Busy Days

Hina clutched at Ryker's jacket, lip quivering, but Ryker just put a gentle hand on top of her head and ruffled her hair affectionately.

"Hey, c'mon. After we're done, I'll play with you for the rest of the day. How does that sound?"

"... Okay. You better promise!"

She hugged him again, before rushing off to find Grandma Arisha. On the other hand, Long Meiling watched her go with a rueful smile, shooting Ryker a sidelong glance.

"She really missed you while you were gone. Apparently, her 'Big Sister Meiling' isn't enough to keep her satisfied,' she said wryly, to which Ryker only shrugged his shoulders.

"What can I say? Little sisters can't live without their big brothers, after all!" he said with a laugh. He thought back to when Rin, his youngest sister, was as small as Hina was. Time really flew by, didn't it?

"Besides, after all that Hina's been through, she deserves everything and more."