59

Jerah and I are surrounded by the five little kids as soon as we arrive downstairs. He scoops up the youngest with his free arm, refusing to let go of my hand.

"Hello there guys," I greet them, still a bit awkward, especially since I can feel their eldest brother's gaze on us.

Careful not to knock the kids over, Jerah leads me to the couch, the children following us obediently. While he sits down, he places the happy little boy he was holding on his leg.

The other four also find their way to the couch, two crouching on Aki, one climbing on the arm rest next to him, and one just barely fitting between the two adult brothers.

"I'm gonna have to make dinner soon, so it might be a good idea if you don't all sit on me," Aki laughs, then turns to me. "Will you be staying with us?"

"Oh, I'm afraid I can't... I think my chef will kill me if I change plans so suddenly again," I sigh.