Several years had passed since that conversation with Kira, but Deya never forgot it.
Rocky's persistence and sincerity finally broke through her armor, and she accepted his invitation for a date. For Deya, it wasn't anything serious — she was only fourteen, and she saw it as just a walk with a friend. But for Rocky, who had worked hard all these years, it was an incredible achievement.
"I told you I could melt the little fox's heart. Patience and hard work are the path to happiness," the boy said with a laugh.
Hearing his words, Deya rolled her eyes:
"It's just a walk between two kids. The fact that I agreed doesn't mean I'm going to marry you, so don't get your hopes up."
"You're so cute when your brother's around. I have to admit, your sharp mood swings scare me a little, but give me a couple more years — and I'll be the one walking you down the aisle."
"The one walking me down the aisle will be my brother, and I'm not sure you'll be the one receiving my hand," Deya replied jokingly.
Rocky had been boxing since childhood and had grown quite sturdy. It might have sounded arrogant, but he knew that in a couple of years, he'd have no shortage of girls. But Deya seemed special to him. To others, her words might have seemed hurtful, but to him, they were like a challenge.
"Did your brother really make you work at a children's cancer center?" the boy asked.
"Yes, he said it would teach me to value time and set priorities properly."
"I always thought that guy was crazy, but now I'm sure of it," Rocky thought. He wanted to keep those thoughts to himself, but remembering how devastated Deya was when her friend from the center died, he couldn't help himself.
Deya looked him in the eyes and said calmly:
"You're one of my best friends, so I'll pretend I didn't hear those words. But this will be the first and last time."
As a child, Rocky had admired Deya's brother, but over the years, he began to understand that the man was truly crazy. Although things weren't always smooth between him and Deya, she still loved and respected her brother deeply.
When Rocky realized he'd said that out loud, he thought he'd be killed, but the fact that Deya let him off the hook showed that she cared about him. That realization made Rocky very happy.
"There are rumors at school that you refused to go to the competition. Is that true?" he asked.
"Not exactly. We're leaving on the anniversary of Charlotte's death, but I don't want her mother to go through it alone. I arranged with the coach and the team that my brother and I would drive up the next day."
"Sorry for reminding you," Rocky said.
"It's fine. There are things we can't change. She's gone, but we agreed that now I have to live for two," the girl replied.
When she returned home, Yuno asked:
"Little aunt, how was your date?"
"Not perfect, but better than I expected."
"Great! When are we having the wedding?" Yuno added playfully.
"Don't rush. I said it was good, but not perfect. Besides, I'm only fourteen, I haven't had time to enjoy my freedom yet."
"Little aunt, I don't want to disappoint you, but no one is perfect. If you wait for the ideal prince your vivid imagination has drawn, you risk becoming an old maid."
"You said no one is perfect. Even my brother?" the girl replied in the same playful tone.
"Your brother is perfect. At least for me."
"In that case, let's say I'm looking for someone who will be perfect for me," Deya said playfully.
"Fine, I concede defeat. This is your victory, but don't get too cocky," Yuno said, stroking Deya's head.