Rui!

It was at night after Shishio had rested enough with Nanami that he went to visit Jou Mikimotos restaurant with Rui.

Jou seemed to panic and quickly approached them. He looked at the two and saw their expression was quite calm, so he was quite weird. After all, he knew how restless Rui was, considering she had called him yesterday, but now, she was quite calm.

Did Shishio tell you that hes going to take responsibility for you? Jou asked curiously.

Shishio was silent and looked at Rui in doubt.

Rui was quite embarrassed and quickly told the two about the misunderstanding that had happened.

Listening to the explanation from her daughter, Jou nodded and said, Then how about we visit my new restaurant? Itll be hard to use my first restaurant since it is full and itll open every day, but its different for my second restaurant.

Anyway, they were riding on the motorcycle, so their trip was quite easy and fast before they arrived at Jous new restaurant.

Shishio remembered Jou had told them his new restaurant would be opened in the next year, but he could see the building had been finished.

Come in.

Jou opened the lock of the restaurant and said, Many things havent been finished yet, but it should be okay, right? He turned on the light quickly, telling them to enter.

It was the first time Rui and Shishio came to the new restaurant, and they saw the restaurant was almost finished, but it hadnt been fully furnished, which made it rather plain.

Jou led them to the managers room, his room, so they could talk better.

Oi, Shishio, do you drink wine? Jou suddenly asked.

I dont mind, but I am riding on a motorcycle, you know? Shishio said speechlessly.

Its okay. Its okay. Its just one sip, alright? Jou didnt care and pushed the bottle of wine to Shishio.

Shishio only shrugged his shoulder and took a glass, pouring wine on it. Frankly, it had been a while since he drank wine, and if he was asked whether he liked it or not, he didnt really like it since it made his mind numb.

Oh! Oh! What a way to drink! Come on! Drink more! Jou was excited, patting Shishios shoulder, and said, It tastes nice, right?

.. Shishio.

Rui looked at the two of them and wondered why they were quite similar to each other.

Lets talk about something first, Jou-san. Shishio didnt come to drink, and there was something he had to do after this.

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Its okay. I understand everything. Rui has told me everything before. Jou had told Shishio that he had accepted Rui if she wanted to train under him. While his restaurant was about to open next year, the preparation had started. Later, he had to train the chef and many others in this restaurant.

The lesson might start next year, but I can teach you immediately. Is that okay, Rui? Jou asked.

Yes, dad. Rui nodded without hesitation.

Still, you dont need to be so stiff. I will teach you here later.

Thank you. Rui bowed her head since she knew her wish was selfish and hurt her mother, but she decided to learn under his father. She might be able to learn under someone else, but the only foods that moved her were her fathers and Shishios

However, Shishio wasnt a chef, and his knowledge about the restaurant business might be under Jou.

If Shishio knew what Rui was thinking, he only shrugged his shoulders, but he didnt say much since he could tell Jou was a good chef and also a businessman.

Jou had failed his business, but he was able to rebuild it and even made two restaurants. Also, he was Ruis father, so Shishio didnt really have anything to worry about.

They talked about the schedule and many others before Jou said, By the way, you should get a driving license. Its quite easy to get. He thought to buy Rui a motorcycle later.

Okay. While Rui wasnt sure why she had to get a driving license, she nodded since she also didnt mind getting it. Maybe, it was partly because of Shishio since he often brought her with a motorcycle, so she wanted to learn it too.

So, where are you staying, Rui? Do you want to stay here? Jou asked curiously.

No, Ill stay in his apartment, Rui said while pulling Shishios arm.

. Shishio and Jou.

Jou looked at Shishio for a while and said, Shishio-kun, how about we talk outside?

.. Shishio.

Even if Rui was adamant about leaving the two of them alone, she could only let her father do whatever she wanted, so here Shishio was sitting at the outside bench with Jou while holding the bottle of fruit wine.

Jou was also the same and drank from the bottle directly, standing while looking at the night sky.

Shishio looked at Jou for a moment and drank the fruit wine slowly. Whats wrong, Jou-san? He had called Jou an uncle before, but Jou told him to call him a Jou-san.

Also, should I call Tsukiko-obaasan, Tsukiko-san?

It might be the effect of the alcohol that made his head slightly muddy.

The slightly cool wind hit his body, and because of the effect of the alcohol, his body was warm.

It feels nice

Shishio-kun, can I ask you something? Jou asked.

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Whats wrong, Jou-san? Shishio asked.

How good is your relationship with Hina and Tsukiko-san? Jou was quite surprised when he knew his ex-wife let Rui stay at Shishios apartment since it was his first time to know his ex-wife could trust Shishio so much.

I have to say were pretty close? Shishio was quite unsure, then said helplessly, It might sound like bragging, but when Tsukiko-obaasan introduces her new husband to Rui and Hina-nee, I am also there.

Jou almost spat out all the fruit wine in his mouth, then asked, Why were you there? It was an important day for Tsukiko to introduce her new husband, so how the hell could Shishio be there?

Shishio rubbed his temple and said, Tell Rui that. We had just started to date back then, but who would have thought I have to meet in such a situation. When he thought about it, he must admit Rui was so reckless and also had always depended on him. He explained how Rui invited him so suddenly to her house but suddenly had to meet her mother and her new father.

