, "Sora, what did you say?"
Sora, understanding the situation, didn't want to treat Yuuta unfairly. She turned her head away without saying anything more.
At this moment, Miu, who had finished changing, emerged feeling at ease. "I feel like my heart's all aflutter!"
They began to eat, and as Hina enjoyed her meal, she began to feel drowsy, rubbing her eyes.
"Are you getting tired?" Miu inquired. Children typically needed to go to bed early.
"Ugh... sleepy..." Hina was indeed exhausted, and she seemed to grow drowsy unusually quickly.
Yuuta glanced at Hina and realized that he needed to provide this child with sufficient nutrition, not just in terms of attitude but also in her diet, particularly during her growth phase. Sweets couldn't be relied on as a primary source of nourishment.
"Let me set up your bed. The dishes are in the kitchen; I'll clean them up later." Yuuta stood up and headed to the cupboard to retrieve the blankets.
As Hina prepared to go to sleep, she suddenly asked, "Where are Mom and Dad? When will Mom and Dad come here?"
Yuuta let out a sigh upon hearing this question.
Hina, seeing her sisters remaining silent, continued, "They'll come back soon, right?"
Sora lifted her head and reassured Hina, "Hina, haven't we talked about this? Dad and Aunt Yuri... they went to a faraway place. But they'll come back soon."
Hina didn't seem bothered and held onto the belief that her parents would return, especially because her mom had hugged her tightly and promised to be back very soon.
Yuuta grappled with how to handle this situation. Should he tell a three-year-old the harsh truth?
No!
He had to resort to a comforting lie. Some things needed to wait until Hina grew older before he could share the reality with her.
Miu swiftly got up and dashed outside.
"I'll go buy some things. Sis, please look after Hina."
Sora watched Miu's hasty exit and then turned her gaze towards Yuuta.
Yuuta rushed after Miu and mentioned, "Hina and your sister are here. I'm going to pick up something delicious for tomorrow."
"Uncle Yuuta is the best!" Hina's spirits lifted at the mention of tasty food.
Sora observed Yuuta following Miu and felt a glimmer of relief. Everyone was doing their best to put on a brave front, and they couldn't allow sorrow to overtake them.
"Hina, are you feeling sleepy now?" Sora asked while offering a warm smile to her youngest sister.