บท 22: 22. Family Meet

I looked towards the gate and noticed three people standing there smiling towards our direction. I stood there looking down, too scared to look at them as my anxiousness started to act up again. I didn't know what to say to them. As I felt my nervousness increase I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up to see Shirogana-san looking at me.

He smiled and said with a smooth voice, "Don't feel anxious nervous Rei. Everything will be alright. I am here for you." He took my hand and lead me towards the three people. Feeling reassured I looked straight at them.

We reached the gate and stood in front of them. Shirogana-san then said, "Ok everyone meet Rei. He will now live with us from now on. Rei this is my complete family. As you already met my wife Narumi, these are my kids." showing me them.

I saw the two kids standing in front of me right now. The boy was definitely too tall and heavily built for his age. According to Shirogana-san, he is only one year older than me but he easily looks like a student in his final year of middle school. His face showed me a kind smile and he had a slightly above the average-looking face.

I turned and focused on the girl next to him. She had an athletic built and was slim. She had a pretty face. She showed me a kind smile but also had a bit of mischief in her eyes. I gulped remembering Shirogana-san telling she likes to play pranks on her brother. They both looked like good people making me deal at ease.

I slightly bowed and introduced myself, "My name is Toujou Rei. Nice to meet you and please take care of me from now on."

They all then smiled more and Narumi-san said, "Its alright Rei no need to be so formal with us. We all are going to be family from now on."

I nodded and heard Shirogana-san telling, "Ok now let's go inside and talk." and we all made our way in.

I entered at last and noticed the staircase to the upper floor was at the last of the corridor. I followed them towards the hall which was to the immediate right after entering the house. Entering it I was astonished by the size of the hall. It was easily bigger than mine. There were 2 large couch arranged in an L shape and 2 single chairs. We all went inside and sat down. My nervousness was still lingering inside despite warm welcome.

Then Shirogana-san said, "Ok Rei follow Sora he will show the way to your room."

I nodded and went to pick up my bags. I noticed Sora standing next to me also taking the heavy bags.

He turned towards me and said, "It's alright I will care these heavy ones after all we are going to be brothers from now on." and started walking towards the stairs. Seeing his back I felt happy he was kind and considerate.

We slowly climbed up and he took me towards the room which was at the last of the corridor. I noticed three doors at the end. One in front of me and the others to the side. Sora told showing the door in left, "This is my room and this is my sister's" showing the one in front. We then turned to the right and he finally said, "This would be your room."

We both entered inside and I saw that it was around the same size as my room at home. There was a simple bed and a study table. I found it nice as it was small and simple. Sora then went and sat on the bed and I went and sat on the chair.

He looked at me and Introduced himself, "So I am Kamizato Sora. My age 11 and am now entering into middle school. My hobbies are baseball and in the future I want to become a baseball player like my dad."

I then said, "My name is Rei Toujou. I am 10 and my hobbies are playing baseball and cooking. I don't have any future ambitions yet." even though becoming the best catcher is my dream but now it doesn't seem achievable at present to me.

"Oh so you also baseball then we can play together."

"I stopped playing baseball Sora-san."

"Oh why did you?"

I started to feel uncomfortable talking about it and started to hesitate whether I should tell him or not. As if sensing my hesitation Sora just smiled and said, "It's alright don't force yourself. and just call me Sora no need of honorifics"

I felt glad that he understood. We both continued to talk about ourselves. I got to know that he plays the center position in baseball and is the cleanup hitter in the team. Well, it was understandable seeing his large muscles for his age.

We then heard Narumi-san's voice, "Boys come down for lunch."

Hearing Narumi-san, he nodded and said, "Ok let's go done to eat." and started to walk. I quickly followed him. We both went downstairs to see that the whole family was already sitting in the dining room. The room was attached to the hall and the kitchen. We went and sat down. I sat between Shirogana-san and Sora. We started to eat and had small talks in between. I replied in short sentences when I was asked anything. I then ate and went back to the room and slept.