Because of Haruko’s tight-lipped attitude concerning her circumstance in their house, I have yet to get the chance to know her family or, at least, find out what’s causing the strained situation that she mentioned to me.

True. It’s still the same for some of my girls. However, they were, at least, not as evasive as Haruko when talking about them. Take Shio for example, every chance she could get whenever we found an idle time while together, she’d talk about her parents.

For Haruko, it’s like a taboo topic that she never really elaborated on. At the very least, she assured me that her situation wasn’t really a big deal. I trust her so I never thought of forcing her to open that up to me. Besides, if the situation truly turned into something serious, I doubt she’s going to keep it from me. Because at the end of the day, I would be able to notice it through her behavior.

In any case, for my father to bring up Haruko’s father wherein she answered it in detail, that should be the first time that I got a glimpse of her family’s circumstances.

“I knew it. You’re curious.”

Noticing my silence, Haruko's lips curved up. From the look on her face, she already read me thoroughly.

Yeah. I’m curious. About Haruko’s family as well as my father’s connection to them.

“Can you blame me?”

“Hmm. Maybe not. But I’m still grateful that you’re not pressing me for it, hubby. Let’s see. As I already mentioned, my father isn’t always around... It’s just my mother and my siblings who are mostly at our house.”

“Does that mean he’s not part of the reason why you’re all so stiff around each other?”

“He still is. Uh... I said to myself that I’m going to straighten up my relationship with them before bringing you home but this way, I might as well just spill the beans to you.”

Along with an abrupt sigh as though she finds it hard to keep her family’s circumstances a secret anymore, Haruko put a hand on her temple as she started contemplating.

However, before she could finish that, I closed in and showed her my response by shaking my head. “Well, you don’t have to. Hearing that your father might be a former associate of mine is already a big reveal to me. I’m sure he’s also going to talk about it to me at some point.”

The car was still moving but despite our conversation, my father kept his eyes on the road. Well, it’s not a surprise to him. And for sure, he mentioned Haruko’s father for a reason as well. Maybe to wash away our earlier conversation. The one where he almost panicked in spilling something regarding their reason why they didn’t stop me from becoming a slave to my desire.

“Un. I’m also surprised. I’ll call him later.”

“You can do that?”

“Isn’t it a plus for us if our parents get along, hubby? It will also be easier for me to introduce you in the future.”

“That’s true. Alright then.”

I was ready to let my curiosity go with this but Haruko who started this conversation wasn’t done yet. She tightened her hold on my arm as she whispered.

“I know that’s not enough to satisfy your curiosity. Let me add this... My father remarried.”

Like a bomb that dropped from out of nowhere, what Haruko just revealed exploded into a bright light which successfully cleared up, at most, half of the mystery regarding her strained situation with her family...

If he remarried then... she’s living with her stepmother. Or maybe, step-siblings too?

Ugh. I could blame myself for not finding out more about this back when I first stole her. Now, I could only wait for my girl to resolve whatever she needed to resolve to find out more.

-

-

Not long after that, we reached the place my parents were staying at.

It’s not a hotel room but an actual house. Furthermore, even though this was clearly not a property they own, the neighborhood surrounding it felt like a fortress.

When I said fortress, it’s because even if they’re occupied by other residents, my intuition tells me that they’re related to my parents or the branch of the government they’re working for.

In short, it must be a safe house of some sort.

In any case, I might’ve been overthinking that.

Even before my father parked the car inside the yard, the front door already opened, and out with it was my mother, looking like your typical housewife, and Minoru who was already grinning happily upon seeing me.

The boy quickly ran up to me and jumped in my arms. Haruko, who was standing by my side, couldn't help but find the boy adorable. She stretched her arm out to pat his head.

“Papa Ru-nii, Mama said she’s going to come home soon.”

As expected, the way he’s calling me hasn't changed yet. My identity in his head isn’t just his Ru-nii anymore. I’m his Papa.

I observed Haruko’s reaction to that and sure enough, a hint of surprise of amusement could be seen lining up her face. Nonetheless, she didn’t voice it out and just continued doting on the boy. Maybe I’ll hear her thoughts about this later.

“Oh. Is she? I can’t wait. Shall we pick her up when that time comes?”

“Yes!”

With his excitement overflowing, Minoru snuggled more in my arms. And while carrying him, the three of us approached my mother.

If earlier she just sounded grumpy even if it’s through text messages, she’s now creasing her usually smooth forehead as she glared at my father.

But upon remembering that her baby boy was here along with another girl that she hadn’t met personally yet, she immediately switched it up and welcomed us with her iconic welcoming smile.

As soon as we reached her vicinity, Haruko stepped forward and bowed politely, the same way as she did earlier, “M-mother, It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

“Hmm? Did you sound stiff just then? Come on, Haruko-chan. You don’t have to be overly polite in front of me. I won’t bite.”

With a teasing smile, she grabbed Haruko’s wrist and pulled her with her. A second later, she hugged Haruko, like a mother to her daughter.

Just as I expected, even Haruko would fold when in front of her. It’s not only her presence. My mother’s confidence and seemingly endless charm gave her a bright halo that made her appear undefeatable.

Perhaps, even Hana would have no choice but to bow her head. Not to mention, she is my mother. All my girls would definitely want to be in her good graces.

After what seemed to be a short yet fulfilling introduction, my mother invited us inside without even giving my father another glance.

When I looked at him, he had his fist clenched as he looked like a hopeless puppy that his owner had abandoned.

“Hey, son. Help me with your mother. Clarify to her that I’m not... entertaining Makiko.”

“Sure, Dad. When we reached that topic.”

“Ugh. At least bring that up in the middle. I won’t be able to work properly if she remains upset with me.”

“Don’t you have some other method to appease her?”

“What method? She’s unreasonably jealous this time. The previous times, the reason she gets upset with me is so minor that I can solve it within a day. But this...”

“Alright... That’s enough. Minoru, shall we help Grandpa?”

“Okay! Tell me what to do, Papa.”

“Good boy.” I ruffled the boy's head which in turn made him laugh pleasantly. Likewise, my father copied me before getting the boy from my arms.

However, it was at this point that my mother, who was leading Haruko, glanced back at us.

“You three, what are you whispering there? Don’t tell me you’re going to help your father? Fat chance. Go and prepare something for your son and daughter-in-law, Hiroki.”

Hiroki, huh? She stopped calling him with endearment. Looks like she’s really not just simply upset that Hayashi-sensei contacted my father. This was on another level.

I guess it’s my father’s luck that I chose to visit them today.