I recognize this scene. Us walking down the stairs, my hand in his, being pulled along. The kids surrounding us, though mostly him.
And just like back then, we carefully move to the couch, where he refuses to let go of my hand, despite us sitting so close to each other.
But this time, I won't make any mistakes. Even if I do, I'll talk about them. I'll stop running.
"Ah, seems like you've made up," Aki remarks immediately. "It was about time."
Hana still seems a bit stressed, standing in front of me, anxiously waiting for what we have to say.
"Do you want a hug?" I whisper to her. She nods, and I slip my hand out of Jerah's to pick her up.
"Thank you. You made us able to talk to each other. Now, I never want you to worry about it again, because it wasn't your fault, okay? Promise?" I put out my pinky to her.
She grabs it, nodding again while curling up against my chest. I never knew she felt so guilty about it. It makes me feel even worse about the whole situation.