Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Responsibility
It's been a few days since Adam and Mikasa started living together. By working odd jobs in the Shiganshina District, they managed to survive.
However, Adam realized this was not a long-term solution.
"We can't keep sleeping on people's rooftops. We need a decent place."
Mikasa never complained, but Adam could see the fatigue in her eyes.
He had to do something.
After much thought, he finally came up with one possibility: Eren's family.
"Eren's parents are nice. If I can convince them, maybe Mikasa can stay at his house."
However, there was one problem...
Mikasa never talked about living with other people. She always followed Adam, wherever he went.
And deep down inside, Adam felt strange at the thought of Mikasa living with someone else.
But it was for his own good... right?
One afternoon, Adam took Mikasa's hand and walked to the Yeager family home.
The house was simple, but looked cozy. Adam sighed and knocked on the door.
A few seconds later, the door opened, and a dark-haired woman looked at them in surprise.
Carla Yeager.
"Adam? Mikasa? What's wrong?" she asked softly.
Adam smiled awkwardly. "Aunt Carla, can we come in for a moment? I want to talk to you about something."
Carla nodded and let them in.
Inside, Grisha Yeager, Eren's father, was reading a book. He looked at Adam and Mikasa with concern.
Little Eren, who was the same age as Adam, ran straight to them.
"Mikasa! And the new kid? Are you here to play?" he asked excitedly.
Adam shook his head. "No, I'm here because I have something important to explain."
Carla and Grisha exchanged glances, then sat down at the dining table. Adam and Mikasa sat down, while Eren stood near his mother.
Adam took a deep breath.
"It's about Mikasa."
Adam began to tell her everything - about how Mikasa's family was killed, how he found her, and how they survived on the streets.
Carla covered her mouth, shocked.
"Oh, God... a child this small has to go through all that..."
Grisha nodded slowly, his eyes full of sympathy.
After Adam finished, the room became quiet.
Then, Carla spoke softly.
"Mikasa, dear... You can stay here with us."
Mikasa, who had been silent, suddenly grasped Adam's hand tighter.
"I..." her voice was quiet. "I don't want to."
Everyone looked at her in surprise.
Carla tried to reassure her. "But honey, the house is safe. You can sleep comfortably, eat well, and-"
"I want to be with Adam," Mikasa cut in quickly.
Adam turned to her, a little surprised.
Grisha sighed. "But Adam is also still a child. Can he really take care of you?"
Mikasa did not hesitate. "Adam has protected me all this time. I trust him."
Carla looked worried. "Adam, are you sure you can take responsibility for Mikasa?"
Adam was silent.
This was a big moment. If he said yes, it meant he was really taking full responsibility for Mikasa.
He turned to the little girl beside him. Mikasa looked at him with eyes full of conviction.
She didn't want to go anywhere else. She wanted to be with him.
Adam took a breath and smiled.
"I will take responsibility. I'll make sure Mikasa is safe and doesn't lack for anything."
Carla looked at him deeply, then smiled a little.
"You're a good boy, Adam."
Grisha nodded. "Well then, at least let us help however we can. If you need anything, don't hesitate to come here."
Eren, who had been listening, suddenly exclaimed.
"In that case, I want to help too! Mikasa, you're my friend too!"
Mikasa smiled slightly. "Thank you, Eren."
Adam stood up and bowed slightly. "Thank you, Aunt Carla, Uncle Grisha. I really appreciate this."
Carla gently rubbed Adam's head. "Take good care of yourself, Adam. And take care of Mikasa too."
Adam looked at Mikasa and nodded.
"I promise."
--- As they walked home, Mikasa tugged gently on Adam's arm.
"Thank you," he said softly.
Adam sighed and ruffled his hair. "You're a pain in the ass, you know?"
Mikasa looked at him innocently. "If I'm such a hassle, why don't you let me stay at Eren's?"
Adam was silent for a moment, then shrugged.
"I don't know. Maybe I don't want to be alone either?" he said in a casual tone.
Mikasa smiled a little.
The evening breeze blew softly as they walked side by side.
And for the first time since coming into this world, Adam felt he truly had a purpose.
He would be strong. He would survive. And most importantly...
He would protect Mikasa.