94 - Shuichi's Persuasion

RAW

Shuichi and Kiyoko stepped out from the living room onto the wooden deck in the courtyard.

As the dazzling sunlight poured down on them, both squinted slightly against the brightness.

"How lovely," Kiyoko remarked.

"I was too busy this year to manage it, but next year, I’d like to put planters here and grow all sorts of flowers," Shuichi said.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea," Kiyoko replied with a nod.

Shuichi gestured toward the sofa on the deck. "Please, have a seat."

"Thank you. I will," she said as she settled onto the sofa.

After confirming she was comfortable, Shuichi sat down on the sofa next to hers. The soft, cushioned seat sank gently under him, offering a cozy embrace that brought a smile to his face.

This deck and sofa were one of Shuichi's favorite parts of the house, a detail he had insisted on when building it.

"This is incredibly comfortable," Kiyoko said with a relaxed expression.

Even though summer break was over, the days remained oppressively hot. However, by early afternoon, the sunlight softened slightly, and the gentle breeze felt soothing against sunlit skin.

"This is perfect for sunbathing," she added.

"I'm glad you like it. Feel free to use this space whenever you need to relax," Shuichi said.

"Thank you," Kiyoko replied with a polite bow.

For a moment, they both leaned back into the sofas, enjoying the summer air and sunlight. Eventually, Shuichi broke the silence.

"Kiyoko, your grandson Haruto is a remarkable young man."

"Thank you. But I must say, I think Ayaka is a lovely and exceptional girl as well. Above all, she has a pure and kind heart," Kiyoko responded warmly.

"Thank you," Shuichi said with a heartfelt smile, clearly delighted by the praise for his daughter.

"Some might call it doting, but Ayaka has grown up to be such a sincere and straightforward child. She’s a little clumsy and loves being pampered, but she has a kind heart and is attuned to others' feelings."

"That’s not doting at all. I think Ayaka is exactly as you describe," Kiyoko said reassuringly.

Shuichi bowed slightly, grateful for her words. Then, looking straight into her eyes, he continued.

"I might not know Haruto very well yet. We’ve only known him for about a month. But I’ve spent all of Ayaka’s 17 years watching her grow."

Sitting up from the sofa’s backrest, he faced Kiyoko directly.

"Ayaka chose Haruto. As her father, I want to respect her decision. If she had made an obviously wrong choice, I’d feel obligated as a parent to guide her. But from what I’ve seen of Haruto, he’s an admirable young man."

Shuichi paused briefly, gazing up at the summer sky with narrowed eyes.

"I believe Haruto has what it takes to make Ayaka happy," he said with conviction.

"I appreciate your high opinion of Haruto, but..." Kiyoko trailed off, still hesitant about Haruto staying with the Tojo family.

Shuichi lowered his gaze from the sky to the courtyard, speaking thoughtfully.

"Haruto told me you were the one who taught him all the household skills he has."

"Yes, he’s a quick learner. He picks up anything he’s taught with ease," Kiyoko said proudly, her face softening under the summer sunlight.

"That’s incredible. Haruto’s competence is truly impressive," Shuichi agreed before posing another question.

"You taught Haruto all these skills so he could live independently someday, didn’t you?"

Understanding his meaning, Kiyoko lowered her gaze and nodded.

"I’m getting old. One day, I’ll leave Haruto behind. When that happens, he’ll be all alone, with no family to rely on. He’ll still need to live on, so I wanted him to manage everything on his own."

"The thought of being completely alone, especially at a young age, must be terrifying," Shuichi said.

Unlike Haruto, Shuichi was surrounded by family—his parents, his wife Ikue, their daughter Ayaka, and their son Ryota. The mere thought of losing them filled him with chilling dread.

While their circumstances differed, Shuichi empathized with the emotional burden Haruto must bear.

"Time is impartial," Kiyoko murmured. "But its fairness can be so cruel."

The two shared a moment of somber silence before Shuichi spoke again, his tone brighter.

"Time may take away, but it can also bring new family into one’s life."

"New family?" Kiyoko asked, momentarily puzzled.

Smiling warmly, Shuichi continued. "Of course, it’s ultimately up to the individuals involved. Parents shouldn’t interfere unnecessarily. But as a parent, it’s natural to wish for your child’s happiness. And sometimes, guiding them a little isn’t so bad, is it?"

Kiyoko listened as Shuichi’s smile deepened, though his eyes reflected a serious resolve.

"Whatever choices Haruto and Ayaka make, I will respect them. But if they choose to walk the same path, we’ll gladly welcome him into our family."

Kiyoko’s eyes widened, stunned by Shuichi’s words.

"You’ve thought this far ahead?"

"I’ve discussed it briefly with Ikue, and she agrees with me," he replied.

Realizing how much the Tojo family valued Haruto, Kiyoko was both surprised and moved. Shuichi pressed on.

"Kiyoko, do you find Haruto endearing?"

"Of course," she answered firmly, despite being caught off guard by the sudden question. Haruto was her cherished grandson, someone she adored more than anything.

"Then imagine how precious his children—your great-grandchildren—might be."

"My great-grandchildren..."

The unexpected mention left Kiyoko momentarily speechless.

"Haruto has such striking features. Perhaps his children will inherit that handsomeness. And if it’s a girl, maybe she’ll resemble Ayaka. Just the thought brings a smile to my face," Shuichi said cheerfully.

"Haruto’s children..." Kiyoko’s mind drifted to the memory of holding newborn Haruto. She recalled the warmth and weight of his tiny form, a mix of lightness and profound significance.

If she could experience that joy again within her lifetime...

Realizing her hands were trembling with emotion, Kiyoko looked up as Shuichi spoke gently.

"Even if they live under the same roof, I expect Haruto and Ayaka to maintain proper boundaries as students. I trust them to act responsibly."

He had only suggested Haruto stay with them because he believed in Haruto’s character and his ability to cherish Ayaka.

"They’re no longer thoughtless children," Shuichi added.

"You’re right," Kiyoko finally replied with a nod.

"I don’t know what decisions Haruto will make, but if he ever wishes to make Ayaka happy, please welcome him as part of your family," Kiyoko said, bowing deeply.

"Of course. Happily," Shuichi replied, bowing in return with a warm smile.