Ah, I've finally reached this point. It's been a long journey, but now I can rest assured that I won't lose Kaya.
It's been a month since I confined Kaya to her room. I lost my composure yesterday, but in the end, she understood. There's no reason for me to live in a world without Kaya. I wish I could be with her all the time, but I'm obligated to attend school due to the contract with those people. It's a nuisance, but it's something I have to do. After all, it's better to maintain a good social standing. Besides, I'll be with Kaya forever from now on. Though, I still don't understand why Kaya cares about those people. But lately, she hasn't mentioned them, so I'll let it go. I can't wait to get home and see her.
"I'm home, Kaya. Did you have a good day while I was away?"
"Welcome back, Sister. Yeah, I guess."
As I entered the room, I noticed the familiar scent of Kaya—she must have been training again. That scent reassures me, as it's proof that she's alive.
"So, Kaya, how about we take a bath together?"
"Sure, but… do I smell? I wiped down with a sweat sheet."
"No, you don't smell at all. I just wanted to take a bath with you."
She doesn't need to go to such lengths, I think to myself as we leave the room and head downstairs together. Lately, I've stopped putting the shackles on her and carrying her around. Instead, I hold her hand when we leave the room. At first, I was worried she might resist, but she hasn't shown any signs of that lately. Besides, the old method took too much time.
When we reach the bathroom, I wait for Kaya to enter first before I start undressing. As I step into the bath, I see her warming herself with the shower, waiting for me.
"Hurry up, Sister."
"Yes, yes, I'm coming."
I'm glad I decided to bathe with Kaya. I can feel her heartbeat, and I get to watch her grow with my own eyes.
"But why isn't Kaya getting any bigger? I'm making sure she's eating well."
"Well, there's nothing I can do about that. I might surpass you soon, Sister."
"Kaya? Hehe, maybe. But your figure is filling out nicely, so I'm not too worried."
"Hey, don't poke my belly like that!"
After our playful exchange, we finished washing each other and soaked in the bath. It's a tight fit for both of us, but I hold her from behind as we settle into the water. I wish this life could continue forever. No, I'll make sure it does. As I embrace her slender shoulders, these thoughts fill my mind.
"What is it, Sister?"
"Nothing, really."
I was starting to think we should get out before we get too warm when Kaya suddenly said, "Sister, I need to talk to you." A sense of dread washed over me.
We changed into our pajamas and returned to the room. I made sure to shackle her ankles before we began our conversation.
"So, what did you want to talk about?"
"Well… I've decided that I want to go back to school."
My sense of dread was spot-on.
"—Why? Are you bored? Do you miss studying?"
"No, it's not that. I want to be helpful to you, to stand by your side."
"You're already helping me. Just by staying alive, you're doing enough. So—"
"No! Please listen to me, Sister. I think we haven't talked enough about what we both want. From now on, we need to communicate better about our desires and plans."
"What's wrong with our current life? I'm happy with it just as it is—no, I prefer it this way."
"It's not about being dissatisfied. It's just that if things stay like this, I'll only be a burden to you. I want to support you too. That's why I need to go to school, to learn, to become part of society—"
"That's unnecessary! I've already told you, haven't I? We have enough money for both of us to live comfortably for the rest of our lives. I can predict how society will change in the future. So please, just stay in the room. Don't go anywhere out of my sight."
Kaya going outside? I can't allow that. Sure, she might not seem like she's going to harm herself anymore, but who knows what could happen out there? I can't let anything happen that would hurt my precious Kaya.
"But I—"
"This conversation is over. I'll get dinner ready, so just wait here for a bit."
"Sister!"
Ignoring Kaya's raised voice, I left the room. I can't bear to lose you again. So please, stay safely within my cage.