~

Chime ringing, students chattering, another school day had ended.

"Hina-chan!" The door of the class opened widely and my cousin, Kaoru was breathing heavily as she ran towards me "Hina-chan, sorry, I promised that I'll go to your house today... but, I can't today! I promised mom that I would go do the grocery today"

"It's fine. We can walk up to the station. Or are you in hurry?"

"I received a message from mom and she said that we'll meet at the station. She said she'll be there in 30 minutes, we have plenty of time, I am sure she can wait"

"I understand, I'll just drop this to sensei, then let's go"

"Oh gosh, can a pseudo-Akashi and her so called cousin keep it quiet!" We turned towards that voice and it was one of my classmates, who didn't like me and kept on harrassing me since first year. Well, what was the reason? because they found out that I was only adopted, and even found out my mother's family background. They highly think of Akashi group after all, and they didn't like the reality that daddy adopted someone like me, and got married to mommy, who was from a middle class family.

"Hina-chan, don't bother them. They've been like that ever since"

"Don't worry, I don't. It's a waste of time and breathe" as I said that, they glared at me

"Bitch!"

"You as well" I responded back

"Hina, Kaoru, we'll walk with you to the station. There's a new cake shop there, and we wanted to try them. Why don't you two come with us as well?"

"Sorry, I can't. I promised mom today that I'll go grocery with her. How about Hina-chan?"

"I also can't, sorry. Daddy is still in vacation. He knows that I don't have club activity today, so I need to go home early. I wanted to go though" I sighed "he knows that I'll play today with Kaoru, so I need to go home."

"Hina, your father is really strict. You are already in your third year, and you still need permission" they sighed in disappointment but giggled at the same time

"But that's expected from Akashi Seijurou-sama! He's handsome, and very mysterious, but he cares too much for his family!"

Contrary to those girls, my friends praised Daddy too much, but I couldn't help but agree to them. He really cares too much towards his family, especially to mommy.

We went to drop a list to my coach, list of first years who would be part of the practice game next week. I became part of this club, probably because of daddy's influence.

~

After dropping by the teacher's office, we head out of the school, but then noticed students gathering on the gate.

"What's going on?" We questioned each other, but my eyes landed on the center of the commotion, and a familiar face that I only knew through video call and photos stood there, with sleepy eyes.

"Kei-kun?!" I called him in surprised as I approached him

"Hina-chan!" It's really him, and his voice was deeper compared to video calls. He became taller, way taller! And handsome!

But wait! He ran towards me insyead and I was immediately caged in a tight embrace

"Kei... I can't.... b...re-"

"I miss you so much! It's been how many years!" He moved back and since he is way taller than me, I feel my neck would feel strain. Puberty really hits him hard.

"Me as well, but this is a surprised! You didn't tell me you are coming back! We talked just two nights ago! When did you arrive?"

"I wanted to surprise you" he grinned then made a peace sign "I just drop by the hotel we are staying, then immediately went here to wait for you. I couldn't wait to see you after all!"

"Kei-kun..."

I was about to say more when I heard my friends coughing behind me, making me realized the situation I was in

"Hina-chan, care to introduce him to us?" My friends teasingly smiled

"Hello, I am Dojima Kei, Hina-chan's childhood friend. Please to meet you all" he introduced himself and I looked at him in confusion "I'll explain later" he whispered

They giggled and I knew well that they were dying to tease me

"Anyways, let's go." I initiated and we all headed to the station.

~

"I was planning if I should go to your house right away, but I saw your story in Instagram that you were still here."

"I do have lots of questions though"

"I can explain later when we arrived in your house. I can't wait to see (f/n)-san and your daddy. Well, I met Seijurou-san once in America, but that was three years ago. But anyways, the line is sure fast, despite having lots of customers."

We ended up being here in the cake shop as well. Kei-kun decided to buy a cake for mommy and the others. My friends would be staying, for us, we would be bringing it home.

But to think that just two nights ago, I was talking to him in line. And now, he's here.

I am worried to what will be daddy's reaction for this.

~

After buying the cake, we took the bus and we headed to our house. But before entering,

"For some reason, I got too nervous" Kei-Ken suddenly stopped "I mean, it's been how many years! Does (f/n)-san still remember me?"

"Except for Shun, everyone remembers you. I always tell Mommy about you" I grabbed his hand and chuckled "Let's go, I am sure mommy will be surprised!"

We entered the house andI immediately inform them with a loud energetic voice "I am home!"

However, no one responded. After removing our shoes, we went to the living room, and it was then mom just came out of their room, with Yukito, our 3rd sibling. Mommy gave birth to him during winter of my 1st year high school, and it was me and Shun thought of his name, means snow and excellence. Seemed like he just woke up from his nap. She shouldn't carrying him though

"Welcome home, Hina" mommy greeted me with a smile, and I could see his eyes gazing at me then to Kei "and this is...?"

"Mommy, it's Kei-kun!" I excitedly told her and her eyes widened in surprised

"It's Kei-kun?! Oh my gosh! He's entirely different from pictures!" Mommy approached us with wide smile as she hold his shoulder, then his cheeks "you are so handsome and tall! Welcome home! When did you come back?"

"It's been a long time, (f/n)-san" Kei-kun replied with a smile as well "I arrived this morning with my secretary"

"Yukito, it's Kei-niichan, your nee-chan's boyfriend"

"Mommy!"

"Not yet, eventually" even this guy here

"Oh, not yet, I'm looking forward then, but good luck as well. For the meantime, we'll hide scissors and pointy items here, for your own safety" Mommy sounded as if she was joking, but she was serious

"Anyways, what's with these two?" I turned my eyes towards daddy and Shun, who were so focus on what they were doing that they didn't notice that I already came home. "Why can I feel a dark menacing aura between them? They sure are so serious and focus. Daddy is even carrying Miou." I sighed

Miou is our youngest sister, and actually just two week old. Daddy and mommy decided to have one more, so Yukito has someone close to his age. Daddy was the one who named her, means beauty and cherry blossom, she was born when cherry blossom was blooming on their fullest.

