As soon as we reached the living room, my father went straight to the long couch, pulling my mother with him. He then settled down on it while using my mothers lap as a pillow.

Seconds later, he started snoring peacefully without any care about his appearance.

Seeing that, the three of us, including Miwa-nee, drew wry smiles.

Looks like my father was just holding onto his wits, fighting his drowsiness. Upon seeing a comfortable place to rest his body, he didnt hesitate at all to take it. Yet, he refused to just fall there. He secured his beloved next to him. Its as though he wouldnt be able to rest properly without her by his side.

Yep. Hes my father, alright. I could see myself doing the same thing but with all of my girls or whoevers closest to me.

Thats where we differ from each other Im not devoted to only one woman. Normally, thats a bad trait. However, I was getting away with it. My girls accepted the existence of each other.

Nee-san, another long day at work? Miwa-nee asked.

Obviously, she also noticed how the couple was still in their office attire. Whatever theyre doing, arent they being overworked?

Ah, well. Probably not my mother since her only job was to guard my father.

I understood that its probably related to the government and something I shouldnt try prying to find out. But I couldnt help but be curious about it.

I mean, this wasnt the first time that they were working until late into the night.

It must be something important

Its the same as always. No worries, he just needed some rest. My mother answered as she affectionately and gently brushed his hair, comforting him even in his sleep.

Hmm? What about you Nee-san?

Me? I got a good sleep earlier so its fine. That aside, you two should finish preparing and dont mind us.

Okay Ruki, can you help me here? Following my mothers word, Miwa-nee, who was still packing what we were bringing on this trip, called me to her side.

Before coming to her side, I faced my mother to remind her of something, Mom, this is probably just me being too uneasy but when will you tell me everything? Your reasoning for allowing me to be like this as well as how much youre helping me without my notice.

Upon hearing that, she did just what I expected.

She put on an oblivious look and acted as though she had no idea what I was talking about.

She then put a hand over her mouth, covering it before chuckling, Uneasy? Why so?

Dismissing almost everything that I said, she only focused on my first sentence.

I could feel myself wanting to release a heavy sigh but it didnt seem to be wise when in front of her.

Back when they had just returned weeks ago, I sat down with them here in the living room after the girls left

And from there, I learned about the true nature of their jobs. Furthermore, since it was the first time in five years that we sat down together as a family, I asked for forgiveness for bringing them trouble because of my desire. The three of us even cried as we shared an emotional moment back then.

However, what Miwa-nee revealed last night somehow blurred that one As it turns out, my mother was rooting for me to take another girl aside from Akane even before my desire manifested.

Its making me doubt whether she was just acting back then or that was her genuine feelings.

Add to that, she never truly answered most of my questions or the things that I wanted her to clear up.

Lets see. It feels like Im just a toy figure dancing under the tune of someone else. If thats understandable. I shrugged and explained it rather vaguely.

Nonetheless, she probably figured out what I was talking about. Shes smarter than even my father, after all

I thought she would continue that act but surprisingly, my mothers expression relaxed. Her playful smile disappeared and she gestured for me to come close.

I did just that and slightly bent my back so that she could whisper and I would be able to hear it just fine.

Baby boy, if anything, youre not that. If youre really curious, I can answer one of your questions Why did I allow you to pursue your own desire without objections? As her voice trailed there, I readied myself for what she was going to reveal.

Unfortunately, her next words put me down, Not now, baby boy. Youre going on a trip with Miwa. I cant have you be occupied by something else. Do enjoy this day first.

Is this another delaying tactic, mom?

Not really. I will definitely answer that question. Either when you arrive home later or tomorrow. I promise. Upon saying that last sentence, my mom showed a sincere expression.

She then reached for my cheek and dotingly caressed my face with her thumb, Youre our treasure, Ruki

Treasure, huh? Is that why they kept on protecting me? But without any proper reason, I couldnt really buy it.

In any case, I know for sure that my mom would never put me in harm's way.

Whatever answer she would give me later, its probably something devastating that would be able to ruin this trip for us.

I understand I already waited a lot. Whats half a day more? I nodded and placed my hand over hers before saying, As always, thank you, mom Also, please take care of Akane and Kana while were out.

Upon hearing that, my mother beamed another joyful smile, Leave it to me, baby boy. Ill prepare breakfast for my daughters-in-law. Its been a while since I used the kitchen. They wont forget my cooking like Hiyori-chan. Clapping her hands together, my mother rejoiced as she started thinking about what she was going to prepare for the two.

She even mentioned Hiyori who already had the experience of eating the dinner she prepared.

Leaving their side, I joined Miwa-nee to finish packing and prepared for our departure.

Anyway, I talked about this trip to the two of them last night. And although Kana and Akane told me that its fine to leave without waking them up, I thought of at least informing them about it.

Its better than letting them wonder in their half-asleep state why I disappeared from their side.

Thats why, after I changed into my hiking attire, I climbed up the bed and kissed their foreheads. Soon enough, the two opened their sleepy eyes and greeted me.

Since theres that lagging time wherein one wouldnt be able to distinguish dreams from reality, I waited for them to fully gather their wits before informing them.

And sure enough, the two scolded me for being too stubborn when they already said it was fine.

Well, its a shower of kisses after that before bidding me take care. With that done, I waited until they drifted to dreamland once more before leaving the room to meet up with Miwa-nee and the sleeping boy.

Mom, were going. Picking up the heavy bags, I called out to my mother who was still giving my old man a lap pillow.

Take care and enjoy the trip. She waved her hand and smiled.

Nee-san, thank you. Miwa-nee conveyed her gratitude once more which my mother returned with a slight nod and a pleasant smile.

Upon exiting from the door, we both looked up at the sky and sure enough, it was still dark and filled with the stars that Miwa-nee always admired.

According to what Miwa-nee told me, the hiking spot she picked was only an hour away from our house by car So, wed still be able to arrive there before the sun completely peeked out from the east.

Well, this should be my first time going on a hiking trip but with Miwa-nee that would double as a guide and mentor for me, I would definitely enjoy this with them.