Back Off, She's Mine (Sano Manjiro) COMPLETED 👑

FIFTY-TWO: The Past and the Deceit

"I'm just telling the truth. You've been a frequent visitor to the hospital ever since you joined that gang. Your life savings might dwindle because of your medical bills," I told him matter-of-factly. "Don't make Grandma Chiyo upset. If it weren't for her, you'd be homeless right now."

He blew another sigh and his face looked defeated. Our grandmother was the one who took him in after he was kicked out of the house by our own father two years ago. "I did not mean to, you know. You don't have to rub in it, sis," he said guiltily. "Just don't tell Grandma the truth, okay?"

I pondered for a moment and then a playful idea popped into my mind. With a cheeky grin, I replied, "Bribe me and I promise I will keep my mouth shut."

Yuu-nii was exasperated at my demand. "You little--!" But then, he paused, probably thinking I might really spill the beans to our grandmother if he did not agree. He finally conceded. "Fine, fine. What do you want?"

My face brightened up and my grin turned into a triumphant smile. "Just buy me a box of dorayaki when you get discharged. And when I say a box, what I meant is a dozen."

"Alright, deal." The reluctance in his voice betrayed him as if he was forced to comply with my terms in exchange for my silence. It wasn't because he was scared of Grandma Chiyo but because he genuinely cared for her. We both were. "You're crafty as ever, Y/N. You made me submit to your bidding."

I was very pleased to hear that I'd be having a free snack and flipped my hair haughtily. "It's called bargain, brother." Then, I changed my behavior and began to act sweetly to him like a caring little sister. "I think I'll stay here for a little longer. Do you want me to peel an apple for you, Onii-chan~?"

Yuu-nii shuddered at my sudden sisterly act and his expression turned blue. "Save it, Y/N. You're grossing me out! It doesn't suit you at all!" 

I just chuckled at his obvious discomfort. His reaction was quite entertaining, it was hilarious. I took an apple from the basket and started to peel it. "Oh, come on, Yuu-nii. Let your cute little sister take care of you~," I cooed teasingly. I sliced the peeled apple into small crescent-shaped pieces and fed one to his mouth.

My visits to my brother in the hospital became frequent until he was discharged a month later. I was careful enough not to get caught by our parents since they had forbidden me to see my brother after our father disowned him.

And true to his word, Yuu-nii bought me a box of dorayaki right after his hospital release as a token of gratitude for keeping his secret, much to my extreme joy. He may be a troublemaker, but he was still my dear older brother and the only sibling I'll ever have. I would always be there to support him, no matter what.

"You're going to meet who?" I asked him one weekend morning when I stopped by the cafe shop to visit him as usual. He was busy mopping the floor while I helped him wipe the tables clean before the shop opened at 9 am. On the other hand, Grandma Chiyo went to visit an old friend of hers who owned a dojo and won't be coming back until later.

"Our first boss' younger brother. I promised to see him today. He's an interesting kid," Yuu-nii simply answered as he continued with his chore. "Wanna tag along, Y/N? I'll introduce him to you. You two could be friends."

His boss' brother? "Is he a member of a gang, too?"

He shook his head. "No, not exactly. But I planned to make him take my place as the next leader in the future. He looks promising to me. He has the potential to become a great leader."

"Oh, okay. I'll come with you," I said nonchalantly, shrugging. "How old is he?"

"I think he's three years older than you. Don't worry, he's a nice kid."