Yeah, even daddy didn't want to see mommy on that state, they decided to have one more. But they said, it's enough already. It depends on daddy though.

"They've been playing chess for quite a while now. They are so focus that they didn't notice things around them. Good thing Miou is sleeping" Mommy sighed

"What's the merit?" I questioned then got Yukito from mommy "also mommy, you just gave birth to Miou and also just got out of the hospital, don't push yourself too much"

"I am fine." She chuckled but I still got Yukito from her "the two had a bet"

"Bet?" Kei and I asked at the same time

"The loser will wash the dishes for a month, and also clean the house. They told me to rest as well."

"What a one sided game... daddy is being childish" I shook my head

"In any case, why don't you two come in. I'll hide the scissors and pointy things close to your daddy."

Mommy left and we went to the dining table to put the cake, and also wait for the two to finish their battle.

~

And after half an hour, while mommy and Kei-kun were catching up, and Yukito was eating cake, we heard Shun groaned in annoyance.

"I lost again?! Why do I keep on loosing?"

"It's obvious. So, I'll leave the house chores to you" Daddy chuckled as he stood up

"Why did they even start that bet?" I curiously asked mommy "Don't tell me, what happened this morning?" Mommy nodded as she stood up and approached them

"This morning?" Kei-kun looked at me and tilted his head, curious to what happened

"Well, mommy just gave birth to Miou, right? This morning, I noticed mommy was so tired and noticed that she was enduring the pain in her body. So when those two came down for breakfast, I complained to them not to give mommy too much work. Since both of them don't have work and class today, I asked them to let mommy rest, since she didn't have much sleep, and she kept on doing household chores. But to think they decided to do a bet is beyond unbelievable"

"But at least they decided to do it"

"Oh, Hina, you are already home" I turned towards daddy and he was smiling but his gaze immediately landed to Kei-kun,

"Welcome home, nee-chan, and to think you brought a guy home. You have guts. And nii-chan, good luck. I can feel a dark ambiance behind me." Shun chuckled as he stood up "let me carry Miou. I'll put her in her crib"

"Yeah, thanks" daddy gave Miou to Shun, and he approached us, his killing intent is so high. "You have guts coming here, who the hell are you?"

"You know him though" I sighed

"I don't know him."

"Don't intimidate him. That's Kei-kun" Mommy slapped daddy's back stopping him.

"Kei-kun...? Who the heck is that?"

Shun laughed as he sat next to Yukito, having a plate and fork on him "It's futile, daddy is shaken right now that he forgets everything. His head right now, 「My daughter had brought a guy home, she will be taken from me」!" Shun teasingly looked at me, as he took a bit of the cake

"Daddy, he is Grandpa Takahiro's grandson, the kid before. Also, you met him when you went to America, right?" I reminded him

Daddy looked at him, and he was really irritated. "Ah, that brat. You are back already? Why?"

"Seijurou, fix your tone" Mommy angrily told him, I mean daddy is scary, but he didn't want mommy getting mad at him

"It's okay, (f/n)-san. Hina-chan already told me about it. It's been a while, Seijurou-san"

"Why did Hina need to tell you about me?"

"You don't need to answer that" Mommy told Kei-kun then sat next to him "then, are you going to stay here for good? Are you transferring to Hina's school?"

"Ah, I already graduated from high school. I finished last term, but I will go back on June for the ceremony. Then, I'll start university in September term instead. Ah right, can I bring Hina-chan with me when I go back to America? To attend my graduation" He asked and mommy was about to response, but Daddy immediately objected

"Of course you can't."

"Then, how about let's go?" Mommy sudden asked me and Shun, even Yukito "let's leave your daddy here. We can go to America and attend Kei-kun's graduation. We can leave your daddy here by himself"

"Don't decide on your own, and don't leave me aside. Also-"

"Oh, you are coming with us? Then, we'll leave the tickets to you" Mommy really knows how to control daddy now "oh, then what you are going to do now while waiting?"

"I'll study Japanese, how to write and read. I can do conversation, but I am no good with writing and reading." He chuckled dryly "then, I'll find a part-time job as well"

"No need" daddy sighed then crossed his arms "go to the main branch tomorrow, 8 sharp."

"Eh?"

"Just go there. No more question. Where are you staying?"

"Arima-jii is still looking for an apartment. So for the meantime, we are staying in a hotel" he answered receiving another sigh from daddy, who went behind mommy

"Bring that secretary of yours as well." He told Kei-kun then hugged mommy from the back "I want to take a bath, do you want to go with me?"

"I already took one when you were having an intense battle with Shun. Go, we'll wait you here."

Even though daddy was hesitant to leave, he still left to take a bath since he said he felt sweaty and his blood was boiling, so he needed to freshen up. Mommy went to get Miou from her crib, since she was already awake

"Daddy is really childish" Shun complained once daddy was already inside their room

"But I really look up to Seijurou-san and (f/n)-san." Kei-kun suddenly commented that made me asked why all of a sudden "because even how many years had passed they show how they love each other, and even got two more babies after Shun. I am really in this impression that they don't even quarrel"

"In my memories, I haven't seen them fight though" I made a deep thought that even Shun said he also didn't "at least not in front of us"

"We did quarrel" mommy chuckled as she came back with Miou "but yes, not in front of the kids, it's improper after all"

"That's a surprise, I didn't know mommy and daddy quarrel as well" I commented in surprised

"Was there a quarrel that you clearly remembered, (f/n)-san?" Kei-kun suddenly asked

"Hmmmm... there were quite few..." mommy made a deep thought then suddenly "ah! There was one, when Shun was just a month old. We didn't even talk for I think three days"

"...eh?!" We all looked at her and she was smiling from ear to ear

"Whose fault...?" Shun sudden asked

"It was mostly your daddy's fault. He had pride as well after all, but in the end he apologized. I didn't know what changed his mind though"

"I'm curious what happened!" I hastily told her "I mean, it's a rare story! I never heard you quarrel after all"

"Me too, I want to hear what daddy did to you, so I won't do it in the future" Shun seriously added

"That was about a month after Shun was born, when he came home late and was so tired."

