Since I saw my parents car parked there, it was not surprising to run into them. I was even thinking that this might be the chance to introduce them to Shizu.

She refused back then since she didnt want to be lumped with the other girls. At the present, shes more or less accepted that shes already the same as them. But she still believed that this was just a phase for me and us and there would come a day that shed remain as my only one. Thats how optimistic she was and it also proved how much she loved to be with me.

Now, I failed to anticipate that Hayashi-sensei and my mother would be acquainted. Perhaps, not just acquainted because Hayashi-sensei stopped in her tracks before focusing her eyes on the beautiful woman on top of the stairs.

Naturally, by doing so, my mother also saw me but instead of greeting me, she waited for Hayashi-senseis reaction.

Sayuri? What the hell are you doing here? Arent you abroad with your-- Her words were cut off when another figure appeared behind my mother.

Obviously, its my father. He also saw me but his eyes focused on Hayashi-sensei, a thin smile stretching from his lips.

Hmm? Hayashi, huh? Long time, no see. I suppose youll be here. That school is yours, after all.

Huh?! Dont give me that long time, no see crap, Hiroki! As though enraged by my fathers remark, Hayashi-sensei trudged the remaining steps and arrived in front of them.

She grabbed my fathers tie and was seemingly about to butt heads with him. On the other hand, my father wryly smiled and raised his hands to the side as a sign of surrender. My mother only stood to the side, giggling at what was happening while passing glances at Shizu and me.

Ruki, whats happening? A little dumbfounded at the scene happening in front of her, Shizu tugged at me and asked.

How should I answer this?

I have no idea but you see, those two are my parents? No. She also had no idea that they were connected to me, she was more focused on Hayashi-senseis bizarre actions.

Uh. Lets just come up and see for ourselves.

Having decided that, I tightened my hold on her hand and went up, only stopping next to my mother.

What has gone in your head? Isnt that a standard greeting?

Yeah, right. Its a standard greeting. But is that how youre going to be after running away from me.

Am I hearing this right? Is there a deeper connection between my father and... Hayashi-sensei?

I looked at my mother and she was still quietly giggling while watching what was unfolding in front of us...

What? I didnt run away. You know Im a married man.

That doesnt excuse you for running away. I only asked for a date and the next thing I knew you flew away to some foreign land!

I dont know if I will be amazed at my father who successfully escaped from committing infidelity to my mom or at Hayashi-sensei who openly declared how she asked a married man for a date. No less, in front of the mans wife and son.

Furthermore, I could understand now why Hayashi-sensei seemed to look at me favorably, shes probably aware that I am their son.

Dear, help me here. Not knowing what to do against Hayashi-sensei whose eyes glared at him viciously, he looked to my mother for help.

Whatever youre saying? You made that mess. Arent you envious of...? My mothers voice trailed as she took a side glance at me. Why dont you try it now? We can see how deep I can bury you on the ground.

Alright, although she didnt finish it, shes clearly talking about me. Back then my father blurted out a question to my mom and that ended up with my father being ignored and treated coldly right after.

Now, my mothers smile looked terrifying. Daring my father to do something instead of helping him...

Theyre really a hopeless and idiotic couple, huh?

Sayuri, you said you dont mind if I also gun for him.

Loosening her hold on my fathers tie, Hayashi-sensei then turned to my mother.

Yup, I did say that. But that didnt mean I wont put him down under for cheating on me. Makiko, shouldnt you have found a man by now? Were not getting younger.

She was still smiling but my father was already shaking on his feet. He also tried looking at me, perhaps asking for my assistance but I just avoided his gaze, leaving him to his fate.

But hearing that from my mother... Is my possessiveness inherited from her? I dont know.

Ugh. Youre always like this. You do know I only chased after one man in my life.

To think that Hayashi-sensei could be this devoted and my father being a chick magnet, I guess theres always something new to discover.

Unfortunately, hes mine. So, change your target already and get yourself a man... Anyway, dear, come here and lets greet our daughter-in-law.

Finally moving on from that topic, my mother turned to us. And after hearing that, my father dragged his feet and stood next to her.

Shizu, whos clearly confused at everything she witnessed, also turned to me. Shes silently asking me to tell her what the hell was going on.

Uhm... You havent met them yet but these two... Theyre my parents. I tried to be as sensible as possible as I presented them to her but upon hearing that, Shizus brain seemingly overloaded as she weakly fell on towards me.

I caught her and supported her body before.

Seeing that, my mom muttered, Oh, dear. What did we do to the poor girl?

Isnt this your fault, Hiroki?

Why me?!

Obviously, if you hadnt shown your face to Makiko, this wouldn't have happened.

Having been blamed for what happened, my father almost cracked down at Hayashi-sensei. But with my mother nailing it in his head, my fathers shoulder dropped as he surrendered to his wife.

... Well, I wouldnt add fuel to the fire by blaming him as well. In fact, its their fault. From what happened, I didnt know whether I would still call them adults or not. Thats an eye-opener.

In any case, I turned to them while I held Shizu tightly.

Mom, dad, I dont know what youre here for but... I guess I shouldnt ask, right? And sensei, I thought theres something urgent you need to do. Ill bring Shizu to that side and let her rest.

It was close to dark but since this place was already almost deserted, I found a spot at the side where we could sit down.

Leaving the three adults behind, I guided Shizu there. Well, shes still conscious and processing what happened. But the biggest shock she received was that she hadnt thought that they were my parents.

Ruki, what I heard... was that true? Having recovered from her shock and arranged her thoughts, Shizu looked up to me and asked.

Yes... I mean, look. I pointed in front of us. My mother and father were also waiting for her.

Shizu-chan, right? Even though this isnt the best situation, Im glad I finally get the chance to meet you... Im Onoda Sayuri. My mother extended her hand to Shizu. But instead of shaking hands with her, she placed it on top of her head and dotingly caressed it.

I... Its a pleasure to meet you, m-mother. Shizu tried her best to act normally but she still cutely stuttered, something seldom seen from her.