The next morning, Akane and I stayed a few minutes longer in bed before getting up and starting our preparation for our day.

Taking care of the side effect of the tea aside, the two of us spent that extension cuddling in each others arms. At the same time, we watched as the sunlight gradually brightened up the outside and eventually spilled into our bedroom windows. Theres no other special reason, really.

Akane also didnt question me about it. One look and she immediately went along with my whim. To enjoy that moment with me.

A while later, we wrapped it up with another intimate kiss that we wouldnt get tired of. Following that, Akane went downstairs to prepare our breakfast. Her mother, Aunt Akemi would also come over to help her with that.

Akane told me about how she came over last night before I arrived home.

Well, shes already pregnant and possibly wanted to bond more with her daughter so... its understandable even if were just next door.

And since shed be here for breakfast, Uncle Satoru would also be around. I guess wed be having a family breakfast.

Next week, it will be my parents and Minoru coming over again. Well, theyre a little busy too so they couldnt really come over often.

As for the news about Miwa-nee, I called her last night too. Thankfully, she wasnt in bed when I did. We immediately switched to a video call and spent at least an hour just talking and catching up with what we missed about each other. Akane also joined in but only to greet Miwa-nee. She acted considerate again which was fine at that moment. I mean, its different when shed deliberately hold herself back just to be considerate of the other girls.

Anyway, Miwa-nee told me that the divorce procedure was already done. Unlike how it happened with Shio, there are a lot of formalities needed with her marriage considering it also involved her in-laws. As for the specifics, she spared me the complexities of it. She simply assured me that at the fastest, shed be home by next week or by the end of it.

Delighted and excited by that, I told her that we could go somewhere together when she returned. To celebrate her freedom well, its probably not in good taste to call it like that but whatever.

Miwa-nee laughed and scolded me for it but ultimately, she didnt reject my suggestion. Unlike me, she needed that to unwind or simply move on from her former marriage and start making more memories with me and Minoru.

I now have a week to prepare for that. Itll be like an extension of our time when we went hiking.

Mhm. Sounds like a good plan.

Once alone in our bedroom, I picked up my phone to send a morning greeting to everyone. One by one, I came up with not just a simple text but also voice messages for those who were still asleep some of them requested it last night. They wanted to hear my voice first thing in the morning. Since Im the love them all the same guy, I spared no one from my raspy morning voice.

Those who woke up from that called me back almost instantly, extending our morning greeting to a more fulfilling moment for us.

Next, I finished up with my usual study of Mizukis lesson and the practice of playing the keyboard.

I have yet to decide when to contact Mitsui Kyoka, it has only been three days since that night. I still hold onto that negative impression I have of her.

I mean, they walked out on us last Sunday. Does she expect me to contact her right away just because she left her business card? Hell no.

Mizuki also updated me about them anyway.

Hassen most likely took up my advice. His bookstore chain will be closed down temporarily starting today for renovations. Maybe Ill be hearing from Mizuki that hell be paying soon.

And Kyoka canceled her appearance on a live show tonight.

As for how Mizuki caught a whiff of that information, I have no idea. Maybe she has an insider close to them.

Anyway, thats that on the business side. As for the music... well, I still couldnt finish one song but I at least have started to get a hang on hitting the right notes. I still have a long way to go before I can even consider playing a piece for my girls, not to mention, sing along with it.

Uh. I guess Ill just be looking forward to their collaboration song. Akane and Yua were already excited about it. And then theres Miho whos continuously perfecting her craft to make a fitting melody.

And Yue... as the mastermind behind it, she already has everything prepared. Maybe before the camping trip this Friday, well be hearing from her manager, Kaoru-san.

After finishing up with all of that, I soon went downstairs, finding the pair of mother and daughter in the kitchen while Uncle Satoru was sitting in the living room as though he was waiting for me despite having a newspaper on his hands.

And sure enough, as soon as he noticed me arriving from upstairs, Uncle called out to me.

Ah. Sorry for the early intrusion, Ruki. You dont mind, right? His smile was friendly but I could easily sense how he was trying to size me up again. He still cannot move on from how I took his daughter away.

I guess thats how it is for most fathers. I cant help but think about Elizabeths father and his constant reminders when I visited them. Ugh. At least, Uncle Satoru wasnt openly hostile like him.

Of course, Uncle. I appreciate it. I think its great to do this once in a while.

Yeah. Right. We have to time these visits whenever your other girls arent around. With a smirk, he tried to take a jab at me that way.

Hmm? I dont see any problem with it. I think theyll also be pleased to get to know Akanes parents. I shrugged, intentionally deflecting his attempt.

But knowing those girls, theyre really going to be delighted by it rather than be afraid or embarrassed.

Nonetheless, it would really be disrespectful to either party if I did that so... this was just me playing with Uncle.

From the kitchen, I could see Aunt Akemi putting a hand on her forehead. She heard us.

As for Akane, shes snickering from her mothers side, clearly amused by our conversation.

I waved at them before addressing Uncle Satoru again.

Ah. Right. I think I havent congratulated you yet, Uncle. You got to it right away. Im honestly impressed.

You brat. Clearly riled up, Uncle Satorus face turned beet red as he tried his best to hold himself back from hitting me. Yeah... You should be good for that child in the future and dont teach him your ways.

Will it be a boy though? Besides, you can rest assured. I dont want anyone else to copy me. Ill advise anyone not to.

Of course, not because I dont want more competition. Its just honest advice. While its great and all to love my girls equally, it will be physically and mentally taxing if one just jumps on it without a certain conviction.

Itd be nothing more than just a failed attempt to make their frivolous dream come true.

Good... Good... Good... Its enough that theres only one of you or this world will be chaotic.

Did you dream of it, Uncle?

Many times! Especially when Im not around. Im afraid my... Ugh. Never mind. Just take care of my Akane and continue to be responsible for all your actions. I... No, well support you the best we can.

Thank you, Uncle. Ill take that advice to heart.

After a few more exchanges like that, Aunt Akemi soon called for us to the table. I guess she hurried as well to stop whatever tension that was getting built around us.

But all in all, its a fun exchange in the morning. Right? Yeah. Its probably not as fun for Uncle. But, oh well, he should get better at his responses to beat me.

Following, we had a sumptuous and harmonious breakfast. Seeing Akane enjoying dining with her parents again, Im more than satisfied with it.

Theres nothing more precious than seeing my girls genuine smile.