~flashback~3rd's POV~

(F/n) was about to sleep when her husband came home, sighing and was clearly in bad mood

"Welcome home, are you okay?" She asked but Akashi just put his palm up, stopping her "if you want to just let out your stress, it's fine though, just talk." She continued then told him what happened to them that day "do you want something to eat? Drink?"

"(F/n), I am tired. Stop talking to me for now. You don't have anything to do at all, but for me, I am tired physically and mentally."

"Seijurou, did you just say... I don't have anything to do?" (F/n) asked in disbelief "I know I don't have work, but that doesn't mean I don't do anything. I am trying to at least lift your mood. I know you are tired, but you can tell me in a nice way not criticizing and assuming that I don't do anything"

"(F/n), I am tired. I don't have time to argue with you, so don't talk to me for now"

"I understand. I won't talk to you." (F/n) immediately responded as she went to their room and went to bed first

Akashi sighed in annoyance as he went inside their room, took a bath and sleep.

~

That next day, Akashi woke up finding (f/n) and Shun nowhere. When he got out, the TV was already on, and the usual breakfast was already served, but still (f/n) wasn't there.

He prepared to work, and left without seeing (f/n).

He continued his day at work as always.

When he got home, he didn't see (f/n) again, but Hina was there on the living room, and dinner was already served.

He went to bed first as he was so tired, but he knew (f/n) was there since he could hear her voice coming from the living room.

The next day, Akashi woke up early to find (f/n) nowhere once again. However he remembered that it was the same since Shun was born, (f/n) would always wake early, and breakfast was already served.

He again went to work without seeing her again, but this time, Akashi knew already that (f/n) wasn't talking and making sure not to show herself on purpose.

He went home that day again to see dinner was already served, and house was cleaned as always, and laundry was already taken care of. Shun was sleeping on the crib on the living room, and Hina was studying. He asked Hina where (f/n) was, and she just answered that she didn't know, but she was sure (f/n) was somewhere inside.

He ate dinner then took a shower after resting for 15 minutes, and since once again he was tired, he went to bed first.

That night, he didn't know what time it was, but he could hear Shun's cry from somewhere, and (f/n)'s voice trying to calm him down. But again, he slumbered to deep sleep

The day again started with him seeing (f/n) nowhere, and breakfast was already served.

He again went to work without seeing her, but this time, he was thinking what would be the reason why he wasn't seeing his wife.

As he entered the building, one of his staffs bumped to him from behind. He turned to that person, and it was one of his employee from the advertising department

"Are you okay? You look pale" Akashi worriedly asked him seeing the dark circles below his eyes, and his pale colour

"My apologies, Akashi-sama. I just didn't have enough sleep"

"Didn't you ask for off these past days? What's the problem?"

"No, it's nothing, it's a personal matter. I apologize that I bring my problem here"

"Tell me what is it since it may affect your work. It will be more problematic"

The man hesitated at first then he explained his situation

"Actually, my wife just gave birth to our daughter. Even though she just gave birth, she was doing the chores in the house during the day, even looking after our daughter at night. She didn't have enough sleep, since if she would our daughter would cry. I am thankful for her effort, since even though she mustn't since her body is still not back in condition she do those things. I said we could share the work, but she was being considerate for my work. She didn't want me to stress too much, and she even go to other room just so I can sleep properly. But because my wife did those, she got sick and I'm the only one who can look after her and our daughter. I supposed to call today not to work since she's still not okay, but she again told me that's she's okay already. I couldn't help but worry more"

Hearing what his employee said, Akashi remembered what he said to (f/n) few nights ago, even realizing now all the things that were happening in his own household

"I understand. Go home now and look after them. Don't return here until your wife isn't in good condition, and you need to rest as well. I'll talk to the HR and tell them that I personally give you vacation leave, and you'll be paid. Make sure to look after your wife, and rest as well, so that you can return here and work properly"

"Eh? Is it really okay? I feel bad though" his employee asked in disbelief

"Yeah, also thank you"

"Eh?"

"Thanks to you, I realized how inconsiderate I am as a husband. Anyways, go home now."

His employee was confused from the words he said, but bowed down towards him and thanked him multiple times as he left the building.

As for Akashi, he stood there as he called the HR and told them about the employee, then he called Momoi

"Momoi, can you handle my schedule and change them?"

"I think I can. Which one do you want to change?"

"From today until next week. If you can handle them without me, then proceed. But if you can't, then reschedule them or cancel them. I need to free my schedule starting today until next week"

"I understand. I'll see what I can do. I'll inform you the changes through mail. You can response even tonight"

"Yeah, thanks"

Akashi ended the call then made another call to the main house

"Watanabe, is there someone going still to our house after (f/n) gave birth?"

"No, (f/n)-sama requested not to anymore. She said that she can go send and pickup Hina-sama in school, since it's an exercise for her and a breathe for Shun-sama. For household chores, he said that it's light chores so it would be okay. Is something wrong?"

"I'll call you again later." Once he ended the call, he sighed "I am such a horrible person for saying those words to her"

~

He wanted to buy something for his wife on the way home, however, he knew well that his wife didn't want any flowers nor chocolates, so he just went home straight.

