129 – Parental Love

RAW

Shuichi, his face slightly flushed from the alcohol, savored the snacks Haruto had prepared. Feeling pleased by Shuichi’s reaction, Haruto sliced an onion and submerged it in a bowl of water.

"By the way, Haruto, did you enjoy today’s date?" Shuichi asked.

"Yes, I had a great time. It’s been a while since I visited an aquarium, but it was even more fun than I imagined," Haruto replied.

"That’s good to hear. Ayaka must have enjoyed it too, right? She’s always loved aquariums since she was little." Shuichi took a slow sip of beer, his gaze distant as if reminiscing.

"When she was younger, I often took her there. Ayaka especially loved dolphins. I still vividly remember her pointing at the dolphins swimming in the tanks and exclaiming, ‘I want to swim with them!’"

"That’s such a sweet memory," Haruto said, listening attentively while taking eggs out of the fridge.

"She and Ryota are like angels and treasures to me," Shuichi murmured, savoring a bite of chicken gizzards.

"But work has been hectic lately. Ayaka’s old enough to understand, so we sometimes ask her to be patient. But Ryota’s still young, and I don’t want him to feel lonely if I can help it."

Both Shuichi and Ikue ran their own business, which gave them more flexibility than regular office workers. However, the responsibility of their positions often required them to spend long hours away from home.

After taking a swig of beer, Shuichi turned his gaze toward Haruto.

"I really appreciate you, Haruto. You always take the time to play with Ryota, and it means a lot."

"Not at all. Ryota’s such a sweet kid. He cheers me up and gives me energy," Haruto replied as he cracked an egg into a bowl. Shuichi’s face brightened.

"Exactly! When Ryota sends me off to work saying, ‘Good luck at work, Dad,’ it fills me with energy for the day," Shuichi said with a beaming smile after another gulp of beer.

"And when I come home and Ayaka says, ‘Good job today, Dad,’ all my fatigue just melts away," he added while eating eggplant topped with cheese. "Family is truly amazing."

Seeing Shuichi’s love for his family, Haruto couldn’t help but smile as he cooked a rolled omelet.

"By the way, Haruto, can I ask you something?" Shuichi suddenly asked.

"Of course. What is it?" Haruto looked up from the frying pan to face Shuichi, who hesitated for a moment before speaking, his cheeks red from the alcohol.

"It might be a bit nosy of me to ask, but… what made you fall for Ayaka?"

Haruto paused for a moment, caught off guard by the question.

"Well…" he began, feeling a bit nervous about answering such a personal question from Ayaka’s father.

"For me, everything about Ayaka is wonderful. If I had to choose, I’d say I’m in love with everything about her. But if I had to highlight one thing, it would be her smile," Haruto said, transferring the fluffy rolled omelet onto a plate before meeting Shuichi’s gaze.

"Her smile is so radiant, like sunshine. It fills my heart with warmth and happiness, and I can’t help but want to see it all the time," he continued.

Ayaka’s beauty was often praised—she was even regarded as the most beautiful girl in their school. But Haruto believed her smile’s charm wasn’t just about her looks. It was her personality—kind, thoughtful, pure, and a bit quirky—that made her smile shine even brighter.

When Haruto explained this, Shuichi nodded enthusiastically.

"Haruto, I’m so glad you’re dating my daughter!" Shuichi said, downing the rest of his beer with gusto.

"Would you like another drink?" Haruto asked.

"I think I will, thanks!" Shuichi replied, handing over his glass. Haruto, contemplating making some clam miso soup for tomorrow, poured more beer into Shuichi’s glass.

At that moment, the living room door opened, and Ikue appeared in her nightwear.

"Oh, you’re home. Sorry, I didn’t notice," she said, tilting her head slightly as she approached. Shuichi raised his glass in greeting.

"Haruto’s treating me to some of his cooking," Shuichi explained cheerfully.

"Why don’t you join us, Ikue? Enjoy Haruto’s Izakaya," Shuichi suggested with a grin.

"My, you’re in quite a good mood. Did work go well today?" Ikue asked.

"It did! I think we’ve secured that deal," Shuichi replied proudly.

"That’s wonderful! We should celebrate," Ikue said, clapping her hands.

"Haruto, would you mind if I joined in?" she asked.

"Of course not. Would you like a drink too?" Haruto offered.

"Thank you, Haruto. I’d love some," Ikue said, sitting beside Shuichi at the counter. Haruto quickly poured her a glass of beer.

The three of them toasted together, laughing and chatting as they enjoyed the night. Haruto felt warmth spread in his chest as he witnessed the love and joy within this family.