He'd been living in Hummingbird with his father and Uncle Kikugawa for more than a week but this is the first time he went to the building at the back. He usually only walked past it when he took a walk around the property, or that one time when he followed his father hiking on the back hill. He knew that the building was his father's bedroom as weel as their office. Compared to the main building which adapted a Victorian style, this building looked like a cabin in the woods hunters used during the hunting season, which Kei saw in movies or story books, but bigger.
He tried to peek inside through the windows but he couldn't see anything because the curtain was drawn. So, he knocked on the door gently. He had thought that Kikugawa-san would be asleep so he might have to knock several times, but there was a reply from inside, telling him to come in. Slowly, he turned the handle and pulled the door open. Kei poked his head inside, feeling the warmth, then as he turned, he saw Uncle Kikugawa sitting on the bed. He was leaning against the headboard with two pillows supporting his back. A khaki-colored fleece blanket wrapped around his legs up to his waist. A magazine was opened on his lap. He smiled when he saw Kei and beckoned him to come in.
Kei pulled the door closed behind him with one hand while his other hand balanced the tray of food he brought. He glanced at the room and found that his father's bedroom was so cozy. He approached the bed.
"Are you feeling better?" Kei asked as he placed the tray over Uncle Kikugawa's knees.
Upon closer inspection, Uncle Kikugawa still looked a bit haggard, but he smiled. "Much better, thank you."
"That's good, then," Kei replied, smiling back in relief.
"Kaname-san must have exaggerated my condition, haven't he?" Uncle Kikugawa laughed softly. He tasted the chicken soup Kei brought for him. "I'm sorry to trouble you. You must be busy helping Kaname-san, right?"
Kei waved his hand. "No trouble at all." He then braced himself and sat down on the side of the bed, near Uncle Kikugawa's legs. "Before coming here, I'm already aware that I have to help around when I can. As part of the family, it's only a given, right?"
He saw Uncle Kikugawa looked stunned for a moment, but then he smiled wide. "Of course," said Uncle Kikugawa, reaching out to touch Kei's knee. "Is everything alright?" Uncle Kikugawa inquired, a tad worriedly.
"Yes. I helped with the breakfast earlier. Thankfully it turned out okay and everyone liked it," Kei admitted bashfully. "Tou-sand and I went to the fish market, too, but since we don't have the ability to cook the food you've planned for today, Tou-san decided to make something simple," he explained with a sheepish grin.
"Is that so? Come ask me if there's anything you don't understand," Uncle Kikugawa said kindly. He coughed, and Kei patted his back to help ease his cough. Naoki thanked him. "By the way, this chicken soup is quite delicious." Naoki indicated to the bowl on the tray in front of him, praising Kei.
Kei scratched the back of his head, embarrassed. "It's actually Tou-san who told me how to make it the way you usually do. I only threw things into the pot."
Naoki chuckled. "You learn fast, huh. Sasuga Kaname-san's child."
"Not at all," Kei refuted quickly. "I'm nothing like Tou-san." Before Uncle Kikugawa could say something again, Kei changed the subject. "I will start school in a few days, so I probably wouldn't be able to help much at home, but I promise I will help during the weekends."
"I'm sure Kaname-san would be thrilled to hear it," said Uncle Kikugawa. He then winced like something was making him uncomfortable. Kei put the tray aside then helped Uncle Kikugawa to a more comfortable position. He pulled the blanket back up for Uncle Kikugawa, who thanked him. "Forgive me. I feel dizzy all of a sudden."
"Well, you're still unwell, after all. Have a rest, Kikugawa-san. Tou-san will be back soon from picking up a guest from the station. I'll leave you to rest," Kei said.
Uncle Kikugawa nodded, giving Kei a reassuring smile. Kei made sure Uncle Kikugawa was comfortable before he took the tray and left. Just as he reached the door, he heard Uncle Kikugawa called him again. Kei turned his head curiously.
"That person… I mean, the annoying one from last time, he didn't come back, did he?"
Kei shook his head. "No. Don't worry, Kikugawa-san. I will help you shoo him away if he comes again. Oyasumi."
"Thank you, Kei-kun."
Kei waved to Uncle Kikugawa, then closed the door behind him. He didn't understand what was with the person who came to Hummingbird a few days ago, but it was clear that Uncle Kikugawa didn't like him. He had asked Kei to stay quiet about it, and Kei respected his wish. Letting out a sigh, he turned. This wasn't his problem anyway.
His step halted. His father was leaning against the wall near the door. A cigarette was held between his fingers, his face unreadable.
"Tou–"
His father placed a finger in front of his mouth, stopping Kei from calling him. Then, he used the same finger to motion to Kei to follow him back to the main building. They still had guests they need to attent. Kei lowered his head, feeling a bit guilty for some reason.
*****