8 Bonding

I am taking them under my care as my little brother and sister shocking the group.

" I do appreciate but am older than you I can't be your junior" Aste said with a serious face.

"Why do you look so short and small then" Rei teasing Aste.

Aste's serious expression turned into a scowl, "Hey, watch it! I'll have you know, I'm a mature and capable individual, despite my... compact stature."

Diane giggled, "Compact stature?"

Aste shot her a withering look, "Yes, that's what I said."

Rei chuckled, "Well, you're definitely more fun-sized than I expected."

Sara rolled her eyes, "Rei, stop teasing Aste."

Aste huffed, "I can handle myself, Sara."

Rei grinned, "I'm just trying to get used to having a new little brother."

Aste's scowl deepened, "I'm not your little brother."

Rei's expression turned serious, "Actually, Aste, you are. And so is Diane. I'm taking responsibility for both of you."

Diane's eyes widened, "Really? You'd do that for us?"

Rei nodded, "Of course. We're in this together now."

The group fell silent, processing Rei's words. Aste looked like he was still trying to wrap his head around the idea, while Diane seemed hopeful.

Sara spoke up, "Well, if Rei's serious about this, we should get settled in and figure out our next move."

Rei nodded, "Agreed. Let's find a place to stay and get some rest. We can plan our next step in the morning."

The group began to disperse, with Rei leading the way. Aste still looked skeptical, but Diane seemed to be warming up to the idea of having Rei as a guardian.

As they walked, Rei turned to Aste and whispered, "Don't worry, little brother. I'll take care of you."

Aste's response was a withering look, but Rei just chuckled and kept walking...

What brought you to Punk Rock big bro" Diane said. Rei smiled with a creepily smirking at Aste, who got irritated by it.

Rei's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with amusement, as he said, "Ah, the punk rock scene? I was drawn to its energy, its rebellious spirit. And, of course, the music."

Aste scowled, "You're enjoying this, aren't you? Teasing me and acting like some kind of... guardian."

Rei's smirk never wavered, "Maybe a little, little brother. But hey, someone's got to keep you in line."

Diane chuckled, "I think Rei's just trying to have a little fun, Aste. Don't be so serious."

Aste huffed, "Easy for you to say, Diane. You're not the one being treated like a child."

Rei's expression turned mock-serious, "Oh, Aste, I'm hurt. I thought we were bonding."

Aste rolled his eyes, "Bonding? You're just messing with me."

Rei grinned, "Maybe a little. But hey, it's all part of the big brother experience."

As they continued walking, Rei's teasing only intensified, leaving Aste increasingly irritated and Diane giggling uncontrollably. Sara watched the exchange with a mixture of amusement and concern, wondering how this unlikely group would manage to work together.........