Jou looked at Shishio, then patted his shoulder gently. After all, even he couldnt have the guts to meet the mother and the new husband of his girlfriends mother so suddenly. Still, he smiled and asked, So how was it?

Shishio looked at Jou and asked, Do you want to know about Tsukiko-oba-sans new husband?

Jou was awkward, but he nodded. Can you tell me?

I dont mind. Think of it as my reward for the fruit wine. Shishio sipped the fruit wine while telling Jou about Tsukikos new husband.

Frankly, Akihito Fujii was the opposite of Jou. He was so much different from him, and they had no similarities besides their gender.

Still, if Jou was divorced, Akihitos wife died early, so without a doubt, Akihito would be loyal to Tsukiko.

While telling this story, Shishio glanced at Jou and could tell how complicated Jous expression was. Do you want to listen more? Then, he stopped his story since he felt he was torturing Jou.

Its okay. Jou shook his head and asked, Do you know why I have divorced?

Hina-nee and Tsukiko-obaasan have told me that you cheated, so you two have divorced, Shishio said simply.

It wasnt Rui who told you? Jou asked in surprise.

Yes. Shishio nodded.

Jous expression was quite weird, and he asked, Your relationship with Hina and Tsukiko-san are so close.

Haha Shishio only laughed awkwardly, then said, Hina-nee is the teacher at my school.

Now that you mention it, Hina has become a teacher, huh? Jou was nostalgic again and sipped his fruit wine. Time sure passes so quickly. Even Rui has become a woman now.

.. Shishio.

Well, truthfully, the reason for our divorce isnt adultery Jou said inside his heart since he wanted to keep this secret deep inside his heart. Still, he might need someone to talk to tonight. However, he quickly changed the topic and asked, Shishio-kun, what do you think happiness is?

Happiness? Shishio looked at Jou, wondering whether the alcohol had hit him, so Jou asked him such a philosophical question. I think happiness is the feeling that power increases and that resistance is being overcome.

You have such a nihilistic view of happiness. Jou was speechless.

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Put aside my view about happiness, but I think everyone has their own description regarding it. Whether they can achieve their dream, get the woman they love, or even get a 500 yen on the street. Shishio was quite absentminded, then said, But I dont think my view is wrong, right?

Thats true. Jou was looking at the starry night and said, But for me, I think happiness is something that is achieved with your own two feet toward a goal that you chose for yourself. You cant be forced, bound, or directed to a certain path. You have to decide your own way of life. That way, you cant fault anyone else. And thats what I think true happiness is. I am happy because of that. Its not because Rui has chosen the same occupation as me. Its because I brought up a daughter who possesses a strong will to pursue her dream.

Shishio only glanced at Jou, but he didnt say anything. Personally, he disagreed with Jous view regarding happiness since, as he had said previously, everything depended on the people. Even something as small as finding a 100 yen coin on the ground was a form of happiness. Some even distorted views of happiness, such as being controlled or dying.

However, Shishio wouldnt say anything since he was too lazy to argue.

Tsukiko-san may get angry, but Im grateful to her. Jou looked at Shishio and asked, By the way, can you tell Tsukiko-san, but somehow I feel like shes hoping to leave Rui to me.

Not really, Shishio said plainly.

.. Jou.

Jou-san, you might not know when Rui told Tsukiko-obaasan she wanted to become a chef and learn under you, Tsukiko-obaasan cried.

C-Cry? Jou was dumbfounded.

I am not sure the real reason why you have divorced, but for her, you have done adultery. If a heart is like a body and can heal naturally, it will be great, but the wounds on the heart cant be seen, and no one knows when itll heal. Fortunately, she meets Akihito-ojiisan now. Shishio stood up and patted Jous shoulder. The damage has already been done, and theres no way everything can return like before. While he must admit the taste of adultery was amazing, considering the feeling of immorality just made it hard for him.

However, it was different for the one who got the tail-end. It was painful, losing confidence, and one felt they might die inside.

Shishio didnt know the real cause, but in the end, Jou cheated on Tsukiko and also hurt her.

However, Tsukiko had moved on, so if Jou was still feeling bitter about the past, it couldnt be helped since everything had a price.

The moment Jou decided to divorce because of the adultery, he hurt Tsukiko.

It was impossible if Jou wanted to get away with this uncomfortable feeling.

Shishio hoped Jou would remember this feeling for his life.

After all, Tsukiko was hurt, so it would be unfair if Jou were to be unscathed in this relationship when he was the cause of everything.

Youre so cold, Shishio-kun, Jou said with a bitter laugh, but he knew Shishio was right.

Cheating was wrong, and he had hurt Tsukiko. That fact didnt change. Even if the situation and the real cause of this incident might be different, the fact that Tsukiko thought he had cheated wouldnt change.

Anyway, please take care of Rui, Jou-san, Shishio said while bowing his head. He didnt really want to get involved in the relationship between Jou and Tsukiko since, in his view, their relationship had already ended. Therefore, there was no need to discuss this matter.

What was important was Rui, not them.

You dont need to worry. Shes my daughter after all, and I love her, so of course, Ill take care of her, Jou said firmly, showing that he was still a father who cared about his daughter.

Then, I am glad.

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The two didnt say much in the aftermath and just enjoyed the fruit wine under the starry night.