When he came home, he didn't speak but instead, he silently entered the house.

There in the living room, he found his wife in the couch, her eyes closed, while tapping the back of their new born baby. She was humming then Shun cried again, and (f/n) tried to calm him again

"I am really terrible for saying those words" he mumbled then carefully put his attaché case on sofa. He approached them then sat down next to her, resulting for her to open her eyes in surprised

"Seijurou?! Ahre? You are home already? What time is it? Sorry, I'll prepare di-"

"(F/n)" he interrupted her with soft voice "I'll look after Shun. I'll do the household chores today. I'll look after Hina. I'll make sure you won't be interrupted while you are sleeping. I'll do that as how you do it for me."

"Seijurou... why so suddenly? How about work?"

"Don't worry about my work. Right now, I want you to rest. Don't worry about anything else." Akashi hugged them kissing her cheeks "sorry for saying those words. I was so inconsiderate of your situation. I am sorry"

"... I am also sorry for acting like that. I didn't thought of your situation as well. I didn't want to get in your way as well, so I purposely didn't show myself."

"It hits hard to me. I was empty. Sorry again, (f/n). Now then, go and sleep. I'll look after Hina and Shun."

"But..."

"(F/n)" Akashi held her cheeks and caressed it "you are so pale. You haven't slept much, right? Then you do household chores as well. You cooked our breakfast, lunch, even dinner. You just gave birth and your body is still not in good condition. So go and rest."

Akashi got Shun from her, then lead her to their room.

And before he left, he kissed her on the lips and assured her again to leave everything to him, and just rest.

~present time~Hina's POV~

"And from then, Seijurou looked after Shun, even during at night. But since he needed sleep as well, I decided to take turns. He even took a week off from work just for that. But even until now, I don't know what made him realized about that"

"And here I thought it was a major quarrel, it's just a normal argument" Shun sighed in disappointment

"Also, Daddy was able to resist not seeing mommy... that was a surprised!" I added

"(F/n)-san said he was busy that time. But as expected, it only took him about 3 days"

"I purposely not showed myself to him. But ever since then he knew what to do, and we only argue with small matters. If we had argument, we solve it right away." Mommy assured us

"Were there times you got jealous, mommy? Or daddy got jealous of someone?" Shun suddenly asked making mommy think

"Hmmmm.. aside from when we before get married... there was none. We argued with small matter."

"Well, daddy wouldn't tell you that after all." Shun commented making mommy looked at him

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing" Shun took a bite of his cake. I shook my head in disbelief

"Are you hiding something from me?" Mom suspiciously looked at Shun then to me "Shun, Hina?"

"Don't worry mommy, there's none" though I said that

"No, Shun's face is saying there is"

"Nee-chan was there too" Shun pointed me, and I just looked at him in disbelief

"Really? You really need to mention that?" I asked him in annoyance then turned to mommy, and she's waiting for my answer "well, there was someone before, who was lurking around daddy. But daddy clearly told that woman that he is married with 3 kids."

"So that means it happened just recently?"

"Around your birthday two years ago" Shun answered

"What happened?"

~flashback~

In order to celebrate Mommy's birthday, Shun and I decided to go to daddy's company to ask his opinion and suggestions

When we arrived there, Shun and I heard daddy's voice from his office. Instinctively, Shun and I lean our ears on the door to listen

"Get out of this building and don't ever return here!"

"Come on! Don't say that. I am sure that you are already over with your wife. I don't mind being your mistress. I am young, and can satisfy you in bed. Your wife can she even satisfy you? I am sure that if you have sex with me, I can bring you to heaven"

"I am sure I'll go in hell for killing you here" even though we were outside, we could feel the intimidating chilly voice from him "I am married with 3 kids, and I only need my wife. I don't need your delusions. You dare to insult my wife in front of me. Hiregaki, get out of this building and never return here! I will also inform your company that I will cut all ties with them as well"

"Wait! My family has nothing to do with this!"

"No, you came here as representative of your family. Everyone will take responsibility of your foolishness! Get the hell out of here!"

"Yeah, get the hell out of here you ugly bitch! Daddy, call a security guard to drag this woman out of here" Shun suddenly entered the room, and his demeanor was like daddy's "ugly woman!" He scoffed to this, well, yes, ugly woman also..

"Her perfume is killing me" I pinched my nose and really got annoyed "it's hideous!"

"I am glad I have a cold and I can't smell it" Shun chuckled, and yes, he actually got a cold, and was wearing a mask "daddy, we are here to talk about mommy's birthday. Call a security guard already and drag that woman out of here. She's annoying"

"I already did" daddy responded as I went towards the air purifier, turned it on into its maximum speed, and also added a vanilla scented on it.

Not long after, two guards arrived and well dragged the woman, who was still complaining and resisting, asking daddy to don't cut ties with her family. In the end, she was banned in all Akashi group buildings.

Shun and I got into trouble for coming unannounced, and for listening. He also told us not to tell mommy because it's unnecessary.

~present time~

"So that happened. Daddy clearly told her, so nothing to worry about"

"And why are you telling her that? I clearly told you that it was unnecessary, so don't tell your mommy" Daddy's voice came out from their room

"Shun told mommy. But there's really nothing to worry, because mommy is just curious." I explained then turned to Shun, who gazed away as if it wasn't him who started it "right mommy?"

"Yeah, I am just curious" mommy agreed, but why did I feel a chill from her response

After that, daddy decided to just order food for dinner, not letting mom cook food. We enjoyed dinner with Kei-kun, and he was bombarded with questions by Shun and especially by daddy.

~

That night, when Kei-kun arrived in the hotel they were staying, we talked for a while, then I decided to end the call because he looked so tired. I promised to hang out with him during weekend since I had no club activities, and tomorrow would be our last day for exams.

