Chapter 227 — The Donation

“That boy Kei has always been a good kid. I’ve liked him ever since he was little.”

“He worked so hard in school, and he was always considerate of the staff here. While the other children were out playing, he’d stay behind to help with chores around the orphanage...”

“After he grew up and left for Tokyo, we really couldn’t do much for him anymore.”

“Even so, during the toughest times, he would still come back whenever he could — bringing milk, clothes, and little things to help the orphanage.”

Inside the office, Director Togou’s tone was filled with nostalgia and a hint of motherly pain.

“But... he’s not perfect either.”

“Kei’s quiet. He’s always been like that. Hardly talks, doesn’t open up easily, and he’s never had many friends.”

“If the doctor hadn’t assured me otherwise, I might’ve thought he had some kind of emotional issue...”

“So, Ryou-chan, please... be patient with him, okay? He really does like you. Whenever he texts me, the moment your name comes up, he suddenly has so much to say...”

Ryou listened quietly.

Whether it was living alone in Tokyo or constantly supporting the orphanage however he could, Kei had never once mentioned any of it to the Kessoku Band members.

Now, hearing it from the director herself, Ryou couldn’t help but feel something stir inside her.

But soon, she gave her head a little shake, forcing that feeling away.

Looking straight at the director, she said with uncharacteristic seriousness,

“Don’t worry, Auntie Togou. I’ll take good care of Kei.”

Her voice was steady, she sounded completely like someone embracing her role as his girlfriend.

Director Togou smiled softly.

“Kei’s really lucky to have met you...”

The two of them talked for quite a while.

By the time they were done, Kei had already finished cleaning all the windows on the first floor with the kids.

His arms ached a little, he hadn’t let the children do the heavy work, so he’d taken on most of it himself.

Just as he was about to take a break, little Yuu tugged at his sleeve, begging him to come play in the yard.

But Kei didn’t agree right away.

While cleaning earlier, he had noticed something.

The once relatively new walls and facilities from when he lived here years ago had now aged and worn down.

Even the children’s benches, some were already cracked or splintered.

The orphanage didn’t make any profit.

Every repair, every replacement, meant spending money — money they didn’t have.

And from what Kei remembered, no one had donated to this Tottori orphanage in years.

Director Togou had mentioned it once in a text.

That in a few years, when she became too old to keep running things, the orphanage might have to close for good.

Kei had never thought of himself as particularly noble.

He wasn’t short on money, but it wasn’t like he could just throw it around either.

Still... seeing the kids again, hearing little Yuu call him “Aoki-nii” and beg, “You and Ryou-neesan have to stay together forever! Come visit again and bring snacks next time!” — it tugged at his heart.

————————————————————————

Evening came quickly.

According to Director Togou’s schedule, everyone would gather after dinner to watch the annual New Year’s Eve music show on their old, low-resolution TV.

So, before dinner, Kei quietly went to find her in the office.

He knocked, stepped inside, and when the director looked up and saw him, she blinked in surprise.

“Kei? What’s wrong? Why aren’t you with your girlfriend...?”

Kei didn’t bother clarifying whether Ryou was really his girlfriend.

He sat down, hesitated for a moment, then spoke plainly.

“Togou-san, I’d like to make a donation to the orphanage.”

He didn’t add anything else just said what had been on his mind all afternoon.

But across the desk, Director Togou froze.

Her eyes widened.

“Kei? You want to donate?”

Then she quickly shook her head.

“No. Absolutely not.”

Her tone was firm, almost scolding.

“Your life is just getting started, Kei. You’ve finally left this small town behind. You’ve got a lovely girlfriend, enough money to live well, have fun, and eat properly. You don’t owe us anything — you have no obligation to give that money away.”

But Kei shook his head gently.

“It’s not about obligation. Even I’m capable of a little kindness, you know?”

He gave a faint, almost teasing smile.

“Besides, this is the place I grew up in. If I can give something back, I’d feel... well, a little proud of myself, I guess.”

Director Togou went silent for a moment.

He had always been like this — even as a child.

Never admitted his true feelings, always found some other excuse to hide what he really meant.

She sighed softly.

Kei was still in high school.

He had a girlfriend now, and dating wasn’t cheap — gifts, outings, small surprises. And with his music career, there were even more expenses ahead.

She opened her mouth to refuse again, but before she could, Kei spoke up.

“I’ll keep earning money. This donation won’t hurt my life in any way. So, let’s just leave it at that.”

That left her speechless.

By the time she gathered her thoughts, Kei was already standing up, walking out the door without hesitation.

Director Togou sat in her chair, watching his back disappear through the doorway.

After a long silence, she exhaled and smiled faintly to herself.

————————————————————————

After dinner, the staff and children gathered to watch the New Year’s show.

Kei didn’t join them.

Instead, he and Ryou slipped out of the orphanage while there was still a bit of light left in the winter evening.

“If we follow this path east, there’s a small shop that should still have fireworks for sale. It’s freezing, but if we sit by the roadside, you can see tons of stars from here — unlike Tokyo.”

He glanced at her, then added with a grin,

“And tomorrow morning, let’s wake up early and visit the local shrine, yeah?”

The streetlights flickered on as they walked.

Snow piled on both sides of the road reflected the warm glow of the lamps, painting the small path in quiet silver.

Ryou tilted her head back to gaze at the stars. Her pace slowed, her breath fogging in the cold air.

Then, with a soft smile, she looked at him and said seriously,

“Got it, boyfriend-san.”

Kei sighed.

“...Can you please be normal for once, Ryou?”

She just laughed — her voice echoing lightly in the still, starry night.