After playing the piano, I heard a round of applause coming from behind me. I looked behind and saw Hina with probably her aunt and her little sister considering how she told me last night that I'll be greeted by them. They were asleep last night when we got back so this will be my first time meeting them.
"Hina! Is this your boyfriend? He's quite nice and he's good at piano. Keep him already."
What did her aunt mean by quite nice? I guess that's a compliment so I'll just smile at her.
"He's not my boyfriend. As I told you earlier, he's a friend of mine."
"Really?" Said her little sister looking at Hina suspiciously.
"He's a friend! End of story."
Her aunt and little sister seemed disappointed by the thought of me being just her friend. I'm glad Hina was honest though.
I kind of feel bad knowing that I probably woke them up this early in the morning with my rather sloppy piano playing. I was literally just pouring out all of my emotions onto my playing. It helped me calm myself quite a bit. I'm still not used to waking up in the morning thinking that Yukino already cut me off.
"Sorry to wake you guys up." Said I, bowing my head to the three of them as a sign of apology.
"No, don't be. It's been a while since I last heard that piano being played so well." Said Hina's aunt, as the other two nodded in agreement.
"Is there anyone who used to play this piano?"
"Yes. That'll be my brother. But he hasn't played in years so this might actually be the first time in a while we heard that piece. It's his favorite after all."
"I see."
I was rather curious as to why her brother hasn't played the piano in so long. But I guess I shouldn't pry in any further. The piano's tuned well though. That's surprising. Maybe somebody's taking care of it.
The four of us ate breakfast cooked by Hina's aunt. This is my first real meal since yesterday so I had a good portion of everything handed to me. Her family really took care of me and they were so nice.
After eating breakfast, I told Hina that I should really get back home by tonight. I have a long ride ahead of me so I need to go now. I would've stayed here longer and feel the warm welcome of her family if it wasn't for work.
"Thank you so much for everything. I need to go back home now."
"Aww onii chan is leaving already?"
"I'll visit soon when I have the time, okay?"
"Really?" Said Hina's little sister with teary eyes which looked cute. I always wanted a little sister so being friends with Hina's actually made me happy.
"Promise" Said I, offering her a pinky promise which she accepted.
"Then, I'll just drive him back to his car. I'll be right back."
I waved them one last goodbye before going on our way. It was really comforting being welcomed by someone's family. It made me feel warm inside as if being supported through all the things I'm going through right now.
While I was sitting by the passenger seat, my phone started ringing and it was Haruto calling so I answered. He's probably worried since he's expecting me to be home last night.
"Hello."
"What's up Aoi? Are you and Yukino safe? I haven't heard from you. Are you good?"
"I'm on my way home. Sorry for the late notice. Do you need the car already?"
"Nope. I don't even know how to drive that big lump of metal. Anyway, be sure to drop Yukino in front of her doorstep safely okay?"
"Yeah about that. We actually broke up."
"What?! Wait what? Is she with you?"
"No, her uncle picked her up yesterday. I'm with Hina right now. I'll tell you about it tomorrow when we meet up."
"Okay. Contact me whenever you need me."
"Yeah sure. Thanks Haruto."
After the call ended, I saw Hina looking at me as if surprised that I told Haruto that I'm with her right now.
"Do you think that's a good idea?" Asked Hina.
"What?"
"Telling him that you're with me."
"Well, now that I think about it. He might get the wrong idea and tell it to Shin. Worst case scenario they'll think that I'm cheating. But I'll clear things up with him so don't worry about that."
"Fine I guess."
"Anyway, how long will you be staying here?"
"1 more week? I'll spend a little more time with my family."
A few minutes later, we arrived at the place where I parked Haruto's car last night.
"Thanks for dropping me off. I'll see you at university then."
"Yeah, take care on your way home."
I drove for hours on my way home. All I could think about was my promise to Yukino that I should finish my novel before she leaves us. Along the ride, I started writing stuff in my mind on what I should put in my novel. I immersed myself in my created world as if to step away from reality for the whole journey home.
I called Nakamura-san to help me arrange my requirements for the departure to Europe. I'm glad that I didn't tell him my plan to reject the offer or it would have backed fire at me. Considering how Yukino left me no choice but to go abroad, all I could think of is that she knew of my plan to cancel that opportunity so I could spend time with her. I can't say for certain but there's a high probability that that's the case.
After a long day of driving, I arrived back home by 6PM. I felt my stomach complaining to me how hungry it is right now. After all, the last meal I ate was the breakfast I ate earlier this morning. Despite being hungry, I fell asleep right away as soon as I hit the sack. My bed sheets still held Yukino's scent and my mind was making me see things that Yukino was still lying beside me in this bed. I've really become paranoid. By the looks of it, this won't get better anytime soon.