As I was in the middle of studying, I felt my throat dry, realizing the snacks mommy prepared had already gone.

To breathe out from studying, I decided to go down and get more. However, once I opened the door, I heard daddy and mommy's voice coming from the living room

"As I said, I am not angry. I finally found out the reason of your action that time. My whole body was hurting all over" hearing mommy's words, I got what she meant and I am having a secondhand embarrassment hearing them

"But I can't help it, even though how many years had passed, the only person who could satisfy me is you. And even until now, I love your expressions, your sexy moans-"

"Seijurou- make sure to don't say that in front of our kids"

"Eh? Why?"

"They are still young, and it's embarrassing. Well, Hina is already at that age, but still saying that in front of them is prohibited- Seijurou? What's wrong?"

"...soon.. someone will get my Hina, and someone will say that to her..."

"Someone? Kei-kun, right?"

And to stop these two for their unnecessary talk, I went down and called them, pretending as if I didn't hear their conversation

"Ahre? Daddy? Mommy? What are you doing there?" I called them as I flight down the stairs

"I'm getting milk for Miou, your daddy just tagged along. How about you? Are you done studying?"

"I am getting a new drink. I will study for one more hour then sleep."

"Don't study too much. It might back fire to you. You need to have plenty of rest as well" daddy told me then he got a new glass of juice for me.

"Thank you, Daddy. Then, just thirty more minutes. I am just reviewing the stuffs I am unsure of. I'll continue tomorrow" I responded and curiously asked daddy "by the way, daddy, what are you going to do with Kei-kun? You don't have work tomorrow though"

"I'll go to the company tomorrow for that. After dealing with him, I'll go home." He responded not answering my first question though. But he sighed then crossed his arms

"Eh? Why are you getting annoyed?!" I asked in disbelief

"Your daddy is just having a complicated feeling. Don't mind him." Mommy chuckled as she was busy preparing milks for Miou "he is bound to help Kei-kun, who will take his precious daughter from him"

"He needs to be worthy first"

"Oh wow, are you Odin? He is Thor? Come on, Seijurou"

"Gosh you two" I shook my head "we are not yet going out though"

"Not yet?!"

"Daddy, your reaction is way too over exaggerated. It will bound to happen. Anyways, I'll go back to my room now. Good night" I excused myself and left to my room to study once again

~

That next day, a day full of exams once again, but good thing today would be the last day. My friends and I decided to celebrate, and I already asked permission from daddy. Starting Monday, club activities would resume so we won't be able to go

However,

"Hina, your childhood friend again" I heard one of my friends. I turned to him and he finally noticed me

"Hina-chan!" He excitedly called me

"Kei-kun, aren't you with daddy?" I curiously asked

"We're done already. He went home after sending me here. He said you could go home past your curfew today"

"We'll go celebrate today. Do you want to join us?" I asked and he shook his head

"Ah no, actually, since you didn't have your phone, your daddy asked me to give it to you. So in case you wanted him to pick you up." He handed my phone and chuckled "he said that you forgot it"

"Ah, I intentionally left it. Daddy gave me curfew until 8pm today after all, so surely 30 minutes before that he'll call me non-stop. But to think he would still give it to me." I chuckled dryly "and, how about Kei-kun? Where are you going now? That was all you came here for?"

"Yeah, I'll go to a nearby tailor shop to buy business suit after all. Your daddy got mad at me for going to the company in such clothes. So he said starting Monday I need to wear business suit, so I'll go there and buy some"

"Why don't we go with you?" My friends suggested "we can go then once your done, you can join us. We want to know more about Hina-chan's childhood friend after all."

"Eh? No, it's fine. I don't want to get in your way. I am really just here to give the phone."

"It's fine. Let's go. We don't have anything particular to do, so let's go"

And in the end, he was dragged by my friends and they led him to the tailor shops in the city.

~

We went around the city to find tailor shops, but my friends were baffled seeing the prices of one business suits. After going around 5 shops,

"I actually don't mind about the price." Kei-kun finally told them, seems like he didn't want to go to the next one anymore.

"But this shop..."

We all turned towards the shop's sign and yes, it was the most expensive shop in the city.

Kei-kun entered the shop and I followed him, in which the others also followed us.

The staffs greeted us, and immediately Kei-kun told the staffs

"I'll buy all the suits in this row, with my size, then send them over to the hotel we are staying"

"Aren't you buying too much? You are like daddy when buying suits. Since it's troublesome to try them, he would just buy one or two rows. Then if he doesn't like it, he would throw them away making mommy in furious."

"If I don't like it, I still wear them, but semi formal style. Well, we are here anyways, I'll try one to make sure about the size." He approached one of the staffs getting two different sizes "I'll try these two and see which size fits me."

I sighed as I watched him being led to the changing room.

"Hina, your boyfriend is like your daddy"

"He isn't my boyfriend" I corrected "where are we heading next though?"

"We'll wait you two outside and think where to go next. Being inside here feels like we are in entirely different world"

"I understand, I'll see you outside."

I stayed inside and sat down outside the changing room, browsing the magazines they had. Not long after, he came out wearing the dark maroon suit he chose, he didn't put the necktie

"That looks good on you, sir!" The staff complimented him

"Black and dark blue ones looks good on you as well" I added

"The black one that I got is a bit tight." He responded then turned to the staff "then I'll get a whole row of full suits, black, dark blue and maroons. I'll wear it like this already. Hina-chan, can you help me pick up some neckties?"

"Aren't they all the same?" I curiously asked "daddy also asked mommy to do that" I complained but still complied "why do you need to buy anyways? Are you going to be a businessman already?"

He chuckled and nodded "today, your daddy told me what to do. Grandpa and your daddy seemed talked about what supposed to happen to me once I return here."

"And?"

