"You clearly told me you wouldn't lie to me."
For a long time, Kitagawa Ryo had been far too sensible for a little boy. He was used to encouraging himself and comforting himself. He was used to staying quiet and understanding.
He cooked for himself and ate alone. He made a good friend named Karuizawa Kei. He was even willing to transfer schools for her, and once he got to the United Kingdom, he still thought of writing to her. If he found the chance, he would sneak back to see her.
Because no one had taught him how to be kind to others, he only knew how to show his kindness in the clumsiest ways. He gave Karuizawa Kei all sorts of things, from food to clothes. His gifts were never limited to special occasions.
If Karuizawa Kei really wanted a star, Kitagawa Ryo would truly try to climb into the night sky for her.
The pale blue dress he gave her in spring was specially made thicker and longer to keep her warm. The white sleeveless dress he gave her in summer was light and cool, and looked lovely when she twirled. Because Karuizawa Kei liked sweets, he taught himself to bake cakes for a whole year. He could even give away the white cat that had been his companion without a second thought.
Kitagawa Ryo would never leave Karuizawa Kei behind. At times, he could even be unexpectedly stubborn, shameless, and meddlesome.
But...
The flames in his heart blazed fiercely, burning hot in his chest.
Kitagawa Ryo didn't want to hear Karuizawa Kei lie to him.
In the six months since he'd found his biological parents, Kitagawa Ryo had met many more people and made other friends. But there was no denying that, in his heart, he