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“Good morning, Uncle. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Haruko politely bowed as soon as my father rolled down the window of his car to tell us to get it.

Judging by the initial crease in his forehead that seemed to signal how sullen his mood was, he was definitely troubled about something. Nonetheless, faced with Haruko’s politeness, his face straightened up as he smiled and replied to my girl.

“Oh. You’re too polite. Haruko, am I right? Thanks for putting up with my incomprehensible son.”

“Dad. Incomprehensible? Isn’t that too much?”

I may be incomprehensible to some. However, to him? Nah. At this point, he already knew how my mind works. Besides, it’s not like this was the first time he’s meeting one of my girlfriends.

Maybe he’s talking about something else. I don’t know.

Unfortunately, his mood must’ve been truly terrible as his response was a snide remark.

“What? Should I praise you?”

Ah. I think I know why he’s like this. Mom had just informed me of what happened, after all.

“Alright, Dad. Are you taking out your frustration on me because Mom is upset with you? From what I heard it’s your fault.”

“My fault? What’s wrong with answering a question? Ugh. That woman... She should put a collar on me instead of being suspicious of every woman approaching me.”

Ending that with a helpless sigh, my father dropped his frustrated stance and eventually lowered her head close to the steering wheel. He looked a little pitiful but knowing him... he’d surely be cheerful again once he sees Mom.

That’s how much he loves her. Besides, most of their previous conflict was resolved pretty quickly. Because none of them stemmed from something serious.

Or at least, those I witnessed and overheard from them when they were still living with me in our house were like that.

Haruko stared at my father with a hint of pity. But she didn’t say anything.

As for me, I guided us inside the car first before I continued our conversation.

“Dad, cheer up. She also won’t be able to bear being upset with you.”

“I know. But you know what? I should direct Hayashi to you. I heard about what you did.”

“What I did?”

“You cheered her up.”

As expected, she’s not just inquiring. She also babbled about that time.

Haruko, who was listening to our conversation, raised her eyebrows as a hint of interest surfaced on her face. I recall I haven’t told my girls about the detailed account of that time. I mean, nothing really happened. I just acted naturally based on the circumstances in that I noticed Hayashi-sensei’s gloom.

“That happened, hubby?”

“Yeah. But I won’t call it cheering her up. I just did my job of reporting to the task she set for me. Also, we talked about how she’s doing after she decided to let go.”

“Oh. I presume you did more than what you let on, hubby.”

Upon saying that, Haruko poked my cheek as though she could already understand what exactly happened there.

Well, there’s no denying it anyway.

“Uh. Yeah. Something like that.”

“Pfft. There you go again with your kindness and consideration. You still haven’t learned your lesson. Or... it must be something you deemed needed in that situation.”

“I think it’s the latter.”

After Arisa pointed out that trait to me, I was already extra conscious about exerting my overly considerate acts. However, it’s still probably slipping sometimes or whenever I thought it’s necessary for me to do something for the other person.

While Haruko started laughing, most likely from how I answered it, my father raised her head and peeked at us from his rearview mirror and said, “It’s amazing that there’s not even a hint of jealousy in your voice, Haruko. You all adapted too well in your situation.”

Without faltering at all, Haruko calmly explained her train of thought,

“Uhm, that’s not it, Uncle. I think of it like this. This guy is pretty much coldhearted to most people. Only if he’s the least bit interested will he cast that layer of frost off.”

“Is that how it is?”

Although I could swear that he just sighed out of admiration for my girl’s answer, my father’s gaze landed on me for confirmation.

As a response to that, I shrugged before turning my head to the girl next to me and pulling her into my embrace, “Hmm. If it’s coming from Haruko, it’s close to the mark. She and my girls are complementing my lack of awareness, after all. There are things that I might not be aware of about myself but Haruko and the other girls would be able to see it right away.”

That’s how it is. It’s not just one instance. It already happened a lot of times. If I’m watching and observing them carefully and thoroughly, they’re the same toward me.

“Hubby, Uncle is watching.”

“It’s fine. I’m just hugging you. Also, you can call him ‘father’, I’m sure he won’t mind.”

As I said that last part, I took a glance at the mirror and saw my father narrowing his eyes before an audible click of his tongue reached our ears.

“This boy...” He muttered breathlessly before gathering himself, “Yeah. Ruki is right. I don’t mind it if you start calling me ‘father’. You’re my son’s beloved. Even if you’re not married yet, you and the others are already considered part of our family.”

“I apologize, father but... aren’t you too lenient on Ruki?”

That’s a valid question. No matter who, if they found out about how my parents were pretty lax regarding my complex relationship, they’d be raising a lot of questions to them. I bet Aunt Akemi and Uncle Satoru also barraged them with questions when they found out about my sudden change years ago.

“Yes, you can say that. But there’s a reason for it—” Perhaps he deemed that a slip of the tongue, my father abruptly stopped before hurriedly changing the topic at the same time as he revved up the engine of the car, “Anyway, I’ll start the car. Fasten your seatbelts.”

On my side, Haruko whispered what she picked up to me, “Hubby, is it just me or are they still holding onto the reason why they allowed you to take all of us in?”

“Mhm. That’s how it is.” I nodded as I helped my girl put on the seatbelt.

That’s actually true. My mother didn’t give me a straight answer before. Nonetheless, whatever the case is... I’m sure they’re doing it for my own good. Maybe I can find that out if I press them for it or wait until they eventually decide to tell me the truth.

“Oh. Before I forget, is Chief Yoruhiko doing well?”

Upon hearing that question, Haruko appeared a little troubled. But only for a moment. Soon enough, she composed herself as she replied, “Ah. Yes. For the most part...”

“I see. He must still be always going outside for business trips, huh? I apologize.”

“No. It’s fine, father. He’s coming back once in a while and taking good care of us.”

“Hmm. If ever he returns, can I trouble you to pass a message to him?”

“Sure... It’s not a problem.”

“Alright. Thank you. I’ll tell you about it later. For now, hold onto Ruki.”

Ending that conversation there, my father soon stepped on the gas and maneuvered the car to the way he came from.

But really, this is the first time I heard of this. They’re also acquainted with Haruko's father, huh?