"Oh yeah." Kei-kun turned to the staffs "Don't ship them out right away. I might move this weekend"

"I understand. Let us know by tomorrow or the next day. We'll go get your details for now." The staffs told him then handed a pen and paper

Kei-kun wrote his information then chuckled as he looked at me "I'll be working under your daddy's company, well part time job. I'll be under his secretary, and he will teach me Japanese one hour and half every time I'm there."

"Your part time job is to work in my daddy's company?"

"Yeah, he said I need to have enough experience before he returns to me the company." He chuckled dryly "he asked me what course I will take, when I said business administration, he said good, and told me that once I graduate in university, he'll give Southway Corporation right away and I'll be the chairman. I told him that I am okay to just be a regular employee, he rejected it."

"Huh?"

"He said he rejected my refusal. I will work there to have experience, study, and will work under him, then he'll give me the company and will help me until I can fully ran it." He sighed and his face was so pale while paying for the suits "It's crazy that I refused but he rejected my refusal. I thought it only happens in anime"

"Sorry about daddy"

"You don't need to, thanks" he chuckled and at the same time he was done paying "the moment he said that he will be returning the company, I already know that grandpa asked him to look after me and the company. He got mad at me though when he found out that I changed my last name to grandpa's"

"Oh yeah, you haven't told me why you suddenly changed your last name"

As he was about to response, my friends came in and told us what plans they had after. In the end, he wasn't able to explain.

~

After buying bunch of suits, we headed to the archade, took pictures, then bowling alley. As if they were afraid of daddy as well, we decided to go home around 7 in the evening, but..

"Let's eat dinner, my treat" I told Kei-kun when it was just us "I was planning to ask the others as well, but they beat me into it, and left with wink"

"Is it okay? Your daddy might get worried"

"It's fine, he said that it's okay to go home past my curfew. Also, he knows you'll send me home. Plus, I promised that I'll treat you when you come back." I grabbed his hand and winked at him "Let's go, I know the best ramen here."

1o minutes walk from the station, we arrived in a small, but cozy ramen shop. We sat at a two person table on the side and I ordered for the two of us

"I actually don't get chances to eat here much. Daddy doesn't want after all, so I just come here with my friends if I don't have club activities"

"Seijurou-san is surely strict when it comes to you"

"Yeah, mommy doesn't like it though. Anyways, about your last name..."

"Ah, well I already graduated high school using my dad's last name. And since I basically lived with grandpa more than dad, I decided to live using his last name to honour it. I could only remember my memories with your family and grandpa. I could still remember dad and mom, but not much anymore"

"Then why did daddy get mad at you for changing your last name?" I curiously asked since I didn't get that action of daddy

"Because it would attract unnecessary issues within the company. They will dig down my background information and would doubt my abilities if they realized that I am the grandson of Southway Corporation former president. But well, Seijurou-san said if that happens, then he will do something about it"

"Hmmm..."

"Ah but, I think you prefer to retain your last name instead of mine when we get married"

"... eh?"

"Eh?"

Did I just hear him correctly? And what's with this embarrassing awkward moment. I could feel my cheeks burning from what I heard, or did I even hear him correctly

"Uhm.. that-"

But before he even continued, our orders had arrived, and so we just started eating.

~

The awkward ambiance was broken when we were eating, and we decided to go home after that. Well, we talked about random stuffs that we didn't even notice that we already arrived outside the house

"Thank you for today, and for sending me home" I told him and he flashed a smile

"No worries. I am glad that from now on, I'll be able to do it. Also, uhm... about what I said a while ago about your last name..." he stuttered and even though it was already night, under the light post, his face up to his ears, they were in deep red. He looked at me seriously "Hina-chan, I-"

"Nee...chan?" We both flinched as I heard Yukito's voice.

I turned behind and there was Yukito, behind daddy's legs... and daddy was leaning his body on the door frame with his arms crossed, and just looking at us, not saying anything.

Since when..?

"Good evening, Seijurou-san" Kei-kun greeted him

"I'm home, daddy" I also followed and his silence was somehow... scary!

"Welcome home" he finally spoke with a very intimidating voice

"Well then, I'll take my leave now. I'll talk to you later"

"Y-yeah" even though I still wanted to clear what we were talking about, but daddy's presence just ruined it

But before Kei-kun left,

"Stop there you kid" daddy spoke and followed by mommy who came out with a bright smile

"Ah, you two are home already. Come in, come in!"

"Thank you, but it's already this late so I'll take my leave-"

"Seijurou didn't tell you yet? You'll be staying here for couple of days"

I looked at Kei-kun and he was also at lost to what mommy meant.

In the end, we entered the house in confusion and with curiosity. Daddy let us in first and it was him who closed and locked the door.

As we entered, Shun was playing with his Nintendo Switch, and Yukito sat next to him immediately

"Welcome home, Hina, Kei-kun. Did you eat dinner already?" mommy greeted us once again

"I'm home, and yes, we already ate dinner"

"Sorry for the intrusion" Kei-kun bowed down but mommy smiled at him and repeated

"Welcome home, Kei-kun"

"Eh?"

"I'm home" I whispered to him

"Ah... yes, I'm home. Uhm, what do you mean about me staying here for a while?"

"Seijurou had sent your secretary to America to process some paper works. Since, we are technically your legal guardian, we need to look after you. Your secretary had checked out from the hotel already, and he brought all your stuffs here. You'll be staying in Shun's room for now, while Shun will stay with Yukito" mommy explained and then Shun immediately followed

"We could sleep in the same room with him. Or, he can sleep in nee-chan's room"

"Absolutely rejected" Daddy immediately retorted

"Then daddy can sleep in the same room with him. To guard him" Shun teasingly told him but received a chop on the head from daddy

"Stop playing already"

"Anyways, you two go and take a shower already. Hina can use the one in our room. Kei-kun can use the bathroom over there. Your stuffs are already in Shun's room. It supposed to be the guest room here in the first floor, but there are lots of stuffs there. Also" mommy moved closer to us and whispered "I hid the scissors there. It's a landmine to clean"

"You also mentioned about that yesterday, what do you mean about that?" I curiously asked and mommy smiled but we could see that she was smiling, but her face colour was draining "mommy...?"

