Good morning, Uncle. Its 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 Harukos politeness, his face straightened up as he smiled and replied to my girl.

Oh. Youre too polite. Haruko, am I right? Thanks for putting up with my incomprehensible son.

Dad. Incomprehensible? Isnt that too much?

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

Maybe hes talking about something else. I dont know.

Unfortunately, his mood mustve been truly terrible as his response was a snide remark.

What? Should I praise you?

Ah. I think I know why hes 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 its your fault.

My fault? Whats 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... hed surely be cheerful again once he sees Mom.

Thats 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 didnt say anything.

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

Dad, cheer up. She also wont 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, shes 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 havent 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-senseis gloom.

That happened, hubby?

Yeah. But I wont call it cheering her up. I just did my job of reporting to the task she set for me. Also, we talked about how shes 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, theres no denying it anyway.

Uh. Yeah. Something like that.

Pfft. There you go again with your kindness and consideration. You still havent learned your lesson. Or... it must be something you deemed needed in that situation.

I think its the latter.

After Arisa pointed out that trait to me, I was already extra conscious about exerting my overly considerate acts. However, its still probably slipping sometimes or whenever I thought its 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, Its amazing that theres 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, thats not it, Uncle. I think of it like this. This guy is pretty much coldhearted to most people. Only if hes 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 girls answer, my fathers 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 its coming from Haruko, its 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.

Thats how it is. Its not just one instance. It already happened a lot of times. If Im watching and observing them carefully and thoroughly, theyre the same toward me.

Hubby, Uncle is watching.

Its fine. Im just hugging you. Also, you can call him father, Im sure he wont 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 dont mind it if you start calling me father. Youre my sons beloved. Even if youre not married yet, you and the others are already considered part of our family.

I apologize, father but... arent you too lenient on Ruki?

Thats a valid question. No matter who, if they found out about how my parents were pretty lax regarding my complex relationship, theyd 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 theres 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, Ill 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. Thats how it is. I nodded as I helped my girl put on the seatbelt.

Thats actually true. My mother didnt give me a straight answer before. Nonetheless, whatever the case is... Im sure theyre 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. Its fine, father. Hes 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... Its not a problem.

Alright. Thank you. Ill 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. Theyre also acquainted with Haruko's father, huh?