"It's for Kei-kun's safety, especially his eyes"

"Don't say it like that, it sounds like I am a dangerous one"

"You are especially when it comes to your daughter. Gouging someone eyes is possible for you" mommy retorted and I couldn't help but get scared

"It's not that I'll do it in impulse. As long as my daughters or sons aren't hurt, especially my wife, then I will not do anything like that" when daddy said it, we could feel the cold and intimidating ambiance from him

"I'll go take a shower now"

"Yeah, me too. I'll go check my stuffs"

Kei-kun and I just left, leaving mommy to deal daddy.

~

After taking a shower, I just went back to my room and started planning for our club activity next week. I could do it tomorrow, but since Kei-kun is here, and he would be busy soon as well, I decided to do this now, so we could go somewhere this weekend.

I also messaged Kei-kun and he complied to it. Since he didn't sleep last night because of jet lag, he was so tired today that he slept already. Plus, tomorrow he needed to call the tailor shop. Daddy told him to ask them deliver his business suits in our house instead. Seems like his secretary will be in America for about a week because of what daddy asked him to do

Anyways, I should go get something to eat and drink to keep my brain from functioning. It was past 10 in the evening, but I wasn't sleepy at all. I was also thinking of what Kei-kun said. We were reunited in Instagram before, and since then we were talking through Line. So basically, we knew each other and shared secrets.

However, when I opened my room, I noticed the lights from the living room still open. When I looked down, I saw daddy playing with Miou.

"So it's your turn to look after Miou-chan?" I asked as flight down the staircase "you sure are enjoying your time, Daddy"

"Why are you still awake?" He returned with a question

"I have school stuffs to do" I answered then approached them, caressing Miou-chan's head

"You can do it tomorrow. Sleep" he simply responded

"My adrenaline is still kicking. I couldn't sleep yet, so I decided to at least do something with it. I'm getting foods to keep my mind functioning"

He sighed then handed Miou to me "hold her for now. I'll just go the bathroom"

Daddy left Miou to me and I couldn't help but giggle seeing Miou's smiling face.

I was making faces making Miou laugh, when suddenly I heard a door that closed upstairs. Ah, those two aren't sleeping yet.

Daddy came back with tea already on his hand

"Go and sleep already"

"You should tell that to those two upstairs." I told him as I lie down, putting Miou on top of me "I also can look after Miou"

Daddy just sighed and left to check the two. Not long after, I could hear his voice, it was faint and low, but I could tell that it was mainly for Shun.

Not long after, I looked up and saw Daddy carrying Yukito, with Shun's Nintendo Switch. I couldn't help but laughed seeing Yukito's sleepy face. Seems like he couldn't sleep because of Shun.

"I'll just bring Yukito to (f/n). Then you should sleep as well, Hina"

"I'm fine. I can look after Miou. You can sleep since you went to work today as well, right?" I told daddy, but he sighed

"No, I'll look after her. Kids should sleep already"

"Miou-chan, Daddy really thinks of me as a kid still." I complained and she laughed at me, then I noticed some children books on the end of the sofa "daddy, are you planning to read stories for Miou-chan?"

"Yeah, why?"

I looked at him, pale look, and rejecting the idea immediately "please no, daddy your voice is monotone. Daddy, please, I'm begging"

"You sure say whatever you wanted to say now, Hina. Where did the old Hina go?"

"She grew up" I responded then turned to him "also daddy, I am speaking about it through experience. Let mommy read for Miou-chan." He again sighed from what I said then left to bring Yukito to their room.

I was left with Miou-chan, who was playing with my nose now, laughing. She got daddy's eyes, but good thing at least this time she got mommy's hair colour. Shun and Miou are mixed of mommy and daddy, but Yukito though is the exact replica of daddy.

"Now go to your room" daddy told me when he returned

"Daddy, you interrupted what Kei-kun was about to say a while ago, right?" I asked him all of a sudden and he didn't really deny it

"Yeah" he gestured me to move my feet and he sat down there, and let my feet rest on his lap "It's too early"

"Eventually it will happen. It's better that it's Kei-kun rather than some random guys, right?"

"... well, as long as someone who doesn't hurt you"

"Miou-chan, I'm looking forward for the day daddy will point a scissor to someone that will hurt his one and only daughter" when I said that, he slapped my feet "ouch! What's that for?!"

"Hina, you are old enough. How many times should we tell you? You are our first daughter"

I smiled then turned to Miou-chan, who was having an innocent look "I am really happy and thankful. Being adopted, and being your daughter is the best thing that ever happened to me. But for the others' view, no" I mumbled what I said at the end, but daddy still heard me

"What do you mean about that?"

"Nothing~" I playfully dodged it but

"Nee-chan is being bullied by some of her classmates since she entered high school. They don't want her to be part of Akashi family. We saw her before, her classmates beating her and her friends, and even asking for money" I looked up and was horrified that Shun just told dad about it. I flinched though since I felt menacing ambiance from daddy

"Daddy, it already happened. So don't mind it already. They don't do it anymore." Though I said it, I could tell daddy is determined to punish those bullies. I looked at Shun, and he stick his tongue out, seems payback for telling daddy that he was still awake

"And why are you not sleeping yet?!" I asked as he went down

"I couldn't sleep. So I will drink some milk"

"Goodness, it's already this late, and you are all still lively" mommy came out of their room, with Yukito on her hand "thanks to you, your brother can't sleep anymore despite being sleepy already" she told Shun, who was just playing innocent. Mommy sighed and extended her hand to Shun "come here, Shun. You and Yukito need to drink milk, and sleep already."

"Can I sleep in your room? Daddy will look after Miou anyways" Shun excitedly asked, and mommy just couldn't help but complied

"Everyone is surely hyped" I chuckled but Miou started to cry since she wanted to be with mommy as well

I carried her as I stood up and approached Mommy with Miou. She immediately went to her then I helped Yukito on his milk. However, while we were in the dining room

"It's me. Can you investigate something for me? Yeah, my daughter and her friends are being bullied in school. What can we do about it?"

"You are being bullied?" Mommy worriedly asked

"Not much anymore. Verbally, yes, but not much compared to before. They gave up already"

"Yeah, right" Shun spoke after finishing his milk "daddy, if you want evidence, I think Rin still have a video from last time. I don't know if he still have more." I looked at him and he looked back at me, innocently "you told us not to say it. We did, but daddy found out about it, also Rintarou is holding them to eventually punish them, he said"

"Why does he have those?" I asked in disbelief

"It's Midorima Rintarou-kun" he responded and I didn't get it, but he smiled teasingly

Mommy caressed my back and worriedly looked at me "you experienced such things. Why didn't you tell us?"

"It's fine. It's not that they can break me and my friends with that." I winked at her and chuckled "I am your daughter after all"

"Even still, bullying my daughter is out of question" Daddy approached us and patted my head "it might be late, but don't worry, I'll do something about it"

"You don't need to." I told him, but he assured me

"It's for my daughter" then he looked at Shun and Yukito "and you two, go sleep already. And you Mr" He looked at Shun and he seriously told him "you have curfew with your gadgets"

"That's why I told you not to give him gadgets in that age, but you gave in to his plead" Mommy retorted then turned to me "can you carry Yukito to our room. Miou will be asleep soon as well, so I can make her sleep. Shun, you as well, go sleep-"

"Can I sleep in your room as well?" He asked and mommy complied but

"No, we'll sleep in Yukito's room instead" Daddy put his arms around Shun's shoulder and pressured him "Let's go"

"Eh?! I don't like!" He complained but he couldn't do anything.

"I thought daddy will look after Miou?" I asked but mommy chuckled

"Yeah, but when Miou sleeps around this time, she'll sleep until tomorrow." She explained then we headed to their room.

In the end, Yukito slept in mommy's room, Miou also fall asleep not long after. Daddy really slept in Yukito's room, with Shun. Well for me, I went back to my room and continued with what I was doing, or that was my plan, but because daddy found out about what was going in school, I couldn't focus anymore.

That weekend I hang out with Kei-kun, well with Shun and Yukito. Kei-kun's suits also arrived in our house. I also told Kei-kun that daddy found out about what happened in school, and in the end he told me that it was bound to happen. He was telling me since the very beginning to tell daddy. But knowing daddy...
It would be somehow chaos.

~

And as what I thought, daddy immediately investigated about the bullying. One of his, well I don't know, detectives? He saw us being bullied behind the school. Those girls mainly hate me and Kaoru after all, so it was just us. But we were saved by daddy's detective, and the investigation opened. It was chaotic, but it ended so easily.

The girls were expelled from school, and their families were told what they did in school. To my surprise, not just me, but they were bullying others students, asking money, abusing them physically and verbally.

"But good thing it ended fast. Seijurou-san really showed everyone that he would do anything for his daughter"

"Stop it, Kei-kun." I sighed "I feel bad towards them. I mean, they are already in their third year, but then they were expelled"

"It's what their karma. They'd been doing that towards you since first year. It was unbelievable that your daddy didn't know though. That was why he exploded and punished them. It's regretful as well for me. I wanted to protect you, but I couldn't do anything."

"Daddy didn't know because I didn't care about it. Bullying is bad, but they couldn't break us that easily. Also, Kei-kun's words supported me a lot. Anyways, thank you for picking me up from school, and sending me home. But, is it really okay for you to send me here? Aren't you moving to your new house?"

Kei-kun stayed in our house for about a month, and he got closed with Shun and Yukito. His secretary just came back this morning, and they immediately moved to their new house. Seems like the house his grandfather bought for him.

"It's fine. There's not much of things to move. Just my stuffs." He responded and was about to add more when his secretary's voice suddenly came out of nowhere

"Ah! Kei-sama, Hina-sama, welcome home"

"Arima-jii?!" I turned around and was dumbfounded seeing him outside our neighbor's house. As far as I remember, maids from the main house would come here time to time when they needed to look after the young ones, and help mom with household chores. They would stay there.

"Don't tell me...?" I turned to Kei-kun and he was having a defeated smile

"Seijurou-san looked after the house. He let his maids to clean and maintain it. Arima-jii went to America to sell our properties there, leaving only one condominium. Then they worked on the papers for this house. And such, I'll be in your care again, Hina-chan. We'll be neighbors from now on"

"Unbelievable!" I chuckled in disbelief but noticed him gazing away. I gasped since this situation, it seemed deja vu! I turned towards our house, and I knew it, Daddy was standing, leaning his body again on the door frame, crossing his arms. This time, not just Yukito, but Shun was also there, teasingly smiling at me

"Good evening, Seijurou-san, Shun, Yukito" Kei-kun greeted and waved at them "we'll be in your care again"

I sighed but thought of something "daddy, isn't it great?" I asked but he just looked at us "you know where you can find me. Also, if Kei-kun and I get married, we'll be neighbors"

"Get in, and you kid go home" he ordered then went inside

I laughed from how dad responded, but I am sure that he will be okay when the time I really started going out with Kei-kun.

~TBC~